| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07975445B2 |
Office partition system
A partition with a frame having two vertical end post members spanned by beam members with each end post member having an internally directed longitudinal slotway open towards the other end post member and within which the ends of the beam members are received and, preferably, with the end post members having a front to back width greater than the front to back width of the beam members such that vertical raceways are defined between the post members outward of the beam members and inward of removable cladding panels coupled to each front and back of the frame outward of the post members. Preferably, channelways through each post member, preferably at the upper and/or lower ends of each post member, provide for access to the vertical raceways via horizontal raceways extending between the posts above and below each beam. |
| US07975441B2 |
Portable air conditioner support arrangement
A portable air conditioner support arrangement for supporting a portable air conditioner in a window frame assembly. The support arrangement comprises an elongated flange-engaging rail having a first end and a second end, with a channel engaging tab arranged on the first end and the second end of the rail. Each of the tabs are arranged to mate with a channel on the sides of the window frame assembly. The rail has an elongated face to engage a flange on the upper front edge of the air conditioner and maintain the air conditioner free of support by a window sash of the window frame assembly. |
| US07975440B2 |
End cap for a corrugated hurricane shutter within an H-header
An end cap for an H-shaped header bar used to secure a corrugated hurricane shutter attachable to a window frame and having a generally inverted U-shaped pocket adapted in size to receive an upper margin of the hurricane shutter and the end cap at each end of the header bar. The header bar cooperates with a lower support channel also attached to the window frame to support and secure the hurricane shutter over the window. An end cap is positionable and attachable within an inner upright side of the pocket to engage with the upper corner of the hurricane shutter preventing substantial lateral expansion movement or corrugation deformation from being struck by flying objects during heavy hurricane wind. |
| US07975439B1 |
Bulk storage building
A storage building for the storage of corrosive materials. The storage building comprises a floor, a plurality of columns extending from the floor, a plurality of crossbeams with each beam connecting at least two of the columns, a plurality of substantially vertically oriented supports extending from the crossbeams, a plurality of rafters attached to the supports and at least one roof panel spanning between two of the rafters. |
| US07975438B2 |
Joining device for hybrid wind turbine towers
A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7). |
| US07975437B2 |
Playground roof support
A playground roof system having the capability of being attached to different diameter support members is provided. The frame of the roof structure is roto-molded such that two different sized openings are provided at each corner of the frame, each opening in the same area, such that the roof is interchangeable in different playground systems. The roof system further includes openings formed in the frame such that a fastener can be threaded therein fastening the frame and support members together. |
| US07975436B2 |
Utility trench cover and manufacturing method
A cover for a utility trench includes upper and lower surfaces enclosing a hollow cavity, which is subdivided by multiple, transverse channels recessed into an extending transversely across the lower surface. The channels form fused engagements or “kiss offs” with the upper surface, which increase the transverse rigidity of the cover for enhanced load-bearing capacity spanning across the opening formed by the trench. The hollow construction of the cover, which can comprise a suitable plastic, tends to minimize its weight A pair of flanges extend along respective sides of the cover and are bolted to the trench sidewall top edges in overlying relation. A pair of shoulders are formed inside the flanges and are adapted to extend into the trench with the cover positioned thereover. A method of manufacturing a utility trench cover includes rotary molding a hollow cover with kiss offs. |
| US07975434B2 |
Locking lift plate
A window regulator that resists backdrive forces directly at the lift plate and rail, rather than by the drive assembly. A locking shoe mounted within the lift plate and selectively frictionally engages the rail while the drive assembly is at rest. Thus, any backdrive forces are transmitted from the window glass to the lift plate, and then directly to the rail, avoiding the drive assembly. A release fork that is coupled to the drive cable automatically disengages the locking shoe when the drive assembly is activated, and engages the locking shoe when the drive assembly disengages. |
| US07975433B2 |
Door mount for a safe
A security door construction has a pair of door hinges fixed to the door, a pair of frame hinges fixed to the frame and a pair of intermediate hinges by combined links which allow the door hinge to swing outside the plane of the door opening when the door is opened through 180°. Slide motion of the door is imparted by a door handle and a reaction rod which acts against a link. |
| US07975432B2 |
Casement window assembly with windload and impact resistance
A casement window assembly includes a rectangular sash frame enclosing an insulated glass panel unit and supported for swinging movement by a surrounding main window support frame. At least one set of interfitting and interlocking members are positioned in opposing relation on adjacent vertical members of the sash frame and support frame and have hook portions positioned to pass each other when the sash frame is pivoted between a closed position and an open position. The hook portions are effective to engage and hook each other in response to a substantial positive or negative windload or such windload applied after an impact breaks the glass to limit deflection and prevent permanent deformation of the sash frame. The hook portions also produce a snubbing action for compressing a flexible seal between the sash frame and support frame. |
| US07975431B2 |
Multiple piece gated pressurized barrier
A barrier that is pressurized after being assembled from multiple pieces. The barrier include a first end frame, a second end frame, and a gate engaged between the end frames. The first and second end frames are engaged at their lower members such that the first end frame and second end frame are not integral and not one-piece with each other, and such that the first and second end frames still provide for a pressurized barrier, that is a barrier that is resiliently mounted between two locations so as to be self-supporting between two locations even if spaced from the floor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first end frame, second end frame, and gate have generally the same length so as to minimize the storage area needed to store the barrier prior to assembly. |
| US07975430B2 |
Expandable hydroponic growing system
An expandable hydroponic growing system comprising a multiple of upper bases, lower bases and bars connecting the bases in a fashion that the upper bases (and lower bases) can be conveniently pulled together or pushed farther apart. |
| US07975426B2 |
Fishing rod holder with automatic pull
A fishing rod holder with automatic pull that operates unattended and automatically pulls when a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the line. The holder includes a housing where an assembly for removably holding a fishing rod is pivotally mounted and movable between two extreme positions. The housing includes a stopper member cooperatively mounted outwardly to coact with the locking mechanism. A spring assembly biases the holder assembly towards the rearmost extreme position and a locking assembly for releasably holding the rod holder keeps the latter at the foremost extreme position. A trigger sensing the tension of the fishing line is automatically actuated by exceeding a predetermined tension magnitude causing it to pivot and transmit a rotational movement to an elongated member. The other end of the elongated member includes a spring biased retractable chamfered pin. The pin has a slanted termination and a flat termination. The slanted termination cammingly coacts with the stopper on the outside of the housing to overcome the spring biasing the pin. An anchorage assembly mounted to the housing permits the mounting of the device to a fixed object. |
| US07975425B1 |
Nuisance carp control measures
Measures for controlling nuisance-carp populations include a harvest apparatus for harvesting not sub-surface fish but fish that leap out of the water proximate the harvest apparatus. Detectors detect when subsurface fish are within proximity of the effective range of the harvest apparatus and, when such are detected, a stimulus is applied which causes target fish like nuisance carp but not desirable fish to leap out of the water. When that happens, the harvest apparatus takes its toll on the leaping fish, harmlessly to the desirable fish which do not leap, and instead might flee from the stimulus by diving deeper. |
| US07975422B2 |
Waterfowl decoy motion system
A waterfowl decoy motion system comprised of a multiplicity of movable decoys, a first elastic drive belt, means for connecting said first elastic drive belt to said movable decoys, a a primary drive pulley, a secondary drive pulley, an electric motor connected to said secondary drive pulley, and a multiplicity of idler puller assemblies. |
| US07975421B2 |
Remote control decoy
A remote controlled decoy is provided. The remote control decoy operates using two propellers secured to a hull and remotely controlled by a radio frequency transmitter. A shell resembling a particular waterfowl is releasably coupled to a hull which serves as a watertight compartment for the receiver and the electronics associated with the propulsion of the decoy. The decoy may also be provided with strobe lights to draw attention to the decoy from passing waterfowl. |
| US07975420B2 |
Multi-clip magazine assembly for rifles
An apparatus for detachably joining together a plurality of individual ammunition magazines to form a multiple magazine assembly in which the individual magazines are alternately insertable into the firearm. The apparatus includes a connector block with outwardly-directed mounting faces having locating features that form a sliding engagement with recesses in the bases of the magazines. A coupling piece mounts to an end of the connector block and includes projecting tab portions that enter cooperating recesses in the forward sides of the magazine so as to hold the magazines in place on the mounting faces of the connector block. An adjuster screw can be loosened to withdraw the retaining tabs so that the individual magazines can be placed or removed from the mounting faces of the connector block, and then tightened to hold the magazines firmly against the connector block to complete the assembly. The connector block may be triangular with mounting faces for three magazines. The connector block may be triangular with mounting faces for three magazines. |
| US07975418B2 |
Firearm having nonmetallic components and an ambidextrous cylinder release lever
A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever. |
| US07975414B2 |
Label comprising a transponder and a system comprising a transponder
This relates to a label to be attached to a surface, the label comprising a transponder. The label comprises a non-adherent flap which contains the transponder. This also relates to a web comprising a backing web and labels, and to a system comprising a surface and a label. |
| US07975410B2 |
Adaptive excavation control system having adjustable swing stops
A control system for use with an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a boom member, a linear actuator connected to pivot the boom member in a first direction, a rotary actuator connected to swing the boom member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and an operator input device configured to generate a command signal indicative of a desired movement of the boom member. The control system may also have a tilt sensor configured to detect an inclination of the excavation machine, and a controller in communication with the rotary actuator, the operator input device, and the tilt sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a swing end stop for the boom member, to control the rotary actuator to move the boom member based on the command signal, and to modify the command signal to inhibit movement of the boom member past the swing end stop based on the detected inclination of the excavation machine. |
| US07975408B2 |
Snow plow and method of plowing snow
A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade. |
| US07975406B2 |
Driving shoes
A shoe for driving a car according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a heel part 5 on a foot sole 4 and an inclined face 5B increasing gradually toward a rear side in a side view. This inclined face 5B comprises a first face part 5a which is formed outside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing an accelerator pedal and a second face part 5b unlike the face condition of the above-mentioned first face part, which is formed inside in a width direction and is capable of coming in contact with a car floor when depressing a brake pedal. |
| US07975405B1 |
Collapsible shoe and replaceable straps and methods for making and using
A shoe is described having a removeable heel, removeable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removeable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeabitlity of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel. |
| US07975403B2 |
Footwear with pivoting tongue
Footwear is provided having a tongue pivotally coupled to the footwear upper. The tongue may be constructed to pivotally move relative to the upper between a first position and a second position. At least one resilient member may be coupled to the tongue for urging the tongue in either the first position or the second position. The tongue may be a spring-loaded tongue such that when the tongue is positioned in an intermediate position between the first and second position, the tongue will spring towards either the first position or the second position. |
| US07975401B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a clothes dryer
A clothes dryer has a degree of dryness control system that is responsive to moisture level of clothing articles tumbling in a drum and a target moisture value to control the drying cycle of the clothes dryer. The clothes dryer has a load size parameter producing module and an air flow detection parameter module. These modules generate one of two parameter conditions used by the processor to modify or select an appropriate moisture target value. The load size producing parameter module generates one of a small load input parameter and a large load input parameter. The air flow detection module produces one of a first and second air flow parameter to be utilized by the degree of dryness processor. As a result, the processor selects one of four target moisture values from these conditions. |
| US07975398B2 |
Process and system for drying and heat treating materials
This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom. |
| US07975397B2 |
Multiple degree of freedom displacement transducer
A multiple degree of freedom displacement transducer and body thereof is used to measure linear displacements along and/or rotational or pivotal displacements about up to three orthogonal axes. In one embodiment, a displacement transducer body includes a first pivoting assembly and a second pivoting assembly. Each pivoting assembly has a support member pivotable relative to another portion about two orthogonal axes. A structure joins said another portion of each pivoting assembly together. In another embodiment, a displacement transducer includes a first support member, a second support member, and a cross flexure assembly joining the first support member to the second support member. The cross flexure assembly is arranged to allow the first support member to pivot relative to the second support member about two intersecting orthogonal axes. An angular sensing device is arranged to provide an output signal related to angular movement of the first support member relative to the second support member about at least one of the orthogonal axes. |
| US07975396B2 |
Methods and apparatus for cutting baked goods
A template for use in cutting a good contained in a pan enables the baked good to be cut into a plurality of substantially equi-sized pieces. The template includes a substantially planar body including a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots. The plurality of first slots are substantially parallel and are spaced approximately equi-distantly across the body. The plurality of second slots are substantially parallel and are oriented obliquely with respect to the plurality of first slots. |
| US07975395B2 |
Hand-held level and plumb tool
A hand-held level and plumb tool that includes a homogeneous, L-shaped body, a first level indicating device, and a second level indicating device. The L-shaped body has first and second legs arranged at a 90° angle. The first leg defines an interior side, an exterior side, a central panel extending between the sides, and a length in extension of the first leg from the second leg to a free end. A slot is formed through a thickness of the central panel and extends along at least a majority of the length. The first level indicating device is assembled to the central panel of the first leg at a location spaced from the slot. The second level indicating device is assembled to the second leg. One or both of the legs can include measurement-related indicia selected in accordance with staircase construction standard dimensions. |
| US07975394B2 |
Tilt sensor
The invention is directed to a tilt sensor comprising at least one body movable along a predefined path and an optoelectronic unit for determining the position of said body, said tilt sensor being surface-mountable. The invention is further directed to a tilt sensor assembly. |
| US07975392B1 |
Downhole tool
Tools and methods for subsurface operations. Circuit arrangements providing a damping effect against undesired vibration effects on inertial data signals derived from inertial sensors disposed in a downhole tool. |
| US07975391B1 |
Archery sight leveling device
An archery sight leveling device for assessing the third axis of an archery sight of a bow system is provided. The bow system has at least one vertical reference. The archery sight leveling device comprises a main body with at least one rod receiving aperture formed through the main body. A sighting rod is receivable in the at least one rod receiving aperture with the sighting rod having a first end and a second end. A securing mechanism releasably secures the sighting rod in the at least one rod receiving aperture. A mounting mechanism mounts the main body to the bow system with the sighting rod being parallel to the bow string and the first end and the second end of the sighting rod extending beyond opposite sides of the archery sight. The first end and second end of the sighting rod are alignable to an external vertical frame of reference such that during full draw at an up or downward angle, the third axis of the archery sight aperture level is assessable thereby allowing offsetting of the bow system's dynamics at full draw versus the bow system at rest or static position. |
| US07975385B2 |
Hair-cutting apparatus comprising means for preventing cut hair from flying off
A hair-cutting apparatus (1) includes a cutting arrangement (9) for cutting hair. There is provided an arrangement that prevents cut hair from flying off the hair-cutting apparatus and that includes a boundary wall (22). The boundary wall (22) extends close to the cutting arrangement (9) and includes a stationary portion (34) and a movable portion (35), the movable portion (35) being intended and arranged to cooperate with hair to be cut. |
| US07975381B2 |
Valve operating camshaft system for internal combustion engine
A camshaft system includes a number of cam lobes locked upon a cylindrical shaft. Bearings configured with one-piece bores and are engaged with the cylindrical shaft. The bearings are captured upon the shaft by the locked-on cam lobes. |
| US07975377B2 |
Wafer scale heat slug system
A wafer scale heat slug system is presented providing dicing an integrated circuit from a semiconductor wafer, forming a heat slug blank equivalent in size to the semiconductor wafer, dicing the heat slug blank to produce a heat slug equivalent in size to the integrated circuit, attaching the integrated circuit to a substrate, attaching the heat slug to the integrated circuit and encapsulating the integrated circuit. |
| US07975374B2 |
Press for assembling railing systems
The press is used for assembling a section of a railing system. It comprises at least one set of tab-bending punch heads designed to bend end tabs provided on pickets. The tabs are inserted through a corresponding opening made in a rail of the section of the railing system before activating the press. Using this press, a plurality of pickets can be simultaneously connected to the rails. |
| US07975373B2 |
Device for molding of plugs as a part of a pipe connection
A device and method for the molding of plugs as part of a pipe connection wherein the pipe connection is constructed as a sealing plug-in connection with a connecting piece and a plug that can be locked with the connecting piece. A molding slot is placed in the material of the plug with an expanding tool acting in a radial direction and a sensor subject to the radial deformation is arranged in the expanding jaw. The sensor records the radial deformation work of the expanding jaw and regulates the expanding drive. |
| US07975368B2 |
Wireless receiver structure
A structure of wireless receiver includes a metallic casing, a positioning base, a receiving module, and a housing. The metallic casing has a circumferential wall defining an accommodating space therein, and two opposite ends thereof formed with an insertion hole and a through hole in communication with the accommodating space. The positioning base has a mounting trough, and is disposed in the accommodating space of the metallic casing. The positioning base has two side ends being fixed to the circumferential wall. The mounting trough is in communication with the accommodating space and the through hole. The receiving module is disposed in the mounting trough of the positioning base via the through hole of the metallic casing. The housing is assembled to the through hole of the metallic casing, and the through hole is sealed by the housing to block the receiving module. |
| US07975361B2 |
After-treatment method and facility for a coarse aluminum casting
A robot holds an untreated coarse aluminum casting that is located at a predetermined carrying-in corner with the holding means and carries it to the first machining unit. At the first unit it holds a treated casting treated by the first unit with the holding device as well as transferring the untreated casting from the holding device to the first unit. Then it carries the treated casting that has been treated by the first unit to a second machining unit. At the second unit it holds a second treated casting that has been treated by the second unit with the holding device as well as transferring the treated casting treated by the first unit from the holding device to the second unit. Then it carries the second treated casting treated by the second unit to a predetermined carrying-out corner. |
| US07975356B2 |
Machine for the processing of optical work pieces, specifically of plastic spectacle lenses
A machine for processing optical work pieces having a work piece spindle for the work piece driving rotationally about a work piece rotation axis. At least one processing unit has a tool that can machine the work piece and an adjusting mechanism causes a relative movement between the work piece spindle and tool to selectively enable loading, unloading and processing of the work piece. The adjusting mechanism has a linear drive unit and a swivel drive unit that are stacked on each other to rotate the swivel drive unit and the work piece spindle about a swivel axis that is perpendicular to the work piece rotation axis, and has the linear drive unit move the work piece spindle along a linear axis that can be perpendicular to one of the swivel axis and the work piece rotation axis and parallel to or aligned with the other axis. |
| US07975354B2 |
Bladed disk assembly method and impact device
A bladed disk assembly device includes a horizontal arm and a fixed vertical pivot bar that is perpendicularly attached to a first end of the horizontal rotating arm via a sliding coupling mechanism. A vibratory impact device is attached to a second end of the horizontal rotating arm and generates a vibrating motion via a power source. An impact shoe is attached to the vibratory impact device and drives a blade into a disk slot. |
| US07975353B2 |
Device and method for needling a nonwoven web
A device for needling a nonwoven web includes several needle looms arranged in series, each with at least one needle bar, a pair of infeed rollers, and a pair of outfeed rollers. The needle looms can move along a guide in the transport direction of the nonwoven web and can be locked in place at any desired distance from each other. |
| US07975352B2 |
Access door lever
The Access Door Lever is a device which provides an easier way to open a door with a traditional doorknob. In one embodiment, the invention will fit over a traditional doorknob, snap in place with finger-like extensions, which will grip the doorknob. The extension is coated with a material which will provide a secure grip between the doorknob and extension. The design and location of the extension(s) allow for a snug fit with the doorknob. A handle which is connected to the extension(s) allow the invention to function as a lever on the doorknob. |
| US07975349B2 |
Pivoting, translating and latching hinge
The invention is a hinge for a vehicle door that is movable between a closed and a fully open position relative to a vehicle body. The hinge includes a mounting bracket, operable to be secured to the vehicle body. At least one link is pivotally mounted along a fixed axis to the mounting bracket at a first end and operable to pivot a second end of the at least one link between a first and second position. A door bracket is operable to be secured to the vehicle door, and pivotally mounted along a movable axis to the second end of the at least one link. The vehicle door is constrained by the vehicle body from pivoting around the movable axis when the second end of the at least one link is in the first position, and is operable to pivot around the movable axis when the at least one link is in the second position. A latch is provided on the hinge, obviating the need for a separate door latch. |
| US07975345B2 |
Interdental brush
Interdental brush with an elongate brush body (12) which comprises an elastically compressible coupling member (19) for snapping-in in a receiving opening (18) of a brush handle (13); wherein the coupling member (19) comprises at least two expanding arms (27, 28) which are elastically movable towards each other; the coupling member (19), on its outer side, comprises a snap-in depression (26) in the region of the expanding arms (27, 28) for a positive-locking fit in the receiving opening (18) of the brush handle (13), the depression being delimited by shoulders (29) extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the brush body. |
| US07975340B2 |
Automatic swimming pool cleaner discs and associated components
Separate covers for protruding portions of discs of automatic swimming pool cleaners are addressed. The covers may be placed onto protrusions, such as fins, and removed from the fins as needed. Version of the covers are made of material more rigid and having lower coefficient of friction than the fins to discourage lateral bending of the fins and decrease frictional contact of the fins with pool surfaces. |
| US07975336B1 |
Pillow for sleeping on ones back or upright
A pillow is provided that includes a center section; a first bolster; and a second bolster. The first bolster is attached to the center section on a first lateral side and the second bolster is attached to the center section on a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, and at least one of the first and the second bolsters has a first cross sectional area at a bottom of the bolster and a second cross sectional area at a top of the bolster greater than the first cross sectional area. |
| US07975335B2 |
Pulmonary mattress
A patient-support apparatus includes a mattress assembly supported on a frame, the mattress assembly including a coverlet configured to provide low-airloss therapy to a patient supported on the patient-support apparatus. The patient-support apparatus is articulable to a number of positions and includes a control network which is responsive to movement of portions of the frame to alter operational parameters of the frame and mattress assembly. |
| US07975334B1 |
Bedding system
Implementations for a bedding system are generally disclosed. |
| US07975332B2 |
Bed with articulated barrier elements
A bed includes an articulating deck affixed to a frame. The bed has at least a head end section and a foot end section. The head end section is pivotable relative to the frame. The bed also includes a head end barrier element 5′ laterally alongside the head end section and co-pivotable therewith. The bed also includes an auxiliary barrier element 5 longitudinally adjacent the head end barrier element. The auxiliary barrier element is nonrotational relative to the frame during movement of one or more of the head end and foot end sections. |
| US07975328B2 |
Upward discharge waste device for a shower tray
An upward discharge waste device for a shower tray, comprises a hollow housing having a waste water inlet, a waste water outlet and a flow-channel for waste water between the waste water inlet and the waste water outlet; and a mounting element for mounting the waste device over a waste outlet of the shower tray. The flow-channel has a non-uniform transverse cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal extent from the waste water inlet and towards the waste water outlet, but has a uniform or substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional area along the longitudinal extent. A shower tray having the waste device is also provided. |
| US07975326B1 |
Disposable liners for a child's potty chair
A disposable liner for a child's potty chair includes a generally flexible sheet material, a pouch portion formed near the center of the sheet material to extend downwardly into the opening of the potty chair, an absorbent material disposed in the pouch, a plurality of outwardly extending portions extending laterally from the sheet material, and an adhesive material disposed on an underside surface of the outwardly extending portions to adhere the disposable liner to the seat portion of the potty chair. A pull string may be disposed around the pouch, such that the pull string may be pulled after the disposable liner is used to close the pouch portion. |
| US07979916B2 |
Preamplifying cantilever and applications thereof
Aspects of the invention are directed to piezoresponse force analysis of a material. A stimulus signal including a first frequency component is applied to a contact point on the material such that the stimulus signal actuates a portion of the material to experience a motion as a result of a piezoelectric effect. A resonant device is coupled to the contact point such that the resonant device experiences a resonant motion at the first frequency component in response to the motion of the material, the resonant motion having a greater displacement than a displacement of the motion of the material, and is substantially unaffected by mechanical properties of the material at the contact point. The resonant motion of the resonant device is detected and processed to produce a measurement representing the piezoresponse of the material at the contact point. |
| US07979915B2 |
Recording device, replay device, integrated circuit, and control program
A recording device performs recording on a recording medium such as a DVD, and playback compatibility of the recording medium is increased. In circumstances such as when a standard is established after the manufacture of a playback apparatus, there are playback devices that physically cannot read information for decrypting encrypted data from a predetermined area of the recording medium due to the specifications of the playback apparatus, and therefore the playback apparatus cannot use the recording medium. In order for the recording medium to be able to be used in such a playback apparatus, the recording device reads data recorded in the predetermined area of the recording medium, and records the read data in another area that is readable by the playback apparatus. |
| US07979914B2 |
Time-based digital content authorization
Methods and apparatuses for time-based access to digital content are provided. Access to a set of digital content is provided for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, a user can access (e.g., download, play) any digital content in the set of digital content. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the user is denied access to the digital content regardless of where the content is stored (e.g., in a digital content library, on a computer system controlled by the user, on a playback device controlled by the user). Simplified access and control of digital content is thereby provided in the form of time-based access. |
| US07979906B2 |
Method and system for multifaceted scanning
A method and system for multifaceted scanning, the method having the steps of receiving a data source; processing the data source for a plurality of scanning aspects, the processing step utilizing rules and policies for the plurality of scanning aspects to provide transformed, modified or adapted content; and outputting the transformed, modified or adapted content. |
| US07979904B2 |
Method, system and program product for maximizing virus check coverage while minimizing redundancy in virus checking
A method, system and program product for maximizing virus check coverage, while minimizing redundancy in virus checking. The method includes evaluating, using an audit checking tool, whether or not a file in a working directory to be virus checked is a compressed file and, if the file is evaluated as being a compressed file, decompressing the compressed file evaluated using a decompression tool. Further, the method includes iterating the evaluating and decompressing steps to decompress any other files contained therein using the decompression tool and deleting a respective compressed file that is fully decompressed by the decompression tool without any errors from the working directory, while saving a respective compressed file that is not fully decompressed by the decompression tool. Furthermore, the method includes virus checking the working directory, such that, the virus checking does not virus check the respective compressed file that is deleted from the working directory. |
| US07979901B2 |
Controlling the number of internet protocol security (IPsec) security associations
The invention provides a system and method for controlling the number of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) security associations per Internet Key Exchange (IKE) security association for a single user. The limit on the number of security association (SA) tunnels per key management protocol SA may be stored in a server. A user equipment sends a request, to the server, to set up a new SA. The server, upon receiving the request, checks whether the limit on the number of SA tunnels per key management protocol has been reached. The request is accepted when the limit has not yet been reached. |
| US07979899B2 |
Trusted device-specific authentication
An authentication system combines device credential verification with user credential verification to provide a more robust authentication mechanism that is convenient to the user and effective across enterprise boundaries. In one implementation, user credential verification and device credential verification are combined to provide a convenient two-factor authentication. In this manner, an account authority service or other authentication provider verify both factors and provide a security token in accordance with the security policy of the account network resource the user is intending to access. The level of privilege granted by the target account network resource can vary depending on the number and type of factors verified by the account authority service. |
| US07979891B2 |
Method and system for securing execution of untrusted applications
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for securing execution of untrusted applications. These mechanisms and methods for securing execution of untrusted applications can enable embodiments to provide a “sandbox” environment in which applications that are less than trusted may execute. The ability of embodiments to provide such a protected environment for executing these untrusted applications can enable systems designers and system programmers to provide additional applications from third parties to users without being overly concerned about system security issues. |
| US07979888B2 |
Privacy markup on entity models
A method of identifying an entry in an entity model as being at least one of potentially private and potentially sensitive is disclosed. The method may include creating an indication related to a specific entry that indicates whether the specific entry is one of potentially personally identifiable and potentially sensitive or both and allowing the indication to be modified to indicate whether the specific entry is one of potentially personally identifiable and potentially sensitive or both. |
| US07979886B2 |
Container format for multimedia presentations
In a method for transmitting a multimedia presentation comprising a number of media objects: the media objects are organized in a multimedia container or container format; identifiers referring to the media objects are organized in the same container; and an identifiable file coordinating the media objects is also provided in the container. |
| US07979885B2 |
Real time bit rate switching for internet protocol television
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for delivering television programming to a subscriber. In one aspect the method includes receiving one or more channels of program content, and encoding each channel a plurality of times, each time at a different rate producing multiple rate encoded signals for each channel. The method can further include transmitting the multiple rate encoded signals to a central office over a network, determining an available bandwidth of a downstream link to a subscriber and a current bit rate available for transmission to the subscriber. The method can further include selecting a best available bit rate from the multiple rate encoded signals for a requested channel and transmitting the selected rate encoded signal to the subscriber. |
| US07979884B1 |
Methods and apparatus for allowing component interchangeability
Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing an operating system to automatically configure and operate multiple types of the same component. According to various embodiments, characteristic information associated with a particular component, such as a tuner, can be written to a nonvolatile memory. An operating system can be configured to read characteristic information from the nonvolatile memory associated with the component. In one example, the characteristic information includes power characteristics associated with the component. By providing characteristic information in a nonvolatile memory, a single version of an operating system can configure and operate many different versions and types of the same component. |
| US07979882B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing a digital multimedia broadcasting (DBM) service to a terminal communicable with different communication networks
A method for providing a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) service to a terminal communicable with different communication networks. The DMB service method includes receiving a broadcasting program over a DMB network; receiving the broadcasting program over a Wireless Broadband (WiBro) network upon failure to receive the broadcasting program signal from the DMB network; and upon receipt of the broadcasting program signal back from the DMB network, interrupting the broadcasting program received from the WiBro network and receiving the broadcasting program over the DMB network. |
| US07979880B2 |
Method and system for profiling iTV users and for providing selective content delivery
A method for profiling an iTV user. The method comprises gathering user-requested content information from iTV interactions, correlating content-associated profile information from a rating service with the user-requested content information, and developing a profile of the user based on the content-associated profile information correlated with the user-requested content information. |
| US07979879B2 |
Video contents display system, video contents display method, and program for the same
A video contents display system has a contents information display section that allows pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen, and a video contents display section that displays the plurality of video contents at a specified time on the time axis as motion pictures or still images. |
| US07979878B2 |
Program guide system with browsing display
An inter pap active television program guide system is provided in which a user may direct the program guide to display a browsing display screen. The browsing display screen includes a list of current programs including a movable highlight region, a video window containing a television program to which the system is currently tuned, and a detailed description of the highlighted program listing. The user may position the highlight region using remote control cursor keys. The user may then synchronize the content of the video window with the highlighted program listing by pressing a select key or a channel up or down key. If the user changes channels repeatedly using the channel up and down keys, the contents of the video window and the highlighted program listings remain in synchronization. |
| US07979876B2 |
Receiver, distribution method of release information and distribution method of contents
In the case when password data (PW1) added to a TV broadcasting signal and password data (PW2) transmitted from an Internet connection section (2) have a predetermined correlation with each other, the display section (3) is allowed to display the corresponding contents normally. Therefore, accounting processes are imposed on the transmission of the password data (PW2) so that a normal displaying operation is charged in an indirect manner for each of the contents. |
| US07979872B2 |
Lens actuator, optical pickup device, and optical recording and reproducing apparatus
A disclosed lens actuator includes: an objective lens condensing a light beam on an optical storage medium; a diffractive element providing compatibility with plural types of optical storage media relative to light sources of plural different wavelengths; and a lens holder including the objective lens and diffractive element in an opposing manner. The objective lens is driven with the lens holder in at least a focusing direction and tracking direction relative to the optical storage medium. At least three protrusions are set on the lens holder in directions orthogonal to an optical axis of the objective lens. Another disclosed lens actuator includes: an objective lens and a drive coil disposed on a lens holder, wherein a diffractive element is disposed on the lens holder via an inertia weight including a metallic material and disposed so as to face the objective lens. |
| US07979871B2 |
Disk apparatus and driving control section
A disk apparatus for preventing a disk from being dropped while being inserted or removed therein, including a housing on which an opening through which a disk is inserted into and extracted from is formed; a carrying unit for performing carrying-in and carrying-out of the disk into the housing; first and second motors for driving the carrying means, and for rotating the disk; an optical unit for reading and recording information to/from the disk; and a control unit for controlling the entire apparatus; the carrying unit including a pair of arms disposed in a substantially symmetrical relationship with respect to the carrying direction of the disk in the proximity of the ends of the opening such that the arms pivot around end portions thereof adjacent to the opening in synchronism with each other in directions toward and away from each other. |
| US07979870B1 |
Method and system for locating objects in a distributed computing environment
Method and system for locating objects in a computing grid. Requests for one or more objects are received from a client or other requesting entity. A persistent object locator is distributed across the grid and searches the grid for a reference to or handle on the requested object. The persistent object locator includes an internal object locator element (IOL) that resides locally, e.g., on the client, and an external object locator element (EOL) that resides on one or more other servers that are external relative to the client. The EOL is initiated if the IOL cannot locate the requested object locally. The EOL searches the grid for the requested object and if the object is available, delivers the reference to or handle on the requested object to the requesting entity. Objects can also be registered to the POL for future use. References to objects can also be deleted from the POL in the event of a communication failure or if a server or process terminates as expected. |
| US07979868B2 |
Method and apparatus for intercommunications amongst device drivers
Techniques for intercommunication amongst device drivers are described herein. In one embodiment, an application programming interface (API) is provided by a kernel of an operating system (OS) running within a data processing system. The API is accessible by device drivers associated with multiple devices installed in the system. In response to a request from a first instance of a driver via the API, information indicating whether another instance of the same driver is currently started is returned via the API. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07979867B2 |
Managing a device in a distributed file system, using plug and play
Systems and methods for managing a device in a distributed file system are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises instantiating a physical device object, in response to a file system driver detecting a device remotely connected to a computing system via a distributed network. An operating system running on the computing device loads a disk function driver for managing access to the device. A plug and play manager of the operating system enumerates the device. The disk function driver instantiates and registers a functional device object with a mount manager of the operating system. A file system instantiates a volume device object for a logical drive volume mapped to the device and the mount manager mounts the volume device object on the functional device object. |
| US07979857B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic memory resource management
A method and an apparatus for dynamic memory resource management are provided. Memory activity information is collected for a virtual machine. Additional memory shares are dynamically allocated to the virtual machine, as needed, based on the memory activity information for the virtual machine and based on a specified priority of the virtual machine in order to properly adjust the total physical memory used by the virtual machine. |
| US07979856B2 |
Network-based software extensions
Methods and systems for network-based or Internet-based software delivery are described. In one embodiment, an application program or software platform resides on a client. The program or platform is configured so that it is extensible based on software extensions that are deliverable over a network such as the Internet. In the described embodiment, extension files that comprise a software extension are hosted on an Internet server. Additional files are also hosted on the Internet server and describe aspects of the software extension. Extensions are incorporated on a client by navigating to a particular Internet site through which the extensions can be accessed. The files describing the extension files are downloaded on the client. The extension files are then downloaded and incorporated into the program or platform. |
| US07979854B1 |
Method and system for upgrading software or firmware by using drag and drop mechanism
The invention relates to upgrading software or firmware in a network. The invention simplify the process of upgrading the software or firmware by using a drag and drop mechanism. Accordingly, with the help of a user-friendly GUI, a user initiates the process of upgrading by dragging and dropping a software icon onto a device icon. The software icon may represent the software to be used for upgrading and the device icon may represent a network device including the software or firmware that is to be upgraded. A set of checks is performed during the process of upgrading. The set of checks includes checking the compatibility of the software used for upgrading with the network device. |
| US07979853B2 |
Compiler device, method, program and recording medium
Compiler device optimizes a program by changing an order of executing instructions. The device includes: a replaceability determination unit which determines whether a first instruction included in a first instruction sequence and a second instruction included in a second instruction sequence executed after the first instruction sequence can be replaced with a common processing instruction group including a common processing instruction for processing at least respective parts of processings by the first and second instructions together; a common processing instruction group generation unit which generates a common processing instruction group in the first instruction sequence, in place of the first instruction, when the replaceability determination unit determines the first and second instructions to be replaceable; and an instruction insertion unit which inserts the second instruction into a third instruction sequence that is an instruction sequence other than the first instruction sequence and is executed before the second instruction sequence. |
| US07979852B2 |
System for automatically generating optimized codes
The inventive system for automatically generating optimizes codes (19) which are operational on a predefined hardware platform (90) comprises at least one processor which is (91) based on code sources (17) provided by users and comprises means (51, 52) for receiving symbolic code sequences or standard sequences (1) representative for the processor (91) behavior in terms of performance for a predetermined application area, means (53), for receiving static parameters (2), means (55) for receiving dynamic parameters (7), an analysing device (10) for defining optimization rules (9) on the basis of performance tests and measures determined on the basis of the standard sequences (1) and the static (2) and dynamic (7) parameters, a device (80) for optimizing and generating the code receiving the standard sequences (1) and the optimization rules (9) for examining the code sources (17) of the users, detecting optimizable loops, decomposing into cores and for assembling and injecting the codes in such a way that the optimized codes (19) are delivered and means (74) for reinjecting information which is received from the code optimizing and generating device (80) and related to the cores into the standard sequences (1). |
| US07979848B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for pattern matching in procedure development and verification
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which, in some embodiments, a formal specification is pattern-matched from scenarios, the formal specification is analyzed, and flaws in the formal specification are corrected. The systems, methods and apparatus may include pattern-matching an equivalent formal model from an informal specification. Such a model can be analyzed for contradictions, conflicts, use of resources before the resources are available, competition for resources, and so forth. From such a formal model, an implementation can be automatically generated in a variety of notations. The approach can improve the resulting implementation, which, in some embodiments, is provably equivalent to the procedures described at the outset, which in turn can improve confidence that the system reflects the requirements, and in turn reduces system development time and reduces the amount of testing required of a new system. Moreover, in some embodiments, two or more implementations can be “reversed” to appropriate formal models, the models can be combined, and the resulting combination checked for conflicts. Then, the combined, error-free model can be used to generate a new (single) implementation that combines the functionality of the original separate implementations, and may be more likely to be correct. |
| US07979847B2 |
Visual debugger for declarative/data-flow applications
A framework is implemented. The framework is configured to execute an application within the framework, the application includes instantiated runtime objects. New instantiated runtime objects may be created and instantiated runtime objects destroyed while the application is executing. The framework is further configured to implement a debugger within the framework. At the debugger, instantiated runtime objects are correlated with lines of code of the application. Some embodiments allow users to debug executing applications. This can be accomplished by a user interacting with the executing application which then causes indications in the debugger or interacting with the debugger and which causes indications on instantiated runtime objects in the application. |
| US07979846B2 |
Automatic test generation for reference testing
A system for application reference testing (SMART) solves the technical problem of generating test data and test cases from graphical user interface applications (GAPs) to test web services, effectively and non-invasively. SMART allows organizations to easily and promptly identify and resolve software bugs, ensure higher quality software and development productivity, complete software projects faster, deliver software products to market quicker, and improve the return on investment for software development projects. SMART provides a user friendly visualization mechanism that interacts with an accessibility layer to enable organizations to economically and easily define user interactions with GAPs, by performing point-and-click, drag-and-drop operations on the GAPs, and generate reusable test data and test cases for web services. |
| US07979843B2 |
Conversion of a first executable diagram having interconnected nodes to a second executable diagram using an intermediate XML representation
A system and method for programmatically generating a graphical program in response to state diagram information. The state diagram information may specify a plurality of states and state transitions, wherein each state transition specifies a transition from a first state to a second state. A graphical program generation program (GPG program), may receive the state diagram information and automatically, i.e., programmatically, generate a graphical program (or graphical program portion) based on the state diagram information. |
| US07979840B2 |
Method and apparatus for service-oriented architecture process decomposition and service modeling
Techniques are provided for service-oriented (SOA) process decomposition and service modeling. In one aspect of the invention, the techniques include identifying meta-data entities, attributes of the meta-data entities and relationships between stereotypes of the meta-data model, managing the meta-data model for creating, modifying and removing modeling artifacts, and creating modeling templates from the meta-data model to facilitate addressing at least one need of industry-specific applications. In another aspect the invention, the techniques include packaging the method for SOA process decomposition and service modeling, facilitating lifecycle management of modeling assets, and facilitating maintenance of the modeling assets. |
| US07979837B1 |
Calculating distortion summaries for circuit distortion analysis
Methods for analyzing circuit distortion based on contributions from separate circuit elements are presented. Local approximations that do not require high-order derivatives of device models are developed near an operating point for calculating distortion summaries including compression summaries and second-order intermodulation (IM2) distortion summaries. |
| US07979834B1 |
Predicting timing degradations for data signals in an integrated circuit
A computer-implemented method of predicting timing characteristics within a semiconductor device can include determining configuration information for the semiconductor device and determining a measure of timing degradation for data signals of the semiconductor device according to the configuration information. The measure of timing degradation for the data signals can be output. |
| US07979828B2 |
Integrated circuit and method for determining an integrated circuit layout
Various methods for determining a layout of an integrated circuit are described. For example, a method is described comprising determining a layout of an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of functional cells, wherein a maximum extent of each of the cells in a first direction is identical and wherein an outer boundary of a first cell of the plurality of cells forms a first polygon with at least five corner points; and storing data representing the layout on a computer-readable medium. Integrated circuits in accordance with the layout are also described. |
| US07979827B1 |
Device having programmable resources and a method of configuring a device having programmable resources
A method of configuring a device having programmable logic is disclosed. The method comprises generating a netlist associated with a circuit design; coupling the netlist to the device having programmable logic; performing a re-targeting function using a circuit on the device having programmable logic; generating configuration bits for configuring the programmable logic; and configuring the programmable logic to implement the circuit design according to the configuration bits based upon the netlist and results of the re-targeting function. |
| US07979826B1 |
Computer-readable storage media comprising data streams having mixed mode data correction capability
Methods of providing error correction in configuration bitstreams for programmable logic devices (PLDs). While any error correction method can be used, in one embodiment a Hamming code is applied to instructions in the configuration bitstream, while a product code is applied to configuration data. Thus, the higher overhead required for a Hamming code applies to only a few words in the bitstream. The instructions are corrected on receipt of the word that includes the Hamming code, so the instructions are executed correctly even if a transmission error has occurred. However, configuration data can be stored in the configuration memory without correction. With a product code, the exact location of an erroneous bit is not known until the end of the transmission, when a parity word is received. At this time, the PLD can go back and correct erroneous bits in the configuration data prior to enabling the newly loaded design. |
| US07979824B2 |
Cost-benefit optimization for an airgapped integrated circuit
A computer implemented method, apparatus and program product provide automated processes for determining the most cost-effective use of airgaps in a microchip. The performance gains realized by using airgaps for a given net or layer may be calculated. These improvements may be paired to a monetary cost associated with implementing the applicable airgaps at that net/layer. The paired benefit and cost of the airgap scenario may be compared to other possible airgap uses at other layers/nets to determine which airgaps provide the best improvement for the lowest cost. |
| US07979821B2 |
Method of verifying semiconductor integrated circuit and design program
A method of verifying a semiconductor integrated circuit is provided. A controlling cell and a controlled cell controlled by a control signal output from the controlling cell are placed in an IO region of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The method includes: (A) providing a library that includes requirement information specifying the controlling cell required by the controlled cell; (B) obtaining a region information indicating a region within the IO region in which a signal interconnection through which the control signal is transmitted is provided; and (C) verifying whether or not the specified controlling cell is placed within the region, in a case where the controlled cell is placed within the region. |
| US07979820B1 |
Temporal replicant simulation
In one embodiment, a method comprises retaining at least a portion of simulation results corresponding to a first simulateable partition from a previous simulation time; and using the simulation results for a second simulateable partition (or the first simulateable partition) at a current simulation time if the second simulateable partition is equivalent to the first simulateable partition and one or more input stimuli to the second simulateable partition at the current simulation time are approximately the same as the input stimuli to the first simulateable partition at the previous simulation time. Computer accessible media storing instructions that implement the method are also contemplated. |
| US07979814B1 |
Model implementation on GPU
Model evaluation and circuit simulation/verification is performed in a graphical processing unit (GPU). A multitude of first texture data corresponding to size parameters of devices are stored. A multitude of second texture data corresponding to instance parameters of the devices are stored. A multitude of third texture data corresponding to models of the devices are stored. A multitude of fourth texture data corresponding to terminal voltages received by the device are stored. A multitude of links linking each device instance to an associated device model, size parameters and instance parameters are stored. A quad having a size defined by the multitude of links is drawn by the quad in the GPU. Each thread in the quad is assigned to a different one of the multitude of links. The computations are carried out in each thread using the linked data to perform the model evaluation. |
| US07979811B2 |
Intermediate layout for resolution enhancement in semiconductor fabrication
Intermediate resolution-enhancement state layouts are generated based upon an original non-resolution enhanced layout of an integrated circuit and an associated resolution-enhanced layout. The intermediate resolution-enhancement state layout includes fragments corresponding to parts of the original layout and biases associated with the fragments, where the biases indicate distances between the fragments and the resolution-enhanced layout. The fragments are also assigned attributes such as fragment type, fragment location, and biases. The intermediate resolution-enhancement state layouts can be combined to generate the layout for a full chip IC. Two or more intermediate resolution-enhancement state layouts are assembled and are locally reconverged to adjust the resolution enhancement associated with the intermediate resolution-enhancement state layouts and obtain the intermediate resolution-enhancement state layouts for the full IC. |
| US07979805B2 |
Button discoverability
A processing device may include a display screen and one or more buttons located near the display screen. Pressing one of the one or more buttons may cause the processing device to perform a first function and pressing and holding the one of the one or more buttons may cause the processing device to perform a second function. When the one of the one or more buttons is pressed, the processing device may provide a first feedback describing the first function. When the one of the one or more buttons is pressed and held for at least a predetermined amount of time, the processing device may provide a second feedback describing the second function. In some implementations, a time indicator may be displayed indicating an amount of passing time until the one of the one or more buttons is pressed and held for the predetermined amount of time. |
| US07979802B1 |
Providing supplemental contact information corresponding to a referenced individual
Providing supplemental information for an individual referenced in an electronic message typically includes receiving an electronic message, examining the electronic message, detecting an identifier for a referenced individual contained in the electronic message, and making supplemental information for the referenced individual available to a recipient of the electronic message. The supplemental information may include information that is in addition to information contained in the electronic message. The supplemental information may include at least one of an e-mail address, a screen name, a telephone number, a facsimile number, and a mailing address, each of which is associated with the referenced individual. |
| US07979793B2 |
Graphical creation of a document conversion template
The template creation system enables a graphical selection of one or more fields from within a database system. The template creation system identifies a source format of the received fields that can be exported from the database system. The template creation system identifies a target format readable by a document editing system. For example, the document editing system may be a word processing application that stores files in an application-specific format. The template creation system creates one or more template rules based on the identified source and target formats for converting the data from the source format to the target format. The template rules may then be stored in an XSLT style sheet. |
| US07979791B2 |
Cross-domain communication
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes generating, within a web-accessible document, a parent container document associated with a first Internet domain and one or more child container documents within the parent container document and associated with a second Internet domain. The method also includes receiving, by the parent container document, information requested from a server associated with the first Internet domain, and communicating the information from the first Internet domain to the second Internet domain using the parent container document associated with the first Internet domain to transmit the information to the one or more child container documents associated with the second Internet domain. |
| US07979787B2 |
Method and apparatus for linking designated portions of a received document image with an electronic address
A method and apparatus for receiving document images including portions linked to one or more electronic addresses. The linked portion of the document is identified using a predetermined visual attribute, such as bold-face text, or delimiters to mark the portion. The document image is then transmitted using, e.g., existing apparatus for transmitting images, such as a facsimile machine. An electronic address associated with the identified portion of the document is also transmitted using existing techniques, such as by touch-tone telephone. The address may be a voice telephone number, facsimile telephone number, World Wide Web address, or any other address with which communication can be established. At the receiving end, both the document image and electronic address are received. Pattern matching is performed on the document image to identify the portion with the predetermined attribute as a linked portion. The received electronic address is then correlated with the linked portion. When the document image is displayed on, e.g., a computer screen, the linked portion is visually identified so that the recipient can access the electronic address by, e.g., clicking on the portion using a mouse. Communication may then be initiated by the recipient with the entity associated with the electronic address. |
| US07979786B1 |
Techniques for retrieving multimedia information using a paper-based interface
The present invention provides techniques for generating a printable representation of multimedia information that can be printed on a paper medium to provide a paper-based interface for the multimedia information. According to the teachings of the present invention, the paper document generated by printing the printable representation on a paper medium also provides an interface for accessing or retrieving multimedia information in electronic form. The paper document may thus be used as an indexing and retrieval tool for retrieving multimedia information. |
| US07979785B1 |
Recognizing table of contents in an image sequence
A user interface (e.g., a browser window) includes a display area for displaying an image (e.g., a book page image). The image can be rescaled based on the dimensions of the display area, one or more attributes of the image and other factors. In some implementations, a sequence of images are searched for a table of contents. If a table of contents does not exist, one is created by searching the images for white space and/or other attributes that can be used to determined entries in the table of contents. The entries in the table of contents can be hypertext links. |
| US07979781B2 |
Method and system for performing Viterbi decoding using a reduced trellis memory
A method for performing Viterbi decoding using a reduced trellis memory is provided that includes dividing a block of data into a plurality of segments. A feed-forward process is performed on each of the segments to generate a trellis for each of the segments. A traceback process is performed on each of a plurality of overlapping segment pairs, each segment pair comprising a first segment and a second segment, to generate a traceback result for the first segment and a traceback result for the second segment. The traceback result for the second segment is discarded to generate a decoder output based on the traceback result for the first segment. |
| US07979779B1 |
System and method for symmetric triple parity for failing storage devices
A symmetric triple parity (TP) technique in an array comprising a number p of storage devices, such as disks, with p being a prime number is provided. The p disks are organized as one row parity disk, two symmetric parity disks and p-3 data disks. Phantom diagonal and anti-diagonal parity disks assumed to be present are further assumed to contain a predetermined value, thereby enabling parity encoding/decoding utilizing the phantom (anti-) diagonal disks. Row parity and symmetric parity values are included within the computation of the diagonal and anti-diagonal parities; accordingly, the two symmetric parity and the row parity values may be computed using the same technique as used for a triple parity erasure, i.e., in a symmetric fashion. |
| US07979774B1 |
Error correction coding for varying quality channels
An error rate sensitive error correction (ERSEC) system that applies a level of error correction that is inversely related to susceptibility to error as indicated by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) profile of a channel. The SNR profile is estimated, detected or retrieved from an external source. The ERSEC system is used with a channel for which the SNRs vary spatially, temporally or both. |
| US07979770B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an amount of information in retransmission data packets using hybrid automatic repeat request protocol
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting data packets from a mobile terminal to a base station using a hybrid automatic repeat request protocol and soft combining of received data. Further, the present invention provides a base station and a mobile terminal both adapted to perform the respective method steps. Moreover, a communication system is provided which comprises at least one base station and at least one mobile terminal. The present invention also provides a computer-readable medium for storing instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to transmit data packets from a mobile terminal to a base station using a hybrid automatic repeat request protocol and soft combining of received data. In order to restrict the interference caused by retransmissions, the present invention suggests controlling the amount of information in the retransmissions and thus the transmission power required for their transmission by TFCS restriction. |
| US07979768B2 |
Method and system for implementing hybrid automatic repeat request
A receiver sends hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) feedback for a current packet and at least one previous packet, whereby an error is detected based on the H-ARQ feedback. The receiver sends H-ARQ feedback with an identification of the packet or a sequence number of a packet that the receiver expects to receive next. The receiver stores a packet in a memory before combining the packet with a previously received packet, and decodes the stored packet after failing to decode a combined packet to avoid a corruption error. The receiver may set a timer when sending a NACK. If the receiver fails to receive a packet until expiration of the timer, the receiver initiates a process for recovering the packet. Each H-ARQ feedback may be associated with other attributes. Some H-ARQ processes may operate in an asynchronous mode while others in a synchronous mode in the same direction. |
| US07979767B2 |
Automatic repeat request (ARQ) reset method
An Automatic Repeat-reQuest (ARQ) Reset method for an ARQ transmitter disables (120) transmission, starts (130) an ARQ transmitter window at a first unacknowledged block, and discards (140) service data units (SDUs) in the ARQ transmitter window having zero blocks in a ‘not-sent’ state. Thus, for all SDUs having no blocks in a ‘not-sent’ state, the blocks in an ‘outstanding’ or ‘waiting-for-retransmission’ state are changed to a ‘discard’ state. Next, the ARQ transmitter sets (150) the state of all blocks in partially unsent SDUs of the ARQ transmitter window to ‘not-sent.’ So, any remaining blocks in an ‘outstanding,’ ‘waiting-for-transmission’ or ‘discard’ state are changed to ‘not-sent.’ After the ARQ transmitter enables (160) transmission and ends (190) the ARQ Reset procedure, the ARQ transmitter will send blocks in the ‘not-sent’ state. This ARQ Reset method avoids retransmitting blocks that might cause duplicate packets at the ARQ receiver, which some protocols cannot handle. |
| US07979766B2 |
Architecture for a message bus
An aspect of the present invention reduces the additional number of signal lines of a bus for control signals by using a set of signal lines to transfer data bits in some durations and to transfer control signals in some other durations. In one embodiment, the same signal lines are used to transfer data in a data transfer phase, and for bus arbitration in a bus arbitration phase. As a result, the total number of signal lines of a bus (bus width) is reduced. According to another aspect of the present invention, an arbitrator block allocates the bus to one of the requesting modules according to an assigned priority and least recently used (LRU) policy. |
| US07979761B2 |
Memory test device and memory test method
A memory test device, including a universal register to conduct an operation by a predetermined universal command language; an extension register having a larger capacity than the universal register and to conduct an operation by a predetermined extension command language; and a controller to write a predetermined test pattern in an external memory using the extension command language, to read the test pattern written in the memory, to determine the identity of the written test pattern and the read test pattern, and to determine a presence of an error in the memory using the universal command language. |
| US07979760B2 |
Test system for conducting parallel bit test
Provided is a test system conducting a parallel bit test. The test system, conducting a parallel bit test on a plurality of memory modules mounted on a socket, comprises a plurality of counters and a comparator. Each of the counters counts the number of data output signals in the same logic state, among the data output signals outputted from each memory of the memory modules, and outputs a count signal. The comparator compares the count signal outputted from each of the counters and outputs a comparison signal corresponding to a defect of the memory modules. According to the test system, defects in a memory module can be accurately detected and a possibility of an error in the detection can be reduced when a plurality of memory modules are tested, as compared to conventional test systems. |
| US07979757B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing high capacity/high bandwidth memory devices
A plurality of stacked memory device die and a logic circuit are connected to each other through a plurality of conductors. The stacked memory device die are arranged in a plurality of vaults. The logic circuit die serves as a memory interface device to a memory access device, such as a processor. The logic circuit die includes a plurality of link interfaces and downstream targets for transmitting received data to the vaults. The logic circuit die includes a packet builder and broadcaster configured to receive command, address and data signals over separate interfaces from a conventional tester, format the signals into a packet and broadcast the signals to a plurality of vaults. |
| US07979756B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for a go/no go link integrity tester
An apparatus, system and method for a go/no go tester that uses various data patterns to assure that equipments, systems and networks using data links, receivers and transmitters are working within the range of predetermined requirements of standards, specifications and protocols. The apparatus, system and methods can be used in at least one of SAS/SATA and Fiber Channel systems based on integrated circuit devices used within the apparatus of the invention. |
| US07979753B2 |
Method of recording/reproducing digital data and apparatus for same
A digital data recording/reproducing method includes the steps of: interleaving data on a PI code for each PI code of a 208-row ECC block; and converting a short burst error into random errors by dispersing errors on the PI codes. Moreover, the digital data recording/reproducing method increases correction capability against several bytes to several tens bytes of errors generated at random without changing burst error correction length by performing this processing for respective PI codes by using interleave rules that are different as much as possible from one another. |
| US07979749B2 |
Method and infrastructure for detecting and/or servicing a failing/failed operating system instance
A method and infrastructure for a diagnosis and/or repair mechanism in a computer system, that includes an auxiliary service system running on the computer system. |
| US07979746B2 |
Dual-dual lockstep processor assemblies and modules
Processor assemblies and modules are provided. One processor assembly includes first and second processors, and first and second input/output (I/O) interfaces coupled to the first and second processors. The first and/or second I/O interfaces are configured to compare outputs of the first and second processors, and render the first and second processors inactive if the outputs are different. One processor module includes first and second buses coupled to first and second processor assemblies. The first processor assembly includes first and second processors coupled to first and second I/O interfaces, wherein the first I/O interface is coupled to the first bus and the second I/O interface is coupled to the second bus. The second processor assembly includes third and fourth processors coupled to third and fourth I/O interfaces, wherein the third I/O interface is coupled to the first bus and the fourth I/O interface is coupled to the second bus. |
| US07979744B2 |
Fault model and rule based fault management apparatus in home network and method thereof
Provided are a fault model and rule based fault management apparatus and method for a home network. The fault management apparatus includes: a plurality of fault generation unit formed in a multilevel structure and generating fault notification when a fault is generated; a plurality of fault communication unit for transferring fault notification from one of the fault generation unit; a fault agent unit for transferring each fault notification from a plurality of the fault communication unit; and a fault diagnosis and process unit for receiving the fault notification from the fault agent unit, diagnosing a corresponding fault, and processing the corresponding fault using a fault model, a fault decision rule, and a fault process rule. |
| US07979742B2 |
Recoverability of a dataset associated with a multi-tier storage system
A method and a system of improving recoverability of a dataset associated with a multi-tier storage system are provided. Updates to a dataset are stored in first storage. The dataset and a point-in-time copy of the dataset reside on second storage, and the first storage provides higher reliability than the second storage. The dataset is restored using at least a subset of the stored updates in combination with the point-in-time copy in the event that the dataset is lost. |
| US07979736B2 |
Method for updating nonvolatile memory
A memory block having a plurality of parameter data including parameter data to be updated is read to a working area from a nonvolatile memory and, whether the plurality of parameter data is correct or not is checked on a basis of error detection data. When an error is detected, temporary updating data are generated in a working area by updating the parameter data to be updated to a specified parameter data and by updating data except the parameter data to be updated to an unspecified data that have no meaning, and then the temporary updating data are written into the nonvolatile memory. |
| US07979734B2 |
Method and system for preventing service disruption of internet protocol (IP) based services due to domain name resolution failures
A method for preventing service disruption for a device in a network is provided. The method includes populating a filter list with an IP address declared to be valid for a server in the network and populating a rainy day list with an IP address discovered to be valid for the server. The method also includes requesting a DNS server to resolve a server domain name to a server IP address. When no response to the request is received, an IP address on the rainy day list is used to attempt to contact the server. When a response is received, the received IP address is compared to an IP address on the filter list or the rainy day list. When the received IP address matches an IP addresses on the filter list or the rainy day list, the received IP address is used to contact the server. |
| US07979730B2 |
Method and device for synchronizing cycle time of a plurality of TTCAN buses based on determined global time deviations and a corresponding bus system
A method, a device, and a bus system for synchronizing at least two TTCAN buses having at least one bus user, there being cycle times of the basic cycles in the TTCAN buses, a global time being determined in each TTCAN bus and the deviations of the global times of the TTCAN buses which are linked together by at least one user being determined from the global times, and the deviations of the individual global times being transmitted to at least one bus user, the cycle times of the TTCAN buses, which are connected by at least one user, being mutually adjusted as a function of the deviations in the global times in such a way that the buses are synchronized with respect to the cycle times. |
| US07979724B2 |
System and method for dynamically managing power consumption of integrated circuitry
An integrated circuit (IC) chip containing a plurality of voltage islands containing corresponding functional blocks that can be selectively fenced, i.e., powered down, while saving the states of the corresponding inputs, and unfenced in order to manage power consumption of the chip. Each fencable functional block includes a power switch and state-saving circuitry for saving the state of the inputs to that functional block. A power modulation unit (PMU) generates fencing signals that control the power switches and state-saving circuitries so as to selectively fence the corresponding functional blocks. The PMU generates the fencing signals as a function of one or more operating arguments. |
| US07979723B2 |
Motion sensor arrangement for point-of-purchase device
A motion sensor arrangement is presented for dispenser capable point-of-purchase devices. The invention includes one or more motion sensors and a power management circuit facilitating activation of visual and motion display elements and/or a dispensing mechanism. Motion sensors are attached to a shelf-mountable display unit and capable of determining the presence of a person within the vicinity of the device. Power management circuit communicates with the motion sensors and display elements, examples including light emitting diodes and motorized drive devices. The power management circuit activates one or more display elements to communicate queues to a person within visual range of the point-of-purchase device. The dispensing mechanism ejects a coupon or product information sheet when a person is sensed within the vicinity of the point-of-purchase device. The power management circuit causes display elements and dispensing mechanism to operate in different power modes based at least in part on the determination of the presence of a person by one or more motion sensors. |
| US07979718B2 |
Operator recognition device, operator recognition method and operator recognition program
An operator recognition device is provided that eliminates the registration of data such as HMM data having a characteristic amount for which error in recognition occurs easily when recognizing an operator, and thus reduces the possibility of errors in recognition, and has stable recognition performance. When registering HMM data that is used when performing recognition processing, a speaker recognition device 100 eliminates the registration of HMM data of a password having a characteristic amount of the spoken voice component that is similar to a characteristic amount that is indicated by HMM data that is already registered, and does not allow the registration of HMM data for which it is estimated that error in recognition will occur easily during the recognition process. |
| US07979717B2 |
Secure removable card having a plurality of integrated circuit dies
A secure removable card has electrical connections for communication therewith. The card comprises a first integrated circuit die, with the first die including a processor. The card has a second integrated circuit die, with the second die including a non-volatile memory for storing a secret key, and a controller for controlling the operation of the non-volatile memory. A bus connects the first die with the second die. The processor can generate a key pair, having a public key portion and a private key portion upon power up, and transfers the public key portion across the bus to the second die. The controller can receive the public key and encrypt the secret key with the public key to generate a first encrypted key, and can transfer the first encrypted key across the bus to the first die. The processor can receive the first encrypted key and can decrypt the first encrypted key to recover the secret key, and can encrypt data with the secret key for communicating along the electrical connections external to the card. |
| US07979716B2 |
Method of generating access keys
In an embodiment, a secure module is provided that provides access keys to an unsecured system. In an embodiment, the secure module may generate passcodes and supply the passcodes to the unsecured system. In an embodiment, the access keys are sent to the unsecured system after receiving the passcode from the unsecured system. In an embodiment, after authenticating the passcode, the secure module does not store the passcode in its memory. In an embodiment, the unsecured module requires the access key to execute a set of instructions or another entity. In an embodiment, the unsecured system does not store access keys. In an embodiment, the unsecured system erases the access key once the unsecured system no longer requires the access key. In an embodiment, the unsecured system receives a new passcode to replace the stored passcode after using the stored passcode. Each of these embodiments may be used separately. |
| US07979713B2 |
Methods and arrangments for realising betting with off-line terminals
Methods and arrangements are provided for handling, within a communications system comprising a distributed domain and a central domain, electronic records that contain predictions of the outcome of a certain incident. Within the distributed domain there is generated, before the outcome of the incident is known, a multitude of electronic records that contain predictions of the outcome of the incident. The electronic records are conveyed from the distributed domain to the central domain. After the outcome of the incident is known, the central domain finds out which of the electronic records, if any, contain correct predictions of the outcome of the incident. Each of the electronic records is furnished, within the distributed domain, with a cryptographically protected proof of a certain moment of time associated with the generation of the electronic record. The central domain accepts only those of the electronic records conveyed thereto as valid for which the cryptographically protected proof of a certain moment of time associated with the generation of the electronic record shows that said certain moment of time was not later in time than a certain time limit. |
| US07979711B2 |
System and method for privacy preserving query verification
The present invention relates to a method for proving the correctness of a query result produced by a data publisher while preserving the privacy of the query result. The method comprises delivering a public key of a public key/private key pair from a data owner to a client and delivering data and cryptographic metadata to at least one data publisher, wherein the metadata is associated both with the data and the public key of the public key/private key pair. The method further comprises receiving a query from the client, returning a query result and a verification object from the data publisher to the client in response to the query, and verifying the correctness of the query result, wherein the correctness of the query result is verified utilizing the verification object and the public key. |
| US07979705B2 |
Conditional suppression of card holder verification
The present invention relates to a method and system for comfortably operating chipcard applications in a chipcard application system. It is proposed to define at least one trusted terminal device (12) in a trusted environment for a Chipcard (10) in use with which the card holder verification (CHV) dialogue is suppressed and the CHV operation is performed in the system hidden from the user. Either, the trusted terminal ID is stored on the chip of the chipcard, or, the Chipcard ID (22) is stored on a trusted terminal together with the PIN (Personal Identification Number) of the card holder. Such an association can help to suppress the CHV dialogue in a trusted environment. |
| US07979703B2 |
Determining the reputation of a sender of communications
A method and system for determining the reputation of a sender for sending desirable communications is provided. The reputation system identifies senders of communications by keys sent along with the communications. The reputation system then may process a communication to determine whether it is a desirable communication. The reputation system then establishes a reputation for the sender of the communication based on the assessment of whether that communication and other communications sent by that sender are desirable. Once the reputation of a sender is established, the reputation system can discard communications from senders with undesired reputations, provide to the recipient communications from senders with desired reputations, and place in a suspect folder communications from senders with an unknown reputation. |
| US07979700B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for securing digital documents in a digital appliance
Various embodiments include an apparatus and a method to secure protected digital document content from tampering by their user, such as unauthenticated use or use violating a policy of the digital document. The digital document file can be transferred from a network node such as a web site server to a digital appliance, such as a computer, in encrypted form. The digital document file can be resident already on a device, and/or be transferred into a device that is connected to the digital appliance. The device (hereafter a DRM device) can internally store the digital document or part of the document. The DRM device may decrypt the digital document when requested to do so. The device may further format the content for usage, for example, convert text into its graphic bitmap representation. Device formatting can include sending plain text data to the digital appliance. The device may further process degradation to the resulted file, for example, reduce the resolution of the graphic representation. The digital appliance uploads the result of the processing or sections of the result of the processing for user access via the digital appliance. |
| US07979699B2 |
Processing capacity on demand
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for providing processing capacity on demand. According to the embodiments, a processor package has a plurality of processing elements. One or more of the processing elements may be made active in response to increased demand for processing capacity based on modifiable authorization information. |
| US07979696B2 |
System and method of providing security
A method and system for providing security between a service providing server and a user device, the system including: a user device to request a service and to transmit a packet including a first public key; an authentication server to receive the packet, to authenticate the user device based on the first public key, to generate a secret key if the user device is authenticated, and to transmit the secret key to the user device; and a service providing server to check an integrity of the user device by using information for an integrity attestation having the secret key, and to provide the service to the user device according to the integrity of the user device. When the remote integrity attestation of the user device is implemented by the service providing server, the anonymity of the user device is guaranteed and the integrity of the user device is authenticated. |
| US07979695B2 |
Program generating device and medium for the same
A program generating device connected with at least one first device and at least one second device on a network comprises an authority information acquiring system that acquires authority information representing a process that the at least one second device is authorized to utilize among processes that can be executed by the at least one first device, an electronic certificate generating system that generates an electronic certificate that causes the at least one first device to certify the at least one second device, an application program selecting system that selects an application program for causing the at least one first device to execute the process that the at least one second device is authorized to utilize based on the authority information, and an installation program generating system that generates an installation program for installing the generated electronic certificate and the selected application program into the at least one second device. |
| US07979694B2 |
Using TCP to authenticate IP source addresses
A method for authenticating communication traffic includes intercepting a request directed over a network from a source address to open a connection to a target computer in accordance with a handshake procedure specified by a predetermined communication protocol. A reply to the request that deviates from the specified handshake procedure is sent to the source address. A response from the source address to the reply is analyzed in order to make an assessment of legitimacy of the source address. Upon determining, based on the assessment, that the source address is legitimate, the target computer is permitted to complete the handshake procedure so as to open the connection with the source address. |
| US07979691B2 |
Computer virus protection
A network is protected from e-mail viruses through the use of a sacrificial server. Any executable program or other suspicious parts of incoming e-mail messages are forwarded to a sacrificial server, where they are converted to non-executable format such as Adobe Acrobat PDF and sent to the recipient. The sacrificial server is then checked for virus activity. After the execution is completed, the sacrificial server is rebooted. |
| US07979690B1 |
System and method for booting a computer from backup
Method for booting from a backup, including loading an initialization application that identifies a storage with a backup; activating a handler of a BIOS interrupt module, for intercepting boot loader requests to the storage, and for redirecting them to the backup; creating a bitmap of the blocks in the backup and of a writable storage device to which new data will be written; initiating the BIOS to load and execute boot blocks from the backup; transferring control to a routine defined by a boot record in the boot blocks; activating an I/O filter for intercepting requests to the writable storage device; for write requests, the filter writes a corresponding block to the writable data storage, and marks this block in the bitmap; for read requests, the filter checks the bitmap if this data block was unchanged, and redirects the read request to the backup, otherwise, the filter redirects the read request to the writeable storage device. |
| US07979686B1 |
System and method for isochronous task switching via hardware scheduling
A multiplexed hierarchical array of interrupt controllers is configured to enable low latency task switching of a processor. The hierarchical array comprises a plurality of interrupt controllers coupled to a root interrupt controller. For each task that the processor is configured to execute, a corresponding interrupt controller is provided. To switch the processor to a task, the corresponding interrupt controller signals the root interrupt controller which, in turn, sends an interrupt and a Task Identifier to the processor. The root interrupt controller also cooperates with an access multiplexer/demultiplexer to select the corresponding interrupt controller for communication with the processor. By providing interrupt controller selection as well as task identification, the hierarchical array offloads arbitration and context switching overhead from the processor. That is, in response to the interrupt, the processor switches to the identified task and may access a memory address space dedicated to the task. |
| US07979683B1 |
Multiple simultaneous context architecture
Graphics processing elements are capable of processing multiple contexts simultaneously, reducing the need to perform time consuming context switches compared with processing a single context at a time. Processing elements of a graphics processing pipeline may be configured to support all of the multiple contexts or only a portion of the multiple contexts. Each processing element may be allocated to process a particular context or a portion of the multiple contexts in order to simultaneously process more than one context. The allocation of processing elements to the multiple contexts may be determined dynamically in order to improve graphics processing throughput. |
| US07979678B2 |
System and method for register renaming
A system and method for performing register renaming of source registers in a processor having a variable advance instruction window for storing a group of instructions to be executed by the processor, wherein a new instruction is added to the variable advance instruction window when a location becomes available. A tag is assigned to each instruction in the variable advance instruction window. The tag of each instruction to leave the window is assigned to the next new instruction to be added to it. The results of instructions executed by the processor are stored in a temp buffer according to their corresponding tags to avoid output and anti-dependencies. The temp buffer therefore permits the processor to execute instructions out of order and in parallel. Data dependency checks for input dependencies are performed only for each new instruction added to the variable advance instruction window and register renaming is performed to avoid input dependencies. |
| US07979677B2 |
Adaptive allocation of reservation station entries to an instruction set with variable operands in a microprocessor
A method and device for adaptively allocating reservation station entries to an instruction set with variable operands in a microprocessor. The device includes logic for determining free reservation station queue positions in a reservation station. The device allocates an issue queue to an instruction and writes the instruction into the issue queue as an issue queue entry. The device reads an operand corresponding to the instruction from a general purpose register and writes the operand into a reservation station using one of the free reservations station positions as a write address. The device writes each reservation station queue position corresponding to said instruction into said issue queue entry. When the instruction is ready for issue to an execution unit, the device reads out the instruction from the issue queue entry the reservation station queue positions to the execution unit. |
| US07979676B2 |
Method for instructing a data processor to process data
A data processor which executes instructions described in first and second instruction formats. The first instruction format defines a register-addressing field of a predetermined size, while the second instruction format defines a register-addressing field of a size larger than that of the register-addressing field defined by the first instruction format. The data processor includes: instruction-type identifier, responsive to an instruction, for identifying the received instruction as being described in the first or second instruction format by the instruction itself; a first register file including a plurality of registers; and a second register file also including a plurality of registers, the number of the registers included in the second register file being larger than that of the registers included in the first register file. |
| US07979662B2 |
Storage device with transaction indexing capability
In one aspect, a system for indexing transactions over a plurality of communication lines is described. In various embodiments, the system includes a host controller and a plurality of storage devices in communication with one another. Each of the storage devices is configured to store data. The communication lines facilitate communications between the host controller and the plurality of storage devices. A selected one of the storage devices is configured to function as a transaction indexer to monitor the communication lines and index and store selected transaction information associated with operations that occur over the communication lines. While the host controller may be arranged to configure the transaction indexer, the transaction monitoring, indexing and storing are performed substantially automatically by the transaction indexer without requiring further instructions from the host controller. |
| US07979661B2 |
Memory overflow management
Methods, systems, and media to enhance memory overflow management by identifying a memory overflow condition associated with execution of a task and adjusting memory allocation for the task to attenuate the memory overflow condition are disclosed. In particular, embodiments reduce the impact of repetitious memory overflow conditions caused by a specific task by increasing the memory allocation for that task. The memory overflow may also be reported to a technical service provider to help the technical service provider identify and fix the code that is responsible for the memory overflow. Many embodiments monitor an extent of the overflow and determine an allocation correction term based upon the extent of the overflow. In some situations, application of a correction term to increase the memory allocation for the task may advantageously eliminate the cause of the memory overflow condition. In further situations, the impact of the memory overflow condition is attenuated. |
| US07979655B2 |
Dynamic optimization of device limits and thresholds in a write cache
A method, computer program product and system for dynamically optimizing the limit and the thresholds of a write cache for a storage adapter connected to storage devices, includes measuring continually an overall locality of data in the write cache for the storage devices, calculating the limit of the write cache dynamically for each storage device using the overall locality and a device-related information, and calculating the threshold of the write cache dynamically for each storage device by combining a fair amount and a device-related additional amount. |
| US07979653B2 |
File-copying apparatus of portable storage media
The present invention provides a portable file-copying apparatus which includes a first connecting unit, a second connecting unit, and a control unit. The first connecting unit can receive a first portable storage media which includes an original file. The second connecting unit can receive a second portable storage media. Furthermore, the control unit is connected to the first connecting unit, the second connecting unit, and a memory. The control unit is applied for storing the original file in the memory, and copying the file to the second portable storage media in accordance with a control signal. |
| US07979651B1 |
Method, system, and computer readable medium for asynchronously processing write operations for a data storage volume having a copy-on-write snapshot
A method, system, and computer readable medium for asynchronously processing write operation on a volume having copy-on-write snapshots. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: updating a normal mirror with write data associated with a write operation for the volume; asynchronously copying the write data from an asynchronous mirror to at least one copy-on-write snapshot; and, once the at least one copy-on-write snapshot is updated, updating the asynchronous mirror with the write data from the normal mirror. |
| US07979648B2 |
Dynamic interleaving
Methods and apparatus provide for a Dynamic Interleaver to modify the interleaving distribution spanning physical memory modules. Specifically, dynamic interleaving provides the ability to increase the number of interleaved physical memory modules when a current interleaved group of memory locations is experiencing heavy use. By increasing the number of interleaved memory locations, a system can make optimal use of memory by allowing more parallel accesses to physical memory during the period of heavy utilization. However, if the current interleaved group of memory locations experience low use, the Dynamic Interleaver can choose to interleave across fewer physical memory modules and apply power management techniques to those memory locations that are no longer being accessed. Prior to “re-interleaving” interleaved memory locations, the Dynamic Interleaver migrates data out of the current interleaved memory locations. After re-interleaving, the Dynamic Interleaver maps the data back into the re-interleaved memory locations. |
| US07979645B2 |
Multiprocessor system for memory mapping of processing nodes
A memory mapping unit requests allocation of a remote memory to memory mapping units of other processor nodes via a second communication unit, and requests creation of a mapping connection to a memory-mapping managing unit of a first processor node via the second communication unit. The memory-mapping managing unit creates the mapping connection between a processor node and other processor nodes according to a connection creation request from the memory mapping unit, and then transmits a memory mapping instruction for instructing execution of a memory mapping to the memory mapping unit via a first communication unit of the first processor node. |
| US07979644B2 |
System controller and cache control method
A multiprocessor system comprises a plurality of system controllers, each of which performs a snoop processing regarding a cache device in its charge. The system controllers adjust the number of steps of a snoop pipeline for the snoop processing according to communication time with the other system controllers. The number-of-steps adjustment absorbs the difference of the communication time in the results of the snoop for each scale of the multiprocessor system. When a retrial is determined by an address conflict or the like in the snoop processing, each of the system controllers resubmits the access to be retried to the snoop pipeline after waiting until no other access which may cause an address conflict precedes. The resubmission timing prevents infinite repetition of the retrial of the snoop processing in the system controllers. |
| US07979639B2 |
Storage apparatus and cache control method
Optimizing cache-resident area where cache residence control in units of LUs is employed to a storage apparatus that virtualizes the capacity by acquiring only a cache area of a size that is the same as the physical capacity assigned to the LU. An LU is a logical space resident in cache memory is configured by a set of pages acquired by dividing a pool volume as a physical space created by using a plurality of storage devices in a predetermined size. When the LU to be resident in the cache memory is created, a capacity corresponding to the size of the LU is not initially acquired in the cache memory, a cache capacity that is the same as the physical capacity allocated to a new page is acquired in the cache memory each time when the page is newly allocated, and the new page is resident in the cache memory. |
| US07979637B2 |
Processor and method for executing data transfer process
A memory transfer routine detection unit detects a combination of instructions indicating a data transfer process in a data cache by checking instruction codes and operand codes of a sequence of instructions stored in an instruction buffer. A combination of instructions representing a data transfer process in a data cache detected by the memory transfer routine detection unit are allocated to a memory transfer unit for execution. |
| US07979632B2 |
Storage system including a fast storage device for storing redundant data
A computer storage system includes a controller, a first storage device and a second storage device including at least one fast storage device. The controller is configured to perform data operations. The first storage device stores data, and the second storage device stores data redundant to the data stored in the first storage device. |
| US07979631B2 |
Method of prefetching data in hard disk drive, recording medium including program to execute the method, and apparatus to perform the method
A method of prefetching data in a hard disk drive includes searching for a logic block address (LBA) of data requested by an external apparatus in a history of a non-volatile cache of the hard disk drive, and if the LBA of the data is stored in the history, storing data recorded in a LBA stored after the LBA of the data requested by the external apparatus from among LBAs stored in the history in a buffer of the hard disk drive. |
| US07979630B2 |
Data protection for non-volatile semiconductor memory block using block protection flags
Receiving a request for canceling setting, a control circuit erases data stored in a corresponding block, changes a value of a protection flag, and cancels protection setting. When an overall protection is set for any block, the control circuit prohibits access to all blocks, except when it is an operation mode for activating a memory program contained in the microcomputer. Further, control circuit permits an access to a block M only when partial protection is set, CPU is in the mode for activating a memory program contained in the microcomputer and the access is for reading an instruction code in accordance with an instruction fetch. |
| US07979629B2 |
Memory module and control method of serial peripheral interface using address cache
A serial peripheral interface memory module using address cache comprises a flash memory array for storing data, a serial/parallel convertor for receiving serial signals and generating a control command, an address and data, an address register, an address accumulator for accumulating the address in the address register and storing the accumulated address back to the address register, and a flash memory controller for controlling the access to the flash memory array. When the control command is a standard command, the serial/parallel controller first stores the address following the control command into the address register and then the flash memory controller accesses data according to the address in the address register. When the control command is a specific command, the flash memory controller directly accesses data according to the address in the address register without waiting for an address update. |
| US07979622B2 |
Memory access method
A memory access method intended for a memory required to provide an interval of a predetermined number of clock cycles or longer between successive occurrences of access when the same bank is successively accessed, and that eliminates an idle time between successive occurrences of access to allow for improved performance. Pieces of data are written into 0th, the first, the second, and the third banks, respectively. No idle time is caused between successive occurrences of access because different banks are successively accessed. Since a burst length of each of the pieces of data is eight, an interval of 16 cycles which is longer than 15 cycles is provided between a start of writing of first data and a start of second writing of data. Accordingly, no idle time is caused also between completion of writing of the first data and start of writing of the second data. |
| US07979617B2 |
Quad aware locking primitive
A method and computer system for efficiently handling high contention locking in a multiprocessor computer system. At least some of the processors in the system are organized into a hierarchy, and process an interruptible lock in response to the hierarchy. The method utilizes two alternative methods of acquiring the lock, including a conditional lock acquisition primitive and an unconditional lock acquisition primitive, and an unconditional lock release primitive for releasing the lock from a particular processor. To prevent races between processors requesting a lock acquisition and a processor releasing the lock, a release flag is utilized. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the a processor utilizing the unconditional lock acquisition primitive is granted the lock, a handoff flag is utilized. |
| US07979616B2 |
System and method for providing a configurable command sequence for a memory interface device
A system and method for providing a configurable command sequence for a memory interface device (MID). The system includes a MID intended for use in a cascade interconnect system and in communication with one or more memory devices. The MID includes a first connection to a high speed bus operating at a first data rate, a second connection to the high speed bus, an alternate communication means and logic. The first connection to the high speed bus includes receiver circuitry operating at the first data rate. The alternate communication means operates at a second data rate that is slower than the first data rate. The logic facilitates receiving commands via the first connection from the high speed bus operating at the first data rate and using a first command sequence. The logic also facilitates receiving the commands via the alternate communication means using a second command sequence which differs from the first command sequence in the speed in which the commands are transferred. The logic further facilitates processing the commands if the commands are directed to the MID and redriving the commands via the second connection onto the high speed bus. |
| US07979610B2 |
Remotely controllable switch and testing methods using same
Apparatus, methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for remotely controlling the connection between a host computer and a multitude of connected devices. One apparatus described herein includes a multiplexer that has a host port for connection to a host computer, device ports for connection to the devices, and control lines. The multiplexer is operative to connect a device port to the host port based upon the status of the control lines. The apparatus further includes a controller connected to the multiplexer. The controller has an input interface and is operative to receive control data on the input interface that identifies a device port on the apparatus that should be connected to the host port. In response to receiving such control data, the controller is operative to place signals on the control lines that cause the multiplexer to connect the identified device port to the host port. The device port that is connected to the host port can be remotely selected by transmitting the appropriate data to the input interface of the controller. |
| US07979607B2 |
Cascadable high-performance instant-fall-through synchronous first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer
An apparatus and method of operating a cascadable, instant-fall-through First In, First Out (FIFO) buffer is provided. The method comprises receiving a first data element at an input of a FIFO buffer which includes a plurality of buffer slices including an output buffer slice wherein each of the plurality of buffer slices comprise a data register and a control bit register. A buffer slice is identified which is indicated for storing a data element based on a control bit register for the buffer slice and a control bit register of an adjacent buffer slice on an output side. When data is read from an output buffer slice the FIFO buffer, all data in other buffer slices are shifted down one slice closer to the output side of the FIFO buffer. |
| US07979605B2 |
Latency control circuit and method using queuing design method
A latency control circuit includes a FIFO controller and a register unit. The FIFO controller may generate an increase signal according to an external command, and generate a decrease signal according to an internal command. The FIFO controller may also enable a depth point signal responsive to the increase signal and the decrease signal. The register unit may include n registers. The value n (rounded off) may be obtained by dividing a larger value of a maximum number of additive latencies and a maximum number of write latencies by a column cycle delay time (tCCD). The registers may store an address received with the external command responsive to the increase signal and a clock signal, and may shift either the address or a previous address to a neighboring register. The latency control circuit transmits an address stored in a register as a column address corresponding to the enabled depth point signal. |
| US07979604B2 |
Methods and apparatus for assigning performance to data volumes on data storage systems
A computerized data storage system and a method for portioning performance among data areas on a hard disk drive. The system includes a management computer coupled to one or more host computers and a storage apparatus. The storage apparatus includes hard disk drives and a storage controller for partitioning the hard disk drives among data volumes in the storage apparatus and for assigning the data volumes to the host computer. A performance partitioning module utilizes a queue management table for forming a number of queues on memory of the hard disk drive. The queues receive READ and WRITE requests and convey these requests to data areas assigned on recording media of the hard disk drive. After a request from a queue is executed, a gate between the queue and the data areas may be closed to allow requests from other queues an opportunity to access the data areas. |
| US07979603B2 |
Storage system and method for controlling activation of command
A storage system including a queue corresponding to each priority level of command and an activation order control part. A command received from a host is accumulated in the queue corresponding to the specified priority. The activation order control part decides the number of activation object commands to be activated among accumulated commands, based on the priority corresponding to the queue. The activation order control part decides the activation order of the activation object commands, based on a activation object command number decided for each queue, so that the average value of logical response time of the activation object command may be shorter at the higher priority. The activation object command is activated in accordance with the decided activation order. |
| US07979601B2 |
External direct memory access of embedded controller memory
An embedded controller capable of providing direct memory access (DMA) to memory for a host. The controller may include a processor, a memory medium, and an interface coupled to the memory medium. The interface may be configured to couple to a host and receive a DMA request. The DMA request may include a request to read data from a memory location in the memory medium or a request to write data to a memory location in the memory medium. The DMA request may include a relative memory address. The interface may be configured to translate the relative memory address into a first address of the memory medium. Accordingly, the interface may perform operations according to the DMA request using the first address of the memory medium. The processor may be configured to operate according to data stored in the memory medium. |
| US07979599B2 |
Method for the allocation of memory in a buffer memory
A method for allocation of a buffer memory with three buffers of a module having a processing unit and a bus connection is provided. The module sends or receives data via the bus connection and uses the processing unit to generate data for transmission via the bus connection and process data received via the bus connection. The bus connection and the processing unit function as a producer or consumer in a communication relationship established via the buffer memory. Each buffer assumes one of four statuses—“input area local”, “local”, “input area external” and “external”. Either the bus connection or the processing unit attempt to reserve one of the three buffers by a strategy: when one of the three buffers is already allocated, this buffer is used. Otherwise a buffer with the status “input area external” or “input area local” is used and the status “external” or “local” is assigned. |
| US07979598B1 |
Wake-ahead based on patterns
A method may include detecting an event, determining whether the event correlates to a hard disk access, requesting a wake-ahead of a hard disk drive if it is determined that the event correlates to a hard disk access, weighing a performance improvement of the hard disk drive if the wake ahead request is granted against a life of the hard disk drive if the wake ahead request is not granted, and waking ahead the hard disk drive if the performance improvement outweighs the life of the hard disk drive. |
| US07979597B2 |
Programming parallel I2C slave devices from a single I2C data stream
Consistent with one example embodiment, communications systems, using a serial data transfer bus having a serial data line and a clock line used to implement a communications protocol, incorporate programming of parallel slave devices concurrently using an I2C serial bus. At least two slave devices are coupled in parallel on the data transfer bus and configured to load serial data over the serial data line using the communications protocol. Each slave device includes a programmable configuration register configured to be programmed, using the communications protocol, to select one of a plurality of selectable slave device configurations. One of the selectable slave device configurations causes the at least two slave devices to load the serial data in parallel, and another of the selectable slave device configurations causes the at least two slave devices to be loaded one at a time. |
| US07979596B2 |
Mouse with expandable memory capacity and an operating method thereof
A mouse with expandable memory capacity includes a button set with a plurality of buttons, a build-in memory, a card connector, and a controller. Therein, the card connector is for connecting with a memory card. The controller is connected to the button set, the build-in memory, and the card connector, wherein the controller is for controlling the operation of the build-in memory and for controlling the operation of the memory card so as to store a button instruction set. The controller further controls and uses the memory card to form an expansion memory for the build-in memory. The button instruction set records an operation instruction that is represented by combinations formed from one or more of the buttons. Therefore, the goal of expanding memory capacity of the mouse is achieved. |
| US07979595B2 |
External apparatus function extension application system and firmware download driver system
An external apparatus function extension application system in a host computer is provided. The host computer sets a property value of an external apparatus into firmware that controls the external apparatus connected to the host computer and that is downloaded from the host computer to the external apparatus, and the external apparatus function extension application system includes a unit configured to register a sequence process for setting the property value as a hook function that is called when a predetermined object is generated. |
| US07979592B1 |
Virtualization bridge device
A computer system includes a shared I/O device including functions providing access to device local memory space, and a plurality of roots coupled to the shared I/O device via a switch fabric. A first root assigns a first address in a first root memory space to a first function. A second root assigns a second address in a second root memory space to a second function. The switch fabric maps the first root memory space to a first portion of device local memory space and the second root memory space to a second portion of device local memory space. Subsequently, the switch receives a data transaction request from the first root targeted to the first address, translates the first address to a corresponding location in the first portion of the device local memory space based on the mapping, and routes the data transaction request to the I/O device. |
| US07979591B2 |
Network views for a multi display network supporting CEC
Method and devices for discovering, maintaining and updating network views of a multi display network supporting CEC. Some embodiments include determining CEC logical addresses of HDMI-CEC devices coupled to HDMI-CEC ports using selective CEC message generation and handling. Other embodiments eliminate an HDMI-CEC device from selected cluster trees upon identifying TMDS communication. |
| US07979590B2 |
Multiple sink configuration supporting HDMI-CEC
Methods and devices for enabling a chain of displays to communicate with HDMI-CEC sources using HDMI-CEC. Also disclosed is a display device supporting picture-in-picture through two HDMI-CEC input ports, where each port communicates using HDMI-CEC with an HDMI-CEC source. |
| US07979589B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for port multiplier enhancement
A method, apparatus and system are provided for enhancing port multipliers. In one embodiment, a port multiplier is configured to couple a network host with port multipliers. The port multiplier includes a top port multiplier to establish and maintain communication with each of the port multipliers to communicate with the network host, and the port multipliers having intermediate port multipliers and/or bottom port multipliers. Further, network devices are in communication with the port multipliers, the port multiplier, and the network host. |
| US07979585B2 |
System and method to associate a private user identity with a public user identity
The inventive system includes a host, a network including a security gateway, and a public application. Established are an access session between the network and the host and an application session between the public application and the network. An application session record is created for the application session, and includes the user's public user identity used to access the public application, the user's private user identity used to access the network, a host identity, and an application session time. To determine the private user identity for the application session, the security gateway sends a query with the host identity and the application session time. These are compared with the host identity and access session time in an access session record. If they match, then the private user identity in the access session record is returned, and it is stored as the private user identity in the application session record. |
| US07979584B1 |
Partitioning a data stream using embedded anchors
Selecting a segment boundary within block b is disclosed. A first anchor location j|j+1 is identified wherein a value of f(b[j−A+1 . . . j+B]) satisfies a constraint and wherein A and B are non-negative integers. A segment boundary location k|k+1 is determined wherein k is greater than minimum distance from j. |
| US07979578B2 |
Dynamic and evolutionary placement in an event-driven component-oriented network data processing system
Method, system and computer readable program code for dynamic and evolutionary component placement in an event processing system having producers, consumers, a plurality of nodes between the producers and the consumers, and a flow graph representing operator components to be executed between the producers and the consumers. A description of a change to the system is received. At each node, next-hop neighbor nodes for each consumer are identified. A routing value is assigned to each next-hop neighbor node for each consumer and the routing values are updated according to an update rule that represents a chromosome in a routing probe. The update rule in a routing probe is selectively updated from a plurality of update rules at the consumer. The probability of selecting a particular update rule is reinforced or decayed based on the success of an update rule in allowing routing probes to create many different efficient routes. At each producer, nests of scouting probes are adaptively selected from an available set of nests and dispatched to execute hypothetical placement of a query by an independent agent called a “leader”. A placement of the operator components that minimizes performance cost of the system relative to the hypothetical placement is selected. Each scouting probe contains chromosomes that guide placement. Scouting probes in two different nests have different chromosomes. The performance cost of the hypothetical changed placement is evaluated and the performance evaluation is used to evolve at least one chromosome of a scouting ant in each nest. |
| US07979577B2 |
Arrangement in a multi-homed transport endpoint for selecting a source address based on source-destination address pair metrics
A multi-homed endpoint, having multiple interfaces with respective source addresses, selects a source address for transport of a message according to a prescribed multi-homed transfer protocol, based on source-destination address pair metrics, each source-destination address pair metric identifying link performance between a corresponding source address and a corresponding destination address. Each source-destination address pair is assigned a counter for tracking respective acknowledgements to messages output via the corresponding source-destination address pair. The multi-homed endpoint selects a source-destination address pair, for transport of messages, based on the corresponding metric identifying the highest relative link performance. Heartbeat messages are periodically sent for unselected source-destination pairs to maintain updated link performance metrics between the respective source-destination address pairs. Hence, the multi-homed endpoint can ensure selection of a link having opimum link performance based on the corresponding counter specifying the highest relative link performance for the corresponding source-destination address pair. |
| US07979576B2 |
Method and apparatus for connecting a user location to one of a plurality of destination locations on a network
A method for interconnecting a user's location to a destination location on a network. The unique information is received at the user's location, which unique information has no associated routing information embedded therein. Network routing information is associated with the received unique information in response to receipt thereof. The user's location is then interconnected to the destination location across the network in accordance with the routing associated therewith in the step of associating. |
| US07979570B2 |
Live media delivery over a packet-based computer network
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of determining a backset for client devices attempting to download data of a live transmission. A backset is an amount of temporal delay that the client devices are delayed by when viewing the live transmission. As described herein, a media content provider may determine a recommended backset for each client devices based characteristics of the client device. Each client device may then be backset by the determined value, or may calculate its own backset based on the recommended backset. Establishing a backset for each client device may avoid rebuffering of live transmission data. |
| US07979558B2 |
Remote session control
A method and system for remote session control of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) sessions, wherein media is established using one or more devices, and multi-media session/session control for multi-media session is provided by a device which may or may not be the same as the device on which the media is established. A method and system is also provided to transfer media from one device to one or more devices retaining multi-media session/session control on a transferring device. |
| US07979557B2 |
Fast setup response prediction
Mechanisms are provided to accelerate Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) setup messages. A client transmits an RTSP request to a server. The server responds to the request and preemptively responds with acknowledgements for messages not yet received. For example, a server responds to an RTSP describe message with an RTSP describe acknowledgement, an RTSP setup acknowledgement, and an RTSP play response before setup and play messages are received by the server or even transmitted by the client. The client processes the anticipatory responses and transmits setup and play responses when the anticipatory responses are processed. |
| US07979556B2 |
Methods for providing security for ad hoc networked computerized devices
Methods for providing communication security between computerized devices in, for example, an ad hoc or temporary networked environment. In one embodiment, the network comprises an untrusted network, and the method includes providing network security apparatus adapted to create security associations between devices on the network, including mutual authentication. The method further may comprise encrypting traffic between the associated devices for e.g., data confidentiality and integrity protection by running one or more computer programs on the respective devices. In one variant, the network security apparatus comprises a software entity disposed at least partly within the software stack of the devices. The associated devices may be for example fixed or portable, and may be untrusted (e.g., have an untrusted operating systems). |
| US07979554B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for enabling conversational transactions in a service oriented architecture
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for enabling a conversational transaction in a service oriented architecture. The apparatus, system and method include receiving at an IMS Connect a first conversational transaction (“CT”) request comprising a conversation option flag from a Java client over a TCP/IP connection to a first socket of the IMS Connect and transmitting the first CT request to an IMS. The apparatus, system, and method include receiving from the IMS a first response to the first CT request and a conversational transaction identifier (“CTID”), and returning the first response along with the CTID to the Java client in response to the conversation option flag being set. The first response and CTID are transmitted using TCP/IP. The response is a portion of the conversational transaction and the CTID is configured to identify to the IMS subsequent CT requests from the Java client as part of the CT. |
| US07979553B2 |
Electronic device and control method therefor
An electronic device connected to a network at a first network address set by AutoIP or the like detects the existence of an address server such as a DHCP server on such network. If the address server is detected, then it is determined whether or not the electronic device is transferring data to another device. If it is determined that the electronic device is transferring data, the device changes the first network address to a second network address acquired from the address server after the transfer of the data is finished. |
| US07979547B2 |
Method and system for splitting a bandwidth among a plurality of network transactions
The invention provides a method of splitting bandwidth among a plurality of network transactions. First, a communication requesting a priority for a network transaction is displayed. Second, an input indicating the priority of the bandwidth is received. |
| US07979546B2 |
Method, system, and program product for sequential coordination of external database application events with asynchronous internal database events
Database management systems, methods, and program products that exploit time dependent sequential database management system processes to ensure presentation of the same data or view to one or a plurality of users through sequencing asynchronous database management operations such as recovery and replication. Sequencing is accomplished through the use of entries in sequential logs, including transaction logs, recovery logs, and other data recovery tools and applications. Uses include managing data migration and data replication. |
| US07979545B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes monitoring, at an electronic subscription client, receipt of one or more subscription messages associated with an electronic subscription. Interaction with the electronic subscription client by a client may be monitored to determine a viewing frequency of the one or more received subscription messages. Further, a prompt with a control configured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a future subscription message associated with the electronic subscription may be presented based on the determined viewing frequency. |
| US07979544B2 |
Computer program product and method for estimating internet traffic
Taking a size and demographic composition of a target population; identifying a group of participants; determining demographic information for each member of the group; receiving clickstream data that connotes Internet activity of individual members of the group; producing an estimate of the target population's Internet activity by scaling the data for each member of the group to the relative size and demographic composition of the target population and the group by applying a weight to the clickstream data in view of the demographic information; and refining the estimate of the population's Internet activity by applying a weight to a subset of the data from the group of participants, wherein the bias adjustment is at least one of a domain-specific, page-specific, segment-specific, and user-specific adjustment. |
| US07979543B2 |
Systems and methods for categorizing network traffic content
A method for categorizing network traffic content includes determining a first characterization of the network traffic content determining a first probability of accuracy associated with the first characterization, and categorizing the network traffic content based at least in part on the first characterization and the first probability of accuracy. A method for use in a process to categorize network traffic content includes obtaining a plurality of data, each of the plurality of data representing a probability of accuracy of a characterization of network traffic content, and associating each of the plurality of data with a technique for characterizing network traffic content. A method for categorizing network traffic content includes determining a characterization of the network traffic content, determining a weight value associated with the characterization, and categorizing network traffic content based at least in part on the characterization of the network traffic content and the weight value. |
| US07979537B2 |
System and method for detecting status changes in a network using virtual coordinate mapping
A system and method for scalable status change detection in a network of nodes includes embedding node coordinate positions into a virtual map environment. A cluster of nodes are represented with a representative node to form a hierarchy of nodes and clusters where changes in a status of the representative node imply a status change in the nodes of the cluster. By selectively monitoring the representative nodes for the changes in status, the representative nodes create a capability for scalable monitoring of the network. |
| US07979536B2 |
Method and system of remote diagnostic, control and information collection using a dynamic linked library for multiple formats and multiple protocols with sharing the resource
A system, method and program product for diagnosing, controlling and collecting information from devices. Information regarding events of a target application executing in an application unit is collected and formatted into one of multiple data formats for transmission through one of multiple communication protocols using at least one shared system resource. The formatted data is transmitted through, e.g., e-mail or FTP to a predetermined destination or may be saved to local storage, e.g., a local disk. By sharing resources, code duplication is reduced or eliminated. |
| US07979535B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring communications and taking a responsive action
Exemplary embodiments include a device for monitoring communications and taking a responsive action including: a receiver operable for receiving an input signal from a user; a transmitter operable for transmitting an output signal to a communications network and a command signal to a secondary device; and a processor in operable communication with the receiver and the transmitter. The processor is operable for monitoring the input signal for an event and responsively instructing the transmitter to transmit the command to the secondary device. |
| US07979534B2 |
Method of configuring a computer to include the available options of a printer
A method of configuring a computer connected to a printer via a network by transmitting commands, such as SNMP commands, to the printer in order to retrieve the available options of the printer. In response to the transmitted commands, the printer transmits its available options to the computer, and the printer driver resident on the computer is then updated without manually selecting individual printer options to include the retrieved options. The present invention also provides a computer program product and corresponding GUI to configure a computer to include the available printer options. The GUI according to the present invention includes a plurality of pop-up menus having various display controls to operate the computer program, and is updated by the printer driver to reflect the available printer options. |
| US07979532B2 |
Systems and methods for using an access point for testing multiple devices and using several consoles
A system and method for testing computing devices is provided. A method for testing computing devices includes providing a suite of test programs on a server for execution by a computing device that is coupled to the server. A test console coupled to the server is used to initiate execution of the tests on the computing device. The server facilitates and coordinates testing between the test console and the computing device. The server provides the test console with results of the tests. |
| US07979531B2 |
Method and system for network management data collection
Methods and systems for network management data collection have been provided. Underutilized computers in the network are allocated as a Network Management Data Collection Client (NMDCC) to collect network management data. The NMDCC receives program files from the network management server. The received program files are downloaded by the NMDCC in a compressed manner via a web service. The downloaded program files are executed for collecting the Network Management Data (NMD). The collected NMD is updated back on the network management server. The downloaded program files are discarded when the NMDCC is not collecting the network management data. |
| US07979529B2 |
Method and telecommunications system for monitoring a data flow in a data network
The invention relates to a method and telecommunications system (SYS) for monitoring a data flow (DAT) in a data network (WWW) between at least two telecommunications terminals (TEA, TEB), which are connected to the data network via at least one access server (AAA, AAB). When monitoring, the data flow (DAT) between the telecommunications terminals (TEA, TEB) is rerouted from the access server (AAA, AAB) via a monitoring server (PRO), which makes a copy (KOP) of the data flow (DAT) and transmits it to an evaluation unit (ASW). |
| US07979527B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes monitoring, at an electronic subscription client, receipt of one or more subscription messages associated with an electronic subscription. Interaction with the electronic subscription client by a client may be monitored to determine a viewing frequency of the one or more received subscription messages. Further, a prompt with a control configured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a future subscription message associated with the electronic subscription may be presented based on the determined viewing frequency. |
| US07979521B2 |
Method and system for relocating and using enterprise management tools in a service provider model
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for communicating event data in a network, including: receiving the event data in a first device, the event data including a native IP address associated with a source of the event data; translating a native protocol of the event data into XML, a resulting XML message including the event data and an identifier associated with the first device; transmitting the XML message from a first location to a second location; determining a new IP address based on the native IP address and the identifier; and including the new IP address in the XML message. |
| US07979518B2 |
Intelligent call platform for an intelligent distributed network
A network management system communicates with a plurality of intelligent distributed network nodes. The network management system dynamically distributes managed objects across the plurality of intelligent distributed network nodes. Examples of managed objects distributed by the network management system include a service control managed object, a call control managed object, a bearer control managed object, and a resource proxy managed object. |
| US07979515B2 |
Distribution management method, a distribution management system and a distribution management server
A distribution management system is provided which can have a high software distribution efficiency by using client terminals substituting for software distribution relay and can reliably collect distribution results without depending upon the statuses of client terminals. A distribution management server groups a plurality of representative clients in charge of software distribution relay, and changes assignment of software distribution target client terminals by monitoring the distribution execution status of each representative client terminal. Further, the client terminal can reliably notify the distribution result to the distribution management server in accordance with a list of grouped representative client terminals. Furthermore, for the client terminal not notifying the distribution result even if the notice term expires, a distribution result notice representative client terminal is set further so that the distribution result can be reliably notified to the distribution management server. |
| US07979510B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for providing automated execution of pre-defined events
Embodiments relate to a method, system, and storage medium for providing automated execution of pre-defined events over a network. The method includes receiving a profile for a requestor of an event to be executed. The profile includes one or more of a personal identifier, a communications address of the requester, and an event recipient identifier for identifying an individual or entity that is the object of the event. The method further includes receiving events defined for execution at a future time, which includes receiving a unique command for identifying the predefined event, and receiving an identifier for a target entity to which a request for event execution will be sent. The method also includes receiving a request to execute at least one of the events and executing the at least one of the events on behalf of the requestor. |
| US07979509B1 |
Clustered network acceleration devices having shared cache
A network acceleration device provides application programming interface (API) that facilitates the sharing of cache resources among multiple network acceleration devices, thereby allowing the network acceleration devices to be clustered and share a common cache of network content. This clustered approach may advantageously allow clients serviced by one network acceleration device to benefit from previous network access requests issued by clients serviced by a different network acceleration device of the cluster. |
| US07979507B2 |
Transmit scaling using multiple queues
According to some embodiments, it may be determined, at a first processing element of a device with a plurality of processing elements, that first data is to be transmitted in association with a first network connection. A first entry associated with the first data may then be stored into a first of a plurality of transmit queues. It may subsequently be determined, at a second processing element of the device, that second data is to be transmitted in association with the first network connection. A second entry associated with the second data may then be stored into a second of the plurality of transmit queues. |
| US07979505B2 |
Contents reproduction system
A contents reproduction system comprises: a server apparatus for storing contents obtained from external and a client apparatus by which the contents stored in the server apparatus is reproducible, wherein the server apparatus includes: a list preparing section for preparing a list of the contents stored in a contents storage section; and a list transmitting section for transmitting the contents list prepared by the list preparing section to the client apparatus, and the client apparatus includes: a list comparing section for comparing a first list stored in a list storage section and a second list newly obtained by a list obtaining section; an additional contents presentation section for presenting newly added content by a recognizable form based on a comparison result obtained by the list comparing section; a contents reproduction section for reproducing the content presented by the additional contents presentation section based on a control signal indicating reproduction. |
| US07979502B2 |
Remote system override
An apparatus and a method for providing remote supervisory override of a lockout at a workstation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first workstation an override response module which is configured to receive an override request message. The override response module provides an override response message that includes an indicator of an action authorized by the user of the apparatus. |
| US07979500B2 |
Email composition and processing
A computer implemented user interface allows composition of an electronic mail message. A user selects at least one pre-existing email from an email inbox. An envelope is then created by parsing each of the selected pre-existing emails. The pre-existing email is displayed as a tree structure comprising an envelope with at least a label sub-node in a new email view. A new email is composed by selecting parts from the tree structure. The sub-nodes may further comprise a content sub-node. The content sub-node further comprises multi-media parts, and the new email body is composed by selecting parts from the content sub-node. |
| US07979498B2 |
Routing of messages using unified messaging
The present invention provides a method and devices for unified messaging. One method provides for receiving a message having a first identifier associated with a user, translating the first identifier associated with the user to a second identifier comprising a zip code and a street address, the second identifier being associated with a network address, and sending the message to the user at the network address. A line interface device of the present invention is associated with an address that comprises a zip code. |
| US07979495B2 |
Method and system for removing a person from an e-mail thread
A method for automatically removing a user from an e-mail thread is provided. An e-mail client receives a reply e-mail message. Responsive to a determination that the reply e-mail message is a message to opt-out of an e-mail thread, the e-mail address of a sender of the reply e-mail message is associated with the e-mail thread to form a listed e-mail address. The listed e-mail address is stored. When a new e-mail message is generated that is part of the e-mail thread, the listed e-mail address is automatically excluded from a list of recipients of the new e-mail. |
| US07979494B1 |
Systems and methods for monitoring messaging systems
Systems and methods for monitoring and/or auditing of events in an electronic messaging environment, such as Microsoft® Exchange, are described. One or more monitoring components are installed on messaging system servers to collect, in real-time, information on messaging system events. Certain embodiments are configured to audit and/or provide alerts regarding non-owner activity, such as when a user or administrator has gained access to another user's mailbox. Alerts can advantageously facilitate prompt corrective action by delivering detailed information about the access activity, such as which email message or folder was accessed, when the access occurred, from what location (e.g., IP address) when the access was initiated, and the type of access, as well as permission changes made to the mailbox or folders. The monitoring systems can also be configured to audit changes to client permissions for folders and delegate assignment and/or changes to configuration objects of the messaging system. |
| US07979489B2 |
Notifying users when messaging sessions are recorded
A method, system and program for notifying users when messaging sessions are recorded are provided. In response to receiving a request to record a messaging session, a requested selection of multiple message entries associated with the messaging session are recorded. Then, multiple users participating in the messaging session are notified of the recording of the requested selection of the multiple message entries from the messaging session. In particular, the output of the messaging session is adjusted for each of the multiple users to distinguish a selection from among the multiple message entries being recorded. |
| US07979482B2 |
Random number generator configured to combine states of memory cells
A random number generator includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in a series, a feedback processor for generating a feedback signal and for feeding the feedback signal into one of the memory cells, and a random number outputter formed to combine states of a group of at least two memory cells to obtain an output sequence. Sequences strongly differing from one another, the number of which is greater than the number of memory cells, can be generated by generating several output sequences AF0, AF1, AF2, . . . , AFk by combining states of different memory cells such that a safe and efficient bus encryption is achievable. |
| US07979480B2 |
Discrete signal processing device and processing method
A signal processing device and a signal processing method are provided which can reproduce a smooth signal in the reproduction of a discrete signal having a non-uniform sample point interval. The device includes a coefficient calculation unit 4 that inputs a sample point signal E2 representative of the time of a sample point of a discrete signal E1 having a non-uniform sample point interval to obtain a coefficient of a sampling function corresponding to the discrete signal, and a reproduction signal calculation unit 5 that obtains a continuous reproduction signal E3 by calculating and outputting a function value within the sample point interval from the discrete signal and the value of the coefficient outputted by the coefficient calculation unit. |
| US07979475B2 |
Coherent data identification method and apparatus for database table development
A method, apparatus, and system for configuring, designing, and/or implementing database tables is detailed that provides a framework into which a remainder of database tables are developed. Also detailed is a method to develop this framework of database tables. This so developed framework provides a platform for integrating data from multiple databases. A method is also provided for maintaining and managing master data as a single source of reference data to multiple databases that are based upon this framework. |
| US07979472B2 |
Method for conditionally branching a validation
Conditionally branching a validation allows branch-specific child validations to execute based on the values of data in a specific record. This allows for example a conditional branch to call another validation to validate records having particular category field values, family values and/or audience level/name/values. Embodiments comprise an interface that assists users through the use of automatic tokenizing and/or pick lists of field names and fields values, including a measurement builder for entering legal tokenized measurement values with applicable units of measure. Embodiments of the invention allow knowledgeable users to rapidly create expressions to ensure that the legal syntax and semantics of an expression are not violated while providing the user with pick lists and measurement values within legal ranges and with applicable units of measure. Validations rules are generated and performed on desired records in a computer system database without requiring programs, scripts or queries to be written. |
| US07979470B2 |
Data manipulation process method and system
A data manipulation method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, a multiple data manipulation (MDM) list comprising data objects. The computing system includes a memory unit that comprises data. A data object of the data objects is reviewed. The computing system determines that a new item attribute for the data object comprises a value of null. The computing system determines that an original item attribute for the data object comprises a value of not null. The computing system generates and transmits to DELETE request command to the memory unit. The computing system deletes in response to the delete request command, a first portion of the data. |
| US07979469B2 |
Handheld electronic device and associated method employing a multiple-axis input device and arranging words of an existing message thread in various linguistic categories for selection during text entry
A method of facilitating the entry of text into a new message generated by a messaging application of a handheld electronic device is provided that includes receiving a command to reply to or forward a received message that is included within a message thread, scanning the message thread, identifying a plurality of words in the message thread, generating one or more word lists that include the identified words, and displaying the one or more word lists. The method further includes receiving a selection of a selected one of the words from the one or more word lists, and entering the selected one of the words into the new message. Also provided is an improved handheld electronic device that implements the described method. |
| US07979465B2 |
Data protection method, authentication method, and program therefor
A data protection method for accepting an access request for a file stored in a file system of a storage device and referring or updating to the file based on the access request, including the steps of: determining whether a current time is within a preset monitoring period; obtaining a snapshot of the file system when the time reaches the monitoring period; and updating the file system with the snapshot when the time reaches end of the monitoring period. |
| US07979457B1 |
Efficient search of supplier servers based on stored search results
A method and apparatus are provided for a dynamic information connection search engine. User actions may be detected on at least one client system. In response, a determination may be made whether the user is searching for supported information. When the user is searching for supported information, information may be extracted electronically from, for example, third party websites, direct supplier connections, and/or intermediate databases. Potential suppliers may be automatically selected in response to the detected user search. Queries may be formulated from the user search and transferred to one or more selected suppliers over a network coupling (e.g., the Internet and/or an intranet). The queries may include one or more requests for information. One or more responses may be received from the suppliers, and the responses may be used to generate a result list for the user. The result list may include information and/or query status information. Further, an electronic link may be provided to a website of one or more of the supplies from which the information was derived. |
| US07979455B2 |
RDF store database design for faster triplet access
RDF store database designs and efficient techniques for converting SPARQL queries to SQL queries are described that provide faster triplet access, and which can reduce the computational overhead and cost associated with storing large volumes of RDF metadata. In various embodiments RDF data can be stored in de-normalized tables tailored to provide efficient query and storage performance. The provided query conversion techniques provide reliable and efficient query performance. |
| US07979453B2 |
Efficient search result update mechanism
A method/algorithm allows database queries to be saved and an efficient mechanism that matches records whenever they are added or modified to all of the saved queries and returns the list of those queries that match a given record as soon as the record is added or modified. If used in an online search portal example (e.g. a job search site), this invention would allow the searcher to submit and save his search criteria once and the application would return the listings that match the search criteria at that point in time and will also automatically match any new listings that get added after the query gets saved and if a match occurs would notify the user of the listing as soon as the listing is added. This matching on new listings to the saved search will happen continuously until the search is removed. According to an aspect of the invention, by matching a record that is added or changed to the database to all saved queries, it provides convenience to the users and it also reduces the computational cost to achieve the same result relative to other existing techniques to address the same scenario. |
| US07979450B2 |
Instance management of code in a database
The compiled code of a computer program is stored in multiple pieces within a database. Each piece is optionally stored within a separate data record. Execution of the computer program includes using database queries to retrieve pieces of the compiled code for execution. The database and associated database management logic are used to provide numerous advantages in execution and management of the computer program. For example, in some embodiments, database queries are used to help facilitate program flow logic. In another example, database queries are based on a command line or universal resource locator. These queries may be used to select functionality of a computer program in response to the command line or universal resource locator. |
| US07979443B2 |
Meta-data indexing for XPath location steps
In accordance with a method of encoding meta-data associated with tree-structured data, a first set of elements of a plurality of elements in the tree-structured is associated explicitly with explicit meta-data levels, and a second set of elements of the plurality of elements is associated by inheritance with explicit meta-data levels of closest ancestor elements of the first set of elements. The plurality of elements is packed into a plurality of leaf nodes of an index structure. The plurality of leaf nodes is merged into a plurality of non-leaf nodes until a root non-leaf node is generated. The plurality of non-leaf nodes of the index structure is associated with indicators representing ranges of the explicit meta-data levels in the packed first set of elements, such that explicit meta-data level ranges of descendant non-leaf nodes are subsets of explicit meta-data level ranges of ancestor non-leaf nodes. |
| US07979439B1 |
Method and system for collecting and analyzing time-series data
A computer-implemented data processing method comprises receiving an index specification, storing data in a data repository, and indexing the data to create an index of the date stored in the data repository. The index specification comprises a user-specific index parameter. The data is indexed along a dimension of the data specified by the user-specified index parameter. The is received from data source computers and may be indexed as the data is received from the source computers. |
| US07979433B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a corporate directory and service center
A method and apparatus for implementing a corporate directory and service center is described. The method includes and the apparatus performs querying for common characteristics, displaying information in a varied manner of displays and switching between the manners of displaying, maintaining data integrity and changing data, and defining types of data with forms of display or treatments for handling the data. The method may be embodied in various media as instructions which a machine may execute to perform the method. |
| US07979429B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for locating data in large datasets
To analyze a data set having one-to-many relation, the number of simultaneous occurrences of data in which two data elements are coexistent is obtained for all combinations of two data elements. A dependence ratio of one data element upon the other data element is calculated from the numbers of simultaneous occurrences. The data elements are grouped based upon the numbers of occurrences of individual data elements and the dependence ratios compared with the predetermined thresholds. Based on the number of occurrences of individual data elements and the dependence ratios, subordinate relations of data elements within the same group are specified and displayed to a user in the form of a tree or balloon figure. |
| US07979423B2 |
Query evaluation using ancestor information
Provided are techniques for processing a query. A query is received, wherein the query is formed by one or more paths, and wherein each path includes one or more steps. A hierarchical document including one or more document nodes is received. While processing the query and traversing the hierarchical document, one or more extraction entries are constructed, wherein each extraction entry includes a step instance match candidate identifying a document node and a step instance ancestor path for the document node, and one or more tuples are constructed using the one or more extraction entries by associating the step instance match candidate from one of the one or more extraction entries with the step instance match candidate from at least one of the one or more other extraction entries. |
| US07979414B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing peer-to-peer search results
One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for processing a search request message received over a network includes computing a threshold value in accordance with the search request message and returning at least one search result to a user in response to the search request message, if a rank of the at least one search result at least meets the threshold value. |
| US07979408B2 |
Allocation locks and their use
Systems and methodologies are provided that employ an allocation lock, which permits only a single transaction to acquire space on a particular page at any one time. The allocation lock of the present invention facilitates operations of concurrent transactions at a subpage level (e.g., a row level), and in conjunction with a heap manager can enforce a set of conditions such that prior to a commit stage of a transaction, a space availability for a particular page can be typically assured (e.g., that transactions operating on various copies of the page do not consume all of storage space on that page), and reorganization of data around the page is mitigated (e.g., that a transaction need not move data around the page for purpose of merging various copies.) |
| US07979407B2 |
Publication of informational messages to software applications in a computing environment
Systems and methods for publishing information to a plurality of software applications are provided. The methods may comprise identifying a plurality of records based on a last sequential identification code in a high watermark table of a persistent store. The plurality of records may be generated subsequent to a previous record corresponding to the last sequential identification code. A plurality of corresponding messages each corresponding to a record of the plurality of records may be prepared. Each of those messages may then be transmit to at least one software application and may include a most recent message corresponding to a most recent record. In the high water mark table of the persistent store, an updated last sequential identification code may be stored as a pointer for subsequent reference. The updated last sequential identification code may correspond to the most recent message transmitted in the plurality of corresponding messages. |
| US07979404B2 |
Extracting data changes and storing data history to allow for instantaneous access to and reconstruction of any point-in-time data
A “forward” delta data management technique uses a “sparse” index associated with a delta file to achieve both delta management efficiency and to eliminate read latency while accessing history data. The invention may be implemented advantageously in a data management system that provides real-time data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. To facilitate a given data service, a host driver embedded in an application server connects an application and its data to a cluster. The host driver captures real-time data transactions, preferably in the form of an event journal that is provided to the data management system. In particular, the driver functions to translate traditional file/database/block I/O into a continuous, application-aware, output data stream. In an illustrative embodiment, a given application aware data stream is processed through a multi-stage data reduction process to produce a compact data representation from which an “any point-in-time” reconstruction of the original data can be made. |
| US07979402B1 |
System and method for managing file data during consistency points
A system and method for managing data during consistency points in a storage system is provided. A buffer data control structure is modified to include a flags array that tracks various status flags for both a current and a next consistency point (CP). By utilizing multiple pointers within a buffer control structure, the storage system may permit write operations to continue to a data container undergoing write allocation. Received writes during a write allocation procedure are stored in raw data buffers and the buffer control structure is marked as being dirty for a next CP. |
| US07979401B2 |
Time based file system for continuous data protection
Tokens corresponding to data units written to a rewritable file system are stored, where an ordering relationship is maintained among the tokens, where the ordering relationship is such that a first token corresponding to a first data unit is of a lesser numerical value in comparison to a second token corresponding to a second data unit, and where the first data unit is written at an earlier point in time in comparison to the second data unit. The rewritable file system is reverted to an indicated point in time based on the ordering relationship that is maintained among the stored tokens. |
| US07979398B2 |
Physical to electronic record content management
Techniques provide a file plan including a plurality of containers, wherein each container is capable of providing management information for record information objects assigned to the container, wherein the record information objects represent documents, wherein one of the containers points to a physical record. An electronic record associated with the physical record is stored. The physical record is automatically associated with the electronic record by updating the file plan. |
| US07979390B2 |
Software, systems, and methodologies for realignment of remote databases by a central database in support field representative territory assignments
A method for realigning a database server and a client database is provided. During realignment at least one table of the database server is copied to a workspace, and a set of records copied to the workspace is identified that are associated with the client. The set of records associated with the client are modified and can include a subset of records newly associated with the client. An association-rule is created that defines the modified set of records as accessible by the client and includes an effective time. The association-rule and the newly associated records are distributed to the client, preferably during database synchronization. At the effective time, the modifications to the workspace records are made effective on the server and activated on the client. Optionally, the association-rule and the newly associated records are distributed in response to receiving approval of the modified set of records. |
| US07979389B2 |
System and method for performing integrated storage operations
The present invention relates to a method for performing integrated storage operations on an information store. The present invention comprises identifying a plurality disparate types of storage operations stored in a policy option table. A first storage operation is performed according to a first set of storage criteria stored in the policy option table and a second operation, disparate from the first storage operation, is performed according to a second set of storage criteria stored in the policy option table. |
| US07979387B2 |
Personal information system
The present invention provides systems and methods to realize the potential benefit of portable storage devices by taking advantage of standard PCs including an optical disk drive capable of reading an optical disk, such as a CD or a DVD, cost effective optical disks, and the Internet.In a preferred embodiment, an individual patient provides personal data to a healthcare service center. The healthcare service center then creates a portable optical disk for the patient to carry, if he/she so desires. The personal data that is written onto the portable optical disk is stored on a database management server database and is readable and updateable by the individual patient using his/her PC with an optical disk drive and connected to the Internet. The individual patient can choose to update his/her personal data on the portable optical disk and can receive a new portable optical disk that includes the update. The new portable optical disk containing the latest update is created and delivered to the patient by the database management server. |
| US07979386B1 |
Method and system for performing search engine optimizations
In general, the invention relates to a method for performing search engine optimizations using a financial application configured to manage a number of products. The method includes obtaining product data from the financial application, where the product data is associated with a first product of the number of products. The method further includes processing the product data to obtain optimization data, where the optimization data is configured to increase web traffic of a web page associated with the first product. The method further includes sending the optimization data to the financial application, where the web page is updated based on the optimization data. |
| US07979385B2 |
Selective exposure to a data consumer
A method for consuming data includes determining a scope of summarization for a data set in response to receiving a request from a summarization program, obtaining a lock on the data within the scope of summarization and consuming the data from the summarization program within the scope of data summarization. The summarization program includes methods configured to obtain concurrent locks on different portions of the data set. The consumption of the data may be governed by specific rules. |
| US07979384B2 |
Analytic enhancements to model clause in structured query language (SQL)
A method for processing queries is provided. A database server receives and executes a query to generate a relation. The query comprises first one or more clauses and a model clause. The model clause comprises a rule that has a left-side expression and a right-side expression. In one embodiment, the right-side expression of the rule includes a window function, which specifies one or more partition columns. In an embodiment, the left-side expression comprises a for-loop predicate. The for-loop predicate is unfolded after the database server compiles the query. In one embodiment, the left-side expression of the rule comprises one or more existential predicates, where each existential predicate evaluates to a Boolean value. |
| US07979379B2 |
Monitoring a service oriented architecture
Monitoring a service oriented architecture (SOA) comprising a plurality of components. The method may include providing at least one monitoring unit for at least one of the plurality of components. The method may further include providing data concerning an operation of the at least one component as input data to the at least one monitoring unit. Finally, the method may include applying fuzzy logic in the monitoring unit to analyze the input data for generating at least one output value. The at least one output value may then be provided. |
| US07979374B2 |
Product demonstration system and method for using the same
The product demonstration system of the present invention is used to familiarize a person with a product. The product demonstration system includes an audio/visual component that is capable of delivering a recording, an adjustable support that is capable of supporting the person, and a control. The control is operably connected to the adjustable support and the audio/visual component to move the adjustable support and deliver the recording in a coordinated manner to highlight the product. |
| US07979370B1 |
Neural network for electronic search applications
A system for information searching includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first plurality of neurons each associated with a word and with a first set of dynamic connections to at least some of the first plurality of neurons. The second layer include a second plurality of neurons each associated with a document and with a second set of dynamic connections to at least some of the first plurality of neurons. The first set of dynamic connections and the second set of dynamic connections can be configured such that a query of at least one neuron of the first plurality of neurons excites at least one neuron of the second plurality of neurons. The excited at least one neuron of the second plurality of neurons can be contextually related to the queried at least one neuron of the first plurality of neurons. |
| US07979364B2 |
Learning control apparatus, learning control method, and computer program
A learning control apparatus for an autonomous agent including a functional module having a function of multiple inputs and multiple outputs, the function receiving at least one variable and outputting at least one value, includes an estimating unit for estimating a causal relationship of at least one variable, a grouping unit for grouping at least one variable into a variable group in accordance with the estimated causal relationship, a determining for determining a behavior variable corresponding to each of the variable groups, and a layering unit for layering, in accordance with the variable group and the behavior variable, the function corresponding to each variable group, the function receiving the variable grouped into the variable group and outputting the behavior variable. |
| US07979360B2 |
Error propagation in calculation with conditional alternatives
The result of a first calculation may be determined by one of two alternative calculations. Each of the alternative calculations has an error associated therewith (due to factors such as measurement imprecision, rounding, etc.), and these errors propagate to the first calculation. However, there may also be error in the first calculation due to uncertainty about which of the alternative calculations applies. Such error can be taken into account based on the respective probabilities that the first and second calculations will apply, as well as the difference in the results produced by the two calculations. |
| US07979354B2 |
Controlling database copyrights
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a utilization permit key may be pre-defined to permit at least one of displaying, editing, storing, copying, and/or transferring of digital data. |
| US07979351B1 |
Prepaid transaction card activation system and method
The present subject matter relates to reloadable or non-reloadable prepaid transaction card activation systems. More specifically, the system provides a platform for activation of prepaid or stored value transaction cards and capture of customer demographic information, and verification of that information, after the customer has obtained or has been issued a prepaid transaction card. The data capture is performed at activation rather than at point of sale. |
| US07979349B2 |
Systems and methods for adjusting crediting limits to facilitate transactions
A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also includes the options of interest payments, the use of different account issuers, different financial accounts, budget transfers, spend compartmentalization, cost-splitting, adjusting credit limits, loans, gifting, intermediary facilitating the transaction, transaction tracking, rapid funds availability, confidential transfer of funds, immediate initiation of shipment by a seller, releasing funds to a seller only after approval of the goods, services, or other value, demonstrating proof of payment, and recourse against a remote seller. |
| US07979343B2 |
System, method and computer program product for providing an efficient trading market
A system, method and computer program product for providing a trading exchange are disclosed. A request for conducting trade of a security is received from a user. The security associated with requested trade is evaluated to generate a derivative security. A trade is then executed for the user using the derivative security. Information relating to the executed trade is captured utilizing a network so that the captured information can be utilized to adjust an account of the user in accordance with the executed trade. |
| US07979340B2 |
System, program product, and methods for online image handling
Electronic commerce over a computer network is facilitated by a computer system that forms a community of computers that enable the users to buy and sell items in an online marketplace. To list the item on an online marketplace website, for example, the selling user posts an item with a seller marketplace item management website by completing an online-item marketplace item creation form. The form requires input related to the item, such as a description, sale price or minimum bid, shipping instructions, and the like, and an image file or image file location illustrating the marketplace item. The seller marketplace item management server provides a marketplace administrator server the marketplace item data including original image file or image file location. The server contains a random image size generator that generates at least two additional images of the marketplace item for display in a seller marketplace item web page to advertise the marketplace item. |
| US07979339B2 |
System and method for optimizing execution of trading orders
A system for processing trading orders comprises an optimizer module operable to receive a first trading order and a second trading order. The optimizer module is further operable to receive market data associated with at least one market center. The optimizer module is further operable to determine whether to transmit the second trading order to the at least one market center prior to transmitting the first trading order to the at least one market center, the determination based at least in part on the market data. |
| US07979337B2 |
System and method for managing and administering a lifetime income share plan
The present invention provides a system and method for administering an investment option known as a lifetime income share. Lifetime income shares mitigate survival risk, the risk that an individual will outlive his or her assets. More specifically, the purchase of a plurality of lifetime income shares certifies that an individual is entitled to receive a predetermined, periodic income payment for the life of the purchaser. Additionally, the lifetime income shares of the present invention may be purchased and distributed to participants by a third party (e.g. commingled fund). The third party wishing to provide the lifetime income shares of the present invention to participants may purchase a predetermined amount of shares of an annuity from the underwriting organization and distribute it to the participants. This plan has an investment phase, a distribution phase, and a payout phase. Once the payout phase begins, the stream of monthly income commences at a specified age or date. |
| US07979334B2 |
System and method for determining the buying power of an investment portfolio
A system and method for determining the buying power of an investment portfolio are disclosed which involve providing a set of compliance rules for an investment portfolio, receiving a request to analyze a proposed transaction, and calculating a transaction limit for the proposed transaction based upon the set of compliance rules. |
| US07979332B2 |
Method of business valuation and data processing system
A method for valuing a business based on the business generating an acceptable return to an owner during a defined investment period, the method including the steps of assessing the business background for the business to be valued, establishing value optimization factors that determine business value in the light of the business background and the relevant industry of the business to be valued, establishing a business capitalization rate (BCR) appropriate for the business and industry of the business to be valued, calculating a weighted average notional earning before interest and tax (WANEBIT) based on historical financial records of the business to be valued, and calculating the net business value using the WANEBIT and the BCF. |
| US07979330B2 |
Conditional rate modelling
A system for generating a model of unknown values of several rate series at specified times includes a computing device configured to receive input indicative of the parametric model type of the unconditional rate dynamics; receive input indicative of a known or unknown rate value for each rate series and for each specified time into the computing device; generate the values of the known rate changes; generate an unconditional multidimensional probability distribution of the known and unknown rate changes; generate a multidimensional probability distribution of the unknown rate changes conditional on the known rate changes taking their known values; and provide output from the computing device indicative of the modelled values of the unknown values of the several rate series. The several rate series have unconditional rate dynamics characterized by a parametric model type in several dimensions, each rate series having at least one known value. |
| US07979328B1 |
Method and system for interactive invoice inquiry
A method and system for interactive invoice inquiry. In one method embodiment, the present invention receives an invoice. The present invention then stores the invoice in a network-accessible database. Next, the present invention authorizes a requester access to the invoice stored in the network-accessible database. The present invention further authorizes a supplier access to the invoice stored in the network-accessible database. In so doing, the present invention simplifies the resolution of a payment issue for the invoice stored in the network-accessible database. |
| US07979327B2 |
Constant velocity universal joint and quality control method for the same
A quality control method for a constant velocity universal joint 13 includes a step of attaching an IC tag 9 to the constant velocity universal joint 13, a step of recording information in the IC tag 9 about the constant velocity universal joint 13, a utilizing step for reading the information recorded in the IC tag 9 at any arbitrarily chosen time. The IC tag 9 is attached to one of elements 2 such as an outer race 14, an inner race 15, an intermediate shaft 12 and boots 18, all forming respective parts of the constant velocity universal joint 13. This IC tag 9 is recorded with information on, for example, the manufacturing step, the identification number, the date of manufacture and/or the place of manufacture with respect to the elements 2 and the constant velocity universal joint 13. |
| US07979326B2 |
Profit-and-loss management information presentation method, profit-and-loss management information presentation device, and profit-and loss management information presentation process program
Even in the case of a material producing company that uses common main starting materials and has in-house organizations corresponding to manufacturing processes, appropriate profit-and-loss management by each commercial product type can be realized. A solving method includes: a profit-and-loss storing step of linking at least product type information and profit information to each other by each order of products with order record to be stored in an order record profit-and-loss database; an information search step of accepting specific information on the virtual inter-organ organization and search condition information at least including product type condition, and reading from the order record profit-and-loss database, at least product type information and profit information on an order matching the search condition information and on an order belonging to the virtual inter-organ organization matching the specific information on the virtual inter-organ organization; a profit information aggregating step of sorting the product type information by each product type of a product type classification scale indicated in the product type condition and aggregating profit information corresponding to respective product information sorted by each product type; and a profit-and-loss management information presentation step of presenting the aggregated profit information by each product type as the profit-and-loss management information. |
| US07979319B2 |
Method and systems for facilitating a purchase corresponding to an event by determining a purchase recommendation based on a record of a given screensaver being used
The present invention is directed to facilitating purchases for events, and more particularly, displaying purchase recommendations and links in conjunction with events in a calendar displayed in a computer desktop application. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising displaying a calendar in a computer desktop application; receiving information from a server corresponding to an event; displaying a reminder in the calendar corresponding to the given event, said reminder comprising information corresponding to said event and at least one link to an online store; and determining a purchase recommendation corresponding to the given event, wherein the purchase recommendation is determined with respect to a record of a given screensaver being used. |
| US07979315B2 |
Virtual features of physical items
Displaying information about a physical object. Input is received at an interactive surface. The input includes a first physical object being placed on the interactive surface. The first physical object is detected. This includes detecting identifying information about the first physical object. Information is displayed about the first physical object on the interactive surface. |
| US07979314B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining consumer product preferences through interactive product selection and evaluation
A method and system for obtaining consumer preferences over a communication network from consumers. The system searches the product database for products or services based on consumer's search criteria. The system displays the products or services and/or advertisements related to the consumer's search criteria in accordance with the ranking parameter(s) specified by the user. The consumer's preferences, i.e., the search criteria and the ranking parameter(s), are stored in the database for future references, e.g., determine consumer trends, etc. |
| US07979313B1 |
Parts usage comparison system and methods
A parts usage comparison system and methods to directly network buyers and sellers in the mining, construction and agriculture industries in order for buyers to easily and efficiently procure parts and for sellers to easily and efficiently liquidate surplus assets specific to the aforementioned particular industries. The present invention provides methods of searching, buying and selling new, used and reman or rebuilt products. The parts usage and comparison system includes a parts database, a processor coupled to the parts database and a software interface. Third party buyers and third party sellers are connected to the parts database through the software interface. This connection allows searching and maintaining of information on the database. |
| US07979312B2 |
System and method for facillitating transactions in a distribution network
A system and method for facilitating transactions in a distribution network. An analysis tool may be accessed through a computer network by consumers, producers and/or distribution intermediaries. In response to an inquiry, the analysis tool may present a solution sets may to a consumer, producer, and/or distribution intermediary for optimizing interaction with the network, e.g. minimizing cost or maximizing revenue in business transactions over the network. |
| US07979309B1 |
Method and system for automating inventory management of consumer items
A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list. |
| US07979304B2 |
Method of mapping dynamic market conditions to global manufacturing site analysis
A system and method for automatically simulating the affect of a plurality of factors on the cost of goods sold (COGS) resulting from changes in the allocation of goods to be sold in a plurality of predetermined markets. A predetermined plurality of markets are defined, each of which is allocated a default percentage of total goods to be sold. A plurality of production sites are then defined, their associated cost factors determined, their respective output assigned to predetermined markets, and the weighted, average unit COGS for each market is then calculated. A defined market is then selected for sensitivity simulation and its associated sales allocation is iteratively decremented by a predetermined percentage for reallocation to other markets. Each market's weighted, average unit cost is recalculated after each iteration, and once reallocation is completed, the global, average unit COGS is calculated. The process is then repeated for other predetermined markets and the average rate of unit cost change is calculated. Candidate production sites are then defined, with their associated cost factors, and the process is repeated until market sensitivity simulation is completed. Unit COGS results are then generated and presented as a graphical representation of the sensitivity of the COGS to changes in the allocation of goods to be sold to one or more predetermined markets. |
| US07979301B1 |
Online taxonomy for constructing customer service queries
A heuristically developable Internet based taxonomy of data objects presented in multimedia format on web pages replaces inefficient and awkward text boxes traditionally used to submit queries to search engines. The taxonomy is supported by a selection-oriented knowledge base (SOKB) that provides on a server a navigatable network structure configured to selectively construct queries, wherein users communicate with a server via a web browser. The construction of a query is based upon knowledge captured by the SOKB as a result of a sequence of selection steps executed by the user in connection with the navigation of the network structure, whereby at each selection step a choice of classes of data objects is presented to the user. The web pages display a “THAT'S IT” button for the user to recognize the data object the user has in mind and an emergency “HELP” button for immediate assistance from a live agent. |
| US07979300B2 |
Business ratings determined from non-rating information
Address books, activity logs, or similar data that are normally prepared by people for purposes other than rating businesses can be parsed and processed to rate businesses without requiring users to complete reviews. As a result, a large amount of rating data is available and may provide business ratings and rankings that are more complete and statistically accurate. A local search site can provide users with lists of businesses with rankings or ratings based on community preferences as reflected in user data and activity logs. |
| US07979299B1 |
Methods and apparatus for optimizing markdown pricing
The invention provides methods and apparatus for optimizing markdown scheduling that group multiple retail sites into bins (or buckets) for purposes of scheduling markdown pricing on an item (or group of related items) sold by those sites. The groupings can be based, for example, on a metric that is a function of the current inventory of the item (or items) and its expected sales at each site. A markdown schedule is generated for the combined grouping of stores in each bucket, rather than for the individual stores that make up that bucket, thereby speeding price optimization determination. A report of those schedules can be used, for example, by pricing managers or other personnel to set prices at the sites. Alternatively, or in an addition, the schedules can be used in conjunction with an inventory control system to set prices for the items and/or on RFID or other electronic shelf displays. |
| US07979297B1 |
Order tracking and reporting tool
A computerized workflow analysis tool, which allows a user to navigate through many levels of increasingly detailed order-related information. The order tracking and reporting tool of the preferred embodiments further allow a user to create customized, ad-hoc reports. In addition, the preferred embodiments allows a user to search information obtained from a plurality of databases by selected parameters, and to download the results obtained for further mathematical manipulation, graphing or trend analysis. |
| US07979294B2 |
System and method for providing decision support to appointment schedulers in a healthcare setting
A method of providing a healthcare provider the ability to schedule an appointment including receiving a patient's requested appointment from an appointment scheduler; receiving an initial visit type from the appointment scheduler corresponding to the requested appointment; scheduling the requested appointment when it is determined that the requested appointment corresponds to a basic appointment; and providing the appointment scheduler with a set of decision support tools and responding to the requested appointment, when it is determined that the requested appointment corresponds to a complex appointment. |
| US07979286B2 |
Patient-interactive healthcare management
A patient-interactive health care management system provides means for healthcare services rendered by a physician to a patient to be confirmed by the patient immediately after the healthcare services are rendered. The patient is provided the ability to verify the accuracy of an invoice for the rendered services/goods and provide an assessment of the rendered services/goods. In an example embodiment, the patient provides this information via an information station located at the healthcare facility in which the healthcare services/goods are rendered. The information gathered from the patient is provided to the party responsible for paying for the rendered healthcare services/goods. In an example embodiment, the paying party compares the patient provided information with the invoice received from the healthcare provider to assess the accuracy of the invoice. |
| US07979285B2 |
Systems and methods for enhanced min/max edit for drug claim submission verification
Systems and methods are provided for verification of claims submitted by one or more pharmacies. The systems and methods include storing a Multiple Package Edit (MPE) table that includes drug package size information, storing an audit table that includes drug dose information, and storing a user table that includes pharmacy-supplied drug information. The systems and methods also include receiving a first claim submission from a pharmacy computer, where the first claim submission includes at least one identifier, a quantity, and days supply for a requested drug. The systems and methods further include determining that the first claim submission includes an error in at least one of the quantity and days supply based upon information obtained from at least one of the user table, the MPE table, and the audit table, and messaging the pharmacy computer with an indication of the determined error. |
| US07979282B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding object-based audio signals
Provided are an audio encoding method and apparatus and an audio decoding method and apparatus in which audio signals can be encoded or decoded so that sound images can be localized at any desired position for each object audio signal. The audio decoding method includes extracting a downmix signal and object-based side information from an input audio signal; generating rendering information based on input control data; and generating spatial information based on the rendering information and the object-based side information. |
| US07979278B2 |
Speech recognition system and speech file recording system
A user term information extraction unit extracts term information of a user out of information that has been input by the user to an application for use other than speech recording beforehand, and a speech recognition dictionary management unit expands a vocabulary of a speech recognition dictionary according to the term information of the user. Next, the user inputs speech via a speech input unit, and a speech recognition unit executes speech recognition using the speech recognition dictionary. A representative term information selection unit extracts the term information of the user contained in the speech recognition result, and selects one or a plurality of pieces of representative term information from the term information of the user. A speech file recording unit records the speech data as a speech file, and renders a file name of the speech file according to the representative term information. Thus, a speech recognition and speech file recording system is provided that records input data as a speech file and automatically renders a file name thereto with which a content of the file can be grasped immediately. |
| US07979274B2 |
Method and system for preventing speech comprehension by interactive voice response systems
A method of and system for generating a speech signal with an overlayed random frequency signal using prosody modification of a speech signal output by a text-to-speech (TTS) system to substantially prevent an interactive voice response (IVR) system from understanding the speech signal without significantly degrading the speech signal with respect to human understanding. The present invention involves modifying a prosody of the speech output signal by using a prosody of the user's response to a prompt. In addition, a randomly generated overlay frequency is used to modify the speech signal to further prevent the IVR system from recognizing the TTS output. The randomly generated frequency may be periodically changed using an overlay timer that changes the random frequency signal at a predetermined intervals. |
| US07979271B2 |
Methods and devices for switching between sound signal coding modes at a coder and for producing target signals at a decoder
Methods and devices are used for switching between sound signal coding modes and for producing from a decoded target signal, an overlap-add target signal in a current frame coded according to a first mode. On a coder side, switching is at the junction between a previous frame coded according to a first coding mode and a current frame coded according to a second coding mode, a sound signal is filtered through a weighting filter to produce a weighted signal in the current frame, and a windowed zero-input response of the weighting filter is removed from the weighted signal. On a decoder side, a current frame of the target signal is first windowed, a left portion of a resulting window is skipped, and then a windowed zero-input response of the weighting filter is added to the decoded target signal to reconstruct the overlap-add target signal. |
| US07979269B2 |
Universal container for audio data
Storing audio data encoded in any of a plurality of different audio encoding formats is enabled by parametrically defining the underlying format in which the audio data is encoded, in audio format and packet table chunks. A flag can be used to manage storage of the size of the audio data portion of the file, such that premature termination of an audio recording session does not result in an unreadable corrupted file. This capability can be enabled by initially setting the flag to a value that does not correspond to a valid audio data size and that indicates that the last chunk in the file contains the audio data. State information for the audio data, to effectively denote a version of the file, and a dependency indicator for dependent metadata, may be maintained, where the dependency indicator indicates the state of the audio data on which the metadata is dependent. |
| US07979268B2 |
String matching method and system and computer-readable recording medium storing the string matching method
A string matching method, system, and a computer-readable medium storing instructions for determining and obtaining a representative string for a plurality of strings that are written in various manners but share the same meaning. The string matching method includes: converting the input string into one or more second-language strings with reference to a language mapping table, which stores a plurality of pieces of mapping information for mapping a first-language string to a second-language string, and generating a conversion list; searching a representative list database, which storing a plurality of records each with a representative string and a corresponding second-language representative string, for records including the same second-language representative strings as the respective second-language strings in the conversion list and generating a candidate list; and determining a representative string from the candidate list to be an output representative string. Therefore, the string matching can provide string-based multimedia data classification scenarios. |
| US07979262B1 |
Method for verifying connectivity of electrical circuit components
Connections between digital blocks and other circuit components, such as power supplies and clocks, are verified using a discrete property or object, such as a discrete discipline. A discrete discipline is defined for each value of an operating parameter, such as voltage or clock speed, that is used in a circuit design. Each discrete discipline is propagated throughout respective nets using bottom-up and/or top-down propagation. As a result, each digital net is associated with a power supply value through its corresponding discrete discipline. A determination is made whether two digital nets are connected to each other within the same digital island. If so, a determination is made whether the digital nets are compatible. If they have conflicting discrete disciplines, then they are not compatible and an error report or signal can be generated to identify the incompatibility and its location. Compatibility checks can disregard grounded digital nets. Verifications can be performed for both digital and mixed signal digital/analog designs without running simulations. |
| US07979259B2 |
Diabetes care management system
A diabetes care management system for managing blood glucose levels associated with diabetes comprising a computing device and an insulin delivery device. The computing device generally includes (i) a memory comprising one or more optimal blood glucose values, one or more self care values of a patient, one or more measured blood glucose values, and one or more scaling factors for weighting the impact on a future blood glucose value and that are customizable to an individual patient to predict the effect on the blood glucose of self care actions performed by the individual patient; (ii) a microprocessor, in communication with the memory, programmed to (A) determine the one or more scaling factors from one or more physiological parameters including body mass, metabolism rate, fitness level or hepatic or peripheral insulin sensitivity, or combinations thereof, and (B) calculate a further value, the further value being based on the self care values, and on the one or more optimal blood glucose values, and on the one or more scaling factors; and (iii) a display configured to display information according to the further value; and (iv) a housing, wherein the memory and the microprocessor are housed within the housing, thereby providing a hand-held, readily transportable computing device. The insulin delivery device may deliver insulin in response to information associated with the further value. |
| US07979258B2 |
Self-calibration of mass spectra using robust statistical methods
The use of a robust statistical method for self-calibration of a measuring instrument, such as a mass spectrometer, is disclosed. The method involves the use of differences in mass and complementary pairs for example, to estimate calibration parameters. Self-calibration of various mass spectra is described. Related systems and computer-readable media are also described. |
| US07979257B2 |
Apparatus and methods for performing process simulation using a hybrid model
The invention provides an apparatus and methods for performing process simulation and structural analysis using a hybrid model. For example, a method of the invention automatically defines a hybrid solution domain by dividing a representation of a plastic component or mold cavity into two portions—a portion in which a simplified analysis may be conducted, and a portion in which a more complex analysis is required. The method may use as input any form of CAD data that describes the surface of a component or mold. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for simulating fluid flow within a mold cavity by automatically creating a hybrid solution domain, automatically discretizing the domain, and solving for the distribution of process variables within the solution domain. |
| US07979256B2 |
Determining absorbent article effectiveness
A method for determining absorbent article effectiveness of a virtual absorbent article. The steps of the method include providing a virtual body model, providing a virtual absorbent article model, providing virtual simulation software, running a virtual simulation of deformation of the virtual absorbent article model in proximity with the virtual body model, running a virtual simulation of the fluid balance of the virtual absorbent article model in proximity with the virtual body model, coupling the virtual simulation of deformation of the virtual absorbent article model and the virtual simulation of the fluid balance of the virtual absorbent article model, and determining absorbent article effectiveness of the virtual absorbent article model in proximity with the virtual body model. |
| US07979251B2 |
Automatic generation of building instructions for building element models
A computer-implemented method of generating building instructions for a building element model, the model including a plurality of building elements, the building instructions being indicative of a sequential order of construction steps for constructing the building element model, each construction step including adding at least one building element to the building element model. The method comprises determining, from a digital representation of the building element model, a sequential order of deconstruction steps for deconstructing the building element model into building elements, each deconstruction step including removing at least one building element from the building element model; and inverting the determined sequential order of deconstruction steps to obtain the sequential order of construction steps. |
| US07979250B2 |
Method of laying out a data center using a plurality of thermal simulators
A method is provided for facilitating installation of one or more electronics racks within a data center. The method includes: placing a plurality of thermal simulators in the data center in a data center layout to establish a thermally simulated data center, each thermal simulator simulating at least one of airflow intake or heated airflow exhaust of a respective electronics rack of a plurality of electronics racks to be installed in the data center; monitoring temperature within the thermally simulated data center at multiple locations, and verifying the data center layout if measured temperatures are within respective acceptable temperature ranges for the data center when containing the plurality of electronics racks; and establishing the plurality of electronics racks within the data center using the verified data center layout, the establishing including at least one of reconfiguring or replacing each thermal simulator with a respective electronics rack. |
| US07979246B2 |
System and method for automatic selection of transmission line macromodels
Transmission line macromodels can be classified into main categories of delay-extraction and rational approximation. The exponential solution of the Telegrapher's Equation is used to create a system and method that enable a time-domain circuit simulator to automatically select the most appropriate macromodel for a given transmission line structure. |
| US07979245B1 |
Model-based systems and methods for monitoring computing resource performance
Modeling systems and methods for constructing one or more models of a computing system using collected data. Certain model-based systems build topology models and/or model instances by transforming collected performance data into a collection-location independent form. In certain examples, systems include at least one agent for collecting performance data from monitored resource(s), canonical data transform (CDT) configurations, and a data transformation module for performing data transform operation(s) on the performance data based on at least one CDT configuration. The data transform operation may include generating and/or updating a topology model, assigning metrics to model object(s), updating properties of model object(s), creating associations between existing model objects, or the like. Certain systems and methods also allow for a single piece of data to be processed by multiple models or for pieces of data collected from different locations to be matched and/or associated with the same model object. |
| US07979242B2 |
Method and structure for providing optimal design of toleranced parts in manufacturing
A method and structure for a computerized method for providing an optimization solution, includes, for a process, wherein is defined a linear functional form y=f(X,c), where X comprises a set of independent variables X={x1, . . . xn}, c includes a set of functional parameters c={c1, . . . cn}, and y comprises a dependent variable, where the independent variables set X is partitioned into two subsets, X1 and X2, receiving data for the process and minimizing y with respect to X1. Dependent variable y is maximized with respect to X2, subject to a set of constraints. The maximizing y includes a global optimum for the process. |
| US07979240B2 |
System and method for real-time monitoring and failure prediction of electrical submersible pumps
The present application relates to a system and method for real-time monitoring and failure prediction of electrical submersible pumps. The design includes generating a failure prediction value with a management system by calculating a percentage change of the respective first measurement values and the corresponding user-supplied stable operating values, the failure prediction value representing likelihood of failure of the electrical submersible pump. |
| US07979239B2 |
System and method for monitoring and managing electrical power transmission and distribution networks
A system and method for monitoring and managing electrical power transmission and distribution networks through use of a deterministic, non-iterative method using an holomorphic embedding and algebraic approximants for determining the real-time load flow in a power generating system having an electrical grid. Such method may be employed for real-time or off-line applications for electric power systems reliability assessment, and is capable of determining whether or not a physical solution to the load flow problem exists, or if the system is in a state of voltage collapse. |
| US07979236B2 |
Finding minimum remaining float for a pattern of non-uniform sized features
A method for analyzing tolerances for features for an object. A framework may be created from the plurality of features for the object. The framework may be fitted to a plurality of manufactured features for the object based on the plurality of features to form a fit framework. A remaining clearance may be identified between each of a plurality of manufactured sizes associated with the plurality of features and each of plurality of virtual conditions for the plurality of features to form a plurality of remaining clearances. A plurality of remaining clearance geometric shapes may be formed from the plurality of remaining clearances. The plurality of remaining clearance features may be positioned around a single true position. A common region may be identified from between the plurality of remaining clearances. A minimum remaining float may be identified from the common region. A resulting pattern transformation may be determined. |
| US07979229B2 |
Displacement control signal correction method, displacement control device, construction machine and displacement control signal correction program
The present invention includes: a displacement altering unit for generating a displacement control pressure corresponding to a displacement control signal; an input unit for inputting a target displacement; a pressure calculating unit for calculating a displacement control pressure corresponding to the target displacement based upon predetermined reference characteristics of the displacement altering unit; a pressure detecting unit for detecting a pressure corresponding to the displacement control pressure; a signal calculating unit for calculating a displacement control signal corresponding to the input target displacement; and a correcting unit for correcting the displacement control signal calculated by the signal calculating unit based upon the displacement control pressure having been calculated by the pressure calculating unit and the measured pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit. |
| US07979225B2 |
Method and system of testing device sensitivity
Method and system that test device sensitivity according to whether the device passes or fails when subjected to a test signal. The device may be repeatedly subjected to test signal at varying operating parameters in order to assess pass-fail threshold at which the device transitions from operating properly/improperly to operating improperly/properly. |
| US07979221B2 |
Intelligent electronic device having network access
An electric power meter is disclosed which includes an analog to digital converter for converting sensed voltage and/or current signals to digital signals corresponding thereto. The meter further comprises storage for storing the digital signals. The meter further comprises a processor for performing power calculations upon the digital signals, and converting the calculations and the digital signals into at least one network protocol. The meter further comprises a network interface for interfacing with an external network. A system for modifying the functionality of the electric power meter is also disclosed. |
| US07979219B2 |
Transmission medium testing apparatus and method
The invention provides a method for testing a transmission medium used in a full-duplex communication system comprising an endpoint that comprises a transmitting end (TX) and a receiving end (RX); the method comprises the steps of: first, transmitting a transmitted signal which comprises a test signal sequence with a high auto-correlation characteristic; then, receiving a received signal, and performing a correlation operation on the test signal and the received signal; finally, according to the result of the correlation operation, determining the impedance matching condition of the transmission medium. |
| US07979216B2 |
Method for determining a gas compositional origin from carbon material thermal degradation
At least one type of carbon material susceptible to generate a gas G is selected. Then, a model is built from the carbon isotopic composition of a gas P generated by thermal degradation of this type of carbon material. The model is calibrated by calibrating the kinetic effect independently of the precursor effect. In order to achieve that, pyrolyses are performed on compounds modeling the type of carbon material, said compounds being synthesized and labeled with 13C. Using said model, a carbon isotopic composition of gas P generated is estimated. Finally, it is determined whether gas G has been generated from the selected type of carbon material, by comparing a measured isotopic composition of gas G to the estimated isotopic composition. |
| US07979206B2 |
Route calculation method for a vehicle navigation system
Traffic information, including flow information and incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be used in route calculation by a navigation device. The navigation device may recalculate a route based on anticipated user error. Alternatively, the navigation device may recalculate a route using received traffic information triggered by the receipt of a traffic information update, or triggered by the passage of an amount of time. The broadcast rate of traffic information updates may vary temporally (providing more frequent updates during peak commute times) or geographically (providing more frequent updates to metropolitan areas with increased traffic information needs). If route calculation is triggered by an elapsed amount of time, the amount of time may vary to be shorter during peak commute times. Additional route calculation techniques allow the incorporation of historical traffic information or the use of the most recent traffic information if incomplete traffic information is available. Still further route calculation techniques may calculate a best route by avoiding zigzagging or evaluating an assigned cost of a potential route. |
| US07979205B2 |
System, apparatus and method for mapping
The present invention provides a novel apparatus and method for mapping of urban regions. An apparatus includes the remote sensing equipment that is connected to a computer processor. The remote sensing equipment gathers imaging data about an urban region. The computer processor interprets the imaging data to generate a map of the urban region comprising representations that identify a first set of indicia representing physiographic characteristics, a second set of indicia representing different types of built forms, and a third set of indicia representing patterns of human activity associated with both the physiographic characteristics and the built forms. The map can also include a fourth set of indicia representing an intensity level that at least one of the other types of indicia occurs. |
| US07979203B2 |
Method for operating a navigation device
A method for operating a navigation device including a processor, a signal receiver for receiving position signals, a road network database that also contains position data on tunnels (tunnel attributes), a position finding unit that determines the current position of the vehicle, a display unit and a display control for controlling the adjustments of the display unit, particularly for regulating the brightness and/or a color scheme of the display unit. The display control is able to change the adjustment of the display unit while driving through a tunnel (tunnel mode). The method can include determining the vehicle position with consideration of the received position signals and automatically activating the tunnel mode of the display unit by means of the display control immediately or with a certain time delay if the determined vehicle position features a tunnel attribute and the received position signals fall short of a predetermined signal quality. |
| US07979190B2 |
Control system
There is provided a control unit including a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, a vehicle stop determination module for determining whether or not a vehicle is stopping based on a detection result of the vehicle sensor and a controller, wherein the controller operates an inclination component of gravity acceleration in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle on a road surface on which the vehicle is running based on an output of the power source detected by a power source output sensor and a brake torque detected by a brake torque sensors when the stop determination unit is determining that the vehicle is in a stopped state and controls either of the output of the power source and the brake force based on the result of the calculation when the vehicle starts. |
| US07979189B2 |
Vehicle behavior control system and method
A vehicle behavior control system includes: a first drive power control unit that executes a turning control over right and left drive wheels of a vehicle to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle based on a drive power difference between the right and left drive wheels; a second drive power control unit that executes a traction control when any drive power difference between the right and left drive wheels exists, in order to reduce the existing drive power difference; and a traction control restriction unit that restricts the traction control from being executed when the turning control over the right and left drive wheels is executed. |
| US07979188B2 |
Method for activating and deactivating the four-wheel drive of service and working vehicles without interactive differential locks
A method for activating and deactivating the four-wheel drive of a service or a working vehicle not having interaxle differential locks. According to the method, the activation and deactivation of the four-wheel drive is derived from at least one of the following parameters, namely, the driving and load conditions of the vehicle (1), the vehicle speed and the output torque of the gearbox. |
| US07979180B2 |
Motion control system for vehicle based on jerk information
A motion control system for a vehicle including includes control means for controlling a yaw moment of the vehicle, first detection means for detecting a longitudinal velocity (V) of the vehicle, second detection means for detecting a lateral jerk (Gy_dot) of the vehicle, and third detection means for detecting a yaw angular acceleration (r_dot) of the vehicle. The yaw moment of the vehicle is controlled by the control means so that a difference between the yaw angular acceleration (r_dot) detected by the third detection means and a value (Gy_dot/V) obtained by dividing the lateral jerk (Gy_dot) of the vehicle detected by the second detection means by the longitudinal velocity (V) detected by the first detection means, becomes small. |
| US07979179B2 |
Apparatus and method for pitch state estimation for a vehicle
An apparatus and method for a pitch state estimator is provided. The pitch state estimator generates a pitch state signal for establishing the orientation used in the control of a ground-traversing vehicle. The vehicle has a support for supporting a load which is preferably a human passenger. In one embodiment, the pitch state estimator includes a pitch sensor connected to the vehicle producing a pitch signal representing an estimate of a pitch angle of the vehicle. The pitch angle is associated with a coordinate system referenced to gravity. The pitch state estimator also includes at least one inertial reference sensor connected to the vehicle producing an inertial orientation signal with respect to the vehicle. Further included is a state estimator module for receiving the pitch signal and the inertial orientation signal and calculating a pitch state signal from the inertial orientation signal and the pitch signal sensor. The pitch state signal is provided to a control loop of the vehicle for dynamically maintaining stability of the vehicle. |
| US07979166B2 |
Generation facility management system
The invention relates to a generation facility management system using natural energy, and an object of the invention is to promote introduction of a generation facility by giving a consideration for generated and consumed power.The generation facility management system is characterized in including a generation facility using natural energy and a management server for managing power information on the generation facility, wherein the generation facility includes: an energy obtaining section for obtaining natural energy; a power generating section for generating power from the obtained natural energy; an information control section for creating generated power information on the power generated by the power generating section; and a communication section for transmitting the power information to the management server, and the management server includes an information management section for determining a consideration for the power information transmitted from the generation facility by using predetermined consideration information. |
| US07979163B2 |
Devices and methods for providing configuration information to a controller
A controller equipped with a controller interface configured to accept one or more input parameters is disclosed, including methods for programming such devices. An illustrative controller interface may include a number of knobs, slides, buttons, or other input means for setting various set-points within the controller that can be used to control one or more HVAC system components of a building or structure. The input parameters may correspond directly to physical parameters of the building or structure being regulated, allowing the user to program the controller without having an extensive knowledge of HVAC systems or their operation. |
| US07979153B2 |
Exposure data generating apparatus
An exposure-data generating apparatus comprises a first memory, a second memory, and an exposure data memory. The first memory stores drawing data in bitmap format as first data that is used for an exposure. The second memory stores second data whose data unit in a column direction is converted to a resolution unit of information of each cell based on the first data. The exposure data memory stores exposure data that is raster data obtained by a burst transfer of third data at every column unit. The second data is rearranged and converted to the third data, where an arrangement of data of each cell of the second data in the column direction is changed to a row direction. The cell constitutes a display element of a Digital Micro-mirror Device that performs the exposure based on said exposure data. |
| US07979149B2 |
Audio data associated with a surface and a position on the surface
A method of playing audio data by a portable device is disclosed. The method starts with an optical sensor of the portable device sensing a tag on a surface. The tag encodes an identity of the surface and a location of the tag on the surface. Audio data is recorded by an audio system of the portable device. A processor of the portable device determines the identity of the surface and the location of the tag sensed by the optical sensing device on the surface. The portable device communicates the audio data, the identity of the surface and the location of the tag to a computer system where the audio data is associated with the identity of the surface and the location of the tag. Upon subsequent sensing of the tag by the optical sensor, the portable device communicates the identity of the surface and the location of the tag to the computer system, where the audio data associated with the identity of the surface and the location of the tag is retrieved and communicated to the portable device. The audio data retrieved by the portable device is then played back by the portable device. |
| US07979147B1 |
Engine sound replication device
An apparatus for replicating an engine and/or exhaust sound of a predetermined vehicle includes files stored in computer-readable form in a memory library of the engine and/or exhaust sound of the predetermined vehicle. A microcomputer operated controller receives engine data such as the RPM of the engine of the personal vehicle and continually selects which files to obtain and use. The controller adjusts the sound pattern to optimally correspond in a preferred way with the RPM of the engine of the personal vehicle and the controller provides an output signal that is amplified and fed to a speaker for audio playback of a replicated sound of the engine and/or exhaust sound of the predetermined vehicle in the personal vehicle. A speaker disposed outside the vehicle includes a conical or cylindrical shape. A diagnostic capability is also disclosed. Connection to an OBD II connector provides the desired engine data. |
| US07979140B2 |
Segmented electrode
An electrode having a plurality of electrically conductive segments, each segment being electrically isolated from adjacent segments. The segments are adapted to control living tissue, typically a neuromuscular pathway for delivery of stimulation signals to a desired pathway. The segments may be selectively chosen for the delivery of the stimulation signals, so as to avoid delivery of stimulation signals to tissue in contact with segments not chosen. |
| US07979136B2 |
Method and system for multi-device communication
A medical data system including a plurality of receivers configured to wirelessly receive medical data via a signal. |
| US07979135B2 |
Cochlear implant pitch intensity
A system and method are described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array having multiple stimulation electrodes. An acoustic audio signal is processed to determine associated pitch characteristics and frequency component information. From the pitch characteristics and the frequency component information, electrode stimulation signals are determined which have intensity levels that reflect the pitch characteristics. Then audio nerve tissue is stimulated by applying the electrode stimulation signals to the electrodes in the implanted electrode array. |
| US07979134B2 |
Artificial retina device with stimulating and ground return electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the neuroretina and method of attachment
An artificial retinal device, implanted in the subretinal space of the eye in persons with certain types of retinal blindness, induces artificial vision by electrical stimulation of the remaining viable cells of the retina. The artificial retina device includes a stimulating electrode unit preferably placed in the subretinal space. |
| US07979133B2 |
Method of neurostimulation of distinct neural structures using single paddle lead to treat multiple pain locations and multi-column, multi-row paddle lead for such neurostimulation
In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations. |
| US07979130B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of nervous system disorders
Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Further embodiments of the invention include preparing for the delivery of therapy by warming up therapy delivery components prior to the expected delivery of therapy. |
| US07979127B2 |
Digestive organ retention device
An retaining device for attaching to a contractile organ such as a digestive tract organ or stomach is provided. One aspect may include a lead for stimulating a digestive organ. The device may be an electrical stimulation device configured to deliver electrical signals to the organ. |
| US07979126B2 |
Orientation-independent implantable pulse generator
An improved structure for an implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator, is disclosed. The improved device includes a charging coil for wirelessly receiving energy via induction from an external charger. The charging coil in the device is located substantially equidistantly from the two planar sides of the device case. Because the coil is substantially equidistant within the thickness of the case of the device, the device's orientation within the patient is irrelevant, at least from the standpoint of the efficiency of charging the device using the external charger. Accordingly, charging is not adversely affected if the device is implanted in the patient with the wrong orientation, or if the device flips within the patient after implantation. Moreover, because the central portion of the device naturally corresponds to the largest lateral extent within the case due to the case's curved edges, the charging coil can be made larger in area, which improves its gain vis-à-vis the external charger. |
| US07979125B2 |
Implantable biventricular heart stimulating device and method for performing a capture threshold search
In an implantable biventricular heart stimulating device, and a biventricular heart stimulating method, wherein operation takes place normally with a time VV between a pacing pulse delivered, or inhibited, by a first ventricular pacing circuit and a pacing pulse delivered, or inhibited, by a second ventricular pacing circuit, and wherein a time VVcts is determined that is to be used instead of VV during a capture threshold search. |
| US07979121B2 |
Method and apparatus for physiological treatment with electromagnetic energy
An electromagnetic device and method of operation thereof are disclosed. The electromagnetic device contains an electromagnetic field generator, a microcurrent generator and a photonic accumulator. The electromagnetic field generator generates broadband electromagnetic fields to substantially envelope a subject placed in proximity thereto. The subject is placed in contact with microcurrent electrodes so as to permit a broadband microcurrent to flow through the subject or along the surface of the subject. A photonic accumulator is positioned proximate the subject to receive biophotons emitted therefrom and to activate the biophotons with a light source. |
| US07979119B2 |
Display graphics for use in stimulation therapies
Tissue stimulation systems, such as spinal cord stimulation systems, include a pulse generator to generate pulses at various amplitude, duration, and frequency through one or more electrodes. A visual depiction of both a pulse and an electrode configuration is thus provided herein. These depictions may be used in a stimulation display interface to readily convey stimulation parameter information to a user, wherein the interface is used in a stimulation session. |
| US07979113B2 |
Multi channel approach to capture verification
Methods and systems involve classifying the cardiac response to pacing using a multi-channel approach. Multiple cardiac response signals are sensed via multiple sense channels. Each sense channel comprises a distinct combination of electrodes and sensing circuitry. The cardiac response to the pacing pulse is classified based on the morphology of the cardiac response signals. Classifying the cardiac response involves discriminating between capture, fusion, non-capture, and non-capture with intrinsic activity. |
| US07979112B2 |
Reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram based upon an endocardial electrogram
The reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram based upon an endocardial electrogram. This method includes: (a) acquisition (10) of a plurality of endocardial electrogram signals (EGM) through a plurality of endocardial leads defined based upon endocardial electrodes; (b) calculation (12), by combining the endocardial electrogram (EGM) signals acquired at step (a), of the corresponding endocardial vectogram (VGM); (c) angular resealing (14) of the orthonormalized mark of the endocardial vectogram (VGM) with that of the surface vectocardiogram (VCG); (d) estimation (16), based upon the endocardial vectogram (VGM) calculated at step (b), of a reconstructed surface vectocardiogram (VCGreconstructed), and (e) calculation (18) of the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) corresponding to said reconstructed surface vectocardiogram (VCGreconstructed). |
| US07979111B2 |
Wireless electrode arrangement and method for patient monitoring via electrocardiography
A wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) system is disclosed. The wireless ECG provides for recording potentials on the surface of a body. The wireless ECG includes a plurality of electrodes suitable for attachment to the surface of the body, a voltage measuring circuit for detecting a voltage between a reference voltage level and electrodes, an error detecting circuit, and a transmitting circuit for transmitting the detected voltage signal to a receiver. The disclosed system is robust in that it provides the capability of continuous monitoring of a subject while correcting for defects in an electrode, contact, presence of excessive noise or other developments in addition to providing the customary alarms in the event of disruptions. |
| US07979110B1 |
Method for accurate placement of electrodes
The currently claimed invention is for a method of placement of certain medical devices, and in particular, to the placement of electrodes in the field biopotential or electrophysiological monitoring. More particularly, it provides a new method for marking the skin of a subject where medical electrodes are to be placed including the placement of an electrode harness containing these electrodes. The method for accurate placement of electrodes of the currently claimed invention provides a quick, efficient method of electrode placement and replacement. This method further allows homecare providers or even the patient themself to accurately place and replace electrodes for home health care or outpatient monitoring. |
| US07979108B2 |
Automated vessel repair system, devices and methods
Systems, devices and automated methods for minimally invasive surgery. A device is fabricated of bio-compatible semiconductor elements, and can be assembled, delivered, navigated and implanted by automated methods, using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. |
| US07979107B2 |
System and method for differentiation of normal and malignant in vivo liver tissues
A method for differentiating malignant in vivo liver tissues from normal in vivo liver tissues of a living subject includes the steps of: (a) illuminating a first area and a second area of in vivo liver tissues of the living subject with a first excitation light, (b) measuring an intensity of fluorescent light emitted from each of the first area and the second area of in vivo liver tissues in response to the first excitation light as a function of wavelength so as to obtain a first and a second fluorescent spectra, respectively, (c) illuminating the first area and the second area of in vivo liver tissues with a second excitation light, (d) measuring an intensity of diffuse light reflected by each of the first area and the second area of in vivo liver tissues in response to the second excitation light as a function of wavelength so as to obtain a first and a second diffused reflectance spectra, respectively, and (e) identifying one of the first area and the second area of in vivo liver tissues as malignant liver tissues and the other one of the first area and the second area of in vivo liver tissues as normal liver tissues, by comparing the first fluorescence spectrum and the second florescence spectrum, and comparing the first diffused reflection spectrum and the second diffused reflection spectrum. |
| US07979100B2 |
Sliding mechanism for cellular phone
A sliding mechanism for a cellular phone includes a low-profile base provided on one surface with a central recess and a pair of parallel elongated sliding slots located at two lateral sides of the recess; a supporting bracket slidably connected to the surface of the base with the recess; and a plurality of flat elastic members each having a first and a second telescopic element respectively pivotally connected to the base and the supporting bracket. The base is enclosed in a plastic material through insert molding to have a slim body that enables a reduced overall thickness of the cellular phone. And, the flat elastic members allow the supporting bracket to smoothly slide relative to the base in a balanced manner. |
| US07979099B2 |
Slide module and mobile terminal incorporating the slide module
A mobile terminal is provided that can satisfy various functions. The mobile terminal includes a first body, a second body mounted to the first body such that the second body can be opened and closed and a slide module is mounted between the first and second bodies, thereby enabling the first body to slidably move in one direction and fold in a different direction. |
| US07979092B2 |
Apparatus and method for display control in a mobile communication terminal
Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling an image in a mobile communication terminal. The apparatus includes a display for displaying an enlarged image; and a controller for, when an input for enlarging an image is detected, enlarging the image in a position in which the input for enlarging the image is detected, and displaying the enlarged image on the display. The apparatus controls the size of the image displayed on the display of the mobile communication terminal, allowing convenient access to data displayed on the display and the selection of menus on the enlarged image and convenience in selecting menus from a small display. |
| US07979091B2 |
Method for operating a mobile communication device, software provided for carrying out the method, software storage medium for storing the software, and the mobile communication device
A method of operating a mobile communication device comprising displaying a array of selectable functions in a first direction on a display of the communication device; scrolling through the selectable functions in the array of functions by using one or more navigation keys, wherein for each one of the selectable functions, a respective array of selectable contacts is displayed in a second direction on the display as the selectable functions are scrolled through; scrolling through the selectable contacts of one of the arrays of selectable contacts by using one or more navigation keys; selecting one of the selectable functions and one of the selectable contacts by halting the scrolling in the first and second directions at selected positions; and executing the selected function for the selected contact by a single user command. |
| US07979090B2 |
TA update in adaptive antenna systems
A method and a system is disclosed for improving transmission of timing advance messages to a mobile station, in a network employing adaptive antenna systems. In a typical embodiment each TA-message is dedicated to one mobile and sent in the adaptive antenna beam that covers the area where the desired mobile is located. |
| US07979076B2 |
Method of managing resources in a cognitive radio communication system
A resource management method in a Cognitive Radio communication system where at least two Base Stations of heterogeneous networks provide a connection service to Mobile Stations within their service areas is provided. In the method, at least one BS having candidate resources broadcasts its candidate resource information on the downlink of a system information channel. At least one BS lacking in resources searches the downlinks of system information channels from neighbor heterogeneous networks, selects an offer BS among the BSs having candidate resources, and rents resources from the selected offer BS by negotiations. |
| US07979074B2 |
Method and system for creating and deploying a mesh network
A method and system for creating and deploying a mesh network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a mesh router having a plurality of radios. The mesh router is used in a cell of a plurality of cells that covers a geographic region. Channels are assigned to the plurality of radios. The channels are selected from a plurality of channels to allow channel reuse throughout the plurality of cells. |
| US07979070B2 |
Mobile equipment for sending an attach request to a network
The invention provides a method and device which may perform a combined attach and communication connection establishment procedure when attaching an equipment such as a mobile station to a mobile communication network. An attach request sent form the equipment may initiate this combined attach and communication connection establishment process. In the Home Location Register, communication connection parameters are set as default values which may be automatically selected, for instance when receiving a combined attach and communication connection establishment request. The combined attach and communication connection establishment process reduces the signaling load in the network and speeds up communication connection establishment. |
| US07979060B2 |
Privacy-enabled telephone directory
A privacy-enabled telephone directory is disclosed that is implemented through a contact facilitator. The contact facilitator receives a contact request from a caller which includes the name of the party to be called and disambiguation information to distinguish the called party. The contact facilitator applies the disambiguation information to entries in a disambiguation database to select the mobile telephone user corresponding to the contact request information. The contact facilitator then accesses a profile database to retrieve the called party's profile which contains directions for processing the request. Possible directions include immediately connecting the caller with the called party, batching the call, or following other specific instructions regarding the contact request. Profile instructions may be changed by the mobile telephone user at any time. |
| US07979059B2 |
Exchange of voice and video between two cellular or wireless telephones
A Fourth generation (4G) Wireless videoconferencing system which employs Quality of Service (QOS) features of a fourth generation wireless network to configure bandwidth on a per call basis. Selection of a videoconferencing terminating subscriber on a video subscriber table in the originating terminal causes the call to be routed directly via the Fourth Generation network to the terminating subscriber terminal and the sending of a class of service to the terminating subscriber terminal embedded in an “alternate caller ID”. The class of service tells the terminating terminal to configure terminating terminal for videoconferencing. |
| US07979057B2 |
Third-party provider method and system
Methods and systems for processing negotiable economic credits through, or at the request of, a hand held device in association with a third-party provider communicative with the hand held device and/or a point of sale. At least one negotiable economic credit can be transferred from a third-party provider communicative with the hand held device to the hand held device and/or point of sale. The negotiable economic credit can be stored within a memory of the hand held device and/or point of sale for retrieval and processing at a point of sale associated with a retail establishment and/or by a hand held device. The negotiable economic credit can be associated with a security module for protecting the privacy of the negotiable economic credit. A user profile can be compiled for utilization during the retrieval of the negotiable economic credit. |
| US07979055B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing contents
When a server receives an information designating image from a communication terminal connected to a server through a network, it sends a URL identifying the storage location of the image to the communication terminal. When the communication terminal receives the URL, it loads the URL into an email and transmits the email to another communication terminal. When the communication terminal that received this email finds out that the URL integrated in the email identifies the storage location of the image, it downloads the image from the server and displays it along with the email by using the URL. |
| US07979054B2 |
System and method for authenticating remote server access
A system and method for providing secure authentication for website access or other secure transaction. In one embodiment, when a user accesses a website, the web server identifies the user, and sends an authentication request to the user's mobile device. The mobile device receives the authentication requests and sends back authentication key to the web server. Upon verifying the authentication key, the web server grants the access to the user. |
| US07979052B2 |
Communication method, communication system, key management device, relay device and recording medium
A key management device for communicating with relay devices is provided, and one of the relay devices, which is communicating with a communication device based on master key information, transmits the master key information to the key management device. If the communication with the communication device has been enabled, the other relay devices makes a request to the key management device for transmission of the master key information. Then, the key management device transmits the master key information, which has been received from the one of the relay devices, to the other relay device, and then the other relay device can communicates with the communication device using the received master key information. |
| US07979051B2 |
Toll free calling account recharge system and method
A calling account recharge system, method, and device are provided. The device has an associated stored-value calling account, and typically includes a selector, a communications program configured to communicate with a recharge service via a communication network, and a recharge option selectable by a user upon actuation of the selector. The recharge option is configured to cause the communications program to initiate a recharge transaction with the recharge service via the communication network, in order to add calling units to the stored-value calling account. The device may be configured to access the communication network via a toll-free gateway. |
| US07979047B2 |
Sampling filter
The present invention aims at providing a sampling filter capable of changing a filtering characteristic without use of a complicate waveform as a control signal. A sampling filter 100 has a control section 140, a plurality of integrators, and a plurality of switches. An input current is accumulated in a plurality of capacitors in one clock; adds up electric charges accumulated in the integrators in several preceding clocks to one preceding clock; and outputs a result of addition. When electric charges are accumulated in the integrators in each clock, output electric charges can be subjected to, while being weighted, addition by switching an electric current to be input, so that the filtering characteristic is changed. |
| US07979045B2 |
GNSS receiver package
An analog die (3) and a digital die (4) are supported by a plate (1) consisting of an electrically conductive material. Pads (5) of the dies (3, 4) are connected to each other, to plate (1) or to pins (2) surrounding the latter by bond wires (6). The upper side of the plate (1) is covered by a plastic mold (7) encapsulating the dies (3, 4), the bond wires (6) and, in part, the pins (2). For the suppression of external jamming signals as well as internal ones picked up by bond wires the digital die (4) comprises an adjustable notch filter which suppresses narrow frequency bands where jamming signals have been detected. |
| US07979044B2 |
Method and system for utilizing undersampling and/or a digital delay line to remove out-of-band blocker signals
Methods and systems for wireless communication are disclosed and may include generating first and second signals by band-limiting a received wireless signal in two frequency ranges utilizing programmable bandpass filters. The first and second signals may be undersampled utilizing a clock signal. A delay of the second signal may be coarse-tuned by delaying the undersampling clock signal and may be fine-tuned by delaying the undersampled second signal utilizing a programmable delay line. The delayed, undersampled second signal may be subtracted from the undersampled first signal. A center frequency of the first range may be configured to a desired signal frequency, and a center frequency of the second range may be configured to a blocker signal frequency. The delay line may include an array of CMOS inverters, and may be fine-tuned utilizing programmable capacitors. The bandpass filters may include one or more coplanar waveguide or microstrip bandpass filters. |
| US07979041B1 |
Out-of-channel received signal strength indication (RSSI) for RF front end
The signal strength of an out-of-channel interferer is estimated by measuring the transition density of the sign of the down-converted signal. RF interferers at a higher or lower frequency than the desired RF signal appear as high frequency content in the down-converted signal, thus increasing the likelihood of zero-crossings. |
| US07979040B2 |
Method for adjusting tuning circuit and receiver circuit
Disclosed herein is a method for adjusting the tuning frequency of a tuning circuit, which is implemented as a parallel circuit of a coil and series circuits Ai each including a capacitor Ci and a switch device Qi (i=one to n, where n denotes an integer at least equal to two), by varying the tuning frequency through control to turn on and off the switch devices Qi in accordance with control data bi, the method for adjusting the tuning frequency of a tuning circuit including the steps of: finding control data bi for a desired tuning frequency from control data bi for a tuning frequency equal to a first frequency and control data bi for a tuning frequency equal to a second frequency; and applying the control data bi found for the desired tuning frequency to the switch devices Qi. |
| US07979036B2 |
Fully integrated ultra wideband transmitter circuits and systems
Disclosed is a novel design of a fully integrated UWB transmitter. The transmitter includes a pulse generator, a pulse modulator, and an ultra-wideband drive amplifier. A new low voltage low power pulse generator circuit is disclosed which can be fully integrated in CMOS or BiCMOS process. This circuit includes a squaring stage, an exponential stage, and a second-order derivative stage. Based on this, PPM, BPSK and PAM pulse modulator circuits and system are disclosed. The modulated pulse is symmetrical second-order derivative Gaussian pulses with a bandwidth up to 5 GHz and having sufficient swing for UWB applications. An ultra-wideband driver amplifier is proposed to amplify the modulator output and drive the antenna. For the driver amplifier, common source resistor and inductor shunt feedback with current reuse technique is employed to achieve the ultra-wideband bandwidth, high gain, and providing matching for the antenna simultaneously. |
| US07979034B2 |
Architecture for RFID tag reader/writer
An RFID transceiver (200) includes a common frequency source (250), a receiving channel (230) and a transmitting channel (240). The common frequency source (250) is configured to provide a predefined intermediate frequency signal fIF, and a predefined carrier frequency signal fc. The RFID receiving channel (230) includes an upconverting mixer (232) having a first input coupled to receive the predefined intermediate frequency signal fIF, a second input coupled to receive the predefined carrier frequency signal fc, and an output, the upconverting mixer (232) operable to produce an upconverted signal at a frequency defined by fc±fIF. The RFID receiving channel (230) further includes an image rejection downconverting mixer (234) having a first input coupled to receive an RFID signal having a carrier frequency substantially at the predefined carrier frequency fc, a second input coupled to receive the upconverted signal, and an output, the image rejection downconverting mixer (234) operable to produce an output a downconverted signal at substantially the predefined intermediate frequency fIF. The RFID transmitting channel (240) includes a modulator (244) operable to modulate modulation data onto the predefined carrier frequency signal fc. |
| US07979032B2 |
Estimating statistical properties of noise in modulated data carrier signals
Methods, systems and apparatus for estimating statistical properties of noise in modulated data carrier signals represented by modulated data symbols are disclosed. The method comprises generating an instantaneous estimate of the statistical property of noise from the received modulated data symbols on a sample by sample basis and applying a compensation function to the instantaneous estimate. The method further comprises averaging an output of the compensation function to determine the estimated statistical property of noise. |
| US07979031B2 |
System and method for making measurements in customer devices across different network technologies
In a communication network architecture having multiple technology coverage areas that support different network technologies, a service provider monitors its customer's experience as the customer roams between technology coverage areas. An agent, such as software installed on-board the customer's mobile equipment, measures parameters that are related to the network technology, and communicates the measured parameters to the service provider, over the communication network. |
| US07979029B2 |
Receiver circuit, electronic instrument, and signal processing method
In a portable phone, a signal received by a GPS antenna passes through a SAW filter and is amplified by an LNA. An addition section adds a cancellation signal generated by a cancellation signal generation section to the amplified signal to cancel noise superimposed on the received signal. |
| US07979028B2 |
Bluetooth communicator, short range wireless communicator and communication method
While a handsfree device being multi-profile compatible is maintaining a connection for a handsfree profile (HFP) with a mobile phone handset, the handsfree device cuts off the connection for the HFP based on a user's operation. After cutting off, the handsfree device establishes a connection for a dial-up network profile (DUN), and subsequently transmits a request for a connection for the HFP while maintaining the connection for the DUN. Subsequently, the handsfree device determines whether the handset is multi-profile compatible according to the response to the request from the handset. Based on the determination that the handset is multi-profile compatible, the handsfree device executes the processes for the HFP while maintaining the connection for the DUN. |
| US07979026B2 |
System and method for using a single antenna for active and passive radio functions
A system and method for using a single antenna for active and passive radio functions. A wireless communication device includes a passive component that can be read using an antenna when the wireless communication device is in a low power sleep mode. When it is determined that a higher capacity is needed, the wireless communication device activates an active component. Activation of the active component includes a switching of a connection of the antenna from the passive component to the active component. |
| US07979025B2 |
Method and apparatus for handover in a wireless communication device between wireless domains
A method and apparatus for handover in a wireless communication device between wireless domains is described. In one example, a signal employing a short-range wireless protocol is detected at the wireless communication device. For example, the short-range wireless protocol may be a near-field communication (NFC) protocol, a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol, an optical protocol, a BLUETOOTH protocol, and the like known in the art. A handover is requested from the first wireless domain to the second wireless domain in response to the detected signal. In one example, the signal may be broadcast by an access control system to a building and may be configured to control access to the building. In this manner, precise delineation of the handover boundary between wireless domains is provided. |
| US07979024B2 |
Systems and methods for satellite forward link transmit diversity using orthagonal space coding
Methods of transmitting communications signals from a satellite to a wireless terminal include determining a location of the wireless terminal, selecting a plurality of antenna feed elements at the satellite in response to the determined location of the wireless terminal, block coding a plurality of symbols into a number of transmit streams equal to the number of selected antenna feed elements, and transmitting the transmit streams over the selected plurality of antenna feed elements. Block coding the plurality of symbols may include space-code, space-time and/or space-frequency encoding the plurality of symbols. Related satellites, satellite gateways and satellite communications systems are also disclosed. |
| US07979023B2 |
Mobile communication system with moving base station
A mobile communication system employs moving base stations moving in the direction of flow of traffic moving along a roadway. The moving base station communicates with fixed radio ports connected to a gateway office. A plurality of moving base stations are spaced apart on a closed loop and move with the flow of traffic along one roadway on one leg of the loop and with a flow of traffic on another roadway in another leg of the loop. The moving base stations communicate with a plurality of fixed radio ports connected by a signal transmission link to a gateway office which, in turn, is connected to the wire line network. The moving base stations are each provided with a pair of directional antennas with one antenna directed toward the flow of traffic and another antenna directed to the fixed radio ports. |
| US07979021B2 |
Image forming apparatus, sheet discharging device and method of controlling the sheet discharging device
An image forming apparatus, a sheet discharging device and method of controlling the sheet discharging device are disclosed. They require no instructions from users and no recording materials for initial setting of a staple when the users exchange a staple cartridge. |
| US07979020B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus which forms an image electrophotographically, comprises an image transfer unit which transfers a toner image to a recording medium, a fixing unit comprising a heat roller and a pressure roller, a conveying direction change unit which changes a conveying direction of the recording medium discharged from the fixing unit upwardly, a discharge roller which discharges the recording medium, of which conveying direction has been changed by the conveying direction change unit, to a discharge part, and a curl removing roller which is provided on a conveying extending between the conveying direction change unit and the discharge roller and bends the recording medium in an opposite direction from a bend direction imparted to the recording medium at the heat roller. |
| US07979016B2 |
Image forming apparatus and protective agent block
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member that bears a latent electrostatic image on the surface thereof, a charging device that uniformly charges the surface of the image bearing member, an irradiation device that irradiates the surface of the image bearing member to form the latent electrostatic image thereon, a development device that develops the latent electrostatic image on the surface of the image bearing member with toner to form a toner image thereon, a transfer device that transfers the toner image to a transfer body, a cleaning device including a cleaning blade that removes residual toner remaining on the surface of the image bearing member with the cleaning blade, a protective agent application device that applies a protective agent containing zinc stearate and zinc palmitate to the surface of the image bearing member, wherein the ratio of the zinc stearate and the zinc palmitate is from 66:34 to 40:60 by weight. |
| US07979014B2 |
Apparatus and method for release agent application and cleaning of a fuser surface using a release agent impregnated web
An apparatus and method to condition the fuser surface of a fusing or transfusing apparatus for a toner based printing system is described. The apparatus and method integrate the functions of cleaning paper debris and residual toner from the fuser (or transfuse) surface on one hand and the application of a release agent such as silicone oil on the other hand using a single release agent impregnated web. The inventive device includes a release agent application roller and a cleaning roller where the outer surfaces and are selected in preferred embodiments for their respective wetting properties with respect to the release agent used. The fuser surface conditioning device increases the useful life for a fusing or transfusing roll or belt even when low amounts of release agent are applied to the fusing surface such that the amount of release agent that is transferred to the print media is in the range of 0.5 to 5 mg/A4 sheet. |
| US07979013B2 |
Developing device of image forming apparatus
A developing device that can be formed at low cost and without increasing the complexity of a die structure of a casing comprises a development roller, a supply roller, a developing portion having an agitating member, a toner hopper disposed above the developing portion, an agitating member in the toner hopper, a partitioning member provided between the developing portion and the toner hopper and having an opening portion, and a collected developer storage portion forming portion for forming a storage space for collected toner collected from the development roller by the supply roller within a fixed distance of the supply roller such that the collected toner moves to the vicinity of the agitating member in the developing portion in accordance with a developer flow generated by the rotation of the supply roller. A pre-incorporation component formed by integrating the partitioning member, the collected developer storage portion forming portion, and a bearing portion for supporting the agitating members is incorporated into the casing. |
| US07979009B2 |
Developer supplying cartridge including a developer supplying port shutter portion and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the cartridge
A developer supplying cartridge including a supply developer containing portion, a developer supplying port for supplying a developer in the supply developer containing portion to a developing device via a supplied port of the developing device, and a supplying port shutter unit that opens and closes the developer supplying port and that includes a housing member covering the developer supplying port, a cylindrical member which is rotatably disposed in the housing member, and provided with a through-hole corresponding to the developer supplying port, and which assumes, by its rotation, a developer supply allowing position where the developer supplying port and the through-hole communicate with each other and a developer supply stopping position where the developer supplying port is closed, and a scraping member which is abutted on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member to scrape off developer adhering to the outer circumferential surface. |
| US07979007B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same
A developing device includes a developing vessel for storing a developer, a first conveying passage, a second conveying passage, a first conveying member, a second conveying member and a developing roller for supplying toner to a photoreceptor drum. The first conveying member has a first rotary shaft and a first conveying blade formed on the periphery of the first rotary shaft. The first conveying blade has a large-diametric ring-shaped helical blade and a small-diametric helical blade, forming a double-helical structure. Alternatively, the first conveying blade is formed of helical blades being different in phase; each helical blade is formed so that the radius varies on a cycle of the rotational angle of 180 degrees. |
| US07979006B2 |
Image forming apparatus and removable cartridge
An image forming apparatus includes: an electrostatic latent image bearing member; a toner cartridge; a developing member; a transfer member; a developing device; and a circulating member. The toner cartridge is removably coupled to the developing device. The developing device incorporates the developing member. The circulating member is capable of operating while the toner cartridge remains coupled to the developing device, to circulate the toner between the developing device and the toner cartridge irrespective of whether the developing member is operating. |
| US07979003B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
The image forming apparatus including: a photoconductor provided with a charge generation layer and an overcoat layer; a first charging unit charging the photoconductor when an image is formed; an exposure unit irradiating the photoconductor with light having a wavelength to which a relative sensitivity of the charge generation layer is larger than a relative sensitivity of the overcoat layer; a development unit developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor by the first charging unit and the exposure unit with toner; a transfer unit transferring an image developed on the photoconductor to a medium; a light irradiation unit irradiating the photoconductor with light having a wavelength to which the relative sensitivity of the overcoat layer is larger than the relative sensitivity of the charge generation layer; and an erasing unit erasing a charge from the photoconductor irradiated with light by the light irradiation unit. |
| US07979002B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes an opening/closing member which is turnably supported by an apparatus body and through which a user accesses the apparatus, and a conveying guide which is movably supported by a user access door and which includes a sheet conveying surface. When the opening/closing member is opened in a state where a sheet remains on the sheet conveying surface, the conveying guide is separated from the opening/closing member by the remaining sheet. |
| US07979000B2 |
Transfer unit and image forming apparatus
A turnable transfer unit, including a transfer member forming a transfer nip while contacting an image bearer installed in an image forming apparatus; and a pressurizer pressurizing the transfer member to the image bearer, wherein the turnable transfer unit further includes a turnable lever member, including an engaging part engaging with a positioning part of the image forming apparatus; and a contact part contacting an opening and closing body openable and closable in the image forming apparatus, wherein the lever member turns in conjunction with a closing operation of the opening and closing body to position the transfer unit in the image forming apparatus. |
| US07978999B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is configured to be mounted in an apparatus main body along a predetermined mounting direction. The process cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum; a drum drive input member into which a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum is inputted; and a frame which holds the photosensitive drum and the drum drive input member; the frame including: a substantially cylindrical first protecting member which is formed on the frame. The first protecting member is configured to accommodate the drum drive input member, and project in a rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum, wherein a projecting amount of a portion of the first protecting member which lies at a downstream side in the mounting direction is smaller than a projecting amount of a portion of the first protecting member which lies at an upstream side in the mounting direction. |
| US07978993B2 |
Image forming apparatus, computer program product for forming image, and image forming method
A first calculating unit calculates an allocation time required for forming a patch pattern. A second calculating unit calculates a maximum patch-pattern length of the patch pattern that can be formed within the allocation time based on the number of patch patterns that can be formed within the allocation time. A setting unit calculates a difference between an environmental temperature around the image forming apparatus and an environmental temperature at which the image forming condition stored in the storing unit is set, and newly sets an image forming condition for the patch patterns based on a result of comparing the difference with a predetermined threshold. |
| US07978988B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, which has a plurality of image forming units, comprises a plurality of cartridges adapted to supply developer; a plurality of supply members adapted to supply developer to the image forming units from a plurality of the cartridges; a drive unit adapted to drive a plurality of the supply members; and a control unit adapted to supply developer from a plurality of the cartridges by selectively operating a plurality of the supply members based on the amount of developer accommodated in the cartridges. |
| US07978987B2 |
Image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, an image forming portion forms an image on a rotator. A storage portion stores change characteristics information relevant to correction parameters corresponding to phase points of the rotator. A designating portion sequentially designates the correction parameters based on the change characteristics information. A correcting portion corrects an image forming position on the rotator based on the correction parameter designated by the designating portion. When it is determined, based on a detecting phase point of the rotator detected by a detecting portion, that the current phase of the rotator corresponds to a gradual phase point at which the correction parameter changes at a rate equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the designation by said designating portion is shifted to the correction parameter corresponding to the gradual phase point. |
| US07978978B2 |
Topologically multiplexed optical data communication
Systems and methods for encoding information in the topology of superpositions of helical modes of light, and retrieving information from each of the superposed modes individually or in parallel. These methods can be applied to beams of light that already carry information through other channels, such as amplitude modulation or wavelength dispersive multiplexing, enabling such beams to be multiplexed and subsequently demultiplexed. The systems and methods of the present invention increase the number of data channels carried by a factor of the number of superposed helical modes. |
| US07978977B2 |
Frontend baseband digital reverse for a cable modem termination system
The present invention is directed towards monitoring and adjusting a power level of reverse subcarrier signals at an input of an optical node as opposed to at an input of a CMTS blade. Advantageously, reverse subcarrier signals are digitally transmitted throughout the optical link thereby avoiding the use of attenuators in the optical link. Therefore, any attenuation of the power level of the reverse subcarrier signals is caused by an RF feeder portion of the communications system. The CMTS blade then detects the power level of the reverse subcarrier signal that is equivalent to the power level at the input of an optical node and sends a control signal to CPE adjusting the transmitter power level without affecting the optical node dynamic range. |
| US07978974B2 |
Insertable EMI shield clip for use in optical transceiver modules
The embodiments disclosed herein relate an insertable shield clip for use in controlling electromagnetic interference in an optical transceiver module. The optical transceiver module may include a shell that houses first and second optical subassemblies and an enclosure that cooperates with the shell in defining a covering for the optical transceiver module. The shield clip may comprise a body composed of conductive material. The body may include first and second vertical side members. The body may also include first and second shield members that are each configured to receive a corresponding nosepiece of one of the first and second optical subassemblies. The body may further include a bottom member that interconnects the first and second vertical side members and the first and second shield members. |
| US07978971B1 |
Collapsible softbox for photography lighting
A collapsible softbox for use with a photographic flash. The softbox includes a collapsible body made of connected, moveable first and second side panels. The body includes a distal opening and a proximal opening. The softbox also includes a front panel which is detachably engageable to the distal end of the body. |
| US07978966B2 |
Image capturing device
An image capturing device includes an imaging element that captures an image of a photographic subject, an optical member that is disposed over an imaging surface of the imaging element, a vibration application member that applies vibration to the optical member, and a support assembly including a non-metallic first support member and a non-metallic second support member for supporting the optical member. The first support member and the second support member are configured to follow the deformation of the vibrating optical member with individual speeds different from each other. |
| US07978965B2 |
Tank heating system
The invention relates to a tank heater, especially for a urea tank of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing (2) in which at least one PTC element is arranged, an electrical connecting cable (3, 4) that is joined to the PTC element so as to conduct a heating current through the PTC element, and an intake pipe (5) for conveying liquid. At least one section of the electrical connecting cable (5) is embodied as a resistive heating element which is connected in a thermally conducting manner to the interior of the intake pipe (5). |
| US07978959B2 |
Memory addressing method suitable for systems having a variable speed data reproduction capability
A memory addressing method is suitable for systems performing data compression and/or expansion such as audio and/or video systems having a variable speed data reproduction capability. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for processing a signal such as an audio or video signal in a signal reproduction device begins by receiving the signal. The received signal is processed in dependence upon a mode of operation of the signal reproduction device representing a speed at which the received signal is to be reproduced by the signal reproduction device. The received signal is speed converted and then stored in a memory of the signal reproduction device when the signal reproduction device is in a first mode of operation. The received signal is stored in the memory of the signal reproduction device without being speed converted when the signal reproduction device is in a second mode of operation. According to an embodiment, the first mode of operation represents that the received signal will be reproduced by the signal reproduction device at a speed greater than an input speed corresponding to the received signal. The second mode of operation represents that the received signal will be reproduced by the signal reproduction device at a speed less than or equal to an input speed corresponding to the received signal. |
| US07978958B2 |
Picture and audio recording apparatus and hard disk recorder
A picture and audio recording apparatus that manages record positions of contents by using a management table, saves only one contents among overlapping contents recorded on a recording medium and erases other overlapping contents; stores information about which one of saved contents is the same as the erased contents in a management table; and looks up the management table for reproducing the same contents that are recorded when reproduction of the erased contents is instructed. |
| US07978955B2 |
Recording device, recording method, reproducing device, reproducing method, program, and recording medium
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a recording method, a playback apparatus, a playback method, a program, and a recording medium in which random access playback of TS of audio data encoded using different encoding methods can be performed. A controller obtains PTS from TS, and sets a BS audio TS packet 261-1 as an entry point when an HQ audio TS packet 271-1 having the same PTS exists after the BS audio TS packet 261-1 in the TS. Further, the controller generates EP_map based on the PID of the BS audio ES and the HQ audio ES, the source packet number of the BS audio TS packet 261-1 set as the entry point, and the PTS. |
| US07978953B2 |
Methods for visually inspecting interferometric modulators for defects
A method is provided for visual inspection of an array of interferometric modulators in various driven states. This method may include driving multiple columns or rows of interferometric modulators via a single test pad or test lead, such as test pad, and then observing the array for discrepancies between the expected optical output and the actual optical output of the array. This method may particularly include, for example, driving a set of non-adjacent rows or columns to a state different from the intervening rows or columns and then observing the optical output of the array. |
| US07978952B2 |
Cover for optical fibers and/or optical devices
Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling a light emission from an end of an optical fiber by utilizing a cover that blocks the light emission at the fiber end, a detector situated between the fiber end and the cover that detects the blocked emission, and a signaling device, such as an LED, associated with the detector that illuminates in response to the detection of the blocked emission. The apparatus and methods may further provide for the filtering out of light from the emission that is not used for communications. The apparatus and methods may also provide for the attenuation of the power of the emission before the emission reaches the detector. |
| US07978950B2 |
Apparatus for shaping the end of an optical fiber
An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber. |
| US07978946B2 |
Optical fibers with improved resistance to ingressing molecules
An optical fiber includes a glass fiber having a glass core and a cladding which contains voids spaced apart from the core. The voids act as trapping sites for ingressing molecules from the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the effect of such molecules on the fiber's light-transmission properties. |
| US07978944B2 |
Laser light cable
A laser light cable includes an optical fiber and a wire cladding that surrounds the optical fiber and is electrically conductive in the longitudinal direction of the laser light cable. The wire cladding includes a continuous layer of axially-adjacent wires formed from a wire item wrapped around the optical fiber. Axially-adjacent wires of the wire cladding abut in a light-proof manner. |
| US07978942B2 |
Method and device to improve backlight uniformity
A system and method for compensating for non-uniform illumination from a light guide for a display in an electronics device is provided. The system comprises: a memory device storing a data representing a first compensation pattern for generation on the display to block light from a first portion of the light guide relative to light from a second portion of the light guide; a first module to incorporate the stored representation into an image to be displayed on the display; and a second module to generate the image with the stored representation for display on the display. In the system, when the first module generates the first compensation pattern on the display, the first compensation pattern aligns with the first and second portions to reduce an intensity of light from a light source passing through the first compensation pattern from the first portion relative to an intensity of light passing through the first compensation pattern from the second portion from the light source. |
| US07978941B2 |
Single mode photonic circuit architecture and a new optical splitter design based on parallel waveguide mode conversion
The new single mode circuit (SMC) architecture is invented for photonic integrated circuits (PIC). This architecture allows using multimode waveguides or structures to construct a single mode operated PIC. The multimode sections used in such SMC based PIC possess strong lateral confinement so that the PIC can have high circuit density and high optical performance at the same time. A parallel mode converter structure is also invented here. Based on this parallel mode converter, a low loss optical splitter can be constructed for high index contrast waveguide system. |
| US07978940B2 |
Self-aligned carrier assembly for optical device supporting wafer scale methods
Broadly speaking, disclosed is a carrier assembly for an optical device, the carrier assembly comprising in combination: a glass substrate with an optical die thereon; and a silicon carrier attached to the glass carrier. During manufacture, a number of optical dies can be attached on the glass substrate using self-alignment of AuSn solder bumps using gaseous flux at about 300 deg C. The glass carrier can be mounted to the silicon carrier to form an optical device carrier assembly comprising micromechanical guide holes to facilitate a optical fiber connection, using self-alignment of SnAg solder bumps using gaseous flux at about 250 deg C. Each individual optical device can be tested at a wafer scale. The resulting optical device assembly can be diced to form individual optical devices having a carrier assembly that exhibits the traits of both a silicon carrier and a glass carrier. |
| US07978939B2 |
Optical module
An optical module comprises: an optical element array comprising plural optical elements that emits or receives light; and an optical waveguide comprising a clad and plural cores respectively with optical path changing portions, the cores being disposed in the clad with an interval. The optical path changing portions are optically connected to the optical elements. The optical path changing portions are arranged in a first direction having an angle with respect to a formation direction of the cores, the first direction being corresponding to an arrangement direction of said plurality of optical elements. |
| US07978936B1 |
Indicating a correspondence between an image and an object
Indicating an object is disclosed. Indicating an object includes receiving an indication associated with selecting an image and providing a second indication that a set of one or more objects correspond to the image, wherein the objects have been detected from the image. Indicating an image is disclosed. Indicating an image includes receiving an indication associated with selecting an object, wherein the object has been detected from an image and displaying the image such that a correspondence between the selected object and the image is conveyed. |
| US07978934B2 |
Method and device for selecting optimal transform matrices for down-sampling DCT image
Down-sampling of an image may be performed in the DCT domain. Transform matrices are obtained for down-sampling a DCT image of size M×N to a down-sampled DCT image of size I×J. The transform matrices may be used to down-sample the DCT image directly in the DCT domain. A spatial domain down-sampling method is selected and applied to the DCT image to produce a down-sampled DCT reference image. The transform matrices are selected by solving an optimization problem, leading to transform matrices which achieve a desired trade-off between the visual quality of images obtained using the transform matrices and the computational complexity associated with using the transform matrices. The visual quality is a measure of the difference between the down-sampled DCT image obtained using the transform matrices and the visual quality of the DCT reference image obtained using a spatial domain down-sampling method. |
| US07978932B2 |
Robust mosaicing method, notably with correction of motion distortions and tissue deformations for in vivo fibered microscopy
A mosaicing method taking into account motion distortions, irregularly sampled frames and non-rigid deformations of the imaged tissue. The method for mosaicing frames from a video sequence acquired from a scanning device such as a scanning microscope, includes the steps of: a) compensating for motion and motion distortion due to the scanning microscope, b) applying a global optimization of inter-frame registration to align consistently the frames c) applying a construction algorithm on the registered frames to construct a mosaic, and d) applying a fine frame-to-mosaic non rigid registration. The method is based on a hierarchical framework that is able to recover a globally consistent alignment of the input frames, to compensate for the motion distortions and to capture the non-rigid deformations. |
| US07978928B2 |
View projection for dynamic configurations
A method and system for compensating for a moving object placed between a projector and a projection scene is shown. The method/system dividing a movement pattern of the moving object into N discrete position states, and for each of said N position states determining a corresponding view projection matrix. While projecting an image within any of the N position states, multiplying a desired projection image by the corresponding view projection matrix. |
| US07978927B2 |
Image processing apparatus
The invention discloses an image processing apparatus for adjusting lightness of an input image. The image processing apparatus includes a first processing module, a second processing module, a third processing module, and a fourth processing module. The first processing module is used for generating a lightness histogram with reference to the input image and determining a maximum lightness and an average lightness according to the lightness histogram. The second processing module is used for determining a first gain and a second gain according to the maximum lightness and a look-up table. The third processing module is used for selecting a lightness adjusting curve according to the average lightness. The fourth processing module is used for generating an output lightness corresponding to the input image. |
| US07978921B1 |
Low dynamic range 3-channel color decompression
Systems and methods for representing low dynamic range data in compressed formats with a fixed size block allow low dynamic range data to be stored in less memory. The compressed formats use 8 bits per pixel to represent 24 bits of low dynamic range data for each pixel. The compressed format includes four or six endpoint values, a partition index that specifies a mask for each pair of the endpoint values, and an index for each pixel in the block. The indices are compressed to allow more bits for the endpoint values. Mode bits are included to distinguish between the different encodings and various blocks within a single compressed image may be encoded differently. Compressed low dynamic range values may be efficiently decompressed in hardware. |
| US07978919B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding in inter mode based on multiple scanning
Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding in an inter mode based on a multiple scanning through which efficiency of the inter mode is improved by using a spatial relationship within a frame and obtaining estimation information from numerous references. The method includes dividing an input image into basic encoding/decoding units including predetermined sized blocks, scanning at least one of the basic encoding/decoding units, determining whether references for motion estimation of a current basic encoding/decoding unit can be used as references to encode/decode the current basic encoding/decoding unit, and selectively encoding/decoding the current basic encoding/decoding unit according to a result of the determination. A decoded previous frame or blocks decoded before the final scan of a current frame is used the references for motion estimation. |
| US07978913B2 |
Image segmentation based on processing of a graph
A method of image segmentation using graph-theory techniques, in which pixels of an image are represented by the vertices of a graph. A minimum spanning tree is generated and edges of the tree are successively removed according to a morphological property to leave a spanning forest, trees of which correspond to segments of the image. Selection of edges for removal may depend on an energy function of a tree and on the energy function of trees created by removal of that edge. |
| US07978907B2 |
Image analyzer
An image analyzer for detecting a target object from image data, includes a reference detection unit, a primary detection unit, a secondary detection unit and an output unit. The reference detection unit detects a reference object included in the image data. The primary detection unit detects candidates for the target object from the image data. The secondary detection unit specifies a portion including the target object from among the candidates, by using a correlation between a feature of the detected reference object and a feature of the candidates. The output unit outputs information representing the portion including the target object specified by the secondary detection unit. |
| US07978905B2 |
Calculation processing apparatus and control method thereof
A calculation processing apparatus, which executes calculation processing based on a network composed by hierarchically connecting a plurality of processing nodes, assigns a partial area of a memory to each of the plurality of processing nodes, stores a calculation result of a processing node in a storable area of the partial area assigned to that processing node, and sets, as storable areas, areas that store the calculation results whose reference by all processing nodes connected to the subsequent stage of that processing node is complete. The apparatus determines, based on the storage states of calculation results in partial areas of the memory assigned to the processing node designated to execute the calculation processing of the processing nodes, and to processing nodes connected to the previous stage of the designated processing node, whether or not to execute a calculation of the designated processing node. |
| US07978904B2 |
Pattern inspection apparatus and semiconductor inspection system
There is provided a pattern inspection apparatus that is capable of detecting a defect accurately and efficiently to inspect a pattern of a semiconductor device. The pattern inspection apparatus includes: a contour extraction means for extracting contour data of a pattern from a captured image of the semiconductor device; a non-linear part extraction means for extracting a non-linear part from the contour data; an angular part extraction means for extracting an angular part of a pattern from design data of the semiconductor device; and a defect detection section that compares a position of the non-linear part extracted by the non-linear part extraction section with a position of the angular part extracted by the angular part extraction section so as to detect a position of a defective part of a pattern. |
| US07978903B2 |
Defect detecting method and defect detecting device
A defect detecting method includes: an image acquiring process for capturing an image of an inspection object having an identical sequence of pattern and acquiring the image; and a defect emphasizing process for emphasizing a defect of the captured image. The defect emphasizing process includes: an inspected-point selecting process for sequentially selecting an inspection point on the captured image; and a defect emphasizing value calculating process for obtaining differences by subtracting from a luminance value of the selected inspection point each luminance value of a plurality of comparison points disposed around the inspection point and selecting one difference of the smallest value of the obtained differences in luminance to determine a defect emphasizing value of the inspection point. |
| US07978902B2 |
Calibration method, inspection method, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a calibration method of performing contrast threshold calibration in extracting a pattern edge from an image of a pattern formed on a processing target substrate, including simulating formation of the pattern to detect a portion predicted to have shorted or opened in the pattern, calculating a contrast of an image of the pattern including the portion predicted to have shorted or opened, and determining a threshold from the contrast, the threshold avoiding extraction of a pattern edge in the portion predicted to have shorted or opened. |
| US07978900B2 |
Systems for mobile image capture and processing of checks
The present invention relates to automated document processing and more particularly, to methods and systems for document image capture and processing using mobile devices. In accordance with various embodiments, methods and systems for document image capture on a mobile communication device are provided such that the image is optimized and enhanced for data extraction from the document as depicted. These methods and systems may comprise capturing an image of a document using a mobile communication device; submitting the image to a server; and processing the image to create a bi-tonal image of the document for data extraction. Additionally, these methods and systems may comprise capturing a first image of a document using the mobile communication device; automatically detecting the document within the image; geometrically correcting the image; binarizing the image; correcting the orientation of the image; correcting the size of the image; and outputting the resulting image of the document. |
| US07978899B2 |
Currency processing system with fitness detection
In one aspect, a method of processing currency in a currency processing machine includes the act of retrieving, from a plurality of input currency bills, characteristic information from each of the bills, the characteristic information itself including at least a first characteristic information relating to fitness. The method also includes the act of assigning to each currency bill one of a plurality of fitness types and fitness levels relating to the first characteristic information of the bill, at least one of the fitness types and the fitness levels being defined by a user. The method also includes the act of outputting each currency bill along one of a plurality of output paths designated by the user to receive currency bills, the output path having a fitness type and/or fitness level assigned to the currency bill. |
| US07978898B2 |
Image acquiring apparatus, image acquiring method, and image acquiring program
In acquisition of a micro image of a sample by a micro image acquiring unit, when a plurality of image acquiring ranges are set for the sample as an object of image acquisition, a plurality of corresponding focus information are set, and furthermore, when a plurality of partial images acquired by scanning the sample by the micro image acquiring unit include a partial image including mixing of a plurality of image acquiring ranges, the focus information is switched in the middle of scanning of the partial image. With such a structure, even when a plurality of objects are contained in the sample, images of the respective objects can be preferably acquired. Thereby, an image acquiring apparatus, an image acquiring method, and an image acquiring program which are capable of preferably acquiring images of a plurality of objects are realized even when the plurality of objects are contained in a sample. |
| US07978897B2 |
Computer-aided image diagnostic processing device and computer-aided image diagnostic processing program product
A computer-aided image diagnostic processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores a medical image representing the inside of a subject, a unit which specifies an anatomical abnormality candidate region included in the medical image, and a generation unit which generates a display image representing the abnormality candidate region and its peripheral region to be discriminable from each other based on the medical image. |
| US07978896B2 |
Data correction apparatus, data correction method, magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and X-ray CT apparatus
A data correction apparatus includes a sensitivity correction unit and an SNR distribution correcting unit. The sensitivity correction unit produces first processed data by performing sensitivity correction to first objective data obtained based on correction objective data using ununiform sensitivity distribution of a sensor for acquiring the correction objective data. The SNR distribution correcting unit produces pieces of component data each subjected to corresponding weighting depending on an SNR distribution and corresponding filtering having a mutually different intensity using second objective data obtained based on the correction objective data to produce second processed data by compounding the pieces of the component data. |
| US07978893B2 |
System and method for microplate image analysis
A system and a method as defined herein for scan interrogation of, for example, a label-independent-detection (LID) biosensor, such as for monitoring a surface change or an event on a biosensor for use, for example, in microplate image analysis. |
| US07978889B2 |
Automatic engine for 3D object generation from volumetric scan data and method
A method of generating a 3 dimensional object includes providing a volumetric scan of a study object as a series of image slices. An image segmentation algorithm is used to image segment each image slice into at least a first region and a second region, the first region of each image slice corresponds to a first object of the study object, and the second region of each image slice corresponds to a second object of the study object. The first region is selected from a first image slice. Regions of adjacent image slices are statistically compared to the first region using a comparison of touching regions to designate corresponding first regions in the adjacent image slices. The first region of each image slice of the series corresponding to the first object is binned to form a first binned object. A 3 dimensional object of the first binned object is formed. |
| US07978888B2 |
System and appertaining method for structured reporting of a native measurement import count for display
A method and appertaining system are provided for presenting observation and measurement data that is supplementary to a native mode application to a display. A DICOM Structured Report (SR) file is read into a database using one or more mapping files. An algorithm determines which values in the SR have mappings to the database defined using the mapping files, and values of the SR having defined mappings are imported into the database. Quantity values related to a count of data imported into the database are determined, and a display of a percentage and counts of those values are provided on a display to a user. |
| US07978887B2 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying subject matter in view data
In one aspect, a method and apparatus for detecting subject matter of interest in view data obtained by scanning an object including generating a filter adapted to respond to the subject matter of interest, splatting the filter onto a portion of the view data to provide a filter splat, and performing at least one operation on the portion of the view data using the filter splat to facilitate determining whether the subject matter of interest is present in the portion of the view data. |
| US07978883B2 |
Device for positioning a user by displaying the user's mirror image, a corresponding positioning method and image-capture apparatus
The present invention relates to a device (4) for positioning the face of a user relative to an image-capture apparatus (1), the positioning device comprising a picture-taking device (7) arranged to supply horizontally-reversed images, a display screen (5) for displaying the reversed images and connected to the picture-taking device, and means for superposing on the images displayed on the screen at least one positioning reference mark (6) for the user, the positioning reference mark and the displayed images lying substantially in the same plane. The invention also provides a corresponding method and image-capture apparatus. |
| US07978881B2 |
Occupant information detection system
An occupant information detection system for detecting information related to a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat includes an image detecting section facing a vehicle seat area taking a three-dimensional image, an information extraction processing section extracting information related to a three-dimensional surface profile of a detected object on a vehicle seat based on the three-dimensional image, a conversion processing section converting the extracted information into numerical coordinates of a predetermined coordinate system, and a computation processing section deriving a computed value by subtracting an average of first and second coordinate components from a third coordinate component. The system also includes a determination processing section determining the concave-convex shape of a line segment formed by the arbitrary points and the middle point based on the computed value. |
| US07978879B2 |
Tracking device and image-capturing apparatus
A tracking device includes: an image sensor that obtains image information of an image present within an image plane formed via an optical system; a tracking unit that tracks a target within the image plane based upon the image information; a focus detection unit that detects a focus adjustment state of the optical system over at least one focus detection area set in the image plane; a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the optical system based upon the focus adjustment state detected in the focus detection area corresponding to a position of the target; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the target is being tracked based upon results of tracking operation executed by the tracking unit; and a control unit that bans the focus adjustment based upon results of the decision made by the decision-making unit. |
| US07978877B2 |
Digital watermark embedding method, digital watermark embedding apparatus, and storage medium storing a digital watermark embedding program
A method for embedding a watermark into digital data, when the watermark is to be embedded in a digital image, independently changes real number components and imaginary number components of each of coefficient values of a complex watermark coefficient matrix using key, from the watermark to be embedded in the digital image, a step for performing a discrete Fourier inverse transform on the sequence matrix of the changed watermark and generating a watermark pattern; and a step for adding like tiling the water mark pattern to the original image, and generating an embedded image.Further more, a watermark detection method for detecting a watermark from a digital data, a step for separating a block from an arbitrary position on the detected object image, a step for performing a discrete Fourier transform on the block and obtaining a sequence matrix, a step for generating position information for a component that is to be detected and that is specified by the key, a step for detecting a position marker sequence by calculating a phase difference of a sequence by an amount of parallel displacement, for each item of the position information, and extracting offset information which is the amount of parallel displacement when there is agreement between a start point of an embedded watermark and a start point of the block cut from the detected object image, and a step for detecting the embedded watermark cut from the detected object image. |
| US07978875B2 |
Signal processing utilizing host carrier information
The present invention generally relates to processing audio, video and images. One claim recites a method including: obtaining media signal comprising a steganographic signal hidden therein; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, selecting portions of the media signal for steganographic signal detection, wherein the subset of the media signal is selected based on at least one or more predetermined probability factors, in which a probability factor comprises a selection criteria or rule to identify portions of the media signal which have a higher likelihood of including a steganographic signal relative to other portions of the media signal; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing selected portions of the media signal to obtain the steganographic signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well. |
| US07978873B2 |
Devices for displaying modal patterns
The present invention provides an acoustic display device for displaying modal patterns in response to sound from a sound source. The display device (10) has a substantially circular housing (12), which housing (12) includes a continuous curved side wall (13a), a substantially flat base wall (13b), and open end (13c). The open end (13c) is closed by diaphragm (14), thereby forming closed chamber (15). Excitation of the diaphragm can be effected by introducing vocal sounds to the underside of the diaphragm via one of a plurality of sound connecting means (22) that include a flexible tubular section (30), which terminates in a mouthpiece (32). A user can place the mouthpiece over their mouth and nose and make vocal sounds, which are delivered to the interior of the chamber (15). The mouthpiece (32) can be substituted with a sound collector (60) having a “horn” shape and an annular flange for engagement with a loudspeaker. The other ends (24) of the sound connecting means (22), within the closed chamber (15), each contain a non-return valve so that pressure within the chamber is maintained. The device can also include weight locating means (21a, 21b, 21c) or magnetic tensioning means (80, 84) for tuning the diaphragm. Removable covers having different markings can assist in analysing the patterns produced. Two or more integral curved spirit levels (38) in conjunction with adjustable feet (40) enable accurate levelling of the diaphragm. |
| US07978869B2 |
Wireless microphone
A wireless microphone includes a perforated front cover mounted on a front open end of a tubular housing, and a control module mounted fixedly on a rear open end of the housing and having an outer surrounding surface provided with a power switch and electrode plates. A rear cover is connected detachably to the control module, and is formed with a switch-receiving groove and through holes. The rear cover is operable so as to be disposed between an adjusted position, where the power switch is exposed from the switch-receiving groove and where the electrode plates are respectively exposed from the through holes, and a used position, where the power switch and the electrode plates are fully covered by the rear cover. A positioning member positions the rear cover at a selected one of the used and adjusted positions. |
| US07978863B2 |
Apparatus and method to provide advanced microphone bias
A circuit includes a differential amplifier having a first input for coupling to a first terminal of a microphone and a second input for coupling to a first terminal of a component having an impedance value that is substantially equal to an impedance value of the microphone, where a second terminal of the microphone and a second terminal of the component are coupled to circuit ground. The circuit further includes a first resistance having a first node coupled to a source of microphone bias voltage and a second node coupled to the first terminal of the microphone; and a second resistance having a first node coupled to the source of microphone bias voltage and a second node coupled to the first terminal of the component. Operation of the differential amplifier results in attenuating or suppressing common mode noise and interference present in the microphone bias voltage and in the common potential. |
| US07978856B2 |
Methods of managing a key cache
Methods of managing a key cache are provided. One method may include determining whether a given key has previously been loaded to a trusted platform module (TPM), loading the given key to the TPM and generating a key cache object corresponding to the given key if the determining step determines the given key has not previously been loaded to the TPM and restoring the given key to the TPM based on the key cache object corresponding to the given key if the given key has previously been loaded. Another method may include extracting a key from a TPM if the TPM does not have sufficient memory to load a new key, the extracted key corresponding to a least frequently used key cache object within the TPM. Another method may include restoring a key to a TPM, the restored key having been previously loaded to and extracted from the TPM. |
| US07978852B2 |
Method of partially scrambling a data stream
A method of partially scrambling a data stream (6) including transport stream packets (7), each transport stream packet (7) having a header (8) and a payload (9), wherein a sequence of transport stream packets (7) has payloads carrying encoded data elements, arranged in units (15), includes: selecting transport stream packets (7) forming a subsequence of the sequence, and scrambling at least part of the payloads (9) of each transport stream packet (7) in the subsequence. The method further includes monitoring the payloads (9) of at least some of the transport stream packets (7) in the sequence for the presence of data (22) indicating a boundary between two subsequent units (15), and, for selected units (15), including at least one of the transport stream packets (7) carrying data forming part of the selected unit (15) in the sub-sequence. |
| US07978850B2 |
Manufacturing embedded unique keys using a built in random number generator
A method of manufacturing a device containing a key is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) fabricating a chip comprising a random number generator, a nonvolatile memory and a circuit, (B) applying electrical power to the chip to cause the random number generator to generate a signal conveying a sequence of random numbers, (C) commanding the chip to program a first arbitrary value among the random numbers into the nonvolatile memory, wherein the device is configured such that the first arbitrary value as stored in the nonvolatile memory is unreadable from external to the device and (D) packaging the chip. |
| US07978841B2 |
System and method for gathering information related to a geographical location of a caller in a public switched telephone network
In a telecommunication system having at least two communicants (i.e., a caller and a callee), a system and method are presented for collecting information associated with the geographical location of either of the communicants. In one embodiment, the approach entails receiving a geographical location corresponding to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone number, and collecting geographical location information associated with the received geographical location. |
| US07978831B2 |
Methods and apparatus for defending against telephone-based robotic attacks using random personal codes
Methods and apparatus are provided for defending against telephone-based robotic attacks. An interactive voice response method is disclosed, comprising the steps of obtaining a script to present to a caller, the script including at least one menu option having at least one personal code; generating a random number for the personal code; and presenting the at least one menu option with the generated random number to the caller. The step of generating a random number for the personal code is optionally responsive to receipt of the call. The method is optionally performed only if one or more predefined criteria defining an attack are satisfied. The disclosed IVR system can optionally monitor the caller response to determine whether the caller enters the generated random number. |
| US07978830B2 |
Broadcasting voicemail replies
A messaging device may include a memory configured to store a first message from a first caller and intended for a called party and to store information identifying a group that includes a number of broadcast parties that include the first caller. The messaging device may include a processor configured to receive a reply message from the called party and to broadcast the reply message to at least a subset of the group. |
| US07978825B2 |
Anatomical marker for x-ray orientation
A radiopaque marker for more effectively orienting a fluoroscopy image to a patient's body position is disclosed. A method for orienting a radiological image with a patient's anatomical position comprises the step of forming a marker with a first side indicator and a second side indicator formed substantially opposite the first side indicator. A device in accordance with the present invention comprises a radiopaque marker comprising a first side indicator, a second side indicator, and a humanoid shape. |
| US07978824B2 |
X-ray tube having transmission anode
An x-ray tube assembly includes an x-ray tube envelope, a cathode assembly and a transmission anode assembly. The transmission anode assembly includes an x-ray generation layer and an anode substrate. The x-ray generation layer may be annular and mounted on a rotating disc-shaped anode substrate or cylindrical and mounted on a rotating and/or oscillating cylindrical anode substrate. |
| US07978820B2 |
X-ray diffraction and fluorescence
An instrument capable of both X-ray diffraction, XRD, and X-ray fluorescence measurements, XRF, arranges an X-ray source 10 creating an incident X-ray beam directed to a sample on a sample stage. An X-ray detection system is mounted at a fixed angle 2θ for high energy energy dispersive XRD For XRF, an X-ray detection system is used. |
| US07978819B2 |
Orthovoltage radiotherapy
A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver 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, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues. 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. |
| US07978808B1 |
Method of providing a nuclear fuel and a fuel element provided by such a method
A nuclear fuel element including a uranium-molybdenum alloy that provides an enhanced reactivity in research, test and radioisotope production nuclear reactors. In this uranium-molybdenum alloy, the uranium is enriched in the isotope 235-U, while the molybdenum is depleted in the isotope 95-Mo. The thus obtained enhanced reactivity provides, depending on the exact use of the fuel element, a requirement for less uranium in the fuel and the use of the fuel elements during a longer period in the reactor. |
| US07978802B1 |
Method and apparatus for a mesochronous transmission system
A method and apparatus for a multiple lane transmission system that provides both a low latency mode of operation, while at the same time, provides reduced lane-lane skew. The overall transmission system operates as a mesochronous system, whereby each clock domain of the transmission system is synchronized to the leaf nodes of a global clock tree. A phase aligner is then used to align the phase of both the bit and byte clocks of each transmission lane to the clock signal generated at the leaf nodes of the global clock tree. |
| US07978800B2 |
Circuit for converting a transponder controller chip output into an appropriate input signal for a host device
A translation circuit for mediating between a fiber-optic controller chip and a host device. The translation circuit may be on a fiber-optic transponder. The controller chip includes a phase locked loop that outputs a short synchronization signal when a hunting frequency passes through a target data signal frequency while hunting for a data signal and outputs a synchronization signal when the phase locked loop is locked onto a data signal. The translation circuit distinguishes between the synchronization signals and generates a lock signal when the phase locked loop is locked onto a data signal, but does not when the hunting frequency passes through the target data signal frequency. The lock signal may be used by a host device into which the fiber-optic transponder has been in installed. Errors from misinterpreted signals can thus be mitigated. |
| US07978799B2 |
Adaptive digital filter, FM receiver, signal processing method, and program
A complex signal in which one of two signals that have been generated from a single real signal and that have phases that are shifted 90° with respect to each other is a real part and the other signal is an imaginary part is applied as input to an input terminal. A filter unit generates an output signal that is a complex signal by means of a convolution operation of the input signal, and a filter coefficient that is a real signal and supplies this output signal to an output terminal. A coefficient control unit made up from a common unit and separate units updates the filter coefficients such that the value of the envelope of the output signal approaches a target signal. |
| US07978797B2 |
Method and system for near optimal iterative detection of the 2-dimensional ISI channel
A method and system for decoding data received from a channel experiencing two-dimensional inter-symbol interference, as well as systems implementing such a decoding method and system, are disclosed. The method includes an iterative multi-strip equalization method that receives a plurality of channel values associated with a plurality of locations in a plurality of rows of a matrix, computes initial probability values based upon those channel values, applies a BCJR algorithm to symbol probability values based upon bands of rows of the initial probability values, and resolves the results of applying the BCJR algorithm to arrive at a plurality of bands of rows of revised probability values, which are subsequently combined/substituted with one another. The process iteratively repeats until the revised probability values attain a sufficient degree of convergence. By utilizing data from overlapping bands to perform the BCJR algorithm, ISI in both dimensions is addressed. |
| US07978795B2 |
Fast automatic gain control
An apparatus comprising a slicer configured to produce a symbol decision value and a symbol error value utilizing, at least in part, a slicer input signal; and an automatic gain controller configured to facilitate the automatic control of a gain applied to the slicer input signal by producing a gain control signal, the automatic gain controller comprising a decision-directed amplitude error detector configured to utilize, at least in part, the symbol decision value and the symbol error value to produce an amplitude error signal, and a loop filter configured to utilize the amplitude error signal to produce the gain control signal. |
| US07978792B2 |
Reproducing apparatus and method, signal processing apparatus and method, and program
A reproducing apparatus for reproducing channel data from a recording medium using the ITR includes a reading unit reading an information signal recorded on the recording medium; a phase interpolator interpolating a phase of the information signal read on the basis of a phase error signal sent as a feedback; a first waveform equalizer equalizing a waveform of the phase-interpolated information signal while keeping the phase of the information signal fixed; a phase-error-signal generator generating the phase error signal to be sent as a feedback to the phase interpolator on the basis of the information signal whose waveform has been equalized by the first waveform equalizer; a second waveform equalizer equalizing the waveform of the phase-interpolated information signal without limiting a phase change; and a decoder generating the channel data by decoding the information signal whose waveform has been equalized by the second waveform equalizer. |
| US07978791B2 |
Method and system for adaptive channel estimation in pilot symbol assisted modulation systems
A method includes generating a plurality of noise-averaged channel estimates using noisy channel estimates. At least some of the noise-averaged channel estimates are generated using different averaging lengths. The method also includes selecting one of the averaging lengths based on the plurality of noise-averaged channel estimates. The step of selecting one of the averaging lengths may include subtracting the noise-averaged channel estimates from the noisy channel estimates to produce a plurality of noise-averaged differences and determining powers of the noise-averaged differences. The step of selecting one of the averaging lengths may also include determining total error powers associated with the different averaging lengths using the powers of the noise-averaged differences and selecting the averaging length corresponding to a lowest total error power. |
| US07978788B2 |
Method and arrangement for estimating DC offset
A method and arrangement for estimating a DC offset for a signal received in a radio receiver. The received signal includes a digitally modulated signal component, a DC offset component, and a noise component. When the signal is of a known type, such as a Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK)-modulated signal with constant amplitude in a GSM/EDGE cellular radio system, the method exploits the known characteristics of the statistical distribution for the known type of signal to obtain a better estimate of the DC offset. The statistical distribution of the received digitally modulated signal component is first analyzed. That statistical distribution is then compared to the known statistical distribution for the known type of signal to identify differences. The differences are then used to estimate the DC offset. Additional iterations may be performed to further improve the DC estimate. |
| US07978781B2 |
Calibration correction for implicit beamforming in a wireless MIMO communication system
A first packet is transmitted via a forward channel corresponding to a signal direction from a first transceiver device to a second transceiver device, wherein the first packet includes a request to initiate calibration. A partial dimensional description of a reverse channel is determined based on the reception of a second packet received from the second transceiver device, wherein the second packet includes training information of spatial dimensions used for the transmission of the second packet but does not include training information for all available spatial dimensions of a reverse channel. A correction matrix is developed from the partial dimensional description of the reverse channel and a description of the forward channel, and the correction matrix and a steering matrix is used to process signals to be transmitted via the forward channel. |
| US07978779B2 |
Tone-interleaved coded modulation scheme for MIMO OFDM communication
A MIMO OFDM system for TICM includes a tone-level interleaver at the transmitter using a block of NT symbols as its basic unit. This results in different decoding architectures at the receiver. The main advantage of TICM is to merge soft-bit demapping into the Viterbi algorithm. Taking advantage of the trellis structure inherent in the Viterbi algorithm, TICM can have lower computational complexity and potentially better performance than BICM with the LSD detector and the vector demapper. Although the tone-level interleaving may not have spatial diversity gain, the performance is not affected in 802.11n environments. |
| US07978776B2 |
Channel estimation device and related method of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system
A channel estimation device for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system and related method. The transmitting end transmits error detection signal of subcarrier, and the channel estimation is decided by whether the received signal at the receiving end is correct. Furthermore, in order to reduce the calculation complexity of the channel estimation, least square estimation is performed first, then MMSE estimation is performed to obtain more precise channel estimation, and singular value decomposition is utilized to reduce the calculation complexity of MMSE. The above-mentioned channel estimation method can obtain a better system efficiency in fast time variant channel. |
| US07978775B2 |
Frequency offset detector
A frequency offset detector is provided which is adaptable to a great frequency offset of one or more carrier waves in an OFDM signal. The frequency offset detector comprises a multiplication circuit which multiplies, by a pseudorandom number bit sequence, a reception signal generated by Fourier transformation of an OFDM modulated signal wherein pilot symbols are dispersed and arranged in accordance with four kinds of patterns and periodically transmitted. Four arithmetic circuits extract the pilot symbols corresponding to the respective patterns from a result of the multiplication by the multiplication circuit for each of the four kinds of patterns and calculate the sum of phase differences among the extracted pilot symbols to output an absolute value. A detection circuit detects a frequency offset on the basis of a maximum value of the absolute values calculated by the four arithmetic circuits. A complex sinusoidal wave is generated on the basis of the detected frequency offset, and the frequency of an input signal is converted thereby, such that the offset of the reception signal can be corrected. |
| US07978774B2 |
Internet GSM, CDMA, OFDM, Wi-Fi wireless and wired multimode systems
Internet, wireless and wired multimode systems. Processing, modulating, transmitting and receiving internet provided and location finder signals. Cross-correlator, transmit baseband filter and modulator for cross-correlating, filtering and modulating in-phase and quadrature-phase signal, and providing modulated signal to a transmitter. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Wi-Fi, spread spectrum, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), time division multiplexed (TDM), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Global Mobile System (GSM) processors and baseband filters for providing OFDM, OFDMA, TDM, TDMA, Bluetooth, spread spectrum CDMA and GSM system signals to transmitter and diversity receiver. Diversity receiver systems. Demodulator for demodulating, filtering and processing diversity system received signal. Receive baseband filter is intentionally mismatched to the transmit baseband filter. Receiver and demodulator baseband filter provides received baseband mis-match filtered cross-correlated in-phase and quadrature-phase signal. |
| US07978773B2 |
Multi-channel receiver with improved AGC
An improved multi-channel receiver for satellite broadcast applications or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a primary AGC loop controls an analog sub-receiver adapted to simultaneously receive multiple signals. Multiple digital demodulators, coupled to the sub-receiver, demodulate the multiple received signals. Multiple secondary AGC loops, one for each received signal, compensate for variations in demodulated signal strengths caused by the primary AGC loop. A feed-forward AGC compensation technique generates scalar control values for scaling the demodulated signals before the demodulated signals are processed by the secondary AGC loops. This at least partially compensates for gain variations caused by the primary AGC, reducing received signal drop-outs before the secondary AGC loops can compensate for the gain variations. Because of systemic delays in the sub-receiver and the demodulators, the scalar control values are independently timed to be coincident with the variations in the demodulated signal strengths caused by the primary AGC loop. |
| US07978769B2 |
Method and apparatus for coding motion information
Video compression algorithms typically represent visual information by a combination of motion and texture data. Motion data describes the temporal relationship between the content of a frame and that of a previous frame. This invention describes a method and apparatus for efficiently encoding motion data, particularly in the presence of horizontal and/or vertical motion boundaries. |
| US07978768B2 |
Recompression method and apparatus for video data
A recompression apparatus for video data possesses a first transcoder, which is able to generate an output video data by recompressing an input video data encoded by a first encode scheme, a second transcoder, which has a compressibility smaller than the first transcoder and is able to generate an output video data by recompressing an input video data by a second encode scheme, and a controller, which receives a recompression parameter including a reduction rate of a target bit rate of an output video data against an input video data, controls a transcoder to carry out compression encoding if the reduction rate is smaller than a threshold value and controls a transcoder to carry out recompression if the reduction rate is equal to or larger than the reduction value. |
| US07978766B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and/or decoding moving pictures
A method of encoding moving pictures using a plurality of quantization matrices. The method involves selecting one of the plurality of quantization matrices in consideration of an at least one characteristics of an input image; transforming the input image; and quantizing the transformed input image using the selected quantization matr ix. |
| US07978763B2 |
Coding system, coding method and coding apparatus
A video-coding apparatus acquires apparatus information from a connected external apparatus and automatically registers the external apparatus. Programs may be encoded in a file format appropriate for at least one external apparatus registered for the same program. A coded video file may be generated and stored. When the external apparatus is connected, a previously generated coded video file may be selected for playback by the external apparatus. |
| US07978760B2 |
Decision feedback equalizer having adjusting device and method thereof
A decision feedback equalizer having an adjusting device and method thereof are described. The decision feedback equalizer having an adjusting device includes a feed-forward filter, a decision device, a feedback filter, the adjusting device, and a summation device. The feed-forward filter generates a forwarding signal (Sff) based on an input signal (Si). The decision device generates a first decision (Sd1) signal and a second decision signal (Sd2) which are associated with the summation signal (Ssu). The feedback filter receives the second decision signal (Sd2) for generating a feedback signal (Sfb). The adjusting device adjusts the first decision signal (Sd1) according to a first weighting value (V1) for generating a first adjusted signal (Sa1) and transmitting the first adjusted signal (Sa1) to the feed-forward filter. The adjusting device further adjusts the feedback signal (Sfb) according to a second weighting value (V2) for generating a second adjusted signal (Sa2). The summation device receives the forwarding signal (Sff) and the second adjusted signal (Sa2) for generating a summation signal (Ssu) and issuing the summation signal (Ssu) to the decision device. |
| US07978756B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring impulse noise
Systems and methods for monitoring impulse noise are described. At least one embodiment is a method, which comprises detecting whether impulse noise is present and in response to detecting the presence of impulse noise, performing time domain analysis to determine whether one or more impulse noise sources are present based on minimum interarrival time and maximum impulse length. The method further includes performing frequency domain analysis to estimate frequencies associated with the one or more impulse noise sources and based on the time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis, providing a total number of impulse noise sources and frequencies associated with the impulse noise sources. In this regard, the embodiments described herein provide dual-speed monitoring of impulse noise in the form of short-term and long-term monitoring. The use of dual-speed monitoring ensures that dynamic changes in the impulse noise environment are quickly addressed and also ensures better characterization of multiple impulse noise sources in order to provide better impulse noise protection. |
| US07978754B2 |
Communication channel calibration with nonvolatile parameter store for recovery
A communication channel is operated by storing a calibrated parameter value in nonvolatile memory during manufacturing, testing, or during a first operation of the device. Upon starting operation of the communication channel in the field, the calibrated parameter value is obtained from the nonvolatile memory, and used in applying an operating parameter of the communication channel. After applying the operating parameter, communication is initiated on a communication channel. The operating parameter can be adjusted to account for drift immediately after starting up, or periodically. The process of starting operation in the field includes power up events after a power management operation. In embodiments where one component includes memory, steps can be taken prior to a power management operation using the communication channel, such as transferring calibration patterns to be used in calibration procedures. |
| US07978752B2 |
Method and apparatus for switching operating modes of a receiver
In a wireless communication system, a method and apparatus switches operating modes of a receiver receiving data and operating in a first mode. The method comprises determining whether a criteria is met to switch the operating mode of the receiver. The operating mode of the receiver is switched from the first mode to a second mode if the criteria is met. |
| US07978738B2 |
OPO laser mid-IR wavelength converter
A wavelength converter comprising an arsenic sulfide (As—S) chalcogenide glass fiber coupled to an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) crystal and a laser system using an OPO crystal coupled to an As—S fiber are provided. The OPO receives pump laser radiation from a pump laser and emits laser radiation at a wavelength that is longer than the pump laser radiation. The laser radiation that is emitted from the OPO is input into the As—S fiber, which in turn converts the input wavelength from the OPO to a desired wavelength, for example, a wavelength beyond about 4.4 μm. In an exemplary embodiment, the OPO comprises a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal. The As—S fiber can include any suitable type of optical fiber, such as a conventional core clad fiber, a photonic crystal fiber, or a microstructured fiber. |
| US07978735B2 |
Single chip tuner integrated circuit for use in a cable modem
A novel single chip tuner integrated circuit (IC) for multiple video reception in a cable modem. The tuner circuit is well suited for use in cable modem systems adapted to implement the DOCSIS 3.0 specification which specifies multiple simultaneous video channel reception. The single-chip tuner integrated circuit comprises a plurality of tuner sub-circuits wherein each tuner sub-circuit is operative to generate a single output channel, determined in accordance with a tune commend input. The tune command input is used to generate a frequency reference signal that is input to a corresponding tuner sub-circuit. The frequency reference signal for a tuner sub-circuit is mixed with an input RF receive signal from the CATV input to the cable modem to generate a baseband channel. The baseband channel is subsequently filtered, amplified and input to the PHY circuit wherein undergoes analog to digital conversion (ADC) before being input to a baseband processor. |
| US07978732B2 |
Apparatus and method for deciding transmission format using variable frame length and decoding method using the same
Provided are an apparatus and method for deciding a transmission format using a variable frame length and a decoding method using the same. The apparatus for deciding the transmission format using the variable frame length includes: a frame synchronization acquiring unit for acquiring a frame synchronization of a received transmission frame; a correlation analyzing unit for performing a correlation analysis with respect to the transmission frame whose synchronization is acquired, considering frame lengths of respective frame structures; and a transmission frame structure deciding unit for deciding the structure of the received transmission frame using the analyzed correlation. Accordingly, a physical layer signaling code (PLSC) demodulation and decoding performance can be enhanced by determining the structure of the transmitted frame without carrying out a PLSC decoding in such a state that a frequency synchronization is not acquired. |
| US07978731B2 |
Method and system for consolidating TCP ports
A system for consolidating TCP ports. In response to initiating a connection to a hidden port via a network, a TCP in TCP packet is created. Then, the TCP in TCP packet is sent to the hidden port via the network via a network visible port. |
| US07978729B2 |
High data throughput WLAN frame format
A frame format for high data throughput wireless local area network transmissions includes a first preamble segment, a second preamble segment, and a variable length data segment. The first preamble segment includes at least one training sequence and a high throughput channel indication. The second preamble segment includes a high data throughput training sequence when the high throughput channel indication is set and includes a null segment when the high data throughput training sequence is not set. |
| US07978728B2 |
Network clustering for improving connection management and re-routing capabilities
Embodiments of the present invention relate to re-routing data packets in a communication network according to at least a first version and a second version of a protocol. |
| US07978725B2 |
Dynamic modification of contention-based transmission control parameters achieving load balancing scheme in wireless mesh networks
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to facilitating load balancing and bandwidth allocation in wireless mesh networks. Generally, according to one implementation of the present invention, routing nodes implement a contention-based media access mechanism and self-allocate bandwidth within a wireless mesh network by dynamically modifying one or more contention-based transmission control parameters. The routing nodes determine a hop count and adjust one or more contention parameters based at least in part on the hop count. |
| US07978720B2 |
Digital media device having media content transfer capability
Systems and methods for media content transfer are described. One exemplary embodiment of a method for transferring content from a first digital video recorder (DVR) set-top to a second DVR set-top includes recording instances of media content to a first storage medium located internal to a housing of the first DVR set-top and receiving an indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top. One exemplary method further includes, in response to receiving the indication that the instances of media content stored to the first storage medium are to be made available for playback using the second DVR set-top, providing the instances of media content to the second DVR set-top over a communication interface of the second DVR set-top, the communication interface accessible from an external port of the second DVR set-top. |
| US07978719B2 |
Dynamically assigning endpoint identifiers to network interfaces of communications networks
Endpoint identifiers are dynamically assigned to network interfaces, in response to a change in physical connection. When a physical connection associated with a network interface is changed, such as a cable coupling the network interface to an endpoint is moved from one location to another location, a new endpoint identifier is assigned to the network interface. The new endpoint identifier is based on the location of the new endpoint. |
| US07978718B2 |
Small group multicast in a computer network
A data structure is stored in a memory of a router, the router located along a path between a source end station and a plurality of destination end stations in a multicast distribution tree. In response to receipt of trace packets containing a listing of network devices in the multicast distribution tree, the data structure is updated. When the source end station desires to send a multicast packet, it transmits a packet to the router. The router then writes the path information stored in the data structure into the packet. Such path information may include a tree list that specifies the arrangement of network devices along the multicast distribution tree and an address list that specifies the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of these network devices along the multicast distribution tree. By storing the complete description of the network devices of the multicast distribution tree in the packet, routing demands on the devices along the multicast path are minimized. |
| US07978717B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing power consumption in communication networks
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for reducing power consumption in communication networks. In one exemplary embodiment, a system includes a leader node in communication with a plurality of follower nodes. The leader node causes the leader and follower nodes to transition from an awake mode to a sleep mode where they consume less power. An exemplary embodiment of a method includes the steps of configuring nodes in a communication network as follower nodes and configuring a node in the communication network as a leader node. The leader node is configured to cause the leader and follower nodes to alternate between an awake mode and a sleep mode. The leader and follower nodes consume less power when in the sleep mode than when in the awake mode. |
| US07978716B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a VPN solution
A system, apparatus and a method for implementing a secured communications link at a layer other than that at which packets are filtered are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer system is configured to form a virtual private network (“VPN”) and comprises an address inspection driver to identify initial target packet traffic addressed to a target server. Also, the computer system includes a pseudo server module to receive rerouted initial target packet traffic from the address inspection driver. The pseudo server module is configured to convey packet regeneration instructions to a VPN gateway. The address inspection driver functions to identify additional target packet traffic addressed to the target server and routes the additional target packet traffic to the pseudo server. In one embodiment, the pseudo server is configured to strip header information from the additional target packet traffic to form a payload, and thereafter, to route the payload to the target. |
| US07978713B2 |
GMPLS+IP/MPLS node and IP/MPLS node
A network is realized having GMPLS and IP/MPLS mixed, in which an IP/MPLS node can be operated as is without replacing the IP/MPLS node with a node having a GMPLS function, even if the GMPLS and IP/MPLS are mixed. To match with the protocol of the IP/MPLS node outside of a GMPLS cloud, the GMPLS+IP/MPLS node (edge) establishes a PSC-LSP between GMPLS+IP/MPLS nodes (edge), uses the PSC-LSP as an IP/MPLS link from the viewpoint of the IP/MPLS node, and operates signaling of an MPLS-LSP establishment requested from the IP/MPLS. |
| US07978711B2 |
Systems and methods for broadcasting content using surplus network capacity
A system and method are described for broadcasting/multicasting content using surplus network capacity. The systems and methods are directed to solving the problem of how to simultaneously broadcast/multicast large content files to a plurality of users for later retrieval by using existing network capacity as opposed to being forced to add new capacity to handle peak demand. Generally, the methods comprise receiving data to be distributed, determining surplus network capacity, and distributing the data within the surplus network capacity to a plurality of subscriber devices. |
| US07978708B2 |
Automatic route tagging of BGP next-hop routes in IGP
A technique configures an intermediate network node to automatically determine whether a route advertised by a routing protocol is important for fast convergence in a computer network. As used herein, an important route needed for fast convergence is a route advertised by the routing protocol, such as an exterior gateway routing protocol (EGP) process executing on the node, as a next-hop address, since external connectivity relies on such a route. Notably, the EGP process interacts with an interior gateway routing protocol (IGP) process executing on the node to identify the route as an important route. Identification of an important route, in turn, allows IGP to process the route in a high priority fashion, thereby facilitating fast convergence. |
| US07978707B2 |
Method and apparatus for securely establishing L3-SVC connections
A system and method are provided for securely establishing Layer-3 SVCs or SPVCs across an ATM network. An originating multiservice switch that generates the connection setup message for the Layer-3 connection includes security information within the setup message, such as a Closed User Group Interlock Code. When the destination multiservice switch receives the setup message, it extracts the embedded security information and compares it with stored security information corresponding to the connection. The correspondence may be determined from the destination user. If the embedded security information matches the stored security information, the destination multiservice switch allows the connection to be established. |
| US07978700B2 |
Apparatus for determining locations of fields in a data unit
A header analyzer unit generates attribute information regarding headers of a data unit. The header analyzer unit includes a programmable memory unit having a content addressable memory (CAM) with an input to receive a first portion of the data unit and a second portion of the data unit. The programmable memory unit also includes a memory separate from the CAM and coupled to an output of the CAM. The CAM stores indications of locations within the memory separate from the CAM, and the memory separate from the CAM programmably stores header attribute information regarding a plurality of different types of headers for data units having different formats. |
| US07978698B2 |
Terminal for performing multiple access transmission suitable to a transmission path having varied characteristics
A terminal for performing multiple access transmission suitable to a transmission path having varied characteristics includes a transmission/reception section, a control unit, a transfer management section, and an external interface section. Specifically, the terminal refers to an IGMP (MLD) message received by the transmission/reception section to classify a transmitter host and a relay device of the message based on a characteristic of the transmission path, and performs a multiple access transmission of a multicast packet in a form suitable to the characteristic of the transmission path. |
| US07978692B2 |
Integrated cross-switching unit and service scheduling method thereof
An integrated cross-switching unit and a service scheduling method thereof are provided. The integrated cross-switching unit includes: a bus identification module, a cross-connecting module, a mapping/de-mapping module, an encapsulation/de-encapsulation module, and a packet scheduling module; the bus identification module identifies service source, transmits service from a line unit to the cross-connecting module and directly sends the data packets from the data service processing unit to the packet scheduling module to implement scheduling; the cross-connecting module implements TDM service cross-connecting, and transmits the data service of the service from the line unit to the packet scheduling module via the mapping/de-mapping module and the encapsulation/de-encapsulation module to implement scheduling. This solution integrates the cross-connecting function and switching function of TDM service and data service in the same unit, reducing system slots and realizing larger-capacity service scheduling. |
| US07978689B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for transmitting voice and data over ethernet
An apparatus. The apparatus includes a network interface card in communication with a telephone, a functional circuit in communication with the network interface card, and an Ethernet port in communication with the functional circuit. The functional circuit is for constructing an Ethernet frame. |
| US07978688B2 |
System and method for converting packet payload size
An apparatus is provided for enabling communication between telephony devices. The apparatus includes a queue operable to receive incoming media packets from the telephony devices, and a payload segmenter coupled to the queue and operable to divide an incoming payload section of each incoming packet into one or more data segments. The apparatus also includes a mixer coupled to the payload segmenter and operable to mix the data segments from the telephony devices to create an aggregate data segment. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a reassembly buffer coupled to the mixer and operable to construct an outgoing payload section for one or more telephony devices by linking successively generated aggregate data segments. |
| US07978687B2 |
Method for controlling routing in a packet network supported by a transport network
A method of controlling routing in a packet network supported by a transport network allowing the dynamic creation/suppression of links for transporting packets of said packet network, said method including a routing step, a step of informing other routers of said network of the metric assigned to each link of the packet network, and a step of creating/destroying a link. The link may have three states: a non-connected state if said two routers cannot be directly connected, a virtual connection state wherein a virtual metric is assigned to said link between said head end router and said tail end router of the same communication, and a real connection state wherein a real metric is normally assigned to said link. |
| US07978685B1 |
System and method for packet-based voice telephony for use in receiving calls during dial-up internet sessions
The present invention provides a system and method for receiving incoming voice telephone calls during a dial up internet session. An incoming telephone call to a telephone line in use for a dial-up internet session may be forwarded to a predetermined telephone number. When the incoming voice telephone call is received at the predetermined telephone number, the internet user may be notified of the incoming telephone call and may be given the option of receiving the incoming call or taking other actions with the incoming call. If the internet user elects to receive the incoming voice telephone call, the incoming voice telephone call is forwarded to the internet user's computer using a protocol for establishing voice telephony over a packet-based network, such as voice over internet protocol. |
| US07978674B1 |
Method for selecting resource-allocation type in a wireless communication system
A method of selecting a type of resource-allocation to use for a call in a cellular wireless system, such as selecting a type of radio configuration to use for the call. According to the method, resource-availability in one more adjacent coverage areas may be used as a basis to select the type of resource-allocation to use in a current coverage area. For instance, given the choice between a radio configuration that consumes less base station power and a radio configuration that consumes more base station power, the radio configuration consuming more base station power may be selected if base station sufficient power is available in one or more adjacent coverage area(s), and the other radio configuration may be selected if insufficient base station power is available in the one or more adjacent coverage area(s). Distance between the mobile station and a current base station may be considered as well. |
| US07978673B1 |
Channel allocation based on random plus planned processes
Wireless communication traffic channels are allocated based on random plus planned processes. A request for a traffic channel is sent on a random traffic channel that is not a dedicated random access channel. A determination is made whether to allocate a traffic channel based on status of a subscriber that sere the traffic channel request, including determining base on temps of subscription of the subscriber. An implementation at a base station includes receiving the request on a traffic channel making the determination, and assigning either the traffic channel on which the request was received, or another channel. In a user terminal, the user terminal sends the request on a random traffic channel that it is not assigned to, and receives a traffic channel allocation, or an indication that no channel is available. |
| US07978667B2 |
Management of WLAN and WWAN communication services to a multi-mode wireless communication device
A mesh network communication system includes a plurality of access points connected to a wireless local area network (WLAN) controller where at least one of the plurality access points is a detection access point (DAP) that receives reverse link (RL) wireless wide area network (WWAN) signals transmitted from a multi-mode wireless communication device. Based on an intercepted RL WWAN signal, the DAP forwards reverse link (RL) information to the WLAN controller. Based on the RL information, the WLAN controller generates and sends, to the WWAN communication system, a device to access point association list (device-AP association list) comprising one or more device identifiers associated with one or more target access point identifier. The device identifier uniquely identifies a multi-mode wireless communication device within a maximum proximity of a target access point identified by the target access point identifier. The WWAN system applies the device-AP association list to efficiently manage handoffs from the WWAN system to access points in the mesh network. |
| US07978666B2 |
Node control in wireless sensor networks
Network node control is described that includes node wakeup scheduling that reduces the energy consumption of levels of nodes and reduces the delay of information transfer through the network. The node wakeup scheduling includes a crossed ladder pattern that combines two wakeups in one level. The node wakeup scheduling also includes an adaptive version of the crossed ladder pattern that changes the wakeup patterns of the crossed ladder over time to provide uniform energy savings. The network node control also includes the use of multiple trees to transfer information through a network. This multi-parent node assignment assigns multiple parents with different wakeup schedules to each node in the network. This multi-parent assignment reduces the delay in transmission of information through the network and also increases energy efficiency in the nodes. |
| US07978665B1 |
Systems and methods for providing connection status and location information in a wireless networking environment
A system may provide a client device with a persistent wireless network browser toolbar for use in, for example, a network browser. The persistent wireless network browser toolbar is provided with a login status indicator, a logout option, and a wireless network signal strength indicator. |
| US07978664B2 |
Method for modem switching for use with MM-MB terminal
A multimode-multiband terminal includes an RF antenna for transceiving a CDMA-2000 signal and/or a WCDMA signal; an RF transceiver for demodulating a WCDMA pilot signal received from the RF antenna and outputting the demodulated WCDMA pilot signal; a pilot signal measurement unit for measuring an intensity of the demodulated WCDMA pilot signal to generate an Ec/Io; a WCDMA modem and a CDMA-2000 modem for performing a call processing according to protocols defined by a WCDMA standard and a CDMA-2000 standard, respectively; a flash memory for storing therein a modem-to-modem switching program capable of performing a switching between the WCDMA modem and the CDMA-2000 modem based on the Ec/Io; and a controller for loading the modem-to-modem switching program and activating the CDMA-2000 modem if a time lapse during which the Ec/Io is maintained smaller than a predetermined CDMA-2000 ON threshold THON is greater than a preset CDMA-2000 ON condition time Hd. |
| US07978660B2 |
Base station, mobile terminal, and communications method
A base station, to which Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing/Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access is applied, communicates with a mobile terminal according to Time Division Duplex, in which a transmission frame includes a downlink subframe and an uplink subframe. The base station includes multiple antennas; a radio communications part configured to transmit the downlink subframe through a first one of the antennas and to receive an initial ranging code transmitted by the mobile terminal through a second one of the antennas during the transmission of the downlink subframe; and a ranging processing part configured to perform ranging based on the initial ranging code received by the radio communications part. |
| US07978659B2 |
Method and apparatus of connectivity recovery in a wireless network
A wireless communication device and a method of operating an antenna training process to discover first and second communication paths between at least two stations, to rank according to a quality criterion transmitting and receiving modes of an antenna, to report best transmitting mode and best receiving mode for transmitting and receiving signals over said first and second communication paths and to establish a communication link on a selected communication path based on the quality of the transmitting mode and said receiving mode. |
| US07978653B2 |
Data transfer apparatus, data transfer method, and recording medium having data transfer program recorded
A data transfer apparatus includes a data transmitting portion, a destination point recording portion, an arrival time calculating portion, a required transfer rate calculating portion, and an occupied transfer rate calculating portion. The data transmitting portion transmits the pieces of untransmitted data to the respective mobile terminals through the communication line in accordance with the respective occupied data transfer rates calculated by the occupied transfer rate calculating portion. |
| US07978648B2 |
System and method of data access for mobile stations
Method and apparatus for data access for a mobile terminal comprising a module for determining whether first and second modes of wireless network coverage is available, a module for selecting the first mode if available, a module for attempting access via the second mode on failure to establish access via the first mode and a module for monitoring availability of the first mode. Even when a connection is established via the second mode, availability of the first mode is monitored and access attempted, when second mode connection is idle. |
| US07978642B2 |
System and method for determining air interface information for radio resource management in wireless communications
An air interface information unit including a measurement setup unit for implementing measurement setup procedures and configuration; a measurement reception and storing unit for storing actual, predicted and default air interface values and corresponding timestamps; a measurement processing unit for filtering, verifying, processing and combining air interface values; and a measurement output unit for providing air interface values to RRM functions upon request and triggering RRM functions when an air interface value exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US07978641B2 |
Hybrid TDM/FDM uplink for spot-beam communication system
A method, apparatus for uplinking data is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of receive antennae, independently directable to a plurality of ground stations, each disposed in one of a plurality of cells; a time domain concentrator, communicatively coupled to the plurality of receive antennae, the time domain concentrator for selectably directing each of the plurality of receive antennae to one or more of the plurality of cells, and for concatenating each of the uplink transmissions in a time domain; and a frequency domain concentrator, communicatively coupled to the time domain concentrator, for concatenating the uplink transmissions in a frequency domain. |
| US07978636B2 |
System and method for controlling throughput of access classes in a WLAN
A system comprises a monitoring module operative to monitor traffic on a wireless medium, the traffic belonging to one or more of two different access classes (ACs), one access class (AC) being a higher-priority AC and the other being a lower-priority AC; a throughput adaptation module communicatively coupled to the monitoring module and operative to dynamically generate data corresponding to one or more AC-sensitive parameters based on the monitored traffic and on a desired throughput ratio between the two different ACs; and a wireless communication module communicatively coupled to the throughput adaptation module and operative to communicate the data to one or more wireless stations on the wireless medium. |
| US07978634B2 |
TDD system based cell handoff method and user equipment
The present invention discloses a cell handoff method and a UE based on a TDD system. A UE measures received pilot channels of a source cell and a neighboring cell according to a measurement control message and reports measurement result to a RNC. The RNC, determines whether a target cell to be subject to a cell handoff process has available resources at a time slot different from that of the source cell and if yes, transmits a cell handoff command to the UE, allocates available resources for the UE in the target cell and transmits traffic carrier data of the UE to the source cell and the target cell respectively. After receiving the cell handoff command, the UE communicates with the source cell and the target cell at a same frame and at same time according to the allocated available resources. |
| US07978629B2 |
Method for network design to maximize difference of revenue and network cost
A method determines an optimal or near-optimal conveyance network layout in which revenue from serviced customer locations is maximized while the cost of installing and/or maintaining the conveyance is minimized. The conveyance may, for example, be a fiber optic telecommunications cable or a power or utility distribution system. Algorithms in the method generate primal and dual bounds in a Prize-Collecting Steiner Tree Problem in Graphs (PCSPG). Those algorithms originate from a Lagrangian Non-Delayed Relax-and-Cut (NDRC) based approach and incorporate ingredients such as a new PCSPG reduction test, an effective Local Search procedure and a modification in the NDRC framework that allows additional reductions in duality gaps to be attained. |
| US07978628B2 |
System and method for dynamic bandwidth determinations
A system and method of determining bandwidth thresholds dynamically. Frames per second are measured at an interface. An effective throughput is measured at the interface. An average packet size is determined for a plurality of frames received at the interface. The average packet size being determined in response to the measured frames per second and the measured effective throughput. A threshold is determined for the effective throughput in response to the determined average packet size. A determination is made whether the effective throughput at the interface exceeds the threshold for the interface. A throughput rate communicated to the interface is adjusted in response to determining the effective throughput at the interface exceeds the threshold. |
| US07978626B1 |
Method and system for adaptive hybrid automatic repeat request protocols based on network conditions
Methods and systems for adaptive hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) protocols are disclosed. The protocols preferably adapt to changing network conditions between a client node and an access node by omitting the transmission of certain messages when network conditions are determined to be favorable. In doing so, packets are processed faster, thus reducing communication latency as well as the memory requirements of the protocols. One scenario in which the protocols may operate is where the client node is a wireless communication device coupled to the access node via a wireless network. In such a scenario, the access node may, from time to time, measure a quality of the wireless air interface between the client node and the access node, and determine whether to transmit an acknowledgement message based on the outcome of the measurement as compared to a threshold value. |
| US07978624B2 |
Method for restraining cross-slot interference in slot CDMA system
The present invention discloses a method for suppressing cross-slot interference in a time-slotted CDMA system. The method includes: determining, by a base station, positions of cross slots according to configuration information of local cell and configuration information of co-frequency adjacent cells, and performing multi-cell channel estimation on the cross slots to obtain channel estimation results; determining, by the base station, code channel configuration information of the co-frequency adjacent cells, grouping the determined code channels and determining the code channels of the co-frequency adjacent cells involved in a joint detection; and performing, by the base station, the joint detection according to the multi-cell information estimation results and the determined code channels of the base stations involved in the joint detection to obtain detection data. With the present invention, interference from a base station transmitting downlink signals in cross slots to a base station receiving uplink signals in the corresponding slot may be reduced, and the system capacity and the stability may be improved. |
| US07978619B2 |
Application specific, network performance measurement system and method for applications
An application specific, network performance measurement system and method are provided wherein the application operates over a network wherein the performance of the network at one or more elements of the network is measured. |
| US07978618B2 |
Methods and systems for user interface customization
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for user interface customization. |
| US07978612B2 |
Two-hop relay for reducing distance vector routing information
In one embodiment, a method for using a two-hop relay includes receiving an update message for a distance vector routing protocol from a first neighbor. The update message is sent to a different neighbor. Often, it is first determined whether the receiving node is a relay node for the first neighbor in the protocol. The relay node is a node preferred to update a particular node two hops from the first neighbor. In another embodiment, a method for serving as the two-hop relay includes receiving from each neighbor a first message that includes neighbor data that indicates nodes that are in direct communication with the neighbor. A relay set of fewer than all neighbors is determined. Every node two hops from the first node is updated using only the relay set of neighbors. The relay set is sent in a second message for the protocol. |
| US07978610B1 |
Method for asynchronous transmission of communication data between periodically blanked terminals
A method for asynchronous transmission of communication data between periodically blanked terminals separated by an unknown distance is disclosed. A bursted signal is transmitted from a first terminal with a burst time tB and a burst cycle period T. The bursted signal is received at a second terminal. A bursted response signal is transmitted from the second terminal to the first terminal. The bursted response signal has a burst cycle period of T/2 and includes a pair of response bursts, with each burst in the pair having a burst time tA≦T/2−tB. Each burst in the pair of response bursts carries an identical data payload. At least one of the response bursts is received at the first terminal. |
| US07978609B2 |
Systems and methods for improving packet scheduling accuracy
A packet scheduler is configured to perform quality of service (QoS) scheduling on a per-data unit basis. A downstream processing engine is operatively connected to the packet scheduler for receiving forwarded packets. A feedback path is operatively connected between the downstream processing engine and the packet scheduler for transmitting a net data unit change value reflecting a change in packet size between an output of the packet scheduler and an output of the downstream processing engine. |
| US07978608B2 |
System and method for avoiding stall using timer for high-speed downlink packet access system
At least one timer is used to prevent a stall condition. If a timer is not active, the timer is started for a data block that is correctly received. The data block has a sequence number higher than a sequence number of another data block that was first expected to be received. When the timer is stopped or expires, all correctly received data blocks among data blocks up to and including a data block having a sequence number that is immediately before the sequence number of the data block for which the timer was started is delivered to a higher layer. Further, all correctly received data blocks up to a first missing data block, including the data block for which the timer was started, is delivered to the higher layer. |
| US07978602B2 |
Dynamic construction of label switching protocol interfaces
Techniques are described for dynamically constructing a label switching protocol interface in a network device. For example, the techniques allow dynamic construction of a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) interface. According to some embodiments, upon receiving a network communication from a subscriber, a network device determines whether the subscriber requires support for the label switching protocol. If the subscriber requires such support, the network device creates an interface stack for the subscriber that includes an interface for the label switching protocol. In this way, the network device may route packets from the subscriber across a network of computing devices that use the label switching protocol, and forward packets from such a network to the subscriber. The subscriber and the network device need not communicate according to the label switching protocol and, in example embodiments, instead communicate according to a layer 2 communication protocol. |
| US07978599B2 |
Method and system to identify and alleviate remote overload
A method and system to identify an overload state in a remote network device within a communications network in which a local network device can send at least one message to the remote network device. The method comprises detecting at least one message transmission timeout for the message sent from the local network device to the remote network device, the message transmission timeout corresponding to a retransmission of the message from the local network device to the remote network device. The number of message transmission timeouts for the message or several messages is counted, with the method further comprising comparing the number of message transmission timeouts to a predetermined timeout threshold so that an overload state for the remote network device can be inferred when the number of message transmission timeouts exceeds the predetermined timeout threshold. |