| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07984511B2 |
Self-protecting digital content
Technologies are disclosed to transfer responsibility and control over security from player makers to content authors by enabling integration of security logic and content. An exemplary optical disc carries an encrypted digital video title combined with data processing operations that implement the title's security policies and decryption processes. Player devices include a processing environment (e.g., a real-time virtual machine), which plays content by interpreting its processing operations. Players also provide procedure calls to enable content code to load data from media, perform network communications, determine playback environment configurations, access secure nonvolatile storage, submit data to CODECs for output, and/or perform cryptographic operations. Content can insert forensic watermarks in decoded output for tracing pirate copies. If pirates compromise a player or title, future content can be mastered with security features that, for example, block the attack, revoke pirated media, or use native code to correct player vulnerabilities. |
| US07984508B2 |
Contents using device, and contents using method
A contents using device (or a terminal device) 300 is composed of: a license processing unit 305 which judges, on the basis of a usage rule of a license, whether or not the content is available; a content reproduction unit 304 which uses the content judged by the terminal device 300 to be available; a restriction unit (or a content reproduction unit 304) which restricts the license corresponding to the contents from being used by another source by reason that the license is currently in use, for a time period between a start and a normal end of the content usage by the content reproduction unit 304; an event detection unit 307 which detects a predetermined event that occurs between the start and the normal end of the content usage and that forcefully aborts the content usage; a restriction-relaxation necessity judgment unit (or a recovery/penalty judgment unit) 309 which judges whether or not the predetermined event is against an intention of a user; and a restriction relaxation unit (or a license recovery unit) 306 which relaxes the restriction on the content usage when the recovery/penalty judgment unit 309 judges that the predetermined event is against the intention of the user. |
| US07984507B2 |
Document access management method and system
This disclosure provides a document access method and system. The document access method and system are based on a social network model which interconnects members of the social network as a function of trust. This framework provides a basis for documents to be accessed by members which are not directly specified by a document's owner, while providing a certain degree of document security. |
| US07984505B2 |
Rearrangement of media content while preserving digital rights management protection
An arrangement for managing a media file having an associated DRM license is provided by enabling the copying of the media file stored on a source medium to a target medium only when both the source medium and the target medium are held in custody by a media server. The media server writes a copy of a media file and a copy of the associated DRM license from the source medium to the target medium. Upon confirmation that the copy of the DRM license was successfully written to the target medium, the DRM license and media file on the source medium are overwritten. The result is that the target medium contains both the media files and the DRM licenses which are locked to the target medium. |
| US07984493B2 |
DNS based enforcement for confinement and detection of network malicious activities
Malicious network activities do not make use of the Domain Name System (DNS) protocol to reach remote targets outside a local network. This DNS-based enforcement system for confinement and detection of network malicious activities requires that every connection toward a resource located outside the local network is blocked by default by the local enforcement box, e.g. a firewall or a proxy. Outbound connections are allowed to leave the local network only when authorized directly by an entity called the DNS Gatekeeper. |
| US07984492B2 |
Methods and apparatus for policy enforcement in a wireless communication system
An apparatus and associated method is provided for facilitating policy decision in a communication system, wherein the apparatus receiving a message, the message comprising a first destination device identification of a first destination device, determining a second destination device identification of a second destination device by accessing a location information of a wireless terminal, and replacing the first destination device identification with second destination device identification. |
| US07984491B2 |
System, method and program for off-line user authentication
Disclosed is an off-line user authentication system, which is designed to present a presentation pattern to a user subject to authentication, and apply a one-time-password derivation rule serving as a password to certain pattern elements included in the presentation pattern at specific positions so as to create a one-time password. An off-line authentication client pre-stores a plurality of pattern element sequences each adapted to form a presentation pattern, and a plurality of verification codes created by applying a one-time-password derivation rule to the respective presentation patterns and subjecting the obtained results to a one-way function algorithm. A presentation pattern is created using one selected from the stored pattern element sequences, and presented to a user. A one-time password entered from the user is verified based on a corresponding verification code to perform user authentication. The present invention provides an off-line matrix authentication scheme with enhanced security. |
| US07984490B2 |
Method for issuing attribute certificate from an LDAP entry
A method and apparatus for issuing an attribute certificate for attributes of a Light Weight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) entry stored in an LDAP repository. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for an attribute of an LDAP entry. The method further includes, in response to the request, sending a reply that includes an attribute value of the requested attribute and a digital signature to authenticate the attribute value. |
| US07984489B2 |
Device registration system and device registration apparatus
When a PC transmits a content request to a device registration apparatus in which a permitted number of devices have already been registered, an expiration time management unit judges whether any registration information registered in a registration list management unit has an exceeded registration expiration time. If registration information with an exceeded registration expiration time is registered in the registration list management unit, the registration list management unit deletes this registration information, and newly registers registration information of the PC. |
| US07984488B2 |
Credential roaming in electronic computing systems
An exemplary system enabling credential roaming among a plurality of different computing devices may include an event handler to receive event notifications such as, e.g., a client logon. The event handler may invoke a management service in response to receiving an event notification. The management service may include a synchronizing module to synchronize a user's credentials with a remote directory service, such as, e.g., Active Directory, so that the user's credentials are available from any of a number of different computing devices. |
| US07984486B2 |
Using GAA to derive and distribute proxy mobile node home agent keys
A Generic Authentication Architecture bootstrapping procedure is performed between a mobile terminal and a bootstrapping server function resulting in the mobile terminal and the bootstrapping server function each acquiring at least a bootstrapping transaction Identifier associated with the mobile terminal and a corresponding shared key. The mobile terminal derives a network application function specific key based on at least the acquired shared key and an identifier of said network application function. The bootstrapping transaction identifier and the network application function specific key are sent from the mobile terminal to the proxy mobile node. A request message for Mobile Internet Protocol registration is sent from the proxy mobile node to a home agent on behalf of the mobile terminal, the request message including the bootstrapping transaction identifier and an identifier of the proxy mobile node. The registration message is verified in the home agent with the use of a network application function specific key obtained from the bootstrapping server function or a network application function. The request message for Mobile Internet Protocol registration is authenticated with the proxy mobile node acting on behalf of the mobile terminal by verifying the message authentication code with the obtained network application function specific key. |
| US07984484B1 |
System and method for assisting in remote message server configuration
When a user enters an email address associated with a remote message server account in a configuration area on a display, one or more suggestions for other field inputs are made based on canonical data or historical data from a variety of users. If the user cannot find a desired entry in the suggestions, the user may enter new information. The newly entered information (once validated) improves the prediction capability for subsequent users. A database stores information associated with each email address domain name including one or more remote message server names, one or more username patterns and ranking values. When more than one suggestion for a field is presented to a user, the suggestions are ranked in accordance with the respective ranking values such as by the popularity of a particular configuration. |
| US07984479B2 |
Policy-based security certificate filtering
Policy filtering services are built into security processing of an execution environment for resolving how to handle a digital security certificate of a communicating entity without requiring a local copy of a root certificate that is associated with the entity through a certificate authority (“CA”) chain. Policy may be specified using a set of rules (or other policy format) indicating conditions for certificate filtering. This filtering is preferably invoked during handshaking, upon determining that a needed root CA certificate is not available. In one approach, the policy uses rules specifying conditions under which a certificate is permitted (i.e., treated as if it is validated) and other rules specifying conditions under which a certificate is blocked (i.e., treated as if it is invalid). Preferably, policy rules are evaluated and enforced in order of most-specific to least-specific. |
| US07984478B2 |
Method and apparatus for a receiver/decoder
A method and apparatus relating to a receiver/decoder in a digital television environment, including logical devices (including logical demultiplexer devices) for representing physical and other devices in the receiver/decoder. The method includes the instantiation of devices by the receiver/decoder as required to support functionality thereof. The method further includes the use of multiple demultiplexers/remultiplexers, for example in the recording of more than one service simultaneously; and a control word device for the management of control word operations; the use of two or more tuners. Various elements of a digital television system (such as a receiver/decoder and a set top box) are also disclosed. |
| US07984472B2 |
System and method for enhancing recorded radio or television programs with information on the world wide web
The present invention is directed to a system, method and computer program for enabling a user (an auditor or a viewer) to access complementary information related to one or a plurality of sequences or topics of interest in a recorded program previously broadcast on the radio or television and played back on a device, such as an audio or video tape or disk recorder/player. The preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for enabling a person listening to or watching a recorded program, to select one or a plurality of topics drawing his or her attention and for immediately receiving further information related to these topics from the World Wide Web. The system is based on the synchronization of local times of transmitters and recorders. The flow of information transmitted, received and recorded is always synchronized, independently of the relative positions of recorders and transmitters. |
| US07984462B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect a blank frame in a digital video broadcast signal
Methods and apparatus to detect blank images in a digital video broadcast signal are disclosed. An example method of detecting a blank image includes analyzing DC values of luminance blocks associated with a frame to determine a number of the luminance blocks having substantially the same DC value; and identifying the frame as a blank image if the number exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US07984456B2 |
Interceptor framework using java dynamic proxies
Disclosed herein is a method and system for isolating business logic from system operations by attaching and organizing a set of java interceptor components, using XML configuration and java dynamic proxy functionality, around an existing standard software java business component. The interceptor components are configured by pre-configuring a set of interceptor classes in an XML configuration file. An interceptor framework is provided which configures, initializes and maintains the interceptor classes. A proxy of the business component is created and returned to a calling client program. The interceptor framework parses the XML configuration file for initializing all the interceptor classes. An interceptor chain is created associated with the business component, when the client program invokes the methods on the proxy business component. Each interceptor acts as a proxy to a previous interceptor in the interceptor chain. |
| US07984452B2 |
Event source management using a metadata-driven framework
The system and method described herein relates to managing multiple network device connections, collecting event source data from one or more network devices with one or more collectors, filtering the event source data, continuously monitoring the network device connections, controlling raw data collection from the one or more network devices, parsing the event source data into normalized data structures, and managing configurations for the collectors, among other things. Event sources may be physical or logical network devices distributed across a network, including but not limited to, firewalls, routers, biometric devices, mainframes, databases, and applications. The network devices may be sources from which the collectors may receive or request the event source data. |
| US07984438B2 |
Virtual machine transitioning from emulating mode to enlightened mode
A computing device has a hardware device employed to provide a hardware service to the computing device and a plurality of virtual machines including a host virtual machine (VM-H) to which the hardware device is assigned, and a client virtual machine (VM-C) that can consume the hardware service by way of the VM-H. The VM-C includes an emulating stack and an enlightened stack. The emulating stack interfaces an application requesting the hardware service with a trap in a virtualization layer of the computing device which re-directs the request to the VM-H. The enlightened stack interfaces the application with the VM-H and bypasses the virtualization layer. The emulating stack includes a shunt driver that shunts to the enlightened stack each request from the application directed to the emulating stack. |
| US07984437B2 |
System and method for software application scoping
A system and method for application scoping that can be added to the application model for an application server, making it less global-centric and more application-centric. The JNDI tree is configured to allow for an application-private JNDI section. This private JNDI section then acts as a private data repository for the application. Resources that are needed by the application can be stored in the application-specific JNDI tree, and thus “scoped” to that particular application. As applications are added to the system, they can be specified in this way. The overall result is fewer changes at the system-wide or global level. The application scoping features provided by the invention include: Use of application scoped JNDI tree; Application Scoped JDBC DataSources; and Application Scoped Security. Application scoped resources provide two primary advantages—Security, in that resources owned by one application can't be used by another; and Simplified packaging and configuration. |
| US07984436B1 |
Management of compatibility of software products installed on a user's computing device
Physical components that share common attributes in a software product are combined into logical groupings. A product matrix also lists logical groupings that are included into each software product listed in the product matrix. A compatibility matrix indicates whether any two logical groupings listed in the product matrix are compatible. When a new product is provided for an installation, the compatibility matrix is consulted to determine whether any two logical groupings of the new product and installed product are compatible. An installation can proceed or be terminated based on the compatibility determination. |
| US07984433B2 |
Program distribution method and computer system
Program distribution arrangements (e.g., carried out by a managing computer) for distributing a corresponding program to an apparatus including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface, such arrangements including: storing program request information indicating a condition required for executing the program; judging whether an apparatus as a distribution destination of the program includes a program execution control unit for controlling execution of the program; partially revising the program to a partially revised program to be distributed, according to the program request information, when the program is to be distributed to an apparatus not including the program execution control unit; and distributing the partially revised program to the apparatus not including the program execution control unit. |
| US07984429B2 |
Tools and techniques for instrumenting interfaces of units of a software program
A method of instrumenting one or more units of an application program is disclosed. Each unit can have one or more interfaces through which communications pass through the unit. Client units can request creation of a server unit. When they do so, the call is intercepted and sent to a unit creation function, which creates the server unit and returns a reference to an interface of the server unit. When a reference to an interface of the server unit is detected, an interface wrapper is created for the interface, the interface wrapper comprising a reference to instrumentation, the reference to the interface, and a reference to a type description of the interface. The client receives a reference to the interface wrapper in place of a reference to the interface, and thereafter is able to treat the reference to the interface wrapper as if it were a reference to the interface. |
| US07984427B2 |
System and methods for synchronizing software execution across data processing systems and platforms
Systems and methods for software automation are provided. Software testcases are distributed across multiple data processing systems (equivalently, “machines” or “hosts”) that may collectively include multiple platforms (equivalently, “operating systems”). A testcase may be executed as one or more processes progressing through a sequence of phases, with execution within a phase being asynchronous among processes. Synchronization of the testcase processes across the data processing systems and platforms may be effected by managing an event; the testcase processes block on the event upon completion of the current testcase phase. A testcase phase execution service on each host handles synchronization events. The definition of the testcase may include metadata that identifies the particular phases in sequence, that is phase names, for the testcase; the phase names identifies the phases to the synchronization process that triggers the synchronization events which initiate each succeeding phase of the testcase. |
| US07984424B2 |
Isolating declarative code to preserve customizations
Embodiments provide a software model which allows a user to modify a software program in substantially the same manner as the original programmer or developer. In one embodiment, declarative code and user customizations are isolated from other code and structure of the software program. The isolated customizations can be quickly and efficiently examined to determine whether any changes or other modifications have been made to the software program. Additionally, the isolated changes can be efficiently located and applied when updating or upgrading the software program to persist any customized changes made to the software program. |
| US07984417B2 |
Meta-model information associated with an enterprise portal
According to some embodiments, meta-model information associated with an enterprise portal is defined. The meta-model information may then be consumed (e.g., by a design tool) when not in communication with an executing enterprise portal server. According to some embodiments, the meta-model information includes UML class diagram definitions associated with the enterprise portal. |
| US07984412B1 |
IC design estimation using mid-level elements of IP cores
A method (100) of estimating a performance characteristic of an integrated circuit (IC) design having an intellectual property (“IP”) core pre-characterizes an element type of the IC design to provide an estimation result of the element type (102-108). Mid-level elements of the IP are acquired (116). A user selects a value of a parameter of the IP core and the IC design is run on a design tool using the estimation result to model the mid-level elements of the IP core (118) to return a performance value of the IC design (120). |
| US07984411B2 |
Integrated circuit routing and compaction
An iterative technique is used to automatically route nets and alter spacing of an integrated circuit design to achieve a fully routed and compact result. After identifying cells rows and channel, which are gaps between the rows, the technique determines which nets should be routed in which areas. Spine routing is used for nets than span more than one row or channel. Alter the space between rows, larger or smaller, which will allow routing of the nets. |
| US07984409B2 |
Structures incorporating interconnect structures with improved electromigration resistance
Design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design. The design structure comprises an insulating layer of a dielectric material, an opening having sidewalls extending from a top surface of the insulating layer toward a bottom surface of the insulating layer, and a conductive feature disposed in the opening. The design structure includes a top capping layer disposed on at least a top surface of the conductive feature and a conductive liner layer disposed between the insulating layer and the conductive feature along at least the sidewalls of the opening. The conductive liner layer of the design structure has sidewall portions that project above the top surface of the insulating layer adjacent to the sidewalls of the opening. |
| US07984406B2 |
Timing verification method and apparatus
A computer-implemented timing verification method for obtaining delay time for a signal propagated through a signal path and performing timing verification. The method stores a table including a wiring resistance variation amount and a wiring capacitance variation amount that are in accordance with a geometry deviation of a wire from a reference geometry, extracts a wiring structure of the signal path from a storage unit, extracts a wiring resistance variation amount and a wiring capacitance variation amount that correspond to the extracted wiring structure from the table, generates an on-chip-variation coefficient from the extracted wiring resistance variation amount and wiring capacitance variation amount, and calculates delay time for the signal propagated through the signal path based on the generated on-chip-variation coefficient. |
| US07984405B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining the timing of an integrated circuit design
A system that determines the timing of an integrated circuit (IC) design is presented. During operation, the system receives a netlist for the IC design, wherein the netlist specifies the placement of cells within the IC design. Next, the system estimates capacitances for cells within the IC design based on analytic models of the cells. The system then estimates the post-physical-optimization timing of the IC design based on the netlist, the capacitances, and the analytic models, wherein the post-physical-optimization timing is estimated without performing physical optimization. |
| US07984404B2 |
Black box timing modeling method and computer system for latch-based subsystem
Provided is a black box timing modeling method for a digital circuit comprising synchronous elements including latches. The method includes: characterizing a setup time arc by extracting a setup time with respect to a rising or falling edge of a clock of a synchronous element with respect to an input connected to the synchronous element and forming the setup time arc using the extracted setup time; and characterizing a clock-to-output delay arc by providing information on an output departure time from an output based on a rising or falling edge of a clock of a closest synchronous element connected to the output, at least partially based on the setup time arc and forming the clock-to-output delay arc. Accordingly, the method can be efficiently used for a latch-based design without re-verifying internal components of the latch-based design during an upper-level verification, thereby reducing verification time and model size. |
| US07984403B2 |
Verification supporting system
A verification target register to be verified is specified from a configuration of a verification target circuit, and patterns requiring verification are extracted as a coverage standard with regard to the specified verification target register. When the patterns are extracted, a DIRW matrix is prepared to indicate possibly occurring state transitions among four states Declare, Initialize, Read, and Write in the register included in the verification target circuit, and used to decide two coverage standards, a matrix coverage standard and an implementation coverage standard. |
| US07984400B2 |
Techniques for use with automated circuit design and simulations
Various techniques involving snapshots of the contents of registers are described and claimed. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving descriptions of design circuitry including design registers to receive register input signals. The method also includes generating additional descriptions through at least one computer program including descriptions of additional registers (snapshot registers) to receive snapshots of the register input signals, wherein the additional registers provide register initial condition signals for use in a simulation of at least a portion of the design circuitry. Other embodiments are described. |
| US07984398B1 |
Automated multiple voltage/power state design process and chip description system
Systems and methods are disclosed herein which compensate for the loss in design information that occurs when the design is represented in traditional functional descriptions. An automated multiple voltage/power state design process includes creating a plurality of design objects; processing a design definition according to the voltage effects design object; and generating a modified design output such that communication between a plurality of design process steps, wherein the plurality of design process steps include a parsing step, a RTL simulation step, a synthesis step, a gate simulation step, formal verification step, and physical design and verification step in accordance with the voltage effects design object. A system for automating a multiple voltage/power state design process includes a design definition module; a parser module, a RTL simulation module, a synthesis module, a gate simulation module, and a formal verification module wherein the automation of a multiple voltage/power state design process is achieved. The system can include a physical design and verification module coupled to the synthesis module. |
| US07984397B2 |
Power network stacked via removal for congestion reduction
A method of automatically reducing stacked vias while minimizing voltage drop in a power network of an integrated circuit (IC) is provided. In this method, any feasible (i.e. other than connectivity-necessary and uncongested stacked vias) stacked vias of the power network can be virtually removed. If a target voltage drop of the power network is exceeded, then a measurement of the severity of at least a maximum voltage drop on the IC can be updated. After this updating, a set of voltage drop improvement stacked vias can be virtually returned to the power network. The steps of determining whether the target voltage drop is exceeded, updating the severity of the voltage drop at one or more hot spots, and virtually returning the set of additional stacked vias can be repeated until the target voltage drop is not exceeded. |
| US07984395B2 |
Hierarchical compression for metal one logic layer
A method of increasing hierarchy compression of a metal 1 standard cell layout during optical proximity correction (OPC) is provided. This method can use a context determination defined from the outermost OPC correctable-edge boundaries of a metal 1 standard cell and not extending past outermost OPC correctable edge boundaries of adjacent metal 1 standard cells in other rows. The method can also include (or can alternatively include) adjusting the landing pads (resulting from metal 2 placement) to fit within the lines of the metal 1 standard cell layout. This adjusting can be performed by a place and route tool as part of a “clean-up” operation after metal 2 placement. The landing pads can be sized for single or double vias. A layout design for the metal 1 standard cell layout can be output based on using the context determination and/or adjusting the landing pads for hierarchy compression. |
| US07984392B2 |
Matching method for designing layout patterns on a photomask from inverse lithography
The present invention relates to a matching method of pattern layouts from inverse lithography, which makes the pattern cells in the same groups identical to avoid a repeated verification and to improve the yield. The method comprises the step of: analyzing a target designed layout by hierarchy; categorizing the pattern cells with the same shape into a group; inversing the target designed layout by inverse lithography; inspecting the inversed pattern cells in the group with each other and replacing the variant ones to make all the inversed pattern cells identical. |
| US07984388B2 |
System and method for partially collapsing a hierarchical structure for information navigation
A partially collapsing hierarchical display system aids information navigation by providing a dynamic mechanism for labeling items with one or more states. In one embodiment, states comprise “hidden”, “visible” and “unmarked”. An expanded list of items displays all items. A partially expanded list of items displays all visible and unmarked items, removing hidden items from the display. A further collapsed list of items displays all visible items. A completely collapsed list of items hides all items. Users customize the amount of detail displayed in a sub-tree, reducing the display size of the sub-tree. Expansion of a hierarchical structure is combined with filtering, allowing users to partially collapse or partially expand a sub-tree structure. Partially collapsed lists comprise one or more focus points, allowing users to view several relevant sections of a hierarchical structure concurrently. Displayed sizes or other visual characteristics of items within the hierarchical structure are automatically adjusted to reflect the states designated by the user. |
| US07984387B2 |
Dynamic update of data entry in a user interface
A widget is incorporated into a user interface associated with a processing system to provide the user with a display of the entered data, together with any added text or other data modifications that result from application of a default format. The display thus enables the user to determine whether or not the default format can be used with the entered data, before the data is processed. The widget also provides a toggle capability, to allow the user to override the default behavior of the processing system and select a different valid format for use with the entered data, from a format priority list contained in the widget. The display and toggle capabilities cause the entered data to be processed by the system as intended by the user. |
| US07984386B1 |
Print page user interface
Print page user interface is described, including receiving a request to open a printing interface, the printing interface being substantially transparent such that content positioned underneath the printing interface is visible, determining a print area, the print area comprising a portion of the content visible in a print zone, the print zone being an area of the printing interface used to identify the portion and to configure the portion to print on no more than one sheet of paper, and sending a request to print the print area on the no more than one sheet of paper. |
| US07984383B2 |
Apparatus and method for using a panel layout to consolidate dynamic and interactive graphics representative of input and output data
A computer readable medium includes executable instructions to select a panel layout with panels specified in combination. Interactive graphic files representative of input and output values for panels within the panel layout are selected. The interactive graphic files are associated with panels in the panel layout. A composite interactive graphic file representative of input and output values for the interactive graphic files representative of input and output values that have been associated with the panel layout is generated. |
| US07984380B2 |
Method for automatically creating book definitions
Book definitions can be dynamically created based on content provided by a user. Such dynamic creation can include organization of user-supplied content into appropriate form, adjustment of book cover properties to match the user-supplied content, and verification that the user supplied content is appropriate for presentation in book form. Various interfaces can also be provided which allow users to generate a book definition based on a minimum of information. |
| US07984373B2 |
EDI instance based transaction set definition
Creating an electronic data interchange (EDI) transaction from a description of the EDI schema. The description defines the EDI schema in a non-EDI structure. The description of the EDI schema is received. A plurality of data units included in the received description of the EDI schema is identified. The plurality of data units describes the content of the EDI schema. The identified plurality of data units is analyzed to determine the content of the EDI schema. The document definition is generated for the EDI schema as a function of the analyzed plurality of data units. The document definition is used to create an EDI transaction according to the EDI schema. |
| US07984371B2 |
Method and system for the graphical modeling of data and calculations of a spreadsheet
A method and system for the graphical modeling of calculations in a spreadsheet that provides a graphical representation of formulas and data contained in a spreadsheet. The graphical representation consists of nodes and edges connected in a tree or graph structure. The nodes represent operators and operands of a formula and are arranged in an expression hierarchy based on operational precedence. Formulas containing cell references are represented through a compound expression hierarchy consisting of an expression hierarchy that includes a descendant expression hierarchy representing the contents of each referenced cell. Expression hierarchies that share similar nodes can be represented through a shared graphical representation to reduce the number of items displayed concurrently within a view and to simplify multiple formula edits. The expression hierarchies and the formulas they represent are kept consistent so that changes made to either can be reflected in both the spreadsheet and graphical representation. |
| US07984369B2 |
Concurrent code checker and hardware efficient high-speed I/O having built-in self-test and debug features
Method, device, and system for testing for errors in high-speed input/output systems. System and device may include a concurrent code checker for checking for errors in encoded data packets through data packets static properties and dynamic properties of the data stream including the packets. Method may involve detecting invalid encoded packets using the data packets static properties and the dynamic properties of the data stream including the packets. Method for optimizing a design of a concurrent code checker logic using don't-care conditions, and concurrent code checker circuit having reduce logic element and semiconductor area requirements. |
| US07984368B2 |
Method and system for increasing decoder throughput
A method for increasing decoder throughput is provided that includes dividing a data block into a plurality of segments. For each of the segments, the segment is decoded by performing a plurality of processes for the segment. At least one process for a current segment is performed while at least one process for a preceding segment is performed. Also, at least one process for the current segment is performed while at least one process for a subsequent segment is performed. |
| US07984366B2 |
Efficient chien search method in reed-solomon decoding, and machine-readable recording medium including instructions for executing the method
An efficient Chien search method in Reed-Solomon decoding is adapted to be implemented in a processor having a parallel processing instruction set. The method includes the following steps: (a) calculating an error evaluation value; (b) subjecting the error evaluation value to mapping processing so as to find an index adjusting value; (c) storing a symbol index into an error location memory corresponding to a location index; (d) updating the location index according to the index adjusting value; (e) updating the symbol index; and (f) repeating steps (a) to (e) a particular number of times. The method primarily aims to reduce program flow branching so as to enhance the computation efficiency of the Chien search process. |
| US07984365B2 |
Turbo decoder with stake heritage for data block redundant version decoding
An iterative decoding device for a communication receiver includes a decoder for decoding received encoded data blocks by a next iteration initialization, a controller to choose one of the first and second hard decision bits in order for the validity of a CRC field, associated to this received data block, to be checked, and a first memory. The controller, when the CRC field of a block is invalid, orders the decoder to store the final stakes associated to the block in the first memory to require the transmission of a redundant version of the block, and when the redundant version is received, to initialize the decoder with the stored final stakes before it applies the next iteration initialization mechanism to the received redundant version. |
| US07984362B2 |
Method for static fault code synchronization in an internal combustion engine
A method to synchronize Fault Code Memory between at least a first module and a second module in an engine controller unit; each said module in electronic communication with each other and having volatile and non volatile memory; said modules in electronic communication; when compatibility of versions of static fault codes between the modules is established, the first module downloads and saves the static fault code table resident on the second module in nonvolatile memory for access by a diagnostic tool. |
| US07984360B2 |
Avoiding errors in a flash memory by using substitution transformations
To store an input string of M N-tuples of bits, a substitution transformation is selected in accordance with the input string and is applied to the input string to provide a transformed string of M N-tuples of bits. M or more memory cells are programmed to represent the transformed string and preferably also to represent a key of the transformation. Alternatively, the memory selectively programs each of M or more cells to a respective one of 2N states. A mapping that maps the binary numbers in [0,2N−1] into respective states is selected in accordance with the input string and is used to program M cells to represent the input string. Preferably, a key of the mapping is stored in the memory in association with the M cells. |
| US07984359B2 |
Correction of data errors in a memory buffer
Methods, circuits, and disk drive that correct errors in data that is temporarily stored in a memory buffer are disclosed. An error detection code and an error correction code are generated for data. The data, the error detection code, and the error correction code are stored in the memory buffer. The data is retrieved from the memory buffer and error detected using the error detection code. In response to detecting an error, the error correction code is applied to the retrieved data to generate corrected data. |
| US07984358B1 |
Error-correction memory architecture for testing production errors
A system includes a first circuit generating error-correction (EC) bits based on test data. Memory comprises a plurality of memory lines each including a data portion storing the test data and an error-correction (EC) portion storing corresponding ones of the EC bits. An input receives the test data. A switching device selectively outputs one of the test data from the input and the EC bits and the test data from the first circuit to the memory. The test data comprise T pairs of test vectors. A first test vector of each of the T pairs of test vectors is an inverse of a second test vector of each of the T pairs of test vectors. Each of the first test vectors in the T pairs of test vectors is unique and each of the second test vectors in the T pairs of test vectors is unique. T is an integer greater than one. |
| US07984357B2 |
Implementing minimized latency and maximized reliability when data traverses multiple buses
A memory controller and methods implement minimized latency and maximized reliability when data traverses multiple buses. The memory controller includes a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) error correcting code (ECC) checking and correcting circuit and a high speed bus (HSB) ECC checking and correcting circuit. In a first mode for implementing minimized latency, read data is applied directly to the DRAM ECC checking and correcting circuit, bypassing the HSB ECC checking and correcting circuit. In a second mode for implementing maximized reliability, the read data is applied through the HSB ECC checking and correcting circuit to the DRAM ECC checking and correcting circuit. |
| US07984355B2 |
Memory module with ranks of memory chips
A memory module includes a plurality of memory devices and a stacked error correction code memory device. The plurality of memory devices includes one or more memory chips arranged in a plurality of ranks. The stacked error correction code memory device includes a plurality of error correction code memory chips. The number of error correction code memory chips is at least one more than the number of the one or more memory chips. Each of the error correction code memory chips are arranged together with the memory chips of one of the ranks. |
| US07984353B2 |
Test apparatus, test vector generate unit, test method, program, and recording medium
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, including a vector expanding section that sequentially generates a plurality of test vectors; a vector selecting section that selects test vectors that cause a prescribed characteristic of the device under test, which is to be measured when test signals that are each based on one of the test vectors are supplied to the device under test, to fulfill a preset condition; and a judging section that judges pass/fail of the device under test based on measured values of the prescribed characteristic of the device under test supplied with the test signal based on the test vectors selected by the vector selecting section. |
| US07984351B2 |
Data transfer device and method thereof
A data transfer device transfers data between two clock domains of a data processing device when the data processing device is in a test mode. The data transfer device receives clock signals associated with each clock domain. To transfer data from a first clock domain to a second clock domain the data transfer device identifies transitions of clock signals associated with each clock domain that are sufficiently remote from each other so that data can deterministically be provided by one clock domain and sampled by the other. This ensures that data can be transferred between the clock domains deterministically even when the phase relationship between the clock signals is indeterminate. |
| US07984348B2 |
Series equivalent scans across multiple scan topologies
Performing series equivalent scans spanning a plurality of scan technologies in a complex scan topology may be performed by performing shift operations in the complex scan topology while only one branch of the complex scan topology connectivity is enabled, and performing capture and update operations in parallel while scan topology connectivity of two or more of the plurality of scan technologies is enabled. |
| US07984347B2 |
System and method for sharing a communications link between multiple communications protocols
A system and method for sharing a communications link between multiple protocols is described that comprises a system comprising a communications interface configured to exchange information with other systems using at least one of a plurality of protocols; a protocol select register that stores a value that selects a protocol from among the plurality of protocols to become an active protocol; and a state machine accessible to the communications interface, the state machine used to control the exchange of information through the communications interface according to the active protocol. The active protocol is used by the communications interface to exchange information while the remaining protocols of the plurality of protocols remain inactive. The state machine sequences through a series of states that cause the communications interface to operate according to the active protocol, and that are designated as inert sequences under the remaining protocols. |
| US07984346B2 |
Integrated apparatus for testing image devices
An integrated apparatus for testing image devices is disclosed, in which a plurality of testing apparatuses needed when an image-related device is installed are integrated into one construction for thereby achieving a good portability as compared to a conventional art in which a plurality of testing apparatuses such as a multi-meter, a portable monitor, a communication tester, etc. are separately needed. |
| US07984340B2 |
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. |
| US07984337B2 |
Address translation trace message generation for debug
A data processing system and method generates debug messages by permitting an external debug tool to have real-time trace functionality. A data processor executes a plurality of data processing instructions and uses a memory for information storage. Debug circuitry generates debug messages including address translation trace messages. A memory management unit has address translation logic for implementing address translation to translate addresses between virtual and physical forms. The debug circuitry includes message generation circuitry that is coupled to the memory management unit for receiving notice when one or more address translation mappings are modified. The message generation circuitry generates an address translation trace message in response to a detection of a modification of an address translation mapping occurs and provides the address translation trace message external to the debug circuitry. |
| US07984334B2 |
Call-stack pattern matching for problem resolution within software
A method of diagnosing a fault condition within software can include, responsive to a fault condition within a computing system belonging to an organization, automatically sending call-stack information for the fault condition to a first server within the organization. Within the first server, the call-stack information for the fault condition can be compared with call-stack information from prior fault conditions that occurred within the organization to determine whether the call-stack information for the fault condition matches call-stack information from one of the prior fault conditions. The method further can include sending the call-stack information to a second server for comparison with call-stack information from prior fault conditions that occurred within at least one different organization if the call-stack information for the fault condition does not match. |
| US07984333B2 |
Method and apparatus for proactive alert generation via equivalent machine configuration determination from problem history data
A method, and system employing the method, initiates proactive maintenance of computer systems and/or devices in a computer network. The method determines the subsystems of the computers and network devices and analyzes their configuration data including their respective subsystems. The method generates maintenance characteristics for the devices, and determines a maintenance event for devices using the maintenance characteristics and the configuration data of the devices. The method initiates a maintenance solution of a device determined to have a problematic configuration. |
| US07984325B2 |
Storage control device, data recovery device, and storage system
When data in one semiconductor memory device is corrupted during a padding process by a padding unit and the data cannot be recovered even by using an error correcting code for correcting a data error, a storage control device issues a data recovery request to a data recovery device. The data recovery device reads the data from other semiconductor memory device in response to the data recovery request to recover the data, and returns a recovery result to the padding unit in the storage control device to perform the padding process. |
| US07984322B1 |
System and method for managing group policy backup
A method, system and program product for group policy backup management in a network having a plurality of domains including components and modules for steps of retrieving a list of group policy objects for a domain, generating a configuration initialization file including a domains section identifying a plurality of domains that are to be backed up and a setup section specifying a plurality of values that control the backup of each policy object in each domain, determining a digital signature for each policy object on a list of policies for the domain, comparing the digital signature for each policy object with a corresponding previous digital signature for each policy, determining if a current digital signature for each policy object matches the corresponding previous digital signature for a policy, and backing up a policy object having a current digital signature that does not match the corresponding previous digital signature. |
| US07984320B2 |
Silent time tampering detection
Computers and other electronic devices typically include a timing operation such as a clock in an operating system. It is anticipated that hackers may tamper with this clock. This tampering might be especially advantage in the context of systems which provide for rental of audio and video content, such as movies. Tampering with the system clock on the playing device would allow an extension of the rental period to the detriment of the provider of the rental content. Hence the present method is directed to detecting clock modifications both in terms of time shifting and clock rate tampering. This detection is done using digital signal processing. |
| US07984318B2 |
Apparatus and method to support USB enumeration of a bus powered handheld device
A handheld communication device to communicate with a remote universal serial bus (USB) host controller via an integrated power and data port is provided. The device includes a microprocessor communicating with a power management integrated circuit (IC), wherein said microprocessor requires greater than 100 mA to be enumerated with the USB host controller. The device includes a USB microcontroller communicating with the USB host controller via a multiplexer and integrated power and data port, wherein the USB microcontroller requires less than 100 mA to be enumerated with the USB host controller, and wherein if a current available from the rechargeable battery is below a specified threshold required to power up the microprocessor, then the USB microcontroller performs USB enumeration with the USB host controller. |
| US07984317B2 |
Hardware-based power management of functional blocks
A system and method is disclosed for efficiently managing power distribution among the various functional blocks used within portable electronic devices. The method includes allowing each functional block to be independently controlled, containing its own low-level software and power controls for setting the local power state of the functional block. For each power control domain in the implementation, hardware uses these local power states and sets the actual operating state of the power control domain accordingly. |
| US07984316B2 |
Solid state disk with hot-swappable components
A solid state disk (SSD) device includes a non-volatile storage module (NVSM), a secondary power source coupled to power inputs of the SSD, a volatile memory (VM), a controller in communication with the NVSM and the VM. The controller is operable in a (re)populate mode to (re)populate data stored in the NVSM to the VM when primary power is initially applied to power inputs of the SSD and further operable in a primary power on mode to replicate data to the NVSM that was written to the VM in response to received I/O requests while primary power is applied to the power inputs of the SSD. The secondary power source can be decoupled from the power inputs of the SSD while the controller is operating in either the (re)populate mode or the primary power on mode. |
| US07984315B2 |
External storage device and power management method for the same
An external storage device includes a media control section (10), a monitoring section (20), an interface section (30) and a power control section (40). The media control section (10) drives a recording media and performs data access to the recording media. The monitoring section (20) monitors whether the data access by the media control section (10) can be performed or not. The interface section (30) performs communication with a host device. When the monitoring section (20) detects that the data access can not be performed, the power control section (40) limits power supply to the interface section (30). When the monitoring section (20) detects that the data access can be performed, the power control section (40) re-starts the power supply. |
| US07984314B2 |
Power management of low power link states
A method and apparatus for intelligent power management for low power link states. Some embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for a device coupled to a controller via a link; a link power management engine to alter a power state of the link based on a transaction and some knowledge of future transactions between the device and the controller; and a memory or logic to store the link power management engine. In some embodiments, the memory stores information about at least one of the following: the power state of the link, the device buffering, the controller or device state or a history of transactions. In some embodiments, the device is a peripheral of a computer system. In some embodiments, the method may include transitioning the device to various link states. Other embodiments are described. |
| US07984312B2 |
System and method for interchangeably powering single or multiple motherboards
In one embodiment, a single electrical power supply is used to interchangeably power either a single motherboard or dual motherboards. Switchable output power and individual sequencing may be provided to each motherboard using FETs, such that the power supply may respond to the sequencing of each motherboard as if it were dedicated to that motherboard. In a two motherboard system, power to the first motherboard is reduced by removing some output voltages from the first motherboard. Fault circuitry may also be provided so that a power related fault on one domain does not affect operation of the other motherboard. |
| US07984307B2 |
Data transmission apparatus, control method therefor, and program
A read document image is stored in a storage apparatus. The destination of data to be transmitted is set, and the data is transmitted to the destination. If transmission fails, the data is discarded on the basis of settings of the data. |
| US07984303B1 |
Flash memory devices with security features
In an electronic data storage device accessed by a host computer motherboard, a fingerprint sensor scans a fingerprint of a user of the electronic data storage device and generates fingerprint scan data. A processing unit activates an input/output interface circuit to store a data file and fingerprint reference data obtained by scanning a fingerprint of a person authorized to access the data file in a memory device having non-volatile memory, where the processing unit transmits the data file to the host computer motherboard upon verifying that the user of the electronic data storage device is authorized to access the data file stored in the memory device as a result of comparison between the fingerprint scan data from the fingerprint sensor and the fingerprint reference data. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07984301B2 |
Bi-processor architecture for secure systems
Systems, methods and program products for a first central processing unit (CPU) configured to perform tasks that do not require manipulation of sensitive information and a second CPU that is configured to perform tasks that manipulate the sensitive information on behalf of the first CPU. The first CPU and the second CPU can communicate through a secure interface. The first CPU cannot access the sensitive information within the second CPU. |
| US07984297B2 |
System and method of spam proof e-mail bounce tracking
A system may account for the number of bounced e-mails by adding a number of records over the desired quantity to ensure that a minimum number of e-mails are not returned. To calculate an accurate number of extra records to identify, a system may need to track the percentage of messages returned and add a number of records equal to that percentage over the minimum number required by the particular campaign. However, unless the system accurately identifies a bounced e-mail as one originating from the system, spam or other unsolicited e-mail sent to the system may result in inaccuracies. |
| US07984294B1 |
Method and apparatus for trust based routing in data networks
A method and apparatus determine a trust level of a path through a plurality of routers by an endpoint by transmitting a path setup message requesting a path reservation for a first path through a subset of the routers, by receiving in response to transmission of the path setup message a trust level message containing trust level information inserted by each router in the first path through the subset, and by evaluating the inserted trust level information to determine if the first path has a sufficient trust level. Another method and apparatus gather trust level information from a router by receiving a trust level message into which a trust level of the router can be inserted, by inserting trust level information of the router into the trust level message, and by re-transmitting the trust level message on a designated path. |
| US07984293B2 |
Secure host network address configuration
A Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card may establish, via a non-secure network, a secure communications channel between a computer and a secure network. The non-secure network may define a first address space. The secure network may define a second address space. The PCMCIA card may include a cryptography module, a network adapter, and/or a processor. The cryptography module may provide Type 1 cryptography of data communicated between the computer and the secure network. The network adapter may be in communication with the non-secure network and may be associated with a first network address from the first address space. The processor may be in communication with the secure network via the cryptography module and the network adapter. The processor may identify a second network address for the computer from the second address space and may communicate the second network address to the computer, for example via dynamic host control protocol (DHCP). |
| US07984288B2 |
Software protection apparatus and protection method thereof
A software protection apparatus and its protection method are disclosed. The software protection apparatus includes a storage unit and a processing unit. The storage unit has a program area and a data area. The program area is used to save an executable. The processing unit generates a reference pointer based on internal information of the executable, and the reference pointer then is saved to the program area or the data area. The processing unit then generates an algorithm based on at least one characteristic of the executable to save the algorithm to a specific position of the program area or the data area through the reference pointer, and employs the algorithm to perform an encoding action for the executable to generate a wrap program that is saved to the program area. When the wrap program is decoded, the reference pointer is obtained through a restore program to take the algorithm out. The wrap program then is restored to become the executable by using the algorithm. |
| US07984284B2 |
SPI auto-boot mode
Systems and methods of detecting an auto-boot mode and booting data from a serial peripheral interface to a processor without the need of a read instruction utilizing a serial peripheral interface having an auto-boot mode detector are provided. In one embodiment, a serial peripheral interface comprises a serial processing component configured to serially communicate data between the processor and at least two peripherals, and an auto-boot component operably coupled to the serial processing component, comprising an auto-boot mode detector configured to determine whether a boot mode exists based on detecting whether serial input data is received during a predetermined wait state, and configured to selectively boot data to a start address associated with the processor based on the boot mode determination. |
| US07984283B2 |
System and method for secure operating system boot
There is provided a method for operating a basic input/output system (BIOS) of a pay-as-you go computer system. In one example embodiment, the method includes determining if a user password feature is activated on a hard drive and computing a password to unlock the hard drive if the password feature is activated. In another example embodiment, the method includes performing a checksum verification of boot information. In yet another example embodiment, the method includes storing portions of boot information in non-standard locations on the hard drive and combining the portions using operators. |
| US07984280B2 |
Storing branch information in an address table of a processor
Methods for storing branch information in an address table of a processor are disclosed. A processor of the disclosed embodiments may generally include an instruction fetch unit connected to an instruction cache, a branch execution unit, and an address table being connected to the instruction fetch unit and the branch execution unit. The address table may generally be adapted to store a plurality of entries with each entry of the address table being adapted to store a base address and a base instruction tag. In a further embodiment, the branch execution unit may be adapted to determine the address of a branch instruction having an instruction tag based on the base address and the base instruction tag of an entry of the address table associated with the instruction tag. In some embodiments, the address table may further be adapted to store branch information. |
| US07984278B2 |
Hardware resource having an optimistic policy and a pessimistic policy
Processor resource management devices and methods are disclosed. In some implementations, a device includes a processor, a hardware resource, and a resource manager operable to compare a first execution of one or more instructions pursuant to an optimistic resource management policy and a second execution of one or more instructions pursuant to a pessimistic resource management policy, the optimistic resource management policy assuming that less than an optimistic level of at least one error will occur during the first execution, and the pessimistic resource management policy assuming that greater than a pessimistic level of the at least one error will occur during the second execution. Based at least partially on the comparison, the resource manager selects a resource management policy from between the optimistic and pessimistic resource management policies, and associates the selected resource management policy with the one or more instructions. |
| US07984276B2 |
Method and system for altering processor execution of a group of instructions
An embodiment of the invention is a processor for detecting one or more groups of instructions and initiating a processor action upon detecting one or more groups of instructions. The processor includes an instruction unit for fetching and decoding a group of instructions. An instruction register receives the group of instruction having at least one instruction opcode. A control register includes a control word including a control opcode and an action field defining a processor action. An execution unit includes compare logic for comparing the instruction opcode and the control opcode. The execution unit initiates the processor action upon the compare logic detecting a hit between the instruction opcode and the control opcode. |
| US07984274B2 |
Partial load/store forward prediction
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a prediction circuit and another circuit coupled to the prediction circuit. The prediction circuit is configured to predict whether or not a first load instruction will experience a partial store to load forward (PSTLF) event during execution. A PSTLF event occurs if a plurality of bytes, accessed responsive to the first load instruction during execution, include at least a first byte updated responsive to a previous uncommitted store operation and also include at least a second byte not updated responsive to the previous uncommitted store operation. Coupled to receive the first load instruction, the circuit is configured to generate one or more load operations responsive to the first load instruction. The load operations are to be executed in the processor to execute the first load instruction, and a number of the load operations is dependent on the prediction by the prediction circuit. |
| US07984261B2 |
Memory expansion structure in multi-path accessible semiconductor memory device
A multiprocessor system includes a first processor coupled to a first bus, a second processor coupled to a second bus, a first memory coupled to the first bus and the second bus, and a second memory coupled to the second bus. The first processor is configured to access the first memory through the first bus, and the second processor is configured to access the first memory and the second memory through the second bus. |
| US07984258B2 |
Distributed storage system with global sparing
An apparatus and associated method is provided with a virtualization engine connected to a remote device over a network for passing access commands between the remote device and a storage space. The data storage system also has a plurality of intelligent storage elements that are uniquely addressable by the virtualization engine for passing the access commands, wherein the intelligent storage elements are configured for migrating data from a first intelligent storage element to a second intelligent storage element independently of access commands being simultaneously passed between the virtualization engine and the first intelligent storage element. |
| US07984257B2 |
System for protecting supervisor mode data from user code
A system for protecting supervisor mode data from user code having a processor which implements a register window architecture supporting as separate window stacks for supervisor and user modes with a transition window in one of the window stacks set with at least one invalid window bit in an invalid window mask of the architecture additional to an invalid window bit set for a reserved window of the invalid window mask for transitioning from the supervisor mode to the user mode, supervisor mode-only memory storing the supervisor mode window stack, and user mode accessible memory storing the supervisor and user mode window stacks. |
| US07984256B2 |
Data processing system and method in which a participant initiating a read operation protects data integrity
A data processing system includes a plurality of requestors and a memory controller for a system memory. In response to receiving from the requestor a read-type request targeting a memory block in the system memory, the memory controller protects the memory block from modification, and in response to an indication that the memory controller is responsible for servicing the read-type request, the memory controller transmits the memory block to the requestor. Prior to receipt of the memory block by the requestor, the memory controller ends protection of the memory block from modification, and the requestor begins protection of the memory block from modification. In response to receipt of the memory block, the requestor ends its protection of the memory block from modification. |
| US07984243B2 |
Cache memory and method for cache entry replacement based on modified access order
A cache memory according to the present invention includes a W flag setting unit that modifies order data indicating an access order per cache entry that holds a data unit of a cache so as to reflect an actual access order and a replace unit that selects a cache entry for replacement based on the modified order data and replaces the cache entry. |
| US07984242B2 |
Program thread syncronization
A barrier for synchronizing program threads for a plurality of processors includes a filter configured to be coupled to a plurality of processors executing a plurality of threads to be synchronized. The filter is configured to monitor and selectively block fill requests for instruction cache lines. A method for synchronizing program threads for a plurality of processors includes configuring a filter to monitor and selectively block fill requests for instruction cache lines for a plurality of processors executing a plurality of threads to be synchronized. |
| US07984238B2 |
Storage-management computer-readable storage medium, apparatus, and method
A storage-management apparatus and method that manages storage areas. The storage-management apparatus includes a collecting unit that collects valid-area-determination information items, each of which shows whether a corresponding one of the storage areas is a valid or invalid area, and timestamp information items, each of which shows that a corresponding one of the storage areas has been accessed. In accordance with the valid-area-determination information items and the timestamp information items, data from a storage area which is selected from among valid areas and whose timestamp information item is oldest is copied to a storage area which is selected from among invalid areas and whose timestamp information item is oldest, and timestamp information items and valid-area-determination information items concerning the storage area from which the data is copied and concerning the storage area to which the data is copied is updated. |
| US07984237B2 |
Integrated circuit capable of pre-fetching data
A method according to one embodiment may include retrieving selected data from one or more mass storage devices, based at least in part on historical device access information of at least one requester of data. A method according to another embodiment may include retrieving, by an integrated circuit, device data layout information from one or more mass storage devices, and storing, by the integrated circuit, the device data layout information in cache memory. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment. |
| US07984231B2 |
Information recording medium access device, and data recording method
When moving image data or the like is recorded into an information recording medium, such as a flash memory, in real time, an influence of locations of free recording areas upon the recording speed is suppressed to ensure the real time performance of the data recording. In an access apparatus, there is provided an area management block control part that manages FAT1 and FAT2, which are area management information of a nonvolatile memory, on a FAT block-by-FAT block basis, and the length of the free recording area in each FAT block is calculated. Then, area management block information, in which the free recording area length in each FAT block is recorded, is generated on a RAM. A FAT block in which the free recording area length exceeds a threshold value is assigned to the data recording, thereby suppressing the number of updates of the area management information regardless of the location of the free areas. In this way, the buffer overflow can be prevented from occurring due to a high frequency of the updating of the area management information, thereby ensuring the real time performance during the data recording. |
| US07984230B2 |
Allocation of logical volumes to flash memory drives
There is provided a logical volume management method for storage system. When a logical volume is created on a flash memory drive, a management computer allocates logical volume while flash memory chip border of flash memory drive is taken into account. Specifically, a table for managing a correlation between each parity group and the flash memory chip of the flash memory drive is obtained and the logical volume is allocated in such a manner that a flash memory chip is not shared by a plurality of logical volumes. When complete erasing of logical volume data is performed, the management computer specifies a flash memory chip on which complete data erasing is to be performed, and the storage system completely erases data exclusively on the chip of interest with a use of a function of completely erasing data at a time by chip unit of the flash memory chip (chip erasing). |
| US07984226B2 |
Method for sensing and auto switching between two USB input ports to a single port on the PDA
Routing circuitry for automatically routing either a first set of USB signals derived from an Ethernet local area network (LAN) at an Ethernet connector or a second set of USB signals derived from a USB host at a USB connector to an output connector which can interface with a data processing device. |
| US07984224B2 |
Storage router and method for providing virtual local storage
A storage router and method for providing virtual local storage on remote storage devices to devices are provided. Devices are connected to a first transport medium, and a plurality of storage devices are connected to a second transport medium. In one embodiment, the storage router maintains a map to allocate storage space of the discovered storage devices to devices connected to the first transport medium by associating representations of the devices connected to the first transport medium with representations of the storage space and controls access from the devices connected to the first transport medium to the discovered storage devices in accordance with the map and using native low level block protocols. |
| US07984222B2 |
Systems for providing performance monitoring in a memory system
Systems for providing performance monitoring in a memory system. The memory system includes a memory controller, a plurality of memory devices, a memory bus and a memory hub device. The memory controller receives and responds to memory access requests. The memory bus is in communication with the memory controller. The memory hub device is in communication with the memory bus. The memory hub device includes a memory interface for transferring one or more of address, control and data information between the memory hub device and the memory controller via the memory bus. The memory hub device also includes a memory device interface for communicating with the memory devices. The memory hub device further includes a performance monitor for monitoring and reporting one or more of memory bus utilization, memory device utilization, and performance characteristics over defined intervals during system operation. |
| US07984220B2 |
Exception tracking
A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, log trace data in response to an exception if the exception meets a filter criteria and create quality data from the trace data if a class in a call stack associated with the exception is owned by a user defined in a user table. In an embodiment, the quality data includes an identification of the user, a count of a number of times the exception was encountered by the user, and an identification of the exception. In various embodiments, the filter criteria may be an exception type, classes that initiate the exception, or packages that contain the classes that initiate the exception. |
| US07984214B2 |
Data bus interface with interruptible clock
In a data bus with asynchronous data transmission via a clock and a data line, the transmitted data are ascertained by sampling with a multiple of the data rate of the data bus. Sampling is done in this case with a clock which is not synchronous with the asynchronous clock of the data bus. For avoiding interferences which develop due to the unnecessary operation of the interface circuit with a high frequency clock when no data are currently transmitted, a control circuit is provided for detecting the beginning and the end of a data transmission. Only at the beginning of a data transmission, the interface circuit will be supplied with the required clock. After the end of the data transmission, the clock for the interface circuit will be switched off again. The control circuit is preferably designed as a state machine which reacts, without the need for clock signals, to the states on the data and clock line of the data bus. |
| US07984209B1 |
Data interface methods and circuitry with reduced latency
Interface circuitry that is used to interface data between two different clock regimes that may have somewhat different speeds includes the ability to determine which of the clock regimes is faster. Depending on which clock regime is found to be faster, the baseline (nominal difference between data write and data read addresses of a FIFO memory in the interface circuitry) is shifted (i.e., toward the full or empty condition of the FIFO, as is appropriate for which of the clock regimes has been found to be faster). Adjustments may also be made to the threshold(s) used for such purposes as character insertion/deletion and overflow/underflow indication. This technique may allow use of a smaller FIFO and reduce latency of the interface circuitry. |
| US07984207B2 |
Dynamically setting burst length of double data rate memory device by applying signal to at least one external pin during a read or write transaction
One or more external control pins and/or addressing pins on a memory device are used to set one or both of a burst length and burst type of the memory device. |
| US07984204B2 |
Programmable direct memory access controller having pipelined and sequentially connected stages
A Direct Memory Access controller controls access to memory in a data processing system via a system bus. The controller is made up of a data load unit configured for performing load operations with data. A data computation unit is configured for performing data conversion and is pipeline connected in sequence to the data load unit. A data store unit is also pipeline connected in sequence to the data computation unit and is configured for performing burst store operations onto a system bus for storage in system memory. |
| US07984202B2 |
Device directed memory barriers
Efficient techniques for controlling synchronization of bus transactions to improve performance and reduce power requirements in a shared memory system are described. Interconnect arrangements in complex processing systems are also described that provide efficient data transfers between bus masters and shared memory devices to improve performance and reduce power use. In one example, a method for controlling synchronization of bus transactions to remote devices is addressed. A device directed memory barrier command is received. The device directed memory barrier command is decoded to determine one or more destination devices. A memory barrier command is selectively routed to the one or more destination devices in response to the decoding. The described techniques combine high speed device directed memory barrier capability, improved bus bandwidth functionality, and power saving features. |
| US07984201B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method for the communication apparatus
A communication apparatus comprises a connection notifying unit that causes a communication destination party to detect a connection; an interface unit that requires startup processing, and controls a communication with the communication destination party after the startup processing is completed; and a connection notification control unit that changes a state of the connection notifying unit to a state of causing the communication destination party to detect the connection before the startup processing of the interface unit is completed. |
| US07984200B1 |
Configuring a data storage device with a configuration data record set in response to a configuration code
A method is disclosed for configuring a data storage device. The data storage device receives a configuration code, and in response to the configuration code selects a configuration data record set from a plurality of configuration data record sets. The data storage device is configured in response to the selected configuration data record set. For example, the data storage device may be configured into a manufacturing test procedure mode, and then into a customer specific operating mode. In another embodiment, a hardware configuration of the data storage device is identified, and the configuration code selected based on the identified hardware configuration. |
| US07984198B2 |
System and program products for facilitating access to status and measurement data associated with input/output processing
Input/output processing is facilitated by readily enabling access to information associated with input/output processing. This information includes status information and measurement data provided by a control unit executing input/output commands. The status and measurement data are provided in a status control block identified in a transport control word, which is further used to specify a location in memory that includes the input/output commands to be executed. |
| US07984197B2 |
Methods and devices for on the fly CEC modification
A CEC on the fly modification function, operated by a manipulating switch including at least three HDMI-CEC ports, enables the manipulating switch to receive a CEC block comprising a CEC address according to the initiator's HDMI-CEC network; modify on the fly the CEC address in the received CEC block to match the follower's HDMI-CEC network view; and supply the modified CEC block to one or more devices. |
| US07984196B2 |
Communication apparatus and its control method
A wireless communication apparatus recognizes whether an information input apparatus is in a wirelessly communicable state at periods shorter than a disconnection waiting time in an information transfer protocol which transfers information between the information input apparatus and an information output apparatus. If the wireless communication apparatus recognizes that the information input apparatus is not in the wireless communicable state, it permits and expedites processing of a request for connection with the information output apparatus sent from another information input apparatus over a wireless network. |
| US07984194B2 |
Dynamically configurable switch for distributed test lab
A switch is provided which is dynamically configurable via a network port thereon. One switch is employed to establish point-to-point electrical connections between devices under test (DUTs) and host devices coupled to upstream ports and downstream ports on the switch respectively. Two switches coupled to a network are employed to facilitate a distributed test lab. DUTs are coupled to upstream ports on a first switch which, based on communication with a test controller over the network, establishes a logical connection between the upstream port coupled to a particular DUT and the network. Host devices are coupled to downstream ports on a second switch which, based on communication with the test controller over the network, establishes a logical connection between the downstream port coupled to a particular host device and the network. A logical connection is also established across the network between the particular DUT and host device. |
| US07984193B2 |
Method and system for conserving power by degrading network connection speed
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for conserving power. The method includes determining a first network connection speed for a network interface card (NIC), configuring the NIC to operate at the first network connection speed, processing, after the configuration, packets received by the NIC, obtaining a bandwidth utilization of the NIC, determining, using a power management policy, a second network connection speed for the NIC based on the bandwidth utilization when the bandwidth utilization is outside a threshold range, and configuring the NIC to operate at the second network connection speed. |
| US07984188B2 |
System and a method for mediating within a network
A mediator system (and associated methods and computer program products) for mediating a communication between a client and a plurality of providers within a network is described. The mediator system may include logical machines including a first receiving machine configured to receive a request message from the client, a first sending machine configured to send answer messages back to the client, a processing machine configured to handle the received request message internally represented as a request object, a second sending machine configured to send outgoing request messages to the providers, and a second receiving machine configured to receive incoming answer messages from the providers. The machines can be scheduled separately from being executed, and the request object may be split into subrequests, where each of those subrequests may be further decomposed into subsubrequests that may be sent out in parallel to the providers. |
| US07984187B2 |
System and method for constructing transactions from electronic content
A system and method for constructing transactions by requesting content from content providers, such as web sites, according to automatically generated content references. From that content and according to user-defined rules, the system can generate other content references, and request and access further content. Statistics can be maintained for each content access. The system and method can be used to test electronic networks, such as wireless communications networks. |
| US07984185B2 |
Method and device for establishing network connection service, and automatically switched optical network
A method for establishing a network connection service includes: initiating a request for establishing a network connection service from the user side of a source end to the user side of a sink end; a network ingress node and network egress node of the network connection service negotiating through message exchange to determine a network connection between the two nodes for supporting the network connection service and a protocol adaptation stack from the user side to the network side in the network connection service; and the network ingress node and the network egress node establishing the network connection supporting the network connection service and configuring the adaptation stack, so as to establish the network connection service. |
| US07984184B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing information exchanges between apparatus on a worksite
Operations in a worksite (20) are managed by networking at least some items of apparatus (4, 16, 24, 26, 30, 28, 34) which perform tasks in connection with said worksite and which receive and/or send data. The items of apparatus are organized in hierarchical levels according to a determined dependency relationship of the worksite. Communications are made with an electronic data network comprising management means (74, 76, 66, 64) cooperating with a plurality of communications interfaces (42-46), a given item of apparatus having a data link with a specified communications interface. The management means stores a correspondence between each item of apparatus and an address structure reflecting the hierarchical position of that item of apparatus (4, 16, 24, 26, 30, 28, 34) in the determined dependency relationship of the worksite. It uses that correspondence to establish a communications link with a selected item of apparatus, via its communications interface, in response to a call addressed with an address structure reflecting the hierarchical position of that selected item of apparatus. |
| US07984183B2 |
Distributed database system using master server to generate lookup tables for load distribution
A state change in a network comprising a master server among a plurality of servers is determined, at the master server, a first lookup table is calculated, said first lookup table indicating respective partitions of a second lookup table distributed among active servers of said plurality of servers, the calculated first lookup table is distributed to each active server, and based on the first lookup table, at the master server, a modified partition of the second lookup table is generated. |
| US07984179B1 |
Adaptive media transport management for continuous media stream over LAN/WAN environment
Methods and systems for transmitting compressed audio/video data streams across conventional networks or channels in real time. Each system employs the Adaptive Rate Control (ARC) technique that is based on the detection of defective packets and other influencing factors such as overall system performance, usage model and channel characteristics. To control data stream congestions in the channel and maintain the visual display quality above a certain level, the present invention exploits the human visual perception and adaptability to changing visual conditions. The ARC technique relies on the client's capacity for calculating the quality of video packets received from a server and sending information of a desired transmission rate to the server. This approach simplifies the hardware and software implementation complexity otherwise imposed on the server and reduces the overall design cost by shifting the burden of monitoring bandwidth and transmission control from the server to the client. |
| US07984177B2 |
Multimedia client/server system with adjustable packet size and methods for use therewith
A circuit for use in a multimedia server module includes an encoder module that encodes a multimedia signal to produce an encoded signal that includes a sequence of packets having a packet size. An RF server transceiver module, coupled to the encoder module, that produces a channel signal that includes the encoded signal, and that wirelessly transmits the channel signal at a link data rate over a wireless communication path to at least one client module The RF server transceiver module includes a quality of service module that adjusts the packet size based on first RF performance signals determined by the RF transceiver, based on second performance signals received from a client module and/or based on adjustments made to the link data rate. |
| US07984173B2 |
Channel bundling
A method and apparatus for processing message is described. In one embodiment, a channel layer is configured to form a channel with a corresponding process. The channel is associated with a group. A plurality of sockets is formed in a transport layer of a group communication protocol. Traffic of messages to and from the processes is distributed across the plurality of sockets in the transport layer. |
| US07984171B2 |
Method of monitoring network and internet connections in a real-time environment to detect unauthorized network connections and unauthorized network activity within a 32/64-bit PC or server operating system
A method of monitoring all network communications, which includes a real-time analysis and intercepting of all connections, and determining whether those network connections, including all connections across the Internet, are authorized or unauthorized connections. If a connection is unauthorized, the connection may be terminated in a real-time environment and the logical communications port for authorized connections is re-established. |
| US07984170B1 |
Cross-domain communication in domain-restricted communication environments
A messaging frame can be used to allow different domains to communicate in an electronic environment that are otherwise prevented from directly communicating. A messaging frame or other communication element can be configured to receive messages or communications from any frame, object, or element in the same domain as the messaging frame. The messaging frame then can switch to a target domain in order to provide the message or communication to a frame, object, or element in the target domain. The messaging frame can include an interface definition that allows only approved messages to be passed between domains, such that the risk of malicious attack is minimized. |
| US07984167B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for secure information dissemination
An apparatus transfers the title of content to an ID-assigning unit which assigns an ID to the content and transmits the content ID to a broadcasting unit via a tagging unit. A broadcasting apparatus then broadcasts the content ID and a receiver extracts the content ID from a received signal and transfers the content ID to a verification unit which determines whether or not the content ID received from a reception functional unit matches a stored content ID. If the content ID received from the reception unit matches a stored content ID, user information of the receiver is transmitted to a privacy-guarding unit. The privacy-guarding unit searches privacy-guarding items and, in accordance with a result of the search, only necessary user information presented by the verification unit is transmitted to a provider unit. |
| US07984163B2 |
Method and system for optimizing DNS queries
Traffic transmitted over long fat networks (LFN) can be expensive and/or slow. The amount of traffic is reduced by application of the present invention which introduces a manipulator device at each end of a long fat network. The manipulator device emulates the opposing end-side equipment for the local-side equipment and then communications over the long fat network using an established tunnel. Thus, the protocol exchanges that would normally be transmitted over the long fat network in setting up, tearing down and controlling a communications session are reduced or eliminated. Yet an alternate embodiment may use a single manipulator device at a central operator premises of the LFN. The single manipulator device may replace domain names that are embedded within a markup language file with their IP addresses. |
| US07984158B2 |
Web service for coordinating actions of clients
Architecture for providing communications resources of a network for client intercommunications. A client that desires to communicate makes a request to an arbitrary communications server node by the announcing of identifying information. The web service “parks” the request until the identifying information is ready. A second client can ultimately interact with the first client by sending identifying information and following the same lookup path to find the location at which the first client request is “parked”. A continuous hash is employed that enables a client to negotiate services of a resource and via which resource multiple clients can rendezvous for communications. The continuous hash minimizes the disruption to clients already accessing network resources. A resource is brought online or taken offline without dramatically impacting ongoing use of currently operational resources. In the event a hosting resource fails, the clients repeat the lookup process and re-converge on a new server. |
| US07984155B2 |
Consistent cluster operational data in a server cluster using a quorum of replicas
A method and system for increasing server cluster availability by requiring at a minimum only one node and a quorum replica set of replica members to form and operate a cluster. Replica members maintain cluster operational data. A cluster operates when one node possesses a majority of replica members, which ensures that any new or surviving cluster includes consistent cluster operational data via at least one replica member from the immediately prior cluster. Arbitration provides exclusive ownership by one node of the replica members, including at cluster formation, and when the owning node fails. Arbitration uses a fast mutual exclusion algorithm and a reservation mechanism to challenge for and defend the exclusive reservation of each member. A quorum replica set algorithm brings members online and offline with data consistency, including updating unreconciled replica members, and ensures consistent read and update operations. |
| US07984154B2 |
System and method for translating application program network service requests into actions and performing those actions through the management and/or control plane responsive to previously defined policies and previous requests by the same or another application program
Application program network service requests are translated into specific actions that are then performed through the management plane and/or control plane. The translations and resulting actions are responsive to previously defined policies for the communication network, and may further reflect processing of previous service requests by the same or another application program. The amount of resources available for use by a given application program may be predefined based on a globally defined network policy. Each service request obtained from an application program may be translated into multiple actions performed using various specific protocols and/or interfaces provided by either the management plane, the control plane, or both the management and control planes. Reports of network activity, status and/or faults for a requesting application program may be tailored to the requesting program's view of the network, and passed directly and exclusively to the requesting program. |
| US07984153B2 |
System and method for analyzing domino impact of network growth
A system and method for analyzing domino impact of network growth including collecting, via a collector module, network information from one or more domains of a communication network. Also, the system and method may include processing, via an analytical module, the network information in order to determine a domino impact of growth of the communication network, wherein processing the network information comprises determining a number of lower network resources and a number of higher network resources within plurality types of networks in the one or more domains of the communication network and outputting, via a presentation module, the processed network information collected from the one or more domains of the communication network. |
| US07984152B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for managing quality of service, session authentication and/or bandwidth allocation in a regional/access network (RAN)
Quality of Service (QoS) and/or bandwidth allocation is managed in a Regional/Access Network (RAN) that provides end-to-end transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP), and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Routing Gateway (RG). A first subsystem is configured to manage QoS and/or bandwidth allocation for an access session in the CPN. A second subsystem is configured to manage QoS and/or bandwidth allocation for an application flow in the CPN. Thus, the RAN can independently manage QoS, session authentication and/or bandwidth allocation for an access session and for an application flow. |
| US07984151B1 |
Determining placement of user data to optimize resource utilization for distributed systems
User information describing a group of users of a distributed computer system configured to store and retrieve individualized user data associated with individual ones of the group of users, and system resource information associated with the distributed computer system, may be obtained. A global distribution plan describing a distribution of at least a portion of the individualized user data associated with the group may be determined based on a global optimization function of the obtained user information and system resource information associated with the distributed computer system, wherein the global optimization function is based on optimizing a global distribution of the portion of the individualized user data based on a determination of a measure of performance and fault tolerance associated with a model of the distributed computer system configured in accordance with the global distribution plan. The determined global distribution plan may be provided to a device for processing. |
| US07984148B2 |
Load balancing
A method for load balancing requests on a network, the method including receiving a request from a requester having a requester network address at a first load balancer having a first load balancer network address, the request having a source address indicating the requestor network address and a destination address indicating the first load balancer network address, forwarding the request from the first load balancer to a second load balancer at a triangulation network address, the request source address indicating the requester network address and the destination address indicating the triangulation network address, the triangulation network address being associated with the first load balancer network address, and sending a response from the second load balancer to the requestor at the requestor network address, the response having a source address indicating the first load balancer network address associated with the triangulation network address and a destination address indicating the first requestor network address. |
| US07984147B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying a requested level of service for a transaction
An apparatus for identifying a requested level of service for a transaction wherein the transaction may be processed in accordance with the requested level of service. The invention is preferably embodied in computer readable program code stored in suitable storage media, and comprises, program code for selecting the requested level of service for the transaction, and program code for assigning the requested level of service to the transaction. The transaction is preferably a packetized signal comprising at least a data packet having a service tag associated therewith, wherein the service tag includes the requested level of service. The requested level of service can be any suitable factors or combination thereof, and can be assigned at any point on the network. The service tag is read from the transaction using suitable program code (e.g., at a load balancer), and based on the requested level of service, the transaction is directed to and processed by a network device that is best able to provide the requested level of service. |
| US07984144B2 |
Computer system and a method for managing logical volumes
A computer system manages logical volumes as operation map including a volume ID of the logical volume and a plurality of pieces of a predetermined operating information (for example, a path setting, main-volume, sub-volume, permanent storage setting, and storage period setting), when an operation is added to the logical volume, corresponding operating information is set to addition and when the operation is released, the information is set to release, and at a time when a predetermined operating information is all set to release, a corresponding logical volume to the volume ID is detected as being deletable, thereby detecting the deletable the logical volume automatically. |
| US07984140B2 |
Network response time measurements in an asymmetric routing environment
In one embodiment, a method can include: (i) receiving flow records from a plurality of network devices on asymmetric paths; (ii) reconstructing a network transaction from the received flow records; and (iii) deriving response times using the reconstructed network transaction. |
| US07984136B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining locations of interconnected processing modules and for verifying consistency of interconnect wiring of processing modules
Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically determining locations of interconnected processing modules are disclosed. Physical identifiers are determined for each of a plurality of processing modules connected to each other in a linear topology. Communications are iteratively disabled with each of the processing modules. Discover messages are sent to active, reachable processing modules and responses are received from the active processing modules that receive the discover messages. Based on the number of responses, the location of each processing module is determined. |
| US07984134B2 |
Name-address management in communication networks
A network infrastructure and method for name-address management in an internetwork having a hierarchical address structure with a number of address areas on different levels of the address structure. For a given resource, a distributed name-to-address resolution chain is built up through the hierarchical address structure utilizing a set of interlinked resolution key codes for bridging between address areas. During routing of a message, name-to-address resolution is performed by successively backtracking the chain through the hierarchical address structure utilizing the interlinked resolution key codes to bridge between address areas on different levels. |
| US07984131B1 |
Network configuration history tracking
A SAN management application maintains configuration information in a near real-time (RT) manner for timely and accurate responses to queries. A database manager responsive to the management application aggregates information concerning both current and historical configurations by combining current and historical information sets as a common (DB) database portal responsive to an individual query for configuration data from both current and historical data. The common portal avoids redundant and duplicative entries between the current and historical information sets, and is responsive to the management application for maintaining each change on only one of the current and historical information sets. Configuration changes add, update and move data items between the current and historical information sets, but need not store a configuration change in both the current and history information sets. |
| US07984129B2 |
System and method for high-performance profiling of application events
A system and method for high-performance profiling of web-enabled application events are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes registering a profiler as a provider to an event tracer. Information associated with an event is captured using the profiler, the event is associated with a web-enabled application. A function token is associated with the captured information, which is communicated to the event tracer. |
| US07984127B2 |
Data matrix method and system for distribution of data
A method and system for distributing data from one or more main data sources to one or more consumer nodes. An abstract data matrix layer is provided between a producer layer and a consumer layer. A producer node multicasts data updates to selected data matrix nodes in the data matrix layer, and a consumer node registers with the data matrix layer to receive designated data updates. One or more data matrix nodes then serve the requested data updates on the requesting consumer node. |
| US07984120B2 |
Selecting setting options method, device and computer program product
A method of setting up an operating state for a plurality of predetermined devices is provided. The method is carried out on a terminal device to which the predetermined devices are connected. The method includes the steps of collecting, for a setting item relating to a function of each of the predetermined devices, setting options which the predetermined devices support, displaying the setting options collected for the setting item, allowing the user to select one of the setting options for the setting item, and identifying at least one device supporting the selected one of the setting options from among the predetermined devices. |
| US07984112B2 |
Optimizing batch size for prefetching data over wide area networks
A data prefetching technique optimizes the batch size of prefetch requests. The optimized batch size may be determined based on a prefetch transfer time of a previous prefetch operation, where the prefetch transfer time is measured as an elapsed time interval from when data from the previous prefetch operation is first received to when the data from the previous prefetch operation is finished being received. |
| US07984111B2 |
Software applications incorporating functionalities based on data-type and access
A process of sending and receiving data by a wireless device through a wireless network is disclosed. Access criteria are set for at least one of the wireless device and applications running on the wireless device. At least one query is formulated by one of the applications running on the wireless device and the query is sent over the wireless network. Data is received in response to the query, wherein the data received is based on the access criteria and the access criteria relate to an access of the wireless device to the wireless network. |
| US07984109B2 |
System and method for storing and accessing data files at wireless devices
A method of providing access to data files within a wireless device is provided and includes detecting a selection of a first user interface component. The first user interface component can be linked to a private portion of the wireless device. Further, the method includes detecting a selection of a second user interface component. The second user interface component can be linked to a public portion of the wireless device. The wireless device includes a keypad and the first user interface component or the second user interface component can be selected using a press and hold keypress sequence on the keypad. When the first user interface component is selected, access is provided to the private portion of the wireless device. Conversely, when the second user interface component is selected, access is provided to the public portion of the wireless device. |
| US07984107B2 |
Proxy assembly for simulating real assembly features on a remote device
A proxy service for simulating real assembly features on a remote device is described. A data stream including reflection data of a real assembly is generated. The reflection data stream may include data associated with proxy types without including the code from the real assembly. A client obtains the reflection data stream. The reflection data stream facilitates the generation of a proxy assembly on the client and allows the client to instantiate features of the real assembly on the client without the code for the real assembly. |
| US07984097B2 |
Methods for transmitting multimedia files and advertisements
In one implementation a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion is provided. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file. In another implementation a method of transmitting streaming data from a server to the data storage medium of a device having a multimedia player is provided. The streaming data having at least one advertising-sponsored content portion and at least one associated obligatory advertising portion. Upon the server determining that the playing of all or part of the obligatory advertising portion is attempting to be avoided by the multimedia player, the server sends to the multimedia player or device a message with data storage medium control information for the purpose of inhibiting the advertising-sponsored content portion stored in the data storage medium from being played by multimedia player. |
| US07984092B2 |
FIR filter process and FIR filter arrangement
The present invention relates to a FIR filter process (1′) and to a respective FIR filter arrangement (1) wherein at least one multiplex mode is given which is characterized in that in the respective summation stage (30′) or summation block (30) partial summations are carried out and controlled in conformity with a multiplexed structure underlying a multiplexed input signal (MS) in order to obtain partial sums (Σpk-1) as accordingly filtered single signals. |
| US07984085B1 |
Rate of change of data using on-the-fly accounting
A storage system, such as a file server, creates persistent consistency point images (PCPI) or “snapshots” that are point-in-time representations of the storage system. The storage system uses persistent consistency point images to backup or mirror data. Using data already found in the data block maps associated with these PCPI, the rate of change of data between persistent consistency point images can be determined. |
| US07984082B2 |
Provision of connections for program components
A method and apparatus for provision of connections to program components. In an embodiment of a method, a call is received from a persistence engine, the call requesting a connection to a database. A method is called to obtain the connection from a data source. The connection is provided to the persistence engine. The method further includes providing the connection to the persistence engine. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US07984081B1 |
System and method for non-programmers to dynamically manage multiple sets of XML document data
A system and method for dynamically retrieving, manipulating, updating, creating, and displaying data from sources of Extensible Markup Language (XML) documents. The program memory comprises system-user entered data definitions and business rules. The system imports XML document data into the system data definitions, processes the data using the business rules definitions and exports XML documents. The system can automatically create XML document formats from its data definitions and can automatically create its data definitions from XML document formats. The system-user can also define the mapping between XML document formats and the system data definitions. The system data definition is the combination of a Relational data model, an Object data model, and an XML data model. |
| US07984079B2 |
System and method for electronically managing medical data files
A network server arrangement including a processor with a machine readable storage encoded with software for execution by the processor. The network server arrangement is responsive to requests to access a medical record of an individual and generates summary medical record data including summary information having a plurality of data elements associated with the individual, at least one of the data elements conveying medical information about the individual, and a pointers component including at least one pointer pointing to a network location containing importable medical information in connection with the individual that is not contained in the summary information component. The pointer includes a machine readable address part for processing by the client, allowing the client to import the medical information from the network location, and a label part for displaying to a user the nature of the medical information residing at the network location. |
| US07984078B2 |
Method and system for providing improved answers
Disclosed is a method and system for ranking answers supplied by user authors in an online database. A first author enters a first answer under a question. The answer is ranked #1 for output under that question. Then a second author enters a second answer under the same question. The second author also enters a bet claiming that her answer is better than the first answer. If the first author declines the bet, the second answer becomes ranked #1 for output under the question. If the first author accepts the bet, the bet is decided by a judge. The judge enters her decision into the answer database system.If the judge finds that the first author's answer is better than the second author's, then the first author's answer remains ranked first under the question; if the judge finds that the second author's answer is better, then the second author's answer replaces the first author's answer as the #1 ranked answer under the question. |
| US07984077B2 |
Data management system, data registration device, data retrieval device, data management method and program
A designator designates whether to perform normalization for registration data or retrieval data that has been input, but does not perform the normalization. A data processor performs the normalization process in accordance with the designator's designation. A register registers the registration data into a data storage, registers the registration data into a drawer, and sets a pointer. A retriever employs the retrieval data to retrieve the pointer from the drawer, and acquires the data from the data storage. The data processor performs a first normalization process by converting a character sequence in the registration data or the retrieval data to a precomposed character, and a second normalization process by converting a compatibility character in the registration data or the retrieval data to a predetermined character. The second normalization process converts half-width characters into full-width characters. The first normalization process is performable after the second normalization process. |
| US07984076B2 |
Document processing apparatus, document processing method, document processing program and recording medium
The text format of input data is checked, and is converted into a system-manipulated format. It is further determined if the input data is in an HTML or e-mail format using tags, heading information, and the like. The converted data is divided into blocks in a simple manner such that elements in the blocks can be checked based on repetition of predetermined character patterns. Each block section is tagged with a tag indicating a block. The data divided into blocks is parsed based on tags, character patterns, etc., and is structured. A table in text is also parsed, and is segmented into cells. Finally, tree-structured data having a hierarchical structure is generated based on the sentence-structured data. A sentence-extraction template paired with the tree-structured data is used to extract sentences. |
| US07984073B1 |
System and method for providing service management in a distributed database system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for service management in a distributed database environment. In general, embodiments of the present invention provide a service manager that connects to or is part of a database appliance that collects database performance data in the distributed database system. The database appliance accesses traffic between database clients and database servers and collects a variety of database performance statistics without having to rely on agents at the database clients or database servers. The service manager can access the performance data from the database appliance (locally or over communications link) and archive the performance data. Additionally, the service manager can compare items of the performance data (e.g., specific performance statistics) to user defined thresholds. If a threshold is met, the service manager can notify a user by, for example, sending an email. |
| US07984069B2 |
Computer algorithms and methods for product safety
The invention comprises systems, methods and a computerized data management device for creating and using data relating to a medical or non-medical product or device to enhance the safety of the product or device. A vast amount of data regarding adverse events associated with a particular product or device is analyzed to identify new essential adverse events associated with the product or device. At least one database of new essential adverse event information is created and utilized, and new characteristics of or uses for the product or device related to the new essential adverse event information are determined. Adverse event information is gathered for a large number of population sub-groups. The system may also be programmed to incorporate the information into intellectual property and contract documents. Manufacturers and/or distributors can include the proprietary information in consumer safety information, which accompanies the product or device, or which is provided to patients, users, consumers and the like, or in the case of certain medical products or devices, to prescribers of those products or devices. The system and methods also provide for commercializing the essential adverse event information. |
| US07984067B2 |
Network operating system and method
A system and method for a network operating system includes a complex data medium that enables the continuous reconciliation of the collaborative information process and product. The system and related methods generally increases productivity by enabling a network dynamic among knowledge workers. In another aspect, system and related method may unify e-mail and shared filed management, synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, serial and parallel work flow, top-down and bottom-up collaboration, and information lifecycle management, for examples. Moreover, a managed exclusion may be applied and/or released to control access sharing. |
| US07984060B2 |
Model content provider with reusable components for supporting a plurality of GUI API's
A user-friendly query modeling tool, for representing, creating, modifying and modeling a query language statement for use in retrieving data from a database. In accordance with the present invention, the tool includes a user interface for receiving or building and manipulating a query, a query model definition for use in populating instances of one or more query models, and a model content provider for receiving query elements from the user interface and providing them to the query model, and conversely, for retrieving query elements from the query model and providing them to the user interface. The model content provider has a hierarchical architecture including lower level API specific components for supporting a plurality of GUI API'S, and higher level API-independent, reusable components. This architecture facilitates scalability in terms of adding support for new API's. |
| US07984053B2 |
System, method, and software for identifying historically related legal cases
The American legal system, judges and lawyers are continually researching an ever-expanding body of past judicial opinions, or case law, for the ones most relevant to resolution of new disputes. To facilitate these searches, some companies collect and publish the judicial opinions of courts across the United States in both paper and electronic forms, with some of the cases containing references to prior cases from other courts that have previously ruled on all or part of the same dispute. Identifying the prior cases is problematic, because, for example, conventional computer text-matching not only suggests too many non-prior cases, but also misses too many actual prior cases. Accordingly, the present inventors devised systems, methods, and software that generally facilitate identification of one or more documents that are related to a given document, and particularly facilitate identification of prior cases for a given case. One specific embodiment retrieves prior-case candidates based on information extracted from an input case, and then uses a support vector machine to determine which of the prior-case candidates are most probably prior cases for the input case. |
| US07984051B2 |
Recording medium and playback device
To provide user-friendly information recording and playback, embodiments of the invention provide a recording medium having recorded therein audiovisual information; content identification information for identifying the audiovisual information; and locator information. In one embodiment, a playback device comprises a recording medium control module configured to read content identification information from a recording medium for identifying content of audiovisual information and locator information relating to the audiovisual information in the recording medium. The locator information relates to the audiovisual information for locating a provider of service information. A network control module is configured to connect with the provider of service information based on the locator information. |
| US07984050B2 |
System and method for selecting search listing in an internet search engine and ordering the search listings
Provided is a keyword advertising system for extracting search listings in response to a search request. The system comprises a memory for storing a search information database; a bid control module selecting a predetermined number of search listings primarily according to the bid amount and an estimated advertising period; a ranking module generating an ordered search result list; and a computation control module computing the advertising period for the received bids. The ranking module orders the selected search listings in the search result list according to the selected search listings' respective bid amounts and the estimated advertising period and the computation control module estimating advertising costs uses the bid amount of the advertiser and average number of clicks information during a predetermined previous period. The computation control module further calculates the estimated advertising period using deposit from the advertiser and the estimated advertising costs. The search information database stores at least one bid received from advertisers, the at least one bid being associated with a cost per click advertising, the each bid being associated with a keyword, a bid amount and a search listing. |
| US07984049B2 |
Generic online ranking system and method suitable for syndication
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing ranking services. In one aspect, first signals are received from a first subscriber, and second signals are received from a second subscriber. The signals include information characterizing individual user actions relating to individual ones of first or second resources, respectively, values for one or more predefined parameters, and values for one or more first subscriber-specific parameters that are specific to the first or second subscriber, respectively. First ranking data is generated from the first signals, but not from values for any subscriber-specific parameter that is not a subscriber-specific parameter for the first subscriber. Second ranking data is generated from the second signals, but not from values for any subscriber-specific parameter that is not a subscriber-specific parameter for the second subscriber. |
| US07984048B2 |
Methods and systems for providing a response to a query
Methods and systems for providing a response to a query. Multiple users' search engine activity in regard to a query is correlated. A response is provided based upon this correlated search engine activity information. For one embodiment of the invention, in the context of search engine result optimization, the user activity and/or user information of multiple users, during a search session, is correlated with queries to effect an evolving association between queries and the organization and presentation of documents. Systems in accordance with such embodiments employ the ability to store users' activity over the entire search session, thus making possible the correlation of a number of different types of user activity and user information. The use of correlated user input allows such systems to provide relevant search results without the limitations imposed by the key-word-based systems of the prior art. |
| US07984047B2 |
System for extracting relevant data from an intellectual property database
A method of extracting publications relevant to a reference entity, comprising the steps of generating an initial set of publications; associating the initial set with a database to generate a user-engageable display of at least one element relating to the at least one publication such that the at least one element is a required characteristic of the at least one publication in accordance with a predetermined standard of analysis; selecting at least a first element from the at least one element that represents a characteristic not present in the reference entity; yielding a result including publications in the initial set and excluding publications relating to the selected at least a first element in accordance with the predetermined standard of analysis. |
| US07984043B1 |
System and method for distributed query processing using configuration-independent query plans
A system and method for distributed query processing may compile and optimize query plans for incoming query requests independent of hardware configurations and/or physical locations of data partitions in a distributed storage system (e.g., a data grid). The query plan may be divided into segments, and each segment may be instantiated on a remote query processing node of the distributed system by a query coordinator node according to metadata accessed at runtime by remote sub-query operators in the query plan. The metadata may include an indication of the physical locations of data partitions in the system and may be stored on one or more of the query processing nodes. The remote query processing nodes may execute the query plan segments and return results to the requestor. Cached query plans may be re-executed without recompilation, according to current metadata, even in the event of a node failure or data partition move. |
| US07984038B2 |
Longest prefix match (LPM) algorithm implementation for a network processor
Novel data structures, methods and apparatus for finding the longest prefix match search when searching tables with variable length patterns or prefixes. To find the exact match or the best matching prefix, patterns have to be compared a bit at a time until the exact or first match is found. This requires “n” number of comparisons or memory accesses to identify the closest matching pattern. The trees are built in such a way that the matching result is guaranteed to be a best match, whether it is an exact match or a longest prefix match. Using the trail of all the birds and associated prefix lengths enables determination of the correct prefix result from the trail. By construction, the search tree provides the best matching prefix at or after the first compare during walking of the trail or tree. |
| US07984035B2 |
Context-based document search
Systems and corresponding methodologies are disclosed that employ ‘context’ of a document upon searching for relevant or desired references/results. The innovation establishes ‘context’ of a document thereby increasing relevance upon returning results to search queries. Context-based searching establishes relationships between terms of a document in order to focus more upon an interpretation of a document rather than merely considering a topic of a document based upon word occurrences, as used by traditional searching mechanisms. |
| US07984031B2 |
Query builder for testing query languages
Query testing is enabled across one or more query languages utilizing an abstract representation of a query. From this abstract representation, queries associated with one or more specific query languages are generated. Further, a verification scheme can be implemented for a specific store and/or query language to facilitate generation of an expected result for comparison with an actual result of test query evaluation. Further yet, data driving and/or modeling can be leveraged to further aid query testing. |
| US07984025B2 |
Method for reencryption of a database
The present invention relates to a method for encryption of the content in a database, for accomplishing increased protection against unauthorised access to the data. The method assures that every row and item is re-encrypted with a valid key. More specifically this process, the so-called KeyLife process, is executed every time a row is inserted, updated or retrieved after a scanning operation. The key life value, defining the number of days a key is valid for each item, could differ for the items, and could typically be between 30 and 90 days. The scanning operation, checking the validity of the presently used keys, the so-called KeyLife checking, is executed each time a new key generation is created. |
| US07984022B2 |
Space recovery with storage management coupled with a deduplicating storage system
Provided are techniques for space recovery with storage management coupled with a deduplicating storage system. A notification is received that one or more data objects have been logically deleted by deleting metadata about the one or more data objects, wherein the notification provides storage locations within one or more logical storage volumes corresponding to the deleted one or more data objects, wherein each of the one or more data objects are divided into one or more extents. In response to determining that a sparse file represents the one or more logical storage volumes, physical space is deallocated by nulling out space in the sparse file corresponding to each of the one or more extents. |
| US07984018B2 |
Efficient point-to-multipoint data reconciliation
Efficient reconciliation of different versions of a target file or dataset can be facilitated using a hash hierarchy of a master version of the dataset. Each level of the hash hierarchy has hashes of blocks of the master version that may be sub-blocks of the hashes in the level above. The top level of the hash hierarchy, having the hashes of the largest blocks of the master, may be transmitted on a first communication channel, possibly a one-way or broadcast communication channel. Streams of encodings of each lower level of the hash hierarchy may be transmitted on respective communication channels. The encodings for a level of the hierarchy may be combinations, such as random linear combinations, of the hashes of that level. A receiver with a target dataset can receive the top level hashes from the first channel and use them to determine which lower hashes are needed to identify parts of the master missing from the target. The encodings can be used to help obtain needed lower level hashes that can be used to more finely identify missing parts. Different receivers may not have to wait for a particular piece of information about the master. Rather, any received information (e.g. encoding) about the master will most likely allow any receiver to advance its understanding of the master dataset. Receivers will usually not have to wait for delivery of a particular hash in the hierarchy. |
| US07984012B2 |
Graph embedding techniques
Approaches to embedding source graphs into targets graphs in a computing system are disclosed. Such may be advantageously facilitate computation with computing systems that employ one or more analog processors, for example one or more quantum processors. |
| US07984008B2 |
Evaluating the predictability of a pass phrase
Computer readable storage medium, computer-implemented method, and computer system for identifying substring repetition in a pass phrase. A sub-string index is generated. The number of bits required to represent each character in the pass phrase is determined. An entropy value is assigned to each character in the pass phrase in accordance with a probability function that assigns highest probabilities at boundaries of an interval for the entropy of a character, or that assigns lowest probabilities when a ratio of a number of pass phrase characters to pass phrase length is equal to a ratio of a size the interval to a sum of interval sizes. A total entropy value for the pass phrase is computed to provide an indication of pass phrase quality. |
| US07984007B2 |
Proactive problem resolution system, method of proactive problem resolution and program product therefor
A proactive problem resolution system, method of proactive problem resolution and program product therefor. User sensors extract data from user interaction with a computer terminal and pass extracted data to a sniffer agent. The sniffer agent checks for an indication of a user problem by comparing user behavior data against behavior data from previously encountered problems. When the sniffer finds a match, the computer terminal user may be asked if assistance is needed or the user may be automatically referred to the help desk. If a solution already exists for a problem that corresponds to the user behavior, that solution(s) is(are) presented at the computer terminal. Computer terminal users automatically receive problem support, even before it would otherwise be requested. |
| US07984002B2 |
Automatic source code generation for computing probabilities of variables in belief networks
A system for computing probabilities of variables in a belief network includes a data acquisition interface configured to receive data representative of the belief network. The system further includes a partial evaluator configured to carry out a partial evaluation algorithm that determines the probability calculations that must be performed on the received data in order to compute the probabilities of the variables in the belief network. The system further includes a source code generator configured to output the probability calculations as a source code in a programming language. |
| US07984000B2 |
Predicting and using search engine switching behavior
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to predicting and using search engine switching behavior. In aspects, switching components receive a representation of user interactions with at least one browser. The switching components derive information from the representation that is useful in predicting whether a user will switch search engines. The derived information and information about a user's current interaction with a browser is then used by a switch predictor to predict whether the user will switch search engines. This prediction may be used in a variety of ways examples of which are given herein. |
| US07983998B2 |
Feedback in group based hierarchical temporal memory system
A Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) network has at least first nodes and a second node at a higher level than the first nodes. The second node provides an inter-node feedback signal to the first nodes for grouping patterns and sequences (or co-occurrences) in input data received at the first nodes at the first nodes. The second node collects forward signals from the first nodes; and thus, the second node has information about the grouping of the patterns and sequences (or co-occurrences) at the first nodes. The second node provides inter-node feedback signals to the first nodes based on which the first nodes may perform the grouping of the patterns and sequences (or co-occurrences) at the first nodes. Also, a node in a Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) network comprising a co-occurrence detector and a group learner coupled to the co-occurrence detector. The group learner provides an intra-node feedback signal to the co-occurrence detector including information on the grouping of the co-occurrences. The co-occurrence detector may select co-occurrences to be split, merged, retained or discarded based on the intra-node feedback signals. |
| US07983997B2 |
Interactive complex task teaching system that allows for natural language input, recognizes a user's intent, and automatically performs tasks in document object model (DOM) nodes
A system which allows a user to teach a computational device how to perform complex, repetitive tasks that the user usually would perform using the device's graphical user interface (GUI) often but not limited to being a web browser. The system includes software running on a user's computational device. The user “teaches” task steps by inputting natural language and demonstrating actions with the GUI. The system uses a semantic ontology and natural language processing to create an explicit representation of the task that is stored on the computer. After a complete task has been taught, the system is able to automatically execute the task in new situations. Because the task is represented in terms of the ontology and user's intentions, the system is able to adapt to changes in the computer code while still pursuing the objectives taught by the user. |
| US07983996B2 |
Method and apparatus for human behavior modeling in adaptive training
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for simulating human behavior. Source code for predicting human behavior is located on a storage system in a network data processing system. An interpreter executing on hardware in the network data processing system includes a language interpreter and a communications module. The language interpreter executes a simulation with the source code using artificial intelligence to generate a new definition and interpreted source code. A graphical user interface processor receives the interpreted source code from the language interpreter and generates device dependent output. Devices display the device dependent output, receive user input, and send received user input to the graphical user interface processor. The communications module receives user input from the graphical user interface processor and the new definition from the language interpreter and modifies the source code to form modified source code, executed by the language interpreter. |
| US07983995B2 |
System and method for dispensing, sorting and delivering prescription and non-prescription medications through the post office
A pharmacy post office receives prescriptions and produces through an automated pill dispensing and packaging system machine-sortable pharmacy letters that are sortable by automated mail sorting machines into postal delivery routes and delivered as first class or priority mail pieces by the postal delivery persons along their customary routes. A track and trace system may provide a delivery schedule to the patient and/or prescribing doctor based on the time of day the pharmacy letter is provided to the automated mail sorting machines. When a pharmacy letter is delivered by the postal delivery person, he or she scans the tracking code and transmits information back to the track and trace system, which then updates its delivery schedule to show the completed delivery. |
| US07983994B2 |
Module ID based encryption for financial transactions
A server is operable to receive a media device identifying number (ID) and establish an association between a media device and a payment account and, in one embodiment, supports at least one of payment authorization and payment clearing based at least in part on the media device ID and the payment account. A network and system includes a payment card processor server that is operable to receive a payment authorization request and to determine if an authorized media device generated a purchase selection message and to determine to approve a received payment authorization request based, in part, if the media device was authorized for the purchase selection based upon a received media device ID. The system is further operable to perform a key rotation to protect payment account information. |
| US07983990B2 |
Attorney terminal having outline preparation capabilities for managing trial proceedings
The present invention provides attorney terminals which operate using an outline for storing, associating and managing case evidence, case law and work product for a given lawsuit at issue. Accessed through attorney terminals, the outline is structured based on a hierarchical categorization of the lawsuit into the law and fact at issue. Associated with each categorization entry in the hierarchical outline are groupings of case law, case evidence, relevance and draft discovery information for rapid access by the attorney. Each categorization entry in the tailored outline provides instant access to case law via headnotes, treatise selections, seminal cases, and preset searches. The disclosed invention also automatically: 1) tracks the use of Exhibits in a proceeding; 2) generates draft portions of a pretrial order including jury instructions; and 3) generates time-lines for analysis and use during a proceeding. Draft interrogatories, document requests and deposition or trial questions are also provided. |
| US07983987B2 |
System and method for conducting secure payment transaction
In a secure electronic payment system, authentication data based on a payment account (e.g., a credit card account) is sent from an authentication server, through a user's Web browser, to a merchant's computer. The merchant's computer sends the authentication data to a computer operated by the issuer of the payment account, either through a payment organization computer or through an acquirer computer operated by the merchant's acquirer. The issuer's computer verifies the authorization request message, thereby generating an authorization response message. The authorization response message is forwarded to the merchant's computer, either through the payment organization computer or through the acquirer computer. If the authorization response message indicates that the verification was successful, the transaction is completed. |
| US07983984B2 |
Electronic endorsement of check images
A system and method for applying an endorsement to an electronic image of a bank check. A system is described that includes: an imaging system for generating an endorsement image representing an action taken relative to processing the bank check; a halftone system for converting the endorsement image into a digitally halftoned endorsement image; and a positioning system for placing the digitally halftoned endorsement image onto the electronic image of the bank check. |
| US07983981B1 |
Exchange traded funds and mutual funds providing cash flow distributions
A collective investment vehicle that provides cash distributions. The distributions provide a cash flow to holders of the collective investment vehicle securities, and also allow the value of the collective investment vehicle securities to be reset to a target level. The distributions may be scheduled to occur periodically, or may be based on the occurrence of specific events including company events, economic events, political events, etc. In some embodiments, the funds required for cash distributions are obtained without incurring any capital gains, and the distributions may be treated as a return of capital. |
| US07983976B2 |
Methods and apparatus for formulation, initial public or private offering, and secondary market trading of risk management contracts
Key features of these methods, apparatus, and designs include (but are not limited to) innovations and implementations of futures securities; the notion of Type I, Type II, and Type III futures contracts custom tailored to specific clienteles; the notion of tickets and coupons as tradable futures contracts; the notion of bifurcation; the notion of redeemable bundles; and notion of realization of the futures market on the Internet; the apparatus of an Internet-based trading interface and engine; the notion of cookie-cutter futures electronic Internet-based futures markets for each security; the feature of maximal reliance on the Internet; and the business concept of “profitability without the need for high trading volume.” |
| US07983967B2 |
Method for stock exchange for handling a currency exchange
Systems and methods related to performing a currency exchange are presented. Through the establishment of “exchange shares,” embodiments allow for the execution of a currency exchange using existing stock markets. |
| US07983965B2 |
Method for selecting optical fiber for use in fiber and cable systems
An optical fiber inventory selection system selects optical fibers from inventory for use in a communication network. In one embodiment, the system generates an internal specification of requirements to select optical fiber reels from an inventory to be used as components in spans, such as dispersion managed spans, wherein at least one of the selected optical fiber reels is identified to have an amount of optical fiber on the reel cut back to a reduced length. The spans can then be selected to satisfy customer requirements or standardized requirements for a communication network that may include a plurality of cables and paths. |
| US07983963B2 |
System, program product, and method of electronic communication network guided navigation
Systems, program product, and methods of electronic communication network guided navigation which allow users to obtain more relevant product search results much more quickly, are provided. An example of a system can allow a user to enter or start a product search request for a relatively broad term in a search engine and quickly start looking for relevant information by assisting the user in narrowing the product search results in a more efficient guided search. The results can be displayed to a user in a row of boxes, which focus the user on categories of potential intentions or meanings behind the product search request term or terms so that the user's intent can be quickly ascertained and the user directed to results more closely aligned with or coinciding with the user's intent behind the product search request. |
| US07983962B2 |
Method and system for purchase order data entry
A method of entering purchase order data includes receiving first data associated with an item. The first data comprises data entered by a user using a graphical user interface associated with a computerized purchasing system for at least one of products and services. The method also includes transferring the first data to a purchase order list in response to a single user input command facilitated by the graphical user interface, and displaying the first data and second data associated with the item as a purchase order list line item in the purchase order list using the graphical user interface in response to the single user input command. The second data includes at least one of data stored in the computerized purchasing system and data generated by the computerized purchasing system based on the first data. |
| US07983959B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating placement positions of content items on a rendered page
Systems and methods for determining the value of bids placed by content providers for placement positions on a page, e.g., a web page, rendered according to a given context, for instance, the search results listing for a particular query initiated on a search engine web site, are provided. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for determining placement of content items, e.g., advertisements and/or images, on a rendered page relative to other content items on the page based upon bid value. |
| US07983954B2 |
Auction method for real-time displaying bid ranking
Disclosed herein is a real-time auction method that is based on an auction server for performing a process of an auction and wired and wireless terminals of participants. The method includes the auction screen providing step of providing an auction screen, on which auction information is displayed, to wired and wireless terminals of participants participating in the auction, the ranking displaying step of displaying bidding prices on the auction screen in order of ranking in the case where the participants present the bidding prices, the bidding extending step of extending a bidding time if a highest bidding price is lower than a predetermined desired bidding price or a difference between a highest bidding price and a next highest bidding price is less than a predetermined difference when a first set bidding time ends, and allowing only bidders presenting the highest bidding price and the next highest bidding price to participate in the extended auction, and the successful bid determining step of displaying a successful bidding price and a successful bidder when a finally set bidding time ends. |
| US07983953B2 |
Method and apparatus for listing goods for sale
A method and apparatus to present a good of a seller. A product identification code is received via a cellular telephone, the product identification code identifying the good. The good is then presented for sale via a network and using the product identification code. |
| US07983952B1 |
Scoring recommendations and explanations with a probabilistic user model
A data processing system generates recommendations for on-line shopping by scoring recommendations matching the customer's cart contents using by assessing and ranking each candidate recommendation by the expected incremental margin associated with the recommendation being issued (as compared to the expected margin associated with the recommendation not being issued) by taking into consideration historical associations, knowledge of the layout of the site, the complexity of the product being sold, the user's session behavior, the quality of the selling point messages, product life cycle, substitutability, demographics and/or other considerations relating to the customer purchase environment. In an illustrative implementation, scoring inputs for each candidate recommendation (such as relevance, exposure, clarity and/or pitch strength) are included in a probabilistic framework (such as a Bayesian network) to score the effectiveness of the candidate recommendation and/or associated selling point messages by comparing a recommendation outcome (e.g., purchase likelihood or expected margin resulting from a given recommendation) against a non-recommendation outcome (e.g., the purchase likelihood or expected margin if no recommendation is issued). In addition, a probabilistic framework may also be used to select a selling point message for inclusion with a selected candidate recommendation by assessing the relative strength of the selling point messages by factoring in a user profile match factor (e.g., the relative likelihood that the customer matches the various user case profiles). |
| US07983951B2 |
Apparatus to provide liquid funds in the online auction and marketplace environment
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller. |
| US07983950B2 |
Method for displaying catalog information in an E-commerce system
Method to visualize the information related to a catalog on an processing device (2) that includes a user's interface comprising a display (3). The method includes a looking through step of a database (11) that stores an E-catalog of items that can be purchased by use of said device (2). At logic-content level the database is organized according to the hierarchical tree-type structure (15) wherein the items that can be purchased are the leaf nodes (T1, . . . T5) of the tree and the groups of items are the intermediate nodes of the tree placed at different hierarchical levels that are higher than the hierarchical level of the leaf nodes. |
| US07983948B2 |
Systems and methods for electronic marketing
An exemplary system includes a publisher subsystem configured to communicate with an access device and an advertiser device over a data communication network. The publisher subsystem includes a publish module, a session module, and an allocation module. The publish module is configured to publish content over the data communication network, the content including an advertisement. The session module is configured to detect a selection of the advertisement, initiate a session between the access device and the advertiser device in response to the selection, the advertiser device being associated with the advertisement, and receive feedback from the advertiser device. The allocation module is configured to allocate revenue based on the feedback. In some examples, the amount of the revenue is independent of the feedback. |
| US07983946B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying high complexity projects
Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for identifying high to high complexity projects. Some method embodiments include defining proposed project data for identified factors, calculating a planning team index for a project associated with the proposed project data, and identifying the project as complex when the planning team indicator falls on one side of a breaking point. The factors are those identified as determinative of project complexity. |
| US07983939B2 |
Method for automatically mapping cabin and travel class structures of airline disrupted flights into replacement flights
In a method for automatically mapping a cabin and travel class structure of an disrupted flight into replacement flights, cabin and travel class structure of the disrupted flight are retrieved. For each affected passenger, a base disrupted flight is determined from the passenger itinerary. For the disruption period, cabin and travel class structure of the replacement flights are split into sub-periods. For each sub-period, mapping begins by establishing a direct match between cabin and travel class structures. The direct match is validated against actual cabin and travel class structure of the replacement flights, including pinpointing all found discrepancies. All class matching tables (CMTs) applying to the disrupted flight and disruption period considered are retrieved from a rule repository. Cabin and travel class structure of the replacement flights are further split in sub-periods to imbed the actual validity periods of retrieved CMTs. Rules of the retrieved CMTs resolve all found discrepancies. |
| US07983938B1 |
Systems and methods for modeling recommended insurance coverage
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for modeling recommended insurance coverage. Coverage parameters of a policy are displayed as graphical elements within a user interface (UI) of a computing device along with a plurality of claim scenario parameters for selection by a user. Once selected, the claim scenario parameters are applied to relevant claim data and a claim scenario is generated. The claim scenario is then applied to the policy coverage parameters of the policy to determine and graphically display coverage parameter disparities, which then graphically modified to offset any coverage parameter disparities. As coverage parameters are modified, corresponding adjustments to the premium of the current policy are made and displayed within the UI. Recommendations for modifying the coverage parameters are provided by help windows, an assistance wizard, or live help. An analysis of competitive policies with equivalent coverage is performed and an optimum policy choice is recommended. A resulting policy is generated, using the modified coverage parameters of the current policy and adjusted premiums, and then fulfilled, electronically or physically. |
| US07983937B1 |
Systems and methods for modeling recommended insurance coverage
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for modeling recommended insurance coverage. Coverage parameters of a policy are displayed as graphical elements within a user interface (UI) of a computing device along with a plurality of claim scenario parameters for selection by a user. Once selected, the claim scenario parameters are applied to relevant claim data and a claim scenario is generated. The claim scenario is then applied to the policy coverage parameters of the policy to determine and graphically display coverage parameter disparities, which then graphically modified to offset any coverage parameter disparities. As coverage parameters are modified, corresponding adjustments to the premium of the current policy are made and displayed within the UI. Recommendations for modifying the coverage parameters are provided by help windows, an assistance wizard, or live help. An analysis of competitive policies with equivalent coverage is performed and an optimum policy choice is recommended. A resulting policy is generated, using the modified coverage parameters of the current policy and adjusted premiums, and then fulfilled, electronically or physically. |
| US07983935B1 |
System and method for automatically and iteratively producing and updating patient summary encounter reports based on recognized patterns of occurrences
A method for automatically and iteratively updating patient encounter reports based on recognized patterns of occurrences. A patient's information is obtained prior to a visit to a healthcare facility. This information is compared to a set of guidelines. The result is a preliminary patient encounter report that may be presented to a physician as well as act as a preset trigger to generate financial transactions. The physician can edit the report due to his own preferences and the updated report automatically sent to a rules engine that examines the edits, on a physician, healthcare facility, and patient level and determines if changes to the existing guidelines need to be made. The new guidelines are sent to a predictor module so that upon subsequent visits by patients, new guidelines will appear on the preliminary patient encounter summary report along with other learned administrative and financial transactions within the system. |
| US07983934B1 |
Method and system for collaborative personal health history
A method for healthcare collaboration that includes granting access, across a network, to a portion of a personal health history (PHH) account associated with a patient, wherein access is granted to a healthcare provider and controlled by the patient, submitting healthcare data to the portion of the PHH account based on a health service received by the patient from the healthcare provider, and transfer the healthcare data for review. |
| US07983932B2 |
Network and methods for integrating individualized clinical test results and nutritional treatment
The present invention provides networks and method for linking consumers and nutritional pharmacologists offering personalized nutritional information through a central network site. The network includes a central integration site through which network members communicate with each other. The central integration site stores two or more databases in the storage medium. The databases store biochemical marker data information, nutritional and/or drug data information including a record for association and effect of nutrients with a particular biochemical marker, and/or drug. The network of the invention provides individualized nutritional diagnostic and treatment to consumers on the basis of their clinical test results. |
| US07983929B2 |
Technique for determining and reporting reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases at a site
A system for generating standardized greenhouse gas emission reduction credits based on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions at a site resulting from use of renewable carbon as a fuel at the site to produce energy in substitution for previous use of a fossil fuel at the site, includes a computer, at least one database accessible by the computer and containing past site-specific data and subsequent site-specific data regarding the at least one variable impacting emissions of the greenhouse gas generated from the use of the renewable carbon as a fuel for generating energy at the site, a greenhouse gas emissions modeling module, and at least one interface to the computer, for outputting a report of the identified quantity of the standardized greenhouse gas emission reduction credits. |
| US07983928B2 |
Systems and methods for preparation of an intellectual property filing in accordance with jurisdiction- and/or agent-specific requirements
A facility has been developed whereby an applicant (or his representative) may file corresponding applications in multiple jurisdictions using multiple associates while automating the preparation of filings in accordance with jurisdiction- and/or associate-specific requirements and/or procedures. An intellectual property filing portal or hub is employed, which in some realizations is hosted on public, packet switched data network and communicates with both applicants (or representatives) and associates. The intellectual property filing portal facilitates selection, by applicants (or representatives) of particular jurisdictions and associates based at least in part on fee quotations in accordance with particulars of an intellectual property filing and in accordance with fee structures of the particular jurisdictions and foreign associates. In addition, the intellectual property filing portal facilitates registration of associate- and jurisdiction-specific form documents and fee schedules for at least partially automated preparation of formal documents. |
| US07983926B2 |
Purchases method and system
In an automated method for providing personalised recommendations to a user, a global probabilistic purchase model based on prior interactions of a group of users of a system, is used in the generation of personalised recommendations for future purchases for a given user. Attributes of the given user are used to identify characteristics relating to the user's personal purchasing, correction factors are calculated to update the output of the global probabilistic purchase model to personalise the recommendations for the user. |
| US07983910B2 |
Communicating across voice and text channels with emotion preservation
Communicating across channels with emotion preservation includes: receiving, by a processor in a communication device, a voice communication; analyzing, by the processor in the communication device, the voice communication for first emotion content; analyzing, by the processor in the communication device, textual content of the voice communication for second emotion content; and marking up, by the processor in the communication device, the textual content with emotion metadata for one of the first emotion content and the second emotion content. |
| US07983908B2 |
Noise-canceling device for voice communication terminal using configurable multiple digital filters
A noise-canceling device of a voice communication terminal that removes noise elements included in received voice signals. The device comprises: a digital filter array that exhibits filter qualities in response to a coefficient setting signal showing each supplied arrays of filter coefficients, and includes a first-stage filter that receives the received voice signals as well as multiple later-stage filters connected thereto in a straight line; a filter qualities designator that generates input designation that designates each qualities of the multiple digital filters forming the digital filters array; and a filter coefficient setter that retains multiple arrays of filter coefficients, extracts a filter coefficient array corresponding to the designation input from among the multiple filter coefficient arrays, and supplies to each multiple digital filters. The noise-canceling device for a voice communication terminal provided to obtain desired filter qualities in real-time without calculation of filter coefficients. |
| US07983907B2 |
Headset for separation of speech signals in a noisy environment
A headset is constructed to generate an acoustically distinct speech signal in a noisy acoustic environment. The headset positions a pair of spaced-apart microphones near a user's mouth. The microphones each receive the user's speech, and also receive acoustic environmental noise. The microphone signals, which have both a noise and information component, are received into a separation process. The separation process generates a speech signal that has a substantial reduced noise component. The speech signal is then processed for transmission. In one example, the transmission process includes sending the speech signal to a local control module using a Bluetooth radio. |
| US07983906B2 |
Adaptive voice mode extension for a voice activity detector
There is provided a voice activity detection method for indicating an active voice mode and an inactive voice mode. The method comprises receiving a first portion of an input signal; determining that the first portion of the input signal includes an active voice signal; indicating the active voice mode in response to the determining that the first portion of the input signal includes the active voice signal; receiving a second portion of the input signal immediately following the first portion of the input signal; determining that the second portion of the input signal includes an inactive voice signal; extending the indicating the active voice mode for a period of time after determining that the second portion of the input signal includes the inactive voice signal, wherein the period of time varies based on one or more conditions; and indicating the inactive voice mode after expiration of the period of time. |
| US07983901B2 |
Computer-aided natural language annotation
The present invention uses a natural language understanding system that is currently being trained to assist in annotating training data for training that natural language understanding system. Unannotated training data is provided to the system and the system proposes annotations to the training data. The user is offered an opportunity to confirm or correct the proposed annotations, and the system is trained with the corrected or verified annotations. |
| US07983900B2 |
Method, computer program and apparatus for analysing symbols in a computer system
A computer-implemented method of analyzing symbols in a computer system, and a computer program and apparatus therefor are provided. The symbols conform to a specification for the symbols. The specification is codified into a set of computer-readable rules. The symbols are analyzed using the computer-readable rules to obtains patterns of the symbols by: determining the path that is taken by the symbols through the rules that successfully terminates, and grouping the symbols according to said paths. |
| US07983893B2 |
Fault support in an emulation environment
An emulator is disclosed that allows for diagnoses of failures or defects within the emulator. A map of faulty resources is generated to identify which resources should be avoided during compilation. Thus, in a transparent and automated manner, defects found during diagnostics are stored in a database of unusable emulator resources. A compiler has access to the database and compiles the design taking into account unusable resources. In another embodiment, the defects of an emulator board are stored on the emulator board itself. This allows each board to store its own maintenance information that can be used at the manufacturing site for changing defective chips. Defects stored on the board itself allow the defects to be obtained independent of a position of a board within the emulator to simplify identification of the faulty resource. |
| US07983892B2 |
System and method for accessing and presenting health information for field devices in a process control system
A system includes a server configured to generate a request for status information and/or diagnostic information associated with a field device in a process control system. The system also includes an interface component having (i) an emulator configured to emulate a device manager associated with the field device and (ii) a communication manager configured to communicate with the field device over a communication link using a specified protocol. The server is configured to provide the request to the communication manager through the emulator, receive the status information and/or the diagnostic information from the field device through the communication manager and the emulator, and generate a user interface based on the status information and/or the diagnostic information. The communication manager could represent a communication Device Type Manager (DTM), and the emulator could emulate at least some functions of a device DTM. |
| US07983891B1 |
Receiver dependent selection of a worst-case timing event for static timing analysis
A method for determining a worst-case transition is disclosed. The method includes determining a plurality of output slews for the plurality of input signals based on a timing model of a gate and selecting a worst delay input signal from the plurality of input signals based on the output slews. |
| US07983889B2 |
Simulation method and simulation apparatus for LDMOSFET
The drift region for increasing the breakdown voltage in an LDMOSFET is regarded as a resistive element. The potential distribution of the overall device is calculated by obtaining a potential distribution considering the resistance by iterative calculation. A capacitance generated in the drift region is analytically calculated assuming a linear potential distribution. A capacitance generated in the overlap region between the gate electrode and the drift region is calculated by considering the potential from the depletion region to the accumulation region. |
| US07983885B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-dimensional data analysis to identify rock heterogeneity
A method, apparatus and computer usable program code for identifying regions in the ground at a well site. Continuous data is received from the well site; reducing redundancies in the continuous data received from the well site to form processed data. Cluster analysis is performed using the processed data to form a set of cluster units, wherein the set of cluster units include different types of cluster units that identify differences between regions in the ground at the well site. Properties are identified for each type of cluster unit in the set of cluster units to form a model for the well site. |
| US07983883B2 |
Enriched multi-point flux approximation
Methods and systems to reduce or eliminate numerical oscillations in solutions that occur when using conventional MPFA when modeling flow in a reservoir are provided. The technique may be referred to as enriched multi-point flux approximation (EMPFA) and may be used to improve the consistency and accuracy in constructing pressure interpolations in cells for the purpose of determining flux equations used in predicting flow in a reservoir. |
| US07983881B2 |
System and method of simulating with respect to spheroid reference models using local surface coordinates
Described are a method and system for describing a position of an entity in a three-dimensional coordinate system with respect to the reference model. The reference model is of a three-dimensional curved surface defined in the three-dimensional coordinate system. The three-dimensional curved surface is divided into a set of cells. Each cell is a subset of the three-dimensional curved surface and has a curved surface. A three-dimensional curvilinear coordinate system is defined for each cell in the set of cells. The three-dimensional curvilinear coordinate system for each cell has a curvilinear axis that extends along the curved surface of that cell. |
| US07983880B1 |
Simultaneous switching noise analysis using superposition techniques
Extended linear superposition methods, computer program products and systems to calculate Simultaneous Switching Noise (SSN) on victim Input/Output (I/O) pins of an electronic component caused by aggressor I/O pins is provided. A method includes calculating the quiet output voltage on a victim pin caused by the power supply only, and then calculating an aggressor noise response induced on the victim pin caused by a single aggressor pin and the power supply. To calculate SSN for a combination of aggressors, the SSNs for the different aggressors are linearly combined, and then the effects of the power supply are discounted by using the calculated quiet output voltage. Additionally, a linear victim substitution model is introduced to replace a full buffer model for a victim pin with a resistor with different resistance values depending on the induced voltage. Further, an alternate transmission line model is introduced to simplify SSN simulations of transmission lines. |
| US07983876B2 |
Shoes and garments employing one or more of accelerometers, wireless transmitters, processors altimeters, to determine information such as speed to persons wearing the shoes or garments
A shoe is improved by including: at least one accelerometer for generating acceleration signals and a processor configured to process the acceleration signals to determine one or both of speed and distance traveled of a person wearing the shoe. A shoe and a garment are provided with a wireless transmitter, to provide information about the shoe/garment or a person wearing same. |
| US07983870B2 |
Integrated circuit and method for determining the operating range of an integrated circuit
Method for ascertaining an operating range for an integrated circuit which has a plurality of system components, in which a test routine is performed for testing at least one system component from the plurality of system components, where the at least one system component is not in operation and at least one other untested system component from the plurality of system components is ready for operation when the at least one system component is tested. |
| US07983869B1 |
Flow testing system for fluid networks
A flow testing system comprises a flow unit for interfacing with a flow hydrant, a pressure unit for interfacing with a test hydrant, a transmitter in a first one of the units to transmit data to a second one of the units, a receiver in the second unit to receive data from the transmitter, and a data storage medium in the second unit to record data. A method includes providing flow and pressure units, interfacing the pressure unit to a test hydrant and the flow unit to a flow hydrant, measuring static pressure by the pressure unit, initiating water flow through the flow hydrant, measuring pitot pressure in the flow, measuring residual pressure in the test hydrant, transmitting the residual pressure measurement from the pressure to the flow unit, and recording the pitot and residual pressure measurements. |
| US07983867B2 |
Multi-gain data processing
Systems and methods of processing data generated using multi-gain detectors are disclosed. These systems and methods include separate gain images and separate offset images associated with each dynamic range of a multi-gain detector. These images are applied to multi-gain raw data to generate multi-gain corrected data. Some embodiments of the invention further include systems and methods of generating and using a multi-gain look-up table configured for generating viewable data from multi-gain corrected data. Some embodiments of the invention further include systems and methods of generating a global gain ratio for converting multi-gain data to non-multi-gain data. |
| US07983863B2 |
System and method of battery capacity estimation
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for battery capacity estimation. A profile table may be used that relates a plurality of battery profile values with a plurality of operating parameter values. The profile table may be accessed to translate one or more measured operating parameters into one or more corresponding battery profile values. One or more of the battery profile values may be adjusted by a correction factor to generate a corrected battery profile value. The available capacity of the battery may be calculated using the corrected battery profile value. The correction factor may then be automatically calibrated by using an estimated battery profile value calculated from the one or more measured operating parameter. |
| US07983859B2 |
System and method for analyzing defects on a wafer
A defect analyzer system having a program storage device storing instructions and an arithmetic unit executing the instructions. The system divides a defect analyzing region of a wafer into a plurality of grid squares and classifies the grid squares into a plurality of groups. The system then matches the defect information with the defect analyzing region. The defect information includes defect positions and sizes detected in the defect analyzing region. The system calculates a defect size distribution for each defect size in each of the groups, compares the defect size distribution and a predetermined estimation distribution for each of the groups, and calculates a difference. The system then compares the difference of each of the groups and a predetermined threshold value, extracts the group having the difference equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold value, and outputs the defect information corresponding to the extracted group. |
| US07983855B2 |
Meter electronics and methods for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter
A meter electronics (20) for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface (201) and a processing system (203). The processing system is configured to receive the sensor signal (201) through the interface, phase-shift the sensor signal (210) substantially 90 degrees to create a phase-shifted sensor signal, determine a phase shift value from a frequency response of the vibratory flowmeter, and combine the phase shift value with the sensor signal (201) and the phase-shifted sensor signal in order to generate a drive signal phase (213). The processing system is further configured to determine a sensor signal amplitude (214) from the sensor signal (210) and the phase-shifted sensor signal, and generate a drive signal amplitude (215) based on the sensor signal amplitude (214), wherein the drive signal phase (213) is substantially identical to a sensor signal phase (212). |
| US07983854B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring a structure
The present disclosure discloses a method of monitoring a structure by a monitoring system including at least one strain gauge positioned on the structure and a computer processor coupled to the at least one strain gauge. According to at least one embodiment, strain data are acquired using the at least one strain gauge, and it is determined, by the computer processor, whether the structure has undergone plastic deformation according to the strain data. Further, a result is outputted according to the determination of plastic deformation. |
| US07983851B2 |
Measuring device and method for determination of at least one chemical property in an oil and a data storing device obtainable by said method
A measuring system for determination of at least one chemical property in an oil under transportation from a first container to a second container, where a pipe inlet is arranged to withdraw a sample part from the oil in flow and a sample handling arrangement is arranged for guiding a sample from the sample part into and out of at least one chemical property measuring instrument. The measuring system further includes a control computer unit connected to the sample handling arrangement and being programmed to performing a plurality of consecutive measuring cycles, each including i) guiding a sample from the sample part into the at least one chemical property measuring instrument, ii) performing a measurement of the at least one chemical property in the sample, and iii) withdrawing the sample from the at least one chemical property measuring instrument. |
| US07983848B2 |
Computerized method and system for inferring genetic findings for a patient
A method and system in a computing environment for inferring genetic findings for a patient is provided. The method includes receiving a request for genetic findings for a person from another application or a user. The method further includes inquiring as to whether the person has the genetic findings. If not, the method automatically provides inferred genetic findings for the person. The inferred genetic findings are calculated using genetic findings for family members of the patient, linkage analysis, haplotype analysis, semantic test results for the person and/or population genetics information. |
| US07983846B2 |
Systems and methods for determining in-situ gas hydrate saturation
Systems and methods for determining in-situ hydrate saturation of hydrate-bearing formations using dielectric properties of gas hydrate amounts are described. In accordance with one aspect, a method for determining gas-hydrate saturation concentration of hydrate-bearing formations includes collecting data using a dielectric propagation tool indicative of propagation time (tpl) and attenuation time (α), collecting data indicative of density using a density device, and processing the combination of data indicative of tpl, α and density to determine the concentration of gas-hydrate saturation and porosity of the formations. |
| US07983843B1 |
Weather severity and characterization system
A method of presenting weather phenomenon information including receiving weather data. At least one weather phenomenon represented by the weather data is identified. A plurality of current parameters related to the current state of the at least one weather phenomenon is determined. A plurality of historical parameters corresponding to one or more previous states of the at least one weather phenomenon is associated with the current state of the at least one weather phenomenon if at least one previous state of the at least one weather phenomenon has been identified. A plurality of forecasted parameters for the at least one weather phenomenon is calculated. Characteristics of the at least one weather phenomenon based on at least a first subset of the current parameters, the historical parameters, and the forecasted parameters are displayed. |
| US07983839B2 |
GPS-based traffic monitoring system
A vehicle comprises memory for storing map data and a global positioning system (GPS) module that transmits vector and location data and that receives traffic reports from a remote traffic monitoring system. An adaptive map building module includes a path determining module that determines a travel path of the vehicle based on the vector and location data, a comparing module that compares the travel path to roads defined by the map data, and an identifying module that selectively identifies new roads based on the comparison. |
| US07983838B1 |
Guidance system that informs the vehicle operator that the vehicle is safely in the center of the correct road lane, airstrip, boat channel or path by means of passive elements imbedded or submerged in said lanes and that functions day or night in all weather conditions
It is the object of this invention to provide a system that informs a vehicle operator that the vehicle is safely in the center of the proper lane of intended travel. It further informs the operator of specifics about the lane. Presence of the vehicle in an incorrect lane or going in the wrong way sets off an audible alarm. The information is visible on a computer screen in full view of the operator. It is functional regardless of the time, day or night, weather conditions, visibility or electrical interference. A metal detector senses passive elements imbedded in the center of the lane. For a boat the element is submerged in the proper channel and is sensed by a sonar device. Imbedded bar codes are the sources of the information. The general configuration is shown in FIGS. 1a-1c. FIGS. 2-4 show simplified block diagrams for the system. |
| US07983837B2 |
Display method of navi-server and navigation
A navi-server which is provided with information from a traffic information providing center, and presents and provides information made on the information to a terminal is characterized by being equipped with a first storage means storing the information provided from the traffic information providing center; a traffic jam statistical making means which makes traffic jam statistical information including traffic jam information in a predetermined point and a predetermined zone as well as a reliability of the traffic jam information, based on information stored in the first storage means; and a second storage means storing information made by the traffic jam statistical making means, wherein the navi-server presents and provides the information stored in the second storage means to the terminal, based on a request of the terminal and at a predetermined timing. |
| US07983833B2 |
Internal combustion engine system, control method of internal combustion engine system, and power output apparatus
At a time of stopping operation of an engine, after elapse of a preset time period since start of self-sustaining operation of the engine at a stop rotation speed Nstop, the drive control sets a torque command Tm1* of a motor MG1 to a rotation speed-decreasing, vibration-suppressing torque and starts decreasing a rotation speed Ne of the engine (steps S100, S140, S150, S170, and S180). The rotation speed-decreasing, vibration-suppressing torque is set to smoothly decrease the rotation speed of the engine and suppress the potential vibration caused by the decreased rotation of the engine. A correction torque Tmod is set based on a crank angle CA and an engine water temperature Tw at the rotation speed Ne of the engine decreasing to a preset reference speed Nref (step S200). The torque command Tm1* of the motor MG1 is then set by adding the set correction torque Tmod to the rotation speed-decreasing, vibration-suppressing torque (step S210). This arrangement effectively prevents the crank angle CA from exceeding a top dead center immediately before the stop of the engine and thereby suppresses the potential vibration causes by the excess of the crank angle CA over the top dead center. |
| US07983823B2 |
Method and control architecture for selection of optimal engine input torque for a powertrain system
A method and article of manufacture are provided for operating an internal combustion engine adapted to transmit torque to a hybrid transmission. The method comprises determining engine input torque transmittable to the hybrid transmission for each of a plurality of engine states. Costs are determined for operating the engine and hybrid transmission in the engine states to substantially meet an operator torque request. A preferred engine state is selected based upon the determined costs. The engine is controlled based upon the preferred engine state to substantially meet an operator torque request. |
| US07983819B2 |
Motor vehicle comprising an occupant restraint device
A motor vehicle with an occupant restraint device, including a control device which produces a triggering signal when a predefined hazard signal is generated as a function of signals of a safety sensor system, and, accordingly, the occupant restraint vehicle acts on a vehicle occupant by at least one impact cushion. The control device generates the hazard signal at least as a function of vehicle acceleration signals and a belt state signal representing the activation or deactivation of a seat belt, deactivating the occupant restraint device at least for a certain period of time and/or activating the occupant restraint device at reduced power if the seat belt is identified as having been deactivated and vehicle acceleration signals are assigned to a critical forward displacement of the occupant if the seat belt is deactivated. |
| US07983815B2 |
Electric power steering control system
In an electric power steering control system, a phase compensator of the steering torque is made of an analog circuit and an anti-phase compensator is made by the software of a microcomputer, thereby to eliminate the changes in the gain and the phase by the phase compensator of the analog circuit near the oscillation frequency, so that the steering torque signal equivalent to that of no phase compensation necessary for the computation at the observer is computed from the phase-compensated steering torque signal. |
| US07983813B2 |
Active suspending
A method for actively suspending a real plant in a vehicle includes modifying a control signal on the basis of a difference between a property of the real plant, as indicated by the response of the real plant to the control signal, and a property of a nominal plant. |
| US07983809B2 |
Aircraft integrated support system (ISS)
An aircraft integrated support system (ISS) downloads Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) data from an aircraft, processes the downloaded data to infer a status of aircraft systems and displays maintenance information via an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). The ISS integrates a maintenance and support environment to bind the information flow among the various aircraft and logistics networks for a fully integrated systemic approach which optimizes aircraft operation, maintenance, and support through data collection and analysis to maximize aircraft readiness. |
| US07983800B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling fan motor of air conditioner
An apparatus for controlling a fan motor of an air conditioner comprises: a hybrid induction motor (HIM) for discharging warm air outwardly by a control signal; a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of an evaporator; and a controlling unit for comparing the temperature of the evaporator with a preset temperature, and outputting a control signal to control the HIM based on a result of the comparison. |
| US07983795B2 |
Networked electrical interface
An electrical interface may include a switching mechanism and a control module. The switching mechanism can selectively couple a source of electricity to a load and the control module can be coupled to the switching mechanism. The control module may generate a query for information from a web server and control the switching mechanism based on a response to the query. |
| US07983793B2 |
Tool memory-based software upgrades for robotic surgery
Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading. |
| US07983788B2 |
Method for analyzing reflection properties
A method allows analyzing and describing the reflective properties of a three-dimensionally structured original surface. The topology of the original surface is determined and the topological data are stored in the form of a depth map in a first data record and evaluated with respect to the influence of the data on the reflective properties. Each surface element is assigned a reflective value in accordance with the evaluation and the value is stored in a second data record and made available to other machining or inspection systems. There, the reflection values of the second data record are divided into classes and the depth values of the first data record, assigned to the classified reflection values, are varied in accordance with the classification. Finally, the changed depth values are employed as parameters for electronically controlling a tool in order to machine the artificially produced surface. |
| US07983779B2 |
Fail-to-safe fault detection system for continuous production line
Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states. |
| US07983775B2 |
Material reservation distribution system and method
The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating material-driven processing in an industrial controller environment. Various models supported by database objects are provided to automatically and dynamically map inventory systems/processes to control systems/process such as in batch or recipe operations. A material model is provided that tracks to an inventory database and includes such aspects as defining material types and containers to house such materials. An area model maps the material model to possible units and equipment modules to process the materials. These models include phased-based parameters that define amounts of material that flow into and out of a determined area for processing the materials. Before, during and/or after automated manufacturing operations, object binding operations occur between material-based servers associated with an inventory system and batch servers associated with a process-control system. Such binding includes Just-In-Time or on-demand binding at run time, and relates material requirements of a recipe (or batch) to the units and equipment that are available to produce the recipe. |
| US07983770B2 |
External ambient noise monitoring to adapt control of internal system noise sources
An arrangement for controlling a system generated noise level such that the same is adapted to an actual ambient noise level of the system environment. Internal noise generators will thus not run at a needlessly lowered rate than actually needed. For instance, by permitting a fan to run at a generally higher speed, the system will not needlessly undergo significant internal temperature increases. By the same token, CPU performance, to the extent that it represents a noise generator, will not be needlessly throttled. |
| US07983764B2 |
Co-radial lead with extendable/retractable fixation mechanism and apparatus therefor
A lead assembly comprises a lead body extending from a lead proximal end portion to a lead distal end portion with at least one conductor disposed therein. A lead lumen extends within the lead body and is dimensioned and configured to removably and rotatably seat a driver therein. The driver includes a driver body extending from a driver proximal end to a driver distal end and having a stylet or guidewire lumen disposed therein. An extendable and retractable active fixation mechanism is disposed at the lead distal end portion. The active fixation mechanism is actuatable by rotation of the driver. In one example, the at least one conductor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, in which the first conductor is co-radial with the second conductor. In another example, the driver distal end includes a portion extractably engagable with the lead distal end portion. |
| US07983762B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy
Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion. |
| US07983760B2 |
Control unit having a deployable antenna
A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device. |
| US07983758B1 |
Sound processing and stimulation systems and methods for use with cochlear implant devices
Sound processing strategies for use with cochlear implant systems utilizing simultaneous stimulation of electrodes are provided. The strategies include computing a frequency spectrum of a signal representative of sound, arranging the spectrum into channels and assigning a subset of electrodes to each channel. Each subset is stimulated so as to stimulate a virtual electrode positioned at a location on the cochlea that corresponds to the frequency at which a spectral peak is located within an assigned channel. The strategies also derive a carrier for a channel having a frequency that may relate to the stimulation frequency so that temporal information is presented. In order to fit these strategies, a group of electrodes is selected and the portion of the current that would otherwise be applied to electrode(s) having a partner electrode in the group is applied to the partner electrode. |
| US07983757B2 |
Medical device configuration based on sensed brain signals
The invention is directed to techniques and systems in which external brain monitoring is used to facilitate implantation and configuration of an implantable medical device. The techniques may create an open loop or closed loop system in which brain signals quantify the efficacy of electrical logical stimulation (or drug therapy via an implantable drug pump) at locations outside of the brain. The techniques may be used to improve placement of leads and electrodes during an implantation procedure, and/or to select or adjust stimulation parameters either during the implantation procedure or possibly following implantation of an implantable medical device. The described techniques have applications for the alleviation of pain, but may find other applications where EEG signals can quantify the efficacy of treatment via an implantable medical device. |
| US07983756B2 |
Miniaturized high-density multichannel electrode array for long-term neuronal recordings
A high-density multichannel microwire electrode array is disclosed. The array can comprise a variable number of electrodes. A method of assembling the array is further disclosed. Additionally, a plurality of devices employing the array are disclosed, including an intelligent brain pacemaker and a closed loop brain machine interface. |
| US07983753B2 |
Remotely-programmable personal device and configuration and method for remotely programming a personal device
The invention relates to a remotely-programmable personal device, in particular a programmable implantable medical device, such as a cardiac pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cardioverter, or the like. In addition, the invention relates to a configuration for the remote programming of such a personal medical device and a method for remotely programming a programmable personal device. |
| US07983751B2 |
Measuring conduction velocity using one or more satellite devices
A method for measuring the conduction velocity of a depolarization wave in a tissue employs a first satellite located within the tissue and a second that satellite is located within the tissue a distance away from the first satellite, e.g., by using the time of depolarization wave as reported from each satellite and the distance to determine velocity of the wave. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in accordance with the invention. |
| US07983749B2 |
Cardiac rhythm management system with time-dependent frequency response
A cardiac rhythm management system includes a time-dependent frequency response for sensed heart signals. A change in the frequency response of a sensing circuit is triggered by a sensed or evoked event to make it less sensitive to the detection of a subsequent event for a period of time. For example, a passband bandwidth is reduced, then increased during the time period triggered by the event. For even more event-triggered selectivity, a gain is reduced, then increased during the time period triggered by the event. This provides better discrimination between particular events included in a heart signal so that appropriate therapy can be delivered to the patient based such events. |
| US07983741B2 |
Examination and imaging of brain cognitive functions
A system and method for examining or imaging brain functions of a subject includes a light source and a light detector located on the exterior surface of the subject's head. The light source introduces transcranially optical radiation into the brain of a subject, and the light detector detects radiation that has migrated in a brain region from the light source to the detector. The system also provides brain stimulation and evaluates the detected radiation to determine a brain cognitive function of the subject. One embodiment of the system can detect a brain disorder. Another embodiment of the system can detect “deceit.” In addition to the optical module, the system may include other optional modules such as an EEG module, an MEG module, a thermography module, a respiratory module, a skin conductivity module, and a blood pressure module. |
| US07983733B2 |
Surgical navigation using a three-dimensional user interface
A system for controlling a medical device in a patient. A display system displays an image of a volume of the patient in a virtual three-dimensional space. A stylus is controllable to actuate a virtual element in the virtual space. A navigation system controls the medical device in the patient volume based on a position of the actuated virtual element. This inherently three-dimensional interface allows a physician to actuate the medical device more intuitively than possible using a two-dimensional interface. |
| US07983726B2 |
Superconducting generator
A generator that comprises at least one ferromagnetic core including a gap, a magnet capable of producing a normal magnetic field within said gap and at least one coil positioned within the normal magnetic field on the core. At least one diamagnet that is positioned to pass through said gap on said core, wherein the diamagnet momentarily blocks the normal magnetic field causing a voltage to be induced within said coil. |
| US07983722B2 |
Headset with multi-button control for a mobile communication device
The invention is directed at a headset for a mobile communication device having a multi-button control and is implemented with a standard headset jack. The multi-button control is decoded by a microprocessor after which an encoded signal is then transmitted from the processor to the handset. In this manner, by using the standard jack, no additional hardware is required on the handset. |
| US07983721B2 |
Transparent conductive antenna for a portable communication device
The present invention relates to a portable communication device and an antenna unit. The device includes a display having a display surface, a transparent non-conductive display window covering the display surface of the display, and an antenna having at least one antenna element, wherein the antenna element is provided as a transparent conductive layer provided on the display cover. With this antenna solution space is freed inside the device for use for other units or for further size reductions. Light passing through the window is furthermore not blocked. |
| US07983716B2 |
Centralized radio network controller
In a radio access network, novel systems and methods reduce processing delay, and improve integration with IP networks, by separating user data from connection management and control data at a Node B or at a base station. The user data are routed to an IP (Internet Protocol) switch, whereas the connection management and control data are routed to a centralized radio network controller (RNC). Pursuant to a second embodiment of the invention, a centralized RNC provides improved radio resource management (RRM) functionality by handing all connection management and control data for a plurality of Node B's, thereby simplifying the switching of user data throughout the radio access network. Pursuant to a third embodiment of the invention, a smart IP switch is equipped to switch user data without core network (CN) involvement. Downlink user data are switched independently of uplink user data. |
| US07983713B2 |
Smart card; communication device; method for selecting a communication network to be used by a communication device; computer program product
Smart cards, a communication device, methods for selecting a communication network to be used by a communication device, and a computer program product. |
| US07983712B2 |
Multi-mode wireless communication devices and systems for prepaid communication services
There is provided a multi-mode wireless communication device. A cellular transceiver communicates over a cellular network in a cellular mode. A wireless transceiver communicates over a wireless network in a wireless mode. A selector makes a selection between operating in the cellular mode and the wireless mode. The selector uses a subscriber profile and other information, such as financial information, to make the selection. The subscriber profile includes information such as a minimally acceptable quality of service acceptable for a communication. |
| US07983703B2 |
Prioritized common subframe to provide better service to the overlapping areas in a community
A subframe structure for a wireless community uses a master common subframe and second master common subframe method to give BSs different priorities to serve overlapping areas in common subframes. The subframe structure and corresponding method can increase overlapping cells' capacity and reduce interference. |
| US07983698B2 |
Paging apparatus and method in a mobile communication system providing multimedia broadcast multicast service
A paging apparatus and method in a mobile communication system providing an MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service). In the mobile communication system, to page a UE for a first service through a primary carrier during a second service in progress through a secondary carrier, a PICH (Paging Indication Channel) transmitter in a Node B transmits paging indication information to the UE through the primary carrier by oscillating the primary carrier as a transmission frequency. A PCH (Paging Channel) transmitter transmits paging information to the UE through the primary carrier or the secondary carrier by oscillating the primary carrier or the secondary carrier as the transmission frequency under a predetermined control. A PBMSCH (Physical Broadcast Multicast Shared Channel) transmitter transmits data of the second service through the secondary carrier by oscillating the secondary carrier as the transmission frequency. A controller controls the primary carrier or the secondary carrier to be oscillated as the transmission frequency of the PCH transmitter if the paging indication information indicates paging. |
| US07983697B2 |
Paging group network and method for updating mobile station locations
A paging group network includes multiple paging groups formed by areas covered by base stations (BSs). The paging group network further includes an anchor paging controller (PC) and a relay PC. The anchor paging controller initiates a page to a mobile station (MS), addresses the paging group in which the MS is located, and stores status information about the MS in a corresponding location register (LR). The relay PC manages the paging groups. A method for updating MS locations is also provided. Thereby, the present invention optimizes the paging and location updating processes, and reduces the complexity of managing the idle mode. |
| US07983694B2 |
Target and base station for a navigation system
The present invention relates to a method of determining the location of a target. The method includes initializing a set of base stations to determine their location relative to each other. At the target, the time of arrival of at least one signal from each of the plurality of base stations is measured. From this, the location of the target relative to the plurality of base stations may be directly calculated using a closed solution. In one embodiment, a time of arrival technique is used and in another embodiment a time difference of arrival technique is used. Preferably an ultra-wide band frequency is utilized. |
| US07983685B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of a global wireless sensor network
Methods and apparatus for global wireless sensor network architecture and protocol for remote supervision, asset control and operational management based on localized clusters of autonomous sensor/supervision/operational sensor nodes capable of ad hoc interconnection with nearby nodes and connection to gateway nodes with increased network functionality. These localized cluster nodes send data to gateway nodes either directly or through multi-hop transactions. The gateway nodes are, in turn, connected to other gateway nodes and operations control centers either through wireless or wired data communications links. Utilizing the Internet for long range interconnectivity, the network is scaleable to a global level. The resulting network is based on an ad hoc mesh topology to allow flexibility in network modification and expansion and is comprised of a tiered structure defined by increasing functionality. A current application for this technology is the remote control and supervision of lighting systems for facilities and municipalities on a local, national and/or global basis from centralized regional operations centers. |
| US07983679B2 |
Method and apparatus for inter-system active handoff of a hybrid subscriber unit
A communication system provides for an active handoff of a voice call between a packet switched network and a circuit switched network. An active handoff from the packet switched network to the circuit switched network is accomplished by multicasting the call over forward links of both networks during the handoff. An active handoff from the circuit switched network to the packet switched network is accomplished by multicasting the call over reverse links of both networks during the handoff. The former handoff further may be facilitated by routing the call for each network through a same packet data control switch, and the latter handoff further may be facilitated by routing the call for each network through a same mobile switching center. In order for a subscriber unit to operate concurrently in both networks, the subscriber unit may comprise multiple transceivers or a single transceiver that is rapidly switched between the networks. |
| US07983672B2 |
Managing communications with private access points in wireless networks
Communication is initiated with a radio access network through a first private access point according to a first air interface standard based on a first identifier corresponding to the first private access point. A second identifier corresponding to the first private access point is determined by using a roaming list. The second identifier is associated with the first identifier in the roaming list. A set of one or more carrier frequencies for communication according to a second air interface standard is determined using the roaming list. The second identifier is mapped to the set of one or more carrier frequencies in the roaming list. Based on the roaming list, initiation of communication with the radio access network is attempted through the first private access point according to the second air interface standard based on the second identifier at one carrier frequency of the set of one or more carrier frequencies. |
| US07983666B2 |
Cancellation system and method for a wireless positioning system
A cancellation system that delays the received signals and cancels less than all the received signals from the delayed version of the received signals and a demodulator and despreader unit produces a demodulated and de-spreader and remodulator unit produces a remodulated and respread signal from the demodulated and despread signal with a combiner that produces a combined signal from the delayed version of the received signals and the remodulated and respread signal to identify a low power signal. |
| US07983665B2 |
Mobile communication system, mobile terminal, base station, radio network controller, information rate control method therefor and program therefor
A method according to the present invention comprises determining an available information rate for communication, via a first base station, between a plurality of terminals and a second base station based on link capacity information for wireless communication between the first base station and the second base station, and controlling each of information rates for the communication between the plurality of terminals and the second base station based on the available information rate. Here, the plurality of terminals and the first base station being in a mobile object, the second base station being outside the mobile object. |
| US07983663B2 |
Special phone book entries
When an incoming call is received or an outgoing call is placed, a phone number associated with the call is identified. The phone number is compared to a set of phone book entries corresponding to subscriber-designated phone entries and special phone book entries. If the phone number is identified as corresponding to a special phone book entry, call processing continues according to a field type designated by the selected phone book entry. |
| US07983660B2 |
Mobile telephone device identifying whether incoming wireless call anchored by an enhanced services server
In one embodiment, a method comprises a mobile node receiving an incoming wireless call; the mobile node determining whether enhanced services are available for the incoming wireless call based on outputting a DTMF tone on a voice channel associated with the incoming wireless call and determining whether a notify message, indicating a server providing the enhanced services has received the DTMF tone, is received on a data channel during the incoming wireless call; and the mobile node selectively initiating the enhanced services for the incoming wireless call with the server in response to determining the enhanced services are available for the incoming wireless call. |
| US07983658B2 |
Method and system to enable email services for mobile devices
The invention is a method and a system, which allows the integration of email-enabled devices into a carrier service network without the need for user individual configuration of the devices. A system with an email proxy and a database is provided for handling email requests from a terminal. The network address of the terminal is used to retrieve email configuration settings from the database, whereupon the email proxy is able to communicate with an email server using the retrieved email configuration settings. |
| US07983655B2 |
Conditional call treatment for prepaid calls
A method and system for processing a prepaid call in a mobile telecommunications network is provided. A default call processing parameter for processing a call can control the processing of the call when communications between the Mobile Switching Center and the Service Control Point fails. The value of the default call processing parameter can be set to permit the call to continue or to be terminated in accordance with a characteristic associated with the call, such as a characteristic of the dialed telephone number or a nature of address in the case of an outgoing call or a location of the terminating mobile subscriber in the case of an incoming call. |
| US07983650B2 |
Wireless communication device and wireless communication system
One embodiment of the invention provides a wireless communication device including: a wireless communication unit that wirelessly receives first power consumption information from a device, the first power consumption information including a plurality of data pieces, each data piece indicating power consumption in the device for processing a streaming data signal encoded in each of a plurality of encoding formats; an encoding format selection unit that selects one of the encoding formats for a data signal to be transmitted, based on the received first power consumption information; and an encoding controller that encodes the data signal to be transmitted in the encoding format selected by the encoding format selection unit to generate an encoded data signal as a streaming data and outputs the encoded data signal to the wireless communication unit, wherein the wireless communication unit wirelessly transmits the encoded data signal as the streaming data to the device. |
| US07983644B2 |
Apparatus and method for local oscillator calibration in mixer circuits
An apparatus and method for local oscillator calibration compensates for filter passband variation in a mixer circuit, such as a receiver circuit. The receiver includes at least a mixer circuit and a filter coupled to the output of the mixer. During operation, the mixer mixes an RF input signal with a first local oscillator (LO) signal to frequency translate a selected channel in the RF input signal into the passband of the filter. During a calibration mode, the RF input signal is disabled, and the first LO signal is injected into the filter input by leaking the first LO signal through the mixer circuit. The frequency of the LO signal is then swept over a frequency bandwidth that is sufficiently wide so that the actual passband is detected by measuring the signal amplitude at the output of the bandpass filter, thereby determining any variation in the passband of the filter from the expected passband. Once the actual passband is determined, then the frequency of the first local oscillator signal is adjusted or tuned to compensate for any frequency shift of the actual passband compared to the expected passband. Therefore, the selected channel is up-converted into the center of the actual passband of the bandpass filter and will not fall outside the passband. This enables the passband of the bandpass filter to be narrowed, as compared with conventional receivers that do not utilize this calibration procedure. For example, the bandpass filter can be narrowed to one or two channels wide. |
| US07983635B2 |
System and method for controlling intermodulation interference
In one embodiment, a method of controlling intermodulation (IM) interference is provided. The method comprises determining if an IM product spectrum overlaps the spectrum of an assigned receive frequency and determining when transmissions from at least two transmitters are to overlap in time. If the IM product spectrum overlaps the assigned receive frequency spectrum, it is determined if a signal is being propagated on the receive frequency when the transmissions from the at least two transmitters are to overlap in time. If a signal is not being propagated on the receive frequency, the at least two transmitters are allowed to transmit the overlapping transmissions; and if a signal is being propagated on the receive frequency, control steps are initiated to reduce the effects of IM interference. |
| US07983631B2 |
Voice, data and RF integrated circuit with multiple modulation modes and methods for use therewith
A radio frequency (RF) transmitter includes a modulation controller that generates a modulation control signal having either a first value or a second value. A driver generates an RF signal based on an upconverted signal, wherein the driver modulates the upconverted signal based on a first modulation signal when the modulation control signal has the first value. A power amplifier generates a transmit signal based on the RF signal, wherein the power amplifier modulates the RF signal based on a second modulation signal when the modulation control signal has the second value. |
| US07983626B2 |
Antenna impedance matching device and method for a portable radio telephone
A device for matching an antenna impedance in a portable radio telephone having transmission and receiving circuits, a foldable casing enclosing the radio, the foldable casing movable between an unfolded position and a folded position, an antenna movable between an extracted position from the foldable casing and a retracted position into the foldable casing includes means for sensing whether the foldable casing is in the unfolded position and for sensing whether the antenna is in the extracted position, and for providing a sensing signal in response thereto, and means for matching an impedance of the antenna and an impedance of the radio in response to the sensing signal, thereby making an optimal matching of impedances between the antenna and the radio according to the states of the folder casings and the antenna, and according to the transmission/reception mode. |
| US07983624B2 |
RF front-end module for picocell and microcell base station transceivers
An RF module adapted for direct surface mounting to the top surface of the front end of the motherboard of a picocell. The module comprises a printed circuit board having a plurality of direct surface mounted electrical components defining respective signal transmit and receive sections for RF signals. The signal transmit section is defined by at least a transmit bandpass filter, a power amplifier, an isolator, a coupler, and a duplexer. The signal receive section is defined by at least the duplexer, a receive low pass filter, a low-noise amplifier, and a receive bandpass filter. A lid covers selected ones of the electrical components except for at least the power amplifier. A plurality of through-holes defined in the printed circuit board below the amplifier allow for the dissipation of heat created by the amplifier. At least one aperture in the board is adapted to accept a screw or the like for securing the module to the motherboard of the picocell. |
| US07983622B1 |
Using phase difference to determine valid neighbors
A method and system is disclosed for using phase shift to determine valid neighbors in a wireless communication system. A phase difference, measured at an access terminal, between an expected phase and an observed phase of a pilot signal from a given wireless service site is used to determine a differential distance. The differential distance corresponds to a difference between (i) the distance from the access terminal to the given wireless service site and (ii) the distance from the access terminal to a serving wireless service site. The expected phase is taken to be that of a known neighbor site of the access terminal, based on a postulation that the given site is the neighbor site. Upon a determination that the differential distance does not exceed a threshold distance, the given wireless service site is confirmed as being the neighbor site. |
| US07983618B2 |
Electronic appliance, communication condition setting device, communication condition setting method and computer program
An electronic appliance having a communication function conforming to a wide band wireless communication system is disclosed. The electronic appliance includes: an EMI pattern information storage part configured to store EMI (electromagnetic interference) pattern information unique to the electronic appliance itself or EMI pattern information unique to an electronic appliance of the same type; an EMI standard value information acquiring part configured to acquire EMI standard value information valid in a relevant nation or region based on location information of the electronic appliance itself; and a communication condition setting part configured to set a communication condition relating to a wide band wireless communication based on the result of comparison between the acquired EMI standard value information and the EMI pattern information. |
| US07983617B2 |
Method and system for transmitting multiple channels on FM bands
Aspects of a method and system for transmitting multiple channels on FM bands may include generating from one or more baseband signals, a plurality of radio frequency transmission signals each at a different radio frequency, wherein the one or more baseband signals comprise an in-phase signal component and/or a quadrature signal component. Suitable combinations of the one or more baseband signals may be modulated in a radio frequency transmission chain that may comprise intermediate frequency modulation and radio frequency modulation. The suitable combinations of the one or more baseband signals may be weighted sums. The plurality of radio frequency signals may each carry distinct information. One of the plurality of radio frequency signals may be centered at a frequency f1+f2 and another one of said plurality of radio frequency signals may be centered at a frequency f1−f2, where f1 and f2 are frequencies. |
| US07983616B2 |
Method and system for improving client server transmission over fading channel with wireless location and authentication technology via electromagnetic radiation
Wireless personal area network (Zigbee, Bluetooth, UWB) and wireless identification technologies (Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)) are implemented in particular client server functions and communications. Connected with an Authentication Server, a wireless HUB authenticates user identification and provides the user with access to secure data communication with a wireless terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA. A Location Server provides user locations via methods such as RSSI, TDOA, and GPS and sends location information to a Center Control Server and the Authentication Server. With location information, the Center Control Server initiates and optimizes secure information processes and coordinates the functions of servers and user terminals. |
| US07983613B2 |
Broadband repeater with security for ultrawideband technologies
An ultrawideband radio transceiver/repeater provides a low cost infrastructure solution that merges wireless and wired network devices while providing connection to the plant, flexible repeater capabilities, network security, traffic monitoring and provisioning, and traffic flow control for wired and wireless connectivity of devices or networks. The ultrawidebande radio transceiver/repeater can be implemented in discrete, integrated, distributed or embedded forms. |
| US07983610B2 |
Image formation method and an image formation apparatus
An image formation apparatus configured to switch between an inter-leaf operation and a non-inter-leaf operation is provided for double-sided printing. |
| US07983608B2 |
Cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning toner on an image bearing member includes a cleaning blade for collecting the toner by contacting an edge portion thereof with the image bearing member, a container for storing the toner, a first rotation axis for rotatably supporting the cleaning blade, an urging member for urging the cleaning blade, a positioning portion for positioning the cleaning blade so that the cleaning blade urged by the urging member stands by at a predetermined position when the cleaning blade is not in contact with the image bearing member, and a second rotation axis for rotatably supporting the cleaning apparatus while contacting a part of a main body when the cleaning apparatus is mounted on the main body, wherein the edge portion is positioned on a straight line or away from the image bearing member with respect to the straight line connecting rotation centers of the first rotation axis and of the second rotation axis when the cleaning blade is located at the predetermined position. |
| US07983607B2 |
Image forming apparatus having an endless conveying belt with a 720 degree twist
An image forming apparatus has a endless conveying belt (50) which conveys a sheet (P) on which an image is to be formed, and is twisted 720 degrees, and a plurality of suspending members which suspend the conveying belt (50). The conveying belt (50) is suspended on the suspending member like a figure of eight, and conveys a sheet (P) by rotation driving of the conveying belt (50). |
| US07983606B2 |
Transfer belt driving control method and transfer belt driving control apparatus for color registration correction
A transfer belt driving control method and transfer belt driving control apparatus for color registration correction. The color registration correction method and apparatus performs the color registration correction by setting a pattern forming section, in which patterns for the color registration correction are able to be formed, and a non-pattern forming section, in which the patterns are not able to be formed, on a transfer belt in which the patterns are formed, performing the color registration correction by driving the transfer belt at a first speed in the pattern forming section, and driving the transfer belt at a second speed, which is faster than the first speed, in the non-pattern forming section. |
| US07983601B2 |
Telescopic auger dispense drop tube
A toner transport apparatus for a printing system in which toner is moved from a toner container to a developer housing. The toner transport apparatus can accommodate different lengths and orientations between the toner container and the developer housing. The apparatus discloses a variable length component that expands or contracts to extend the toner transport apparatus to a desired length. The toner transport apparatus can assume unique angles per station with a gear mechanism. A flexible auger can be associated with the toner transport apparatus to move material in non-vertical positions. The toner transport apparatus with the variable length component and flexible auger would provide the ability to reuse components at a variety of positions and angles. |
| US07983600B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a single drive source, at least four photosensitive drums, a plurality of drum drive gears which are provided to correspond to the photosensitive drums, and a plurality of intermediate gears which are interposed between the drive source and each of the drum drive gears. A number of the intermediate gears provided for each of the photosensitive drums is same. |
| US07983580B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof to improve quality of an image in consideration of a change in posture of a print media. The image forming apparatus can include a transferred unit on which a visible image is formed, a transferring unit to form a transfer region through which the visible image is transferred onto a print medium, along with the transferred unit, a bias supplying unit to supply bias to the transferring unit so that a transfer electric field is produced in the transfer region, and a controller to control the bias supplying unit to supply different first to third biases to the transferring unit while at least first to third regions of the print medium pass through the transfer region, respectively. |
| US07983576B2 |
Image forming apparatus having function to control developer exhausting amount and image forming method thereof
An image forming apparatus to form image data on a printing medium, the apparatus includes a developing cartridge having a developer transfer body to transfer developer to an image receptor, a developer storing unit to separately store a transfer-regulated developer which has been transfer-regulated in the developer transfer body and a non-transferred developer which is not transferred to the developer transfer body, and a used developer storing unit to store a used developer separated from a surface of the photoreceptor; a printing information storing unit to store cartridge printing information of the developing cartridge; and a controller to calculate an average printing density on a basis of the cartridge printing information, and to control the developing cartridge so that an amount in which the transfer-regulated developer of the developer storing unit is transferred to the used developer storing unit can exceed a reference amount if the calculated average printing density is below a reference printing density. |
| US07983573B2 |
Optical receiver having FSR phase compensation
An optical receiver apparatus and methods for mitigating intersymbol interference (ISI) in a differentially-encoded modulation transmission system by controlling constructive and destructive transfer functions. The receiver includes a bandwidth control element for controlling transfer function bandwidth, a transfer phase controller for controlling transfer function phase and/or an imbalancer for imbalancing the transfer functions for compensating for intersymbol interference and optimizing the quality of the received optical signal. |
| US07983569B2 |
High-speed transmission system for optical channels
A method and apparatus for transmission of data on bandwidth limited fiber optic channels. A multilevel signaling alphabet having multiple levels of optical intensity are used to transmit signals on optical channels. In order to counteract the decrease in signal to noise ratio resulting from the use of a multilevel signaling alphabet over a bilevel signaling alphabet trellis encoding of the data to be transmitted is employed. To counteract intersymbol interference due to signaling faster than the Nyquist Rate, equalization methods such as Tomlinson-Harashima precoding and decision feedback equalization are employed. |
| US07983565B2 |
Integrated optical communication and range finding system and application thereof
The present invention is directed toward systems for conducting laser range and enabling optical communication between a plurality of entities and to the application of such systems in a secure covert combat identification system. In one embodiment, the present invention uses a novel laser system that generates high pulse rates, as required for optical communications, while concurrently generating sufficiently high power levels, as required by laser range finding operations. One application of the present invention is in enabling secure covert communications between a plurality of parties. Another application of the present invention is in tracking and identifying the movement of objects. |
| US07983562B1 |
Dynamic coding for optical code-division multiple access
An apparatus and methods for encoding and decoding data are disclosed. The method for transmitting and receiving data allows for coding and decoding each bit of data with a different code. The transmitter and receiver devices allow encoding and decoding, respectively, each bit of data with different a code. |
| US07983559B2 |
Configurable multi-rate optical network port and processing modules
Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical port that can be configured to support either high speed or low speed optical signals. In particular, these embodiments comprise a switch that defines a data-rate dependent path between the front-end optics of a network node and internal processing electronic modules. As a result, either high speed or low speed pluggable adapters may be inserted within a port and supported by the processing electronic modules. |
| US07983558B1 |
Optical control plane determination of lightpaths in a DWDM network
An optical control plane (OCP) distinct from an electronic control plane helps the setup of path routes in a DWDM network. The OCP determines the optical feasibility of any path route selected by the electronic control plane, such as operated under GMPLS protocol, and asks the electronic control plane for another path route if the optical feasibility is determined to be negative. The OCP can be set in a server or distributed across the nodes of the network. |
| US07983556B2 |
Camera module with contamination reduction feature
A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a lens unit including a body, a housing including an opening for receiving the lens unit and positioning the lens unit with respect to the image capture device, and a contaminant trap formed by an isolated annular space between the lens unit and the opening of the housing. In a particular embodiment, the opening of the housing includes surfaces having at least two different perimeters, the smaller of which slidably engages the outer surface of the lens unit. The contaminant trap collects and contains any contaminants before they reach vulnerable components such as the image capture device and/or other optical components within the camera module. |
| US07983550B2 |
Focus adjusting apparatus, camera including the same, and method for adjusting focus of optical system
A focus adjusting apparatus includes an imaging unit, a calculation unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. The imaging unit is configured to generate an imaging signal of an image formed by an optical system. The calculation unit is configured to calculate based on the imaging signal a focus evaluation value in accordance with a focus adjustment position of the optical system. The detection unit is configured to detect a state with respect to a size of the image. The control unit is configured to control focus adjustment of the optical system based on a rate of change in the focus evaluation value and the state with respect to the size of the image. |
| US07983548B2 |
Systems and methods of generating Z-buffers in cameras
Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise actuating a light sensor after various delays to receive a plurality of modulated light signals reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera. The method may also include determining distance information for the different regions of the scene based on brightness values for the plurality of modulated light signals reflected from the scene for the various delays. The method may also include storing the distance information in a Z-buffer at the camera. |
| US07983536B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07983533B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07983527B2 |
Information storage medium and information recording/playback system
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data. |
| US07983514B2 |
Photonic band gap router
An arrangement includes a photonic band-gap assembly comprising at least one input wave guide and at least one output wave guides, and at least one routing element responsive to signals to selectively route a signal from the input wave guide to one or more of the output wave guides. |
| US07983510B2 |
Noise reduction device and method
The invention discloses a noise reduction device for adjusting gray levels of a video sequence to reduce noises. The noise reduction device of the invention includes a motion detector and a first noise reduction module. The motion detector is used for determining whether an inputted pixel is a motion pixel or a static pixel. If the pixel is a motion pixel, the first noise reduction module directly outputs the pixel without adjustment. If the pixel is a static pixel, the first noise reduction module adjusts the gray level of the pixel according to previous image frame. Because the invention only stores previous image frame, and does not utilizes multiple continuous image frames to adjust the present image frame. Therefore, the display system of the invention needs only to be installed with one buffer, and hardware resource can be further saved. |
| US07983509B1 |
Estimating a point spread function of an image capture device
In a method for estimating a point spread function of an image capture device, a first function representing a captured version of a first test image is obtained, where the first test image containing a substantially ideal vertical transition. A second function representing a captured version of a second test image is also obtained, where the second test image contains a substantially ideal horizontal transition. In addition, the point spread function is estimated from the first function and the second function. Also disclosed herein is a method for image degradation compensation that employs the method for estimating a point spread function. |
| US07983508B2 |
Method and apparatus for image processing capable of effectively reducing an image noise
A noise eliminating device may include a noise eliminating mechanism that eliminates an isolated noise in an image being photographed. The noise eliminating mechanism may include a noise pixel detection mechanism and a pixel correction mechanism. The noise pixel detection mechanism may detect a noise pixel by scanning the image. The pixel correction mechanism may correct a level of a detected noise pixel based on a level of a pixel located in a predetermined area from the noise pixel. A noise eliminating method for eliminating an isolated noise in an image being photographed may include detecting a noise pixel by scanning the image and correcting a level of the detected noise pixel based on a level of a pixel located in a predetermined area away from the noise pixel. |
| US07983507B2 |
Image fo ming device and image forming method
An image forming device for forming an image on an image carrier using a different grayscale reproduction method for each of two or more different attributes contained in portions of the image. The image forming device forms a different standard pattern in one-to-one correspondence with each different attribute contained in the image portions, using a grayscale reproduction method used for reproducing image portions containing the attribute, detects density of each standard pattern formed by the standard pattern forming unit, sets, for each different attribute, a condition for correcting grayscale of the image portions containing the attribute, in accordance with the detected density, and corrects grayscale of the image portions in accordance with each condition set by the correction condition setting unit. |
| US07983505B2 |
Performing deblocking on pixel data
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving pixel data for a portion of an image including a blocking artifact, calculating an artifact strength based on a difference between a two pixels on opposite sides of the blocking artifact, performing a local adaptability check using the artifact strength and values multiple pixels on the opposite sides, performing deblocking based on a result of the local adaptability check, applying a soft threshold to the artifact strength to adjust a value of the artifact strength, and re-aligning one or more pixels on the opposite sides based on the original value of the pixels and a pixel index value. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07983502B2 |
Viewing wide angle images using dynamic tone mapping
A dynamic tone mapping technique is presented that produces a local tone map for a sub-image of a wide-angle, high dynamic range (HDR), which is used in rendering the sub-image for display. The technique generally involves first computing a global tone map of the wide-angle, HDR image in advance of rendering the sub-image. The global tone map is then used during rendering to compute a local tone map based on the average luminance and contrast of the pixels of the sub-image. In addition, the sub-image can be tone mapped as part of the rendering of a sequence of sub-images during a viewer-executed panning and/or zooming session. In this case, the local tone maps can be kept from changing too rapidly by adding a hysteresis feature to smooth out the intensity changes between successive sub-images. |
| US07983500B2 |
Encoding method, encoding apparatus, decoding method, and decoding apparatus
An encoding method of losslessly encoding picture data is disclosed. The picture data are composed of pixel data. The pixel data whose number of quantizer bits is larger than eight bits are separated into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is composed of eight bits on an LSB side. The second portion is composed of remaining bits on an MSB side excluding the first portion. A first encoding process is losslessly performed for the first portion. A second encoding process is losslessly performed for the second portion. The second encoding process is different from the first encoding process. |
| US07983499B2 |
Method and apparatus to prioritize video information during coding and decoding
A method and apparatus prioritizing video information during coding and decoding. Video information is received and an element of the video information, such as a visual object, video object layer, video object plane or keyregion, is identified. A priority is assigned to the identified element and the video information is encoded into a bitstream, such as a visual bitstream encoded using the MPEG-4 standard, including an indication of the priority of the element. The priority information can then be used when decoding the bitstream to reconstruct the video information |
| US07983493B2 |
Adaptive overlapped block matching for accurate motion compensation
The present invention provides a method of adaptively selecting an optimal pixel block within an image frame. The method comprises the activity of selecting an optimal block size for fast and accurate motion estimation. The traditional block is extended into an overlapped region to form an extended pixel block. Statistical region information of the non-overlapped region and the overlapped region of the respective extended pixel block is then measured. The optimal block, either the standard (or smaller size) non-overlapped block or the boundary extended overlapped block, is then selected in response to the measured statistical region information. |
| US07983492B2 |
System and method for generating cluster spine groupings for display
A system and method for generating cluster spine groupings for display is provided. A set of spines is obtained. Each spine in the set includes a grouping of clusters that share a common concept and are arranged linearly along a vector. Those spines that are unique from each other spine are identified. At least one remaining spine from the set of spines is selected. The remaining spine is compared to the unique spines. At least one spine group is formed by grafting the remaining spine onto the unique spine that is most similar. The spine group is displayed. |
| US07983489B2 |
User interface for navigating through images
A system, method, and computer-readable media are presented for presenting similar images of a selected image in a user interface. One embodiment of the method can include identifying a selected first image and identifying a selected direction from the first image. Additionally, the method can include calculating a best neighbor metric for each of one or more other images to determine a best neighbor image in the selected direction. Furthermore, the method can include presenting the best neighbor image to a user in a user interface. |
| US07983487B2 |
Method and system for locating and picking objects using active illumination
A method and system determines a 3D pose of an object in a scene. Depth edges are determined from a set of images acquired of a scene including multiple objects while varying illumination in the scene. The depth edges are linked to form contours. The images are segmented into regions according to the contours. An occlusion graph is constructed using the regions. The occlusion graph includes a source node representing an unoccluded region of an unoccluded object in scene. The contour associated with the unoccluded region is compared with a set of silhouettes of the objects, in which each silhouette has a known pose. The known pose of a best matching silhouette is selected as the pose of the unoccluded object. |
| US07983481B2 |
Color processing apparatus and method thereof
In order to match the color appearance of the display image on a monitor to that of a print image, the white point of the monitor and that of the viewing light upon viewing the print image are obtained, and a white point upon viewing the display image on the monitor and that upon viewing the print image are calculated using the white point of the monitor, that of the viewing light, and a reference white point. An input color is corrected using the calculated white points. At this time, as the reference white point, a white color which the human visual system perceives as white is used. |
| US07983473B2 |
Transparency adjustment of a presentation
A method for generating a presentation of a region-of-interest within an original image for display on a display screen, the region-of-interest being at a depth within the original image and being occluded by a portion of the original image at a lesser depth, the method comprising: applying graduated transparency to the original image to generate the presentation, the graduated transparency reducing occlusion of the region-of-interest by making transparent at least some of the portion of the original image occluding the region-of-interest, the graduated transparency when applied renders within the presentation a focal region having a maximum level of transparency at the depth of and for the region-of-interest at least partially surrounded by a shoulder region where transparency decreases with lessening depth from the maximum level to that of the original image surrounding the shoulder region to provide context for the focal region with respect to the original image; and, displaying the presentation on the display screen. |
| US07983471B2 |
Pattern inspection apparatus and method
A pattern inspection apparatus is used for inspecting a fine pattern, such as a semiconductor integrated circuit (LSI), a liquid crystal panel, and a photomask (reticle) for the semiconductor or the liquid crystal panel, which are fabricated based on data for fabricating the fine pattern such as design data. The pattern inspection apparatus includes a reference pattern generation device configured to generate a reference pattern represented by one or more lines, comprising one of a line segment and a curve, from the data, an image generation device configured to generate the image of the pattern to-be-inspected, a detecting device configured to detect an edge of the image of the pattern to-be-inspected, and an inspection device configured to inspect the pattern to-be-inspected by comparing the edge of the image of the pattern to-be-inspected with the one or more lines of the reference pattern. |
| US07983467B2 |
System, method, and product for scanning of biological materials
An embodiment of a scanning system is described including optical elements that direct an excitation beam at a probe array, detectors that receive reflected intensity data responsive to the excitation beam, where the reflected intensity data is responsive to a focusing distance between an optical element and the probe array, a transport frame that adjusts the focusing distance in a direction with respect to the probe array, an auto-focuser that determines a best plane of focus based upon characteristics of the reflected intensity data of at least two focusing distances where the detectors further receive pixel intensity values based upon detected emissions from a plurality of probe features disposed on the probe array at the best plane of focus, and an image generator that associates each of the pixel intensity values with at least one image pixel position of a probe array based upon one or more position correction values. |
| US07983464B2 |
System and method for corpus callosum segmentation in magnetic resonance images
A method and system for segmentation of the corpus callosum in MR brain images is disclosed. The method utilizes an active shape model (ASM) with confidence weighting to iteratively adjust an initial corpus callosum contour to define a boundary of the corpus callosum in an MR image. An ASM is used to determine a displacement value in a perpendicular direction of the corpus callosum contour for each node of the corpus callosum contour. The displacement value for each node is then weighted based on a confidence of that displacement value. The ASM is then fitted to the adjusted contour. These steps are iteratively performed until the contour converges to define the corpus callosum boundary. This boundary can be further refined based on intensity distributions in object and background regions defined by the boundary. |
| US07983461B2 |
Method and system for extracting distal radius metaphysis
Provided is a method and an apparatus for extracting an edge of a distal radius metaphysis. The method includes: setting a region of interest including a distal radius in an X-ray image; setting a potential energy distribution of the region of interest by using a gradient of gray levels; setting a temporary edge adjacent to both sides of a distal radius metaphysis and a side of an epiphysis in the region of interest; and extracting a detailed edge of the distal radius metaphysis having minimum energy by adjusting the set temporary edge using a metropolis annealing technique. |
| US07983458B2 |
In vivo autonomous camera with on-board data storage or digital wireless transmission in regulatory approved band
A capsule camera apparatus includes a swallowable housing, a light source within the housing, a camera within the housing for capturing a first digital image and a second digital image of a view of the camera illuminated by the light source, a a motion detector that detects a motion of the housing the first digital image and the second digital image, and a motion evaluator that selects a disposition of the second digital image, based on a metric on the motion. The disposition may include writing the second image into an archival storage or providing the second digital image to the outside by a wireless communication link. |
| US07983456B2 |
Speckle adaptive medical image processing
Image processing adapts to speckle. Speckle is identified from signal transitions. For example, peaks, valleys or mean crossings of image signals as a function of space or spatial location are identified. A speckle characteristic, such as speckle size, is estimated from the signal transitions. The estimation may be limited to soft tissue regions to reduce the effects of specular targets and noise on speckle estimation. The speckle is estimated for local regions or an entire image. By estimating speckle for local regions, image processing may account adaptively for regional variation in speckle size. |
| US07983454B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method for processing a flesh-colored area
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a detection module configured to detect a specific color area included in image data, an image processing control module configured to generate an image processing control signal for controlling an image process for the specific color area among image processes including a sharpening process for the image data, and an image processing module configured to subject the image data to the image process on the basis of the image processing control signal. |
| US07983451B2 |
Recognition method using hand biometrics with anti-counterfeiting
A method is provided for identifying and verifying a person using hand biometrics with an anti-spoofing measure. The method comprises acquiring (51) a first image (10) of a hand in a first configuration, acquiring (52) a second image (30, 40) of the hand in one of the first and a second configuration for comparison with the first image (10), determining (52) whether a person can be identified from at least one of the first image (10) and the second image (30, 40), and determining (55) from a comparison of the second image (30, 40) with the first image (10) whether the hand is a counterfeit. |
| US07983448B1 |
Self correcting tracking of moving objects in video
Apparatus, methods, systems and devices for identifying and tracking a human hand in a video. The steps for identifying the hand includes detecting parallel lines (bars), detecting curved fingertips (curves), grouping the detected parallel lines and curved fingertips according to a parallel line decision tree and a curved fingertip decision tree, respectively, and merging the parallel line group and the curved fingertip group to identify candidate hands. |
| US07983446B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic object identification
A method and system for processing image data to identify objects in an image. The method and system operate using various resolutions of the image to identify the objects. Information obtained while processing the image at one resolution is employed when processing the image at another resolution. The method and system identify objects in the image based on the information obtained at the various resolutions of the image. |
| US07983444B2 |
Client-side watermarking using hybrid I-Frames
A system and method for client-side watermarking of digital content using hybrid Intra-Frames (I-Frames) are provided. In general, a content source provides a compressed video stream and a hybrid I-Frame stream to a client device via a network. The hybrid I-Frame stream includes a number of low-loss I-Frames corresponding to select ones of the I-Frames in the compressed video stream to be used for client-side watermarking. The client device watermarks the I-Frames in the hybrid I-Frame stream, optionally compresses the watermarked I-Frames, and replaces the select ones of the I-Frames in the compressed video stream with the watermarked and optionally compressed I-Frames to provide a watermarked version of the compressed video stream. |
| US07983439B2 |
Headset for fitting of an earpiece
Headset for fitting an earpiece that has a lock housing in or on which a fixing device is provided. A flexurally rigid and elastic ear loop which forms a loop for accommodating the outer ear of a user, and one end of the ear loop is received longitudinally displaceable in the fixing device of the lock housing, and for adjusting the size of the loop is adjustably received in various length positions, creating a fixing effect. There is a control device for receiving and outputting electrical signals and a signal interface for receiving and/or outputting electrical signals to and/or from the control device. |
| US07983437B2 |
Earphone set with detachable speakers or subwoofers
An apparatus is provided including a first speaker which emits sound, a second speaker which emits sound, and a device which connects the first speaker and the second speaker. The device may connect the first speaker or front speaker, and the second speaker or rear speaker, so that the device can be attached to an ear of a person so that the first speaker lies near the middle of the ear while the second speaker lies at a location between an ear lobe of the ear and a mastoid of a skull of the person. |
| US07983436B2 |
Baffle vibration reducing
An apparatus for reducing baffle vibration includes a baffle that is subject to vibration. A first transducer that is seated in the baffle includes a first diaphragm that is acoustically coupled to a listening area in a vehicle and also acoustically coupled to a cavity in the vehicle. A first input signal applied to the first transducer causes the first diaphragm to move in a first direction, thereby generating an acoustic output. A second transducer is mechanically coupled to the first transducer. The second transducer includes a second diaphragm that is acoustically coupled to the first diaphragm and also acoustically coupled to the listening area. A second input signal applied to the second transducer causes the second diaphragm to move in a second direction that is substantially opposite to the first direction to reduce a vibration imparted to the baffle while substantially maintaining the acoustic output. |
| US07983434B2 |
In-the ear hearing aid device with a vent
With a hearing aid device barometric pressure equalization is intended to be achieved in a simple and economical manner in a sound canal between an earpiece and a cerumen protection system with a gas-tight membrane. To this end a pressure equalization canal is proposed, which opens into the sound canal. The pressure equalization canal preferably connects the sound canal to a vent. It can be produced in a simple manner when manufacturing the housing of the hearing aid device using a computer-aided manufacturing method. |
| US07983432B2 |
Point excitation placement in an audio transducer
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for an audio transducer. The audio transducer is excited by driving a paddle of a diaphragm. A plurality of node regions of a paddle is determined for the higher-order modal components, which correspond to resonance frequencies and have an order greater than one. An intersection region of at least two higher-order modal components is identified, in which an excitation point is located with the intersection region. The diaphragm of the audio transducer includes a frame, at least one hinge, and a paddle. The paddle connects to the frame by the at least one hinge and is excited by a signal source at an excitation point to produce an acoustic signal. |
| US07983430B2 |
System for hierarchical audio conflict control
A control system comprising a computing device, a memory device comprising a database, and a plurality of audio sources. The memory device is coupled to the computing device. The database comprises input data. The computing device is adapted to control an audio level for each of said audio sources in response to said input data to resolve audio conflicts between the audio sources. |
| US07983427B2 |
Method and apparatus for conserving battery power
A method of conserving battery power includes providing an electrical conductor that is connectable between an audio source and an accessory of the audio source. The conductor is capable of conducting a first electrical signal, containing audio information from the audio source, to the accessory. A second electrical signal is applied to the conductor when the first electrical signal is not present on the conductor. An aspect of the second electrical signal is measured while it is being applied to the conductor. An amount of battery power supplied to the accessory is reduced when the measured aspect meets a predetermined condition. |
| US07983423B1 |
Re-keying based on pre-generated keys
A system and method for pre-generating encryption keys for re-keying stored ciphertext. The encryption keys are illustratively distributed to LKMs and therefrom to the security appliances communicating with each other. A minimum number of un-used pre-generated encryption keys is established wherein when that number is reached more pre-generated encryption keys are created and distributed. |
| US07983422B2 |
Quantum cryptography
A method of establishing a shared secret random cryptographic key between a sender and a recipient using a quantum communications channel is described. The method comprises: generating a plurality of random quantum states of a quantum entity, each random state being defined by a randomly selected one of a first plurality of bases in Hilbert space, transmitting the plurality of random quantum states of the quantum entity via the quantum channel to a recipient, measuring the quantum state of each of the received quantum states of the quantum entity with respect to a randomly selected one of a second plurality of bases in Hilbert space, transmitting to the recipient composition information describing a subset of the plurality of random quantum states, analysing the received composition information and the measured quantum states corresponding to the subset to derive a first statistical distribution describing the subset of transmitted quantum states and a second statistical distribution describing the corresponding measured quantum states, establishing the level of confidence in the validity of the plurality of transmitted random quantum states by verifying that the first and second statistical distributions are sufficiently similar, deriving a first binary sting and a second binary string, correlated to the first binary string, respectively from the transmitted and received plurality of quantum states not in the subset, and carrying out a reconciliation of the second binary string to the first binary string by using error correction techniques to establish the shared secret random cryptographic key from the first and second binary strings. |
| US07983420B2 |
Imaging job authorization
A system and method are provided for imaging job authorization. The method comprises: an authorization server receiving a request from a first node print subsystem to communicate an imaging job; in response to analyzing imaging job information, sending an access inquiry to a second node; the authorization server receiving an authorization, including a one-time use public encryption key, from the second node; sending a confirmation, including the public key, to the first node print subsystem; the first node encrypting the imaging job using the public key; sending the encrypted imaging job to the second node from the first node; and, the second node decrypting the imaging job using a private key corresponding to the public key. The analyzed imaging job information used for access control may include user ID, job content, first node ID, first node communication address, imaging job access control, time/date, imaging job size, or imaging job options. |
| US07983418B2 |
AAA support for DHCP
A basic idea is to use the AAA infrastructure to assign (S3) an appropriate DHCP server to DHCP client for the DHCP service, and transferring DHCP-related information over the AAA infrastructure for authenticating (S1) and authorizing (S4) the DHCP client for DHCP service with the assigned DHCP server. Instead of the more complex DHCP server discovery process known from the prior art, the AAA infrastructure, and more particularly a suitable AAA server or equivalent AAA component, is used for assigning an appropriate DHCP server to the DHCP client. Consequently, there is no longer any mandatory dependency on the DHCP discovery-related messages. The invention preferably provides AAA protocol support for facilitating assignment of appropriate DHCP servers and providing an out-of-band key agreement protocol for DHCP clients and servers by carrying DHCP related information facilitating the bootstrapping of DHCP authentication extension (RFC3118). |
| US07983416B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program
An information processing device that executes processing for outputting recording data to an information recording medium includes a storing unit that stores common data that includes encrypted content, key information applied to decoding of the encrypted content, and content management information and, data content of which is unchanged even if a medium as a data recording destination is changed, a media-specific-data generating unit that generates media specific data, data content of which is changed according to the medium as the data recording destination, an output-data generating unit that generates output data based on the common data and the media specific data, and a data outputting unit that outputs the data generated by the output-data generating unit. |
| US07983407B2 |
Calling party number override for emergency services
A system receives an emergency call, a local exchange carrier (LEC) charge number, and Calling Party Number (CPN) from a user device, and overrides the LEC charge number with the CPN for Automatic Number Identification (ANI) determination purposes. The system also determines the ANI of the user device based on the CPN, receives an address associated with the user device based on the ANI, and provides the emergency call and the address to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). |
| US07983402B2 |
System and program for controlling electronic devices
A controlling system for an electronic peripheral device is provided. The controlling system comprises an electronic peripheral device having a plurality of communication interfaces and a plurality of functions, at least one terminal device connectable to one of the communication interfaces of the electronic peripheral device via one of communication networks so that the terminal device can use one of the plurality of functions based on as to through which communication interface an instruction from the terminal device is received when the at least one of the plurality of functions is determined to be available, a function availability setting system, by which availability of at least one of the plurality of functions to the terminal device is set, and a function execution controlling system which controls execution of the at least one of the plurality of functions based on as to through which communication interface the instruction is received. |
| US07983397B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining one or more characteristics of radiation
The present invention relates to a device and method for determining one or more characteristics of radiation using a sensor comprising one or more detector units capable of counting the number of photon or charged particle of said radiation impinging on said sensor in or above a determined energy range. |
| US07983396B2 |
Thin walled tube radiator for bremsstrahlung at high electron beam intensities
Methods and systems for generating bremsstrahlung with enhanced photon flux in a narrow cone at forward angles utilize a thin target of a high-Z material such as gold as radiator, supported on a tube of a low-Z material such as titanium, which tube contains a circulating fluid such as water which acts as a coolant and also may absorb the incident electron beam. |
| US07983395B2 |
Rotation anode X-ray tube
There are provided an anode target which generates X-rays due to electrons e being incident, an emitter source which emits electrons e to be incident into the anode target, a ring-shaped recoil electron capturing structure which surrounds an orbit of electrons e heading from the emitter source toward the anode target, and captures electrons e emitted from the emitter source and recoiled on the anode target, and a vacuum envelop which keeps at least a periphery of the anode target, the emitter source, and the recoil electron capturing structure at a predetermined degree of vacuum, and the recoil electron capturing structure has a first member formed from strengthened copper which is exposed to the inside of the recoil electron capturing structure, and a second member formed from copper which is disposed at the outside in the radial direction of the first member. |
| US07983390B2 |
Energy subtraction processing apparatus, method, and radiation image diagnosis system
In energy subtraction processing, grid information representing grid use conditions at the time of imaging operations for a plurality of radiation images of an object is acquired. Weight factors are adjusted in accordance with the grid information, which has been acquired. A weighted addition or subtraction process is performed on corresponding pixels in the plurality of the radiation images of the object by use of the weight factors, which have thus been adjusted. A constituent image representing a predetermined constituent in the object is thus formed. |
| US07983388B2 |
X-ray analysis instrument with adjustable aperture window
An X-ray analysis instrument, in particular, an X-ray diffractometer (21), has an X-ray source (22; SC) that emits an X-ray beam (23), an X-ray optics (24), in particular a multi-layer X-ray mirror, and a collimator mechanism (BM), wherein the collimator mechanism (BM) forms an aperture window (2, 2′) with an aperture opening (3, 3′) through which at least part (26) of the X-ray beam (23) passes. The collimator mechanism (BM) comprises means for gradual movement of the aperture window (2, 2′) in at least one direction (A/B, x, y) transversely to the X-ray beam (23), the aperture opening (3, 3′) is at least as large as the cross-section (32) of the X-ray beam (23) at the location of the aperture window (2, 2′), and the path of movement (VWx, VWy) of the aperture window (2, 2′), which is accessible by the collimator mechanism (BM), in the at least one direction (A/B, x, y) is at least twice as large as the extension (RSx, RSy) of the X-ray beam (23) at the location of the aperture window (2, 2′) in this direction (A/B, x, y). The X-ray analysis instrument offers a wider scope of beam conditioning possibilities. |
| US07983386B2 |
X-ray analysis instrument
An apparatus for carrying out both x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of a crystalline sample. A sample holder is located within an evacuable chamber. An x-ray fluorescence source and separate x-ray diffraction source are mounted within the evacuable chamber. An XRF detection arrangement is also provided, for detecting secondary x-rays emitted from the surface of the crystalline sample as a result of illumination by x-rays from the said x-ray fluorescence source. An XRD detection arrangement is then provided for detecting x-rays of a characteristic wavelength which have been diffracted by the crystalline sample. A moveable XRD support assembly is provided, comprising a first part configured to mount the XRD source for relative movement between the XRD source and the sample holder, and a second part configured to mount the XRD detection arrangement for relative movement between the XRD detection arrangement and the sample holder. |
| US07983383B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: a scanner unit for rotating one or more X-ray sources for applying X-ray beams having different energy spectra to an object, and detectors disposed opposed to the X-ray sources for detecting transmitted X-ray data on the object, around the object while applying X-rays, reconstructing means for reconstructing a tomogram of the object by acquiring transmitted X-ray data on the object including the two or more different energy spectra by using the scanner, and display means for displaying the reconstructed tomogram; the X-ray CT apparatus further comprising input means for inputting information on an identification tissue of the object to be identified and a separate tissue to be separated from the identification tissue from the tomogram and scanning condition determining means for determining the scanning condition for identifying the identification tissue from the tomogram.With this, an optimum scanning condition of a multi-energy X-ray CT apparatus can be determined. |
| US07983382B2 |
System and method for material segmentation utilizing computed tomography scans
Certain embodiments provide a radiation analysis system for material segmentation utilizing computed tomography (CT) scans. The radiation analysis system includes an input module configured to input dual energy data. The dual energy scanned data includes first data corresponding to a first parameter and second data corresponding to a second parameter for a given scanned volume. The radiation analysis system also includes a processor configured to generate a scatter plot based on the dual energy data. The first data corresponds to a first axis and the second data corresponds to a second axis. The processor is configured to identify at least one material type based on the scatter plot. |
| US07983379B2 |
Shift register and liquid crystal display using same
An exemplary shift register (20) includes a plurality of shift register units (200). The shift register units receive a clock signal and an inverse clock signal and output a plurality of shift register signals in sequence. The outputs waveforms of pre-stage shift register unit and the rear-stage shift register unit have no overlapping signals. |
| US07983373B2 |
Clock distribution for 10GBase-T analog front end
A 10GBASE-T clocking method that limits EMI and increases SNR, while reducing power and conserving chip space is provided. The method includes simultaneous clocking of transmitters in an analog front end of a 10 gigabit Ethernet. The method includes providing at least two channels to a 10GBase-T analog front end, where the channel has at least a transmitter port and a receiver port, and providing at least two phase interpreters to the analog front end, where each phase interpreter is dedicated to one receiver port. A central clock generator is disposed to distribute a transmit clock to the phase interpreters and to the transmitter ports, where the transmit clock is further provided to the receiver ports from the phase interpreters. Any clock delay between the clock generator and each channel is balanced and clock phases between the channels are matched. |
| US07983366B2 |
Transmission signaling techniques to enhance receiver interference mitigation performance
Techniques are described that can be used to maximize the interference suppression capability of space-time coded systems by managing synchronous transmission signaling. To enhance the probability of the occurrence synchronous interference and accordingly increase interference cancellation capability at a receiver, a network of at least two transmitters in a network may utilize similar structured coding schemes and coordinate transmission so that the receiver receives co-channel signals synchronously. |
| US07983362B2 |
Programmable data sampling receiver for digital data signals
Receiver architectures and bias circuits for a data processor are provided. A receiver architecture includes a linear receiver having a first input node for a data (DQ) signal, a second input node for a reference voltage, and output nodes for a differential output signal. The linear receiver compares the DQ signal to the reference voltage, and generates the differential output signal in response to the comparison. A sense amplifier is coupled to the linear receiver. The sense amplifier has input nodes connected to the output nodes of the linear receiver, and an output node for a binary output signal having voltage characteristics compatible with the processor. The sense amplifier transforms the differential output signal into the binary output signal. The receiver architecture also includes a programming architecture coupled to the linear receiver to set operating characteristics of the linear receiver. |
| US07983357B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving data in a multi-carrier system
A method of transmitting data in a multi-carrier communication system is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes mapping at least one data symbol to at least one subcarrier of a first frequency domain and at least one data symbol to at least one subcarrier of a second frequency domain, wherein the first frequency domain and the second frequency domain are mutually exclusive and the at least one data symbol mapped to the at least one subcarrier of the second frequency domain is multiplied by a spreading code, transforming the at least one data symbol mapped to the first frequency domain and the at least one data symbol mapped to the second frequency domain by an inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) module, and transmitting the transformed data symbols to a receiving end. |
| US07983356B2 |
Enhanced frequency domain spreading
A system and method are provided for using frequency domain spreading to generate real signals in the time domain. The method supplies a first complex frequency domain symbol (α) and a second complex frequency domain symbol (αi), and maps (α+jαi) onto a subcarrier (+f). Further, (α−jαi)* is mapped onto a mirror subcarrier (−f). The mappings are converted into a complex time domain symbol carrying α and jαi in a single inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT). The real component of the complex time domain symbol (α) is initially supplied, and subsequently supplied is an imaginary component of the complex time domain symbol (αi). The real symbol component (α) is supplied by carrying α on the subcarrier (+f), and carrying (α)* on the mirror subcarrier (−f). The imaginary symbol component αi is supplied by carrying αi on the subcarrier (+f), and carrying (αi)* on the mirror subcarrier (−f). |
| US07983355B2 |
System and method for RF signal combining and adaptive bit loading for data rate maximization in multi-antenna communication systems
A system and method for generating weight values based on maximum data rate for weighting elements included within signal weighting and combining arrangements used in various multi-antenna transmitter and receiver structures is disclosed herein. Weighting values for a given signal combining arrangement are set so as to maximize an output data rate of the applicable multi-antenna system in the presence of adaptive bit loading of the subcarriers of a transmitted signal. The disclosed techniques may be employed to maximize a data rate of a multi-antenna communication system by using adaptive bit loading and RF and baseband weighting schemes. In this case a search is conducted over various combinations of RF and baseband weights in order to find the weight combination which, when adaptive bit loading is also employed, maximizes the data rate. |
| US07983348B2 |
System and method for signal transmission
A system and method for signal transmission, a signal modulation and a signal demodulation device, and a method for signal transmission are disclosed. One embodiment includes transmitting a first pulse signal via a first line; and transmitting a second pulse signal complementary to the first pulse signal via a second line, wherein the point in time of the transmitting of the second signal relative to the point in time of the transmitting of the first signal is varied as a function of the respective digital data to be transmitted. |
| US07983346B2 |
Method of and apparatus for encoding/decoding digital signal using linear quantization by sections
A method of encoding/decoding a digital signal using linear quantization by sections, and an apparatus for the same are provided. The method of encoding includes: converting a digital input signal, and removing redundant information from the digital signal; allocating a number of bits allocated to each predetermined quantized unit considering the importance of the digital signal; dividing the distribution of signal values into predetermined sections based on the predetermined quantized units, and linear quantizing data converted pin the operation of converting the digital input signal by sections; and generating a bit stream from the linear quantized data and predetermined side information. Therefore, a sound quality is improved compared to a sound quality produced by conventional linear quantizing devices and a complexity of a non-linear quantizing device is reduced. |
| US07983344B2 |
Service rate change method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for allocating bandwidth within a bandwidth constrained interactive information distribution system. The system determines if a requested information stream may be provided to a requesting subscriber at an appropriate bandwidth level (i.e., appropriate bitrate providing full quality), a minimal bandwidth level (i.e., a reduced bitrate providing minimally acceptable quality) or not at all. Each information stream and any ancillary streams may be stored twice by the system, once at an appropriate encoded bitrate and once at a minimal encoded bitrate. |
| US07983342B2 |
Macro-block level parallel video decoder
A macro-block level parallel video decoder for a parallel processing environment is provided. The video decoder includes a Variable Length Decoding (VLD) block for decoding the encoded Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficients, a master node that receives the decoded DCT coefficients, and multiple slave nodes/processors for parallel implementation of Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform (IDCT) and motion compensation at the macro-block level. Also provided is a method for macro-block level video decoding in a parallel processing system. |
| US07983341B2 |
Statistical content block matching scheme for pre-processing in encoding and transcoding
Statistical content block matching for video pre-processing, for example in fast motion estimation, uses a second-order distortion criterion for processing steps such as identifying a best reference image portion for comparison with a current image portion. The second-order distortion criterion is a Lagrange-optimized combination of a mean squared error criterion with an entropy criterion. Then a fast motion estimation search advantageously includes performing a diamond search using the second-order distortion criterion to identify a candidate best reference image portion, and performing a nearest neighbor search starting using said second-order distortion criterion to identify the best reference image portion within a search range limited by an adaptive search range cap. A better motion vector can then be calculated. |
| US07983340B2 |
Extracting key frames from video using a triangle model of motion based on perceived motion energy
A key frame extraction system and method for extracting key frames from a video based on motion analysis of frames within the video. Key frames are highlight frames that are effective in summarizing a video sequence. This allows a user to quickly find a desired spot in a video is long and contains differing subject matter. The key frame extraction system and method uses a triangle model of the motion energy in each frame and extracts key frames based on this model. More specifically, motion analysis is performed on the video frames in order to identify motion acceleration and motion deceleration points within the frames. A triangle model of motion then is constructed based on results of the motion analysis. The apex of the triangle represents a turning point between motion acceleration and motion deceleration. Frames corresponding to this apex are selected as key frames. |
| US07983335B2 |
AVC I—PCM data handling and inverse transform in a video decoder
An Inverse Transform (IT) conforming to MPEG AVC I_PCM that offers better video image quality than the MPEG-2/H.263 based video decoders and real time motion picture processing at 30 frames/seconds is described. The IT module performs 4×4 Inverse Integer transform for AVC for MPEG-2 operations on a given macro block (MB) and all its sub blocks. The IT is the third module in the data flow pipeline of a video decoder, the first two being a variable length decoder (VLD) and an inverse quantizer (IQ). The IT module gets its inputs from IQ module and feeds its processed output to a Motion compensation unit/intra-prediction (MCU-IP) module, thus reconstructing the video picture. |
| US07983331B2 |
Method to detect missing filter/splitter and apparatus for performing such a method
A method to detect a defective or missing filter at a customer's side between a first connection having a first frequency spectrum and a second connection having a second frequency spectrum and using the same physical transmission medium as the first connection between said customer and a central office equipment (DSLAM), comprises the steps of generating and transmitting at least one first type signal within said first frequency spectrum simultaneously performing quality measurements on said second connection in said second frequency spectrum, analyzing said quality measurements for thereby concluding the presence or not of the correct functionality and presence of said filter. An apparatus for performing the method is as well disclosed. |
| US07983327B2 |
Method and system for providing digital adaptive predistortion in a subscriber station
A method for providing digital adaptive predistortion in a subscriber station is provided that includes applying predistortion, based on a set of predistortion characteristics, to a transmit signal to generate a predistorted signal. An amplifier input signal is generated based on the predistorted signal. The amplifier input signal is amplified to generate an amplified signal. The amplified signal is sampled to generate a sampled signal. The sampled signal is processed through a receive channel of the subscriber station to generate a processed signal. A determination is made regarding whether to adjust the set of predistortion characteristics based on the processed signal. |
| US07983325B2 |
Decoding of the overhead channels of the geosynchronous (GEO) satellite reverse link
A power efficient technique is used to demodulate the coded overhead channels of a geosynchronous (GEO) satellite uplink. A coherent receiver used in a wireless communication system is able to determine the information conveyed in the overhead channel, by effecting channel estimates from codewords extracted from a pilot signal. A valid set of codewords is established. Pilot symbols are extracted from a pilot signal and a channel estimate is made from the pilot signal. Codewords in the set of valid codewords are correlated and a channel phase ambiguity in the signals is removed and a codeword with the largest correlation is chosen. The chosen codeword is used to create a revised channel estimate. |
| US07983320B2 |
Ultrawide-band communication system and method
An impulse radio communications system using one or more subcarriers to communicate information from an impulse radio transmitter to an impulse radio receiver. The impulse radio communication system is an ultrawide-band time domain system. The use of subcarriers provides impulse radio transmissions added channelization, smoothing and fidelity. Subcarriers of different frequencies or waveforms can be used to add channelization of impulse radio signals. Thus, an impulse radio link can communicate many independent channels simultaneously by employing different subcarriers for each channel. The impulse radio uses modulated subcarrier(s) for time positioning a periodic timing signal or a coded timing signal. Alternatively, the coded timing signal can be summed or mixed with the modulated subcarrier(s) and the resultant signal is used to time modulate the periodic timing signal. Direct digital modulation of data is another form of subcarrier modulation for impulse radio signals. Direct digital modulation can be used alone to time modulate the periodic timing signal or the direct digitally modulated the periodic timing signal can be further modulated with one or more modulated subcarrier signals. Linearization of a time modulator permits the impulse radio transmitter and receiver to generate time delays having the necessary accuracy for impulse radio communications. |
| US07983317B2 |
MQW laser structure comprising plural MQW regions
Multi-quantum well laser structures are provided comprising active and/or passive MQW regions. Each of the MQW regions comprises a plurality of quantum wells and intervening barrier layers. Adjacent MQW regions are separated by a spacer layer that is thicker than the intervening barrier layers. The bandgap of the quantum wells is lower than the bandgap of the intervening barrier layers and the spacer layer. The active region may comprise active and passive MQWs and be configured for electrically-pumped stimulated emission of photons or it may comprises active MQW regions configured for optically-pumped stimulated emission of photons. |
| US07983316B2 |
Pulsed multiple colour laser system
A pulsed multiple color laser system is disclosed having particular application for incorporation into a digital holographic printer for producing RGB color reflection holograms. A Nd:YLF crystal 1 in a laser cavity is excited to produce an emission at 1313 nm which is frequency converted by doubling to 656.5 nm and by tripling to 437.7 nm. In a separate cavity a similar Nd:YLF crystal 1a is synchronously or asynchronously excited to produce an emission at 1047.1 nm (or at the related line of 1053 nm) which is frequency converted by doubling to 523.6 nm (or 526.5 nm). The emissions at 437.7 nm and 656.5 nm are combined co-linearly with the emission at 523.6 nm (or 526.5 nm) to produce a single RGB pulsed laser beam. |
| US07983314B2 |
Polarization stable lasers
Techniques, devices and applications of polarization stable lasers to provide laser operations against changes, variations or fluctuations in optical polarization in a laser cavity. |
| US07983312B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation and amplification of light in a semi-guiding high aspect ratio core fiber
A planar laser gain medium and laser system. The novel laser gain medium includes an active core having a high aspect ratio cross-section with a fast-axis dimension and a slow-axis dimension, signal claddings adapted to form reflective boundaries at fast-axis boundaries of the core, and a material adapted to minimize reflections at slow-axis boundaries of the core. In an illustrative embodiment, the laser gain medium is an optical fiber. The core and claddings form a waveguide adapted to control modes propagating in the fast-axis direction. When the laser gain medium is employed as a laser oscillator, a high reflectivity mirror and an outcoupler are positioned at opposite ends of the core to form a laser resonator adapted to control modes in the slow-axis direction. |
| US07983310B2 |
Methods for in-band signaling through enhanced variable-rate codecs
Improvements are disclosed for in-band signaling, i.e., transmission of data in a voice channel of a digital wireless network during a voice call session. A family of narrow-band signaling methods is disclosed to successfully pass data-carrying signals through the low-bit rate modes of the EVRC-B vocoder commonly used in CDMA wireless channels. Some embodiments generate a tapered signaling waveform in tandem with another waveform using FSK-modulation. These features can be used in cell phones or other wireless communication devices, including automotive applications. |
| US07983307B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
A hybrid terminal of a mobile phone and a digital broadcast receiver allows calling on the mobile phone while at the same time receiving a digital broadcast itself even in the event of receiving a call while at the same time receiving the digital broadcast. Upon receiving a call while at the same time receiving a digital broadcast, a caption within the digital broadcast is decoded and displayed. When the user presses a call start/end button, an analog path is switched to an audio telephone path so as to start a call and the broadcast caption is also decoded and displayed. When the user presses the call start/end button to end a call, the audio path is switched to a digital broadcast audio path, and decoding and display of the broadcast caption is stopped. |
| US07983304B2 |
Communication system provided with transmitter for transmitting audio contents using packet frame of audio data
An audio frame format includes a channel field indicating a number of audio multi-channels, an ignore bit indicating whether or not an audio sample is present in a predetermined region of a packet format, and an A channel audio sample field for transmitting the audio sample. Further, the audio frame format includes a B channel audio sample field for transmitting the audio sample, and a payload of the packet that includes a repetition of an audio frame. |
| US07983303B2 |
Mega-frame initialization packet generation and synchronous re-generation with bit rate adaptation for single frequency networks with multiple modulation schemes
A system and processes create a Mega-frame Initialization Packet such that remote MIP inserters can regenerate Transport Stream bit rate and MIPs for Single Frequency Networks with modulation schemes different from an incoming stream in a totally deterministic way. This process guarantees that all MIP re-generators having the same signal at the input and having the same modulation scheme generate exactly the same stream (bit exact) even in multiple locations. |
| US07983299B1 |
Weight-based bandwidth allocation for network traffic
A network device may implement packet scheduling with administrator-configurable packet scheduling policies. In one implementation, the network device includes a filter component configured to assign priority levels to data units, the priority levels defining traffic classes for the data units. The network device may also include a scheduler component configured to schedule transmission of the traffic classes based on an assignment of weights to the traffic classes using at least one bandwidth allocation policy that exhibits a bandwidth allocation profile that varies based on one or more parameters of the bandwidth allocation policy that are configurable by an administrator. |
| US07983298B2 |
Multiple frequency band operation in wireless networks
Embodiments for bandwidth allocation methods, detecting interference with other systems, and/or redeploying in alternate bandwidth are described. Higher bandwidth channels may be deployed at channel boundaries, which are a subset of those for lower bandwidth channels, and may be restricted from overlapping. Interference may be detected on primary, secondary, or a combination of channels, and may be detected in response to energy measurements of the various channels. When interference is detected, a higher bandwidth Basic Service Set (BSS) may be relocated to an alternate channel, or may have its bandwidth reduced to avoid interference. Interference may be detected based on energy measured on the primary or secondary channel, and/or a difference between the two. An FFT may be used in energy measurement in either or both of the primary and secondary channels. Stations may also monitor messages from alternate systems to make channel allocation decisions. Various other aspects are also presented. |
| US07983292B2 |
Base station, mobile station, and communications method
A base station carrying out communications with a mobile station with an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) method by using a predetermined frequency band out of a transmission band is disclosed. The base station includes an allocation portion that allocates, for a mobile station performing peripheral cell search, a band that includes a center frequency on a raster of a first band and has a bandwidth equal to or greater than a bandwidth of a second band with which a synchronization channel is transmitted. |
| US07983291B2 |
Flexible packet modification engine for a network device
A network device for processing data on a data network includes a port interface, in communication with a plurality of ports, configured to receive data packets from a data network and to send processed data packets to the data network, a memory management unit, in communication with and controlling memory, configured store data on and retrieve data from the memory and a parser, in communication with the port interface and the memory management unit, configured to parse the received data packets to determine attributes of the data packets and to modify data packets retrieved from the memory, based on the determined attributes, to produce the processed data packets. The parser is configured to modify the data packet on a cell basis, through addition, subtraction and substitution of cells of the data packets, where each cell of the cells has a predetermined bit-length. |
| US07983289B2 |
Communication apparatus and recording medium
A packet is transmitted such that jitter of a packet transmission time period is suppressed. A transmission apparatus includes a stream data obtaining unit obtaining stream data from a source outside of the transmission apparatus, a coding unit compressing and coding the stream data, a packet generation unit generating a packet, a transmission buffer unit temporarily storing data, a transmission method selection unit selecting any one of “jitter suppressed transmission” and “normal transmission” as a transmission mode, a communication I/F unit transmitting the packetized stream data with a transmission method selected by the transmission method selection unit, a communication medium detection unit obtaining data for controlling communication via the communication I/F unit by identifying a communication medium, a time keeping unit generating time information, an input unit accepting manipulation input, and a storage unit storing data in a non-volatile manner. |
| US07983283B2 |
Packet routing apparatus
A packet routing apparatus has a plurality of routing units, connected by a first connecting mechanism. The plurality of routing units comprise a first routing unit, connected to at least one port, and a second routing unit, connected to an extended function processor. The first routing unit transmits a packet, received from the port, to another first routing unit and/or a second routing unit. The second routing unit transmits the packet, received from the first connecting mechanism, to the extended function processor. |
| US07983279B2 |
Method for configuring IP network resource and IP network
A method for configuring IP network resource and an IP network are disclosed. The method includes: configuring a Plane A and a Plane B to have a reciprocal master-slave relation and to carry services individually, wherein the Planes A and B are connected with each other in a carrying network; configuring two interfaces of an access device with a reciprocal master-slave relation and assigning IP addresses to the Planes A and B respectively, to connect the Plane A with the Plane B; and distributing services to the IP addresses of the two interfaces in turn in the case that the IP address of a peer access device of the access device is unknown. The presently described technology can be easily implemented and can improve the network quality of service effectively, which can solve one or more problems in the conventional master-slave bi-planes networking, such as insufficient usage of the network resource, complex network policy configuration, etc. |
| US07983277B1 |
System and method for creating a secure connection over an MPLS network
A system and method for creating a secure link across an MPLS network is disclosed. An entry point into a communication system is mapped directly to a router in an MPLS network. The router attaches MPLS labels onto communication packets received from the entry point and transmits the packets across the MPLS network to a destination associated with the entry point. The router ignores any IP address contained in the packets when routing the packets through the MPLS network. |
| US07983276B2 |
Timing source
A timing source is provided for sending timing information via a packet network. The source comprises a clock for generating the timing information and a packet-forming section for forming a sequence of packets for transporting the timing information to a destination node. A time-stamping section inserts into each packet of the sequence a transmission time derived from the clock and acts as an output section for forwarding the packets to the network at the respective transmission times. In one mode, the packet forming section forms all of the packets of the sequence with the largest size which the packet network is capable of transporting. In another mode, the packets of the sequence have a distribution of sizes which may be fixed or which may vary in response to traffic conditions. |
| US07983275B2 |
LAN emulation over infiniband fabric apparatus, systems, and methods
A method and device for local area network (LAN) emulation over an Infiniband (IB) fabric. An IB LAN driver at a first node on an IB fabric receives the port and associated local identifier (LID) of one or more remote peer nodes on the IB fabric. An IEEE 802.3 Ethernet MAC address with one LID imbedded is generated. The imbedded LID is for one or more remote peer nodes. The IB LAN driver sends the Ethernet MAC address to an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP). A logical address of a remote peer node is generated by a network protocol. The logical address is mapped to an Ethernet MAC address. The IB LAN driver sends the Ethernet MAC address onto the IB fabric to the one or more remote peer nodes. The remote peer nodes appear to reside on an Ethernet network to the network protocol. |
| US07983274B2 |
Performance monitoring of pseudowire emulation
A system may forward to a network device an advertisement label mapping message that requests an establishment of an active performance monitoring (APM) control channel. Further, the system may process a reply label mapping message that is sent from the network device in response. The system may establish the APM control channel and a pseudowire associated with the APM control channel. |
| US07983272B2 |
Apparatus and methods for incorporating bandwidth forecasting and dynamic bandwidth allocation into a broadband communication system
A method for providing network access to a shared access communications medium for a plurality of users includes the steps of conducting predictive admission control by arbitrating user requests for access to the shared medium based on predicted aggregate demands, conducting lookahead scheduling for use in making user channel assignments by forecasting schedule transmission opportunities one or more channels of the shared medium, and balancing load by making channel assignments such that a plurality users are each assigned a respective channel of the shared medium based upon a predicted need. Congestion parameters can predicted for each channel of the shared medium and mapped to a congestion measure using a mathematical function that takes into account packet loss rate, packet delay, packet delay jitter, and available capacity. |
| US07983271B2 |
Tiered contention multiple access (TCMA): a method for priority-based shared channel access
Quality of Service (QoS) support is provided by a Tiered Contention Multiple Access (TCMA) distributed medium access protocol that schedules transmission of different types of traffic based on their service quality specifications. In one embodiment, a wireless station is supplied with data from a source having a lower QoS priority QoS(A), such as file transfer data. Another wireless station is supplied with data from a source having a higher QoS priority QoS(B). Each wireless station can determine the urgency class of its pending packets according to a scheduling algorithm. There are several urgency classes which indicate the desired ordering. Pending packets in a given urgency class are transmitted before transmitting packets of a lower urgency class by relying on class-differentiated urgency arbitration times (UATs), which are the idle time intervals required before the random backoff counter is decreased. |
| US07983270B2 |
Selecting a path for a packet
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a network device may include a memory management unit. The memory management unit may be configured to populate a count field based on a number of equal cost paths for each Internet Protocol (IP) route for a packet, randomly choose one of the equal cost paths for the packet, and send the packet out of the network device, the packet including route information for the chosen equal cost path. |
| US07983269B2 |
Architecture to support public voice VPN services over an IP network
The presently disclosed architecture enables a service provider to support public voice VPN services over an IP VPN network. The architecture utilizes a customer VPN, a designated gateway for the customer VPN, an IP VPN transport network, and a Call Control Element/router Complex which uses IP technology to map between the IP VPN and the voice VPN. With such an arrangement, the customer VPN is extended to the gatekeeper of the Call Control Element/router Complex, thereby enabling the provision of voice VPN services over an IP network. |
| US07983265B1 |
Method and system for processing a network packet
Method for and system validating a network packet is provided. The method includes receiving a network packet at a port of a network device, the packet including a first indicia value and a second indicia value; comparing the first indicia value of the packet with at least a first value stored at the network device; comparing the second indicia value of the packet with at least a second value stored at the network device; and processing the packet if the first indicia value matches with the first value and the second indicia value matches with the second value; wherein the first indicia value is a partition key that restricts communication between a packet source and at least one destination; and the second indicia value is one or more of a source address and a destination address, where a same physical port of a source is assigned more than one source address. |
| US07983260B2 |
Techniques for watermarking and distributing content
Techniques for watermarking and distributing are provided. Content is broken into frames, each frame includes a watermark. Resources request the content and each frame of each resource's acquired version of the content includes a watermark. The frames of each resource's acquired version of the content form unique watermark sequences or unique keys. Each watermark sequence or key is uniquely associated with a particular resource. Each resource is also provided one or more delivery plans for acquiring that resource's uniquely watermark and sequenced version of the content over the network. |
| US07983258B1 |
Dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) interface configuration
Techniques are described for dynamically building an Ethernet virtual local area network (VLAN) interface in a network device. The techniques allow dynamic building of a second VLAN interface over a first VLAN interface statically built over an Ethernet port configured to support dynamic VLANs in a network device. A network device may receive a plurality of Ethernet packets from subscriber devices and dynamically build a second VLAN interface over the first VLAN interface for each of the subscribers. Once the second VLAN interface is built, the network device dynamically builds interface columns over the second VLAN interface for each protocol associated with the Ethernet packets. The network device may then authenticate a user associated with the plurality of Ethernet packets. Once the user has logged out of the network device, the network device may tear down the interface columns while persistently maintaining the corresponding second VLAN interface. |
| US07983257B2 |
Hardware switch for hypervisors and blade servers
A hardware switch for use with hypervisors and blade servers is disclosed. The hardware switch enables switching to occur between different guest OSs running in the same server, or between different servers in a multi-root IOV system, or between different guest OSs running in the same server in single-root IOV systems. Whether embedded in a host bus adapter (HBA), converged network adapter (CNA), network interface card (NIC) or other similar device, the hardware switch can provide fast switching with access to and sharing of at least one external network port such as a Fibre Channel (FC) port, 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) port, FC over Ethernet (FCoE) port, or other similar port. The hardware switch can be utilized when no hypervisor is present or when one or more servers have hypervisors, because it allows for switching (e.g. Ethernet switching) between the OSs on a single hypervisor. |
| US07983249B2 |
Enterprise web service data to mobile device synchronization
A Mobile Enterprise Platform utilizes a web based service that synchronizes enterprise data between a plurality of disparate mobile devices and a plurality of backend enterprise resources. The Mobile Enterprise Platform creates a web service synchronization source instance using Hypertext Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”) for each application or database present on a plurality of mobile devices. Corresponding to each of these web service synchronization source instances is a web based synchronization service associated with a specific backend enterprise resource. Each synchronization service is web based and can thus live anywhere on the network or on a dedicated services tie as they need only to supply a small set of operations to offer synchronization capability to a variety of mobile devices. |
| US07983248B2 |
Information communication terminal
A information communication terminal is provided which includes: a voice communication device that transmits and receives voice signals to and from an other telephone equipment via a public switched telephone network; a data communication device that transmits and receives call data signals as digitized voice signals to and from an other terminal via an IP network; a message communication device that transmits and receives data signals of an instant message which contains character information to and from an other terminal via an IP network; and a control device that makes the message communication device transmit the data signals of the instant message to a destination of the call data signals so as to enable communication by voice as well as character information, when one of the voice signals and the call data signals is received while the other is being transmitted and received. |
| US07983247B2 |
Metadata collection
A method and system for collecting and communicating contextual information relating to a VoIP conversation is provided. Structured hierarchies are utilized for efficient communications of various amounts and types of contextual information relating to a VoIP conversation. Information identifying at least one structured hierarchy, which will be used to carry the contextual information, is transmitted during establishment of a conversation between two VoIP enhanced devices. The structured hierarchy is selected from a set of predefined and declared structured hierarchies. Subsequently transmitted contextual information exchanged between two VoIP enhanced devices is represented in accordance with the identified structural hierarchy. VoIP clients, network infrastructure, and various service providers can collect the contextual information based on the identified structured hierarchy, update the contextual information by adding, deleting and/or modifying the contextual data. The updated contextual information will be transmitted to other clients, network infrastructure, and service providers. |
| US07983246B2 |
Multimedia access system
A multimedia access system includes: a database including user equipment spec information; an application server for transcoding multimedia data to be transmitted in accordance with user equipment spec information of a receiver side in the database; and an addressing unit for addressing a transmission packet so that that the multimedia data to be transmitted is transcoded by the application server. |
| US07983245B2 |
Methods and systems for converting an internet protocol (IP)-based message containing subscriber content to a public switched telephone network (PSTN)-based message including subscriber content
A node in a converged network converts a session initiation protocol (SIP) message to a signaling system 7 (SS7) message. A SIP INVITE request is received by the node and the node determines whether the SIP INVITE request is destined for an SS7 user. If the INVITE request is destined for an SS7 user, the node determines whether the INVITE request contains MIME-encoded text and constructs a short message service (SMS) message containing the MIME-encoded text. The SMS message is routed to the SS7 user. In addition, the node constructs an initial address message (IAM) and routes the IAM to the SS7 user. |
| US07983243B2 |
System and method for increasing call capacity for a wireless local area network
A system for increasing the call capacity of an access point in a WLAN that determines whether a maximum total voice path delay would be exceeded if the packetization delay is increased for packets in a call. In the event that the packetization delay can be increased without the total delay exceeding the maximum delay, the disclosed system increases the size of packets used in the call, if all participating devices can process the increased packet size. The maximum delay may be predetermined, and reflect a maximum delay that cannot be exceeded without adversely impacting the voice quality of a call. If the two end points for a call are determined to be physically “local” to each other, packetization delay for the call may be increased based on the assumption that the increased packetization delay will not decrease the voice quality of the call. |
| US07983240B2 |
System and method for communication session correlation
A system and method for correlating communication sessions. A globally unique correlation identifier is created and exchanged between the parties during SIP session setup to allow for association and correlation of additional SIP sessions. The correlation information may then be used by network and session entities to perform different services. |
| US07983233B2 |
Apparatus for phase noise suppression for OFDM based WLANS
Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has been specified by IEEE 802.11a standard as the transmission technique for high-rate wireless local area networks (WLANs). Performance of an OFDM system, however, is heavily degraded by random Wiener phase noise, which causes both common phase error (CPE) and inter-carrier interference (ICI). A method and algorithm is disclosed for efficiently eliminating the effect of phase noise in OFDM based WLANs. |
| US07983231B2 |
Staggered startup for cyclic prioritized multiple access (CPMA) contention-free sessions
A staggered startup method and system for a cyclic prioritized multiple access (CPMA) system reduce interference between overlapping first and second wireless LAN cells contending for the same medium. Each cell includes a respective plurality of member stations. A first member station in the first cell coordinates a periodic sequence of first contention-free sessions. Each contention-free session includes multiple bursts with other member stations in the first cell. The first member station retains control of the medium by using interframe spaces sufficiently short between the bursts so that the multiple bursts appear to contending stations to be a single instance of activity in the medium during a session until an end of a session. A second member station in the second cell listens to the activity in the medium and detects an end to one of the first contention-free sessions indicated by an interval longer than a PIFS idle interval following an end to the activity in the medium. The second member station then sets a post-backoff delay to periodically transmit a minimal interval after the first contention-free sessions of the first member station. The second member station coordinates in the second cell a periodic sequence of second contention-free sessions. In this manner, contention-free sessions are interleaved on a periodic basis in the first and second cells. |
| US07983230B1 |
Adaptive power and data rate control for ad-hoc mobile wireless systems
A method for controlling transmit power of a node in wireless network, such as, e.g., an ad-hoc wireless network operating in accordance with a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) protocol and where asymmetrical radio links may exist. During a request to send (RTS) and clear to send (CTS) exchange between a first node and a second node, both a request to send (RTS) packet and a probing request to send (PrRTS) packet are transmitted from the first node to the second node. The transmit power and data rate of the PrRTS packet may be different from the transmit power and data rate of the RTS packet. In response, the second node returns a CTS packet that includes a signal to noise ratio (SNR) for both the RTS packet and the PrRTS packet. A correction factor for data transmit power is then computed based in part on both the SNR for the RTS and the SNR for the PrRTS, and a data packet is thereafter transmitted at a power level that has been modified in accordance with the correction factor. The correction factor may further aid the estimation of the signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (S/(N+I)) at a receiving node, which enables a sending node either to overcome the interference by adjusting the transmit power or avoid the interference by not accessing the channel until it hears the node again. |
| US07983226B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for retrieving mobile-node logic tree information
Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating exchange of configuration indicia associated with a mobile node operable in a radio communication system. The mobile node is dynamically-configurable, and includes a logic tree. The indicia is provided to a network manager responsive to request therefore or upon initiation by the mobile node. When initiated at the network, a request message generator located at a network manager generates a get message to request that certain configuration indicia be provided to the network manager. The mobile node, upon delivery of the get message thereto, retrieves the requested information, at a selected level of detail, and returns the indicia to the network manager. |
| US07983223B2 |
Apparatus and method for reporting channel quality indicator in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for reporting a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes estimating a per-subband CQI with respect to each transport layer and generating a broadband CQI with respect to each transport layer according to the per-subband CQI, comparing the broadband CQI and the per-subband CQI with respect to each transport layer to determine a difference value thereof, determining an offset value to be used in a differential CQI, determining the differential CQI by subtracting the offset value from the determined difference value, and transmitting a transmission symbol by converting the determined differential CQI into the transmission symbol. |
| US07983222B2 |
Wireless channel selection techniques and devices
Techniques for locating wireless channels usable for transmitting media signals from personal media players that are adequately separated from wireless channels used for other purposes. One technique involves identifying a target channel and at least two additional channels within a certain proximity of the target channel, and evaluating a channel usability algorithm based on characteristics, such as the received signal strengths, of the target channel and the received signal strengths of each of the proximate channels. Based on evaluation of the algorithm, the target channel is deemed either usable or not usable to transmit the media signal. The most desirable available target channel(s) in a particular group or sub-group of wireless channels may also be identified. |
| US07983220B2 |
Wireless LAN terminal and handover method thereof
There is provided a wireless LAN terminal and a handover method thereof for resolving a sound cutoff and image cutoff which occur when a terminal is moved. The wireless LAN terminal stores BSSID of wireless LAN access points and a frame control in a MAC header of a communication frame in advance. In case of switching a wireless LAN access point for communication, the wireless LAN terminal replaces BSSID of a wireless LAN access point of a communication frame so as to continue the communication. |
| US07983218B2 |
Techniques to support seamless mobility of electronic devices engaged in a session initiation protocol (SIP) session
Embodiments of the invention relate to techniques to allow a wireless device engaged in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) communication session to move between heterogeneous wireless networks without terminating the SIP session. |
| US07983210B2 |
Method and system of scanning a TDMA channel
A method for scanning a TDMA channel by a mobile station in a wireless communications landscape is disclosed. A mobile station detects RF energy on a TDMA channel to detect activity in the detected RF energy. The mobile station maintains knowledge of previous activity on the channel. If activity is present on the channel, the mobile station performs inspection of the activity to determine whether the activity is activity of interest, wherein the activity is activity of interest based on a comparison of the activity with the previous activity. The mobile station aborts the inspection of the activity, if activity is not present on the channel and the mobile station aborts the inspection of the activity, if the determined activity is not activity of interest. |
| US07983209B2 |
System and method for producing notification based web services
A system and method for converting a schema based synchronous service to a schema based asynchronous service. The asynchronous service for implementing on a server configured for communication with a respective client over a network. The system and method comprising a subscription module for identifying a port type with each notification method added to a description of the synchronous service and for associating a subscription operation with the identified port type. The system and method can also include an artifact module for generating at least one conversion artifact related to the added notification method, the conversion artifact configured for use by a developer to assist in developing the supporting clients of the asynchronous service as well as the asynchronous service itself. The system and method can also include an integration module for combining the notification methods and subscription operations and conversion artifacts to produce a description of the asynchronous service. The developer uses the asynchronous service description for generating a service implementation of the schema based asynchronous service to include appropriate business logic for subsequent installation in the server as an asynchronous service interface. |
| US07983207B2 |
Routing method and routing path recovery mechanism in wireless sensor network environment
The present invention discloses an asymmetric routing method and routing path recovery mechanism. The wireless sensor network environment includes at least a management unit, at least a gateway, and mobile nodes. When joining, each mobile node obtains an unique ID code and, additionally, a depth as the gradient to the management unit. Accordingly, a mobile node sends an uplink packet via a nearby node with lower depth to the management unit; while the management unit transmits a downlink packet to a mobile node by utilizing the source route method. When the parent node of a mobile node is damaged or moves to another position or said mobile node with its sub-tree descendants changes their position together, the uplink routing path is recovered via selecting a nearby node of the sub-tree as relay node and the downlink routing path is recovered via sending a control message to the management unit. |
| US07983205B1 |
Outgoing interface mapping for multicast traffic
Multiple subscriber devices are connected to a network device via one or more network switches. The network device transmits multicast traffic to the subscriber devices. In particular, the network device may receive membership requests for a multicast group from the subscriber devices via the network switch on a first interface, i.e., a mapping interface. The network device sends a multicast stream associated with the multicast group to the network switch on a second interface, i.e. an outgoing interface (OIF). Upon receiving a membership request, the network device maps the membership request to an OIF dedicated to the multicast group. In this way, when multiple subscriber devices connected to the same switch request the same multicast stream, each membership request will map to the same OIF. The network device sends one copy of the multicast stream to the network switch on the dedicated OIF. |
| US07983203B2 |
System and method for improved power efficiency in a shared resource network
A system and method for including aggregation control information in an aggregate frame that facilitates enhanced power efficiency is provided. Aggregation control information may include lengths of frames addressed to different stations and/or transmission opportunities to different stations. A receiving station is then able to calculate an offset within the aggregate frame that identifies the position of frames addressed to the receiving station and/or offset when it can use the medium to transmit it's data. The receiving station may then enter a sleep mode and awaken at a proper time for using the medium to either receive, or transmit data on the medium. Additionally, aggregation control information may include rate information to facilitate aggregation of multi-rate data in an aggregate frame. |
| US07983198B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivering IPP2T (IP-push-to-talk) wireless LAN mobile radio service
A wireless subscriber terminal (ST) for use with IP push-to-talk (PP2T) service using a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating in a plurality of modes, including a mobile terminal having an ability to communicate over the air to a wireless Access Point (AP), the mobile terminal further programmable to use conventional WLAN protocols, and a method for operating the wireless terminal are described. |
| US07983197B2 |
System and method for robust cell detection
A wireless communication receiver performs robust cell searching, excluding interference due to UL transmissions from other UE, by qualifying the output of a matched filter with a metric indicative of the momentary signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The momentary SNR metric is derived over the same amount of samples as the length of the matched filter. By discarding filter outputs during low momentary SNR, synchronization interference from UL transmissions is avoided. The momentary SNR metric and filter outputs are efficiently calculated, with only a few states and operations, compared to a conventional tapped delay line filter implementation. A limited list of cell candidates is populated, with information on correlation, timing, cell identity within cell group, and SNR metric for the K strongest candidates with respect to the matched filter correlation values. This list is used for later cell search stages, where a secondary synchronization channel is decoded. |
| US07983195B2 |
Method of routing virtual links in a frame-switching network with guaranteed determinism
A method for routing virtual links in a frame switching network including a plurality of source terminals and/or destination of the frames, frame switches being connected together through physical connections, each virtual link being defined, for a point-to-point type, by a path through the network between a source terminal and a destination terminal and, for a multipoint type, by a plurality of paths through the network between a source terminal and a plurality of destination terminals. The method carries out routing of the links while observing a segregation constraint with regard to triplets of consecutive switches belonging to the oriented loops, so as to allow verification of determinism of the network. |
| US07983189B2 |
System and method for tracking performance and service level agreement compliance for multipoint packet services
A system and method for measuring compliance with a service level agreement for communications. A threshold is set for a core information rate and a user network interface core information rate operable to avoid contention. Frame loss is measured on a core network and legs of the network. A determination is made that the service loss agreement is noncompliant in response to determining there is frame loss and a user network interface core information rate has not been exceeded or the core committed information rate has not been exceeded. |
| US07983186B2 |
Defining lost event talley tag packets when PET count rates exceed available acquisition bandwidth
A system identifies when received packets are lost at a node in a multi-node processing chain. The system processing chain may include a gantry interface module for receiving coincident event data from a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) detector array, a DMA (direct memory access) rebinner card, and a transmission line coupled between the gantry interface module and the DMA card. FPGA and FIFO elements in each processing portion receive packets that may be lost if there is insufficient FIFO capacity. Lost packets are marked, discarded, and counted. At specified intervals, set in accordance with a threshold number of packets received a lost tally data packet is generated that includes count information for lost packets. The lost tally data packet is forwarded downstream when sufficient storage capacity exists. |
| US07983183B2 |
Method and arrangement for measuring transmission quality in a packet mode communication network
A method and an arrangement for measuring a transmission quality in terms of lost packets between two pre-determined nodes arranged to transmit and receive packets in a packet mode communication network. Each node is provided with a counter arranged to count transmitted packets in one node and received packets in the other node during a pre-determined period of time. After the pre-determined period of time has ended, the counters are compared in order to obtain a packet loss measurement. |
| US07983182B2 |
Methods and apparatus for exchanging network connectivity and capability information
A method for managing transport node capability information includes discovering a link end of a local transport node, modelling the local transport node's capability information as a first set of information structures, discovering a neighbor transport node, establishing a control adjacency link between control elements of the local transport node and neighbor transport node, modelling the neighbor transport node's capability information as a second set of information structures, exchanging the first and second sets of information structures between the control elements and identifying potential network layer links between the local and neighbor transport nodes, based on correlations in the first and second sets of information structures. |
| US07983180B2 |
Triggered announcement from a gateway
An advantageous system, apparatus, and method for remotely managing or maintaining a Gateway, such as a residential router, are provided. In one example, the Gateway generates and sends an announcement to a service or equipment provider informing the provider of the Gateway's current IP address (or resolvable name) and a valid password to access the Gateway. Thus, in one example, a service/equipment provider without inherent knowledge of a Gateway IP address may remotely manage or troubleshoot a Gateway using a basic Web browser. |
| US07983178B2 |
Fibre channel fabric simulator
A fabric simulation device implementing a method for generating a simulated fabric of a simulated storage area network. In operation, the fabric simulation device logs into a physical storage area network as an unofficial physical fiber channel switch connected to the simulated storage area network, and maintains a fabric testing relationship between the physical storage area network and the simulated storage area network based on being logged into the physical storage area network as the unofficial physical fiber channel switch. |
| US07983176B2 |
Method and system for monitoring communications of an individual in a packet network
A system and method are disclosed for monitoring communications of an individual in a packet network. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network monitor having a communications interface coupled to a packet network, and a controller. The controller can be programmed to receive a request from a third party to monitor communications associated with an individual, convey to the third party information monitored on a group of one or more permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) of the packet network associated with the individual, detect an update in the group of one or more PVCs, determine new set of one or more PVCs associated with the individual, and convey to the third party information monitored from the new set of one or more PVCs. |
| US07983175B2 |
System and method for detecting a network failure
A method and system detect a failed communication transmission that fails to reach a recipient after attempting to be transmitted from a sender to the recipient over a communication path. Upon detection of the failed communication, the method initiates a first inquiry process from the sender. This first inquiry process tests how far a first test communication transmission can travel from the sender to the recipient along the communication path. Similarly, upon detection of the failed communication, the method initiates a second inquiry process from the recipient. The second inquiry process tests how far a second test communication transmission can travel from the recipient to the sender along the communication path. The method combines the results of the first inquiry process and the results of the second inquiry process to determine which of the nodes in the communication path are not successfully forwarding test communications to identify at least one possibly faulty node. The identification of the possibly faulty node is then output to the sender and the recipient. |
| US07983172B2 |
Interference measuring and mapping method and apparatus for wireless networks using relay stations
Interference levels occurring at one or more stations in a wireless network, where each of said one or more stations is a base station or a relay station. The measured interference levels are mapped by building a first matrix including noise plus interference occurring at each of the one or more stations, respectively, and scheduled transmissions at predetermined times by each relay station respectively are mapped by building a second matrix. The first matrix and the second matrix are multiplied in order to determine the noise plus interference impact upon each base station by each relay station so that a network schedule can be generated in order to increase bandwidth efficiency in the network. |
| US07983171B2 |
Method to manage path failure thresholds
A failure threshold host command that provides a host with the capability to tune a storage controller path failure threshold based on the host application performance requirements. The failure threshold host command comprises path failure threshold rules that the storage controller uses to determine when a CHPid has reached a failed state condition. |
| US07983167B1 |
Quality of service for a stackable network switch
A first sub-switch for a network switch includes a plurality of ports. A forwarding engine communicates with the ports. A control plane processor communicates with the forwarding engine. A first sub-switch interface communicates with the forwarding engine and receives a path message from a second sub-switch in the network switch. A second sub-switch interface communicates with the forwarding engine, transmits the path message to a third sub-switch in the network switch, and receives a reserve message from the third sub-switch identifying requested resources for a planned data flow having a quality of service. The control plane processor attempts to reserve the requested resources on the second sub-switch interface based on the quality of service. |
| US07983164B2 |
Apparatus and method for merging internet traffic mirrored from multiple links
An apparatus and method for merging Internet traffic mirrored from multiple links are provided. A merged flow can be generated on the Internet having a characteristic of asymmetrical route through a technology of merging the traffic according to an identical characteristic based on correlation analysis using internet traffic mirrored from several spots of multiple links connected to a network to facilitate general analysis and specific application analysis of traffic. |
| US07983163B2 |
System and method for implementing adaptive load sharing to balance network traffic
A method for implementing adaptive load sharing to balance network traffic. The method begins by identifying all paths in a network between a first provider edge and a second provider edge. Next determining jitter, packet delay, and packet loss for each identified path in the network. Then utilizing the jitter, packet delay, and packet loss values, calculating a usage value for each path in the network. The usage value corresponds to the percentage of all network traffic which a specific path in the network may manage. When data is received by the first provider edge, the provider edge selects the appropriate path for the data. The appropriate path being the path with the largest usage value which is currently not managing a percentage of the network traffic that is equal to its usage value. |
| US07983159B2 |
Queue-based active queue management process
An active queue management (AQM) process for network communications equipment. The AQM process is queue based and involves applying at a queue size threshold congestion notification to communications packets in a queue of a link via packet dropping; and adjusting said queue size threshold on the basis of the congestion level. The AQM process releases more buffer capacity to accommodate more incoming packets by increasing said queue size threshold when congestion increases; and decreases buffer capacity by reducing said queue size threshold when congestion decreases. Network communications equipment includes a switch component for switching communications packets between input ports and output ports, packet queues for at least the output ports, and an active queue manager for applying congestion notification to communications packets in the queues for the output ports via packet dropping. The congestion notification is applied at respective queue size thresholds for the queues, and the thresholds adjusted on the basis of the respective congestion levels of the queues of the output ports. |
| US07983156B1 |
System and method for controlling network congestion
A method for controlling network congestion includes estimating a queue size, entering a first mode of operation if the estimated queue size is below a first threshold, and entering a second mode of operation if the estimated queue size is above a second threshold. |
| US07983148B1 |
Disaster recovery via alternative terminals and partitioned networks
An enterprise network is provided that includes a plurality of internal terminals 108, 112 corresponding to a plurality of subscribers and a network reconfiguration agent 212 operable to (a) determine that at least one of a requested connection to a first terminal 112-1 associated with a subscriber and a connected communication with the first terminal 112-1 will have and/or has an undesirable grade of service and (b) in response thereto, perform at least one of the following operations: (i) direct the requested connection or connected communication to a second terminal 108, 140 associated with the subscriber; and (ii) change the communication path for the requested connection or connected communication from a first communication path comprising a first network 110 but not a second network 404 to a second communication path comprising the second network 404 but not the first network 110. |
| US07983146B2 |
Method for communications using a communication protocol
A method, system and type of database for transmitting data is disclosed in which the data is organized into a structured linear database. The structured linear database includes a routing header portion, a file allocation table, a data portion and a tailbit portion. The structured linear database may be transmitted over any type of network, such as a TM-UWB system or a fiber-optic system. Once the data to be transmitted is identified, a corresponding field is identified in the field allocation table giving the location of the data within the transmission. This field is then referenced by the user to access the specific type of data desired at the given location of the transmission. this process may be repeated enabling data to be stored on transmission lines and accessed at any point at any time providing an always on network. |
| US07983141B2 |
Synchronized multipoint-to-point communication using orthogonal frequency division
A multipoint-to-point, orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) communication system is provided. The system includes a plurality of remote units and a host unit that includes a demodulator. Each of the remote units transmits an upstream OFDM signal using a multiple access scheme to the host unit demodulator using at least one of a plurality of orthogonal tones within an OFDM waveform. The host unit receives the upstream OFDM signals from a plurality of the remote units. Portions of upstream OFDM signals from at least two of the remote units arrive at the host unit at the same time. The host unit demodulator demodulates the portions and the upstream signals from the plurality of remote units arrive at the host unit synchronized in time and frequency within the OFDM waveform. |
| US07983137B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing optical disc signal
According to the present invention, whether recoding pits are larger or smaller than diffraction limit is determined. Then, a signal process suitable for processing of the recording pits larger than the diffraction limit and a signal process suitable for processing of the recording pits smaller than diffraction limit are divided to divisionally perform equalizer processing. The respective signals subjected to the divisional processing are synthesized to obtain a processed output signal. A reproduction signal with reduced impact of intersymbol interference is thus obtained. |
| US07983123B2 |
Methods of defect management and reproduction, program and recording medium, and apparatuses for information recording and information reproduction
A method of defect management for managing on a block-by-block basis a defective area in an information-recording medium is disclosed. The medium has a user-data area, a sparing area, and a defect-management information are. The block is of a predetermined size. The method includes the steps of, when a defective block in which the defective area is included is set to be replaced with a sparing block of the sparing area: dividing the sparing block into multiple subblocks so as to set identifying information, for identifying a sparing subblock in which data are replaced and a non-sparing subblock in which data are not replaced, as defect-management information; and setting block-management information, including information regarding the defective block and the sparing block, and information regarding an area in which non-sparing data not replaced with the sparing block are stored, as defect-management information. |
| US07983122B2 |
Defocus detection device, defocus detection method and optical disk unit using the same
Defocus detection device and method capable of detecting a defocus accurately during recording of information to an optical disk having a plurality of recording layers and an optical disk unit using the device and method are provided. A temporal restriction is imposed on defocus detection and besides, in comparison with a level for detection of a first change of a focus error signal developing during a defocus, a level for detection of a successively occurring second change of a polarity inverse to that of the first change is made to be smaller. When the first level is exceeded and thereafter the second level is exceeded within a restricted time, a defocus is detected. |
| US07983121B2 |
Optical axis shift correcting device and method, and computer program
An optical axis shift correcting device is provided in an optical information device including an irradiation element for applying a laser, an optical system for guiding a laser applied to an optical disc having a recording track, and a light reception element for receiving the light from the optical disc generated by the guided laser via the optical system. The optical axis shift correcting device includes a jitter acquisition element, an optical axis modification element modifying the direction of the optical axis with respect to the light reception element, and a control element controlling the optical axis modification element to reduce the shift when the acquired jitter amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The optical axis shift correcting device thus corrects the optical axis light shift on the surface of the light reception element with respect to the radial direction of the optical disc set in the optical information device. |
| US07983120B2 |
Optical disk apparatus, focus control method and optical disk
The present invention provides an optical disk apparatus capable of stably performing a layer jump on an optical disk having plural recording layers and non-uniform interlayer distances. In an optical disk with at least three recording layers and non-uniform interlayer distances between respective recording layers, if a layer jump is carried out from a first recording layer to a second recording layer, a distance from the first recording layer to the second recording layer is obtained and driving voltages set according to the distance are applied to an actuator for the layer jump to carry out the layer jump. At this time, interlayer distances for combinations of the respective recording layers and applied driving voltages thereto are stored in a memory in advance and when necessary, corresponding driving voltages are read out from the memory and are set for the layer jump. |
| US07983118B2 |
Record carrier and scanning device
An optical record carrier (1) includes an area (2) for storing user information and an area (3) for storing control information. The control information is arranged in a block of frames of equal length. The block includes an identification of the total number of frames in the block. |
| US07983117B2 |
Optical memories, method for reading and writing such optical memories, and device for reading and writing such memories
The invention concerns a optical data memory, said memory comprising at least one layer of supporting material, said supporting material including molecules having, in a local zone, a collective state of molecules from at least one first collective state of molecules, and a second collective state of molecules. The invention is characterized in that only molecules having the first collective state of molecules in said local zone are capable of generating a second-harmonic signal when they are excited in said local zone by a reading electromagnetic radiation. |
| US07983116B2 |
Electronic timepiece and control method for an electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece includes a reception unit that receives satellite signals transmitted from positioning information satellites; a time information generating unit that generates an internal time; a manual reception process unit that starts operation of the reception unit and executes a manual reception process when an external operating member is operated; an automatic reception process unit that automatically operates the reception unit and executes an automatic reception process when a predetermined condition is satisfied; a simple time adjustment process unit that executes a simple time adjustment process to receive a satellite signal from one positioning information satellite by means of the reception unit, acquire time information from the received satellite signal, and adjust the internal time; and a high precision time adjustment process unit that executes a high precision time adjustment process to receive satellite signals from a plurality of positioning information satellites by means of the reception unit, acquire time information and positioning information from the received satellite signals and determine the location, and adjust the internal time to the time acquired based on the positioning result. The automatic reception process unit executes the simple time adjustment process by means of the simple time adjustment process unit when the automatic reception process executes, and the high precision time adjustment process unit executes the high precision time adjustment process only when the manual reception process is executed by the manual reception process unit. |
| US07983115B2 |
System and method for managing time in automatic control equipment
A time management system that includes a first clock having a first counter operating on a first timebase, a second clock having a second counter operating on a second timebase identical to the first timebase and a third counter operating on a third timebase less than the second timebase. The time management system performs a resynchronization of the second clock after the main electrical power supply has been restored, this resynchronization including, on a modification of the first counter, loading the first counter into the second counter and in zeroing the third counter. |
| US07983111B2 |
Memory controller for controlling memory and method of controlling memory
A memory controller for controlling a memory that operates in synchronization with a clock signal, wherein the memory sequentially outputs data of addresses starting from a target address in synchronization with the clock signal after receiving a read command and the target address, the memory controller includes a supply control module that performs a supply process for supplying data inside the memory corresponding to a request address to an external device, in response to a read request designating the request address which is transmitted from the external device, wherein the supply process includes a supply process using a sequential mode, and wherein the supply process using the sequential mode includes a process for acquiring data to be supplied to the external device from the memory in response to read requests by repeatedly stopping and restarting supply of the clock signal without supplying the read command and the target address to the memory, in a case where a plurality of consecutive request addresses are sequentially designated one after another by a plurality of the consecutive read requests and a process for supplying requested data from among data acquired in responseto the plurality of the read requests to the external device. |
| US07983109B2 |
Semiconductor device
A phase change memory capable of highly reliable operations is provided. A semiconductor device has a memory array having a structure in which memory cells are stacked including memory layers using a chalcogenide material and diodes, and initialization conditions and write conditions are changed according to the layer in which a selected memory cell is positioned. The initialization conditions and write conditions (herein, reset conditions) are changed according to the operation by selecting a current mirror circuit according to the operation and by a control mechanism of a reset current in a voltage select circuit and the current mirror circuit. |
| US07983106B2 |
Voltage stabilization circuit and semiconductor memory apparatus using the same
A voltage stabilization circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes an operation speed detecting unit configured to detect an operation speed of the semiconductor memory apparatus to generate a detection signal, and a voltage line controlling unit configured to interconnect a first voltage line and a second voltage line in response to the detection signal. |
| US07983104B2 |
Page mode access for non-volatile memory arrays
An array of non-volatile memory cells arranged in logical columns and logical rows, and associated circuitry to enable reading or writing one or more memory cells on a row in parallel. In some embodiments, the array of memory cells may include a phase change material. In some embodiments, the circuitry may include a write driver, a read driver, a sense amplifier, and circuitry to isolate the memory cells from the sense amplifier with extended refresh. |
| US07983102B2 |
Data detecting apparatus and methods thereof
A data detecting apparatus and a data detecting method are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The data detecting apparatus operates according to a clock signal with a predetermined period. The data detecting apparatus comprises a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of data lines, a plurality of bit lines, a plurality of sense amplifiers and a pre-charge control circuit. |
| US07983096B2 |
Semiconductor device including nonvolatile memory
A semiconductor device includes a nonvolatile memory configured to store write data in a write-enabled state, a check circuit configured to enable the write data as data for comparison in response to an enabled-status indicating signal indicative of the write-enabled state and to output a result of comparison obtained by comparing data read from the nonvolatile memory with the enabled data for comparison, and a path configured to output the result of comparison output from the check circuit to outside the semiconductor device, wherein no path to output the data read from the nonvolatile memory to outside the semiconductor device is in existence. |
| US07983092B2 |
Nonvolatile memory apparatus and method of using thin film transistor as nonvolatile memory
The present invention relates to a nonvolatile memory apparatus and a method of using a thin film transistor (TFT) as a nonvolatile memory by storing carriers in a body of the TFT, which operates a general TFT as a memory cell of a nonvolatile memory by manipulating the electrical characteristics of the TFT in order to integrate with other electrical components formed by TFTs, such as logic circuit or TFT-LCD pixel transistor, on the LCD panel without additional semiconductor manufacturing processes. |
| US07983090B2 |
Memory voltage cycle adjustment
The present disclosure includes various method, device, system, and module embodiments for memory cycle voltage adjustment. One such method embodiment includes counting a number of process cycles performed on a first memory block in a memory device. This method embodiment also includes adjusting at least one program voltage, from an initial program voltage to an adjusted voltage, in response to the counted number of process cycles. |
| US07983089B2 |
Sense amplifier with capacitance-coupled differential sense amplifier
During first portion of a first read cycle determining that a first input of a sense amplifier is to receive information based upon a state of a storage cell during a first portion of a read cycle, and determining that a conductance at the first input is substantially equal to a conductance at a second input of the sense amplifier during the first portion. A plurality of NAND string modules are connected to a global bit line of a memory device that includes a memory column where a plurality of NAND strings and a buffer are formed. |
| US07983078B2 |
Data retention of last word line of non-volatile memory arrays
Techniques for operating non-volatile storage compensate. The techniques compensate for differences in floating gate coupling effect experienced by non-volatile storage elements on different word lines. An erase of a group of non-volatile storage elements is performed. A set of the non-volatile storage elements are for storing data and at least one of the non-volatile storage elements is a dummy that is not for storing data. The dummy is a neighbor to one of the data non-volatile storage elements. The data non-volatile storage elements are programmed at some point after the erase. Then, a programming voltage is applied to the dummy non-volatile storage element to increase the threshold voltage of the dummy to cause floating gate coupling effect to the neighbor non-volatile storage element to compensate for lesser floating gate coupling effect that the neighbor experienced during programming. |
| US07983076B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit for generating write voltage
A non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit for generating a write voltage is presented. The non-volatile semiconductor memory circuit includes a memory cell and a voltage generator. The voltage generator provides a write voltage at a given target level that varies in accordance with an amount of current detected by the memory cell array by using a reference voltage. |
| US07983074B2 |
Ferromagnetic nanorings, mediums embodying same including devices and methods related thereto
Featured is a magnetic ring structure including at least a vortex magnetic state such as symmetrically and asymmetrically shaped nanorings (FIG. 7C), having small diameters (e.g., on the order of 100 run). In particular embodiments, the width and thickness of the maxima and minima thereof are located on opposite sides of the nanoring. Also featured are methods for fabricating such symmetrically and asymmetrically shaped nanorings (FIG. 1). Also featured are methods for controlling the reversal process so as to thereby create vortex states in such asymmetric nanorings by controlling the field angle (FIG. 9). |
| US07983073B2 |
Static random access memories and access methods thereof
A static random access memory device capable of preventing stability issues during a write operation is provided, in which a memory cell is coupled to a read word line, a write word line, a read bit line, a write bit line and a complementary write bit line, and a multiplexing unit is coupled to the read bit line, the write bit line and the complementary write bit line. The multiplexing unit applies first and second logic voltages representing a logic state stored in the memory cell to the write bit line and the complementary write bit line, respectively, when the memory cell is not selected to be written by an input signal from a data driver and the read word line is activated, in which the first and second logic voltages are opposite to each other. |
| US07983072B2 |
Semiconductor device
In one aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor device A semiconductor device may include a SRAM cell having a first inverter, a second inverter, a first transfer transistor and a second transistor, the first inverter having a first load transistor and a first driver transistor connected to the first load transistor, the second inverter having a second load transistor and a second driver transistor connected to the second load transistor, a voltage supplying circuit configured to supply a voltage to one of the terminals of the first driver transistor and one of the terminals of the second driver transistor, the voltage which is one of more than a GND voltage and less than a GND voltage. |
| US07983069B2 |
Write operations for phase-change-material memory
Improved write operation techniques for use in phase-change-material (PCM) memory devices are disclosed. By way of one example, a method of performing a write operation in a phase-change-material memory cell, the memory cell having a set phase and a reset phase associated therewith, comprises the following steps. A word-line associated with the memory cell is monitored. Performance of a write operation to the memory cell for the set phase is initiated when the word-line is activated. The write operation to the memory cell for the set phase may then be continued when valid data for the set phase is available. A write operation to the memory cell for the reset phase may be performed when valid data for the reset phase is available. Other improved PCM write operation techniques are disclosed. |
| US07983067B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with ferroelectric memory
A semiconductor memory device includes plural word lines, plural first bit lines, plural plate lines formed corresponding to the word lines, plural second bit lines formed corresponding to the first bit lines, plural first ferroelectric capacitors each including a ferroelectric film between two electrodes, plural cell transistor formed corresponding to the first ferroelectric capacitors, and including a gate coupled to the word lines, plural second ferroelectric capacitors each including a ferroelectric film between two electrodes, and a sense amplifier configured to detect data stored in the first ferroelectric capacitors through the first bit lines or data stored in the second ferroelectric capacitors through the second bit line, or to write data in the first ferroelectric capacitors or the second ferroelectric capacitors. The first ferroelectric capacitors and the cell transistors connect between the first bit lines and the plate lines in series, and the second ferroelectric capacitors connect between the second bit lines and the word lines. |
| US07983060B2 |
Method for reducing the reactive power requirement of a fundamental frequency clocked power supply side converter under no load and with low motor loading
The invention relates to a method for reducing the idle current requirement of a base frequency clocked supply side converter (1) on idle and with low motor loads, provided with controllable semiconductors (T1,T2,T3,T4, T5,T6), wherein the base frequency clocking of the semiconductor switches (T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6) occurs depending on the desired direction of flow of power. A converter (1) for carrying out said method is also disclosed. |
| US07983057B2 |
PCBA mounting assembly for tool-less attachment and release
A mounting assembly is provided for use in mounting a printed circuit board to a computer chassis. The mounting assembly includes standoffs attached to the chassis wall to extend outward into the chassis. Each standoff includes an elongated body and a neck extending from the body and having a smaller diameter than outer dimensions of the body. Each standoff includes a head extending from the neck. The mounting assembly includes retention assemblies that are mounted to the printed circuit board. Each retention assembly includes a spring-force retention member (such as a single coil of a ring spring) with an inner passageway with an at rest diameter smaller than the head. The printed circuit board is mounted to the chassis wall by pressing the printed circuit board onto the standoff elements, which are clasped by a spring force applied by each of the spring-force retention members on the standoff necks. |
| US07983054B2 |
Compact control device for a motor vehicle
A motor vehicle control device includes a housing lid and a base plate that are connected with each other in an oil-tight manner via a frame. An interconnect device with at least one electronic component and/or at least one electrical contact area is arranged on the base plate. Respectively in the area of an electronic component and/or an electrical contact area, the base plate includes a foil conductor strip, of which an end section facing the interconnect device in turn includes an electrical contact area. The frame completely surrounds the interconnect device and includes one opening respectively in the area of an electrical contact area of the foil strip. Via connection lines, the electronics on the interconnect device are electrically connected with the contact area in the opening, and thus with the electronic components outside the control device. |
| US07983052B2 |
Electronic device chassis and network
The invention relates to an electronic device chassis, comprising at least an opening on the chassis and an inward guide apparatus along the opening; the guide apparatus comprises at least a first guide part and a second guide part which are respectively a concave slide and a convex slide, to guide modules in at least two different structural specifications into the electronic device to establish electrical connection with the electronic device. The module is inserted through the opening along the slides, and is fitted to the corresponding connector on the mainboard. The invention can solve the problem that traditional switch devices can not support different transmission speeds and transmission modes between networks. With the slides, a device can be compatible with data transmission modules with different speeds and different interface forms. Functions of a device are enhanced and device configuration is increased; in addition, the structure is compact, which flexibly meets changing market demands for a device. The invention also relates to a network switch device with the chassis. |
| US07983049B2 |
Electrical field device and expansion module for insertion into an electrical field device
An electrical field device for use in industrial control with a housing, with at least one input, at least one output and an electronic circuit with a microcontroller, a memory and a circuit board. The electrical field device is easily adapted to different functions and conditions of use in that an opening is formed on one side of the housing for insertion of an electronic expansion module which has at least one circuit board, and in that the circuit board has a contact region with contacts for mechanical and electrical contact-making with mating contacts connected to the circuit board of the expansion, module and a circuit board recess formed such that an inserted expansion module does not have any conductive connection to the field device except in the contact region so that reliable electrical isolation between the interior of the device and the user is ensured. |
| US07983047B2 |
Mounting assembly for heat sink
A mounting assembly includes a circuit board, a chip socket mounted on a topside of the circuit board with a chip attached thereon, a heat sink positioned on a top surface of the chip, and a backplate attached to an underside of the circuit board. The heat sink includes a pair of securing legs at two corners of the heat sink, and a pair of securing members. Each securing leg defines a securing hole thereon. Each securing member includes a spring thereon positioned between the corresponding securing legs and the circuit board. The securing members are secured in the corresponding securing holes to secure the heat sink to the circuit board. |
| US07983046B1 |
Electronic control module and enclosed power module
Power electronic devices of an electronic control module are mounted in a power module disposed between the control module circuit board and an interior face of the control module case, with a prescribed separation distance between the circuit board and a housing of the power module. The power electronic devices are mounted on an inboard face of a power module substrate, and a heatsink thermally coupled to the opposite face of the substrate is fastened to an interior surface of the control module case. The substrate and heatsink are mounted in the power module housing, and the power electronic devices are electrically coupled to the circuit board by a set of compliant terminals that protrude from the inboard face of the power module housing. The terminals extend into plated holes in the circuit board, and have shoulders that limit their depth of insertion to establish the prescribed separation distance between the circuit board and the power module housing. |
| US07983044B2 |
Electrical apparatus, cooling system therefor, and electric vehicle
An inverter apparatus includes a liquid path in which cooling water flows, and in which the cooling water performs cooling at a cooling part located directly underneath the power circuit part of the inverter apparatus. The liquid path includes a first partial structure part formed between a feed pipe and the cooling part, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually reduced in the short-side direction of the cooling part and that is gradually enlarged in the long-side direction thereof; and a second partial structure part formed between the cooling part and a drain pipe, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually enlarged from the short-side of the cooling part and that is gradually reduced from the long-side thereof. |
| US07983036B2 |
Flexible sheet with sealing skirt for keyboard assembly
A computer comprises an upper housing, a lower housing, and a flexible sheet disposed between the housings. The sheet covers and area of least one of the housings. The sheet comprises an outer skirt that fits within a receiving portion in at least one of the housings thereby forming a seal around an edge of the computer. |
| US07983034B1 |
Docking system for MP3 players and other portable electronic devices
Sleeves for different portable electronic devices (portable media players, wireless telephones, handheld computers, etc.) adapt the outer contours of the devices such that all can fit within the pocket of a standard device dock. Each sleeve situates its portable electronic device within the pocket of the dock such that at least one of its power/communications ports is situated at a standard location. The device dock then also accommodates a connector which fits within the dock pocket, and which has power/communications ports situated at the standard location, such that when the sleeved device is inserted into the pocket, its power/communications ports interface with the power/communications ports of the connector. The connector can incorporate data storage devices, power supplies, interface cables extending to other devices (such as personal computers, stereo systems, etc.) such that it lends the functionality of these devices to the sleeved device situated within the pocket. |
| US07983024B2 |
Fuse card system for automotive circuit protection
A fuse assembly includes: (i) a junction box including a battery B+ board having a plurality of metallized slots and a distribution board having a plurality of metallized slots; and (ii) a plurality of fuses releasably secured within the metallized slots, the fuses each including a substrate, first and second contacts positioned on the substrate, each contact in electrical communication with one of the metallized slots, and a fuse element in electrical communication with the first and second contacts. |
| US07983023B2 |
Earthing equipment for switchgear
Earthing equipment for a switchgear is comprised of a movable carrying cart, a switch portion, a manipulating portion, and a voltage detecting device. The earthing equipment is provided with: an upper conductor connected to any one of the movable electrode and the stationary electrode; a lower conductor connected to the other of the movable electrode and the stationary electrode, an earthing wire connecting the lower conductor to a terminal used for earthing of the switchgear; and an adaptor conductor being selectively connected to either a disconnection portion at a bus bar side or a disconnection portion at a cable side of the switchgear and is permitted to be selectively replaced on either upper or lower face of the upper conductor. |
| US07983021B2 |
Oblong electrochemical double layer capacitor
An oblong electrochemical double-layer capacitor is disclosed having a modified jelly roll design and having a plurality of fingers extending from each electrode in substantially the same direction. A packaged electrochemical double-layer capacitor is also disclosed comprising the oblong electrochemical double-layer capacitor having a modified jelly roll design. A method for manufacturing an oblong electrochemical double-layer capacitor having a modified jelly roll design is also disclosed. |
| US07983020B2 |
Carbon nanotube coated capacitor electrodes
Devices and methods for their formation, including electronic devices containing capacitors, are described. In one embodiment, a device includes a substrate and a capacitor is formed on the substrate. The capacitor includes first and second electrodes and a capacitor dielectric between the first and second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a metal layer having carbon nanotubes coupled thereto. In one aspect of certain embodiments, the carbon nanotubes are at least partially coated with an electrically conductive material. In another aspect of certain embodiments, the substrate comprises an organic substrate and the capacitor dielectric comprises a polymer material. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07983018B2 |
Plasma processing system ESC high voltage control and methods thereof
An arrangement for securing a wafer during substrate processing is provided. The arrangement includes a power supply and an electrostatic chuck (ESC). The ESC supports the wafer and includes a positive and a negative terminal. A positive high voltage is provided to the positive terminal through an RF filter and a negative high voltage is provided to the negative terminal through the RF filter. The arrangement also includes a first and a second trans-impedance amplifiers (TIAs) that measure a first set of voltages for determining a value of a positive load current applied to the positive terminal and a third and fourth TIAs that measure a second set of voltages for determining a value of a negative load current applied to the negative terminal. The arrangement yet also includes a program to adjust a bias voltage using the values of the positive load current and the negative load current. |
| US07983015B2 |
Electrostatic discharge protection device for an optical disc drive
An electrostatic discharge protection device for an optical disc drive is provided. A rail disposed on the casing of the disc drive has an opening. A guide bar is slidable disposed on the rail. A conductive elastic plate is fixed around the opening on the rail. The elastic plate has an elastic-pressing end leaning against the guide bar through the opening, and a protrusion electrically contacting the casing. A tray supported by the guide bar to move in and out of the casing has an underside covered by a protection bottom plate. A conductive strip-shaped elastic element is fixed on the tray by a fixing screw, which fastens the protection bottom plate on the tray. As such, the elastic element is in contact with the protection bottom plate; besides, the elastic element also leans against the guide bar, so as to dissipate electrostatic discharge by the guide bar. |
| US07983013B2 |
Operating and controlling insulated gate bipolar transistors in high speed failure mode situations
A circuit and method to provide dynamic fault protection to transistors are disclosed. The fault protection may be particularly suited for protecting insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). |
| US07983011B2 |
AP1 layer for TMR device
A TMR read head with improved voltage breakdown is formed by laying down the AP1 layer as two or more layers. Each AP1 sub-layer is exposed to a low energy plasma for a short time before the next layer is deposited. This results in a smooth surface, onto which to deposit the tunneling barrier layer, with no disruption of the surface crystal structure of the completed AP1 layer. |
| US07983008B2 |
Piezoelectric actuated suspension with passive damping in hard disk drives
A piezoelectric actuated suspension with passive damping is disclosed for precision positioning of hard disk drive while reducing undesired shock vibrations. Along the longitudinal axis of an etched suspension, two piezoelectric actuators dispose near the base plate to provide a push-pull motion. The actuators have two main portions. The first portion is piezoelectric elements to provide active positioning. The second portion is viscoelastic damping layers underneath the piezoelectric elements for passive damping. The complementary parts such as stiff edge elements and optional soft boundary covers are used to enhance the actuating abilities of the actuators and prevent any contaminants of the viscoelastic layers from going into the clean sealed chamber of the hard disk drive, respectively. The present invention further relates to a dual-stage servo system in a hard disk drive for fine positioning of the read/write head and better shock resistance via the piezoelectric actuated suspension with passive damping. |
| US07983007B2 |
Magnetic tape apparatus
In a magnetic tape apparatus of the present invention, a magnetic head unit having magnetic elements capable of recording or reproducing information with respect to a magnetic tape includes a movable member that includes a magnetic element and has such a size that the movable member comes into contact with the magnetic tape over an entire region in a width direction, and is placed so as to move in the width direction of the magnetic tape, and a stationary member that is placed at a position adjacent to the movable member in a magnetic tape transport direction, wherein the movable member is moved in the width direction of the magnetic tape by a tracking servo mechanism during a tracking servo control. According to this configuration, a magnetic tape apparatus excellent in a tracking precision can be provided, in which even a magnetic tape with a high friction coefficient does not move following the movement of a magnetic head unit in the width direction. |
| US07983004B2 |
Magnetic recording medium with magnetic film pattern sidewalls having at least two faces of different slope angles and magnetic recording apparatus having the same
According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic recording media including a substrate, and a magnetic recording layer including magnetic film patterns formed in a protruded form on the substrate, sidewalls of the magnetic film patterns having at least two faces of different slope angles. |
| US07982999B2 |
Information storing device and method for controlling same to record/reproduce information by selecting one of working modes
An information storing device and an information processing device having a memory for registering a plurality of working modes at recording/reproduction and a switching circuit for selecting one of the plurality of working modes, which select the optimum working mode automatically or by an instruction of an operator according to power supply capacity of a device of higher rank to effect recording/reproduction. |
| US07982998B1 |
Communications channel with programmable coupling
A communications circuit includes a first filter having a corner frequency that is adjustable. A data type identifier that tracks first and second types of data flowing through the communications circuit. A control module that adjusts the corner frequency of the first filter to provide alternating current (AC) coupling during the first type of data and adjusts the corner frequency of the first filter to provide direct current (DC) coupling during the second type of data. |
| US07982987B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect surface characteristics on magnetic read/write heads
A method and apparatus for detecting predetermined surface characteristics in head gimbal assemblies to improve hard disk drive reliability. The predetermined surface characteristics include head slider protrusions such as scratches or contamination that can cause damage to the head or disk in hard drives. By detecting these protrusions, those drives with an increased chance of failure can be removed from a test group, thereby increasing the quality and reliability of the remaining disk drives. The invention provides a method of detecting these protrusions that is a more practical option than using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to inspect each head slider. |
| US07982979B2 |
Lens module
A lens module includes a lens and an opaque plate. The lens is received in the main body, and includes an imaging portion and a non-imaging portion surrounding the imaging portion. An annular flange is extended upward from the image-side surface of the non-imaging portion. The flange and the image-side surface defines a receiving groove. The opaque plate includes a circular opening corresponding to the imaging portion and a lightproof solid body surrounding the opening. The opaque plate is disposed on the image-side surface of non-imaging portion of the lens with the lightproof solid body received in the receiving groove. |
| US07982973B2 |
Zoom lens, lens barrel and image pickup apparatus
Disclosed herein is a zoom lens, wherein a stop moves in an optical axis direction n in a phase of zooming; a position of the stop in a telephoto end is located on an object side with respect to a position of the stop in a wide-angle end; an opening size of the stop is controlled in conjunction with the zooming so that an open F number becomes approximately constant in a range from the wide-angle end to a specific intermediate focal length; the opening size of the stop is made approximately constant in a range from the specific intermediate focal length to the telephoto end so that the open F number is changed; and the specific intermediate focal length fulfills the following conditional expression (1), wide-angle end focal length×1.5 |
| US07982972B2 |
Image observation apparatus and image observation system
The image observation apparatus includes a first image-forming element and a second image-forming element each of which forms an original image, and an optical system configured to introduce light fluxes from the first and second image-forming elements to an exit pupil position of the optical system where an eye of an observer is placed. The optical system includes an optical surface as a single surface that reflects the light flux from the first image-forming element and transmits the light flux from the second image-forming element. The first image-forming element and the second image-forming element respectively form a first original image and a second original image that correspond to different viewing fields from the exit pupil position. The apparatus combines plural original images to enable observation of one combined image and that can suppress generation of light scattering. |
| US07982968B2 |
Variable-power optical system, image pickup device, and digital apparatus
A variable-power optical system includes, in order from an object side thereof: a first lens group with a negative optical power; a second lens group with a positive optical power; and a third lens group with a negative optical power, where an interval between the first lens group and the second lens group decreases when a power of the variable-power optical system varies from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. The first lens group comprises a negative lens and a positive lens. The second lens group consists of a positive lens and a negative lens, and includes at least one aspheric surface. The variable-power optical system satisfies the predetermined conditional expressions. |
| US07982964B2 |
Liquid lens device and manufacturing method therefor
A manufacturing method for a liquid lens device includes the steps of: preparing a body having a liquid chamber, a conductive first liquid stored in the liquid chamber, an insulating second liquid stored in the liquid chamber, and a hollow electrode pipe for making the communication between the inside and the outside of the liquid chamber, the liquid chamber being defined by a first transparent substrate on which an electrode layer is formed, a second transparent substrate opposed to the first transparent substrate, and an annular sealing member interposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; applying pressure to the first and second transparent substrates to thereby compress the sealing member and discharge the first liquid from the second end of the hollow electrode pipe; and closing the second end of the hollow electrode pipe. |
| US07982949B2 |
Operation microscope having assistant's microscope
An operation microscope includes a microscope body having an illumination optical system which illuminates a subject, a lens barrel, and a main observation optical system which observes the subject, an assistant's microscope unit attached to the microscope body, and a guide rail which is disposed in the lens barrel of the microscope body, and extends in a circumferential direction about a center of an optical axis of an objective lens of the microscope body. The assistant's microscope unit is disposed in the guide rail to be movable between a usage position and a non-usage position in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel. |
| US07982946B1 |
Modulation of terahertz radiation generated in magnon gain cavity
An apparatus and method for generating modulated terahertz radiation are provided. The apparatus comprises: (A) a means for generating Terahertz radiation by pumping nonequilibrium electrons into Magnon Gain Medium (MGM); wherein the nonequilibrium electrons emit nonequilibrium magnons, and wherein interaction between nonequilibrium magnons in the Magnon Gain Medium (MGM) causes generation of Terahertz radiation; and (B) a means for modulating the generated Terahertz radiation. The modulating means further comprises: an AC magnetic field generator, or an AC electric field generator. |
| US07982942B2 |
Color electrophoretic display device and method for manufacturing the same
Discussed are a color electrophoretic display device with a color filter layer, which is formed in a droplet state on a rear surface of an electronic ink film through surface treatment so as to be capable of adjusting density of droplets in pixels and achieving correct alignment, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes forming a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate including a display region, in which a plurality of pixel regions are defined in a matrix, and alignment keys provided at the outside of the display region, forming an electrophoretic layer including a micro capsule layer formed so as to correspond to the display region of the TFT array substrate, and forming a color filter layer on the electrophoretic layer using the alignment keys so as to correspond to the respective pixel regions of the display region. |