| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08011109B2 |
Casing mount for a cylindrical vial
A level of the type having an elongate hollow frame including two sidewalls each defining axially aligned vial openings into the frame. A vial casing is secured with respect to the frame and defines a hermetically sealed single-cavity casing interior entirely enclosing a liquid-and-bubble vial with a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending between two vial ends. The casing is formed of two opposite round face-walls and a surrounding cylindrical wall therebetween. The cylindrical wall has a pair of opposed major wall-portions of first thickness and a pair of opposed intervening wall-portions of second thickness greater than the first thickness. Each intervening wall-portion defines a recess which snugly receives a corresponding one of the vial ends. The inner surface of the surrounding wall is smooth and substantially free of light-ray-interfering structures, whereby the vial appears embedded in the surrounding wall and the face-walls provide uninterrupted full views of and about the cylindrical vial. |
| US08011107B2 |
Jig for selecting valve part number or joint part number
A jig for selecting a valve part number or a joint part number representing respective selected conditions required for selecting a valve or a joint comprising: a substantially rectangular base plate defining an inner space, and several sliding gauges laterally arranged in the inner space to slide in a longitudinal direction of the base plate, each of the sliding gauges comprising a condition description area including several conditions thereon from which the selected condition is determined, and a symbol description area including several symbols thereon, both the conditions and the symbols arranged in the sliding direction, several condition selecting windows laterally arranged, each of the condition selecting window being configured to expose one of the selected conditions, several symbol selecting windows laterally arranged, each of the symbol selecting window being configured to expose one of the selected symbols. |
| US08011106B2 |
Method and apparatus for pipe alignment tool
A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe. |
| US08011102B2 |
Dry shaver
A dry shaver has an elongated shaving head with a lengthwise axis. The shaving head carries semi-cylindrical first and second outer cutters disposed on its opposite width ends, and a semi-cylindrical finishing cutter and a slit cutter interposed between the first and second outer cutters. The finishing cutter has a finishing foil which is deeply curved than a foil of the first and second outer cutters into an arcuate contour having a width less than that of the first and second outer cutters. The finishing foil disposed behind the first outer cutter comes into contact with a users skin to make closer shaving than the first and second cutters. A skin guard project between the first outer cutter and the finishing cutter to protect the skin from being pressed excessively to a side of the finishing foil when moving the shaving head across a user' skin with the first outer cutter leading in a moving direction, thereby reducing skin irritation. |
| US08011099B2 |
Method of manufacturing orientation film and method of manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method of manufacturing an orientation film which method is suitable for manufacturing an orientation film containing a ceramic at low cost. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a film containing a piezoelectric ceramic on a seed substrate in which crystal orientation is controlled at least on a surface thereof by using an aerosol deposition method of injecting powder toward a substrate and depositing the powder on the substrate; and (b) heat-treating the ceramic film formed at step (a) to form an orientation film in which crystal grains contained in the ceramic film is oriented. |
| US08011098B2 |
Wind turbine erector
A wind tower erection device and method for erecting wind turbine towers which avoid the need for using expensive cranes. The device and method employs a stacker unit for anchoring to the wind turbine foundation, a plurality of intermediate modules, and a mechanical actuator for raising the intermediate modules vertically. The stacker unit has a receptacle allowing for lateral sliding of intermediate modules inside of the stacker unit. In one embodiment, the stacker unit has a receptacle for lateral sliding of intermediate modules inside of the stacker unit. The stacker unit and the intermediate modules each have at least one open side to for positioning of tower sections within the stacker unit and stacked intermediate modules. A bridge crane section is initially placed on top of the stacked intermediate modules. The bridge crane is raised vertically as additional intermediate modules are added at the bottom, thereby allowing wind tower sections to be winched into place using the crane, each being added on top of the other as the stacked intermediate modules increase to the necessary height. |
| US08011096B2 |
Methods for increasing the fatigue life, of crankshafts
The invention relates to a method for increasing the bending strength and the endurance limit of crankshafts by locally restricted hammering in areas of high stress, such as grooves, the mouths of bores and cross-sectional transition zones, in which method pressure impulse machines or beating devices comprising heating tools are employed. The pressure impulse machines or beating devices only execute a relative displacement of the beating tool against the surface of the crankshaft segment to be processed when the compressive stress is introduced between the heating tool and said surface of the crankshaft segment to be processed. The invention also relates to a device for increasing the endurance limit of crankshafts. |
| US08011093B2 |
Method of manufacturing connectors
A method for manufacturing connectors comprises providing a carrier strip with a plurality of first alignment apertures and a plurality of contacts arranged in a row. The carrier strip is cut to desired lengths to form contact band pieces. The first alignment apertures are engaged with first protrusions on a carrier tape to mount each of the contact band pieces to the carrier tape. The first protrusions have a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the first alignment apertures such that there is slight play there between. Resin is insert molded around the rows of the contacts to form a housing. The contacts are then cut from the carrier strip. |
| US08011088B2 |
Method for securing a circuit board to a socket
The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess. |
| US08011087B2 |
Method for assembling lens module with image sensor
A method for assembling a lens module with an image sensor, includes providing a holder having first and second receiving spaces, disposing the image sensor in the second receiving space, locating lens barrel at a first position in the first receiving space, casting a light beam on the lens module to allow the lens module to converge the light beam into a light spot on the image sensor, determining if the light spot is at its smallest to determine if a distance between the lens module at the first position and the image sensor is equal to a focal length of the lens module, moving the lens module to a second position in the first receiving space to achieve a predetermined distance from the first position, and positioning the lens module at the second position. |
| US08011084B2 |
Method for fabricating narrow magnetic read width TMR/CPP sensors
A method for manufacturing a manufacturing a magnetoresistive sensor that allows the sensor to be constructed with a very narrow and well controlled track width. The method includes depositing a layer of diamond like carbon over a series of sensor layers. A first mask is then formed to define a sensor, and an ion milling is performed to remove sensor material not protected by the first mask. Then, a second mask is formed, and a hard bias layer is deposited to the thickness of the sensor layers. The second mask is then lifted off and a CMP is performed to remove the first mask structure. Because all areas other than the area directly over the sensor are substantially planar a quick, gentle CMP can be used to remove the first mask layer even if the first mask is small, such as for definition of a very narrow track-width sensor. |
| US08011078B2 |
Method of producing stent-balloon assembly
A method of producing a stent-balloon assembly is disclosed which includes providing a stent having a polymeric component; exposing the stent to a relative humidity of 20% to 100%; and crimping the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The polymeric component could be at least part of the material from which the stent is made or could be a constituent of a coating for the stent, such as a drug delivery coating. In lieu of or in addition to the application of humidity, a plasticizing agent can be applied to the polymeric component. A crimping device is also disclosed which allows the stent to be exposed to humidity during the crimping process. |
| US08011076B2 |
Swage collar with internal sealing insert
A swage collar and an internal sealing insert form a swage collar assembly used in combination with a structural fastener to prevent leakage through a connection of workpieces fastened together by the structural fastener. The swage collar has a hollow, generally cylindrical main body portion with a main central bore, and a base portion with an internal shoulder formed in the main central bore so as to form a seal receiving guide. The shaft of the fastener typically includes a threaded section and an unthreaded section, and the internal sealing insert interfaces with the threaded section and the unthreaded section of the shaft of the pin. In an alternate embodiment, the internal sealing insert interfaces with the unthreaded section of shaft of the pin. The swage collar assembly is fitted over the fastener, a swaging tool is fitted over the swage collar assembly, and the swaging tool is forced over the swage collar assembly with sufficient force to cause plastic deformation in the swaging collar to force the swaging collar and internal sealing insert into engagement with the shaft of the fastener. |
| US08011072B2 |
Method for variable-angle cutting of a suture to create tissue retainers of a desired shape and size
A method for manufacturing a self-retaining suture is disclosed. A cutting bed supports the suture during cutting. A cutting device is moved through the suture thread along a selected path. The angle of the cutting device is changed during cutting. A cutting arm is articulated to allow change of the angle of the cutting device. The change in the angle of the cutting device is used to control the depth of cut and/or elevate a tissue-retainer away from the suture to better engage tissue. |
| US08011071B2 |
Lockable mounting mechanism for a respiratory system heater unit
A lockable mounting mechanism has a hitch portion and a receiver portion, the hitch portion having a hitch member, a locking member being rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a camming surface being rotatable with the locking member and the receiver portion having a channel, the hitch member of the hitch portion and the channel of the receiver portion sized to slidably receive the hitch member into the channel portion whereby to mount the hitch portion to the receiver portion, the receiver portion further having a reset surface positioned to engage the camming surface as the hitch member is slid into the channel when the locking member is out of the unlocked position, the camming surface and reset surface cooperating to automatically rotate the locking member toward the unlocked position as the hitch member is slid into the channel. |
| US08011070B2 |
Curved slide fastener
A curved slide fastener in which a convex element attaching edge portion which is curved convexly and outwardly and a concave element attaching edge portion which is curved concavely and inwardly are arranged to face each other on opposing side edges of a pair of fastener tapes, a stretchable member which is elastically deformed so as to be stretchable in a length direction of the fastener tape is attached to an edge side of the fastener tape on an opposite side to the convex element attaching edge portion, and the stretchable member is fixed to the fastener tape in a contracted state and maintains a foundation structure of the fastener tape in a contracted state, thereby preventing occurrence of wrinkle or swelling on the tape surface. |
| US08011068B2 |
Structure for attaching protective member to a support
A structure for attaching to a support a protective member having a rib comprises a single-piece clip with a rib-fastening section and a support-fastening section. The rib-fastening section has a pair of walls defining a space into which the rib is inserted, and the walls have respective resilient pawls that engage opposite sides of the rib to resist withdrawal of the rib from the space. The walls have reinforcing braces outside the space. The support-fastening section has a tube with a tapered lead-in member for receiving a stud projecting from the support. |
| US08011065B2 |
Hinge and an electronic device with the hinge
A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid. |
| US08011063B2 |
Overload clutch for rotating agitation member in cleaning machine
An overload clutch (10) for a rotating agitation member (11) for a surface cleaning machine includes a clutch member (12) connected to the agitation member (11) to rotate therewith, a coupling member (20) rotatable relative to the clutch member (12), and a torque lever (40) having an end pivotally mounted to the coupling member (12). The other end of the torque lever (40) is biased to engage with the clutch member (12) such that the agitation member (11) is rotated together with the coupling member (20) when a torque load from the agitation member (11) is not greater than a preset level. The torque lever (40) pivots outward away from the clutch member (12) and disengages from the clutch member (12) to disconnect the torque lever (40) from the clutch member (12) when the torque load from the agitation member (11) is greater than the preset level. |
| US08011062B2 |
Vacuum cleaner motor assembly
A vacuum cleaner motor assembly includes a motor in a bucket, configured so as to drive a fan to provide airflow. An epicyclic gear system is attached to the output shaft of the motor, to produce an output of reduced rotational speed. The output is employed to drive an agitator via a belt. The belt is driven at a reduced rotational speed to that achievable hitherto, and thus there is reduced wear on the belt. The provision of a gear arrangement mounted directly to the motor casing provides a compact assembly. One of the epicyclic gears, such as the ring gear, is arranged to slip with respect to a clutch member if the agitator becomes jammed. An actuator switches off the motor if the heat of friction of the slipping gear exceeds a predetermined value, or if the slipping gear rotates at a speed above a predetermined value. Thus, the motor switches off before damage occurs to any of the components of the system. |
| US08011060B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a dust collection container received therein and a base unit with a front portion with respect to the travel direction of the vacuum cleaner. At least one electrical load is disposed in the front portion of the base unit. A carriage is provided to move the base unit on the surface. The vacuum cleaner includes a tilting joint operable to provide relative tilting between the upper body and the base unit about a tilting axis that is horizontal when the vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. At least one cable is routed between the upper body and the at least one electrical load. A plurality of cable ducts are disposed in the vicinity of the tilting axis and configured to receive the at least one cable. |
| US08011059B2 |
Low-profile air duct fitting for passage of air through narrow openings and method of using the same
An air duct comprises a duct wall bounding an airflow channel that extends through the air duct along a flow path. The airflow channel has a plurality of cross-sections that are bounded by the duct wall and that are perpendicular to the flow path. A first one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is less than two. A second one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is greater than four and a minimum dimension that is less than three-quarters of an inch. A third one of the cross-sections has an aspect ratio that is less than two. The second cross-section is positioned between the first and third cross-sections along the flow path. The air duct channels air beneath a door, thereby allowing a vacuum or blower tool to operate in one room while the vacuum or blower device operating the tool operates in a different room. |
| US08011057B2 |
Retractable interproximal brush
There are provided a device and a method for cleaning teeth. The device comprises a brush, a shaft connected to the brush, a neck surrounding the shaft along a substantial portion of the length of the shaft, and a controller coupled to the shaft at the end of the shaft opposite the brush, the controller being mounted at the base of the neck so as to be movable between a first position that extends the brush away from the neck, and a second position that retracts the brush towards the neck. The method comprises inserting, between adjacent teeth, a device having a brush, a controller and a handle, the controller for effecting movement of the brush in a direction generally perpendicular to the handle, and keeping the handle generally stationary while moving the controller up and down to move the brush along front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. Moving the controller may occur via pressure from a user's finger, or via force from a motor in the device. In some cases, the method includes vibrating the brush while it is moved along the front-to-back and back-to-front paths between the adjacent teeth. |
| US08011055B2 |
Cleaning implement
A cleaning implement that includes a shaft, a mop disposed on one end of the shaft, a wringer, and a fixed grip. The wringer includes a wringing sleeve and a wringer handle. The wringer is movable over a range of travel between a mopping position and a range of wringing positions, in which wringing positions the wringing sleeve covers and compresses at least a portion of the mop to thereby expel liquid from the mop. The wringer is rotatable relative to the shaft through at least a portion of the axial range of travel. The wringer further comprises at least one volute wherein the volute defines a semi-enclosed area inside the wringer, the semi-enclosed area configured to receive a portion of the mop through a gap defined in the volute. The volute includes a first fin and a second fin that define the gap therebetween. |
| US08011054B2 |
Illuminated flashing toothbrush and method of use
A toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a first section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector of a beam of light located within the handle. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a grip attached to the base. A method of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the projector of a beam of light. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of a light beam is activated. |
| US08011050B2 |
Fabric sweeper
The present invention is a device (10) for use in cleaning a fabric surface (16) of dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris (20) present on the surface (16). The device (10) includes a pair of cleaning members or rollers (60, 61) disposed on an underside of the device (10) which can roll with respect to the device (10) and with respect to one another. The rollers (60, 61) are selectively contacted with one another such that each roller (60, 61) can assist in removing debris (20) picked up by the opposite roller (60, 61) and dispensing the debris (20) into a collection chamber (32) releasably positioned within a housing (11). The removal of the debris (20) from each roller (60, 61) is also facilitated by opposed edges of a central opening (58) in the housing (11) that contact the rollers (60, 61) and direct the debris (20) into the debris collection chamber (32). |
| US08011049B2 |
Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a time period display at the steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry by using a high temperature steam, in which a preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle is determined, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount, to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time. According to this, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order, According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced. |
| US08011048B2 |
Multitool incising attachment method and apparatus
A multi-tool attachment having a configuration that is well-suited for incising material and performing various operations where two incising members are positioned on a main portion of the tool and the cutting-edge surfaces are in close engagement with one another at an interface point where the two blades meet in forceful engagement with one another. |
| US08011047B2 |
Spinal relaxation apparatus
A spinal-length mattress including a means for providing buoyancy to a human torso and abdomen thereon; attached to the mattress at one end, a pelvic support portion; and attached to the mattress at an opposite end, a head rotation stabilization portion having an air passage opening allowing a person to breathe freely when resting in a face down position thereon. By supporting the pelvis and stabilizing the head to substantially limit motions of the neck, a central cushion (preferably dominated by a “shape memory foam” filling) allows the spinal column to passively distribute all directional stresses—including those deriving from body mass and from muscle tension. Thus relieved of stress, disks between spinal bones begin to return to their respective naturally compliant symmetrical shapes; thereby generally providing a long term benefit in exchange for a quarter hour or a half hour of regular prone-oriented engagement with the mattress. |
| US08011043B2 |
Molded seat cushion with internal shape matching ischial structures
A cushion 302 comprising a molded foam base 302 with an array of individual suspension elements 306 at the ischial area of the cushion. In one aspect the array of suspension elements is in a recess 307 in the top of the base and in another aspect the array of suspension elements is in an inner cavity 406 defined by the base. The suspension elements are arranged in a pattern wherein the longitudinal axis of each suspension element in the array is positioned at a right angle or parallel to the longitudinal axes of the adjacent suspension elements. Each suspension element has a displaceable load-bearing surface 14, a first end wall 20, a second end wall 22, and an optional bottom wall 30, with load-bearing surface and recited walls defining an inner chamber. The material thickness of the load-bearing surface generally is greater than the material thickness of the end walls whereby the end walls deflect outwardly toward the load-bearing surfaces of adjacent support elements under load. The load-bearing surface can have a substantially arch-shaped, elliptical or rectangular cross-section. |
| US08011039B2 |
Patient support with universal energy supply system
A patient support including a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, and a plurality of ports mounted at the patient support, which are in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system. At least one of the ports is adapted for coupling to a device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system or delivering a vacuum pressure to the device from the fluid movement system for suctioning fluid through the device when the device is coupled to the port. |
| US08011035B2 |
Stretcher
The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1). |
| US08011033B2 |
Aircraft sink with integrated waste disposal function
A sink system includes a sink and a storage area receiving and storing matter from the sink. The storage area receives air from the bypass line during a flush. Also, matter from the storage area and sink is vacuumed through a common line during the flush. A valve limits an amount of air supplied by the bypass line such that increased suction is applied to the sink through the common line. The valve may be manually operated or operated by a controller. |
| US08011032B2 |
Energy efficient circulation system for spas and hot tubs
A method and apparatus for circulating water in a bathing installation with a water circulation flow path and a tub for holding bathing water is described. A pump is submerged in a chamber in the circulation flow path so that the pump when operated provides a positive pump pressure to pump water through the circulation flow path from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. Thermal contact is provided between a pump housing surface and water in the chamber to allow heat transfer between the pump housing surface and water in the chamber. |
| US08011031B2 |
Quiet, low water volume toilet
A toilet assembly is provided having a bowl assembly having an inlet, a wastewater outlet, and a water supply inlet having an inlet valve. The assembly includes an adjustable metering valve in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the inlet of the bowl assembly, and an accumulator in fluid communication with the inlet valve and disposed upstream of the adjustable metering valve. A fragmentation passage is provided in fluid communication with the wastewater outlet and disposed downstream of the wastewater outlet. The assembly includes jet assembly having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and an outlet disposed upstream of the fragmentation passage. The water supply inlet is structured to deliver a quantity of water through the inlet of the bowl assembly, and a quantity of water to the jet assembly to remove wastewater from the fragmentation passage. |
| US08011030B2 |
Pop-up stopper having draining and straining functions
A pop-up stopper includes a main body having an inside provided with a receiving space and a periphery provided with a plurality of through holes, a control unit removably mounted on a top of the main body and including a top cap and a plurality of connecting members, and a bottom cap removably mounted on a bottom of the main body. Each of the connecting members includes at least one upper elastic plate having a protrusion and at least one lower elastic plate having a protrusion. Thus, the stopper has draining and straining functions to achieve a sanitary effect. In addition, the control unit and the bottom cap can be mounted on and detached from the main body easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user assembling and disassembling the stopper. |
| US08011027B2 |
Protective seal mechanism
A sealing mechanism for use in protective garments, such as hazard suits and the like, enables components of the protective garments, such as gas masks, hoses, respirators and the like to be removably attached to the garment material. The sealing mechanism includes a framing ring which may be attached to an object to be sealed to the garment material and a locking ring. The framing ring and the locking ring are adapted to engage each other in a snap fit type connection while trapping a portion of the garment material therebetween to thereby form an airtight seal between the object and the protective garment. |
| US08011026B2 |
Face mask and goggle system
A protective face mask system according to the present invention comprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving a lens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receiving slot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right and left temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receiving opening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least one groove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. A lens is provided sized to be received upon and cover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portions including openings therein positioned to correspond to and align with the openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachment to the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappingly engages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot. |
| US08011021B2 |
Correlation of data of a control and/or data transmission system and of a system model representing it
Methods are disclosed for testing the functionality of a system element to be used inside a control and/or data processing system as well as, in essentially the opposite direction, for designing a system model having at least one transmission function for modeling a control and/or data transmission system with at least one system element. A data-processing device for performing this method is also disclosed, which device comprises a signal unit that can be coupled to a constructed system element for producing a control and/or data transmission system, for reading out, querying or receiving a signal output of the system element in response to a predetermined signal voltage applied at the system element, an evaluation unit for evaluating the signal output as a function of the input signal in order to analyze the system element, and a processing unit for associating the analyzed system element with a transmission function. |
| US08011018B2 |
Garment protector
A garment protector is configured to absorb moisture and to thereby preserve a garment of a user. The garment protector can have a pad attached to the garment. The pad can absorb moisture and reduce or prevent moisture from staining the garment. The garment protector can have multiple layers to perform these functions. The garment protector can have one or more application channels. The application channel can span a seam and the associated cross-stitching of a garment so as not to add bulk at the seam that a pad would if over the seam. |
| US08011017B2 |
Wetsuit neck and arm protective members
A neck-protective member for preventing chafe encountered when wearing a wetsuit is provided that fits snugly around the wearer's neck, with its lower edge under the edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit. The edge of the neck opening in the wetsuit bears against the protective member rather than the skin of the wearer's neck, preventing painful chafing that can be experienced around a wearer's neck upon prolonged wetsuit use.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck-protective member of the invention comprises a generally conical neck portion, which fits around the wearer's neck, and a skirt portion, which fits over the wearer's shoulders, under the wetsuit. The neck portion may be formed of a single band-like member cut from a sheet of flat material, preferably “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material, oriented such that the smooth surface of the “smoothskin” neoprene rubber material is to the inside and contacts the wearer's neck.Similar members can also be provided for prevention of chafe between the ends of sleeves in the garment and the arms of the wearer. |
| US08015615B1 |
Determining advertising activity
A system may obtain a first group of information when an advertising link is requested and a second group of information when the advertising link is selected. The system may further detect illegitimate advertising-related activity based on the first group of information and the second group of information. |
| US08015614B2 |
Information security device
An information security device is provided that, when information is circulated through a chain, permits changing of a usage rule for the information or collection (deletion) of the information after the circulation.An information security device (200) includes: a receiving unit (201) that receives a content and a collection command; a content storing unit (202) that stores a content and its usage rule; a collection command confirmation unit (203) that checks the validity of a received collection command; a content deletion unit (204) that deletes a content; a chain information storage unit (205) that stores chain information containing sending and receiving information of a content; a destination list storage unit (206); a sending unit (207) that sends a content and a collection command; and a control unit (208) that controls the processing for a collection command. When a collection command is sent after content distribution, the content can be collected (deleted) in the destination of circulation. |
| US08015613B2 |
System renewability message transport
System renewability message data is transmitted to set top boxes, or other devices, using a protocol such as an MPEG-2 Systems type transport protocol. The system renewability message data is incorporated by a content provider or distributor directly into a MPEG-type transport packet stream. A data structure within a transport multiplex carries information pertinent to the system renewability message data. A plurality of packets is selected from the MPEG-type transport stream wherein the packets include data corresponding to identities of a plurality of devices that are unauthorized for the use of content. Each packet comprises an identifier that is referenced from a transport stream description table. The data from the plurality of packets is processed whereupon use of the content is prevented in accordance with the data. |
| US08015611B2 |
Integrated firewall, IPS, and virus scanner system and method
A system, method and computer program product are provided including a router and a security sub-system coupled to the router. Such security sub-system includes a plurality of virtual firewalls, a plurality of virtual intrusion prevention systems (IPSs), and a plurality of virtual virus scanners. Further, each of the virtual firewalls, IPSs, and virus scanners is assigned to at least one of a plurality of user and is configured in a user-specific. |
| US08015609B2 |
Worm infection detecting device
When a program consisting of a plurality of processes is installed in a device, its processing route in the case where the processes normally advance is built as a database, based on the knowledge of a program designer or the like. When the program is executed, routing information indicating the actual process flow along each process flow is generated. Before a new process is activated, the route till then is compared with the correct route stored in the database. If the route till then is abnormal, it is determined that the device is infected with a worm, and the communication port of a device in which the program is installed is cut off and the maintenance terminal is notified of the abnormality. |
| US08015608B2 |
Systems and methods for preventing unauthorized use of digital content
Theft, distribution, and piracy of digital content (software, video, audio, e-books, any content of any kind that is digitally stored and distributed) is generally accomplished by copying it, if possible, or, if it is protected from being copied in any fashion, such piracy is based upon a number of reverse engineering techniques. Aside from the straightforward copying of unprotected content, all of these other methods require first an understanding of the protective mechanism(s) guarding the content, and finally an unauthorized modification of that protection in order to disable or subvert it. Methods which prevent a skilled individual from using reverse engineering tools and techniques to attain that level of understanding and/or prevent anyone from performing such modifications can offer significant advantages to content creators who wish to protect their products. |
| US08015606B1 |
Storage device with website trust indication
A portable storage device includes a web page confidence module and a device controller. The web page confidence module may be configured to receive a user trust setting, receive a webpage address and determine a trust level status associated with the web page address based in part on the user trust setting. The device controller may be configured to indicate a trust level status based on the trust level determination. |
| US08015602B2 |
Methodology, measurements and analysis of performance and scalability of stateful border gateways
Methods and apparatus for testing of Internet-Protocol packet network perimeter protection devices, e.g., Border Gateways such as Session Border Controllers, including 5 dynamic pinhole capable firewalls are discussed. Analysis and testing of these network perimeter protection devices is performed to evaluate the ability of such device to perform at carrier class levels. The efficiency of state look table functions as well as call signaling processing capacity, implemented in a particular perimeter protection device, are determined and evaluated. Proper performance and efficiency of such perimeter protection devices are evaluated as a function of incoming call rate and as a function of total pre-existing active calls. Various different network perimeter protection devices, e.g., of different types and/or from different manufactures, can be benchmarked for suitability to carrier class environments and comparatively evaluated. Test equipment devices, e.g., enhanced Integrated Intelligent End Points (IIEPs), for fault testing, 15 evaluating and stressing the network perimeter protection devices in a system environment are described. Typically these specialized test devices are used in pairs, one on each side of the firewall under test. These test equipment devices include a heavy duty traffic generator module, monitoring and analysis capability including a utilization analysis module, and a graphical output capability. |
| US08015601B2 |
Controller for event-based statistical covert channels
A controller for an event-based statistical covert channel includes a data receiver; a data transmitter; and a channel controller that includes a fixed distribution randomized event buffer construction processor (FDREBCP) and a fixed distribution randomized event buffer (FDREB). The FDREBCP holds event distribution data that define one or more fixed distributions that the FDREBCP employs to fill the FDREB, whereby the event distribution data is stored during the occurrence of the event, subsequently removed from the FDREB and reordered, and a dummy event distribution data created to prevent an unauthorized outsider modulating the timing of events by alternatively causing and not causing the event. |
| US08015599B2 |
Token provisioning
A method for provisioning a device such as a token. The device issues a certificate request to a Certification Authority. The request includes a public cryptographic key uniquely associated with the device. The Certification Authority generates a symmetric cryptographic key for the device, encrypts it using the public key, and creates a digital certificate that contains the encrypted symmetric key as an attribute. The Certification Authority sends the digital certificate to the device, which decrypts the symmetric key using the device's private key, and stores the decrypted symmetric key. |
| US08015598B2 |
Two-factor anti-phishing authentication systems and methods
A computerized method of providing access to a secure resource includes, to each of a plurality of authorized users, providing a link to the secure resource. Each link includes a unique password embedded therein and each unique password relates to a particular user identification (userID) and personal identification number (PIN). The method also includes receiving a request to access the resource using a link having a password embedded therein, which request originates at a web browser. The method further includes directing the browser to a login screen and receiving via the login screen a userID and PIN. The method also includes determining whether the userID and PIN relate to one another and to the password and allowing or denying access to the resource in accordance with the determination. |
| US08015594B2 |
Techniques for validating public keys using AAA services
Techniques for validating a first device are provided. A second device receives a first device public key and first device identification information from the first device. Validation of the first device identification information is required for a security process using a security protocol. The second device sends the first device public key and the first device identification information to an AAA server for validation. The AAA server is separate from the second device. The second device receives a response from the AAA server, the response including an indication whether the received first device identification information is validated with stored first device identification information for the first device public key. If the first device identification information is validated, an action for the security process is performed using the security protocol. |
| US08015590B2 |
Integrated multimedia signal processing system using centralized processing of signals
Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally, a dummy display, and a dummy speaker. The dummy display may only have a display panel and a panel driver. The dummy speaker may only have a driving unit and no crossover logic. The main player may have a PC architecture and process all signals digitally for outputting signals tailored for the display device and the individual driving units of the dummy speaker. The integrated system may generate parameters for optimizing display of a video source. These parameters can be shared among users over a network connection. |
| US08015585B2 |
Method for preventing disconnection of audio/video stream in home network
A method for preventing disconnection of an audio/video stream in a home network includes: a step in which a renderer connected to a server requests A/V streams; a step in which the server judges whether A/V streams can be outputted in response to the request from the renderer; and a step in which the server provides the A/V streams to the renderer sequentially or simultaneously if the A/V stream can be outputted, or outputting a server unavailableness message to the renderer if the server judges that the A/V streams can not be outputted. Without a memory, even though plural renderers are simultaneously or sequentially connected to the server, an abnormal image is prevented from being outputted, so that a service user can be provided with an image without disconnection. |
| US08015583B2 |
Method and system for pricing a programming event viewed by subscriber group
A method and apparatus for group billing purchasers of transmitted programming events is provided. In one embodiment, a subscriber group includes two or more individual subscribers who receive programming from a programming provider. The individual subscribers periodically elect to view a program provided via the program provider. The program is provided on a pay-per-view basis, meaning that the program provider requires a sum of money to be paid in order to view the program. The sum of money is determined according to the number of viewers in a single subscriber group. In one embodiment, the subscribers interact during a program via a network connection. |
| US08015577B2 |
Disk chucking apparatus and disk drive having the same
A disk chucking apparatus and a disk drive having the same are disclosed. The disk chucking apparatus may include: a chuck base having a plurality of holding portions, a plurality of chuck pins which are inserted in the holding portions such that the chuck pins protrude out from the chuck base, and a plurality of elastic members which elastically support the chuck pins, where each of the elastic members elastically supports a pair of adjacent chuck pins concurrently. When this disk chucking apparatus is utilized, the center of the disk and the center of the chuck base can be aligned with greater ease, since forces can be transferred uniformly to the center of disk. |
| US08015571B2 |
Registering an event
A computer-implemented method for registering an event includes detecting occurrence of at least one event to be registered in a sequence. The sequence is to have entries for occurred events, each of the entries being a number indicating at least one of the occurred events and being associated with an aggregation number reflecting a number of times the entry has been aggregated within the sequence. The method includes identifying a new entry for extending the sequence, the new entry comprising a first number corresponding to the detected at least one event. The method includes revising the sequence by adding the numbers of at least two entries whose respective aggregation numbers satisfy a criterion for aggregation. The method includes storing the revised sequence. |
| US08015569B2 |
System to support the heterogeneity in ubiquitous computing environment
A system for supporting the diversity of a ubiquitous computing environment according to the present invention has a message bus including a message broker managing an intermediary role of delivering an actual message between the subsystems and a messaging adaptor managing an interface function between the message broker and the subsystems, wherein the messaging adaptor is installed in the subsystems and includes a first adaptor including a first application port for interfacing with the subsystems, and a second adaptor including a second application port for interfacing with the first adaptor and the broker port operating with the message broker. |
| US08015563B2 |
Managing virtual machines with system-wide policies
An administrative authority for virtual machines can send one or more delegated policy settings to a virtual machine manager. The virtual machine manager can in turn send management instructions that include the one or more policy settings to one or more virtual machine hosts. As such, a user's request for a virtual machine at a virtual machine host can be granted or denied based on the delegated policy settings. The policy settings can be updated periodically, and can include additional information about starting, stopping, expiring, saving, or even deleting virtual machines by particular users, as well as users accessing from particular locations. In addition, an agent operating at the virtual machine host can monitor and report virtual machine activity, to ensure unauthorized virtual machines are quickly stopped and reviewed until authorized. |
| US08015560B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing application in incorporated equipment
The invention provides a process for managing an application operating on a virtual machine. In the invention, information regarding a program file of the application is stored in an internal storing device of a managing apparatus. The program file is stored in an external storing device, and positional information indicating a position in the external storing device at which the program file is stored is registered in the internal storing device when the program file of the application is received from a client via a network. |
| US08015559B2 |
System software update method
Provided is a computer system including a first server and a storage system. In the first server, a first virtual server and a second virtual server are operated. Upon reception of a request to boot the first virtual server, the second virtual server judges whether system software of the first virtual server, which is requested to be booted, matches system software of the first server in which the first virtual server is operated. In the case where the system software of the first virtual server and the system software of the first server do not match, the second virtual server updates the system software of the first virtual server before booting the first virtual server. |
| US08015558B1 |
System, method and computer program product for on-the-fly patching of executable code
A method of on-the-fly patching of executable code includes placing a block of modified instructions in memory, identifying a block of code to be changed, storing instructions to be changed from the block of code to be changed in a storage location, change the instructions to be changed to mark instructions, and adding a jump to the block of modified instructions in the block of code to be changed. Prior to the placing and the identifying steps, a write flag for a page in memory where the block of code to be changed is located is set to allow writes, and interrupts are masked. The instructions are replaced in reverse order. The mark instructions are the same length, in bytes, as the instructions to be changed. The modified instructions include a resolver to determine a number of instructions of the block of code to be changed that had already been executed. If the number is less than a number of instructions to be changed, then a “no patch installed” scenario is imitated. |
| US08015556B2 |
Efficient method of data reshaping for multidimensional dynamic array objects in the presence of multiple object instantiations
A method of data reshaping for multidimensional dynamic array objects in the presence of multiple object instantiations. The method includes collecting all alias information using interprocedural point escape analysis, and collecting all shape information using interprocedural shape analysis. The method progresses with selecting the candidate dynamic objects based on alias and shape analysis, and determining the types of data reshaping for the candidate dynamic objects. The method further includes creating objects for selected dynamic objects with multiple object instantiations. The method proceeds by updating the memory allocation operations for the selected dynamic objects and inserting statements to initialize object descriptors. The method further includes creating the copy of the object descriptors for selected dynamic object assignments. The method concludes by replacing the object references by array-indexed references for selected dynamic objects using object descriptors. |
| US08015553B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing execution flow of program
A method and apparatus for testing an execution flow of a program are provided. The method includes measuring the execution flow that reflects instruction values constituting the program and an execution order of the instructions; and verifying the measured execution flow. |
| US08015549B2 |
Techniques for monitoring application calls
Techniques for debugging applications are provided. Access to an application is controlled by a wrapper. The wrapper intercepts calls to the application and records the calls. The calls are then passed to the application for processing. The recorded calls form a log which may be analyzed or mined to detect error conditions or undesirable performance characteristics associated with the application independent of source associated with the application. |
| US08015547B2 |
Reconfigurable, hierarchical component-based architecture and framework and methods for rapidly developing sensor device-enabling software applications
A reconfigurable, hierarchical component-based architecture and framework for rapidly developing sensor device enabling software applications can have a rule-based data structuring system, a series table system, and a system of acquiring data from a data provider. User defined relationships can be established to enable exchange of data between the rule-based data structuring system, the series table system, the system of acquiring data, another rule-based data structuring system, an object oriented wrapping system, a data filtering system, a data structure grouping and merging system, a data device writer system, and a network communications system. Each system can have components and subcomponents by which the user defined relationships can be established, for example by embedding components of various systems within the rule-based data structuring system, and/or other systems, and/or by setting a property value to link components of the systems with a component of the rule-based data structuring system and/or other systems. |
| US08015546B2 |
Rapidly assembling and deploying selected software solutions
Methods and Systems are provided for assembling a software information technology (IT) solution using a graphical user interface (GUI) based development environment. Software solution building blocks (e.g., plug-ins) are selected and stored in a catalog of solutions within the development environment. Meta data is generated for each of the selected building blocks describing the building block's compatibility with other building blocks. The building blocks displayed in the catalog of solutions may be selected for the IT software solution by a software developer based on input from the customer for the requirements of the IT software solution. A set of logical relationships between the building blocks is based on the meta data, allowing the IT software solution to be created and modified by adding building blocks without incurring extensive system integration services for building block installation and configuration. |
| US08015543B1 |
Hardware specific code generation
A computer-implemented method for generating code based on a graphical model may include: translating the graphical model into a graphical model code, the graphical model code including a first graphical model code function; performing a lookup of the first graphical model code function in a hardware specific library, the hardware specific library comprising a plurality of relationships between graphical model code functions and hardware specific functions, where the first graphical model code function is one of the graphical model code functions; obtaining a matched hardware specific function based on the lookup, wherein the matched hardware specific function is one of the hardware specific functions from the hardware specific library; and modifying the graphical model code based on the matched hardware specific function. |
| US08015536B2 |
Process and apparatus for adjusting traces
Traces routed through a computer depiction of a routing area of an electronics system comprise a plurality of connected nodes. Forces are assigned to the nodes, and the nodes are moved in accordance with the forces. The forces may be based on such things as the proximity of the nodes to each other and to obstacles in the routing area. This tends to smooth, straighten and/or shorten the traces, and may also tend to correct design rule violations. |
| US08015535B1 |
Run-time efficient methods for routing large multi-fanout nets
A method of limiting the routing resources of an integrated circuit (IC) that are available for use when routing multi-fanout nets can include selecting a multi-fanout net comprising a source and a plurality of loads and identifying each region of the IC which does not include at least one of the plurality of loads. Each of the regions can have a defined geometry. A type of routing resource can be selected which has a physical orientation with respect to the IC that corresponds to the geometry of the regions of the IC. Each routing resource of the selected type that is located within a region of the IC which does not include at least one of the plurality of loads can be excluded from consideration when routing the multi-fanout net. |
| US08015530B1 |
Method of enabling the generation of reset signals in an integrated circuit
A method of enabling the generation of reset signals in an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method comprises receiving information related to reset ports for a plurality of intellectual property cores in a design tool; providing an intellectual property core comprising a reset logic circuit adapted to generate a plurality of reset signals for the plurality of intellectual property cores; and generating, by the design tool, configuration data enabling programmable interconnects to couple a first reset signal of the plurality of reset signals to a first intellectual property core of the plurality of intellectual property cores and a second reset signal of the plurality of reset signals to a second intellectual property core of the plurality of intellectual property cores. |
| US08015529B1 |
Methods and apparatus for diagonal route shielding
An IC device and layout having one or more layers having route segments and at least some shield segments that are diagonal in orientation. Shield termination segments enclosing a route segment may be diagonal in orientation. Some embodiments describe a method for providing diagonal shielding for a routed net of an IC layout. A route “bloating” method is used where shield position lines (used to position the shielding) are generated by expanding out the dimensions of routes using a bloating shape. The bloating shape that may be dependent on the preferred wiring direction of the layer on which the shielding is provided. After bloating a route, a resulting bloating geometry is identified comprising the area overlapped during the expanding out of the route. The perimeter of the bloating geometry is identified comprising the shield position lines. |
| US08015526B2 |
Static timing slacks analysis and modification
A method, system and computer program product for analyzing and modifying a static timing slack of a timing path in a static timing analysis of a design of an integrated circuit (IC) with a transient power supply are disclosed. A static timing slack analysis is performed at a selected endpoint in an IC to obtain a candidate timing path leading to the endpoint with a worst static timing slack. A transient static timing slack is determined for the candidate timing path for each clock cycle of a clock signal under the transient power supply. The determined transient static timing slack is used to adjust the timing of the IC and to modify the static timing slack of the candidate timing path. |
| US08015523B2 |
Method and system for sequential netlist reduction through trace-containment
Methods and systems are provided for sequential netlist reduction through trace-containment for a circuitry design netlist by first identifying a cut of the netlist and enumerating a set of mismatch traces. Perform time-bounded unfolding of a cofactored version of the cut to reflect the sequential cofactor for a specific input i and temporal uncorrelation constraints for the set of inputs ‘J’. Determine whether there is trace containment by performing equivalence checking with respect to the cut of the netlist under temporal uncorrelation constraints for the set of inputs ‘J’. In response to detecting trace containment, simplify the netlist by merging the input ‘i’ to a constant. |
| US08015522B2 |
System for implementing post-silicon IC design changes
An engineering change order (ECO) modifying an IC having spare cell instances is implemented by converting active cell instances implementing portions of the IC to be deleted into additional spare cell instances, by creating a technology independent behavioral model of portions of the IC to be added, by selecting spare cell instances to implement the behavior model, and by routing nets to the selected spare cell instances in a way that minimizes a number of metal layers of the IC that are modified. |
| US08015513B2 |
OPC models generated from 2D high frequency test patterns
A method of generating a scalable OPC model for composing reticle pattern files from IC layouts using 2D test patterns is disclosed. The 2D test patterns include basic features which replicate features found in advanced ICs. Variations of feature dimensions and structure pitches provide measurement data which enables the scalability of the OPC model. A method of checking reticle pattern files for features which cannot be modeled by the scalable OPC model is also disclosed. |
| US08015511B2 |
Adjustment of mask shapes for improving printability of dense integrated circuit layout
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for making mask shape adjustment The method includes creating a first mask shape; identifying one or more mask segments of the first mask shape as candidate mask segments of needing segment adjustment; applying an optical proximity correction (OPC) process to the first mask shape, the OPC process identifying at least one of the candidate mask segments as a constrained mask segment; applying a rotational adjustment to the constrained mask segment; and creating a second mask shape having the constrained mask segment being rotationally adjusted. A system and a machine-readable medium for performing the above method are also provided. |
| US08015509B2 |
Selectively locking GUI controls to prevent accidental operations in a computing environment
The present invention discloses a solution to add a user selectable lock to a GUI control, such as a close button. The lock can be imposed on an individual window. After being applied, a user will have to explicitly unlock the control before the control can be selected, which prevents inadvertent selections of the locked control. For example, a lock can be placed on a close control to prevent accidental closing of a window. Locks can be manually or automatically applied. Automatically applied locks can be associated with a set of user configurable rules, which can also establish rules for automatically unlocking GUI controls. An applied GUI control lock can be unlocked in a user configurable manner, with any level of security. |
| US08015507B2 |
Graphical user interface for a remote operated vehicle
A graphical user interface (GUI) for a remote operated vehicle (ROV) with an onboard video camera with pan-and-tilt mechanism. A broad translucent compass bearing icon is arranged horizontally with scrolling compass bearing marks that give the user visual feedback for steering the ROV as well as hard information relating to the bearing. A long translucent depth icon is arranged vertically with depth reading marks that scroll up and down as the ROV moves down and up respectively. A pan-and-tilt icon at the top center of the screen gives user feedback as to the direction in which the ROV camera is pointing relative to the ROV. Status indicator icons and the other icons are inserted and removed by special burn-in and fade-out processes to provide good visibility at the same time as continuity of viewing. |
| US08015503B2 |
Part table creating apparatus and part table creating method
To solve an overlap between a part table and components automatically and adequately in a drawing using a CAD. In a part table creating method for creating a part table including a plurality of rows of CAD data, an overlap between the part table and other geometric elements is detected. When the overlap is detected, the height of the respective rows of the part table is reduced to H1. When the overlap between the part table and the other geometric elements still remains even when the respective rows of the part table is reduced to the height H1, the number of overlapped rows between the part table and the geometric element are obtained. The portion of the overlapped rows is separated and moved in the direction to avoid the overlap with the geometric elements to separate into an original part table and a destination part table. |
| US08015501B2 |
Accessing previously viewed windows
One implementation provides a method for accessing a window previously viewed by a user in a graphical user interface (GUI) during an interaction with an individual. The method includes displaying to the user a first window in the GUI. The first window contains a collapsible/expandable menu. The menu contains an entry that refers to a window previously viewed by the user. Upon selection of the entry in the menu, the method further includes displaying to the user the corresponding window previously viewed by the user in the GUI. The corresponding window has a data-entry field that contains a latest version of information that is related to the interaction with the individual that was previously entered or modified by the user. |
| US08015499B2 |
Decoder and reproducing device
A reproducing device performs decoding by propagating the reliability, and detects micro medium defects to correct the reliability information. The decoder has an internal decoder, external decoder and a defect detector which calculates a moving average value of a soft-input signal, acquires a scaling factor from this, and manipulates the reliability information of the internal decoder. Since micro-defects can be detected accurately and the reliability information of the internal decoder is manipulated, error propagation due to micro defects can be suppressed. |
| US08015496B1 |
System and method for facilitating visual social communication through co-browsing
A system and method for facilitating visual social communication through co-browsing is provided. A social session is established and includes a plurality of Web browsers. Each Web browser is loaded with social session code, which displays a social viewport. Substantially similar portions of Web content are synchronously displayed in the social viewport of each Web browser. A social change is displayed in the social viewport of one such Web browser. The social change is partitioned into at least one social change segment Each social change segment is transmitted to each other of the Web browsers. Each social change segment is received and displayed in the other Web browsers, such that the social change is reproduced smoothly in the Web browsers as the social change is progressively created. |
| US08015494B1 |
Melded user interfaces
In one embodiment, a method for combining the user interfaces of several applications is disclosed. Data generated by a first application is extracted from a display buffer. The data is associated with a user interface from the first application. From the extracted data, a layout pattern is recognized. Using the layout, an overlay is created. The overlay is used to display a second data generated by a second application. There is no direct link between the first application and the second application. |
| US08015491B2 |
Systems and methods for a single development tool of unified online and offline content providing a similar viewing experience
The present invention provides a comprehensive development platform and client-side technology for intelligent and cost-effective delivery of video, audio and broadband content over a network, such as the Internet, to desktop, mobile computing, and network connected devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, a content development environment provides a single tool for developing unified online and offline content. With the content development tool, the user interface of the offline content has a substantially similar appearance and behavior to the user interface presented by the online content. As such, the user interface for the both the online and offline content may be generated from a single user interface design. The content development tool generates and publishes a set of online content files and a set of offline content files from the single design. In some embodiments, the offline content is published to a web-site of a content provider as a download package to be automatically downloaded for local use by a client using other techniques of the present invention. In some cases, the content development tool automatically creates and configures a mechanism in the online content to download the corresponding and substantially similar offline content to the client. As such, a content provider may use a single development tool to create a consistent and desired user experience, including branding and interactive content, for both online and offline content. |
| US08015490B2 |
Image processing device and image processing method
The present invention has been made to facilitate search or management of video data. The present invention generates a display space defined by display axes determined by feature parameters representing the feature of video data or audio data or associated parameters linked to the video data or audio data, converts feature values designated by the feature parameters or associated values designated by the associated parameters into coordinate parameters corresponding to a position on the display axes on the display space, and displays the video data through a display window on the display space in accordance with the change of the position corresponding to the converted coordinate parameters. |
| US08015488B2 |
Document edit device, program and computer-readable storage medium
A document edit device includes: object obtaining unit configured to obtain an object; a calculating unit configured to calculate a golden division line, the golden division line being a line that divides at the golden ratio a distance between two reference lines, each reference line being determined on the basis of a target area in which the object is displayed; and an editing unit configured to edit a size of the object so that the object contacts two lines, the two lines being selected from among the calculated golden division line and the boundary of the target area. |
| US08015487B2 |
Formatting content by example
A method generates a document by: inserting one or more placeholders in the document; binding each placeholder to a content source; and compiling the placeholders into code to generate content for the document based on the content source. The method then executes the code to generate the content and presenting the content of the document if in a presentation mode or restores the placeholder if in an edit mode. |
| US08015483B2 |
Processing an XML feed with extensible or non-typed elements
A computerized system that implements a type system can process one or more XML documents that comprise unknown schema elements, which may not correlate within one or more types in the type system. In one implementation, for example, a computer system receives one or more XML document feeds and deserializes only those schema elements that correlate with one or more system types. The computer system further passes the unknown schema elements to a buffer. An application program, such as an XML reader, can extract the unknown schema elements from the buffer as appropriate. In one implementation, for example, the application program maintains its own types separately from the system types. The application program can then correlate its application-specific types with the buffered schema elements to deserialize and process the buffered schema elements. |
| US08015477B2 |
Method and apparatus for a data-dependent noise predictive viterbi
An improved Viterbi detector is disclosed in which each branch metric is calculated based on noise statistics that depend on the signal hypothesis corresponding to the branch. Also disclosed is a method of reducing the complexity of the branch metric calculations by clustering branches corresponding to signals with similar signal-dependent noise statistics. A feature of this architecture is that the branch metrics (and their corresponding square difference operators) are clustered into multiple groups, where all the members of each group draw input from a single, shared noise predictive filter corresponding to the group. In recording technologies as practiced today, physical imperfections in the representation of recorded user data in the recording medium itself are becoming the dominate source of noise in the read back data. This noise is highly dependent on what was (intended to be) written in the medium. The disclosed Viterbi detector exploits this statistical dependence of the noise on the signal. |
| US08015473B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for ECC protection of small data structures
Data structures of different sizes may be stored in memory using different ECC schemes. A memory device may include multiple ECC engines to support error correction operations on different sized data structures. |
| US08015469B2 |
Method for generating non-binary structured low density parity check code
A method for generating a non-binary Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code. The method includes generating non-binary identity matrixes so as to satisfy at least one condition, wherein the non-binary LDPC code is defined by a parity check matrix, and the parity check matrix includes a plurality of sub-matrixes, which are divided into zero matrixes and the non-binary identity matrixes. |
| US08015466B2 |
Adapting scan-BIST architectures for low power operation
A Scan-BIST architecture is adapted into a low power Scan-BIST architecture. A generator 102, compactor 106, and controller 110 remain the same as in the known art. The changes between the known art Scan-BIST architecture and the low power Scan-BIST architecture involve modification of the known scan path into scan path 502, to insert scan paths A 506, B 508 and C 510, and the insertion of an adaptor circuit 504 in the control path 114 between controller 110 and scan path 502. |
| US08015465B2 |
Scan control method and device
A scan control method of a circuit device including setting information indicating scan mode in a register is provided. The scan control method includes cutting an output of scan-out data to a test access port controller and an input of scan-in data from a data register based on information set in the register, and controlling a connection between a scan register and a data register. Each data/scan register includes data registers for the same number of chains to be scanned at the same time. Data set in one data register may be kept in all the data registers in parallel and scanned in all the scan chains in a scan-in process in the broadcast mode. The data set in the data register may be kept in the data register corresponding to the scan register and scanned in the corresponding scan chain, in a scan-in process in the parallel mode. |
| US08015463B2 |
IC with TAP, DIO interface, SIPE, and PISO circuits
Testing of die on wafer is achieved by; (1) providing a tester with the capability of externally communicating JTAG test signals using simultaneously bidirectional transceiver circuitry, (2) providing die on wafer with the capability of externally communicating JTAG test signals using simultaneously bidirectional transceiver circuitry, and (3) providing a connectivity mechanism between the bidirectional transceiver circuitry's of the tester and a selected group or all of the die on wafer for communication of the JTAG signals. |
| US08015461B2 |
Decompressors for low power decompression of test patterns
Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to generate test patterns for testing integrated circuits. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to provide a low power test scheme and can be integrated with a variety of compression hardware architectures (e.g., an embedded deterministic test (“EDT”) environment). Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology can reduce the switching rates, and thus the power dissipation, in scan chains with no hardware modification. Other embodiments use specialized decompression hardware and compression techniques to achieve low power testing. |
| US08015459B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of performing a memory operation
A semiconductor memory device and method directed to performing a memory operation in a semiconductor memory device are provided. The method includes receiving a write command signal from a memory controller; receiving data from the memory controller, the data including n pieces of data, wherein the k-th piece of data comprises masking data to be masked; and receiving a data masking signal from the memory controller, the data masking signal including enable information that enables data masking, and non-enable information for not enabling data masking, wherein the enable information is used to mask the k-th piece of data. A latency between receiving the write command signal and receiving the enable information is less than a latency between receiving the write command and receiving the k-th piece of data. |
| US08015448B2 |
System and method for conducting BIST operations
A storage controller including a first controller. The first controller includes a memory module, a test access port controller, the test access port controller configured to control a built in self-test operation on the memory module, and a register configured to store a first instruction. In response to the storage controller detecting a test access port interface being accessible to the storage controller, the test access port controller is configured to control the built in self-test operation on the memory module of the first controller by having either (i) a second instruction sent from the test access port controller to the first controller or (ii) the first instruction sent from the register to the first controller. The first controller is configured to perform the built in self-test operation on the memory module in response to having received the first instruction or having received the second instruction. |
| US08015447B2 |
Processor debugging apparatus and processor debugging method
A processor debugging apparatus that scans and reads a latch in a processor includes a register that stores a value of a predetermined signal in the processor for a plurality of clocks; and a signal reading unit that scans and reads out a signal value stored in the register. |
| US08015444B2 |
Protection of non-volatile memory component against data corruption due to physical shock
A device, a computer readable medium, and a method are provided. The device includes, but is not limited to, a sensor, a processor, a non-volatile memory, and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, computer-readable instructions stored therein that, upon execution by the processor, perform operations comprising initiating a write operation of data to the non-volatile memory; during the initiated write operation, monitoring the sensor to determine if the electronic device is falling; and if the electronic device is determined to be falling, interrupting the initiated write operation and executing a non-volatile memory shutdown procedure. |
| US08015443B2 |
Reproduction test service apparatus for medical systems, maintenance support information management apparatus, X-ray CT system, and maintenance service center apparatus
In order to reproduce the past operations of a medical system, a reproduction test service apparatus stores a plurality of past log files directly or indirectly supplied from the medical system in a log file storage unit and reproduces the past operations of the medical system on a pseudo X-ray CT system in accordance with the stored log files. |
| US08015442B2 |
Anomaly notification control in disk array
In a storage device incorporating a plurality of kinds of disk drives with different interfaces, the controller performs sparing on a disk drive, whose errors that occur during accesses exceed a predetermined number, by swapping it with a spare disk drive that is prepared beforehand. |
| US08015436B2 |
Resilient data storage in the presence of replication faults and rolling disasters
A method for data protection includes, in a first operational mode, sending data items for storage in a primary storage device and in a secondary storage device, while temporarily caching the data items in a disaster-proof storage unit and subsequently deleting the data items from the disaster-proof storage unit, wherein each data item is deleted from the disaster-proof storage unit upon successful storage of the data item in the secondary storage device.An indication of a fault related to storage of the data in the secondary storage device is received. Responsively to the indication, operation is switched to a second operational mode in which the data items are sent for storage at least in the primary storage device and are cached and retained in the disaster-proof storage unit irrespective of the successful storage of the data items in the secondary storage device. |
| US08015431B2 |
Cluster system and failover method for cluster system
Provided is a failover method for a cluster system for realizing smooth failover of the guest OS's, even when there are many guest OS's, while reducing consumption of computer resources of a server. Smooth failover is realized by preventing competition during failover even when the number of guest OS's is increased. In a cluster configuration in which a slave/master cluster program is operated in a guest OS/host OS, the master cluster program (510) collects and transmits heartbeats of the slave cluster program, thereby realizing failure monitoring through the certain amount of heartbeats without depending on the number of guest OS's. Further, when the master cluster program monitors failures of the slave cluster program of its own computer to find a normal operation of the guest OS, the amount of communication through heartbeats is reduced by eliminating the necessity of communication to a standby system slave cluster program. |
| US08015429B2 |
Clock and data recovery (CDR) method and apparatus
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for clock and data recovery are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for recovering data from an input data stream of a device is disclosed, the method comprising synchronizing, during an initialization phase, a data clock (DCK) with an input data stream; synchronizing, during the initialization phase, an edge clock signal (ECK) with the input data stream based at least in part on a phase relationship between the ECK and the synchronized DCK; and sampling, during the initialization phase, a rising edge of the input data stream with the synchronized ECK to generate a transition level reference voltage. Additional variants and embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. |
| US08015428B2 |
Processing device and clock control method
A processing device comprises an interface and its control circuit for performing data transfer in synchronization with an external clock, an internal oscillator, and an interface and its control circuit for performing data transfer by using an internal clock generated by the internal oscillator. In the processing device, a clock control circuit that switches a system clock between the internal clock and the external clock in accordance with the interface is provided. When the system clock is switched, the switching is performed after the CPU is set in a sleep state, and after the switching is completed, the sleep state of the CPU is released to restart the operation. |
| US08015423B1 |
Temporally normalized processor utilization
A temporally normalized processor utilization trace is generated. |
| US08015419B2 |
Method and apparatus for soft start power gating with automatic voltage level detection
A method and apparatus for selectively charging a secondary voltage rail includes selectively and partially charging a secondary voltage rail using at least one soft start power gate switch and using an initial power control indicator. The partially charged secondary voltage rail is selectively charged, using at least one main power gate switch, based on the initial power control indicator and a detected voltage on the secondary voltage rail. When the initial power control indicator is in a state representative of an initial power up command and when the detected voltage is greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage level, at least one main power gate switch is closed thereby charging the secondary voltage rail. |
| US08015418B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved information transactions
Methods and systems for analyzing an image, such as a newspaper or magazine pager or the like including text by mapping the image to determine regions of text and analyzing portions of the image in accordance with characteristics of selected regions of the text to develop a desired ordering of at least the selected regions in accordance with a textual relationship between the selected regions. The desired order may be related to the order in which the selected regions, and or words therein, are to be presented in a different format appropriate for a specific use, such by a human reader, for transferring the text over a network, for use in a database or by a search function, word processor or printer. Normalizing, columnizing, regionalizing, frameset building and article tracing functions may be used to develop the desired order in related regions in an article within the image. |
| US08015413B2 |
Secure indirect addressing
An efficient solution for secure implementation of indirect addressing (IA) is described. IA may be used, for example, in networks of which the routing algorithms are not capable of multicast but also contain very constrained devices that, although requiring multicast, are not capable of repeated unicast. This ID is useful in wireless networks containing low-power low-cost devices. |
| US08015408B2 |
Trust evaluation for a mobile software agent on a trusted computing platform
A method and system for performing trust evaluation for a mobile software agent on a trusted computing platform are disclosed. A sending entity, which includes a mobile software agent, verifies if a receiving entity is trustworthy before transferring the mobile software agent to the receiving entity. The receiving entity may verify the state and details of the mobile software agent and/or the state of the sending entity, and receive the mobile software agent if the state of the mobile software agent and the sending entity are trustworthy. The mobile software agent may include its own virtual trusted platform module (TPM) which is tied to an agent's identity. The agent's virtual TPM is part of the agent and transferred along with the mobile code when the mobile code is transferred. |
| US08015406B2 |
Method to create an OSI network layer 3 virtual private network (VPN) using an HTTP/S tunnel
A method of creating and using a virtual private network (VPN) client encrypts network communications to server/gateways using strong algorithms to ensure data integrity and privacy during transport. Transport uses standard HTTP packets. Encryption and integrity are provided by using Secure Socket Layer (SSL, sometimes referred to as TLS). This invention is compatible and portable to different computer operating systems and mobile devices, and is also lightweight, allowing for ‘clientless’ installation and removal or small-footprint (thin) client software installations. The invention can also secure mobile user communication links over public wireless hotspots or wired Internet links. |
| US08015402B2 |
Address-authentification-information issuing apparatus, address-authentification-information adding apparatus, false-address checking apparatus, and network system
A DHCP/authentication server transmits an IP address and authentication information acquired from the IP address to a home gateway. The home gateway creates authentication data from the authentication information and adds the authentication data to an IP packet received from a terminal, and transfers the IP packet to a false-address checking server. The false-address checking server extracts a source IP address and the authentication data from the IP packet, and creates provisional authentication data based on the source IP address. The false-address checking server checks the provisional authentication data against the original authentication data. If these two pieces of the authentication data coincide with each other, the false-address checking server transfers the IP packet to a communication counter part. If the authentication data do not coincide with each other, the false-address checking server discards the IP packet. |
| US08015393B2 |
Data processing device, encryption communication method, key generation method, and computer program
A data processing device comprises a storage unit adapted to store an initial value of a pair of a public key and a private key and a communication unit adapted to execute communication with an external device with use of the initial value of the pair of the public key and the private key stored in the storage unit, thereby enabling encryption communication without generating the pair of the public key and the private key. |
| US08015388B1 |
Bypassing guest page table walk for shadow page table entries not present in guest page table
A method and system are provided that does not perform a page walk on the guest page tables if the shadow page table entry corresponding to the guest virtual address for accessing the virtual memory indicates that a corresponding mapping from the guest virtual address to a guest physical address is not present in the guest page tables. A marker or indicator is stored in the shadow page table entries to indicate that a mapping corresponding to the guest virtual address of the shadow page table entry is not present in the guest page table. |
| US08015387B2 |
Virtual memory mapping for efficient memory usage
A processor (e.g. utilizing an operating system and/or circuitry) may access physical memory by paging, where a page is the smallest partition of memory mapped by the processor from a virtual address to a physical address. An application program executing on the processor addresses a virtual address space so that the application program may be unaware of physical memory paging mechanisms. A memory control layer manages physical memory space in units of sub-blocks, wherein a sub-blocks is smaller than a size of the page. Multiple virtual address blocks may be mapped to the same physical page in memory. A sub-block can be moved from a page (e.g. from one physical memory to a second physical memory) without moving other sub-blocks within the page in a manner that is transparent to the application program. |
| US08015385B2 |
Arrangements for memory allocation
In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for allocating memory for a processor unit in a group of processing units. The method can include receiving a memory allocation request where the request can indicate a number of binary segments to be stored. The method can determine if the number indicates a nonstandard allocation, and locate an unallocated memory address based on a multiple of the number if the number indicates a nonstandard allocation. The method can also include locating an unallocated memory address from a pool of memory addresses, where the pool of addresses includes the integer multiples of the binary segments and excludes addresses that are two times the number of binary segments such that the address can be utilized to determine the allocation. |
| US08015382B1 |
Method and apparatus for strobe-based source-synchronous capture using a first-in-first-out unit
A source-synchronous capture unit includes a data register unit to register data synchronized to a strobe or non-free running clock. The source synchronous capture unit also includes an asynchronous first-in-first-out (FIFO) unit to store the data from the data register unit in response to the strobe or non-free running clock and to output the data stored, in response to another clock. |
| US08015379B2 |
Wake-and-go mechanism with exclusive system bus response
A wake-and-go mechanism is configured to issue a look-ahead load command on a system bus to read a data value from a target address and perform a comparison operation to determine whether the data value at the target address indicates that an event for which a thread is waiting has occurred. In response to the comparison resulting in a determination that the event has not occurred, the wake-and-go engine populates the wake-and-go storage array with the target address. In response to the comparison resulting in a determination that the event has occurred, the wake-and-go engine issues a load command on the system bus to read the data value from the target address with data exclusivity and determines whether the wake-and-go engine obtains a lock for the target address. Responsive to obtaining the lock for the target address, the wake-and-go engine holds the lock for the thread. |
| US08015377B2 |
Method and apparatus for de-duplication after mirror operation
During mirroring operations, de-duplication operations are applied to the mirror volumes. Data stored to a first volume is mirrored to a second volume. The second volume is a virtual volume having a plurality of logical addresses, such that segments of physical storage capacity are allocated for a specified logical address as needed when data is stored to the specified logical address. A de-duplication operation is carried out on the second volume following a split from the first volume. A particular segment of the second volume is identified as having data that is the same as another segment in the second volume or in the same consistency group. A link is created from the particular segment to the other segment and the particular segment is released from the second volume. |
| US08015375B1 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for parallel processing and saving tracking information for multiple write requests in a data replication environment including multiple storage devices
A method of parallel processing and storing tracking information for multiple write requests in a data replication environment including multiple data storage devices is disclosed. According to one aspect, the method includes receiving a plurality of first write requests to write data to the source in a data storage environment having a first volume of data denominated as a source being stored on a data storage system and at least a second volume of data denominated as a clone and which has data content that is a copy of data content of the source, the clone being stored on the data storage system or on another data storage system. Tracking information is saved to persistent storage representing differences in data located on the source and data located on the clone indicated by the first write requests. Parallel writing of data is initiated, where the data to be written to the source and the clone is indicated by the first write requests. During the parallel writing of data indicated by the first write requests, tracking information is saved to the persistent data storage, the tracking information representing differences in data located on the source and data located on the clone as indicated by a plurality of second write requests. |
| US08015373B2 |
Information sharing between a backup storage device and a management appliance
Backup storage apparatus and related methods wherein communication capabilities are provided that allow information to be shared between devices installed in the apparatus to extend the functionality of the apparatus. A controller comprising a communication link is coupled to an operator control panel that controls functions of and displays information regarding the apparatus. An installable component that is operable to extend the functionality of the apparatus when coupled to the communication link, and is operable to discover services that are sharable between the controller and the component. When communications are established, the operator control panel via the shared services is also capable of controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the component. |
| US08015371B2 |
Storage apparatus and method of managing data storage area
Disclosed is a storage apparatus that extends endurance and reduces bit cost. A storage apparatus includes a controller and a semiconductor storage media that has a plurality of storage devices. The plurality of storage devices include a first storage device and a second storage device having an upper limit of an erase count of data smaller than that of the first storage device. Area conversion information includes correspondence of a first address to be specified as a data storage destination and a second address of an area in which data is to be stored. A rewrite frequency of stored data is recorded for each area. The controller selects an area corresponding to the first address, determines whether or not the rewrite frequency of the selected area is equal to or larger than a first threshold value, when the rewrite frequency is equal to or larger than the threshold value, selects an area to be provided by the first storage device, and when the rewrite frequency is smaller than the threshold value, selects an area to be provided by the second storage device and maps the address of the selected area to the first address. |
| US08015370B2 |
Memory control method and memory system
A memory control method includes writing converted data which is produced by carrying out a code conversion on original data into a memory. An amount of 1s in the converted data is less than an amount of 1s in the original data. Further, the memory control method includes outputting reproduced data which is provided by carrying out an inverse transformation of the code conversion on the converted data which is read out from the memory, to a host system for processing the original data. |
| US08015368B2 |
Processor extensions for accelerating spectral band replication
Enhancements to hardware architectures (e.g., a RISC processor or a DSP processor) to accelerate spectral band replication (SBR) processing are described. In some embodiments, instruction extensions configure a reconfigurable processor to accelerat SBR and other audio processing. In addition to the instruction extensions, execution units (e.g., multiplication and accumulation units (MACs)) may operate in parallel to reduce the number of audio processing cycles. Performance may be further enhanced through the use of source and destination units which are configured to work with the execution units and quickly fetch and store source and destination operands. |
| US08015364B2 |
Method and apparatus for filtering snoop requests using a scoreboard
An apparatus for implementing snooping cache coherence that locally reduces the number of snoop requests presented to each cache in a multiprocessor system. A snoop filter device associated with a single processor includes one or more “scoreboard” data structures that make snoop determinations, i.e., for each snoop request from another processor, to determine if a request is to be forwarded to the processor or, discarded. At least one scoreboard is active, and at least one scoreboard is determined to be historic at any point in time. A snoop determination of the queue indicates that an entry may be in the cache, but does not indicate its actual residence status. In addition, the snoop filter block implementing scoreboard data structures is operatively coupled with a cache wrap detection logic means whereby, upon detection of a cache wrap condition, the content of the active scoreboard is copied into a historic scoreboard and the content of at least one active scoreboard is reset. |
| US08015352B2 |
Disk drive storage defragmentation system
The present invention provides a disk drive storage defragmentation system, comprising providing a cache buffer system coupled to a host system, coupling a disk drive storage system to the cache buffer system, performing a defragmentation process on the disk drive storage system utilizing the cache buffer system and servicing a data access request by the host system from the cache buffer system. |
| US08015348B2 |
Memory address management systems in a large capacity multi-level cell (MLC) based flash memory device
Methods and systems of managing memory addresses in a large capacity multi-level cell based flash memory device are described. According to one aspect, a flash memory device comprises a processing unit to manage logical-to-physical address correlation using an indexing scheme. The flash memory is partitioned into N sets. Each set includes a plurality of entries (i.e., blocks). N sets of partial logical entry number to physical block number and associated page usage information (hereinafter ‘PLTPPUI’) are stored in the reserved area of the MLC based flash memory. Only one the N sets is loaded to address correlation and page usage memory (ACPUM), which is a limited size random access memory (RAM). In one embodiment, static RAM (SRAM) is implemented for fast access time for the address correlation. LSA received together with the data transfer request dictates which one of the N sets of PLTPPUI is loaded into ACPUM. |
| US08015341B2 |
Communications device and method for configuring a communication port depending on a direction condition of a remote device communicatively coupled to the communications port
A communications port is implemented for configuration in direction and arrangement. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a communications link (110), such as a PCI Express type link, is configurable for communicating with devices having different directional and/or polarity configurations. The communications link is configured to match a communications port condition (e.g., a directional and/or polarity condition) of a device (120) coupled to the communications link. In one instance, the communications link is directionally configurable for reassigning input lanes to output lanes and output lanes to input lanes. With this approach, the communications link can be used to communicate with a variety of devices having varied communication characteristics. |
| US08015340B2 |
Enhanced data communication by a non-volatile memory card
A method of transmitting a stream of data bits from a memory card to a host device includes determining, at the memory card, a first number of data lines between the memory card and the host device, from one to a plurality of data lines. If the first number of data lines is determined to be a plurality of data lines, the method includes switching, at the memory card, the data stream between one of the first number of data lines and another of the first number of data lines after each occurrence of a second number of one or more bits of the data stream having passed toward the host device. The method also includes, if the first number of data lines is determined to be one data line, transmitting, from the memory card, the stream of data bits over the one data line to the host device. |
| US08015336B2 |
Method of compensating for propagation delay of tri-state bidirectional bus in a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device for detecting and compensating for a propagation delay of a tri-state bidirectional bus connected between a master block and a plurality of slave blocks. The master block controls the slave blocks. A bidirectional bus connects the master block and each of the slave blocks and accommodates transmission of data therebetween. A unidirectional bus is connected between the master block and each of the slave blocks. The unidirectional bus accommodates the transmission of control signals generated in the master block to the slave blocks wherein the master block detects a propagation delay time between the master block and the slave blocks. The master block counts the number of clocks from a time when a selected slave block transmits an allocated symbol to a time when the allocated symbol reaches the master block such that a propagation delay time between the master block and the selected slave block is detected and stored. |
| US08015335B2 |
Performing a configuration virtual topology change and instruction therefore
In a logically partitioned host computer system comprising host processors (host CPUs) partitioned into a plurality of guest processors (guest CPUs) of a guest configuration, a perform topology function instruction is executed by a guest processor specifying a topology change of the guest configuration. The topology change preferably changes the polarization of guest CPUs, the polarization related to the amount of a host CPU resource is provided to a guest CPU. |
| US08015332B2 |
KVM switch and KVM system
A KVM switch includes: an inputting portion that is capable of inputting a plurality of video signals output from an information processing apparatus; and a transmitting portion that adds the pieces of identification information of the respective corresponding video signals to the plurality of video signals input by the inputting portion, and transmits the plurality of video signals to which the pieces of identification information are added, to a remote terminal via a network. |
| US08015331B2 |
Multi-console workstations concurrently supporting multiple users
A workstation including a host machine and a plurality of consoles directly connected to the host machine. Each of the consoles are configured as a separate console, and each of the consoles include a respective input device adapted to receive input from a user and a respective output device adapted to provide output to the user. A method provided herein includes configuring the host machine to support a plurality of users concurrently on a plurality of consoles, and connecting each of the consoles directly to the host machine so as to enable direct communication therebetween. |
| US08015330B2 |
Read control in a computer I/O interconnect
In one embodiment, a method for controlling reads in a computer input/output (I/O) interconnect is provided. A read request is received over the computer I/O interconnect from a first device, the request requesting data of a first size. Then it is determined whether fulfilling the read request would cause the total size of a completion queue to exceed a first predefined threshold. If fulfilling the read request would cause the total size of the completion queue to exceed the first predefined threshold, then the read request is temporarily restricted from being forwarded upstream. |
| US08015327B1 |
Techniques for monitoring and managing wait queues
Described are techniques for managing a wait queue in a system. A plurality of buckets associated with the wait queue are defined. Each of the plurality of buckets is associated with one of more queue depth values and one or more counters. For each received request for service, a current depth of the wait queue indicating a number of other requests included in the wait queue waiting to be serviced is determined, a bucket in accordance with the current depth of the wait queue is selected and information is recorded by updating said one or more counters of the bucket selected. The received request is placed in the wait queue if there is another request currently being serviced or if there is at least one other request currently in the wait queue. |
| US08015325B2 |
Storage subsystem and storage controller having memory which stores management information indicating corresponding relations between processors and identifies of logical units
A storage subsystem and a storage controller adapted to take advantage of high data transfer rates of fiber channels while offering enhanced reliability and availability and capable of connecting with a plurality of host computers having multiple different interfaces. A loop is provided to serve as a common loop channel having fiber channel interfaces. Host interface controllers (HIFC) connected to host computers having different interfaces permit conversion between the fiber channel interface and a different interface as needed. Control processors, shared by the host interface controllers, each reference FCAL (fiber channel arbitrated loop) management information to capture a frame having an address of the processor in question from among the frames passing through the loop. I/O processing is then carried out by the controller in accordance with a range of logical unit numbers (LUN) set in the captured frame. |
| US08015323B2 |
Acquisition of data and autonomous transfer of data through communication interface in automotive system
In an interface, a host device or controller configures a peripheral or remote device to send data back to the host device. The remote device is operatively coupled to one or more sensors located throughout the vehicle and performs an analog to digital conversion on signals received from the sensors. The signal data is automatically transferred into particular locations in memory of the host device. In this manner, the host merely has to access its memory to obtain fresh data needed to control one or more operations of the vehicle. |
| US08015322B2 |
Information-processing system, electronic apparatus, information-processing method, and computer-readable program and recording medium
An information-processing system processes set-up identification information, which specifies a set-up item that is an adjustment attribute of a predetermined function of an electronic apparatus connectable to a network. The electronic apparatus that sets a parameter and the electronic apparatus on which the parameter is set are connected to each other. The electronic apparatus on which the parameter is set receives the set-up identification information from the electronic apparatus that sets the parameter. It also analyzes the set-up identification information thus received and converts the set-up identification information thus analyzed into set-up identification information of the electronic apparatus on which the parameter is set. It further changes a parameter setting of the electronic apparatus on which the parameter is set on the basis of adjustment contents of the set-up item correlated with the set-up identification information thus converted. |
| US08015320B2 |
Load distribution and redundancy using tree aggregation
A network comprising a plurality of trees each comprising at least one ingress leaf node, at least one interior node, and at least one egress leaf node, wherein at least some of the ingress leaf nodes and the egress leaf nodes are common to the trees, and wherein the ingress leaf node is configured to transport data to the egress leaf node using any of the trees is disclosed. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising selecting one of a plurality of trees associated with information contained within a frame, directing the frame to the selected tree, and maintaining a filtering database (FDB) entry in an interior node in the unselected tree or trees. |
| US08015316B2 |
Method and system for detecting messages in the presence of noise
Disclosed is a method for transmitting messages between a transmitter and a receiver on a channel on which noise may be present. The messages are constituted by a sequence of data and comprise an initial portion (header) containing data to allow recognition of the message, a central portion (body) containing the valid message to transmit and an end portion (tail) containing information to verify the completeness of the message. The method consists in inserting in the message header a signature obtained from the combination of a first fixed part and of a second validation part; and recognizing a valid message received by verifying whether the fixed part of the message received generates the same validation part. |
| US08015315B2 |
Compression of IPV6 addresses in a netflow directory
Modified flow keys holding compressed IPv6 addresses are stored in a flow table to improve memory utilization. The compressed IPv6 addresses are utilized to access a compression table holding the full IPv6 address, and full IPv6 address are substituted into the modified flow key to form an unmodified flow key. |
| US08015312B2 |
Scheduler for transmit system interfaces
A system balances bandwidth used by a data stream. The system receives data in the data stream and partitions the data into bursts. The system then identifies whether a size of a current one of the bursts is less than a size of a maximum burst associated with the data stream and schedules an additional burst in the data stream when the current burst size is less than the maximum burst size. The system transmits the current burst and the additional burst to balance bandwidth used by the data stream. |
| US08015311B2 |
Reducing or minimizing delays in peer-to-peer communications such as peer-to-peer video streaming
A new P2P streaming method and apparatus disseminates video chunks to all peers with the minimum (or at least reduced) delay. After obtaining a new video chunk, a peer keeps transmitting (uploading) that video chunk to other peers until all peers receive it. The approach quickly increases the aggregate bandwidth that can be utilized to transmit a video chunk. For example, the aggregate peer bandwidth used to transmit a video chunk can double every time slot. For a homogeneous P2P streaming system with N peers, a time slot is defined as a unit of the single chunk transmission delay between two peers. Using the P2P streaming method, a video chunk can be disseminated to all peers within 1+log2 N time slots. |
| US08015310B2 |
Systems and methods of adaptive playout of delayed media streams
In one embodiment, a method includes requesting accelerated delivery of a specified media stream. The media stream contains a plurality of video frames. The method also includes receiving a response to the accelerated delivery request. The method also includes selecting, based on the response, a media stream source. The method also includes receiving a media stream from the selected media stream source into a buffer, and decoding the received media stream from the buffer, at a selected playout rate. |
| US08015309B2 |
Packet prioritization and associated bandwidth and buffer management techniques for audio over IP
The present invention is directed to voice communication devices in which an audio stream is divided into a sequence of individual packets, each of which is routed via pathways that can vary depending on the availability of network resources. All embodiments of the invention rely on an acoustic prioritization agent that assigns a priority value to the packets. The priority value is based on factors such as whether the packet contains voice activity and the degree of acoustic similarity between this packet and adjacent packets in the sequence. A confidence level, associated with the priority value, may also be assigned. In one embodiment, network congestion is reduced by deliberately failing to transmit packets that are judged to be acoustically similar to adjacent packets; the expectation is that, under these circumstances, traditional packet loss concealment algorithms in the receiving device will construct an acceptably accurate replica of the missing packet. In another embodiment, the receiving device can reduce the number of packets stored in its jitter buffer, and therefore the latency of the speech signal, by selectively deleting one or more packets within sustained silences or non-varying speech events. In both embodiments, the ability of the system to drop appropriate packets may be enhanced by taking into account the confidence levels associated with the priority assessments. |
| US08015308B2 |
Audio/video task calculation method, method of providing summary information for audio/video task calculation, and apparatus using the methods
An audio/visual (AV) task calculation method, a method of providing summary information for an AV task calculation, and an apparatus for the same are provided. The method includes requesting summary information on media data from an AV server storing media data, receiving the summary information from the AV server, and calculating an AV task through the received summary information. |
| US08015299B2 |
Method and system for administering a concurrent user licensing agreement on a manufacturing/process control information portal server
Disclosed is a server that provides session-persistent concurrent licenses for resources accessed by clients. In one embodiment, rather than requiring a license when the server is initially accessed, a license is not requested until a client seeks access to a licensed resource. In one implementation, scripts for Web pages associated with licensed resources include requests for licenses from a license management facility. Certain resources conditionally request a license based upon the origin of the access request: the license request may be bypassed for access requests from “pre-licensed” applications. Session-based licensing allows equitable assessment of compensation to a service provider for use of the services. The server includes many resources, some of which require a license for access while others do not. The services of premium value are the only ones for which customers are expected to obtain/claim a license. |
| US08015297B2 |
Method for detecting fault in next generation network
A method for detecting fault in a next generation network includes: establishing a tool set and a corresponding command set for detecting whether the network is connective and detecting a range of network fault; creating dynamically in a PROXY an address mapping table storing a correspondence relationship between a user identifier userid and address information of a user terminal; and upon occurrence of a fault in the network, obtaining the address information of the user terminal from the address mapping table according to the userid of the user terminal probed currently, executing the set of command according to the address information, and probing connectivity of the network between the PROXY and the user terminal. The problem that the network address transform (NAT) device and the firewall cannot be traversed may be avoided, and the fault point or range may be detected accurately in the NGN where a fault occurs. |
| US08015294B2 |
Pin-hole firewall for communicating data packets on a packet network
A pin-hole firewall network communications device that includes a first port configured to communicate data packets over a packet network and a first counter module in communication with the first port. A pin-hole firewall module may be in communication with the first counter module. A call control module may be in communication with the first counter module and the pin-hole firewall function. A second counter module may be in communication with the pin-hole firewall function and the call control module. A second port may in communication with the second counter module and the packet network and be configured to communicate data packets over a second node segment of the packet network. |
| US08015286B2 |
Method and system to enable contact with unknown internet account holders
A method of enabling a server to contact an unknown Internet account holder can begin with the server receiving a request for a resource. The server then determines whether the request for the resource warrants sending a notice, and if so, identifies a notice destination to which the notice is to be sent. The server then generates a notice comprising an apparent IP address, a time the server received the request, and a communication; and sends the notice to the notice destination via a standardized communications pathway. An ISP can receive a notice from the server via the standardized communication pathway, and based thereon can identify the account holder based the requesting IP and optionally the request time. The ISP can then send the account holder the communication by an arranged manner despite the server not having known the identity of the account holder. |
| US08015282B2 |
System and method to synthesize custom metric attributes from a set of metric attributes associated with an application in an application server environment
A system and method for synthesizing custom metric attributes from available attributes. The system includes an application server that exposes available metric attributes of a MBean. A network console displays for selection the metric attributes of the MBean on a navigation tree and a view panel is located on the network management console where the metric attributes are dragged. The console and view panel allow network administrators to review monitoring data collected exposed by the application server. Custom attributes are created by combining attributes made available by the application server and can be combined to synthesize a custom expression that can be made available to other managed servers on the application server. |
| US08015280B2 |
Method and system for intelligent feature degradation in response to a network deficiency detection
A system for intelligent feature degradation in response to a network deficiency detection, in one example embodiment, comprises a monitoring module to monitor a utilization of a plurality of network resources, a processing module to determine whether the utilization of the plurality of the network resources is above a threshold, to determine a category of an application level using entity, and to determine a revenue generated by the application level using entity, and a degrading module to degrade at least one application level functionality available to the using entity based on the category and the revenue generated by the application level using entity unless the utilization of the plurality of the network resources drops below the first threshold. |
| US08015279B2 |
Network analysis
A method of analysing a network having a plurality of computing and infrastructure elements, some of which run agents that monitor one or more network phenomenon, the method comprising the steps of: disabling a selected infrastructure element on which it is not possible to run a monitoring agent; acquiring data from an element adjacent a disabled element; and generating, from the acquired data, a signature representative of the selected element being inoperative. |
| US08015277B2 |
Method and system for simulating latency between layers of multi-tier applications
A method, system and article of manufacture for simulating latency between software applications. There is provided a middleware component, e.g., a delay driver, within a multi-tier software product, the middleware component driver enables simulation of both latency and bandwidth restrictions experienced by the components in the multi-tier software product. The middleware component determines whether I/O request packets should be delayed, selects the number and types of I/O requests packets to be delayed and the amount of time to delay processing of the packets. Through the use of such a middleware component, a user is able to simulate various conditions experienced by the multi-tier software product. |
| US08015267B2 |
Method and system for selectively distributing data to a set of network devices
A method selectively distributes data to a set of devices linked by a network, where each device has at least one unique identifier. The method comprises selecting devices to be members of the set, the set devices being selected to receive the data based on the at least one unique identifier, and distributing data to at least the selected devices, the data including at least one matching key for matching at least a portion of the unique identifier of selected devices. The unique identifier is a device hardware identifier, being a string of bits and the key correlates to at least a portion of the string of bits. |
| US08015264B2 |
Method and apparatus for ordering goods, services and content over an internetwork
A billing system that allows a consumer to order products from computers connected to the Internet, wherein the consumer is automatically billed for the ordered product by its telephone service provider. When a product is ordered over the Internet, a plug-in component of the consumer's computer establishes an Internet connection to a billing server. A billing server component transfers an encrypted version of the product to the plug-in component. The plug-in component then disconnects from the Internet and establishes a point-to-point (PPP) connection with the billing server. During the PPP connection, the billing server component transfers an access key assigned to the order to the plug-in component so that the plug-in component may decrypt the product. The consumer is charged a unit rate or “drop-charge” for the product by the telephone service provider using a premium telephone number assigned and administered by the telephone service provider. |
| US08015260B2 |
Encryption keys for multiple drive fault tolerance
A system and related method for calculating parity information for disk array drive failure recovery. More specifically, using eight bit coefficients and calculating parity information using valid eight bit encryption keys to produce finite field encrypted resultant multiplication. Further disclosed is a method of determining whether a potential encryption key of a particular number of bits produces valid results for all possible multiplications in determining parity values. |
| US08015254B2 |
System and method for selecting messaging settings on a messaging client
A system and method of selecting messaging settings on a messaging client are provided. A data store configured to operate in conjunction with the messaging client stores records comprising messaging settings or characteristics for previously received and/or sent messages. The messaging client is configured to send outgoing messages, each of the messages having message characteristics, to determine whether a record for an addressed recipient of an outgoing message exists in the data store, and to select messaging settings to control the message characteristics of the outgoing message based on the record where a record exists. |
| US08015252B2 |
High availability transport
A system provides high availability electronic message forwarding. When an electronic message is communicated to a first server, a copy of the electronic message is maintained at a second server. The electronic message is maintained on both servers until the electronic message is successfully communicated to a third server. After the message is delivered to the third server, the electronic message is removed from both the first server and the second server. If the first server fails to communicate the electronic message to the third server, the second server does so. |
| US08015250B2 |
Method and system for filtering electronic messages
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and methods for filtering electronic messages having data therein identifying a link to a remote processing system. One embodiment provides a method which includes interrupting the transmission of the electronic message, identifying a link within the electronic message, and analyzing the electronic message on the basis of at least one of an attribute of the link and of at least an attribute intrinsic to the received electronic message so as to classify the message as either a suspect message or acceptable message. The method further includes modifying the electronic message so as to replace the link with an alternative network location corresponding to a remote processing system different from that corresponding to the link if the message is classified as a suspect message. The method further includes transmitting the electronic message unmodified if the message is classified as an acceptable message. |
| US08015248B2 |
Queuing of conflicted remotely received transactions
Queuing of received transactions that have a resource conflict is disclosed. A first node receives a first transaction from a second node, where the first transaction relates to a resource of the first node. The transaction may be a request relating to a memory line of the first node, for instance. It is determined that a second transaction that relates to this resource of the first node is already being processed by the first node. Therefore, the first transaction is enqueued in a conflict queue within the first node. The queuing may be a linked list, a priority queue, or another type of queue. Once the second transaction has been processed, the first transaction is restarted for processing by the first node. The first transaction is then processed by the first node. |
| US08015247B1 |
Joint communication sessions
Online communication sessions may be joined in an environment that includes receiving a first communication between a first user and a second user and enabling the rendering of the first communication at devices associated with the first and second users. A second communication between the first user and a third user is received and the rendering of the second communication at devices associated with the first and third users is enabled. After receiving the first and second communications, a trigger to join at least the communication sessions associated with the first, second, and third users is received from the first, second, or third user. Information structured and arranged to render, in a single window, text associated with the first and second communications at the devices associated with the first, second, and third users is generated. |
| US08015243B2 |
Authenticating a requestor without providing a key
A method for authenticating a requesting entity in a communications environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining a client identification of a client node associated with the requesting entity, and determining whether the requesting entity associated with the client node is acting in a supervisor capacity. A key to the requesting entity is returned from a resource provider node upon determining that the client identification of the client node indicates that the client node is permitted to access one or more resources of the provider node, and that the client node is acting in a supervisor capacity. |
| US08015240B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling associated portlets of a web portlet to collaborate for synchronized content display
The invention provides method and apparatus for collaboration between a plurality of associated portlets in a portal server comprising: associating each portlet with a portlet descriptor describing context names; forming collaboration groups of portlets having corresponding context names for synchronized contents. |
| US08015239B2 |
Method and system to reduce false positives within an automated software-testing environment
A method and system to reduce false positives within an automated software-testing environment using a comparator module, a filter application module, and a preview generator module is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method within a testing system for testing web pages associated with a current version website by automatically generating filter data by comparing differences between a plurality of iterations of a test case executed on a previous version website, automatically generating error data by executing the test case on the current version website, and detecting differences between the previous version and the current version of the website by applying filtering rules within the filter data to the error data to remove false positives. |
| US08015238B2 |
Approaches and architectures for computation of particle interactions
A generalized approach to particle interaction can confer advantages over previously described method in terms of one or more of communications bandwidth and latency and memory access characteristics. These generalizations can involve one or more of at least spatial decomposition, import region rounding, and multiple zone communication scheduling. An architecture for computation of particle interactions makes use various forms of parallelism. In one implementation, the parallelism involves using multiple computation nodes arranged according to a geometric partitioning of a simulation volume. |
| US08015237B2 |
Processing of metadata content and media content received by a media distribution system
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the submission of metadata content and media content to a media distribution system. The media content can include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, a client submitting metadata content can validate the metadata content prior to submission of the metadata content and/or associated media content. A media distribution system receiving metadata content can also validate the metadata content. |
| US08015236B2 |
Replication of objects having non-primitive fields, especially addresses
The updating of only some memory locations in a multiple computer environment in which at least one applications program (50) executes simultaneously on a plurality of computers M1, M2 . . . Mn each of which has a local memory, is disclosed. Objects A and B in each local memory are disclosed which each include primitive fields (11). However, the simultaneous operation of the application program (50) can result in a “non-primitive” reference field (10) in one machine which must then be replicated in all other machines. However, the reference field (10) references another object (H) in the one machine's local memory so corresponding objects (T, K) must be created in the local memory of each other machine and be referenced by the corresponding non-primitive field (10). |
| US08015235B1 |
Group services
Described is a technique for distributing information about one or more groups of objects in a plurality of nodes. A first portion of group information is stored on each of said plurality of nodes. The first portion includes information about defined groups and associated group hierarchy information. A second portion of the group information is stored on each of the plurality of nodes. The second portion of group information stored on each of said plurality of nodes identifying which objects included in said one or more groups are defined at said each node. |
| US08015231B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method for performing floating point multiplication
A data processing apparatus and method includes multiplier logic operable to multiply the first and second n-bit significands to produce a pair of 2n-bit vectors. Half adder logic is arranged to produce a plurality of carry and sum bits representing a corresponding plurality of most significant bits of the pair of 2n-bit vectors. The first adder logic then performs a first sum operation with a first rounded result and a second adder logic performs a second sum operation with a second rounded result. The required n-bit result is then derived from either the first rounded result or the second rounded result. The data processing apparatus takes advantage of a property of the half adder form to enable a rounding increment value to be injected prior to performance of the first and second sum operations without requiring full adders to be used to inject the rounding increment value. |
| US08015230B2 |
Fast modular zero sum and ones sum determination
In one embodiment, a state determiner comprises a plurality of logic circuits and a second logic circuit. Each logic circuit corresponds to a respective bit position of a result of an adder. A first logic circuit corresponds to a least significant bit of the result and is coupled to receive a least significant bit of each operand of the adder and a carry-in input to the adder. Each remaining logic circuit is coupled to receive a bit from the respective bit position of each operand and a less significant bit adjacent to the bit of each operand. Each logic circuit generates an output signal indicative of whether or not a specific result occurs in the respective bit position of the result. Coupled to receive the output signals second logic circuit is configured to generate a sum signal indicative, when asserted, that the specific result occurs. |
| US08015227B2 |
Method in creating a symbol pattern, symbol pattern obtained thereby, method and system for finding a position in such symbol pattern and computer program product for performing the method
The invention relates to a method in creating a two-dimensional symbol pattern which may be utilized to determine a position in a large area covered by the pattern, for example for recording handwritten information by means of a pen-like instrument. The invention is useful for creating a symbol pattern having desired properties, namely that any sufficiently large observed part of the pattern is unique, enabling an unambiguous determination of position. The symbol pattern is based on a non-repeating sequence of symbol values Sk that each corresponds to a fixed linear combination of the coefficients of the monomials in xk mod P(x), where P(x) is any polynomial of degree n in the field Fq. The symbol pattern is generated by folding the sequence according to a wrapping scheme. The invention also relates to methods and systems for finding the position of a group of observed symbol values in this symbol pattern and computer program products performing the methods. |
| US08015222B2 |
Virtual repository management
Virtual repository management is disclosed. An indication is received that a content management functionality is desired to be available with respect to one or more external content items. A reference object is created for each for the one or more external content items that represents the external content item and enables the content management functionality to be performed with respect to the external content item. |
| US08015221B1 |
Systems and methods for maintaining file-type information
A method for maintaining file-type information for a file is described. Data in a first position of a file is analyzed. A file-type for the file is determined based on the analyzed data in the first position. The file is monitored for input/output operations. The file-type of the file is updated if input/output operations occur within the first position of the file. |
| US08015220B1 |
Block-based differencing algorithm
A system and method for a block based differencing algorithm which includes the ability to limit memory requirements regardless of source file sizes by splitting the source file into optimally sized blocks. The invention allows the blocks to be processed in any order allowing in-place operation. Further, the present invention allows a second stage compressor to match the compressor blocks to those used by the differencing algorithm to optimize compressor and decompressor performance. |
| US08015215B2 |
Delegation in a file system with distributed components
Various systems and methods of a distributed file system architecture are disclosed. A method for creating a file may include receiving a message to open or create a file with a given name from a file system call handler. Once the message has been received a determination may then be made as to whether a file with the given name exists. If no file with the given name exists, then a new file with the given name may be created and assigned a globally unique file number. |
| US08015214B2 |
Method of encapsulating information in a database and an encapsulated database
In a method of encapsulating information in a database, a message is partitioned into a plurality of object class entries within the database. An object class pointer is generated for each of a first subset of the plurality of object class entries, the generating further including executing a pointer key algorithm, the algorithm additionally generating a random number for each object class entry and concatenating the randomly generated numbers to form a single parameter string adapted to obfuscate a path between a pointer and its corresponding object class entry. The plurality of object class entries are stored in non-adjacent storage locations within the database, with each of a second subset of the plurality of object class entries stored in association with one of the generated pointers. |
| US08015213B2 |
Content having native and export portions
Content is described having native and export portions. In an implementation, one or more computer-readable media includes instructions that are executable on a computing device to store content in a content container as a native portion and an export portion. The native portion is native to an application that originated the content and the export portion is to provide a published view of the content when the native portion is not supported. |
| US08015212B2 |
Reproduction method, reproduction apparatus, and recording medium
To provide a reproduction method for enabling an automatic selection and reproduction of a music data suitable for a user's preference during the reproduction, for reproducing a contents data given with an attribute data, and having the steps of: reproducing a plurality of the contents data in a predetermined pattern successively; monitoring an execution of a predetermined input operation during reproducing the contents data; specifying an attribute data common to the plurality of the contents data, to which the input operation is not executed during the reproduction, when a number of the input operations exceeds a predetermined value; and reproducing a contents data given with the common attribute data. |
| US08015209B2 |
Universal asset and relationship manager
A universal asset and relationship manager, allows interaction and correlation between user-based data records—which define, list and catalogue user-based assets, comprising both physical assets and information assets—with vendor-based data records, in a manner which enables users to manage, track and service their assets for organizational, upkeep, inventory and business purposes. |
| US08015207B2 |
Method and apparatus for unstructured data mining and distributed processing
A sort server including a central processing unit, a memory and a network interface configured to interconnect the sort server with a search server, at least one storage system and multiple processing servers using at least one network. The sort server is configured to receive a search result from the search server and to assign multiple tasks to the processing servers. The assignment of the multiple tasks is based on a condition including the search result. Assignment of the tasks to servers may be based on CPU load of at least some of the multiple servers, network architecture, network distance between the servers and the storage system storing the required object, failure information, urgency of the task, Level Agreement associated with the servers and other tasks performed by the servers. |
| US08015200B2 |
Multimedia platform synchronizer
A karaoke home entertainment center for streamlining karaoke show; reduce stress, problems and time pressure on the KJ & to prevent piracy. The inventive device includes Ultimate Karaoke Book, Karaoke Rental Systems, ProPlayer, Karaoke Shoppe Download Center, Karaoke Burning Station, Downloadable Karaoke CD+G Player, Video Library Pro, DRM and Licensing encryption engine, Pre-manufactured CD DRM. The Book eliminates the majority of KJ typing when creating or updating their book. Book with minimal player forms the Karaoke Rental System. ProPlayer incorporates super encryption Dongle or soft encryption, which permits “back-up” copy but can only be used with the original dongle. Karaoke Shoppe Download Center consists of basic computer system that can access our on-line database or come pre-loaded with encrypted songs. Karaoke burning Station Kiosk is either counter-top or stand-alone kiosks that can contain and deliver cds. Downloadable Karaoke CD+G Player is a quality karaoke player that doesn't require a special piece of hardware (other than a personal computer). It can download and play karaoke songs and be given away for free. Video Library Pro is an adaption of the book and player above designed for video professionals. There are two forms of DRM and Licensing encryption engine that perform the function of file protection. Together they form the Karaoke Home Entertainment Center. |
| US08015198B2 |
Method for automatically indexing documents
A method for retrieving based on a search term together with its corresponding meaning from a set of base documents those documents which contain the search term and in which the certain search term has the certain meaning to enable the building of an index on the retrieved documents. The method includes searching for those base documents among the set of base documents which contain the certain search term and evaluating the found base documents as to whether the search term contained in the found base documents, respectively, has a certain meaning. Evaluation includes generating a text document to represent elements surrounding the search term and their corresponding absolute or relative position with respect to the search term; inputting the text document into a trainable classifying apparatus; classifying the inputted text document to judge whether the search term has the inputted meaning. |
| US08015197B2 |
Competitive rewards benchmarking system and method
The invention concerns a system and method for implementing and/or administering a competitive rewards database. Member data is received from at least one member computer via a data feed. The (raw) member data is automatically mapped and incorporated into the competitive rewards database. A data capture tool, preferably coupled to a data network, is operable to adjust the mapping of member data. A rewards workbench, preferably coupled to a data network, is generally operable to query the competitive rewards database. |
| US08015191B2 |
Implementing dynamic processor allocation based upon data density
Dynamic processor allocation is implemented based upon bitmap data density. A bitmap index is used to process the query. A bitmap is created for the query. The bitmap is partitioned into single I/O operations. A variable partition size is provided based upon data density. Data density for each partition is calculated. Processors are assigned based upon data density of each partition. Then the partitions are processed and query results are returned. |
| US08015181B2 |
System for providing enhanced search results on the internet
Apparatus and a method that control the number of sponsored links that are presented in search result webpages in response to a search string presented by a user, based on the past behavior of users to presentations of result in response to the same search string. When this past behavior indicates that users tend to select sponsored links, the number of sponsored links in the results sent to the user is increased, thereby a more responsive presentation. In addition to sending results with a controlled number of sponsored links, the apparatus and the method account for the response of the user so as to include the user's behavior in the information about past behavior of users. |
| US08015180B2 |
Queries with hard time constraints
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with supporting queries with hard time constraints are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic for accepting a query having a hard time constraint. The example system may also include logic for selectively rewriting the query having the hard time constraint into a query having a row limitation or a sample percentage limitation. In one example, the row limitation or sample percentage limitation are computed by repetitively comparing an estimated query execution time to the hard time constraint. The example system may also include logic for establishing a timer(s) associated with the rewritten query. |
| US08015174B2 |
System and method of controlling access to the internet
Certain embodiments provide for systems and methods of monitoring data sent from a requested device to a requesting device and removing certain portions of the data such as malicious or otherwise objectionable content. Objectionable content may include, for example, potentially executable web content. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods remove uniform resource locator (URL) links from the intercepted data which point to web pages having malicious or otherwise objectionable content. |
| US08015173B2 |
Techniques for web site integration
Disclosed is a method and device for finding documents, such as Web pages, for presentation to a user, automatically or in response to a user expression of interest, which documents are part of a Web site being accessed by the user, and which documents relate to a document, such as a Web page, being accessed in the Web site. The method takes advantage of information retrieval techniques. The method generates the search query to use to find documents by reference to the text of the document in the Web site being accessed by the user. The method further uses a weighting function to weigh the terms used in the search query. |
| US08015167B1 |
Media players and download manager functionality
A media player monitors a media feed (e.g., a web feed) for availability of newly published content available over a network. Via the feed, the media player can receive notification that certain retrievable content (e.g., the same content or substantially similar content) is available from multiple different locations over the network. The notification can include multiple pointers for use by the media player to retrieve the content. For example, a first pointer of the multiple pointers can identify a first remote location over the network in which to retrieve the content, a second pointer can identify a second remote location over the network in which to retrieve the content, and so on. The media player can have an associated download manager that selects an appropriate one of the pointers to retrieve the content depending on which of one or more download by applications resides on a computer system. |
| US08015164B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An object of this invention is to allow a user to easily confirm whether the access right is set within a desired range in a system which can set the access right. To achieve the object, according to this invention, an information processing apparatus includes a unit which stores a user ID in correspondence with user attribute information, a unit which holds the user ID of an accessible user in correspondence with each file or each folder, a unit which provides a display for selecting a user accessible to the file by using the attribute information when storing the file in the folder, a unit which determines whether the user ID corresponding to the selected attribute information coincides with the held user ID, and a unit which informs the user of a warning when it is determined that the user IDs do not coincide with each other. |
| US08015157B2 |
File sharing system, file server, and method for managing files
In the HSM function, when supporting the file system snapshot function, a differential data volume is required for both a high-speed volume and a low-speed volume. Accordingly, when supporting the snapshot function by using a file system provided by the HSM function, a large amount of differential data volume is required. When the manager gives an instruction to acquire a snapshot, a snapshot management program executes snapshot acquisition processing to acquire a snapshot. In this processing, a snapshot reference relation building processing part copies a file storage location management table, and relates the file storage location management table to the acquired snapshot. Then, the snapshot reference relation building processing part checks a file that is migrated to a file system which does not have a differential data volume. Finally, the snapshot reference relation building processing part creates a link of the migrated file to the snapshot which is acquired previous time. |
| US08015155B2 |
Non-disruptive backup copy in a database online reorganization environment
Various embodiments of a computer system and computer program product backup a dataset. An input image copy of the dataset is read, wherein the input image copy is prior to a start of dataset reorganization. A cursor value associated with reorganization of said dataset is determined. A backup copy is produced based on the input image copy, the changes from the log and the cursor value. |
| US08015154B1 |
Starting database software in response to a broadcast message
A database system that has a plurality of nodes determines whether each node has a first version of database software. A broadcast message is sent from a first node of the database system to other nodes of the database system. In response to the broadcast message, at least each of at least some of the other nodes starts a software module to perform a task with respect to the database software executable in each node. |
| US08015153B2 |
System for distributed communications
A system for use in a distributed environment comprising a first data processing system having a first entity (e.g. an object) and a second data processing system having a second entity. The first entity sends a request for an operation associated with the second entity. The request comprises an operation identifier in a first format (e.g. a first national language) and the operation comprises an operation identifier in a second format (e.g. a second national language). The environment also comprises a data structure comprising an association between the operation identifier in the first format and the operation identifier in the second format. The system comprises an intercept component for intercepting the request, a search component for searching the data structure for the operation identifier in the first format and a map component for mapping the operation identifier in the first format to the operation identifier in the second format. |
| US08015151B2 |
Method and system for managing and modifying time dependent data structures
A system, method, and computer-readable medium having instructions thereon for executing a method are provided for effecting modification of, e.g., updating, a target application or document. An embodiment of the present invention provides for the updating of a target application or document having specific time split operations in, for example, an enterprise resources planning system (ERP). |
| US08015150B2 |
Method for editing related data in a database
In one aspect, a method for operating databases with a plurality of first data is provided. A temporary copy of at least some logically related parts of the plurality of first data is generated as second data for an editing procedure. The second data is offered by a user such that he can edit the second data. On conclusion of the editing procedure an individual comparison of the second data with the first data is performed such that when a second datum of the second data matches a first datum of the first data, a reference is created in the database to the first datum corresponding to the second datum. At least some of the second data for which no match with first data is determined is saved in the database. |
| US08015146B2 |
Methods and systems for assisting information processing by using storage system
In a networked information system, a portion of the information processing is offloaded from servers to a storage system to reduce network traffic and conserve server resources. The information system includes a storage system storing files or objects and having a function which automatically extracts portions of text from the files and transmits the extracted text to the servers. The text extraction is responsive to file requests from the servers. The extracted text and files are stored on the storage system, decreasing the need to send entire files across the network. Thus, by transmitting smaller extracted text data instead of entire files over the network, network performance can be increased through the reduction of traffic. Additionally, the processing strain on physical resources of the servers can be reduced by extracting the text at the storage system rather than at the servers. |
| US08015144B2 |
Learning transportation modes from raw GPS data
Described is a technology by which raw GPS data is processed into segments of a trip, with a predicted mode of transportation (e.g., walking, car, bus, bicycling) determined for each segment. The determined transportation modes may be used to tag the GPS data with transportation mode information, and/or dynamically used. Segments are first characterized as walk segments or non-walk segments based on velocity and/or acceleration. Features corresponding to each of those walk segments or non-walk segments are extracted, and analyzed with an inference model to determine probabilities for the possible modes of transportation for each segment. Post-processing may be used to modify the probabilities based on transitioning considerations with respect to the transportation mode of an adjacent segment. The most probable transportation mode for each segment is selected. |
| US08015138B2 |
Computerized medical self-diagnostic and treatment advice system
A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a telephone network. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A semantic discrepancy evaluator routine along with a mental status examination are used to detect the consciousness level of a user of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary. |
| US08015137B2 |
Determining the degree of relevance of alerts in an entity resolution system over alert disposition lifecycle
An entity resolution system and alert analysis system configured to process inbound identity records and to generate alerts based on relevant identities, entities, conditions, activities, or events is disclosed. One process of resolving identity records and detecting relationships between entities may be performed using a pre-determined or configurable entity resolution rules. Further, the entity resolution system may include an alert analysis system configured to allow analysts to review and analyze alerts, entities, and identities, as well as provide comments or assign a disposition to alerts generated by the entity resolution system. Furthermore, the entity resolution system may be configured to handle duplicate alerts, i.e., one or more identical or near-identical alerts generated using the same entities and/or identities as well as assign a relevance score to the particular entities and identities included in the alert. |
| US08015135B2 |
System and method for knowledge storage in an autonomic network
An indication of an occurrence of an event is received. A first ontology (124) is accessed and selected information associated with the occurrence of the event is obtained from the first ontology (124). A second ontology (122) is then accessed and at least one first rule associated with the occurrence of the event is obtained from the second ontology (122) by using at least in part the selected information from the first ontology (124). |
| US08015132B2 |
System and method for object detection and classification with multiple threshold adaptive boosting
Systems and methods that comprise receiving a training set of samples, a set of features for a first subset of the set of features, a feature value with a first subset of the training set, a weight with a second subset of the training set. Determining for a second subset of the set of features, a first threshold value with a first metric minimized, and determining, for a third subset of the set of features, a second threshold value with a second metric is minimized, then determining, for a fourth subset of the set of features, a number of thresholds, determining, for a fifth subset of the set of features, an error value based on the number of thresholds, afterward determining the feature having the lowest error, and finally updating the weights by classifying a sample as either belonging to an object class or not based on the strong classifier. |
| US08015130B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, pattern recognition apparatus, and pattern recognition method
In a hierarchical neural network having a module structure, learning necessary for detection of a new feature class is executed by a processing module which has not finished learning yet and includes a plurality of neurons which should learn an unlearned feature class and have an undetermined receptor field structure by presenting a predetermined pattern to a data input layer. Thus, a feature class necessary for subject recognition can be learned automatically and efficiently. |
| US08015124B2 |
Method for determining near duplicate data objects
A system for determining that a document B is a candidate for near duplicate to a document A with a given similarity level th. The system includes a storage for providing two different functions on the documents, each function having a numeric function value. The system further includes a processor associated with the storage and configured to determine that the document B is a candidate for near duplicate to the document A, if a condition is met. The condition includes: for any function ƒi from among the two functions, ƒi(A)−ƒi(B)≦δi(ƒ,A,th). |
| US08015117B1 |
Method and system for anonymous reporting
A system and method for anonymous reporting. Specifically, the method includes collecting user information about a user and generating a user profile based on the user information. The user profile is stored such that the user profile is used to achieve delivery of data that is targeted to the user based on the user profile without requiring a release of user information in the user profile. A signed authorization number is generated. The signed authorization number is signed by the third party but unknown to the third party. The signed authorization number is attached to a report detailing activities of the user. The report along with the signed authorization number is sent to the third party to preserve reporting privacy of the user. The third party is able to authenticate the report using the signed authorization number. |
| US08015116B2 |
Methods for authentication
A method for managing access to application software contained on a computer system or network. The computer system utilizes an authentication component that is configured to receive a unique user account identifier and to generate an authentication passkey by using an identifying data element, typically called a “password”. The identifying data elements are collected from one or more input devices and used as an encryption key for the user account identifier. The generated authentication passkey is used in an authentication transaction associated with the application software instead of the identifying data element thereby reducing data security risks if the identifying data element alone were discovered due to other unknowns including the encryption elements. |
| US08015111B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing a payment system over a network
Apparatus and methods provide an accumulator that processes electronic payments from an employer to a recipient via a network. The payments processed may be, for example, child support payments collected from an employee by the employer. The employer may submit one transaction made up of payments collected from multiple employees bound for multiple recipients and the accumulator may receive, translate, batch, and deliver the payments to the multiple recipients. The accumulator, employers, and recipients may communicate via a network such as the Internet. |
| US08015106B2 |
Dynamic credit management
A method for providing a financial evaluation of at least one financial instrument or of an issuer supports the provision of a dynamic credit limit. A dynamic credit limit may be associated with a counterparty or a debt security of the counterparty, for example. The method includes obtaining counterparty credit quality data associated with a transaction of the financial instrument between a party and a counterparty. Debt market data is obtained where the debt market data is associated with or relevant to the transaction. A dynamic credit limit is determined for the counterparty or a financial instrument of the counterparty based on at least one of the inputted counterparty credit quality and the obtained debt market data. The dynamic credit limit may be defined in terms of a credit exposure versus time. |
| US08015105B2 |
Methods and systems for providing structured loan commitment transactions
In one aspect, the invention comprises entering into an agreement with a borrower to provide a loan of a specified amount on a specified date, wherein the agreement further specifies a fixed rate and a spread; and on the specified date specifying whether the borrower must pay a fixed coupon at the fixed rate or pay a floating coupon based on the spread. In another aspect, the invention comprises an agreement between a lender and a borrower whereby the lender provides to the borrower a loan of a specified amount on a specified date; a fixed rate and a spread are specified; and the borrower receives the specified amount on the specified date, and during the term pays, at lender's option to be specified on the specified date, either a fixed coupon at the fixed rate or a floating coupon at a floating rate based on the spread. |
| US08015104B2 |
Method and system for multi-enterprise optimization using flexible trade contracts
A method of multi-enterprise optimization at a buyer computer includes accessing a forecasted demand for at least one item and generating one or more proposed flexible trade contracts using the forecasted demand for the item. The proposed flexible trade contract is communicated to a seller computer and subsequently executed after acceptance of the proposed flexible trade contract at the seller computer to create a flexible trade contract. Each proposed flexible trade contract may be a forward contract, an option contract, or a flexible forward contract. |
| US08015100B2 |
Method, apparatus, and interface for trading multiple tradeable objects
An interface for trading multiple tradeable objects includes a price axis or scale. A first indication of quantities represented in a market for a first tradeable object is displayed in association with the price axis or scale. A second indication of quantities represented in the market for a second tradeable object is displayed in association with the price axis or scale. The first tradeable object may be different than the second tradeable object. Alternatively, the first tradeable object and the second tradeable object may be the same, but the indications of quantity may be provided from different sources, such as different exchanges. |
| US08015099B2 |
Order routing system and method incorporating dark pools
A method for routing a financial instrument order incorporating dark pools and at least one electronic communication network (ECN) or exchange. The financial instrument order includes an identification of a financial instrument, a bid or ask price, and a number of units to be traded. A ping order of the dark pools is determined. The financial instrument order is routed to a top dark pool as an immediate or cancel order. If the financial instrument order is not complete, the ping order is updated by removing the top dark pool. If any dark pools remain in the updated ping order, the financial instrument order is routed to the next dark pool. This process continues until all of the dark pools have been pinged or the financial instrument order is complete. If the financial instrument order is not complete, the financial instrument order is routed to the ECN or exchange. |
| US08015097B2 |
Securities trading system with multiple levels of interest
Disclosed is a securities trading program for trading individual lots of a security which can be run at a security trader's computer station. The program generates a trading screen comprising a listing of multiple bids for the security, each bid having a price, as well as a listing of multiple priced offers for the security. The bid and offer listings are active, enabling the trader to hit any one of the displayed bids or take any one of the displayed offers, for example by selecting and clicking on a displayed bid or offer. In one embodiment, the bids and offers are arranged in side-by-side columns on the trader's screen, helping the trader to rapidly overview the market for a particular security, and compare different, possibly competitive, securities by paging through level-of-interest windows for each security. The invention's easily manipulated insights into market dynamics offers a sophisticated trader new opportunities to profitably exploit market niches, for example by browsing for attractive bids or offers on closely comparable securities. |
| US08015096B2 |
Network-based sub-allocation systems and methods for swaps
Network-based systems and methods for hosting and operating a network-based platform that allows clients to open and build a portfolio-swap account that is subdivided into a plurality of client sub-accounts or funds. The methods and systems of the invention allow the client to sub-allocate equity-swap transactions among its various client sub-account or funds as the client deems appropriate. |
| US08015095B2 |
Valuation-tilted capitalization weighted investment methods and products
Investment vehicles and methods for determining the composition of such investment vehicles are based on a valuation-tilted, capitalization-weighted technique. Assets are identified to be included in an investment vehicle, an asset valuation is calculated for each of the assets, the assets are ranked based on their respective asset valuations, and based on the ranking, groupings of the assets are identified, a group weighting factor is determined for each of the groupings, and the composition of the investment vehicle is based on the group weighting factors attributed to each of the groupings. |
| US08015092B2 |
Method and system for a deferred variable annuity with lifetime benefit payments governed by an age-based withdrawal percent
A computer implemented data processing system and method administers a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase for a relevant life. The annuity contract has a payment base value, and a contract value. Administration of the product determines whether a step-up of the payment base value is applicable. If applicable, the product determines a step-up, wherein the step-up is guaranteed at a predetermined percentage. The investments of the deferred variable annuity contract are not limited to a specific asset allocation in order to qualify for the step-up provision. |
| US08015091B1 |
Analyzing investment data
A system and method for analyzing loan data to identify risk. In a database, loan data is stored with one or more associated characteristics. The system includes a risk filtering engine is in communication with the database so that a user may apply one or more risk filters to the loan data to identify particular loans with particular risk characteristics. The system further includes a loss estimation engine for providing an estimated loss for each loan, a probability of loss engine for determining a probability of loss for each loan, and a loss list engine for generating a list of loans with heightened risk of loss. |
| US08015089B1 |
System and method for providing a pre-paid commodity-based credit account
This invention relates to a system and method that provides a pre-paid credit account, where the value of the account is based on the market price of an underlying commodity instrument. More specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for managing cash assets in the form of gold bullion that is maintained by a financial institution on behalf of an account holder, thereby allowing the account holder to utilize the purchasing power of the gold bullion assets in a convenient fashion. |
| US08015088B2 |
Methods for implementing a loyalty program
A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user. |
| US08015081B1 |
Supply-chain management system
An Internet-based computer-assisted supply-chain management system (SCMS) replaces the archaic commerce systems presently in use. It coordinates just-in-time distribution of items purchased by consumers from a plurality of merchants whereby the inventory in the distribution pipeline is reduced to inventory in transport. It uses regional distributions centers and neighborhood order aggregation facilities for an efficient transfer of items to consumers. Consumers can pick up aggregated orders at an order aggregation facility or have them delivered to a residence. The SCMS phases out conventional checkout registers in favor of web browsers with automatic transaction execution. Retailers can operate with little or no inventory. Window shops facilitate promotion of items and help consumers make selections and decisions with respect to purchases they may be contemplating. The SCMS provides real-time consumption monitoring and forecasts, significantly reduces supply-chain costs and retail prices, promotes economic growth, and minimizes undesirable cyclic economic fluctuations. |
| US08015080B2 |
Privacy preserving artificial immune system
Identifying anomalous products in a supply chain includes maintaining a set of anomalous patterns of events products in the supply chain. At least one of the anomalous patterns of events is transmitted to nodes of the supply chain. Messages are received from nodes at a third party and indicate whether an event of the product in the supply chain at the node matches an event in the anomalous pattern of events that has been transmitted to the node. Messages indicating that an event at the node matches an event in the anomalous pattern of events are securely encrypted, based on a key that is unknown to the third party, prior to transmission to the third party. A determination is made whether the product is an anomalous product, based on the messages from nodes indicating that a sequence of events occurring at one or more nodes matches a sequence of events in the anomalous pattern of events. |
| US08015078B1 |
Method and apparatus for displaying quantities of inventory items in multiple units of measure
A method and apparatus for displaying quantities of inventory items in multiple units of measure includes displaying an inventory item listing, including a desired quantity of the inventory item, on a user interface and/or display screen. The inventory item listing is then activated by a user through a user interface device within the context of the present transaction. Once the inventory item listing is activated, the quantity of the inventory item desired is displayed in a multiple units of measure display in multiple units of measure associated with the inventory item and within the context of the present transaction. |
| US08015077B2 |
E-commerce activity log
An activity log is displayed in a dedicated area in a business to consumer e-commerce web site that tracks activities that occur during a current e-commerce account session. The activity log is updated automatically, without requiring user intervention. The activity log displays information such as the activity type, the activity name, and the time the activity was performed. The activity log may also provide an option for the user to view details about or to undo an individual activity. The activity log tracks activities that would conventionally be lost from view, such as the removal of items from a list and the changing of the password. In addition, the activity log automatically displays updates that are not conventionally available, such as greater granularity in the status of an asynchronous transaction. |
| US08015074B2 |
Commodity order issuing and accepting method, system thereof, and commodity order accepting apparatus
A commodity order issuing and accepting method is disclosed in which an order issuer requests a first electronic document having first input fields for order issuer information and for commodity order issuance information except for a payment date to an order accepter; the order accepter transmits the first electronic document to the order issuer; the order issuer fills the first input fields; the order issuer transmits the filled information to the order accepter; the order accepter retrieves a transaction condition corresponding to the commodity order issuance information except for the payment date; the order accepter transmits a second electronic document on which the transaction condition is described and which has a second input field for the payment date to the order issuer; the order issuer inputs the payment date to the second input field; and the order issuer transmits the payment date to the order accepter. |
| US08015071B2 |
Distributed electronic commerce system with centralized virtual shopping carts
An electronic commerce system includes a broker that enables customers to purchase items from multiple different merchants. A customer interacts with the merchants to identify items to purchase, and the merchants send descriptions of the items to the broker. The broker maintains a virtual shopping cart that stores the items received from the different merchants. The customer can purchase the items in the shopping cart in a single purchase transaction with the broker. Further, the customer can publish a reference that identifies the shopping cart and invite other customers to purchase the items in the cart via the broker. |
| US08015070B2 |
Method, system and storage medium for providing a custom combination best offer from a qualified buyer
In various exemplary embodiments, a system and associated method to provide customized combination package best offers is disclosed. The method includes receiving a selection of a plurality of items from a potential buyer, the selection of the plurality of items creating a customized combination package. A determination is made as to whether the potential buyer is qualified to make the best offer. Available price history associated with the customized combination package is provided to a qualified buyer. A best offer from the qualified buyer is then received and provided to a seller selling the plurality of items. |
| US08015065B2 |
Systems and methods for assigning monetary values to search terms
Methods and systems for associating an unbidded term with a bidded term and for pricing search terms. The method for associating an unbidded term with a bidded term comprises selecting a first set of search engine results for the unbidded term, selecting a second set of search engine results for the bidded second term, comparing the first and second sets, and associating the unbidded term with at least one bidded term based on the results of comparing. The method for assigning monetary values to search terms comprises receiving bids for a first term, deriving a similarity function between the first and second term and pricing the second term based upon the derived similarity function and the bid on the first term. |
| US08015063B2 |
System and method for enabling multi-element bidding for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine
A system and method for enabling information providers using a computer network to influence a search listing's position within a search result list generated by a search engine. Each network information provider has an account containing at least one search listing having at least three components: a description, a search term comprising one or more keywords, and a bid amount. A network information provider selects a search term relevant to the content of the web site. A search listing includes the search term and a description. A bidding process occurs when the network information provider enters a new bid amount for a search listing. The system then compares the various bid amounts for the same search term, and generates rank values for search listings having that search term. The rank value determines where the listing will appear on the search results page generated in response to a searcher's query. |
| US08015059B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating the sale of subscriptions to periodicals
A POS terminal receives a signal that indicates an item, for example, via a bar code scanner. The POS terminal ascertains whether the item is associated with an offer for a rebate. If so, a code is generated and output to the customer, such as on a printed receipt. The code is associated with an offer for a rebate in exchange for establishing a subscription to a periodical. If the customer subscribes to a required periodical, he will be credited the amount he paid for the item. Subsequently, the customer requests a subscription to a periodical from a subscription fulfillment house, and provides his code in conjunction with the request. If the code is valid, the customer is provided with a rebate. The rebate may be provided directly by the subscription fulfillment house (e.g. a credit to a credit card account) or may be provided by a merchant (e.g. a discount on a future purchase). |
| US08015057B1 |
Method and system for analyzing service outsourcing
A method and system for analyzing outsourcing of services such as engineering, and ranking suppliers for all activities to ensure quality, controllership and optimum costs, is provided. Outsourcing involves delegating a plurality of activities to a plurality of suppliers. The activities and the suppliers are scored to generate scorecards. Thereafter, an index is calculated, based on the scorecards. Subsequently, the index, along with scorecards, is utilized to rank and select suppliers for all outsourced activities. |
| US08015056B1 |
Method for visual presentation of key performance indicators of a business utilizing a squarified tree map
Data representing key performance indicators of a business enterprise are displayed by computer as a squarified tree map having major nodes each of which represents a profit center of the enterprise and minor nodes each of which represents a project associated with a particular profit center. Size, color and position of each of the minor nodes within a major node and size and position of each the major nodes within the squarified tree map is specified so as to produce a visual display which is highly appealing to the visually perceptive/intuitive processes of the human mind therefore enables rapid managerial response to visually perceived, intuitively sensed deviations from selected performance criteria. |
| US08015055B2 |
Computer program for supporting evaluation of a service
A method and system for determining a variable compensation amount according to the degree of achievement by avoiding stop at the stage where value brought about to a client by a solution is qualitatively evaluated, avoiding compensation calculation from being performed by accumulation of cost such as labor cost, and quantitatively estimating the effect from the viewpoint of a set KPI in consideration of risk to achievement of the KPI. There is provided a system for supporting advance evaluation of a service for improving business, comprising: input means for accepting selection of an index indicating the degree of improvement of the business and accepting setting of multiple future scenarios which influences success/failure of the improvement of the business; storage means for storing the index and the multiple scenarios; and calculation means for calculating a primary estimate value of the index in the case of occurrence of each scenario and calculating a secondary estimate value based on the primary estimate value and a primary risk corresponding to the primary estimate value. |
| US08015050B2 |
Operation supporting system and operation supporting method
There is provided an operation supporting apparatus including a memory portion that stores characteristics of an operation to be multiplexed, and a determination portion that determines appropriateness of multiple operations to be multiplexed on the basis of the characteristics thereof stored in the memory portion. |
| US08015049B1 |
On-line appointment system
Improved approaches for providing on-line appointments over a network are disclosed. The network is, for example, a global computer network such as the Internet. According to one aspect, users are able to schedule appointments over the network by on-line means. The users are typically individuals or service providers. Service providers are often those businesses that offer appointments to schedule their services. |
| US08015043B2 |
Method and apparatus for workforce demand forecasting
A method of forecasting workforce demand, includes forecasting an ongoing engagements demand, forecasting an opportunities demand, forecasting a wedge engagements demand, representing a result of the forecasting the ongoing engagements demand as a first workforce demand statement, a result of the forecasting the opportunities demand as a second workforce demand statement, and a result of the forecasting the wedge engagements demand as third workforce demand statement, and integrating the first workforce demand statement, the second workforce demand statement and the third workforce demand statement to generate an overall workforce demand forecast. |
| US08015042B2 |
Methods for long-range contact center staff planning utilizing discrete event simulation
Systems and methods for long-range simulation are provided. A representative method includes: defining at least one resource description, wherein a resource description comprises a group of resources that have similar characteristics, and wherein defining comprises specifying the characteristics, including at least one capability and at least one performance measure; defining at least one work load; and specifying at least one criteria to be satisfied by a long-range staffing plan; and calculating an effect of applying the at least one resource description to the at least one work load using discrete event based simulation, wherein the calculated effect includes at least one performance measure for the at least one work load. |
| US08015038B2 |
Methods and systems for sales territory whitespacing
A software tool enables sales organizations and sales representatives to graphically track past purchases from customers, as well as the customer's current holdings and install base of products and services, irrespective of whether the current holdings originated from the sales organization, from a competitor or from some non-competing supplier of goods or services. By tracking not only past purchases, but the totality of the customer's holdings, the sales representative may draw inferences from the customer's current installed base of products, identify new opportunities and potentially sell additional or complementary products to the customer. The tracked information is stored in a central repository such as a database, enabling the employer to maintain control over the information, thereby enabling the information to persist even after the sales representative has left the employ of his or her current employer. The central repository is preferably selectively available over a computer network, via a Web browser, for example. |
| US08015037B2 |
System and method for tracking, monitoring and reporting extinguishment of a title insurance policy
A system for monitoring a title insurance policy is disclosed. The system includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, and a database in communication with the processor and the memory, the database configured to store a plurality of property records. The system further includes computer readable logic stored on the memory and executable on the processor, the computer readable logic configured to receive a title record associated with the title insurance property, compare the received title record with each of the plurality of property records stored by the database, match a property record of interest from each of the plurality of property records, and report a status indicator for the title insurance policy. |
| US08015036B1 |
Automated claim mediation system and associated methods
An improved claim mediation process includes an automated feature permitting a software package to act as the mediator based upon a predetermined rule set. Open offers are made by both sides, but kept secret from the opposing party are criteria by which the offer can be adjusted and still be acceptable to that party. The system takes into account the open offers and the confidential adjustment criteria and, if possible according to the predetermined rule set, calculates and displays a settlement amount. |
| US08015033B2 |
Treatment regimen compliance and efficacy with feedback
A method and system for interaction with a community of individuals, relating to compliance with and effectiveness of treatment regimens, including supply and use of pharmaceuticals, using a protocol or other intelligent message which acts in place of a service provider and which is capable of collecting or imparting information to patients in place thereof. Individuals interact with the protocol or intelligent message to provide assistance in all aspects of treatment regimen compliance, data collection, supply or delivery, review and modification. |
| US08015030B2 |
User-based health monitoring
A user-based monitoring system includes a remote user-based subsystem with at least one display and at least two microprocessor-based units in communication with each other. The microprocessor-based units are selected from a group consisting of a data management unit, a personal computer, a handheld device or a user monitoring device. The subsystem is configured to facilitate collection of user-related data. The system also has at least one central server remotely located from and configured for two-way communication with the user-based subsystem so that it can receive and deliver signal communications to and from the user-based subsystem. the system also has at least one authorized user computer remotely located from, and configured for two-way signal communication with, the central server to receive user-related data collected by a remote user-based subsystem and allow an authorized user to communicate with the central server. The system is suited, amongst others, for monitoring remotely the health of a system user. |
| US08015025B2 |
Method and apparatus for remote health monitoring and providing health related information
A health monitoring system includes a plurality of remote user sites, each remote user site comprising at least one health monitoring device for collection of user health monitoring data, an interactive video device, and a user interface apparatus; at least one remote computing facility configured for signal communication with, and to receive health monitoring data-related signals from, the plurality of remote user sites; and at least one computer, configured for signal communication with the remote computing facility, wherein the interactive video device is interactively coupled with the remote computing facility. Associated methods are also described. |
| US08015022B2 |
System and method of managing absenteeism in an organization
A system for managing absenteeism in an organization includes an absenteeism module to process absenteeism data relating to absenteeism of a person. A health module processes health data relating to the use of a plurality of health related facilities and/or services by the person. A reward determining module determines a reward for the person wherein the reward is determined based on the absenteeism of the person and on the use by the person of the plurality of health related facilities and/or services and a reward allocating module to allocate the reward to the person. |
| US08015020B2 |
Meter register with water vapor seal
A method and article of manufacture for providing a mechanical bond and an improved water vapor seal between a lens (11, 41) and a base (17, 47) in an instrument housing (10, 40), includes heating the components and a hot butyl rubber sealant (18, 58) prior to assembly, maintaining a level of heating for the assembly during assembly, dispensing the heated sealant (18, 58) into a channel (25, 65) to form a ring-shaped body of sealant (18, 58), assembling the lens (11, 41) to the base (17, 47) and pressing a lower edge (11a, 41a) of the lens (11, 41) into the ring of sealant (18, 58) and bending an upper edge (17b, 47b) of the side wall (17a, 47a) over a portion (11b, 41b) of the lens (11, 41). The method is applied in a second embodiment to an instrument having at least two signal conductors (55) entering the base (47) at two entry points. Apparatuses manufactured with the method are also disclosed. |
| US08015015B2 |
Voice control system and method for operating digital photo frame
A voice control system includes an acoustic sensor, and a digital photo frame. The acoustic sensor is configured to receive a voice signal, and transform the voice signal to an electronic signal. The digital photo frame includes a transforming module, an instruction module, and a comparing module. The transforming module receives the electronic signal sent from the acoustic sensor and transforms the electronic signal to a transformed electronic code. The instruction module defines a plurality of predetermined electronic codes for performing predetermined functions of the digital photo frame. The comparing module compares the transformed electronic code with the predetermined electronic codes. If the transformed electronic code matches one of the predetermined electronic codes, the digital photo frame performs a function of the predetermined functions associated with the matched predetermined electronic code. A method for operating the digital photo frame is also provided. |
| US08015014B2 |
Speech recognition system with user profiles management component
A speech recognition and control system continuously operable by two or more users. The system includes a receiver for receiving a speech input, a processor in communication with the receiver and a database in communication with the processor. The database includes user profiles. The system also includes profile management software executing on the processor for determining an active profile from the plurality of user profiles, and software executing on the processor for identifying at least one command from the speech input based on the active profile. |
| US08015003B2 |
Denoising acoustic signals using constrained non-negative matrix factorization
A method and system denoises a mixed signal. A constrained non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is applied to the mixed signal. The NMF is constrained by a denoising model, in which the denoising model includes training basis matrices of a training acoustic signal and a training noise signal, and statistics of weights of the training basis matrices. The applying produces weight of a basis matrix of the acoustic signal of the mixed signal. A product of the weights of the basis matrix of the acoustic signal and the training basis matrices of the training acoustic signal and the training noise signal is taken to reconstruct the acoustic signal. The mixed signal can be speech and noise. |
| US08015001B2 |
Signal encoding apparatus and method thereof, and signal decoding apparatus and method thereof
In a signal encoding apparatus (1) a frequency normalization unit (11) normalizes each spectrum of spectral signals by using respectively normalization factors and supplies a normalization factor index per spectrum to a quantization accuracy determining unit (13). The quantization accuracy determining unit (13) adds a weighting factor using auditory properties to the normalization factor index per spectrum of range conversion spectral signals which are subjected to normalization as well as range conversion, and the quantization accuracy is determined according to the result of addition. Then, a quantization unit (14) performs quantization with the quantization accuracy corresponding to a quantization accuracy index supplied from the quantization accuracy determining unit (13), while the encoding/code string generating unit (15) encodes the weighting factor supplied from the quantization accuracy determining unit (13), together with the normalization factor index and the quantized spectral signal. |
| US08014997B2 |
Method of search content enhancement
Whenever a document is going to be included into the textual database, a semantic binder is used to associate the document with one or more semantic nodes which are defined in a semantic taxonomy. When a search is performed, a search application looks through a semantic dictionary (which contains a table mapping queries to nodes on the semantic taxonomy) to see whether any corresponding semantic node can be found for the searchers query. If a match is found, the search application transforms the user's query into [“original query” OR “semantic node”] so that relevant documents, even they do not contain any user's keyword, can also be found in the database. The system binds semantic nodes arranged in a hierarchical structure of the taxonomy using a Log Analyzer which periodically looks through the system log for new queries and through textual indices for documents added to the database to generate the semantic dictionary and to bind the semantic nodes to the queries in the textual indices of the documents. |
| US08014992B2 |
Electric power system training simulation software and process for electric power system training
A time driven, computer simulation based electric power system training software package designed to train power system operators is used with an existing set of electric power system modeling algorithms, such as sold under the Powerworld™ brand. The software package includes: a file that provides all the data to be plugged into the electric power system modeling algorithms, a graphics file that shows a picture of the power system and serves as a graphical man-machine interface with the modeling algorithms, a time dimension file that initiates and ends the simulation session and changes specific data in the data file as time progresses and stores a history of selected parameters over the course of the session; and a spreadsheet file, such as an Excel® spreadsheet, that performs calculations on data and presents data in graphical form based on output from the modeling algorithms at the end of the simulation. |
| US08014989B2 |
Birefringence calculating method and birefringence calculating apparatus
The invention is directed to accurate calculation of a birefringence of a polymer stretched and oriented. Disclosed is a method for calculating a birefringence of a polymer in an information processing apparatus, having an amorphous state generating step including accepting input of a parameter, generating a model of the polymer on the basis of the parameter, and bringing the model into an amorphous state; a stretching step including stretching the model brought into the amorphous state; a birefringence calculating step including calculating a birefringence of the stretched model; and an outputting step including outputting the birefringence thus calculated. |
| US08014984B2 |
Method and apparatus for preparing for a surgical procedure
A method of preparing for a surgical procedure includes creating a three-dimensional bone model of a subject bone of a patient. At least a portion of the bone model is compared to at least one three-dimensional reference anatomic model. At least one structural difference between the bone model and the at least one reference anatomic model is identified. At least one desired subject bone structural change is specified to produce a modified bone model responsive to the step of identifying at least one structural difference between the bone model and the at least one reference anatomic model. An apparatus for preparing for a surgical procedure is also provided. |
| US08014982B2 |
Simulation system for a construction crane and the simulation method thereof
A simulation method and a simulation system for a construction crane are disclosed. The simulation system includes an input device, a processing device, and a display device. The input device is used for inputting an instruction. Furthermore, the processing device includes a computation unit, a collision detection unit, a storage unit, and a graphic unit. The computation unit is used for computing the position and the direction of each part of the construction crane and the suspension parts. The collision detection model is used for detecting whether each part of the construction crane and the suspension parts will be in collision. Besides, the data obtained from the simulation method performed in the simulation system is saved in the storage unit. The graphic unit displays the 3D dynamics images of the construction crane and the suspension parts on the display device, corresponding to the data obtained from the computation unit. |
| US08014979B2 |
Method and system for automated custom design of a storage assembly
A custom storage assembly design module automates design of a storage assembly by automatically generating a recommended layout based on a user defined storage location. The design module, which can be communicatively coupled to a remote communications device including a monitor, provides custom design options in view of the recommended layout for the storage assembly, and monitors the selection of custom design options to avoid violation of allowance rules for the defined storage location. The design module displays the storage assembly with currently selected custom design options and also associated pricing information throughout the design process. |
| US08014978B2 |
Numerical analysis model data generating method for filling holes in a mesh
The present invention provides a numerical analysis model data generating program, method, and system for generating numerical analysis model data, which is used for numerical analysis, on the basis of three-dimensional shape data of a structure that is an object of analysis. Three-dimensional shape data defining the structure is inputted. Holes included in the inputted three-dimensional shape data are extracted, and the size of each of the holes is calculated. If the size of a given hole is smaller than a predetermined size, the hole is filled. Thus, numerical analysis model data is generated. According to the present invention, when the numerical analysis model data is generated, a relatively small amount of analysis model data can be generated without adversely affecting the accuracy in numerical analysis. |
| US08014975B2 |
FTIR and EDX spectrum library of contaminants found on a HDD and their potential sources
A data collection for utilization in failure analysis. The data collection includes a material data set including information associated with materials used in a component subject to a failure analysis process. The data collection also includes a source data set including information associated with the sources of the materials. The data collection further includes an image data set including graphical representations of the materials. The data collection is for providing identification of the composition of the contaminant and source of the contaminant. |
| US08014966B2 |
Calibration and setup unit for barrier operator control system
A setup and calibration unit for a barrier operator is operable to communicate with the operator's own controller. The calibration unit includes a control circuit connected to a visual display and to a set of switches controlled by switch actuators for placing the operator controller in a controller run mode or calibration mode, scrolling through selected actions displayed on the display in one direction or the other, a set/clear function and display backlighting for user interaction with the setup and calibration unit. The setup and calibration unit is particularly adapted for use with upward acting sectional and roll-up doors and other types of barriers movable between open and closed positions by motorized operators. The calibration unit may be operably connected to the operator controller via hard wiring, a radio frequency link or an infrared or visible light transmission link. |
| US08014964B1 |
Electrical power and energy measurement method and apparatus
A method, to decompose the total instantaneous power, into active and non-active components, using the voltages and currents at the metering point; and apparatus implementing the said method. The voltage and currents are transformed into Fourier components. The Fourier currents are separated into active and non-active parts. The active and non-active currents together with the corresponding voltage are used to define the instantaneous total, fundamental and five, active and non-active, power components. Definitions of average values for these are also stated. These components, in various combinations, are useful for measurement, compensation, detection of distortion and power quality. The method can be implemented in a signal processor based power meter, analyzer or controller or used in a software based application. |
| US08014963B2 |
Correction of sensor non-equipotentiality in a resistivity imaging device
A method for correcting data from a sensor electrode in a sensor includes determining a potential difference (V) between the sensor electrode and another sensor electrode; from the potential difference (V), determining a by-pass current (Ic) between the sensor electrode and the another sensor electrode; and from the by-pass current (Ic) and a measured current (I) from the sensor electrode, determining a corrected current (J) for the sensor electrode; wherein determining a potential (V1) for the sensor electrode comprises multiplying an intrinsic impedance (Zi1) by the measured current (I). A computer program product and other embodiments are provided. |
| US08014961B2 |
Integrated systems and methods for diversity generation and screening
Integrated systems and methods for diversity generation and screening are provided. The systems use common fluid and array handling components to provide nucleic acid diversification, transcription, translation, product screening and subsequent diversification reactions. |
| US08014960B2 |
Method of supporting a diagnosis of a risk of cancer recurrence, and a device of supporting a diagnosis of a risk of cancer recurrence
A method of supporting a diagnosis of a risk of cancer recurrence is disclosed. The method provides a new determining value a recurrence risk score (RRS) which is calculated based on expression levels and activity values of two cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs). The risk of cancer recurrence is judged by comparing the RRS with a predetermined threshold level for RRS. |
| US08014949B2 |
Mobile body
A disclosed mobile body includes an energy generator configured to generate energy from a supplied fuel gas; a gas leakage detecting unit configured to detect leakage of the fuel gas out of the energy generator; a control unit configured to control power output of the energy generator; an information obtaining unit configured to obtain environmental information on an environment around the mobile body from a predetermined information source; and a power-control-manner determining unit configured to determine a power-control manner, in which the control unit controls the power output of the energy generator, based on the environmental information on the environment around the mobile body when leakage of the fuel gas is detected by the gas leakage detecting unit. |
| US08014948B2 |
Navigation system with apparatus for detecting accuracy failures
A navigation system for a vehicle having a receiver operable to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of transmitters includes a processor and a memory device. The memory device has stored thereon machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to determine a set of error estimates corresponding to pseudo-range measurements derived from the plurality of signals, determine an error covariance matrix for a main navigation solution using ionospheric-delay data, and, using a solution separation technique, determine at least one protection level value based on the error covariance matrix. |
| US08014945B2 |
System and method of wireless downloads of map and geographic based data to portable computing devices
Systems and method of managing map data on electronic devices such as portable electronic devices include systems and methods of preloading map data, managing map data storage, sharing point of interest or pushpin data with other electronic devices, and displaying map data. |
| US08014944B2 |
Method for auto-updating application program
A method for auto updating application program suitable for a global position system (GPS) navigator is provided. The method comprises the following steps. First, a map-update short message is sent to the GPS navigator at a client terminal from a wireless station. Then, a map-downloading program inside the GPS navigator is woken up when the GPS navigator receives the map-update short message. Then, connecting to a map server through the map-update short message when a user decides to update the map. Accordingly, a newest electronic map can be downloaded from the wireless station. |
| US08014941B2 |
Optimum route determination employing an estimation function
A method and system for determining a route from a starting point to a destination on a road network are provided, where an estimation function for vertices of the road network is employed, and where a tiling covers an area in which at least a portion of the road network is contained. A resistance value of each tile of the tiling is provided, and the values of the estimation function for vertices of the road network are determined in accordance with the resistance values of the tiles of the tiling. In an example implementation, the resistance value of a given tile is a lower bound on or the minimum of the costs associated with an optimum route connecting any pair of vertices located on the boundary of the given tile divided by an air-line distance of the pair of vertices. |
| US08014939B2 |
Point of interest spatial rating search
The present invention is directed to a system and method for searching and retrieving location information associated with one or more points of interests, whereby the search criteria can be dependent upon the location of a point of interest with respect to the real-time position of the user, and any preferences or search restrictions selected by the user, such as rating information about the point of interest. Upon selecting a point of interest from the search result, the user is then given further information regarding the selected point of interest, including but not limited to directions for traveling to the point of interest. Additionally, the present invention can provide to the user a proximity notification once the user is within a certain distance from the point interest. Finally, while at a point of interest, the user can provide to the system information regarding the point of interest, such as rating of the food of a restaurant, without having to specifically identify the point of interest as the system can self-identify the point of interest by using the position information of the user. |
| US08014936B2 |
Filtering road traffic condition data obtained from mobile data sources
Techniques are described for assessing road traffic conditions in various ways based on obtained traffic-related data, such as data samples from vehicles and other mobile data sources traveling on the roads, as well as in some situations data from one or more other sources (such as physical sensors near to or embedded in the roads). The assessment of road traffic conditions based on obtained data samples may include various filtering and/or conditioning of the data samples, and various inferences and probabilistic determinations of traffic-related characteristics from the data samples. In some situations, the filtering of the data samples includes identifying data samples that are inaccurate or otherwise unrepresentative of actual traffic condition characteristics, such as data samples that are not of interest based at least in part on roads with which the data samples are associated and/or that otherwise reflect vehicle locations or activities that are not of interest. |
| US08014935B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
In this apparatus, maintaining control (time t1 to t2) which instructs fixing of the open timing VVT of an intake valve is executed in a predetermined low load state. Subsequently, there are executed changing control which instructs changing of the open timing VVT by a predetermined amount (time t2), and maintaining control which again instructs fixing of the open timing VVT of the intake valve (time t2 to t3). An intake-valve control apparatus is determined to be “anomalous” when an change amount Δave (=ave2−ave1) between the average ave1 of a large number of sample values of ΔMFBβ (combustion percentage increase amount within a predetermined crank angle range in an expansion stroke) during the maintaining control before execution of the changing control and the average ave2 of a large number of sample values of ΔMFBβ during the maintaining control after execution of the changing control is less than a predetermined value C. |
| US08014932B2 |
Fuel injection controller for internal combustion engine
A common rail type fuel injection system of an engine includes: a common rail for accumulating and holding high-pressure fuel; a fuel pump for pressure-feeding fuel to the common rail; and an injector for injecting the high-pressure fuel accumulated and held in the common rail. A pressure sensor is disposed in a fuel suction port of the injector. An ECU sequentially detects a fuel pressure varied when the injector injects the fuel and sequentially detects a fuel pressure varied when the fuel pump pressure-feeds the fuel. When the injector injects the fuel, the ECU computes injection pressure by the detection values of these pressures and computes injection characteristics by the injector on the basis of the injection pressure. |
| US08014931B2 |
Secondary air supply system and vehicle
A secondary air supply system includes a CPU, a first air supply pipe, a second air supply pipe, a first shut-off valve, and a second shut-off valve. First ends of the first air supply pipe and the second air supply pipe are connected to an air cleaner box and the other ends thereof are connected to an exhaust port. The CPU controls opening/closing of the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve based on a state of an engine. The first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve are selectively opened by the CPU, so that air in the air cleaner box is supplied to the exhaust port through the first air supply pipe and/or the second air supply pipe. |
| US08014928B2 |
Automotive slipstreaming support system
Systems and methods are provided to enhance the ability of a driver to safely slipstream a leading vehicle to realize a fuel economy benefit. |
| US08014923B2 |
Travel device
A travel device includes a plurality of wheels disposed parallel to one another, a step plate mounted between the wheels, a handle mounted to the step plate, and a driving motor that allows the step plate and handle to tilt in a roll axis direction. The device further includes a control unit that drives the motor so as to maintain the step plate horizontal or the handle vertical. The device also includes a measurement unit that measures a shift operation of the step plate or the handle. The plurality of wheels may change direction based on the value determined by the measuring unit. |
| US08014922B2 |
Methods for detecting vehicle rollover
An automobile rollover detection system comprising a control module to receive a first set and a second set of signals, to determine a first threshold in response to the first set of signals, to determine a second threshold in response to the second set of signals, to provide a first signal in response to the first threshold, to provide a second signal in response to the second threshold, and to provide a control signal in response to the first and second signals. The control signal may activate an occupant restraint system in response to the detection of an automobile rollover event. Other embodiments are also claimed and described. |
| US08014917B2 |
Apparatus for tracking and recording vital signs and task-related information of a vehicle to identify operating patterns
An apparatus is provided for diagnosing the state of health of a vehicle and for providing the operator of the vehicle with a substantially real-time indication of the efficiency of the vehicle in performing an assigned task with respect to a predetermined goal. A processor on-board the vehicle monitors sensors that provide information regarding the state of health of the vehicle and the amount of work the vehicle has done. In response to anomalies in the data from the sensors, the processor records information that describes events leading up to the occurrence of the anomaly for later analysis that can be used to diagnose the cause of the anomaly. The sensors are also used to prompt the operator of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at optimum efficiency. |
| US08014910B2 |
Assisted take-off method for aircraft
A reference value is arbitrarily selected from a range of possible aircraft rotation speeds. A position of a trimmable horizontal stabilizer is angled in accordance with a centering of the reference value. A deviation between the reference value and an accelerating speed value of the aircraft is determined. Elevators or the horizontal stabilizer are controlled, prior to rotation, in accordance with the determined deviation. |
| US08014908B2 |
Methods and systems for routing mobile vehicles
The present invention relates to methods and systems for routing mobile vehicles under maintenance and operational constraints. In the case of aircraft, the methods and systems may generate an aircraft routing proposal based on information describing a possible flight of an aircraft, determine a proposed flight assignment for the aircraft based on the generated aircraft routing proposal and complying with the information describing the possible flight of the aircraft, and determine whether the proposed flight assignment meets a decision criterion describing requirements for aircraft routing. If the decision criterion is unmet, the methods and systems may optimize the proposed flight assignment such that the proposed flight assignment meets the decision criterion. The methods and systems may also generate a flight assignment plan using the proposed flight assignment that meets the decision criterion. |
| US08014896B2 |
Legged mobile robot and control program
In a legged mobile robot, a pivoting motion of a foot (22) relative to a leg is controlled such that, from an intermediate time point in a period of departure of a leg from a floor to a starting time point of a period of landing of the leg on the floor, an angle (θ) of inclination of the foot (22) of the leg relative to the floor surface gradually approaches zero. This eases impact to the foot of the leg at the time of landing on the floor and prevents a slip or spin of the sole, thereby enabling stable walking or running. |
| US08014894B2 |
Method of surface manufacture with an apex decentered from a spindle axis
The present invention is related to manufacturing surfaces with an axis decentered from the spindle axis. In particular, the present invention is related to compensating for tool geometry in cutting processes that involve an oscillating tool. |
| US08014887B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus includes an operating section. The operating section includes a display unit having an operation screen, a screen file that stores daily check data monitor screen data in which a row number is settable as a data number, and a data name is settable as item data of a daily check. The operating section further includes a daily check initial parameter file that stores parameter data corresponding to the item data. The operating section displays the daily check data monitor screen data by extracting the screen file and placing the daily check data monitor screen data on the operation screen as a daily check data monitor screen, and by extracting the daily check initial parameter file, searching through the daily check initial parameter file based on the data number, and placing parameter data corresponding to the item data on the operation screen as the daily check data monitor screen. |
| US08014882B2 |
Particular program detection device, method, and program
A particular program detection device detecting a particular program segment even in a program signal contaminated with noise by adaptively modifying a detection sensitivity for a scene change point. A noise level detecting section detects a noise level of a program signal outputted from a signal input section. Based on the detected noise level, a detection sensitivity determining section determines a detection sensitivity which is used when a silent portion of the program signal is determined by a silent portion detecting section. In accordance with the determined detection sensitivity, the silent portion detecting section detects a portion having a low audio level of the program signal as a silent portion. A particular program determining section calculates a time difference between each silent portion and a silent portion following this, and based on the calculated time difference, determines whether or not the silent portion is a particular program. |
| US08014880B2 |
On-line multivariate analysis in a distributed process control system
A method and system for monitoring a process in a process plant includes collecting data from a process control system within the process plant, where the data is representative of a normal operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally, performing a multivariate statistical analysis to represent the normal operation of the process based on a set of collected on-line process data comprising a measure of the normal operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally, and representing a real-time on-line operation of the process using monitored on-line process data as an input to the representation of the normal operation of the process, where the monitored on-line process data comprises a measure of a real-time operation to the process when the process is on-line. |
| US08014878B2 |
Flexible circuit electrode array
Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced. With a thermoplastic polymer it may be further advantageous to repeatedly heat the flexible circuit in multiple molds, each with a decreasing radius. Further, it is advantageous to add material along the edges. It is further advantageous to provide a fold or twist in the flexible circuit array. Additional material may be added inside and outside the fold to promote a good seal with tissue. |
| US08014873B2 |
Apparatus for implanting an electrical stimulation lead
In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator. |
| US08014872B2 |
System and apparatus for controlled activation of acute use medical devices
An integrated activation system for an implantable medical device (IMD) sharing a power source, the activation system comprising a switching circuit having first and second inputs and having an output coupled to the acute use device, a gating element coupled to the first input and configured to gate power from the power source to the switching circuit, and a sensing element coupled to the second input of the switching circuit. The sensing element is configured to sense an activation condition, enable an operation interval of the switching circuit, and transmit a signal to the switching circuit during the activation condition. The switching circuit is configured to transmit power to the acute use device upon receipt of a pre-determined number of signals from the sensing element. |
| US08014871B2 |
Implantable interferometer microphone
A prosthetic hearing device comprising a biocompatible housing having a surface that vibrates in response to sound waves traveling through tissue; and an interferometer mounted in the housing, the interferometer is constructed and arranged to generate a light beam that impinges on a reflective interior surface of the vibrating surface, and to receive light reflected from the reflective interior surface. The device detects ambient sound by impinging a light beam on a portion of the vibrating surface; receiving light reflected from the reflective portion; measuring the movement of the vibrating surface based on an interference pattern of the impinging and reflected light; and determining at least a frequency of the incident sound wave based on the interference pattern. |
| US08014867B2 |
MRI operation modes for implantable medical devices
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the processor is in electrical communication with the timer, and is further operable to switch the IMD from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode when the measured time period reaches a predetermined time period. |
| US08014865B2 |
Method for monitoring a physiologic parameter of patients with congestive heart failure
A method of monitoring physiological parameters for diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure in a patient. The method includes implanting at least one sensing device in a cavity of the patient's cardiovascular system, preferably so that the sensing device passes through and is anchored to a septum of the heart and, to minimize the risk of thrombogenicity, a larger portion of the sensing device is located in the right side of the heart and a smaller portion of the sensing device is located in the left side of the heart. Electromagnetic telecommunication and/or wireless powering of the sensing device is performed with an external readout device. The method can be used to perform effective monitoring, management, and tailoring of treatments for patients suffering from congestive heart failure, as well as many other diseases. |
| US08014860B2 |
Thoracic or intracardiac impedance detection with automatic vector selection
Vector selection is automatically achieved via a thoracic or intracardiac impedance signal collected in a cardiac function management device or other implantable medical device that includes a test mode and a diagnostic mode. During a test mode, the device cycles through various electrode configurations for collecting thoracic impedance data. At least one figure of merit is calculated from the impedance data for each such electrode configuration. In one example, only non-arrhythmic beats are used for computing the figure of merit. A particular electrode configuration is automatically selected using the figure of merit. During a diagnostic mode, the device collects impedance data using the selected electrode configuration. In one example, the figure of merit includes a ratio of a cardiac stroke amplitude and a respiration amplitude. Other examples of the figure of merit are also described. |
| US08014857B2 |
Implantable shock electrode line and implantable defibrillation arrangement
An implantable shock electrode line having a proximal terminal for connection to an implantable defibrillator, an elongated flexible line body, and a shock electrode and a drug delivery device arranged at or near the distal end of the line body. A drug depot connected to the drug delivery device is provided in the shock electrode line, and the terminal is designed as a purely electric standard terminal. The drug delivery device is designed for control by an electric pulse transmitted over the electric terminal to the shock electrode line. |
| US08014855B2 |
Feedback control device for transcutaneous drug delivery and uses therefor
Provided herein is a device for altering a biological membrane in an individual comprising a means for delivering energy to the surface of the biological membrane, a means for monitoring a physiological state of the biological membrane during delivery of said energy, a means for modulating delivery of the energy to the biological membrane where the modulating is in response to a change in the monitored physiological state. Also provided is a device to control the permeation of substance across a biological membrane and methods for use of these devices. |
| US08014853B2 |
Neurophysiological central auditory processing evaluation system and method
A system and method of central auditory processing testing and evaluation provides for identifying clinically relevant neural synchrony in the auditory brainstem pathway. The system or method finds use as a tool to evaluate auditory processing disorders, and hence, potential auditory system and/or learning disabilities. The system or method may further find use in the selection and fitting of hearing corrective appliances such as hearing aid or cochlear implant devices and/or in the selection and implementation of auditory training regimens. |
| US08014850B2 |
Initiation of dynamic data acquisition
Provided is a data acquisition system comprising a CPU, radiation detector, buffer, and a storage device in communication with the buffer and which is capable of storing information received from the buffer. The data acquisition system includes a method for sequentially monitoring data from one region of interest based on data obtained from a previous region of interest, and finally recording the data of a final region of interest for use as medical data. |
| US08014849B2 |
Rotational markers
A medical device includes a rotational marker. A marker may be viewable under an imaging device, such as a fluoroscope or an MRI system. A rotational marker allows the rotational orientation of a medical device to be determined with respect to the surrounding environment. A medical device including a rotational marker may comprise an implantable medical device, a delivery system for delivery of an implantable medical device, and the like. |
| US08014847B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting deception by measuring brain activity
Methods for determining whether the brain activity of a human subject in response to a stimulus of interest or question of interest is characteristic of a state of interest, such as a deceptive state or a truthful state, are disclosed. Some methods include the use of control questions, including truthful control questions and deceptive control questions, to provide bases for comparison for responses to stimuli of interest or questions of interest. In some methods, brain maps are generated and compared. Also disclosed are systems for detecting deception by measuring brain activity. |
| US08014845B2 |
Information terminal device
An information terminal device includes: a first housing that has a first operating unit on a face on one side thereof; a hinge member that is designed to rotate about a first axis, with respect to the first housing; a second housing that has a second operating unit on a face on one side thereof, is provided on one side of the first housing, slides in the direction of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and transits between a state where the second housing covers the first operating unit and a state where the first operating unit is exposed, the second housing restricting rotation of the hinge member through contact with the first housing when the second housing is in the covering state; and a third housing that has a display unit on a face on one side thereof, is provided on one side of the second housing, slides in the direction of the first axis, and transits between a state where the third housing covers the second operating unit and a state where the second operating unit is exposed. |
| US08014843B2 |
Mobile electronic device
A mobile electronic device is provided with a housing, a loudspeaker, a cavity coupled to the loudspeaker, and a slide mechanism configured to move a portion of the housing between a first position and a second position. In the second position of the slide mechanism, an inner volume of the cavity is increased as compared to the first position. |
| US08014840B2 |
Sliding module and portable terminal therewith
A portable terminal, including first and second housings, and a sliding module interposed therebetween to connect them. The second housing is slidable with respect to the first housing to upper and lower sides of the first housing along a first axis and to left and right sides of the first housing along a second axis. The sliding module includes a guide member disposed on a surface of the first housing, a first sliding member slidably engaged with the guide member, and a second sliding member on the second housing. The second sliding member slidably engages the first sliding member. The first sliding member moves the second housing to the upper side and the lower side of the first housing along the first axis and the second sliding member moves the second housing to the left and right sides of the first housing along the second axis. |
| US08014835B2 |
Portable telephone set
A portable telephone set of slide type comprises a main casing, a movable casing, the two casing being slidably coupled and capable of being locked to each other, and a lock releasing element for releasing the lock. The portable telephone set further comprises an illuminating element for illuminating the lock releasing element from the inner side. |
| US08014833B2 |
Automatic location-based resource management for network devices
A system and method for automatically managing resource usage of a network device based on device location. In an illustrative embodiment, the system includes a first module that is coupled to a network device. The first module provides position information associated with the network device. A controller communicates with the first module; receives the position information; and generates a control signal in response thereto based on predetermined network information. A second module that is coupled to the network device incorporates instructions to adjust the resource usage of the network device upon receipt of the control signal. In a more specific embodiment, the first module includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The predetermined network information includes network coverage area. The resource usage includes power usage. The second module includes instructions for turning off a receiver, which is coupled to the first module, based on the control signal. |
| US08014831B2 |
Authorization status for smart battery used in mobile communication device
A mobile communication device is capable of communicating with a battery authorization server. Determining an authorization status of a smart battery currently powering the mobile communication device involves an initial authorization process and a subsequent authorization process. The initial authorization process is conducted between the mobile communication device and the smart battery. If the initial authorization process is successful, it is followed by a subsequent authorization process between the mobile communication device and the battery authorization server. |
| US08014826B2 |
Base station and component configuration for versatile installation options
A wireless communication base station assembly includes at least one base band unit (40) having one primary circuit board (100) with circuitry for a control function (102), a timing function (104), a line interface function (106) and a radio interface function (108). The electronics and circuitry for each of these functions are all supported on the one primary circuit board (100). At least one channel module (e.g., a channel card) is coupled to the primary circuit board. A single, generally rectangular housing (42) contains the primary circuit board and the channel module. Disclosed examples include a rack (50) having a plurality of slots (52) configured to accommodate the housing (42). |
| US08014823B2 |
Communications system, intermediate element for a communications system, and method for establishing a communications link
An intermediate element for a communications system is described that has at least one communications module (131) and at least one contact mechanism (134) that is independent in form in relation to the components (12) to be contacted with the contact mechanism (134). In addition, a communications system (10) as well as a method for producing a communications link between an electronic device (11) and a support element (12) is described. |
| US08014821B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device including shared voice coil to provide hearing aid compatibility and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device is for use with a hearing aid including a hearing aid compatible (HAC) coil. The device may include a portable housing and a wireless receiver carried by the portable housing. The device may also include at least one image capture component and a positioning coil associated therewith and carried by the portable housing. A controller may also be carried by the portable housing for selectively operating the positioning coil for image capture, and for inductively coupling received signals from the wireless receiver to the HAC coil. |
| US08014816B2 |
Mobile communication device and power saving method thereof
A mobile communication device (10) communicating with a communication network (20) includes a microphone (11) for receiving sounds of a user and converting the sounds into outgoing analog signals, a processor (13), a system memory (16) for storing system data from the processor, and a data converter module (12). The data converter module includes an A/D converter sub-module (120) for converting the outgoing analog signals into outgoing digital sound data; and a memory (121) for storing the outgoing digital sound data. The processor directly retrieves the outgoing digital sound data from the memory and converts the outgoing digital sound data into packets to be transmitted to the communication network. |
| US08014814B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling power of uplink physical channel
A method for controlling power of an uplink physical channel includes: computing a relative gain factor in a compressed mode; correcting the relative gain factor to obtain a corrected relative gain factor; generating a gain factor in the compressed mode according to the corrected relative gain factor; controlling power of the uplink physical channel according to the gain factor in the compressed mode generated. In embodiments of the present invention, after being computed, the relative gain factor in the compressed mode is corrected, then the gain factor in the compressed mode is generated according to the corrected relative gain factor. Thus, an accurate gain factor may be acquired for controlling the power of the uplink physical channel. |
| US08014812B2 |
Uplink control channel transit power control based on received transmission
In a method for communication between a first station (BS1) and a second station (MS1) the first station may provide the second station with information associated with the manner how the second station should transmit towards the first station. The second station (MS1) may then transmit e.g. a response to a message from the first station (BS1) based on said information. That is, the second station (MS1) may e.g. use a specific transmission parameter for the transmission instead of transmitting in a manner the second station would have transmitted had it not been provided with said information. A communication system and stations for the communication system embodying the method are also disclosed. |
| US08014808B2 |
Radio communication control system, radio base station and radio communication control method
A radio communication control system controlling a transmission power of a shared control channel for transmitting a control signal to a plurality of mobile stations. The system includes a transmission power lower limit value setting section configured to set a lower limit value of the transmission power of the shared control channel, and to set the transmission power of the shared control channel at the lower limit value when the transmission power of the shared control channel is lower than the lower limit value. |
| US08014801B2 |
Method and apparatus for blocking ID information associated with a sender of a short messaging service (SMS) message
A component of the wireless network detects when a party who is sending an electronic message desires to have the sender's ID information blocked. If a determination is made that the sender's ID information is to be blocked, the network component removes the ID information from the communication and transmits the message to the intended recipient without the sender's ID information being included in the transmission. |
| US08014800B2 |
Charging of numbers triggered premium SMS
A method and arrangement for enabling a mobile terminal user currently roaming in a visited mobile network, to execute a purchase by means of an SMS payment mechanism. An SMS message containing a purchase request is received from the mobile terminal. After detecting that the SMS message is addressed to an external SMS center in a home mobile network different from the visited one, the address of the external SMS center in the SMS message is changed into the address of an internal SMS center in the visited network. The modified SMS message is then routed towards the internal SMS center where the purchase can be confirmed if a called number in the message matches a product/service provider registered as being authorized to offer said SMS payment mechanism. |
| US08014792B2 |
Information receiving terminal and information distributing system
A distance between positional information added to contents and a current position detected in an information receiving terminal is calculated, and based on the calculated distance, a method for outputting the contents is controlled. Thus, since the method for outputting the contents can be changed by a positional relationship between the contents and the information receiving terminal, distance relationship between the current position and the contents can be clearly displayed so that users can easily select the contents. |
| US08014789B2 |
Monitoring using cellular phones
Method for locating a cell phone or PDA, e.g., arranged in or on a movable asset, includes obtaining information at the cell phone or PDA relating to reception of signals, transmitting the information from the cell phone or PDA to a remote facility and determining the location of the cell phone or PDA from the information at the remote facility. The cell phone or PDA may obtain DGPS signals and transmit them to the remote facility. In this manner, the location of the cell phone and the asset in or on which it is arranged, or the person carrying the cell phone can be determined at the remote location. |
| US08014788B2 |
Estimation of speed of travel using the dynamic signal strength variation of multiple WLAN access points
A method for estimating the speed and bearing of a Wi-Fi enabled device using WLAN radio signals in a WLAN based location service is provided. A method used to estimate a speed of travel of a Wi-Fi enabled device comprises the Wi-Fi enabled device receiving signals transmitted by Wi-Fi access points in range of the Wi-Fi enabled device, and using the signals to estimate the speed of and/or direction of travel of the Wi-Fi enabled device. |
| US08014786B2 |
Distributed micro instruction set processor architecture for high-efficiency signal processing
A wireless communication system hosts a plurality of processes in accordance with a communication protocol. The system includes application specific instruction set processors (ASISPs) that provided computation support for the process. Each ASISP is capable of executing a subset of the functions of a communication protocol. A scheduler is used to schedule the ASISPs in a time-sliced algorithm so that each ASISP supports several processes. In this architecture, the ASISP actively performs computations for one of the supported processes (active process) at any given time. The state information of each process supported by a particular ASISP is stored in a memory bank that is uniquely associated with the ASISP. When a scheduler instructs an ASISP to change which process is the active process, the state information for the inactivated process is stored in the memory bank and the state information for the newly activated process is retrieved from the memory bank. |
| US08014778B2 |
Handover management in group calls
A mobile terminal of a digital cellular radiocommunication system that is in the receiving phase in a group call while roaming in a current cell, indicates to a fixed network element of the system, a given destination cell out of a number N of cells adjacent to the current cell. The system uses a time and/or frequency division multiple access method, and any modulation method. The mobile terminal sends an identification sequence of the destination cell in a time slot of an inbound signaling channel which is a contention channel. The identification sequence comprises a predetermined identification pattern out of a determined number P of identification patterns of different respective values, where P is an integer number such that 1 |
| US08014777B2 |
Method and system for transmitting/receiving data in heterogeneous communication systems
A method and a system are disclosed for transmitting/receiving data in heterogeneous communication systems having a mobile station, a first communication system currently accessed by the mobile station, and a second communication system having an access scheme different from the first communication system. The method includes accessing, by the mobile station, the first communication system and maintaining an active session with the first communication system; accessing, by the mobile station, the second communication system and requesting an active session to the second communication system when sensing handover to the second communication system while the active session with the first communication system is maintained; and maintaining, by the mobile station, the active session with the first communication system by means of an active session with the second communication system created according to the requested active session. |
| US08014776B2 |
Unlicensed-radio access networks in a mobile communications system
Cellular mobile networks can include unlicensed-radio access networks, which comprise access point controllers connected via a fixed broadband network to access points that communicate with mobile stations via unlicensed radio. The access points are connected to the broadband network from any location by the subscriber. In order to alleviate the configuration required to enable handover each access point controller is assigned to a location area defined in the conventional cellular network. A mobile station entering the mini-cell of an access point sends the access point information concerning the location area for the last cell of conventional network it communicated with. With this information, the access point obtains from a memory the fixed broadband address of the access point controller assigned to this location area. The access point uses this address to establish a connection with the access point controller assigned to handle its current location. |
| US08014773B2 |
Mixed mobile communication system of asynchronous communication network and synchronous communication network having handover function of mobile communication terminal, and handover method in the same
In the mobile communication system, asynchronous and synchronous Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) are interconnected via an Interworking Interoperability Function (IIF), and are connected to a Dual stack Home Location Register (D-HLR). The D-HLR stores and manages asynchronous subscription and synchronous subscription information of the mobile communication terminal. The IIF stores and manages the synchronous mobile communication system information, receives the synchronous subscription information of the mobile communication terminal from the D-HLR, transmits synchronous system information and the synchronous subscription information of the mobile communication terminal to the synchronous MSC and receives a response from the synchronous MSC, and requests the asynchronous MSC to release a wireless connection when the mobile communication terminal and the synchronous mobile communication system are interconnected and notification of completion of the handover is provided. |
| US08014772B2 |
Provision of a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) for a user equipment moving along cells in a cellular mobile communication system
Procedures are provided for the establishment of MBMS services in different cells of a cellular telecommunications network, in particular, for maintaining the transmission of MBMS data to a particular user equipment, even when it moves from one cell to another when the service is provided in different ways in different cells. In particular, when a user equipment receives a multimedia data service in a first cell via a certain type of connection (i.e., a point-to-point connection/while requiring an RRC Connection, a point-to-multipoint connection without/while requiring an RRC Connection), and moves to a second cell where the type of connection used to provide the service is different, specific actions are undertaken (e.g., request for an RRC Connection, release of an RRC Connection, etc), depending on the type of connection change carried out. Embodiments for the establishment of the most adequate connection (p-t-p, p-t-m) in a cell are disclosed as well (e.g., by sending a message from a SRNC to a CRNC). |
| US08014768B2 |
Mobile phone multimedia controller
A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself. |
| US08014767B1 |
Wireless communication network with software update monitoring and notification
A wireless communication network comprises antenna systems, a mobile switching system, and a monitoring system. The antenna systems exchange user communications with mobile user devices in a wireless communication format. The mobile switching system has software to control operations. The mobile switching system routes the user communications between the antenna systems and network communication systems. The mobile switching system implements a software modification to the software. The monitoring system communicates with the mobile switching system to detect the software modification. The monitoring system determines a characteristic for the software modification. The monitoring system selects a set of communication network personnel based on the characteristic and transfers a notice indicating the software modification to the selected set of the communication network personnel. |
| US08014762B2 |
Time and location-based non-intrusive advertisements and informational messages
Systems and methods for sending and receiving ads from a server to a client device are disclosed. The ads can be sent based on the location of the client device and/or a designated time window. An ad manager on the client device can display, store and manage the received ads and activated additional applications based on the content of the ad. |
| US08014758B2 |
Mobile telephone apparatus with remote access function for external network and remote access method for mobile communication system
In a mobile telephone apparatus, an information storing section stores information, and a control section receives a remote access request signal from an external network to access the information storing section. |
| US08014757B1 |
System and method for anonymous exchange of multimedia content utilizing a wireless network
A system and method for anonymous exchange of multimedia content over a wireless network. Aliases are associated with users. A user sends a message which includes some non text content to another user by inserting the recipient's alias in the body of the message. The user then indicates a short code of an exchange server as the desired destination of the message. The message is routed to the exchange server through wireless network infrastructure. The exchange server parses the body to obtain the recipient alias. The exchange server then performs a database query to obtain a recipient phone number based on the recipient alias. The exchange server then sends the message to the recipient phone number. Also disclosed is the anonymous sending of messages by using long codes and buddy list indexes. Messages may also be sent or received by an Internet connected user. |
| US08014756B1 |
Mobile authorization service
A mobile authorization service may be implemented as a web-based service, hosted on an authorization service server, and may exchange messages with various computing devices of subscribers to the service, including mobile communication devices. The service may be implemented as a software application executing on the server, and may include a client portion executing on subscriber computer systems and/or mobile communication devices, or subscribers may interact with the service using a text messaging application or a web browsing application. The service may receive an authorization request from a subscriber and may send a request message to an approver. The approver may send a reply message to the service indicating an answer. After authenticating the reply, the service may provide a response to the requester. The service may store information regarding authorization requests and responses. An authorization service subscriber account may be configurable for an individual or corporate subscriber. |
| US08014752B2 |
Automatic wireless utilization of cellular telephone devices
Automatic utilization of cellular telephone device is achieved by a controller and a short-range wireless communicator mounted on a vehicle, the short-range wireless communicator having a peer-to-peer communications capability; responsive to an emergency notification message, pinging by the short-range wireless communicator a long-range communication device contemporaneously within range of the peer-to-peer communications capability, the long-range communication device being physically detached from the vehicle; subsequent to the pinging, receiving a response message indicating that user authorization is required; responsive to the response message, sending by the short-range wireless communicator to the long-range communication device a request for authorization message; subsequent to a user responding in an affirmative manner to the authorization request, receiving an authorization message to co-opt the long-range communication device; and responsive to the authorization, sending an emergency notification message from the short-range wireless communicator through the co-opted long-range communication device to a specified recipient party. |
| US08014749B2 |
Method and apparatus of transmitting preferred control channel cycle attribute in wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus for transmitting Preferred Control Channel Cycle Attributes in a wireless communication system comprising generating a 8 bit Length field, a 8 bit AttributeID field, a 1 bit PreferredControlChannelCycleEnabled field, a 0 or 15 bits PreferredControlChannelCycle field, a 1 bit PreferredQuickPageEnabled field, a 0 or 15 bits PreferredRQuickPage field, a 1 bit PreferredPagingCarrierEnabled field, a 7 bits PreferredPagingCarrier field and a 0 or 7 bits Reserved field, wherein the Length field indicates the length of the complex attribute in octets and the length of the Reserved field is such that the attribute value is octet aligned; and transmitting the Preferred control channel cycle attribute over an OFDM communication link. |
| US08014746B2 |
External request type function control system, terminal device, external request type function control method, and external request type function control program
A function control information transmitter 30 transmits function control information 40 for controlling the function of a terminal device 10 such as a mobile telephone. When the terminal device (mobile telephone 10) receives the function control information 40 from the function control information transmitter 30, the terminal device analyzes the received function control information 40 so as to control the function of the control object even without preparing in advance a correspondence table for controlling the function. Thus, it is possible to easily use the optimal function, application software, and a service in accordance the environment and the situation. |
| US08014745B1 |
High isolation multiple carrier system architecture for communications
A compensation apparatus for an integrated communication system is disclosed. The integrated communication system can include a first communication device having a first transmitter antenna, and a second communication device having a second receiver antenna, wherein the second receiver antenna is in appreciable proximity of the first transmitter antenna such that the second receiver antenna picks up substantial electromagnetic interference from the first communication device. The compensation apparatus can include an isolation device having compensation circuitry coupling the first transmitter antenna and the second receiver antenna and configured to adaptively cancel the electromagnetic interference from the first communication device at the second receiver antenna. |
| US08014744B1 |
Antenna diversity system and method
A wireless network device includes a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving data packets. An antenna diversity module measures at least one of an average signal-to-noise ratio and a packet error rate associated with the data packets and selects a given antenna of the plurality of antennas based on at least one of the average signal-to-noise ratio and the packet error rate. The antenna diversity module measures a first average signal-to-noise ratio or a first packet error rate while utilizing a first antenna of the plurality of antennas, measures a second average signal-to-noise ratio or a second packet error rate while utilizing a second antenna of the plurality of antennas, and selects the given antenna based at least in part on a comparison of the first average signal-to-noise ratio to the second average signal-to-noise ratio or a comparison of the first packet error rate to the second packet error rate. |
| US08014742B1 |
Methods and apparatus for calibrating received signal strength indicators
This disclosure discloses methods and apparatus for calibrating received signal strength indicators. |
| US08014741B2 |
Signal quality estimation and control system
A signal quality estimation and control system for controlling a signal having noise. The system may include a signal strength determination system having an input configured to receive the signal and an output configured to output information indicative of the strength of the signal, a noise strength determination system having an input configured to receive the signal and an output configured to output information indicative of the strength of the noise in the signal, and a signal quality evaluation system. The signal quality evaluation system may have an input configured to receive the output of the signal strength determination system, an input configured to receive the output from the noise strength determination system, and an output configured to output information indicative of the quality of the signal based on the output from the signal strength determination system and the output from the noise strength determination system. A signal control system may be include that has an input configured to receive the output from the signal quality evaluation system and to control a switching function relating to the signal based on the output from the signal quality evaluation system. |
| US08014740B2 |
Method and system for amplitude calibration for polar modulation with discontinuous phase
Aspects of a method and system for amplitude calibration for polar modulation with discontinuous phase may include amplifying a signal via a plurality of amplifiers such that a combined gain of the plurality of amplifiers comprises a coarse amplitude gain, an amplitude offset gain and a calibration gain. A gain of one or more of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the coarse amplitude gain, and a gain of one or more remaining ones of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the amplitude offset gain and the calibration gain. The setting of the coarse amplitude gain, the calibration gain and/or said amplitude offset gain may be adjusted dynamically and/or adaptively. |
| US08014738B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing output power levels in power amplifiers
Some embodiments discussed relate to an apparatus comprising a power amplifier module. The power amplifier module includes a plurality of sensors, and a first digital communication port configured to provide a monitor signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors. The apparatus includes a transceiver module coupled to provide an signal to an input of the power amplifier the transceiver module including a second digital communication port configured to receive the monitor signal from the first digital communication port, a processing unit configured to generate at least one of a bias control signal and a back-off signal dependent upon the monitor signal, and a power controller to receive the at least one of bias control signal and the back-off signal and provide at least one further input signal to the power amplifier based on at least one of the bias control signal and the back-off signal. |
| US08014733B1 |
Wearable system for enabling mobile communications
A system and associated methods are disclosed for facilitating mobile communications. In one embodiment, the system increases the utility of mobile communications devices by integrating communications electronics into wearable items, so that communications sessions are more easily conducted in a variety of circumstances. Further, in additional embodiments, the methods enable movement performance for an individual to be monitored and reported by an associated mobile communications device, and for preselected messages to be transmitted to inquiring devices depending on sensed movement activity. |
| US08014730B2 |
Method of operating a communication system, a radio station, and a radio communication system
A radio communication system has a plurality of transmission formats available for the transmission of data signals by a sending station, and a pilot signal is transmitted to enable channel estimation by the receiving station. A receiving station transmits a control signal indicating the transmission formats that the sending station may use for transmitting the data signals. The sending station selects one of the indicated transmission formats for transmitting a data signal and derives a transmission power level for the pilot signal from the control signal. The transmission power level of the pilot signal may be independent of the selected transmission format, or may depend on selected transmission format. |
| US08014724B2 |
System and method for signal limiting
Methods and systems for processing a signal with a corresponding noise profile are disclosed. Aspects of the method may comprise analyzing spectral content of the noise profile. At least one noise harmonic within the signal may be filtered based on said analyzed spectral content. The filtered signal may be limited. The noise profile may comprise a phase noise profile. The signal may comprise at least one of a sinusoidal signal and a noise signal. At least one filter coefficient that is used to filter said at least one noise harmonic may be determined. The filtering may comprise low pass filtering and the limiting may comprise hard-limiting the filtered signal. The signal may be modulated prior to the filtering. The signal may be downconverted prior to the modulating. At least one signal component of the signal may be downconverted. |
| US08014721B2 |
Setting mobile device operating mode using near field communication
A mobile communication device is capable of operation in accordance with a plurality of operation mode profiles. Data linking each operation mode profile to a respective operation identifier are stored in the device memory. The device controller, coupled to a contained near field communication (NFC) device, is responsive to operation mode identifier data received from the NFC device during near field communication with an external establishment to change operation from an initial mode to the operation mode linked to the received data. |
| US08014719B2 |
Adaptive radio transceiver with a power amplifier
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings is a transceiver with a receiver, a transmitter, a local oscillator (LO) generator, a controller, and a self-testing unit. All of these components can be packaged for integration into a single IC including components such as filters and inductors. The controller for adaptive programming and calibration of the receiver, transmitter and LO generator. The self-testing unit generates is used to determine the gain, frequency characteristics, selectivity, noise floor, and distortion behavior of the receiver, transmitter and LO generator. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. |
| US08014717B2 |
Media content distribution system and method
A method of distributing content from multiple media content providers comprises combining the content into one or more composite data streams, and conveying the composite data streams to a plurality of receiver systems, each of which has a user interface that displays content provider information and allows for the selection of one of the providers for playing of the selected provider's media content. The media content is preferably provided to a computer server system via a data communications network. One or more composite data streams can be upconverted and uplinked to a satellite system for reception by satellite radio receivers. Intermediary service providers might also be used to receive the composite data streams, either via satellite or land-based communications lines, and format the data as needed for use by one or more associated end-user devices. |
| US08014713B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a flexible fixing member that heats a toner image to fuse, a contact member fixedly disposed internal to the fixing member and comes into contact with a pressure member via the fixing member to form a nip part, a plurality of heating devices that heats the contact member, wherein the contact member always maintains the contact state with the pressure member via the fixing member, the plurality of heating devices generally remain disposed in the fixing device under an operational state for heating and are freely removable for replacement under a non-operational state for heating. |
| US08014709B2 |
Image forming device
An image forming device includes a conveyor belt, an image forming unit, and a guide unit. The conveyor belt has a conveying surface that mounts and conveys a recording medium. The image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium placed on the conveying surface. The guide unit supports and conveys the recording medium to the conveying surface in a conveying direction. The guide unit includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate. The first guide plate is flexible. The first guide plate has a first distal end portion at a downstream side thereof in the conveying direction and is disposed near the conveyor belt. The second guide plate is flexible. The second guide plate has a second distal end portion disposed in direct confrontation with the first distal end portion to nip the recording medium in cooperation with the first distal end portion. |
| US08014702B2 |
Liquid developer collection apparatus and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer collection apparatus and an image forming apparatus can prevent image disturbances and also disturbances of the toner particles on the image section that can be produced by squeezing. The liquid developer collection apparatus includes a first squeezing section 113aY that squeeze a liquid developer on an image carrier carrying an image developed by the liquid developer containing carrier liquid and toner particles, and a second squeezing section 113bY arranged vertically above the first squeezing section 113aY to squeeze the image carrier squeezed by the first squeezing section 113aY, and the liquid developer collected by the second squeezing section 113bY is made to fall free onto the first squeezing section 113aY and collected. |
| US08014700B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus which includes a plurality of image bearing members, a plurality of primary transferring devices, an intermediary transfer unit, a secondary transfer portion, a feeding path, a detecting member, an adjusting device, an openable member, a guiding mechanism, and a retracting mechanism. |
| US08014699B2 |
Image forming apparatus having detachable process units
An image forming apparatus includes process units arranged in a predetermined direction to form a process-unit row, each having a photosensitive body and a developer container; a casing accommodating the process units and having a cover opening and closing an opening formed at one side in the predetermined direction, and an exposure member exposing the photosensitive body, and having a laser source, a deflector, and an optical element, and the exposure member is arranged facing the developer container of each process unit in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction. The process units are detachable from the casing, through the opening of the casing, and the developer container of one process unit arranged at one end of the process-unit row has a protruding portion protruding toward the exposure member to overlap with the exposure member in the orthogonal direction. |
| US08014694B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developing cartridge
A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane. |
| US08014688B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a photosensitive member, a charging apparatus to charge a surface of the photosensitive member when applied with a charging voltage, and an exposure apparatus to expose the surface of the photosensitive member after being charged to form an electrostatic image. A developing apparatus attaches a developer to the electrostatic image and develop the electrostatic image as a developer image when applied with a development voltage. An environment measuring apparatus measures information regarding temperature and a time information obtaining apparatus obtains information regarding a photosensitive member rotation time that represents a time during which the photosensitive member is rotated, and information regarding a photosensitive member stop time that represents a time during which the photosensitive member is stopped. A control apparatus controls an image formation condition based on a control mode. |
| US08014686B2 |
Polarization demultiplexing optical receiver using polarization oversampling and electronic polarization tracking
An optical receiver utilizes differential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) demodulation and electrical crosstalk rejection to relax requirements on filter misalignment with a carrier signal and to enable electronic polarization demultiplexing of optical signals. The optical receiver uses additional polarization state information when performing differential phase measurements on the optical signals. This provides information that ensures that data can be recovered by the optical receiver regardless of the state of polarization introduced during transmission of the optical signals. The optical receiver over samples the optical signals, which enables electrical polarization demultiplexing of the optical signals. The electrical crosstalk rejection provides a tracking algorithm that isolates received optical signals, and reduces crosstalk between data sequences. |
| US08014684B2 |
Modulation light signal generating device and FSK modulation signal generating device
The object of the present invention is to provide a modulated optical signal generator utilizing the mechanism of a multiply optical modulator, and a modulated signal generator capable of outputting millimeter waves and the like utilizing the modulated optical signal generator.The above-mentioned object is solved by a modulated optical signal generator (1) provided with an optical modulator (2), a first optical filter (3), and a second optical filter (4), wherein a frequency of a multiplying optical modulation outputted from the second optical filter (4) is controlled by controlling the frequency of the modulating signal inputted to the optical modulator (2). |
| US08014681B1 |
Device with optically transparent housing for conducting light signals and methods of manufacture and use
A device can convert electrical signals into modulated light signals and conduct those modulated light signals between components within the device or between the device and another device through at least a portion of the housing of the device that is transparent to the light wavelength of the modulate light signals. |
| US08014680B2 |
Optical transceiver and method of controlling optical output jitter using the same
An optical transceiver which can effectively reduce optical output jitter when an error is made during designing and manufacturing of a printed circuit board (PCB), and a method of controlling optical output jitter using the optical transceiver are provided. The optical transceiver includes a transmitter unit including an equalizing (EQ) filter which can reduce jitter of a high speed electric signal; a control circuit which controls the EQ filter; a receiver unit which receives an optical signal; and a micro-controller which controls the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. Further included in the optical transceiver is an active type or passive type EQ filter and, in the case of the active type, the control circuit is used to control the filter, in order to compensate for high-frequency component of a high speed electric signal in the transmitter unit in order to reduce reflection or loss on the PCB, and thus deterministic optical output jitter occurring due to Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI) can be reduced. |
| US08014679B2 |
Optical space transmission device including rotatable member
An optical space transmission device includes: a first portion; and a second portion which is rotatably connected to the first portion and performs space transmission of signals using light between the first portion and the second portion. The device includes: a first light emitting and receiving module which is provided for the first portion and includes: a first light emitting element composed of a light emitting diode emitting first signal light modulated based on a signal transmitted from the first to second portion; and a first light receiving element receiving second signal light modulated based on a signal transmitted from the second to first portions; and a second light emitting and receiving module which is provided for the second portion and includes: a second light emitting element composed of a semiconductor laser emitting the second signal light; and a second light receiving element receiving the first signal light. |
| US08014678B2 |
Power supply
A device includes a power module to produce a switched voltage and to convert the switched voltage into a waveform adapted to wirelessly pass through a structure. The device may include a data module to receive a wireless signal through the structure, where the wireless signal includes information, and to send the information toward a destination. |
| US08014677B2 |
Optical activation of one or more communication units in a survey system
To control activation of one or more communication units in a survey system that performs surveying of a subterranean structure, optical activity on at least one optical link connected to at least one communication unit that is part of a survey system is detected. In response to determining that the optical activity has a characteristic that satisfies a predetermined criterion, the at least one communication unit is awakened. |
| US08014675B2 |
Passive optical network communication method and system
A passive optical network communication system transmits an optical time-division multiplexed signal from a central office through a passive optical coupler to a number of subscribers, and transmits optical encoded signals from the subscribers through the passive optical coupler to the central office. Optical encoded signals from different subscribers are separated by a decoding process performed at the central office. All operations can be synchronized with a clock signal which is generated at the central office and recovered from the optical time-division multiplexed signal by the subscribers' equipment. The communication range can be extended inexpensively by using a single high-power light source at the central office while using relatively low-power light sources at the subscribers' equipment. |
| US08014666B2 |
Apparatus and method for removably mounting filters to a photographic lens
A coupling system and method for removably mounting filters to a photographic camera lens. The coupling system includes a lens coupling element and filter coupling element. The lens coupling element has a magnetically attractive projecting ring that is telescopically received by and magnetically coupled within the annular body of the filter coupling element. The forward end of the annular body operably supporting a filter material. |
| US08014664B2 |
Filter moving solenoid system for a camera
A filter-moving solenoid system for use with a camera is provided. The filter-moving solenoid system includes a solenoid and an armature that has at least first and second operative positions and at least first and second contact segments. A first contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a first operative position and a second contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a second operative position. The filter-moving solenoid system is configured so that the armature is self-stable in each of the first and second positions, allowing the filter to selectively remain fixed in such positions without requiring the solenoid to be energized in so doing. |
| US08014663B2 |
Camera, accessory, and camera system
A camera includes a camera control unit configured to acquire information on an accessory mounted on the camera by performing communication with an accessory control unit included in the accessory and to control a photographing operation based on the information on the accessory. When the camera control unit acquires, from the accessory control unit, first information that is required prior to start of photographing and second information that is required prior to generation of image data after the start of photographing, if the camera control unit determines that a photographer has performed an operation to start a photographing operation during a period in which the camera control unit is performing communication to acquire the second information, the camera control unit executes a photographic sequence in priority to acquiring the second information and thereafter acquires the second information. |
| US08014661B2 |
Imaging device and imaging method
An imaging device includes an autofocusing section, which moves at least a part of an imaging lens as a focusing lens, and focuses the imaging device on a subject, a photographing distance range setting section, which sets a predetermined distance range including a subject distance to the subject obtained by the autofocusing section as a photographing distance range for photographing, a continuous shooting section, which continuously photographs at a plurality of focused positions in the photographing distance range while moving and stopping the focusing lens according to input of a photographing instruction, and a display section, which displays an image of the subject focused by the autofocusing section and the photographing distance range set by the photographing distance range setting section. |
| US08014660B2 |
Retractable zoom lens having variable aperture-stop mechanism
A zoom lens includes a movable aperture-control lens group, and a variable aperture-stop mechanism provided in front or behind the aperture-control lens group. The variable aperture-stop mechanism includes an aperture blade opening/closing mechanism including at least one movable aperture blade and varies the size of an adjustable aperture. The variable aperture-stop mechanism includes a fixed circular aperture which is smaller than a large-sized adjustable aperture and greater than a small-sized adjustable aperture. The movable aperture blade and the fixed circular aperture are positioned in that order from the aperture-control lens group side. When the zoom lens retracts to the accommodated position thereof, the adjustable aperture enlarges in size while the variable aperture-stop mechanism moves to a close position to the aperture-control lens group, so that at least part of the aperture-control lens group enters the large-size adjustable aperture. |
| US08014659B2 |
Image shake correction apparatus and image pickup apparatus
An image shake correction apparatus includes: a fixed member; a pair of guide shafts; an intermediate member; a movable member; a movement restraining section; and a restrained section. |
| US08014655B2 |
Camera module
A camera module includes a lens barrel, a first lens and a second lens. The lens barrel includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The first lens is received in the lens barrel. The first lens includes a first circumferential side surface spaced from the inner wall. The second lens is engaged with the first lens and received in the lens barrel. The second lens includes a second circumferential side surface. The second circumferential side surface has a first portion contacting the inner wall and a second portion spaced from the inner wall, thus a gap defined between the second portion and the inner wall. Adhesive is applied in the gap between the second portion and the inner wall. |
| US08014653B2 |
O-ring seals for spa heater element
A spa heater includes a heater element having a single outer wall with indentations near each end for receiving clips for positioning the heater element. The indentations are preferably stamped or formed by some other method which does not weaken the outer wall and the heater element is retained by use of the clips in the indentations. Incorporation of the indentations and the clips allows use of a single thin outer wall thereby reducing cost. The heater element is held and sealed by a combination of O-rings, stepped washers, snap rings clips, and caps. An electrical connection may be made using ring type wire ends residing under the caps or by connecting to posts extending from the ends of the heater element. The heater element is preferably a spiral heater element and a titanium outer wall may be used to resist corrosion and increases heater element life. |
| US08014650B1 |
Feedback of out-of-range signals
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, relatively immediate feedback may be provided for out of range signals. Embodiments may include, subsequent to an edit of at least a portion of one or more received signals, compositing the one or more received signals to provide a composited signal including an edited portion corresponding to the edit. Embodiments may also include analyzing the composited signal to determine whether the edited portion of the composited signal exceeds a predefined range. Embodiments may also include generating an error indication in response to determining that the edited portion of the composited signal exceeds the predefined range. The compositing, the analyzing and the generating are completed during a time period less than a total playing time of the composited signal. |
| US08014646B2 |
Telecommunications patching systems with high density patching modules
A telecommunications patching system includes: a generally horizontal main panel; a row of front connectors associated with the main panel, each of the front connectors being spaced apart from immediately adjacent front connectors by a gap; and a row of rear connectors associated with the main panel, each of the rear connectors being spaced apart from immediately adjacent rear connectors by a gap. The front connectors are laterally offset from the rear connectors such that each of the gaps between the rear connectors aligns with a respective front connector, and each of the gaps between the front connectors aligns with a respective rear connector. In this configuration, cords or cables connected with the front row of connectors can reside in the gaps between the rear connectors, and cords or cable with the rear connectors can reside in the gaps between the front connectors. This arrangement can provide high port density to the patching system. |
| US08014642B2 |
Optical gate array device
An optical gate array device which permits the use of an optical gate array with a pitch smaller than the diameter of optical fibers. The optical gate array has an array of optical gates, and an optical fiber array has an array of optical fibers. A lens is arranged between the optical gate array and the optical fiber array, for collectively achieving optical coupling between all of the optical gates of the optical gate array and all of the optical fibers of the optical fiber array. |
| US08014639B1 |
Optical NOR gate
An optical NOR gate is formed from two pair of optical waveguide devices on a substrate, with each pair of the optical waveguide devices consisting of an electroabsorption modulator electrically connected in series with a waveguide photodetector. The optical NOR gate utilizes two digital optical inputs and a continuous light input to provide a NOR function digital optical output. The optical NOR gate can be formed from III-V compound semiconductor layers which are epitaxially deposited on a III-V compound semiconductor substrate, and operates at a wavelength in the range of 0.8-2.0 μm. |
| US08014636B2 |
Electrical contacts on top of waveguide structures for efficient optical modulation in silicon photonic devices
A phase modulation waveguide structure includes one of a semiconductor and a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, a doped semiconductor layer formed over the one of a semiconductor and a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, the doped semiconductor portion including a waveguide rib protruding from a surface thereof not in contact with the one of a semiconductor and a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, and an electrical contact on top of the waveguide rib. The electrical contact is formed of a material with an optical refractive index close to that of a surrounding oxide layer that surrounds the waveguide rib and the electrical contact and lower than the optical refractive index of the doped semiconductor layer. During propagation of an optical mode within the waveguide structure, the electrical contact isolates the optical mode between the doped semiconductor layer and a metal electrode contact on top of the electrical contact. |
| US08014635B2 |
Transmitting apparatus and method, receiving apparatus and method, program and recording medium, and transmitting/receiving system
A receiving processing unit receives identical SD pictures transmitted a plurality of number of times, and performs addition for weighting an SD picture stored in a storage and the received SD pictures. The receiving processing unit stores the obtained values as a new SD picture in the storage. A picture-quality determining unit determines the picture quality of the new SD picture stored in the storage, and based on the determined picture quality, a request-signal transmitting unit requests class codes representing classes obtained by classifying the pixels of an HD picture in which the quality of an SD picture is increased. A receiving-control unit receives class codes which are transmitted in response to the request, and based on the SD picture and the class codes, an adaptive processing unit calculates predicted values of an HD picture corresponding to the SD picture. |
| US08014624B2 |
Method, arrangement, and software for optimizing the image quality of movable subjects imaged with a microscope
A method and an arrangement for optimizing the image quality of movable subjects imaged with a microscope system are proposed. The microscope system encompasses at least one objective that defines an image window. Motions of the subjects being observed are captured in the image frame. A computer system, having a means for determining a respective displacement vector field from a comparison of the respective pixels of two chronologically successive images, generates a trajectory from the synopsis of the displacement vector field of all the acquired images. A means for applying an operation to the image data along a trajectory is also provided. |
| US08014618B2 |
High-speed motion compensation apparatus and method
The present invention relates to a high-speed motion compensation apparatus and method. The high-speed motion compensation apparatus for H.264/AVC includes a bus interface unit for reading a plurality of word addresses from an external storage device, aligning the reference pixels arranged over the plurality of word addresses, temporarily storing the aligned reference pixels, and sequentially outputting the aligned and temporarily stored reference pixels. A buffer unit temporarily stores overlapping reference pixels, which are repeatedly used to generate the sub-pixels, among the reference pixels output from the bus interface unit. An interpolation unit generates first half pixels, second half pixels, first quarter pixels, and second quarter pixels, using the reference pixels output from the bus interface unit. A chroma filter unit generates chrome pixels using the reference pixels output from the bus interface unit.Therefore, the high-speed motion compensation apparatus is advantageous in that the number of accesses to memory can be reduced, and reference pixels are prevented from being repeatedly read, thus enabling motion compensation to be performed at high speed. |
| US08014613B2 |
Methods and systems for inter-layer image parameter prediction
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for predicting an offset factor for a target block of a multi-layer image having a low-dynamic-range layer and a high-dynamic-range layer wherein the offset factor is used to predict the high-dynamic-range layer from the low-dynamic-range layer. Some aspects relate to determining a first scaling parameter and a first offset parameter for a first adjacent block adjacent to the target block and determining a second scaling parameter and a second offset parameter for a second adjacent block adjacent to the target block. Some aspects relate to fitting a mathematical model to the first scaling parameter, the second scaling parameter, the first offset parameter and the second offset parameter and to determining a target scaling parameter for the target block. Some aspects relate to determining a target offset parameter for the target block using the target scaling parameter and the mathematical model. |
| US08014612B2 |
Image processing device and method for compressing and decompressing images
The disclosed image processing device receiving image data comprises a first encoder, a second encoder and an encoding switch. The first encoder generates first data by encoding the image data according to a predetermined method. The second encoder generates second data by encoding the image data according to an encoding pattern table. The encoding pattern table is set up in accordance with the first data. The encoding switch determines to output either the first data or the second data as an encoded result and generates a mark value for indicating the encoded result. |
| US08014599B2 |
Profile adjustment method, apparatus, and program
A color processing device performs a quantitative evaluation not influenced by the experience and sensitivity of a user, upon adjustment of a profile. The adjustment of first conversion data for converting device independent data included in a profile describing characteristics of a device into device dependent data is achieved by inputting sample data, which is the device independent data, converting the sample data into the device dependent data using the first conversion data, converting the converted device dependent data into the device independent data using second conversion data which is conversion data included in the profile and which is conversion data for converting the device dependent data into the device independent data, and calculating the color difference between the sample data and the device independent data. |
| US08014598B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing a pixel color
A method of changing a pixel color includes determining whether a chrominance of a pixel is in a preference chrominance area, where the preference chrominance area is defined as a conic section in a two-dimensional chrominance plane and an eccentricity of the conic section is not greater than 1, and changing the chrominance of the pixel to a preference chrominance to generate a preference pixel when the chrominance of the pixel is in the preference chrominance area. Therefore, the method may set a preference chrominance area in a simple manner, and hardware for setting the preference chrominance area may be easily implemented. |
| US08014597B1 |
Method for efficient compression and decoding of single sensor color image data
A method is described to greatly improve the efficiency of and reduce the complexity of image compression when using single-sensor color imagers for video acquisition. The method in addition allows for this new image compression type to be compatible with existing video processing tools, improving the workflow for film and television production. |
| US08014593B2 |
Image color compensating apparatus and methods thereof
The invention relates to an image color compensating apparatus and related method thereof. A color space conversion operation is implemented in a pixel of a source image to convert first image signals corresponding to the pixel to second image signals corresponding to a color space plane. The color space plane comprises a color compensation region. Mathematical operations are implemented in the second image signals to determine where the pixel is located. When the pixel resides in the color compensation region, a compensation operation is implemented in the second image signals. Thus, the pixel approaches a predetermined direction for adjusting the color of the pixel. |
| US08014592B2 |
Edge based CMY automatic picture registration
An automatic process for performing CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) registration for film digital restoration. After three color components Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow of a picture are scanned into files, each component is divided into blocks, and edge detection is applied to each block, and an edge match is performed. The data of displacements is processed, and then affine transform parameters are calculated. The affine transform is then applied for each block, and warping is used to combine the color components and obtain the registered picture of a color component. |
| US08014591B2 |
Robust pattern recognition system and method using socratic agents
A computer-implemented pattern recognition method, system and program product, the method comprising in one embodiment: creating electronically a linkage between a plurality of models within a classifier module within a pattern recognition system such that any one of said plurality of models may be selected as an active model in a recognition process; creating electronically a null hypothesis between at least one model of said plurality of linked models and at least a second model among said plurality of linked models; accumulating electronically evidence to accept or reject said null hypothesis until sufficient evidence is accumulated to reject said null hypothesis in favor of one of said plurality of linked models or until a stopping criterion is met; and transmitting at least a portion of the electronically accumulated evidence or a summary thereof to accept or reject said null hypothesis to a pattern classifier module. |
| US08014590B2 |
Method of directed pattern enhancement for flexible recognition
A directed pattern enhancement method receives a learning image and pattern enhancement directive. Pattern enhancement learning is performed using the learning image and the pattern enhancement directive to generate pattern enhancement recipe. An application image is received and a pattern enhancement application is performed using the application image and the pattern enhancement recipe to generate pattern enhanced image. A recognition thresholding is performed using the pattern enhanced image to generate recognition result.The pattern enhancement directive consists of background directive, patterns to enhance directive, and patterns to suppress directive.A partitioned modeling method receives an image region and performs feature extraction on the image region to generate characterization feature. A hierarchical partitioning is performed using the characterization feature to generate hierarchical partitions. A model generation is performed using the hierarchical partitions to generate partition model. The partitioned modeling further performs a partitioned matching step that matches an input point to the partition model to generate a matching score output.A partition model update method receives a partition model and input data for model update. A partition model update is performed using the partition model and the data to generate an updated partition model. |
| US08014588B2 |
System and method for three-dimensional estimation based on image data
A method and apparatus to extract a dense three-dimensional model of an observed scene or object from one or more sequences of images acquired with an imaging device such as a camera or camcorder, or clusters of cameras and/or camcorders. In some embodiments the method includes capturing an image sequence by a camera moving with a translateral motion, for example moving on a straight path with a fixed orientation. The images in each sequence are captured at regularly spaced sites on the straight path. In some embodiments, a device projects structured light on the observed scene. Multiple image sequences can be acquired, on different cameras on straight paths. The captured image sequences are input to a computer. The 3D structure of the scene viewed by each image sequence is computed. Dense reconstruction from EPIs is performed by interpolating the EPIs after having detecting straight segments on the EPIs. 3D models extracted from each image sequence are combined and merged to create a 3D model of the whole scene. |
| US08014586B2 |
Apparatus and methods for container inspection
Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and encoders. The methods include synchronization techniques and correlation techniques. |
| US08014585B2 |
Image plotting data obtaining method and apparatus, and image plotting method and apparatus
Obtaining hypothetical image plot point trajectories in original image data corresponding to predetermined hypothetical image plotting trajectories on a substrate; obtaining and storing in advance hypothetical image plotting data corresponding to the hypothetical image plot point data trajectories from the original image data; selecting hypothetical image plot point data trajectories corresponding to the image plotting trajectory on the substrate when an image is plotted, and obtaining information indicating the area corresponding to the image plot point data trajectory in each hypothetical image plot point data trajectory indicated by the selected hypothetical image plot point data trajectories; identifying hypothetical image plotting data corresponding to the hypothetical image plotting data trajectories; obtaining partial hypothetical image plotting data based on the information indicating the area corresponding to the image plot point data trajectory; and obtaining image plotting data based on each partial hypothetical image plotting data. |
| US08014584B2 |
Pattern dimension measuring apparatus and pattern area measuring method
A pattern area measuring method includes the steps of: acquiring image data of a pattern; dividing the pattern into partial patterns; calculating the areas of the partial patterns; and calculating the area of the pattern by summing up the areas of the partial patterns. The step of dividing the pattern into partial patterns may further include the steps of: dividing the pattern into fan-shaped partial patterns each having a central angle of a predetermined value; calculating the line profile on a line intersecting the center of the pattern and an edge of the pattern for each of the partial patterns; creating a differential profile; and detecting an edge position of the partial pattern by use of the line profile and the differential profile and then deriving a radius from the center position and the edge position. |
| US08014583B2 |
Method for assessing image focus quality
A method for determining the quality of focus of a digital image of a biological specimen includes obtaining a digital image of a specimen using a specimen imaging apparatus. A measure of image texture is calculated at two different scales, and the measurements are compared to determine how much high-resolution data the image contains compared to low-resolution data. The texture measurement may, for example, be a Brenner auto-focus score calculated from the means of adjacent pairs of pixels for the high-resolution measurement and from the means of adjacent triples of pixels for the low-resolution measurement. A score indicative of the quality of focus is then established based on a function of the low-resolution and high-resolution measurements. This score may be used by an automated imaging device to verify that image quality is acceptable. The device may adjust the focus and acquire new images to replace any that are deemed unacceptable. |
| US08014580B2 |
Determining a pixon map for image reconstruction
Determining a pixon map for pixon smoothing of an object based on a data set includes receiving the data set and an input object associated to the data set. Determining a pixon map further includes determining, in a series of steps, statistical objects for a set of pixon kernel functions, wherein each step includes selecting a pixon kernel function from the set of pixon kernel functions, smoothing the input object on the basis of the selected pixon kernel function, thereby creating a smoothed object, and determining the statistical object for the selected pixon kernel function on the basis of the smoothed object, the data set, and a Mighell-like statistical weight. Determining a pixon map further includes determining contributions of the pixon kernel functions to the pixon map based on the statistical objects and assigning values to the pixon map corresponding to the contributions of the pixon kernel functions. |
| US08014579B2 |
Microscope system and method for synthesizing microscopic images
An observation state obtainment unit obtains an observation state of a microscope at the time of obtaining the microscopic image of a specimen obtained by using the microscope. A motion image data generation unit generates data of a motion image from the microscopic images of a time series. A correlation addition unit adds, to data of the motion image, information that correlates microscopic images constituting the motion image with an observation state of the microscope at the time of obtaining the microscopic images. A record unit records data of the motion image and an observation state of the microscope correlated with the data. |
| US08014576B2 |
Method and system of computer-aided quantitative and qualitative analysis of medical images
A system and method of computer aided analysis of medical images and detection of malignant lesions is described. Medical images obtained from multiple modalities are analyzed. Morphological features as well as temporal, i.e., kinetics features, are combined to compute a consolidated assessment of a possible lesion detected in the medical images. The system includes at least one kinetics module, which is capable of extracting kinetics features from a time sequence of MRI images or MRS data taken after administering a contrast enhancement agent to a patient. The consolidated assessment is presented to a user for confirmation or modification. |
| US08014574B2 |
Character noise eliminating apparatus, character noise eliminating method, and character noise eliminating program
To provide a noise eliminating apparatus and the like that can eliminate an atypical shaped background noise. A character noise eliminating apparatus includes a character noise area detecting device for detecting a character noise area which is an area corresponding to a character noise from an image, a density conversion area layer determining device for setting a plurality of density conversion area layers inside and outside the character noise area, and a density converting device for setting a neighboring pixel group within the same density conversion area layer as the density conversion area layer to which a target pixel belongs as a reference area of the target pixel, with respect to pixels in the density conversion area layers, and generating a density converted image applying a local image enhancement. |
| US08014573B2 |
Digital life recording and playback
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing data. A plurality of devices dynamically capture data associated with the daily activities of a person. The data is transmitted to a mobile device associated with the person. The data is processed and then stored into a cache of the mobile device. The data stored in the cache of the mobile device is uploaded into a repository mass store in response to interfacing the mobile device with the repository mass store. A selected data segment stored in the repository mass store is presented in response to receiving a request for the selected data segment. |
| US08014572B2 |
Face annotation framework with partial clustering and interactive labeling
Systems and methods are described for a face annotation framework with partial clustering and interactive labeling. In one implementation, an exemplary system automatically groups some images of a collection of images into clusters, each cluster mainly including images that contain a person's face associated with that cluster. After an initial user-labeling of each cluster with the person's name or other label, in which the user may also delete/label images that do not belong in the cluster, the system iteratively proposes subsequent clusters for the user to label, proposing clusters of images that when labeled, produce a maximum information gain at each iteration and minimize the total number of user interactions for labeling the entire collection of images. |
| US08014569B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of produce (fruit, vegetables) using spatially structured illumination
A method and an apparatus for noninvasively and quantitatively determining spatially resolved absorption and reduced scattering coefficients over a wide field-of-view of a food object, including fruit or produce, uses spatial-frequency-domain imaging (SFDI). A single modulated imaging platform is employed. It includes a broadband light source, a digital micromirror optically coupled to the light source to control a modulated light pattern directed onto the food object at a plurality of selected spatial frequencies, a multispectral camera for taking a spectral image of a reflected modulated light pattern from the food object, a spectrally variable filter optically coupled between the food object and the multispectral camera to select a discrete number of wavelengths for image capture, and a computer coupled to the digital micromirror, camera and variable filter to enable acquisition of the reflected modulated light pattern at the selected spatial frequencies. |
| US08014567B2 |
Method and apparatus for recognizing gesture in image processing system
A method and apparatus for recognizing a gesture in an image processing system. In the apparatus, an input unit receives an image obtained by capturing a gesture of a user using a camera. A detector detects a face area in the input image, and detects a hand area in gesture search areas. The gesture search areas being set by dividing the image into predetermined areas with reference to a predetermined location of the detected face area. A controller sets the gesture search areas, determines whether a gesture occurs in the detected hand area, and selects a detection area with respect to the gesture to generate a control command for controlling an image device. A calculator calculates skin-color information and differential-area information for checking a gesture in the detected hand area. Accordingly, a hand area can be accurately detected, and a gesture can be separated from peripheral movement information, so that mal-functioning caused by gesture recognition can be reduced. |
| US08014564B2 |
Wavelet detector for finding similarities between major boundaries in images
A method of and a system for finding similarities between major boundaries of images using a wavelet detector is described herein. Unimportant edges of the image are disregarded by eliminating Gaussian wavelet coefficients and Haar wavelet coefficients of lower significance. Comparison between the images is made on the basis of quantized color, sign and magnitude of the Haar wavelet coefficients. The method performs the comparison between images in two steps. First, the method checks for exact matches between the Haar wavelet coefficients to determine whether the images are very similar. This is followed by binning of the coefficients into nine spatial bins in the image. A representative is assigned to each of the bins in terms of color, orientation and sign. Each bin of one image is compared with all the bins of the other image. Thus, images that are similar but not identical are still detected. |
| US08014563B2 |
Methods and systems for steganographic processing
The present claims utilize steganographic embedding to help facilitate tracing of unauthorized copies to a location and particular time. One claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing audio or video, the audio or video to be communicated to an audience assembled at a location at a particular time; and steganographic embedding binary information in the data with a programmed electronic processor, said steganographic embedding modifies portions of the data to hide the binary information in the data, the binary information is associated with the location and particular time of communicating the audio or video to the audience assembled at the location at the particular time. The binary information enables an unauthorized version of the communicated audio or video to be traced back to the location and particular time. Of course, other combination and claims are provided too. |
| US08014561B2 |
Virtual fly over of complex tubular anatomical structures
An embodiment of the invention is method, which can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, etc., for virtual fly over inspection of complex anatomical tubular structures. In a preferred embodiment, the method is implemented in software, and the software reconstructs the tubular anatomical structure from a binary imaging data that is originally acquired from computer aided tomography scan or comparable biological imaging system. The software of the invention splits the entire tubular anatomy into exactly two halves. The software assigns a virtual camera to each half to perform fly-over navigation. Through controlling the elevation of the virtual camera, there is no restriction on its field of view (FOV) angle, which can be greater than 90 degrees, for example. The camera viewing volume is perpendicular to each half of the tubular anatomical structure, so potential structures of interest, e.g., polyps hidden behind haustral folds in a colon are easily found. The orientation of the splitting surface is controllable, the navigation can be repeated at another or a plurality of another split orientations. This avoids the possibility that a structure of interest, e.g., a polyp that is divided between the two halves of the anatomical structure in a first fly over is missed during a virtual inspection. Preferred embodiment software conducts virtual colonoscopy fly over. Experimental virtual fly over colonoscopy software of the invention that performed virtual fly over on 15 clinical datasets demonstrated average surface visibility coverage is 99.59+/−0.2%. |
| US08014558B2 |
Methods, apparatus and system for film grain simulation
The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for providing fast access to film grain patterns in a film grain simulation process including providing a first memory storing at least one film grain pattern and in response to a film grain pattern required by the film grain simulation process not being stored in the first memory, updating the first memory to obtain at least the required film grain pattern from at least a second memory. In one embodiment, the first memory is a local cache, the second memory is a film grain pattern database and a controller causes the examination of the local cache for a particular film grain pattern required in the film grain simulation process. In response to the required film grain pattern not being stored in the local cache, the controller causes the update of the local cache using the film grain pattern database. |
| US08014556B2 |
Speaker system for head protective gear
A headgear system enhanced for generating sound has at least one speaker apparatus connected to or integrated into the structure of the headgear system, the speaker apparatus including a magnet suspended in a magnetic fluid, and at least one resonator connected to the at least one speaker apparatus. The system is characterized in that excitation of the magnet produces vibration translated to the resonator to generate the sound. |
| US08014554B2 |
Automatic tilt speaker
An automatic tilt speaker has a first subassembly of a speaker unit enclosing an ordinary speaker element. The speaker unit includes a cone-shaped housing having an inner cavity for holding the speaker with its frame or basket fitted snugly in an annular frame. The housing of the speaker unit is pivotally connected to the frame by a pivot arm. The speaker housing has an arcuate exterior wall extending in a radius centered about the pivot connection of the frame. Centrally of the arcuate wall, there is a gear arch, which comprises a vertical column of horizontally elongated teeth extending substantially coplanar with the arcuate wall. On the annular frame at the diametrically opposite side of the pivot connection a tilting system is operatively connected with the teeth. The tilting system includes a motor with a reduction gearbox for driving a worm gear, which in turn drives the gear arch. The annular frame also supports a relay-based motor control board for controlling the polarity and power to the motor. Combined with the power control is a position sensing system including three slight ramp surfaces on the arcuate wall of the speaker unit which translates into three segmented tilting angles to be remotely selected to the user's listening preference. |
| US08014550B2 |
System for controlling a transfer function of a hearing aid
This invention relates to a system (100) for controlling gain function of a hearing aid. The system (100) comprises a microphone (102) converting a sound pressure to an input signal, a speaker (112) converting an output signal to a processed sound pressure, and a signal processing means (106) interconnecting the microphone (102) and the speaker (112) and processing the input signal to the output signal according to a control signal. The system (100) further comprises a signal analysis means (108) connecting to the microphone (102) and to the signal processing means (106) and comprising a controller means (124) generating the control signal based on detector means (128, 130, 120) responses to the input signal. |
| US08014549B2 |
Dynamic range compression using digital frequency warping
A dynamic range compression system is provided, using either a sample-by-sample or a block processing system. Such a system can be used, for example, in a hearing aid. The system, using a frequency-warped processing system, is comprised of a cascade of all-pass filters with the outputs of the all-pass filters providing the input to the frequency analysis used to compute the filter coefficients. The compression filter is then designed in the frequency domain. Using a compression filter having even symmetry guarantees that the group delay is constant and does not depend on the compression gains at any given time. Additionally, due to the use of all-pass filters, the compression filter group delay more closely matches human auditory latency. An inverse frequency transform back into the warped time domain is used to produce the compression filter coefficients that are convolved with the outputs of the all-pass delay line to give the processed output signal. |
| US08014546B2 |
EMI shielding for a microphone
A microphone has at least one non-conductive component with at least one side covered by a metal layer which in turn is covered by a protective layer, and the microphone can be a component of a delegate unit of a conference system or a congress system. |
| US08014543B2 |
Audio mixer group fader graphical user interface
Manually-operable and automatically-driveable fader operators are provided in corresponding relation to a plurality of channels, and a plurality of the fader operators are grouped in such a manner that the fader operators in a same group are operable collectively in an interlocked fashion. On a display screen, a window of a given group is opened in response to selection operation by a user, and a graphic image indicative of settings of the individual fader operators belonging to the given group is displayed. In response to operation by the user on the image displayed on the window of the given group and indicative of the settings of the individual fader operators, an image for effecting a change in the settings is displayed, and the individual fader operators belonging to the given group are automatically driven, to thereby change the settings. Such arrangements allow a grouping state of the operators to be identified visually with an increased ease and also facilitate setting operation. |
| US08014534B2 |
Efficient and scalable parametric stereo coding for low bitrate audio coding applications
The present invention provides improvements to prior art audio codecs that generate a stereo-illusion through post-processing of a received mono signal. These improvements are accomplished by extraction of stereo-image describing parameters at the encoder side, which are transmitted and subsequently used for control of a stereo generator at the decoder side. Furthermore, the invention bridges the gap between simple pseudo-stereo methods, and current methods of true stereo-coding, by using a new form of parametric stereo coding. A stereo-balance parameter is introduced, which enables more advanced stereo modes, and in addition forms the basis of a new method of stereo-coding of spectral envelopes, of particular use in systems where guided HFR (High Frequency Reconstruction) is employed. As a special case, the application of this stereo-coding scheme in scalable HFR-based codecs is described. |
| US08014531B2 |
Stereo/monaural switching circuit and integrated circuit having the same
An adder mixes an L-channel sound signal and an R-channel sound signal with each other and then outputs a mixed signal. A switching unit performs a switching operation such that, if power is being supplied to loudspeaker amplifiers, the L-channel sound signal and the R-channel sound signal are respectively supplied to the loudspeaker amplifiers, and if power is not being supplied to the loudspeaker amplifier, an output signal of the adder is supplied to the loudspeaker amplifier. A power down control unit forces a loudspeaker amplifier to which power is not supplied and a preamplifier for driving the loudspeaker amplifier to be in a power-down state. |
| US08014524B2 |
Scaling independent technique for watermarking images with recorder shut-off
A robust technique to prevent illicit copying of video information notwithstanding the use of image scaling. A watermark is embedded into the video signal (e.g., DVD's content or other video sources) at different scales (i.e., sizes). The watermark is maintained at each scale for a predetermined time duration that is sufficient to allow the detector circuit in a DVD-recorder, DVHS recorder, DVCR, or any other digital format recorder to detect, extract, and process information contained in the watermark. At the end of the predetermined time duration, the watermark is changed to a different scale preferably on a pseudo-random basis to ensure that each one of all the scales in a predetermined scaling range is achieved a predetermined number of times. Thereby the recorder shuts off a number of times during play of the content, each time the detector circuit senses the watermark. |
| US08014518B2 |
Patch panel apparatus and system including patch cord path tracing
A patch panel apparatus, system, method and computer program product for patch cord path tracing is provided. |
| US08014516B2 |
Method and apparatus for echo cancellation
An exemplary embodiment of an echo cancellation circuit is provided, for use in a voice interaction device simultaneously outputting a remote signal while receiving a local signal. The local signal may comprise an echo generated from the remote signal. A first filter learns the remote signal at a first speed to generate a first coefficient set, and filters the local signal by the first coefficient set to generate a first filter output. A second filter learns the remote signal at a second speed to generate a second coefficient set, and filters the local signal by the second coefficient set to generate a second filter output. A third filter comprises a third coefficient set, canceling the echo from the local signal to generate a third filter output as an echo cancellation result. The controller updates the third coefficient set based on the first, second and third filter outputs. |
| US08014511B2 |
Communication system
A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication system comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the calling entity and a first and second identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identities are recognizable in the first network and the second identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the second network the first identities with the second identity; establishing a connection between the calling entity and a second node; wherein the connection with second node is established using the first identity associated with the called entity; querying the first node with the first identity associated with the called entity and the first identity associated with the calling entity to determine the second identity associated with the called entity; and transmitting the communication event to the called entity using the second identity associated with the called entity. |
| US08014502B2 |
Communication device
A communication device includes a network control device connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network; an interface connected to an IP network; an operations control part configured to set an address corresponding to the Public Switched Telephone Network and another address corresponding to the IP network for an authorizing person who permits transmission; and a system control part configured to implement sending to the address corresponding to the Public Switched Telephone Network. The system control part determines whether sending permission is necessary; e-mail including the address corresponding to the Public Switched Telephone Network is sent to the other address of at least one said authorizing person if the sending permission is necessary; and sending to the address corresponding to the Public Switched Telephone Network is implemented in a case where e-mail including the sending permission from the authorizing person is received. |
| US08014499B2 |
Arrangement in a local computer for sending voice messages to a unified communications system
A user computer, for example a personal computer (PC), includes a recorder configured for generating an audio file having an identifier enabling a unified messaging system to identify the audio file as a voice message, and an e-mail client configured for sending the audio file to a prescribed destination corresponding to a unified messaging subscriber voice mail inbox, enabling the unified messaging subscriber to use the unified messaging system for retrieval of the audio file as a stored voice message. |
| US08014498B2 |
Audio message delivery over instant messaging
One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for sending instant messages having audio recordings. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a communications client of a user that is configured to generate an instant message having an audio recording and send the instant message having an audio recording to another user. Methods and other systems are also provided. |
| US08014496B2 |
Systems and methods for providing network-based voice authentication
A system enables voice authentication via a network. The system may include an intelligent voice response engine operatively coupled to the network for receiving transaction or access requests from a plurality of telecommunications devices over the network. A speech recognition and verification services engine may be operatively coupled to the network and a database may be operatively coupled to the speech recognition and verification services engine for storing user voice print profiles. The speech recognition and verification services engine may receive a speaker verification call from the intelligent voice response engine and perform speaker verification on the received speaker verification call based on the stored user voice print profiles. The speech recognition and verification services engine may generate a verification score based upon results of the speaker verification. |
| US08014495B2 |
Creep-resistant rotating anode plate with a light-weight design for rotating anode x-ray tubes
A rotating anode plate for rotating anode x-ray tubes, has a curved disc to be attached positively on a rotation center. The curved disc is formed of a material with high thermal shock resistance that is creep-resistant and simultaneously highly heat-conductive. Particularly suitable materials are ceramics made of silicon carbide (SiC) or alloys made of molybdenum-titanium-zirconium (TZM). |
| US08014494B2 |
Single-arc dose painting for precision radiation therapy
Provided herein are methods and systems for designing a radiation treatment for a subject using single arc dose painting. The methods and systems comprise an algorithm or a computer-readable product having the same, to plan the radiation treatment. The algorithm converts pairs of multiple leaf collimation (MLC) leaves to sets of leaf aperture sequences that form a shortest path single arc thereof where the pairs of MLC leaves each aligned to an intensity profile of densely-spaced radiation beams, and connects each single arc of leaf apertures to form a final treatment single arc. Also provided is a method for irradiating a tumor in a subject using single arc dose painting. |
| US08014490B2 |
Mammogram tender machine
An apparatus and method of examining the breast of a woman who has difficulty in standing or raising her arms by providing an X-ray machine having x-ray emitting and receiving members that are rotatable about a vertical axis and movable up and down along the vertical axis. A cup member having an interior configured to receive one of the woman's breast is placed over a breast and suction from a source of suction is applied to the interior of the cup member to expand the breast to fill the cup. The X-ray emitting and receiving members of the X-ray machine are then oriented relative to the cup member to perform an examination of the breast inside the cup member while the woman is either in a sitting or standing position. |
| US08014482B2 |
Signal receiving circuit utilizing timing recovery parameter generating circuit
A signal receiving circuit includes: a sampler, for receiving an analog signal and sampling the analog signal according to a sampling clock to generate a sampling signal; an ADC, coupled to the sampler, for converting the sampling signal to a digital signal; an equalizer, coupled to the ADC, for equalizing the digital signal to generate an equalized digital signal; a quantizer, coupled to the equalizer for quantizing the equalized digital signal to generate a processed digital signal; and a timing recovery circuit, directly connected to the output terminal of the sampler and coupled to the quantizer, for adjusting the timing of the sampling clock according to the processed digital signal and the digital signal. Timing recovery parameter generating circuits are also disclosed. |
| US08014481B1 |
Upstream data recovery and data rate detection
In a method for recovering a data rate of an upstream transmission having rising edge transitions and falling edge transitions, an upstream transmission is coupled into a plurality of register banks, each register bank adapted to oversample the upstream transmission at a different phase offset of a clock signal. An edge transition state is determined for each of the register banks, each edge transition state corresponding to either a rising edge transition or a falling edge transition in the upstream transmission over a clock cycle. The edge transition states of the register banks are analyzed to determine a sampling point of the clock signal for sampling the upstream transmission. The upstream transmission may be transmitted through multiple data rate recovery circuits each operating at a different clock rate, for determining the optimal sampling point and the original data rate of the upstream transmission. |
| US08014476B2 |
Wireless device with a non-compensated crystal oscillator
A wireless device achieves good performance using a crystal oscillator that is not compensated for temperature. The crystal oscillator provides a reference signal having a temperature dependent frequency error. A control unit estimates the frequency error (e.g., based on a received pilot) and provides a frequency error estimate. A clock generator generates a digital clock, which tracks chip timing, based on the reference signal and the frequency error estimate. A receiver frequency downconverts an input RF signal with a receive LO signal having the frequency error and provides an analog baseband signal. An ADC digitizes the analog baseband signal based on a sampling clock having the frequency error and provides ADC samples. A re-clocking circuit re-clocks the ADC samples based on a digital clock and provides data samples. A digital rotator frequency translates the data samples based on the frequency error estimate and provides frequency-translated samples centered near DC. |
| US08014468B2 |
Energy detection receiver for UWB
The receiver portion of a UWB wireless device is altered by replacing analog-to-digital circuitry with a simple energy detection circuit. In embodiments of the invention, the coding methodology of a transmitter is altered to support the simplified receiver configuration. For example, instead of coding the data to be sent in the phase of the UWB signal, the data is encoded in a binary fashion in discrete frequency subbands of the UWB signal. Although this may reduce the usable bandwidth of the channel, it also decreases the complexity and power consumption of UWB devices. In another embodiment of the invention, a UWB device is able to select a transmission mode (BPSK or Energy Coding) based on its environment. Moreover, in a further embodiment of the invention, receiving devices may switch between coding modes based on the capabilities of a remote transmitter and/or a peer receiver. |
| US08014465B2 |
Digital modulator, digital modulating method, digital transceiver system, and testing apparatus
Provided is a digital modulator, including a carrier wave output section that outputs a carrier wave, a variable delay section that delays the carrier wave, and a delay amount setting section that sets a delay amount by which the variable delay section delays the carrier wave based on transmission data being transmitted by the carrier wave. The variable delay section may include a multi-stage delay buffer circuit in which delay buffers that delay an input signal by a unit shift amount are connected in a cascade connection, the multi-stage delay buffer circuit may receive the carrier wave at a first-stage delay buffer as input, and the delay amount setting section may include a multiplexer that selects either an output from the carrier wave output section or an output from each stage of the multi-stage delay buffer circuit. |
| US08014463B2 |
Delay diversity and spatial rotation systems and methods
A transmitter usable for wireless communication includes a plurality of transmit antennas. Each transmit antenna transmits a transmit signal. The transmitter also includes means for introducing time shifts to each of a plurality of spatial stream signals and means for operating on each of the plurality of spatial stream signals with a spatial rotation vector matrix, thereby mapping each of the plurality of spatial stream signals to one of the transmit signals. |
| US08014459B2 |
DTV television transmitter/receiver and method of processing data in DTV transmitter/receiver
A DTV transmitter includes a pre-processor pre-processing enhanced data, a data formatter generating enhanced data packets including known data, a multiplexer multiplexing the enhanced data packets with main data packets, a data randomizer randomizing the multiplexed data packets, an RS encoder RS-encoding the randomized data packets, and a data interleaver interleaving the RS-coded data packets, where a plurality of known data sequences are included in the interleaved enhanced data packets. Finally, the DTV transmitter further includes an enhanced encoder which codes each block of enhanced data placed between any two of the known data sequences and bypasses the interleaved main data packets. |
| US08014453B2 |
Method, codebook, and base station for precoding
A method, a codebook, and a Base Station (BS) for precoding are provided. The precoding method includes: obtaining a total uplink power of a User Equipment (UE); if the total uplink power is greater than ¾ of a rated total transmit power of antennas, selecting a codeword from a first codebook with imbalanced power between layers; otherwise, selecting a codeword from the first codebook and a second codebook with balanced power between layers, so as for precoding data to be transmitted according to the selected codeword. Thus, a loss of an antenna performance at a high signal-to-noise ratio is reduced, and the loss of the power amplification of the antenna is reduced if the transmit power of the antenna is restricted. |
| US08014452B2 |
Format conversion circuit
A format conversion circuit 100 includes a FIFO memory 101 for writing and reading video data VD in synchronization with a sampling clock CK, a header generation circuit 102 for generating an MPEG2-TS packet header, and a synchronous timing detection circuit 103 for detecting a horizontal synchronizing signal for the video data VD. The format conversion circuit 100 also includes a counter 104 which counts the number of bytes of packet header and the number of bytes of video data VD, and a switch 105 which selects the packet header until the counted number of bytes reaches four bytes, and then selects the video data read out of the FIFO memory 101. |
| US08014449B2 |
Communications signal transcoder
Communications signal transcoder. A solution is provided to transcode a signal from a first signal type to a second signal type to ensure proper interfacing between devices that may operate using different signal types. For example, within a communication system, a first signal type (having a first modulation type, e.g., 8 PSK) may be received. The transcoder then ensures that this signal, after it has undergone any initial processing (such as tuning, down-converting, decoding, and so on), is encoded into a second signal type (having a second modulation type, e.g., QPSK) such that it can interface properly with a device for which the received signal is intended. This transcoder functionality may be implemented within discrete components, or it may alternatively be integrated within a functional block of an integrated circuit. This functionality may be implemented in a variety of communication systems including satellite, cable television, Internet, and others. |
| US08014442B2 |
Communicating data using wideband communications
This disclosure relates to varying load and modulation applied to each of multiple frequency subchannels based on anticipated attenuation experienced by those subchannels. Communicating data includes identifying a static component of a transmission medium for wideband communications having at least two subchannels determining a function of noise is attenuation versus frequency for the static component selecting wideband modulation schemes for the subchannels based on the function determined and communicating a data signal over the subchannels. The transmission medium includes a medium other than a copper telephone wire between and including a carrier facility and a termination of the copper telephone wire at an access point at a user premise and copper telephone wire in a cable riser in multitenant units and multi-dwelling buildings. Independent demodulation functions may be applied to at least two of the subchannels. |
| US08014441B2 |
Communication channel establishing method, communication system, and communication apparatus
A communication channel establishing method is provided that is used in a communication system including a base station that transmits a beacon on a predetermined communication channel and a communication apparatus that receives the beacon from the base station and establishes communication with the base station using the predetermined communication channel. The method involves detecting at the base station whether a main power supply has been shut off, driving the base station by a backup power supply and transmitting a power supply shutoff notification signal from the base station to the communication apparatus upon detecting that the main power supply has been shut off, storing a current communication channel of the communication apparatus when the power supply shutoff notification signal from the base station is received by the communication unit, and reestablishing communication with the base station at the communication apparatus using the stored current communication channel upon recovery of the main power supply. |
| US08014440B2 |
Frequency adjusting method of a CDR circuit and apparatus thereof
A frequency adjusting method of a CDR circuit and apparatus thereof are provided. The adjusting method is applied to a receiver apparatus connected to an outer apparatus. The outer apparatus, after actuated, sends out an outer data signal to the receiver apparatus according to its operational frequency and a PLL of the receiver apparatus outputs a transmitter clock according to an operational frequency of the receiver apparatus. The CDR circuit of the receiver apparatus generates a receiver clock according to the outer data signal. The CDR circuit is set in a phase mode such that the receiver clock follows transmitting frequency of the outer data signal. Then, a difference between frequencies of the receiver clock and the transmitter clock is checked. If the difference is larger than a threshold value, an operational frequency of the outer data signal is reduced. |
| US08014435B2 |
System and method using high performance preamble cover sequences for multi-band OFDM two-band hopping modes
Methods and systems for packet preamble sequences are provided. The preamble sequences are produce by multiplying preestablished base sequences by cover sequences. The cover sequences are chosen for high-performance in multi-band OFDM systems with modes that include two-band hopping. |
| US08014433B2 |
Laser apparatuses with large-number multi-reflection pump systems
A large number of passes of pump light through an active mirror in a solid state disk laser is realized using a pair of coupled imaging systems, where the optical axes of imaging systems are not coincident. Two imaging systems are optically coupled, so that an image of the first imaging system is an object of the second imaging system, and vice versa. An active mirror is disposed at the object or image plane, or at the focal plane of any one of the coupled imaging systems, where the position of the reflected pump beam during the multi-reflection between the first and second imaging systems is substantially unchanged. |
| US08014432B2 |
Regenerative ring resonator
A laser includes a regenerative ring resonator that includes a discharge chamber having electrodes and a gain medium between the electrodes for producing a laser beam; a partially-reflective optical coupler, and a beam modification optical system in the path of the laser beam. The beam modification optical system transversely expands a profile of the laser beam such that the near field laser beam profile uniformly fills each aperture within the laser and such that the regenerative ring resonator remains either conditionally stable or marginally unstable when operating the laser at powers that induce thermal lenses in optical elements inside the regenerative ring resonator. |
| US08014427B1 |
Line imaging systems and methods for laser annealing
The line imaging system includes a laser, first and second cylindrical optical systems with a first spatial filter disposed therebetween, a knife-edge aperture, a cylindrical relay system, and a cylindrical focusing lens. The first spatial filter is configured to truncate a line focus within the central lobe to form a first light beam. The second cylindrical lens system is arranged in the far field and is configured to perform spatial filtering to pass central intensity lobes of the first light beam while blocking outlying intensity lobes. The resultant twice-filtered light beam is has a relatively flat-top intensity distribution associated with the long direction of the line image so that subsequent truncation by the knife-edge aperture transmits more light than conventional line imaging systems. A laser annealing system that employs the line imaging system is also disclosed. |
| US08014425B2 |
Multiple access techniques for a wireless communiation medium
A multiple access technique for a wireless communication system establishes separate channels by defining different time intervals for different channels. In a transmitted reference system different delay periods may be defined between transmitted reference pulses and associated data pulses for different channels. In addition, a multiple access technique may employ a common reference pulse for multiple channels in a transmitted reference system. Another multiple access technique assigns different pulse repetition periods to different channels. One or more of these techniques may be employed in an ultra-wide band system. |
| US08014424B2 |
Method and apparatus for using an unique index set for PSC sequence in a wireless communication system
Systems and methods are provided to generate a set of synchronization channel sequences that optimize time and frequency acquisition. A set of root indices of Zadoff-Chu sequences in a first domain (e.g., time domain) that optimize a performance metric or merit factor are identified. An optimal index is determined that also optimizes a performance metric in a reciprocal domain (e.g., frequency domain). For sequences of length Q2=N, a base sequence generated with an optimal sequence can be utilized to generate at least two disparate optimal sequences through sign-flip, conjugation, and periodic modulation operations. Evaluating a primary synchronization channel having length N of 63, an optimal pair of root indices of (28, 31, 32) and (31, 33, 35) provide a five-fold improvement in frequency offset error over conventional single index set of (25, 29, 34). |
| US08014422B2 |
Method and system for utilizing a single PLL to clock an array of DDFS for multi-protocol applications
Methods and systems for utilizing a single PLL to clock an array of DDFS for multi-protocol applications are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include generating a first signal for use in generating a plurality of local oscillator (LO) signals. The first signal may be communicated to a plurality of LO generators. Each of the LO signals may be generated independently of each other by a corresponding one of the LO generators. Each of the LO signals may be communicated to one or more mixers, where each mixer may perform down-conversion or up-conversion. A LO generator may utilize, for example, a DDFS or a digital delay circuit. A frequency of a LO signal may be varied by adjusting a divide factor for a divider that generates a reference clock for the DDFS or for a divider that generates a second signal used for mixing with a signal generated by the DDFS. The LO signal frequency may also be varied by adjusting frequency control words received by a DDFS. |
| US08014417B1 |
Apparatus and a method for allocating upstream bandwidth of a shared upstream channel of an optical network
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for allocating upstream bandwidth of a shared upstream channel of an optical network, the optical network interconnecting an apparatus with at least a first network unit and a second network unit, the method includes the stages of: (i) receiving requests for transmitting information towards the apparatus; and (ii) issuing data grants in response to at least the requests; wherein at least one data grant authorizes a first network unit to transmit data at a first bit-rate during at least one time-slot and at least one other data grant authorizes a second network unit to transmit data at a second bit-rate during at least one other time-slot, whereas the second bit-rate differs from the first bit-rate. |
| US08014416B2 |
HD physical layer of a wireless communication device
A radio frequency (RF) transmitter is coupled to and controlled by a processor to transmit data. A physical layer circuit is coupled to the RF transmitter to encode and decode between a digital signal and a modulated analog signal. The physical layer circuit comprises a high rate physical layer circuit (HRP) and a low rate physical layer circuit (LRP). The low rate channels generated by the low rate physical layer circuit (LRP) share a same frequency band as a corresponding high rate channel generated by the high rate physical layer circuit (HRP). |
| US08014415B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for communicating information in a wireless communication network
Techniques are provided for communicating a data stream in a wireless communication network. A source divides the data stream into a first data sub-stream and a second data sub-stream. The first data sub-stream can be modulated using a first modulation technique to generate a first modulated data sub-stream, and the second data sub-stream can be modulated using a second modulation technique to generate a second modulated data sub-stream. A destination receives the first data sub-stream over a first frequency band, and receives the second data sub-stream over a second frequency band. The destination demodulates the first data sub-stream using a first demodulation technique to generate a first demodulated data sub-stream, and demodulates the second data sub-stream using a second demodulation technique to generate a second demodulated data sub-stream. The destination then combines the first demodulated data sub-stream and the second demodulated data sub-stream to generate the data stream. |
| US08014414B2 |
Method and system for generating a packet identifier table from a received transport stream
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method of generating a packet identifier table that comprises reading a packet identifier value from a received transport stream packet, identifying a type of data contained in the received transport stream packet, and generating a table with mapping information between the packet identifier value and the identified type of data. |
| US08014412B2 |
Power sourcing equipment having bipolar junction transistor for controlling power supply and supporting AC disconnect-detection function
A power supply system for providing power to a powered device over a communication link includes a power supply device capable of supporting an AC disconnect-detect function. The power supply device has a controller, an output port coupled to the communication link, and a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) controlled by the controller to provide power to the output port. The BJT may be turned off to present a high impedance required to support the AC disconnect-detection function. |
| US08014411B2 |
Apparatus and methods for establishing virtual private networks in a broadband network
Service providers can reduce multiple overlay networks by creating multiple logical service networks (LSNS) on the same physical or optical fiber network. The LSNs are established by the service provider and can be characterized by traffic type, bandwidth, delay, hop count, guaranteed information rates and/or restoration priorities. Once established, the LSNs allow the service provider to deliver a variety of services to customers depending on customer's traffic specifications. Different traffic specifications are serviced on different LSNS, depending on each LSN's characteristics. Such LSNS, once built within a broadband network, can be customized and sold to multiple customers. |
| US08014403B2 |
Method of processing multimedia content description data sets, and corresponding apparatus
This method of processing multimedia content description data sets to deliver a plurality of output data sets (141, 142, . . . , 14n) from a single input data set (10), the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: allocating priority coefficients (16) to at least some of the description data in the input data set (10); associating priority coefficient thresholds (18) with a predetermined number of output data sets (141, 142, . . . , 14n); and distributing the data to the output data sets (141, 142, . . . , 14n) as a function of the priority coefficients (16) allocated to the elements of the input data set and as a function of the thresholds (18) associated with each of the output data sets. |
| US08014401B2 |
Electronic device and method of communication resource allocation
An electronic device is provided comprising an interconnect means (N, sw0-sw2) for connecting a plurality of modules (IP); and at least one network interface (NI) for coupling at least one of the plurality of modules (IP) to the interconnect means (N; sw0-sw2) and for packetizing data from the modules (IP) into first packets (pck). The communication over the interconnect (N; sw0-sw2) is based on time slots, wherein a second packet (μpck) is transferred during one time slot. A data traffic over the interconnect means (N; sw0-sw2) comprises at least one guaranteed service traffic class (GS) and/or at least one best-effort service traffic class (BE). First packets (GSpck) relating to the at least one guaranteed service traffic class (GS) are transferred in second packets (μpck) within time slots reserved for the guaranteed service traffic class (GS). First packets (pck1-pck6) relating to the at least one best-effort service traffic class (BE) are transferred within unreserved second packets (μpck) and/or within unused portions (uu) of the second packets (μpck). |
| US08014397B1 |
Correlating packets in a data-communications environment
A method, system, and medium are provided for correlating and evaluating sets of packets in a networking communications environment even when the sets of packets are communicated in different protocols. One embodiment of the method includes providing a first set of packets sent from a source device, providing a first set of packet attributes that describe the packets, storing the first set of packet attributes, providing a second set of packets that are related to the first set of packets and that are to be received by a destination device, providing a second set of packet attributes that describe a first packet in the second set of packets, storing the second set of packet attributes, and determining which of the first set of packet attributes correspond to the second set of packet attributes. |
| US08014395B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing labels
Methods and apparatus for processing labels is described. An exemplary method includes allocating labels at a network device in accordance with a set of one or more ranges, and reflecting, in the set of ranges, labels allocated for label switching with peers of the network device. According to an embodiment, the labels and the set of ranges are within a sub-space of a logically partitioned label space, the sub-space being designated to a client. |
| US08014393B1 |
Bandwidth optimized rapid channel change in IP-TV network
A technique is provided for rapid channel change (RCC) processing in a programming distribution network. The RCC process herein is configured to transmit unicast stream of packets (“RCC burst”) during a “fast-fill” interval for up to a full duration of the multicast join window, or until it is stopped by a an explicit message sent from the user terminal. The unicast stream of packets is transmitted at a full rate of an access link (i.e., the bottleneck link) on a path to the user terminal beyond an earliest time when the user terminal could join a multicast stream of packets for a new channel requested by the user terminal. |
| US08014388B2 |
Using a dual purpose physical layer interface for a flexible chassis-based server
Methods and apparatus for selectively routing traffic from a port in a switch for use in a chassis-based server are provided. The switch may include a flexible physical layer component, allowing traffic from a channel (e.g., an Ethernet channel) to be routed to a connector on a front panel of the switch or to switch cross-connect routing in a backplane of the server system. The routing may be selectable by a user, for example, under software control, allowing flexibility to the user to select the routing that best fits an application, while conserving resources by not requiring a dedicated channel for each routing data path. |
| US08014387B2 |
Providing a fully non-blocking switch in a supernode of a multi-tiered full-graph interconnect architecture
A mechanism is provided for transmitting data from a first processor of a data processing system to a second processor of the data processing system. In one or more switches, a set of virtual channels is created, the one or more switches comprising, for each processor, a corresponding switch in the one or more switches. The data is transmitted from the first processor to the second processor through a path comprising a subset of processors of a set of processors in the data processing system. In each processor of the subset of processors, the data is stored in a virtual channel of a corresponding switch before transmitting the data to a next processor. The virtual channel of the corresponding switch in which the data is stored corresponds to a position of the processor in the path through which the data is transmitted. |
| US08014385B2 |
Integrated switch and switching method for simultaneously processing voice and IP data in the same channel
Provided are an integrated switch and a switching method for simultaneously processing IP data and voice signals using silent periods during communication. The integrated switch provides a function of transmitting data packets using the silent periods during the communication of an existing switch subscriber, so that an existing frequency band and apparatus can be used without use of a separate frequency band and a separate apparatus for data transmission such as an existing asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL). In addition, efficiency of an existing switch can be increased without use of an apparatus for collecting and processing data provided in front of subscriber line cards. |
| US08014381B2 |
Communication system and communication terminal
The present invention provides a communication system and a communication method for linking the switching of a transmission path with the switching of an application according to the change of a communication condition caused by the movement of a user in a mobile environment. A change of the communication condition caused by the movement of the user is always monitored and the transmission path is switched according to the state change of the transmission path. Here, the state of the transmission path between the terminal and the communication counter part terminal is obtained and compared to a priority reference for each of the applications, thereby selecting a transmission path appropriate for the application becomes possible and a service in corresponding to the communication condition can be provided by changing a content to that appropriate for the transmission path, simultaneously. |
| US08014380B2 |
Method and system for automatically establishing a return label switched path
A method and apparatus for unilaterally forming a bi-directional label switched path between first and second routing devices in a network is disclosed. The method of the preferred embodiment is comprised of the steps of: sending a first LSP path message comprising a first bi-directional indicator from the first routing device to the second routing device; and automatically sending a second LSP path message from the second routing device to the first routing device in response to the first bi-directional indicator. The resulting two unidirectional label switched paths may be associated with one another at the endpoints to form a bi-directional LSP. The bi-directional indicator is preferably an RSVP protocol opaque object used in part to specify the router resources required for the return LSP, which may be different than the resource requirements of the forward LSP specified in the first LSP path message. |
| US08014376B2 |
Managing channel configuration information in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides for managing channel configuration information in a wireless communication system. Preferably, the present invention receives transport channel configuration information for configuring at least one transport channel currently not mapping a point-to-multipoint service, wherein the at least one transport channel is capable of mapping at least one new point-to-multipoint service at the start or before the stop of the at least one new point-to-multipoint service, determines whether to receive the at least one new point-to-multipoint service, and reads configuration information for the at least one new point-to-multipoint service at the start of the at least one new point-to-multipoint service if it is determined that the at least one new point-to-multipoint service is to be received. |
| US08014372B2 |
Multipoll for QoS-driven wireless LANs
A method and a system are disclosed for providing quality of service (QoS)-driven channel access within a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless network. At least one available TO is allocated to a selected non-PC station having traffic to transmit. A multipoll frame containing information relating to at least two allocated TOs is then sent from the PC station containing information relating to each allocated TO. |
| US08014371B1 |
System, model and method for evaluating a network
A system for evaluating a network having a plurality of domains, each domain embodying a respective topology, includes: (a) at least one gateway unit effecting signal handling between adjacent domains; (b) a plurality of communicating nodes coupled with the at least one gateway unit; and (c) at least one respective edge establishing a respective communication link between adjacent respective communicating nodes. At least one first selected communicating node is a unicast node. At least one second selected communicating node is a multicast node. At least one communicating node is a media node. Each unicast node is configured for handling messages addressed to the unicast node. Each multicast node is connected with at least one media node within a domain. Each media node is configured for handling messages addressed to multicast nodes connected with the media node individually or en masse. |
| US08014369B2 |
Adaptive power management methods and systems for wireless networks
Adaptive power management methods and systems for a first station and a second station in a wireless network. Each station operating in the power-saving (PS) mode adaptively determines a “listen interval” (LI) according to residual power state, quality-of-service requirements, or other considerations. The LI is composed of a “normal beacon interval” (NBI) followed by the combination of “beacon-window-only beacon intervals” (BBIs) and “sleep beacon intervals” (SBIs). The LI value is one or a prime number which is larger than two, and the positions of the NBI and BBIs in an LI form a cyclic difference set. Each station broadcasts a beacon frame comprising at least information about “the remaining number of BIs (RBI)” within a beacon window. Once the first station correctly receives the beacon frame from the second station, the first station predicts the awake/sleep schedule of the second station, and transmits data frames to the second station at the NBI of the second station. |
| US08014367B2 |
System for application server autonomous access across different types of access technology networks
An Application Server Autonomous Access (ASAA) system for providing autonomous access to a wireless infrastructure by devices employing different types of access technology. The system includes a server, having an associated data storage device, for storing at least one policy, and a plurality of subnetworks, coupled to server, for providing access to the server. The plurality of subnetworks employ at least two different types of access technology. A plurality of wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) are wirelessly coupled to at least one of the subnetworks. The server monitors the wireless coupling and, depending upon the at least one policy, switches the WTRUs between different ones of the subnetworks. |
| US08014365B2 |
Method and a device for transferring signalling information in a TDMA based system
A method and a device for transferring signalling information in a TDMA based system. Temporal alignment of values for a retransmission number parameter (R) with the TDMA frame structure is determined on the basis of which a first radio packet to be sent in a number of first TDMA frames is encoded by using a certain first value for the parameter and a second radio packet to be sent in a number of second TDMA frames is encoded by using a certain second value for the parameter. The first and second radio packets are transmitted to the recipient that adheres to the same temporal alignment rules and can thus properly decode both the packets. The solution can be utilized especially in GERAN radio access network with FLO (Flexible Layer One) for transferring signalling information on half-rate channels. |
| US08014362B2 |
Method for the assignment of scrambling codes to cells of a CDMA cellular mobile communications network
A method for assigning scrambling codes in a code division multiple access cellular radio communications network includes a plurality of network cells covering a geographic area, including: determining, for each of the cells, a respective set of adjacent cells by: taking a first set of cells that are neighbors of the given cell; taking a second set of cells that are neighbors of neighbors of the given cell; taking a third set of cells that are neighbors of neighbors of neighbors of the given cell, wherein two cells are considered neighbors in case the respective coverage areas at least partially overlap; taking a fourth set of cells which, in at least one point of the best server are of the given cell, have an adjacent coefficient with the given cell higher than a predetermined threshold; combining the first, second, third and fourth set of cells; and assigning to each cell of the set of adjacent cells a scrambling code different from a scrambling code assigned to the given cell. |
| US08014361B2 |
Random access channel for OFDM-MIMO system
In orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) selects a random access channel (RACH) and a phase for a constant amplitude zero auto correlation (CAZAC) sequence for RACH transmission. The WTRU then transmits a RACH transmission to a Node B via the selected RACH. Once the RACH transmission is detected, the Node B sends an acknowledgement (ACK) to the WTRU over an ACK channel. The Node B may transmit the ACK on a shared channel. The WTRU may ramp up transmit power while the RACH transmission is transmitted, or steps up transmit power of a subsequent RACH transmission. The RACH transmission and data transmission may be either time multiplexed or frequency multiplexed. A plurality of RACHs may be defined and one of the defined RACHs may be selected randomly or based on predetermined criteria. |
| US08014358B2 |
System and method for notifying completion of network re-entry procedure in a communication system
Provided is a method for receiving a notification indicating a completion of a network re-entry procedure by a Base Station (BS) in a communication system. The method includes transmitting, to a Mobile Station (MS), a RaNGing ReSPonse (RNG-RSP) message including information indicating whether to omit any of processes or transmission of messages for performing a network re-entry procedure with the BS; and receiving, from the MS, a notification indicating the completion of the network re-entry procedure. |
| US08014351B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving system information from base station in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for receiving system information from a Base Station (BS) in a Mobile Station (MS) in a mobile communication system are provided, in which it is determined whether there is buffered system information in a buffer, if current system information has an error, it is determined whether a combining condition is satisfied, in the presence of the buffered system information, the combining condition being defined by at least one of a Master Information Block (MIB) value tag, a System Information Block (SIB) value tag, and modification time information that are associated with the current system information, and the current system information is combined with the buffered system information, if the combining condition is satisfied. |
| US08014350B2 |
Method and equipment for data transmission by ad-hoc network
The invention relates to a method of data transmission by an ad-hoc network of mobile communication equipment (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), from at least one source equipment (12) to at least one collection terminal (14), by means of mobile relay equipment (16c), in which for each communication equipment, at least one quality factor is updated (Q0, Q1, Q2 Q3, Q4, Q5). According to the invention, the quality factor of each relay equipment depends on a history of data transmission, and data transmission from mobile equipment to mobile relay equipment is conditional on the quality factor of the relay equipment capable of receiving the data. |
| US08014345B2 |
Incumbent spectrum hold device
A monitoring device (141) can include a transceiver (202) to receive a radio signal, and a controller (203) communicatively coupled to the transceiver to detect an infringement on the radio signal and report the infringement to a database. One or more policies within the database can be updated to mitigate the infringement. The monitoring device can also detect whether a cognitive radio (111) is generating interference on a primary spectrum used by an incumbent device (151). Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08014340B2 |
Optimising resource usage in a packet switched network
A method of optimising the bandwidth usage on a Real-Time Protocol (RTP) managed link transporting media between User Equipment (UE) and a Media Resource Function (MRF) of a cellular telecommunications network. The method comprises sampling, at one of the User Equipment and the Media Resource Function, the rate of packet loss on the link, and adapting the sending rate over the link in dependence upon the sampled values. |
| US08014336B2 |
Delay constrained use of automatic repeat request for multi-hop communication systems
Minimization of delay due to automatic repeat requests in a multi-hop communication system can be accomplished to optimize the performance of delay-constrained applications such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP). The protocol described with relation to such embodiments can reduce the possible retransmissions to the first hop (the hop connecting a mobile node to a relay node). Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention can protect the most error-prone link while reducing the overall delay experienced by the user. |
| US08014329B2 |
Path selection and power management in mesh networks
A two-phased path selection process for wireless mesh networks that promotes stability and power management. If, during a first route discovery phase, a route cannot be found without waking up battery-powered nodes in a wireless mesh network, the source node will wake up battery-powered nodes in the mesh during a second route discovery phase. |
| US08014327B2 |
Optimizing requested downlink data by adjusting frame number by measuring actual transmission delay
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for optimizing a link latency on a communication interface in a communication network comprising a first communication network node (18) and a second communication network node (16) communicating with said first communication network node (18) on said communication interface and sending framed data packets having frame numbers to a plurality of user equipments over a radio interface. A transmission delay on said communication interface is measured and downlink data having an adjusted frame number based on said measured transmission delay is requested. |
| US08014326B2 |
Joint carrier allocation and time sharing for OFDMA/TDMA networks
A method and system provide multiple-access control and frequency band allocation, and transmission time sharing among multiple users in orthogonal frequency-division multiple-access (OFDMA) and time-division multiple-access (TDMA) networks. The method can be applied to uplinks and downlinks of multi-user, multi-carrier communication networks. Under a total transmission-power minimization constraint, the method can allocate carriers and transmission time to users optimally, and at the same time, can guarantee a data rate or equivalently a latency requirement of each user. |
| US08014324B2 |
Tone signaling
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a first communication interface, a second communication interface and tone control logic coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The tone control logic is operable to continuously transmit a guard tone on the second communication interface responsive to receiving data on the first communication interface, comprising data representative of a guard tone. The tone control logic is operable to discontinue transmitting the guard tone in response to a predefined event. |
| US08014319B2 |
Path management device and program storing medium
A path management device of the present invention manages information about communication paths in a communication network, the communication network including a plurality of routers mutually connected by means of a communication line, link states between the plurality of routers being shared among each of the plurality of routers by means of link state advertisement messages that are announced from each of the plurality of routers, and routing tables being created in each of the plurality of routers based on shortest path trees, and the path management device includes: a receiving unit that receives the link state advertisement messages; a routing table creation unit that reproduces the shortest path trees and the routing tables of each of the plurality of routers based on the link state advertisement messages; and a routing table recording unit that records the reproduced routing tables of each of the plurality of routers. |
| US08014318B2 |
Routing-based proximity for communication networks to routing-based proximity for overlay networks
A node in an overlay network requests a ranked list of other nodes in the overlay network that can provide a desired piece of content or service to the requesting node. A separate node such as a router generates the ranked list using a routing algorithm, returning the list to the requesting node so that the requesting node may acquire the desired content or service from the nearest node in the overlay network. |
| US08014312B2 |
Method and system for handling connection setup in a network
Certain embodiments of a method and system for handling connection setup in a network may comprise a network interface hardware device (NIHW) that may be operable to receive a services list and/or connection acceptance criteria from a first guest operating system running on a host system, receive a connection request from a second guest operating system running on the host system, and determine whether to allow establishment of the requested connection based on one or both of the services list and the connection acceptance criteria. The determination may be made prior to or during connection set up. The NIHW may maintain a connection state comprising information regarding set up of the requested connection. The services list may comprises one or more of a local network address, a local transport address, a network protocol, and a transport protocol. The communicated acceptance criteria may comprises packet filtering operations and/or security operations. |
| US08014311B2 |
Signal measurements based on sync signals
Methods and apparatus for determining a load estimate in a receiver in an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) communication system include detecting at least one OFDM symbol of at least one predetermined synchronization signal; determining a signal strength measure based on the detected at least one synchronization symbol; detecting at least one OFDM symbol nearby to the OFDM symbol of the at least one predetermined synchronization signal; determining a total signal power measure based on the detected at least one nearby OFDM symbol; and determining the load estimate based on the signal strength measure and the total signal power measure. |
| US08014307B2 |
Integrity check in a communication system
A method of communication between a first node and a second node for a system where a plurality of different channels is provided between said first and second node. The method comprises the step of calculating an integrity output. The integrity output is calculated from a plurality of values, some of said values being the same for said different channels. At least one of said values is arranged to comprise information relating to the identity of said channel, each channel having a different identity. After the integrity output has been calculated, Information relating to the integrity output is transmitted from one of said nodes to the other. |
| US08014303B2 |
Systems and methods for interfacing with network information collection devices
A network device may include logic configured to receive a problem report from a second network device, where the problem report includes event data, determine at least one of an action to perform or whether reconfiguration information is associated with the event data in the received problem report and add information to the received problem report to provide a reformatted problem report and transmit the reformatted problem report to a third network device when it is determined that reconfiguration information is not associated with the event data in the problem report. |
| US08014299B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting forwarding loops
The invention includes a method and apparatus for detecting a forwarding loop at a network element. The method includes determining whether a received message was previously received by the first network element, and, if the received message was previously received, calculating a current routing digest and determining whether a header of the received message includes a previous routing digest. If the header of the received message includes the previous routing digest, a determination is made as to whether a forwarding loop exists. If the header of the received message does not include the previous routing digest, the current routing digest is inserted into the header of the received message and the message is forwarded toward the second network element. If the received message was not previously received, forwarding the received message toward a second network element. |
| US08014298B1 |
Delayed service restoration
A communication network comprises a service network configured to provide a service over access provided by an access network, and a first access system configured to access the service over the access provided by the access network, detect a loss of the access, monitor for access restoration, upon detecting the access restoration delay a first service restoration for a first delay period, and initiate the first service restoration after the first delay period. |
| US08014295B2 |
Parallel packet processor with session active checker
There are disclosed an apparatus, process, and computer readable storage media for processing received packets. The apparatus may include a plurality of packet processors. A session active checker may identify a session associated with a first received packet and may determine if any other packet belonging to the identified session is currently being processed by any of the plurality of packet processors. The first receive packet may be sent to a selected one of the plurality of packet processors when no other packets belonging to the identified session are currently being processed. |
| US08014294B2 |
System, apparatus and method for devices tracing
A system for devices tracing includes multiple devices that are connected in a network, a configuration management module, and a tracing management module. The configuration management module is adapted to store and maintain tracing configuration information. The tracing management module is adapted to obtain the tracing configuration information, determine different devices involved in the tracing task, send tracing control commands to each of the different devices, receive the tracing messages from the each of the different devices, and perform cross-NE tracing. A method for devices tracing includes: receiving tracing task information, and determining different devices involved in a tracing task according to the tracing task information; sending a command for creating a tracing task to each of the different devices; receiving tracing messages reported by the each of the different devices, and obtaining tracing results. Embodiments of the present invention may support tracing multiple devices concurrently and support cross-NE tracing, thus achieving unified tracing. |
| US08014289B2 |
Method and apparatus for non contiguous sliding window
A method that limits data flow between two network nodes to an amount within a window where a first portion of data within a first segment of the window is separated from a second portion of data within a second segment of the window by a third portion of data not within the window. |
| US08014281B1 |
Systems and methods for limiting the rates of data to/from a buffer
A system controls the transfer of data. The system receives a request to transfer data and determines whether a counter value equals or exceeds a threshold. The counter value represents an amount of time since a previous data transfer. When the counter value equals or exceeds the threshold, the system transmits the data. In another implementation, the system tracks the amount of data read from a buffer. The system reduces the speed at which data is read when the amount of data read from the buffer exceeds a threshold. |
| US08014279B2 |
Communication scheduling of network nodes
In one aspect, a method to schedule network communications includes transmitting a node identification associated with a first node joining a network over a first portion of control timeslots based on a first probability, detecting nodes in the network using a second portion of the control timeslots and receiving acknowledgments from at least one of the nodes in the network. The method also includes that if a ratio of a number of acknowledgments received to a number of the nodes in the network detected is greater than a predetermined percentage: transmitting control data over the first portion of the control timeslots based on a second probability associated with a number of the nodes detected and transmitting data over the second portion of the control timeslots based on a network schedule. |
| US08014278B1 |
Adaptive load balancing between ECMP or LAG port group members
A packet network device has multiple equal output paths for at least some traffic flows. The device adjusts load between the paths using a structure that has more entries than the number of equal output paths, with at least some of the output paths appearing as entries in the structure more than once. By adjusting the frequency and/or order of the entries, the device can effect changes in the portion of the traffic flows directed to each of the equal output paths. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08014276B2 |
Scheduling system and scheduling method for the same
A scheduling system may include a read sequence management table that includes a group of positions for arranging data received from a group of lines and a schedule management table to store a group of peak rate values that are each associated with one of the group of positions of the read sequence management table. The scheduling system may further include a schedule computation section to determine the association between each of the group of peak rate values and the group of positions based on an availability of the group of positions, store each of the associations in the schedule management table, and select one of the group of positions in the read sequence management table as a starting position to arrange data from a new line, where the selected position is based on a comparison of a peak rate value of the new line and the group of peak rate values stored in the schedule management table. |
| US08014274B1 |
Selective replay of state information within a computing device
Techniques are described for synchronizing state information between a plurality of control units. A router, for example, is described that includes a primary control unit and a standby control unit. The primary control unit maintains router resources to ensure operation of the router. To ensure operation, the primary control unit receives state information from the router resources and maintains the state information for consumers, i.e. router resources that require or “consume” state information. The primary control unit performs this state information maintenance process by transmitting update operation messages to consumers and the standby control unit. The consumers respond with an acknowledgement message to both the primary control unit and the standby control unit to inform them that the update has been successfully. The control units use the sequence of these messages to keep all components within the router in sync. Upon assuming control, the standby control unit resumes updating the consumers with state information without having to “relearn” state information, e.g., by way of power cycling the router resources to a known state. |
| US08014273B1 |
Dynamic feedback from an internet service provider about network occupancy/availability
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for providing user access to a public network that includes (a) a service modification agent 154 operable to (i) determine that public network resources are available for use; (ii) determine that a first class of users will be offered an upgrade in a Quality of Service (QoS) of communications over the public network; and (iii) determine that a first user in the first class of users may intend to use the public network resources and a service reporting agent 166 operable to provide the user with the higher QoS when the first user accesses the public network. |
| US08014271B2 |
Signaling method in an OFDM multiple access system
A method for reducing the peak-to-average ratio in an OFDM communication signal is provided. The method includes defining a constellation having a plurality of symbols, defining a symbol duration for the OFDM communication signal, and defining a plurality of time instants in the symbol duration. A plurality of tones are allocated to a particular communication device, and a discrete signal is constructed in the time domain by mapping symbols from the constellation to the time instants. A continuous signal is generated by applying an interpolation function to the discrete signal such that the continuous signal only includes sinusoids having frequencies which are equal to the allocated tones. |
| US08014268B2 |
OFDM transmission method, which is intended both for sporadic and for continuous data communication, for a WLAN
In an OFDM-based transmission method it can be stated for the preamble (4, 7) of a data packet that its N preamble segments (B, B) are obtained from the segment-by-segment multiplication of an initial segment, which is fixed for all N preamble segments, by a multiplication sequence with a length of N elements. It can be stated for the OFDM data symbols that a plurality of OFDM symbols which are transmitted successively in time each include at least one pilot signal, with the respective subcarrier which transmits the at least one pilot signal being dependent on the time index of the respective OFDM symbol. |
| US08014266B2 |
Apparatus and method for synchronization acquisition and cell ID search in wireless communication system
A apparatus and method for allocating synchronization acquisition sequence in a time domain and allocating a cell ID search sequence in a frequency domain. In a method for transmitting a synchronization signal of a base station in a wireless communication system, a binary frequency-domain preamble sequence predetermined for cell ID search and a binary time-domain preamble sequence predetermined for synchronization acquisition are used to determine a complex time-domain preamble sequence except the binary time-domain preamble sequence among the time-domain preamble sequences that are generated according to an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) operation on the binary frequency-domain preamble sequence. The complex time-domain preamble sequence and the binary time-domain preamble sequence are transmitted to a mobile station. |
| US08014265B2 |
Eigen-beamforming for wireless communication systems
Techniques for sending multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmissions in wireless communication systems are described. In one design, a transmitter sends a first reference signal via a first link, e.g., a cell-specific reference signal via the downlink. The transmitter receives channel quality indicator (CQI) information determined by a receiver based on the first reference signal. The transmitter also receives a second reference signal from the receiver via a second link, e.g., a sounding reference signal via the uplink. The transmitter obtains at least one MIMO channel matrix for the first link based on the second reference signal. The transmitter determines at least one precoding matrix based on the at least one MIMO channel matrix, e.g., in accordance with ideal eigen-beamforming or pseudo eigen-beamforming. The transmitter then sends a data transmission to the receiver based on the at least one precoding matrix and the CQI information. |
| US08014260B2 |
Optical information recording medium, information recording method and information recording system
An optical information recording medium is provided with a substrate having a pregroove formed on one main plane; a reflecting layer arranged on the one main plane of the substrate and reflecting an access controlling laser beam; a selective reflecting layer arranged on the reflecting layer, transmitting the access controlling laser beam and reflecting a recording laser beam; a recording layer arranged on the selective reflecting layer for having information recorded thereon by the recording laser beam; and a reflection preventing layer arranged on the recoding layer. On the substrate, a dummy groove having a shape similar to that of the pregroove is formed on forming regions adjacent to an effective access region on the one main plane. |
| US08014259B2 |
Multi layer optical disc and optical disc apparatus capable of coping with the multi layer optical disc
It is an object of the invention to provide a multi layer optical disc that can be used effectively and an optical disc apparatus that can cope with the multi layer optical disc. The object described above can be accomplished by providing redundancy to the number of layers of the multi layer optical disc. The object can also be accomplished by providing reproducing/recording unit of the multi layer optical disc to the optical disc apparatus. |
| US08014257B2 |
Extraction optical system and optical head device including the same
An object of the present invention is to provide an extraction optical system capable of separating and extracting a signal light and a stray light with a simple configuration, and an optical head device including the same. A phase plate and a phase plate are +λ/4 phase plates, while a phase plate and a phase plate are −λ/4 phase plates. A focal line, a focal line and a focal line represent a focal line of a stray light, a focal line of a reproduction light and a focal line of a stray light, respectively. All beams of the reproduction light enter the state in which a polarization direction is rotated by 90 degrees after passing through the phase element. In contrast to the all light bundles of the reproduction light, polarization directions of all light bundles of the stray lights and are not rotated even after passing through the phase element. |
| US08014256B2 |
Optical pickup and information device
An optical pickup for irradiating an information recording medium, such as a DVD, with a laser beam when an information signal is recorded or reproduced, and information equipment provided with the optical pickup. |
| US08014254B2 |
Optical disc and optical disc device
In a multilayer optical disc having information layers conforming to a plurality of different optical disc standards, because the type of each information layer is not recorded in the other information layers, in read and write operations by a compatible optical disc device conforming to a plurality of optical disc standards, every time the information layer being accessed changes, it has been necessary to read the type of the information layer and select a method of generating a tracking error signal adapted to the type of information layer, so access has taken time. In order to solve the above problem, in the optical multilayer disc according to the present invention, having information layers conforming to a plurality of different optical disc standards, in an area in one of the information layers, information about the other information layers is recorded. The time required to access the other information layers can be reduced by using this information to select a tracking error signal generating method. |
| US08014253B2 |
Optical disc and optical disc device
In a multilayer optical disc having information layers conforming to a plurality of different optical disc standards, because the type of each information layer is not recorded in the other information layers, in read and write operations by a compatible optical disc device conforming to a plurality of optical disc standards, every time the information layer being accessed changes, it has been necessary to read the type of the information layer and select a method of generating a tracking error signal adapted to the type of information layer, so access has taken time. In order to solve the above problem, in the optical multilayer disc according to the present invention, having information layers conforming to a plurality of different optical disc standards, in an area in one of the information layers, information about the other information layers is recorded. The time required to access the other information layers can be reduced by using this information to select a tracking error signal generating method. |