| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08082592B2 |
Read/write encrypted media and method of playing
A new media device including a decryption device that is operable to create a decryption key to read media. The decryption device is itself a read/write device that allows reducing or decrementing each time the decryption key is used. |
| US08082591B2 |
Authentication gateway apparatus for accessing ubiquitous service and method thereof
An authentication gateway apparatus for accessing a ubiquitous service includes: an authentication server of a service provider that receives an authentication data request message from a portable apparatus, and provides an authentication token; a first authentication device of the portable apparatus that transmits the authentication data request message to the authentication server, receives and stores an authentication token from the authentication server, and is used as a representative authentication device; and second authentication devices of ubiquitous apparatuses that are connected to the first authentication device of the portable apparatus by a wireless communication system, and have individual unique values. |
| US08082585B1 |
Protecting computers from malware using a hardware solution that is not alterable by any software
A Computer System that protects itself from Malware by assuring the security of critical software elements including but not limited to Operating Systems, Applications and I/O Drivers. These critical software elements cannot be altered by Malware during normal operation of the Computer especially when connected to the Internet, the primary vehicle for malware. When deviating from normal computer operation such as downloading updated Operating Systems or secured Applications, this invention erases or blocks all memory that could possibly be contaminated with Malware from affecting the critical software elements. This invention is unique because the Malware protection is invoked and implemented by hardware not alterable by any software, or dependent on understanding existing or new Malware. |
| US08082582B2 |
Authorization system of navigation device and associated authorization method
An authorization system of a navigation device includes a first identification (ID) module and a second ID module. The first ID module is arranged to perform authorization for a first portion of the navigation device, and the second ID module is arranged to perform authorization for a second portion of the navigation device. The first and the second ID modules perform bidirectional authorization of the first and the second portions, and further determine behavior of the navigation device according to a result of the bidirectional authorization. An associated authorization method for controlling the navigation device is further provided. |
| US08082576B2 |
Network-agnostic content management
System(s) and method(s) are provided for content management, e.g., exchange and manipulation, across devices provisioned through disparate network platforms. Devices can be mobile or stationary, and connect to provisioning network platforms through various network bearers. Through various secure protocols, a client component within a device secures access to content and provides secure delivery thereof. Directives for content manipulation are also delivered securely. Delivery of contents and directives are performed from device to device, routed via gateway nodes within a network platform that provisions the device. In addition, or alternatively, content management can be implemented through an intermediary component, which can also validate devices and secure delivery of content or directives. Alarm signaling among devices provisioned through disparate network platforms also can be securely conveyed. Intermediary component also can be exploited for content management among subscribers of disparate network providers. |
| US08082572B1 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving, and utilizing audio/visual signals and other information
Information such as audio/visual signals, books, video games, etc. are broadcast via satellite and received in a set top box. When requested by a hand held computing device (HHCD), the information is transmitted by the set top box to the HHCD and stored in the HHCD. The HHCD may be configured to display the information on the HHCD's display screen, play back the audio, read a book on the display screen, play a video game on the hand held device, etc. The HHCD may also be configured to transmit the information to a set top box that is connected to an output device (e.g., a television, stereo, etc.). The information is played back or utilized by the output device. |
| US08082571B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and program products to close interaction loops for social tv
One aspect of the disclosed technology determines at least one content extent within an experiential data stream respective to at least one commentary clip, extracts at least one portion of said experiential data stream responsive to the at least one content extent, and stores the at least one portion of said experiential data stream. |
| US08082562B2 |
Mounting device for disk in spindle motor
A spindle motor and a mounting device for mounting a disk in a spindle motor are provided. The mounting device allows for a reduced number of parts, a reduction in product cost, a disk to be smoothly slid and securely mounted to a turntable, and prevents deforming of a disk during mounting. A center guide member is formed of a plastic material, into which the rotating shaft is inserted at an upper end of the turntable, so that it is capable of rising and descending thereon. The center guide member supports the disk. A back yoke is fixed at an upper side of the center guide member on the rotating shaft, to prevent disengaging of the center guide member from the rotating shaft. An outer portion of the center guide member gradually widens toward a lower end thereof, so that the disk can be inserted more securely. |
| US08082555B2 |
Routing calls via reflective interfaces and a proxy
A dynamic proxy object is disclosed that is capable of intercepting calls from a calling object to a target object. The dynamic proxy can imitate the target object so that even though the calling object may be of a different version or type from the target object, it can still communicate with the target object. Specifically, the dynamic proxy can intercept early bound invocation by the calling object, obtain metadata from these invocations, and pass it to an adapter via a set of reflective interfaces. The adapter can also obtain metadata from the target object via late bound invocations, and then compare this metadata to the metadata provided by the dynamic proxy in order to make a determination whether or not the calling object and the target object should be communicating. If so, communication can occur between the calling and target objects in spite of differing versioning or object types. |
| US08082553B2 |
Client management of java management extensions (JMX) Mbean state
Provided is a method for maintaining state information on a JAVA® Management Extension (JMX) Mbean programming object and simplifying the procedure for creating and employing the Mbean. Prior to invocation of a JMX Mbean, a JMX properties object is created. When the JMX Mbean is invoked, the properties object is passed to the JMX MbeanServer interface. The JMX MbeanServer interface returns an updated properties object, containing all the state information for the new Mbean object. Each time the user make a call to JMX host via the Mbean object, the properties object is passed and, if necessary, updated. |
| US08082552B2 |
Methods and systems for providing application level presence information in wireless communication
Methods and apparatus for determining and maintaining user presence information include capturing user presence data with an application presence server. The application presence server can be configured to update user presence data as a user initiates or exits an application. Applications associated with user presence data are configured to query an application proxy client concerning user presence data of a selected user and, based on a returned user status, deliver, discard, or redirect a message intended for the user. User presence data is stored in a user presence repository and can be provided via Internet-based or other connections to applications executed on external networks. User activity status can be used to select or update user presence data. In some examples, an application server of an external network is configured to receive user presence data from the presence server. |
| US08082548B2 |
System and method for performing systems management on IT-resources using web services
The present invention relates to the field of systems management on IT-resources using web services. An improved method proposes a single web service implementation which dynamically and automatically generates multiple WSDLs for respective multiple resource type classes. This implementation is model-agnostic, as it doesn't require any knowledge about the underlying model, be that a resource model, or any other model in question, and uses introspection of the applied model at the time of invocation for the dynamic WSDL generation. The state of the resource is maintained within the instrumentation of the resource. No additional persistence on top needs to be implemented. A single implementation of a low number of generic web services, basically only two, reduces implementation and maintenance efforts significantly. |
| US08082546B2 |
Job scheduling to maximize use of reusable resources and minimize resource deallocation
Jobs are scheduled such that resource reuse is maximized and deallocation of reusable resources is minimized. A multi-phase scheduling capability is provided in which during a first phase, weights are assigned to the reusable resources, and during a second phase, the jobs are scheduled. If reusable resources are available for the job, the job is assigned to those resources. Otherwise, a search is performed for a solution which minimizes the weight and number of reusable resources that are to be deallocated. |
| US08082544B2 |
Managing parameter access in a task managing system
A number of tasks are defined according to a dependency graph. Multiple parameter contexts are maintained, each associated with a different scope of the tasks. A parameter used in a first of the tasks is bound to a value. This binding includes identifying a first of the contexts according to the dependency graph and retrieving the value for the parameter from the identified context. |
| US08082543B2 |
Methods and systems for arbitrating error handling and firmware updates
A computer system is provided that comprises a processor and firmware in communication with the processor, the firmware having updatable components and an arbitrator. The arbitrator manages conflicts between error handling and firmware updates performed within the firmware. |
| US08082538B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for developing and maintaining evolving systems with software product lines
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which an evolutionary system is managed and viewed as a software product line. In some embodiments, the core architecture is a relatively unchanging part of the system, and each version of the system is viewed as a product from the product line. Each software product is generated from the core architecture with some agent-based additions. The result may be a multi-agent system software product line. |
| US08082536B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing process evaluation method
A method for evaluating a process of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit including a deposition step and a polishing step after the deposition step, the method includes: dividing the semiconductor integrated circuit into a plurality of areas; determining a deposition height after the deposition step for each of the areas; and determining a risk value for each of the areas on the basis of a difference in the deposition height between each of the areas and its adjacent areas. |
| US08082535B1 |
Method and apparatus for testing programmable integrated circuits
A method of testing an IC generates a test design list of test patterns and produces an arc usage string for each test pattern. The arc usage strings are ranked according to the number of untested arcs in each successive test pattern by comparing each of the remaining arc usage strings against an already-tested arc file to identify the arc usage string (test pattern) having the greatest number of untested arcs. A test sequence list of test patterns ranked in order of the most number of untested arcs to the least number of untested arcs is provided to a tester and the IC is tested in order of the test patterns on the test sequence list. |
| US08082532B1 |
Placing complex function blocks on a programmable integrated circuit
A computer-implemented method of implementing a circuit design within an integrated circuit (IC) can include, within an undirected graph representing the circuit design comprising nodes and edges, wherein each node represents a complex function block (CFB) or a pre-placed component of the circuit design and each edge represents at least one connection linking a pair of CFBs of the circuit design, determining an edge weight for each edge. The CFBs can be initially placed and a distance between each pair of CFBs joined by an edge of the undirected graph can be calculated. The CFB placement can be annealed by minimizing a cost function that calculates, for each edge, a product of the edge weight and the distance between the pair of CFBs joined by the edge. The cost function also can sum the products for each edge. The CFB placement can be stored. |
| US08082525B2 |
Technique for correcting hotspots in mask patterns and write patterns
Embodiments of a method for determining a mask pattern to be used on a photo-mask in a lithography process are described. This method may be performed by a computer system. During operation, this computer system receives at least a portion of a first mask pattern including first regions that violate pre-determined rules associated with the photo-mask. Next, the computer system determines a second mask pattern based on at least the portion of the first mask pattern, where the second mask pattern includes second regions that are estimated to comply with the pre-determined rules. Note that the second regions correspond to the first regions, and the second mask pattern is determined using a different technique than that used to determine the first mask pattern. |
| US08082522B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus capable of a suppress area for user interface parts and improving operability, including a touch sensor for detecting contact by an object on a predetermined detection area and operation buttons for detecting press imposed at predetermined positions on the detection area; wherein a screen of a display part continuously scrolls in accordance with movement of a contact position detected by the touch sensor and the screen is scrolled only by a predetermined width every time press on the operation buttons is detected, and it is sufficient to run a finger on the detection area of the touch sensor for scrolling continuously and no button operation is necessary, and when scrolling while selecting items in order by buttons, the operation buttons are provided in the detection area of the touch sensor, so that it is not required many finger movement. |
| US08082518B2 |
Scrollable area multi-scale viewing
Utilizing a scrollbar handle for both zooming and panning a display comprising items in a user interface may be accomplished by monitoring an input device's interaction with the scrollbar handle. If the scroll handle is dragged in a direction away from an orientation of the scroll handle in the scrollbar, a display area zoom function can be activated. The zoom function allows a viewbox, comprising content, to be rescaled as a function of the distance the scroll handle is dragged. A displaybox can be created that distinguishes an area of the viewbox from the remainder of the display, which corresponds to content in the viewbox that would be displayed in normal zoom if the scroll handle were released at that location. Further, upon detecting that the scroll handle is released, the display area can zoom to a view of the content inside the distinguished area. |
| US08082517B2 |
Application sharing viewer presentation
An improved application sharing system and method are described wherein an application sharing viewing display is modified to increase the likelihood that a viewing user is able to see without scrolling the entirety of a window of interest displayed by a sharing user on a sharing machine. The scale of the viewer representation of the window of interest may be substantially continuously varied so as to best account for the particular size of the available display area at the viewing machine. In a further embodiment of the invention, the viewer's attention may be focused by filtering of the shared display material to visually enhance the current window of interest. |
| US08082516B2 |
Preview panel
Generating a preview panel includes generating an auxiliary display in response to an action performed in a primary display, where the primary display is for presenting one or more entries that correspond to results of a Web-based search, receiving data identifying an entry from the primary display, and generating, for presentation in the auxiliary display, information corresponding to the entry from the primary display. |
| US08082515B2 |
Motion controller that supports standard and custom axes
System and method for developing a motion application. A motion manager component implementing a supervisory control function and at least one trajectory generation algorithm is stored on a motion controller. A first application programming interface (API) for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed motion control application is displayed. A second API for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed communication interface component is displayed. A user application executable for sequencing motion operations in the motion system is created using the first API is created in response to user input. A first communication interface component is created using the second API in response to user input, where the communication interface component is operable to interface with the motion manager component using the second API, and where the user developed communication interface component is executable to communicate with a motion element, e.g., a drive or simulation. |
| US08082514B2 |
Visual display of physical port location for information handling system
A system and method is provided for providing a user-interface comprising a visual display of the physical location of a plurality of I/O ports on the housing of a portable information handling system. In various embodiments, the physical location and status of the various I/O ports are shown using icons on the periphery of the display with the location of the icons on the display being correlated with the physical location of the physical ports on the housing of the portable information handling system. In some embodiments of the invention, the map is launched when the user depresses a predetermined “hot key.” In other embodiments, the map is launched using other user gestures, such as executing a mouse click when the mouse pointer is positioned at a location proximate to an icon on the display or by touching a predetermined icon on a touch-sensitive screen. |
| US08082512B2 |
Fractal display advertising on computer-driven screens
Techniques are disclosed for providing additional data within a document. Such techniques include providing a first document with a sub-region on a user interface, wherein the sub-region is associated with additional data. Techniques further include identifying an action to zoom-in on the sub-region and loading a zoomed-in version of the sub-region when the action is identified. Moreover, the techniques also include displaying the zoomed-in version of the sub-region, including the additional data, on the user interface, wherein the zoomed-in version of the sub-region is a separate document than the first document. |
| US08082509B2 |
Systems and methods for providing immediate access to virtual collaboration facilities
A computer-implemented method includes generating a list of virtual collaboration facilities associated with an authenticated user, and detecting selection of one of the virtual collaboration facilities on the list. An authenticated user can request a key to be issued to allow an unauthenticated user to gain access to the selected virtual collaboration facility. |
| US08082505B2 |
Multiuser learning system
A computer-implemented knowledge acquisition system which enables user to easily create and share electronic study material is disclosed. The system includes a content creation module which can be configured to receive question data and answer data input by a first user and create a package content file using the input data. The content creation module includes a multimedia library from which images, video, and audio can be selected for inclusion in the package content file. The system also has a package distribution module which allows users to send the package content files to one or more users using a variety of transferring techniques. |
| US08082495B2 |
Label creating apparatus and program
A label creating apparatus includes a print data creating and editing device that creates and edits print data to be printed onto a long tape. The print data creating and editing device includes a storage device that stores a data file, a divided display control device, a print data selecting device, a print data creating device, a model tape display control device, a model data file display control device, a file display size determining device. If the file display size determining device determines that a model data file is not entirely displayed in the data file display area, the model data file display control device compresses the model data file so that the model data file can be entirely displayed in the data file display area. |
| US08082493B2 |
Streaming XML patch
A technique for differencing XML documents is provided. An edit graph is generated for computing the cost of possible edits that may be applied to a first XML document in order to generate a second XML document. A hash value is assigned to nodes included in the axes of the edit graph, where one axis includes nodes in the first XML document and the other axis includes nodes in the second XML document. The hash value may be generated based on a particular node's name and attributes, and the hash value of the name and attributes of each child node of the particular node. A technique for patching an XML document is also provided. Events are generated for each node in the input document and for at least one operation specified in the edit script. The edit script is applied to the input document by performing one or more operations specified in the operation events on one or more node events. |
| US08082490B2 |
Input in enterprise software applications
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for user input in enterprise software application. A method includes displaying a view on a display device, the view including an input field, and enabling a framework that describes properties and services for each business attribute that is bound to the input field, the framework comprising a list of metadata descriptors for the input field. |
| US08082485B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting Viterbi decoder errors due to quasi-catastrophic sequences
A Viterbi decoder includes a decision generator configured to generate a full decision output. An error detector is configured to detect errors in the full decision output and generate a signal when the full decision output errors are detected. |
| US08082480B2 |
Distributed checksum computation
Data is divided into parts and each part provided to a different processor. Each processor processes the provided data part to produce a partial CRC result. The partial CRC results from each of the different processors are XORed to produce a CRC of the data. |
| US08082478B2 |
Retransmission of erroneous data
A method for retransmission of erroneous data in a communications system includes receiving data blocks at a receiver that have been generated in a transmitter by the use of an error correcting code. The received data blocks are decoded by a linear programming algorithm. One or more symbols in the decoded data block are identified by subjecting the symbols in the decoded data block to an integrality criterion. A retransmission of a part of the data block based on the one or more identified symbols is then initiated. |
| US08082476B2 |
Program verify method for OTP memories
A method for executing a program verify operation in a non-volatile memory. A data register having master and slave latching circuits is used for concurrently storing two different words of data. In a program operation, the master latch stores program data which is used for programming selected memory cells. In a program verify operation, the data programmed to the memory cells are read out and stored in the slave latches. In each data register stage, the logic states of both latches are compared to each other, and a status signal corresponding to a program pass condition is generated if opposite logic states are stored in both latches. The master latch in each stage is inverted if programming was successful, in order to prevent re-programming of that bit of data. |
| US08082469B2 |
Virtual computer system, error recovery method in virtual computer system, and virtual computer control program
A virtual computer system executes a virtual computer control program on a physical computer and thereby causes guest programs on the logical partitions, respectively. The virtual computer control program includes an error recovery module to periodically recover from an error in a cache memory, an error interruption handler module responsive to an interruption notice caused by an error which has occurred in the cache memory, to recover from an error in the cache memory, and an error data initialization module to recover from an error in the cache memory with shutdown or restart of one of the logical partitions as a momentum. And the virtual computer control program conducts recovery processing from an error in the cache memory. |
| US08082468B1 |
Method and system for providing coordinated checkpointing to a group of independent computer applications
A system and method thereof for performing loss-less migration of an application group. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a high-availability services module structured for execution in conjunction with an operating system, and one or more computer nodes of a distributed system upon which at least one independent application can be executed upon. The high-availability services module may be structured to be executable on the one or more computer nodes for loss-less migration of the one or more independent applications, and is operable to perform checkpointing of all state in a transport connection. |
| US08082465B1 |
Auto-adapting cache memory system and method
A system, method and computer program product for detecting a failed storage device within an “n” device array. The “n” device array is configured to store “n” device array formatted data. The “n” device array is reconfigured into an “n−1” device array. The “n” device array formatted data is written to the “n−1” device array in an “n−1” device array format. |
| US08082463B2 |
Dynamic programmable delay selection circuit and method
A controller may include a measurement circuit configured to generate a proxy signal representing delay variations in the controller. The measurement circuit may also generate a measurement value from the proxy signal. A control circuit may be configured to convert the measurement value into a control value. A delay circuit may be adjusted by the control value to alter an amount of delay of a signal. |
| US08082458B2 |
Configuring an operating state of a terminal device
Techniques are described herein for achieving network-based wake-up functionality for power management functions using a standard network controller for embedded applications. A network controller is configured to receive packets sent via a network and to respond to the packets depending on a destination media access control (MAC) address contained in the packets. A processor coupled to the network controller configures an operational MAC address for network traffic that the network controller is responsive to based on an operating state. |
| US08082457B2 |
Data communications device for communicating with and concurrently providing power to a set of powerable devices
A method for managing the delivery of power for a plurality of devices includes allocating a power limit for each of the plurality of devices and providing power to at least one of the plurality of devices. The method also includes, in response to the providing of power, measuring the amount of power utilized by each of at least one of the at least one of the plurality of devices and determining that the amount of power exceeds the power limit for the device. |
| US08082455B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling the power state of remote control electronics
A remote control device may include circuitry configured to receive user input to wirelessly control an electronic device, a power source electrically coupled to provide power to the circuitry, and a power state controller configured to control a power state of the circuitry based on a state of the electronic device. An electronic device may be configured to be controlled by a remote control device, and may include an input device configured to receive a wireless signal from the remote control device, an output device configured to send a wireless signal to the remote control device, and a processor coupled to the input device. The processor may be configured to control a function of the electronic device based on the received signal, to determine information regarding the state of the electronic device, and to send the determined information regarding the state of the electronic device to the remote control device. |
| US08082454B2 |
Managing power consumption based on historical average
An upper power limit and an average power limit that is less than the upper power limit are selected for each server of a computer system having a plurality of servers. The instantaneous power consumption and the average power consumption of each server is determined and the instantaneous power consumption of each server is prevented from exceeding the respective upper power limit. A first subset of the servers for which the average power consumption is less than the average power limit are identified. The instantaneous power consumption of each server is allowed to exceed the respective average power limit. A second subset of the servers for which the average power consumption is not less than the average power limit is identified, and the instantaneous power consumption of each server in the second subset is prevented from exceeding the respective average power limit. |
| US08082446B1 |
System and method for non-repudiation within a public key infrastructure
Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems, methods, and computer readable instructions for non-repudiation communications, including provisions for non-repudiation of the identities of the sender and receiver, non-repudiation of the information sent and the information received, the time that various portions of the transaction or communication occurred, and other parameters associated therewith. Embodiments of the disclosure can be readily implemented in conjunction with public key systems to advantageously provide complete non-repudiation of origin and delivery of digital data. |
| US08082445B2 |
Secure NFC apparatus and method for supporting various security modules
Disclosed herein are a secure Near Field Communication (NFC) apparatus and method for supporting various security modules. The NFC apparatus includes an NFC unit, a protocol conversion unit and a security module. The NFC unit transmits information corresponding to a first signal based on a first protocol via non-contact NFC and generates a second signal based on the first protocol from information received via non-contact NFC. The protocol conversion unit converts a signal based on a second protocol into a first signal based on the first protocol and converts the second signal based on the first protocol into a signal based on the second protocol. The security module receives and outputs signals based on the second protocol. |
| US08082444B1 |
System and method for adding new network devices to an existing network
A system and method for adding a new network device to an existing network is described. An existing network has at least one master network device that acts as the gatekeeper for adding new network devices to the network. The master network device receives a request from a new network device to join the network. In response, the master network device issues a request to the new network device to perform a specified action. The master network device receives verification from the human user that the specified action has been performed. Upon receiving the verification, the master network device adds the new network device to the network. |
| US08082439B2 |
Firmware modification in a computer system environment supporting operational state changes
A method of modifying a computer system firmware includes initiating a firmware modification. At least one prohibited pre-determined operational state is inhibited to prevent the computer system from entering the at least one pre-determined operational state until a subsequent boot. The firmware is modified. |
| US08082438B2 |
Systems and methods for booting a codec processor over a high definition audio bus
Systems and methods for booting a programmable processor such as a DSP that is incorporated into an HDA codec. The codec and a system memory containing boot program instructions are connected to an HDA bus. In a first mode, the DSP receives boot program instructions via the HDA bus and boots using these instructions. In a second mode, the DSP boots from instructions that are contained in a memory that is connected to the DSP. In one embodiment, the memory connected to the DSP is a component of a plug-in card, and the DSP is configured to determine whether the plug-in card is present, then boot from the memory on the plug-in card if it is present or boot from the system memory via the HDA bus if the plug-in card is not present. |
| US08082437B2 |
Computer having flash memory and method of operating flash memory
Provided is a method of variably establishing storage areas of a flash memory according to the status of a system in a computer having flash memory in which booting data and execution data are stored. The computer includes: a flash memory including a storage area that is divided into a boot area for storing booting data and a cache area for storing execution data, and supplementing a reading speed of a main storage device; a flash controller designating a location to which the data stored in the flash memory is written; and a main controller calculating an area ratio of the flash memory according to the operating status of a PC, controlling the flash controller, and reestablishing the area ratio between the boot area and the cache area. |
| US08082431B2 |
System and method for increasing platform boot efficiency
Embodiments of the invention involve decreasing boot time by utilizing virtualization or partitioning techniques. In an embodiment, a hypervisor/platform partition controls the platform access to the boot target medium. Boot target data is selectively stored in a fast memory. When the system reboots, or an operating system on the platform is reset, boot target information may be retrieved from the fast memory rather than the original, slower boot target medium. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08082429B2 |
Information processing apparatus and exception control circuit
An information processing apparatus performs switching between an exception handler and normal processing. The information processing apparatus includes a processor; a data processing unit that performs particular processing upon receiving a processing request from the processor; an interrupt controller that issues an interrupt request to the processor; and an exception control unit that controls the interrupt controller, wherein the data processing unit is connected with the exception control unit via a dedicated line. The data processing unit includes a notification unit that notifies, via the dedicated line, the exception control unit of status information indicating current status of the data processing unit, and based on the notified status information and setup information set by the processor, the exception control unit judges whether to cause the interrupt controller to issue an interrupt request to execute an exception handler to the processor. |
| US08082418B2 |
Method and apparatus for coherent device initialization and access
A method and apparatus for enabling usage of an accelerator device in a processor socket is herein described. A set of inter-processor messages is utilized to initialize a configuration/memory space of the accelerator device. As an example, a first set of inter-processor interrupts (IPIs) is sent to indicate a base address of a memory space and a second set of IPIs is sent to indicate a size of the memory space. Furthermore, similar methods and apparatus' are herein described for dynamic reconfiguration of an accelerator device in a processor socket. |
| US08082414B2 |
Method and system for centralized memory management in wireless terminal devices
Methods and systems for controlling centralized memory management in wireless terminal devices. Memory management scripts associated with a wireless application are stored in a registry accessible through a data network for on-demand download and execution. A memory management kernel in each terminal device monitors a memory utilization of the terminal device. Based on the memory utilization, the memory management kernel interacts with an application gateway hosting the terminal device to download and execute one or more of the memory management scripts. |
| US08082407B1 |
Writable snapshots for boot consolidation
Boot consolidation based on writeable volume snapshots can leverage flexible mappings of snapshot dependencies. Such flexible mappings can be established by relating sequence numbers associated with various volume snapshots and can provide for an arbitrarily complex mapping to support a potentially unlimited number of writable snapshots in potentially any dependency configuration. Additionally, the pinning of volumes can provide support for chains of snapshots to depend from snapshots within other chains of snapshots. Merge agents can operate with writable snapshots and boot consolidation to provide system-wide updates where security patches, upgrades, and application software may be applied to a group of servers or a group of users in an efficient fashion. |
| US08082404B2 |
Memory arbitration system and method having an arbitration packet protocol
A memory hub and method for transmitting a read response on a data path of a memory hub interposed between a transmitting memory hub and a receiving memory hub. An arbitration packet including data indicative of a data path configuration for an associated read response is received at the memory hub. The arbitration packet is decoded, and the data path is configured in accordance with the data of the arbitration packet. The associated read response is received at the memory hub and the associated read response is coupled to the configured data path for transmitting the same to the receiving memory hub. |
| US08082402B2 |
System and method for using virtual memory for redirecting auxiliary memory operations
A method for using virtual memory for redirecting auxiliary memory operations redirects the auxiliary memory write operations of a process to a buffer after capturing the state of the auxiliary memory at various times during the method in three buffers. After the write operations have ended, the auxiliary memory is reconstructed into one of the buffers by comparing the contents of the buffers to each other. The reconstructed memory is then available when the process next regains control of the auxiliary memory. |
| US08082400B1 |
Partitioning a memory pool among plural computing nodes
To share a memory pool that includes at least one physical memory in at least one of plural computing nodes of a system, firmware in management infrastructure of the system is used to partition the memory pool into memory spaces allocated to corresponding ones of at least some of the computing nodes. The firmware maps portions of the at least one physical memory to the memory spaces, where at least one of the memory spaces includes a physical memory portion from another one of the computing nodes. |
| US08082395B2 |
Portable electronic device
In an IC card, an operating system manages the access order of each channel for each file using a channel management table. An application controls access to each file based on the access order managed in the channel management table. The channel management table stores, as an access order, an order that each logical channel has set a file in a current state. If current setting by a specific logical channel is canceled, a table updating function deletes the logical channel from the channel management table and moves up the access order of each logical channel next to the deleted logical channel. |
| US08082381B2 |
Connecting a plurality of peripherals
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a corresponding list of muxes is maintained for each combination of a peripheral and a mux option. The list is then retrieved to program the required muxes to connect the communication paths from a peripheral on the corresponding mux option, based on which the list is retrieved. In an embodiment, the information is maintained in the form of a table, with each entry storing the data corresponding to a mux and mux option. The entries are linked by appropriate pointers to form the linked list. |
| US08082376B2 |
Communication between an accessory and a media player with multiple protocol versions
An interface and protocol allow a media player to communicate with external accessories over a transport link. The protocol includes a core protocol functionality and a number of accessory lingoes. Examples of accessory lingoes include a microphone lingo, a simple remote lingo, a display remote lingo, an RF transmitter lingo, and an extended interface lingo. |
| US08082373B2 |
Specialized universal serial bus controller
A universal serial bus controller pre-generates and stores a subset of USB commands in a memory, the pre-generated commands available for transmission to at least one USB peripheral device over universal serial bus, and transfers at least one command from the subset of pre-generated commands stored in the memory to the USB peripheral device over the universal serial bus. The universal serial bus controller may receive a response to the transferred command from the USB peripheral device over the universal serial bus, and send an acknowledgment packet to the USB peripheral device over the universal serial bus responsive to receiving the response from the USB peripheral device. |
| US08082372B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing bit-reversal and multicast functions utilizing DMA controller
Techniques for providing improved data distribution to and collection from multiple memories are described. Such memories are often associated with and local to processing elements (PEs) within an array processor. Improved data transfer control within a data processing system provides support for radix 2, 4 and 8 fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithms through data reordering or bit-reversed addressing across multiple PEs, carried out concurrently with FFT computation on a digital signal processor (DSP) array by a DMA unit. Parallel data distribution and collection through forms of multicast and packet-gather operations are also supported. |
| US08082370B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for controlling communication between host device and USB device
An apparatus, a method, and a system for controlling communications between a host device and a USB device. The apparatus includes a controller to perform an operation for communication between a first device and a second device, and a first processor to selectively stop the operation of the controller according to information indicating a status of the communication between the first device and the second device. Thus, the USB device can perform a unique function even when the USB device is connected to the host via USB. |
| US08082366B2 |
Transmitter-receiver system, information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
A transmitter-receiver system, an information processing apparatus an information processing method and a program are provided. A transmitter-receiver system includes: a transmitting apparatus configured to transmit an edited result obtained by editing data in a plurality of files; and a receiving apparatus configured to receive the edited result from the transmitting apparatus, wherein the transmitting apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store the files and editing information about the edited result; an acquiring unit configured to acquire the editing information from the storage unit; a read unit configured to read data in the files based on acquired editing information; a creating unit configured to create a single file as an edited result from read data; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the edited result to the receiving apparatus, and the receiving apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive the edited result from the edited result transmitting unit. |
| US08082364B1 |
Managing state information in a computing environment
A software module operating within a router, such as an operating system, manages state information within a hierarchically ordered and temporally-linked data structure. The software module sends state change messages to other software modules within the router, referred to as consumers, in an order that corresponds to the hierarchical order and the temporal linking. The data structure may comprise a plurality of objects to store state information. The operating system may receive event messages that indicate a change to the state information. The objects may be hierarchically linked in accordance with a hierarchy representing relationships of event messages. The objects may be temporally linked in accordance with the order in which the operating system receives event messages. The operating system may traverse the data structure according to the temporal and hierarchical links to select state change messages to send to a consumer. |
| US08082360B2 |
Associative memory having a mask function for use in a network device
An associative memory 4 for primary searching operation of an associative memory 23 supplies a valid state to a primary match line 13 corresponding to storage data coincident with search data 10 taking mask information into account, and supplies a value obtained from a result of a logical sum operation (an OR operation), with a valid state for the storage data as true, of all said coincident storage data to a counting means 25 as intermediate data 15. The counting means 25 supplies a result of an operation to the intermediate data 15 for counting the number of bits in an invalid state for the storage data to an associative memory 3 for secondary searching operations as secondary search data 19. Among secondary storage data obtained by carrying out said operation to said storage data, the associative memory 3 for secondary searching operation supplies a result of carrying out the searching operation of the secondary search data 19 to a secondary match line 21. The invalidation means 22 changes a secondary match line 21 corresponding to a primary match line 13 in an invalid state into an invalid state to supply to an external source as a match line 11. |
| US08082359B2 |
Systems and methods for determining a good RSS key
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for ensuring equal distribution of packet flows among a plurality of cores in a multi-core system by identifying a rank of a matrix created from a hash key. If the rank of the matrix is equal to or greater than a divisor of a modulo operation applied to the results of the hash function, then the hash key may be used to ensure equal distribution of packet flows. |
| US08082358B2 |
ISP-friendly rate allocation for P2P applications
An ISP-friendly rate allocation system and method that reduces network traffic across ISP boundaries in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, Embodiments of the system and method continuously solve a global optimization problem and dictate accordingly how much bandwidth is allocated on each connection. Embodiments of the system and method minimize load on a server in communication with the P2P network, minimize ISP-unfriendly traffic while keeping the minimum server load unaffected, and maximize peer prefetching. Two different techniques are used to compute rate allocation, including a utility function optimization technique and a minimum cost flow formulation technique. The utility function optimization technique constructs a utility function and optimizes that utility function. The minimum cost flow formulation technique generates a minimum cost flow formulation using a bipartite graph have a vertices set and an edges set. A distributed minimum cost flow formulation is solved using Lagrangian multipliers. |
| US08082357B2 |
Method for reducing the latency time for interactive data communication via a satellite network
Method for reducing the latency time for interactive data communication between a client computer (12) and a server computer (8), connected via a satellite network (1) containing a geostationary satellite (6), whereby a data processing program (10) is running on the server computer (8) producing data, which are transferred to the client computer (12) in the form of data packets (20, 20m, 20mUDP) and displayed by said client computer via a display medium (14) connected to the client computer (12) in the form of an interactive user program (26), and whereby the operator of the client computer (12) is given an input prompt (22) by the user program (26) to enter further data, which are transmitted to the server computer (8) in the form of further data packets (24, 24m, 24mUDP) via the satellite network (1), wherein the transmission of further data packets (24, 24m, 24mUDP) from the client computer (12) to the server computer (8) occurs essentially without an acknowledgement of the receipt of the transmitted further data packets (24, 24m, 24mUDP) by the server computer (8). |
| US08082349B1 |
Fraud protection using business process-based customer intent analysis
Online fraud is reduced by identifying suspicious activities in real time and providing alerting so that interdiction may be performed. Historical customer behavior is used to identify and flag deviations in activity patterns. An HTTP data stream is parsed, intelligently filtered, and key data is extracted in real time. The key data is periodically extracted from network traffic and used to update corresponding summaries stored in a fraud data mart. The data mart is constantly incrementally updated so that the most current historical information is available to a rules engine for real time comparison with new customer data and patterns occurring on the network. Fraud-related business signatures are applied to this data stream and/or a data mart to identify suspicious online transactions. By understanding the customer session, the customer's intended use of the online application is derived and possible fraudulent activities identified. |
| US08082343B2 |
Method and device for making clients rapidly access to the peer-to-peer network
A method and device for making clients rapidly access to the peer-to-peer network comprise that the accessed clients, which are separated into one or more normal state groups; the clients that intend to log in are separated into one or more login groups; and the required contents, the variant of the contents or the content-related information are selectively transmitted to the members of the login groups immediately. After a certain login group becomes stable, the normal state groups which the login groups intend to be added into are selected and each member of the login groups is added into the selected normal state groups. In this invention, there is no need to frequently send notification individually when each client loges in, rather than send group notification, thus it can reduce network dithering, at the same time the user can receive the content or the related variant of the content immediately and watch the playing of the content without any wait when accessing to the network. |
| US08082340B2 |
Technique for distinguishing between link and node failure using bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD)
A technique distinguishes between link and node failure using bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) in a computer network. According to the novel technique, a BFD session is established over a first link between a monitoring node and a first interface of a monitored node. In addition, one or more novel unidirectional BFD (uBFD) sessions from one or more corresponding other interfaces of the monitored node to the monitoring node (e.g., as configured by the monitored node to detect its failure), the one or more uBFD sessions traversing links other than the first link (e.g., “not-via” the monitored node) are established, the one or more uBFD sessions traversing links other than the first link (e.g., “not-via” the monitored node). For instance, the one or more uBFD sessions correspond to one or more line cards of the monitored node. In response to detecting a lack of connectivity resulting from, e.g., failure of the BFD session, the monitoring node determines that the first link has failed if at least one uBFD session is operational. Moreover, in response to detecting failure of the BFD session and all of the one or more uBFD sessions, the monitoring node determines that the monitored node has failed. |
| US08082337B1 |
System for assessment of policy compliance of an arbitrary information topology
A system, method, and apparatus for representing an information topology on a computer, wherein the represented information topology comprises a plurality of information nodes and a plurality of states, representing a set of polices on the computer, wherein each policy expresses one or more requirements applied to the plurality of information nodes, and assessing compliance of the represented information topology by determining on the computer whether the plurality of states meet the requirements expressed in the plurality of policies. |
| US08082329B2 |
Method and system for presenting data over a network based on network user choices and collecting real-time data related to said choices
A character having a plurality of attributes is created by a network user while within a character-enabled network site. Each attribute is defined by at least one of either audio data and/or visual image data and is selected by the user from a plurality of attributes presented to the user through a user interface. The combination of attributes defines a persona for the character. At least one of either an audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. The presentations presented are selected from a plurality of presentations based on the character's persona. Data related to character attributes are stored in a database. One or more of the presentations presented to the user may be interactive, in that it allows for the user to make choices. In response to a user's interaction with the interactive presentation, additional audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. Data indicative of user interaction with the interactive presentations is also stored in a database. |
| US08082327B2 |
Systems methods and apparatuses for providing applications style functionality to a user
Systems configured to provide applications style functionality to at least one user, the systems comprising: at least one user device that includes at least one receiver for receiving data comprising a series of linked states plus additional data associated with each state, the additional data comprising, storage instructions and display instructions; and at least one decoder to decode the received data and cache each state and its corresponding display instructions in accordance with the storage instructions. The systems may also comprise: at least one server configured to communicate with the at least one user device that includes a processor for interpreting the execution of an application or rendering of a state and expressing it as a series of states through which the at least one user device may navigate to create the appearance of executing an application or browsing web content. |
| US08082326B2 |
Server and server program
A server comprises a content database for storing content files of a plurality of contents; a content information database for storing the content information of the content; a sharing section for sharing the content information with other server connected to a network; an access control section which permits or prohibits an access from other terminal connected to the network based on access permission information in which terminal specifying information for specifying a terminal to be permitted to access is registered; and a request response section which sends content information to the client in response to a request from the client for the content information. the sharing section shares the access permission information with other server connected to the network, the request response section, when the content information is requested from a client, determines a server which permits the client to access based on the shared access permission information and sends only the content information of the server which permits the client to access, of the shared content information to the client. |
| US08082325B2 |
Data storing system using network
An agent program (12) installed in a terminal device (10) is used to upload data, which are to be stored, to a data storage device (100) via a first network (N1). Data uploaded to a first data storage unit (110) are stored therein as they are. On the other hand, data uploaded to a second data storage unit (120) are transferred, by the function of a data transferring unit (130), to any of external storage sites (210-230) via a second network (N2), and management information, which includes the URL of the storage site that is the transfer destination, is stored into an IC card (11). When the data stored in the data storage unit (120) are required, the management information in the IC card (11) is given to the data transferring unit (130) and the relevant data are forwarded from the storage site that was the transfer destination to the data storage unit (120) and then downloaded to the terminal device (10). The limit of the storage capacity can thereby be overcome and damages due to viruses can be suppressed. |
| US08082324B2 |
Method of establishing a tunnel between network terminal devices passing through firewall
A method of establishing a tunnel between network terminal devices passing through firewall is applied to a network system which comprises at least two private networks and Internet wherein each of said private networks comprises at least a NAT router and at least a network terminal device (such as a computer, web camera, IP phone, network disk or network printer with network interface etc.), and each of said network terminal devices connects to the Internet through corresponding NAT router respectively. The method enables each of said network terminal devices of said private networks to detect the firewall policy of corresponding NAT router so as to pass through the firewall installed in corresponding NAT router according to its setting and establish a tunnel between said network terminal devices over the Internet for communication and data access by using p2p, a local relay or a remote relay. |
| US08082321B2 |
Method and apparatus for transferring digital content from a personal computer to a mobile handset
A system for synchronizing digital content stored on a user's mobile handset with digital content stored on the user's personal computer is disclosed. |
| US08082320B1 |
Communicating supplemental information over a block erasure channel
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for communicating information. In general, one or more aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in one or more methods that include obtaining supplemental information to be sent along with primary information over a block erasure channel; calculating numerical residuals for the supplemental information using corresponding prime numbers; outputting the numerical residuals to be sent along with the primary information over the block erasure channel for recovery of the supplemental information at a recipient device using a proper subset of the prime numbers; receiving a proper subset of numerical residuals that were calculated, using corresponding prime numbers, for supplemental information associated with primary information, the primary information and the numerical residuals having been sent over a block erasure channel; and recovering the supplemental information using the proper subset of numerical residuals. |
| US08082317B2 |
Remote tablet-based internet inspection system
An integrated system comprising a portal, a server communicating with the portal and at least one local area network, at least one mobile platform in wireless communication with the at least one local area network, and a means for enabling two-way communications between the portal and the server. |
| US08082316B2 |
Resolving conflicts while synchronizing configuration information among multiple clients
A user of multiple client devices (clients) makes application configuration changes on the clients from time to time. The configuration changes are stored in a local event log on each client, as well as in a synchronization server. When one of the clients connects to the synchronization server, for example when the user logs into the synchronization server while using a respective client, the configuration information in the server and client is synchronized. Conflicts, if any, in the configuration changes for a respective application are resolved in accordance with a conflict resolution procedure or conflict resolution rules associated with that application. |
| US08082315B2 |
Programming idiom accelerator for remote update
A remote update programming idiom accelerator identifies a remote update programming idiom in an instruction sequence of a thread running on a processing unit of a data processing system. The remote update programming idiom includes a read operation for reading data from a storage location at a remote node, at least one update operation for performing an update operation on the data to form result data, and a write operation for writing the result data to the storage location at the remote node. The remote update programming idiom accelerator transmits the remote update programming idiom to a remote node to perform an operation on data at the remote node. A remote update programming idiom accelerator at the remote node receives the remote update programming idiom and performs the update as a local operation. |
| US08082313B2 |
Efficient utilization of read-ahead buffer by partitioning read-ahead buffer in correspondence with selectors
A server computing device receives an update message from a client computing device at which a read-ahead buffer has been partitioned into partitions corresponding to selectors. The selectors correspond to different types of the messages of interest to be consumed by a given consuming application running on the client computing device. The update message specifies a given partition of the read-ahead buffer that requires filling with new messages matching the selector of the given partition. The server computing device sends the new messages requested in the update message to the client computing device, to fill the given partition of the read-ahead buffer at the client computing device. |
| US08082311B2 |
Authentication of electronic data
Systems and techniques for transmitting electronic data by receiving, at a communications system host, electronic data transmitted from a sender and addressed to an intended recipient; authenticating the electronic data based on attributes of the electronic data and appending information to the electronic data indicating that the electronic data has been authenticated. |
| US08082310B2 |
Selective publication of e-mail account access frequency
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to e-mail account management and provide a method, system and computer program product for selective publication of e-mail account access frequency. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for selective publication of e-mail account access frequency can be provided. The method can include determining access frequency data for different e-mail accounts of a first e-mail user in a messaging data processing system, receiving a request from a second e-mail user in the messaging data processing system for the access frequency data, applying publication rules for the first e-mail user to the second e-mail user to determine whether or not to publish the access frequency data to the second e-mail user, and publishing at least part of the access frequency data to the second e-mail user if permitted by the application of the publication rules. |
| US08082308B1 |
Online collaboration and planning system transparently integrated with e-mail
A method, system and computer program product for managing tasks, including receiving an e-mail from a user, the e-mail including a subject line and at least one recipient, wherein the recipient is or is not registered in a task management system; parsing the e-mail to identify a task; adding the task to a task database of the task management system; adding the sender and recipient to a database of the task management system if needed. A web interface is provided for the sender and the recipient to interface with the task management system. The e-mail can be sent to multiple recipients and some of the recipients might not be registered with the task management system. The subject line of the e-mail is parsed for the task identification like name of the task. The subject line of the e-mail is also parsed for a due date and the due date is added to task parameters. The subject line of the e-mail is also parsed for groups in which the task should be included. The user has the highest level of privileges for setting parameters for the task. The e-mail is also parsed for body and attachments, which are used to populate a task's description properties and task attachments. |
| US08082306B2 |
Enterprise e-mail blocking and filtering system based on user input
A system are blocks and filters e-mails at the enterprise level. Incoming e-mails having an incoming domain are received at an e-mail server. Incoming domains are compared to a list of blocked domains. in response to identifying the incoming domain within the list of blocked domains, the incoming e-mail is blocked from delivery to an intended recipient. Incoming domains are then compared to a first predefined category. If the incoming domain is identified within the first predefined category, the intended recipient is compared to the first distribution list. If the intended recipient is identified within the first distribution list, then the incoming e-mail is delivered to the intended recipient. |
| US08082304B2 |
Guaranteed delivery of application layer messages by a network element
A method is disclosed by which network elements such as packet routers and packet switches guarantee the delivery of application layer messages within a network. According to one aspect, a first network element retrieves an application layer message from a source message queue, adds a message identifier to the application layer message, encapsulates the application layer message into data packets, and sends the data packets toward a destination application. A second network element intercepts the data packets, determines the application layer message from payload portions of the data packets, determines the message identifier from the application layer message, stores the application layer message in a destination message queue, generates an acknowledgement message that contains the message identifier, and sends the acknowledgement message toward a source application. The first network element intercepts the acknowledgement message and concludes that the application layer message within the matching message identifier was successfully delivered. |
| US08082302B2 |
Automatically setting chat status based on user activity in local environment
A method is presented for managing user chat status in a chat application. The chat application automatically detects user activity and/or user inactivity external to the chat application and then automatically sets a user chat status value within the chat application based on the detected user activity and/or the detected user inactivity based on telephone line activity. Caller ID information associated with an incoming call with respect to one or more selected priority telephone numbers are screened. The chat application may automatically set the user's current chat status at a given time based on telephone line activity only if the caller ID information associated with the incoming telephone call matches a priority telephone number. |
| US08082301B2 |
System for supporting collaborative activity
A system includes a processor which has access to a representation of model of activity, which includes workspaces. Each workspace includes domain hierarchies for representing an organizational structure of the collaborating users using the system, and initiatives hierarchies representing process structures for accomplishing goals. An interface permits users to view and modify the workspaces for which the user has access. Each user can have different access permissions in different workspaces. The domain and initiative hierarchies provide two views of the workspace objects without duplicating resources. A resource is a collection of shared elements defined by the users that give users associated with the workspace access to information sources. Users can define knowledge boards for creating reports based on information fields of the resources. The knowledge board is associated with a resource template from which the resource is created. |
| US08082299B2 |
Methods and systems of client-side caching of pages with changing content
The present invention relates to Internet based and web applications and the need to reduce page latency and bandwidth usage. The invention can achieve these goals by making use of the cache built in to standard web browsers. In one embodiment, the invention provides that a web application user will use their browser to request a page from the application web server, which responds with a small page that includes a script. The script appends a previously established cookie value to the URL originally requested and the browser then re-requests the URL with the appended cookie value. (The server computes the cookie value based on the last modified time of the data used to generate the page.) If the most recent version of the page is in the browser cache, the browser gets a cache hit, which means the page is retrieved from browser cache rather than from the server, rapidly displaying the page to the user. If, on the other hand, there is only an older version of the page in the browser cache, there is a cache miss (because the rewritten URL will not match any URL in the cache) and the browser will send the request to the server to retrieve the most recent version of the page. |
| US08082295B2 |
Reporting to a website owner one or more appearances of a specified word in one or more page-specific open-ended comments concerning one or more particular web pages of a website
In one embodiment, a method for reporting to a website owner one or more appearances of a specified word in one or more page-specific open-ended comments concerning one or more particular web pages of a website includes receiving one or more page-specific open-ended comments concerning one or more particular web pages of a website from users that have accessed the particular web pages, identifying, in the one or more page-specific open-ended comments concerning the one or more particular web pages of the website, each appearance of the specified word, and generating a report reflecting the identified appearances of the specified word in the one or more page-specific open-ended comments concerning the one or more particular web pages of the website. |
| US08082290B2 |
Intelligent establishment of peer-to-peer communication
A device may receive, from a first peer in a network, a request for a list of one or more candidate peers from which the first peer can obtain a resource. In addition, the device may obtain the list in response to the request, determining a set of costs based on the list, and refine the list to obtain a subset list of the candidate peers based on the set of costs. Furthermore, the device may send to, the first peer, the subset list of the candidate peers from which the first peer can obtain the resource. |
| US08082289B2 |
Cluster computing support for application programs
A computer cluster system comprising a plurality of nodes and a software package comprising a user interface and a kernel for interpreting program code instructions is provided. In one embodiment, a cluster node module is configured to communicate with the kernel and other cluster node modules. The cluster node module accepts instructions from the user interface and interprets at least some of the instructions such that several cluster node modules in communication with one another and with a kernel can act as a computer cluster. |
| US08082283B1 |
Arrangement of 3-input LUT'S to implement 4:2 compressors for multiple operand arithmetic
A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a plurality of logic array blocks (LAB's) connected by a PLD routing architecture. At least one LAB is configured to determine a compression of a plurality of N-bit numbers. The LAB includes look-up table (LUT) logic cells. Each LUT logic cell is configured to receive three operand signals at three inputs of that LUT logic cell and to output two signals at two outputs of that LUT logic cell that are a sum and carry signal resulting from adding the operand signals. LAB internal routing logic couples the LUT logic cells such that the LUT logic cells collectively process the input signals to generate the output signals. The LAB internal routing logic is not part of the PLD routing architecture. By employing compressor LUT logic cells within the LAB, use of PLD routing architecture is minimized, and use of PLD resources is more efficient. |
| US08082282B2 |
Decomposition of decimal floating point data, and methods therefor
A decimal floating point finite number in a decimal floating point format is composed from the number in a different format. A decimal floating point format includes fields to hold information relating to the sign, exponent and significand of the decimal floating point finite number. Other decimal floating point data, including infinities and NaNs (not a number), are also composed. Decimal floating point data are also decomposed from the decimal floating point format to a different format. |
| US08082280B2 |
Computerized method and system for coding-based navigation
Computerized methods and systems for professional evaluation and management coding of a patient visit based upon documentation are provided. Such methods and systems increase efficiency and enhance the quality of clinician documentation by permitting automatic coding as a byproduct of documentation and eliminating the necessity for an after-the-fact check of the patient's chart to ensure appropriate documentation. Computerized methods and systems for navigating to a portion of an electronic record, e.g., an electronic medical record, based upon professional evaluation and management coding are also provided, as is the automatic insertion of document content where necessary. |
| US08082273B2 |
Dynamic control and regulation of critical database resources using a virtual memory table interface
A computer-implemented apparatus, method, and article of manufacture provide the ability to manage a plurality of database systems. A domain contains the database systems, and a database in one of the systems has segmented global memory partitions. A virtual monitor partition provides logon access to the segmented global memory partitions in a form of a virtual database. Open application programming interfaces (API) enable logon access to the virtual monitor partition to access data in the virtual database. A multi-system regulator manages the domain and utilizes the open APIs to access data in the virtual data base. |
| US08082271B2 |
Data retrieval apparatus for selecting geographical location information on a globe
Data retrieval apparatus comprises a base unit e.g. a geographic globe having a surface bearing a set of index information, and a pen-like operator separate from and co-operable wirelessly with the globe. The operator has a sensor for sensing the index information when it is brought close to the globe surface, a memory device for storing data information associated with the index information for retrieval based on a reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, a controller for retrieving said data information from the memory device by reference to the index information sensed by the sensor, and a speaker for announcing said data information retrieved by the controller. |
| US08082270B2 |
Fuzzy search using progressive relaxation of search terms
Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system that progressively relaxes search terms provided by a user. Data of predefined types is stored in a database. The data is obtained by uniquely modifying data previously stored in the database, based on the predefined types. Search terms of predefined types are accepted from the user. The search terms are compared with the stored data to find exact matches, if length of the search terms exceeds a predefined value. On not finding exact matches, the accepted search terms are modified uniquely based on the predefined types to structure first alternative queries. The first alternative queries are compared with the stored data to find exact matches. On not finding exact matches, the first alternative queries are modified based on the predefined types to structure second alternative queries. The second alternative queries are compared with the stored data to find approximate matches. |
| US08082266B2 |
Index for data retrieval and data structuring
Generating an index for a retrieval of data provided by at least one document. Data is selected within the at least one document, a category is assianed to the selected data, a timestamp is assianed to the selected data, and a location indication to the selected data is determined. The selected data, the category, the timestamp, and the location indication of the selected data are stored as an entry of the index. The present invention therefore provides an effective and universally adaptive tool for contextual structuring and retrieval of data distributed over a plurality of electronic documents. |
| US08082264B2 |
Automated scheme for identifying user intent in real-time
An intent guessing system receives partial user queries as they are entered by the user. The partial user queries are compared with different intents derived from previously logged queries. Guesses are made as to which of the intents are associated with the partial user query. The intent guesses are then provided as responses to the user query. Features are identified for the earlier logged queries and associated with the derived intents. The derived intents and associated features are then used to identify intents for the partial user queries. |
| US08082262B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices supporting data access in a data processing system
A plurality of data items are distributed across a plurality of computers, some of which may form a peer-to-peer network. A first computer receives a request for a data item from a requesting computer. The request includes a True Name of the data item. The first computer causes the requesting computer to obtain the data item from a second computer, distinct from the first computer. The first computer may not have a copy of the requested data item. The first computer may know the location of the data item. The first computer may forward the request for the data item to at least one other computer. |
| US08082259B2 |
Information processing apparatus for extracting objects
An object of the present invention is enabling extraction of objects from a predetermined Web page and linked Web pages led by hyperlinks of the Web page without inputting Web page identifiers corresponding to the linked Web pages. In order to achieve this object, processing means specifies a portion sandwiched by an object start identifier and an object end identifier from display control information and extracts a Web page identifier of a linked Web page from the specified portion based on an extracted portion identifier (S25). The processing means extracts a portion as an object that is sandwiched by an object start identifier and an object end identifier and that satisfies a search condition accepted from input means from display control information of the Web page corresponding to the extracted Web page identifier and stores the portion in storage means (S35). |
| US08082255B1 |
Branding digital content
A process for creating a melded visual image to accompany a delivery of digital content. The melded image including at least a digital image associated with the digital content and a first placement image. The first placement image selected for delivery with the digital image in accordance with the execution of one or more rules concerning the digital content or the end user receiving the digital content. The melded image may contain constituent parts that have been altered such as changing the aspect ratio or transparency so that the digital image and the placement image can be displayed on a display screen associated with at least one class of player device that may play the digital content. The placement image may be part of an advertising campaign. |
| US08082254B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for identifying documents in a computer network
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a document based on a community value for at least one community dimension assigned to each section of the document. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a document, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the community value for the at least one community dimension assigned to the section of the document. |
| US08082253B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for dynamically generating a section of a web page in a computer network
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a document based on a community value for at least oen community dimension assigned to each section of the document. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a document, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the community value for the at least one community dimension assigned to the section of the document. |
| US08082249B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for searching documents in a computer network
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a document selected by the different users based on a community value for at least one community dimension assigned to each section of document selected by the different users. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a document selected by the user, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the community value for the at least one community dimension assigned to the section of the document selected by the user. |
| US08082245B2 |
Providing location information within a virtual world
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for providing information describing locations to users of an immersive virtual environment. In one embodiment, patterns of locations visited by various users of the virtual environment may be stored in a searchable data structure(s). Further, characteristics of the location visits may be used to determine whether a given location visit was favorable for each user. Subsequently, locations visited by a current user may be matched to one of the stored patterns of locations. The matching pattern may then be used to provide favorability information describing other locations available to the current user. The favorability information may be presented to the user as graphical indications visible within the user's view of the virtual environment. |
| US08082242B1 |
Custom search
A system may receive selection of one or more of a set of custom content groups, where each of the custom content groups is associated with a custom search index that is different from a web search index and a custom search index associated with another one of the custom content groups. The system may receive a search query from a user, perform a search of the web search index based on the search query to identify web search results, perform a search of one or more custom search indexes associated with the selected one or more the custom content groups to identify custom search results, generate a search result document that includes the web search results and the custom search results; and provide the search result document. |
| US08082241B1 |
System and method for citation processing, presentation and transport
The present invention comprises a system and method for automatically processing one or more citations contained within a document while the document is presented by a document rendering application. The method of the present invention comprises scanning the document to identify an unformatted citation and parsing the unformatted citation to determine one or more citation terms. One or more citation libraries are queried to find citations comprising the one or more citation terms. A citation falling within the scope of the query is selected and inserted into the document. |
| US08082239B2 |
Defining sub-cube scope based upon a query
Technologies are described herein for defining the scope of a sub-cube based upon a database query. A request is received to perform a query of a multi-dimensional database, such as a cube, stored at a server computer. In response to the request, the scope for a sub-portion, called a sub-cube, of the multi-dimensional database is determined based upon the query. The scope of the sub-cube may be determined by identifying the minimum sub-portion of the cube necessary to perform the query. Once the scope has been determined, the sub-cube is generated at the server computer and transmitted to a client computer. The client computer stores the sub-cube locally and performs the requested database query on the sub-cube stored at the client computer. A user interface may be provided through which a user can modify the scope of the sub-cube determined based upon the query. |
| US08082237B2 |
Applying the use of temporal data and temporal data models to roles and organizational structures
A temporal relational database includes a relational database framework that allows for all the capabilities of a standard relational database with the addition of the concept of time. Transactions, which can be modifications of attribute values or changes to the database schema, can be stored with temporal histories. Through the use of these temporal histories, the temporal database is able to seamlessly respond to queries for times that are in the past, present, or future. Furthermore, transactions can be entered into the temporal relational database that are not effective until some point in the future, thus allowing for seamless migration of the data and schema of a database. Applications that access data in a temporal database may retrieve a time appropriate schema from the temporal database. An exemplary use of a temporal database to manage roles and responsibilities within an organization is described. |
| US08082236B2 |
Write failure protection for hierarchical integrity schemes
A method for data integrity protection includes arranging in an integrity hierarchy a plurality of data blocks, which contain data. The integrity hierarchy includes multiple levels of signature blocks containing signatures computed respectively over lower levels in the hierarchy, wherein the levels culminate in a top-level block containing a top-level signature computed over the hierarchy. A modification to be made in the data stored in a given data block is received. One or more of the signatures is recomputed in response to the modification, including the top-level signature. Copies of the given data block, and of the signature blocks, including a copy of the top-level block, are stored in respective locations in a storage medium. An indication that the copy is a valid version of the top-level block is recorded in the copy of the top-level block. |
| US08082233B2 |
Comparing data sets through identification of matching blocks
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a source data set and a target data set. Differences between the target data set and the source data set are identified by dividing the target data set into a set of target data blocks. At least one duplicate block that is identical to a first portion of the source data set is identified among the target data blocks. At least one modified block for which contents of the modified block are not duplicated within the source data set is identified among the target data blocks. Different portions and identical portions between the modified block and the source data set are also identified. |
| US08082231B1 |
Techniques using identifiers and signatures with data operations
Described are techniques for representing a data segment comprising. A list of one or more tokens representing one or more data portions included in the data segment is received. A unique identifier uniquely identifying said data segment from other data segments is received. A signature value determined in accordance with said list of tokens and said unique identifier is received. The list of tokens, said unique identifier, and said signature value are stored as information corresponding to said data segment. |
| US08082229B2 |
Methods for backing up a database
Various embodiments of a method, system and computer program product backup and recover a database. A database is distributed in a plurality of storage devices. A target designation designating a target database is received. One or more storage devices of the plurality of storage devices, storing at least a portion of the target database, are selected. A quiesce point is established by completing an ongoing transaction for the target database and inhibiting a further transaction. In response to establishing the quiesce point, a backup is generated by collectively copying data on each storage device of the one or more selected storage devices. The backup associated with a quiesce point indication indicating backed up data of the said each storage device of the one or more selected storage devices in accordance with the quiesce point, are recorded. |
| US08082225B2 |
Using destination-dependent criteria to guide data transmission decisions
A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for causing one or more destination-dependent criteria to be applied at least to a data object and indicating a decision whether to transmit the data object to a destination partly based on a default value and partly based on one or more results of the one or more destination-dependent criteria being applied at least to the data object. |
| US08082223B2 |
Synchronization of computer databases using caching agents
A method and system for synchronization of computer databases using caching agents. In one embodiment, information is accessed from a first database. The information is stored into a persistent store, which may be a permanent media, such as a magnetic disk. The information is retrieved from the persistent store. Such retrieval may be in close time proximity to the storing, or the retrieval may be at a substantially different time from the storing. The synchronization is completed by updating a second database with the information retrieved by the caching agent from the persistent store. As an advantageous result, synchronization of computer databases is more efficient due to an optimized storage format for the information as well as maximum bandwidth access. As a further beneficial result, if a database is not present at the time of synchronization, embodiments of the present invention may enable synchronization capabilities unavailable under the prior art. |
| US08082219B2 |
Algorithmic trading
Systems and methods of evaluating rules. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08082218B2 |
Analysis of software conflicts
Conflicts among programs are detected, and advice is given based on the detected conflicts. A set of conflict rules defines what constitutes a conflict, and a set of advice rules defines what advice is to be given in response to a conflict that has been detected. The conflict rules may be provided by a different party from the action rules, so the decision as to what constitutes a conflict can be made separately from the decision as to what advice should be given when a conflict is detected. |
| US08082216B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method and program having a historical user functionality adjustment
An information processing apparatus includes: strength estimation means for calculating an operation frequency for each predetermined time period from an operation history, and estimating a time period of the operation frequency which exceeds a predetermined value as a time period over which the user has a strong desire to adjust; detecting means for calculating, from the operation history, an operation frequency for each function of the electronic apparatus of the operation history in a time period corresponding to the time period of the strong desire to adjust estimated by the strength estimation means, and detecting a feature of the adjustment operation made by the user for the function of the electronic apparatus, the feature corresponding to the operation frequency for each function of the electronic apparatus; and determination means for determining a function, desired by the user to adjust, of the electronic apparatus, the function corresponding to the feature detected by the detecting means. |
| US08082213B2 |
Method and system for personalized online security
Various embodiments of the present invention provide strong authentication of users on behalf of commercial entities and other parties to electronic transactions. In these embodiments of the present invention, a user interacts with an authentication service provider to establish policies for subsequent authentication of the user. Thus, in these embodiments of the present invention, a user controls the level and complexity of authentication processes carried out by the authentication service provider on behalf of both the user and commercial entities and other entities seeking to authenticate the user in the course of conducting electronic transactions, electronic dialogues, and other interactions for which user authentication is needed. The policies specified by a user may include specification of variable-factor authentication, in which the user, during the course of an authentication, provides both secret information as well as evidence of control of a tangible object. |
| US08082212B2 |
Electronic musical apparatus for recording and reproducing music content
In an electronic musical apparatus, a media ID (MD1, MD2, MD3, MD4, MD5) is associated with each recording media of a memory card 8, hard disk device 10, flash memory ROM 11, CD-ROM 12 and internet 15. Each media ID is encrypted to be recorded on a different position in a ROM 2. Upon reading a music content, the media ID of the corresponding recording media is decoded to decode the music content based upon the media ID and the secret key, and then, the resultant is temporarily stored in a RAM 3. Upon writing a music content, it is encrypted based upon the media ID corresponding to a recording media and the secret key, and the content in the RAM 3 is deleted. This makes cryptanalysis hard to thereby enhance a protection level of a music content in an electronic musical apparatus. |
| US08082211B2 |
Smart card purchase transactions using wireless telecommunications network
A mobile handset includes a card reader; a gateway; a funds issuer computer; and an authentication computer. The handset receives a request to load a value onto the smart card. The handset generates a funds request and sends it to a funds issuer computer. The funds issuer computer debits an account. The handset generates a load request with a signature and sends it to an authentication computer. The handset receives a response. The handset validates the second signature and loads value onto the smart card. For payment, the system includes a merchant server and a payment server. The handset sends an order request to the merchant computer, and receives a purchase instruction. The handset processes the message, and then sends a draw request message to a payment server. The payment server sends a debit message to debit the smart card. The handset validates the signature and debits the smart card. |
| US08082201B2 |
Graphical system for determining the relative attractiveness of investments
A system for scoring and evaluating financial investments including a server, at least one database in communication with the server including a plurality of financial indicators for a plurality of investments, each of the financial indicators assignable to one of at least two categories, software executing on the server for generating a display of scores for each of at least two of the financial indicators for a target investment, the display including a radar chart including a ray extending radially from a center point of the radar chart for each of the at least two of the financial indicators, wherein each of the scores is plotted along one of the rays, and wherein the radar chart is divided into two or more sections wherein each of the sections corresponds to one of the categories. |
| US08082199B2 |
Multiple variable outlets shooting apparatus
A shooting device with multiple barrels (10b) shooting multiple projectors (55) which propels multiple carrying cams (50) through multiple curve and straight channels (10) of which are connected with differentiated threaded pipe nuts (10a), reinforcement barrels and channels (10c) and (10d) are necessary to minimize distortion. The main shooting body (11) is divided into two halves (12) and (14) with port doors (12b) and their controls (17) and charge cartridge (12c) and ignition device (12s). Carrying cams (50) are connected with, but not limit to, fisherman's net and or safety net to distant multiple desired locations in an instance. |
| US08082190B2 |
Method for tracking components in a utility meter
A method of assembling a utility meter having a plurality of components on a subassembly is disclosed herein. The method comprises associating an identification code, such as a barcode, with the subassembly and then entering the barcode associated with the subassembly into a first memory. Next, a lot identification code for each of a plurality of components of the subassembly is associated with the barcode of the subassembly in the first memory. The subassembly is then placed in the utility meter having an associated utility meter identification code. The utility meter identification code is then entered in a second memory and the utility meter identification code is associated with the barcode of the subassembly in the second memory. The first and second memory may be searched to determine lot identification codes for each of the plurality of components in the utility meter. |
| US08082184B2 |
Consumer driven price marketplace
An online marketplace is established where sellers compete by offering to sell a mass quantity of a specific product, referenced by a unique product ID. A successful sale is determined at a time that maximizes a group of buyers' offers for the specific product. At the determined time, both the sellers' offers and the buyers' offers for the specific product are separately sorted from the lowest price offer to highest price offer. Competing sellers are awarded sales contingent on one or more buyer offers remaining after each seller having a lower sell price is satisfied for its entire quantity. Sells for each successful seller are satisfied starting from a buyer's offer having a lowest buy price and increasing to successively higher buy prices of the remaining buyers' offers, until the seller's entire quantity of the listed product is satisfied. |
| US08082183B2 |
Optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor
A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor. |
| US08082181B2 |
Tool having an integral system for remotely ordering inventory
A host tool having an integral system for ordering inventory from an inventory order interface has a processing unit, a location provider and a remote connector. The location provider is configured to selectively provide the location of the host tool to the processing unit, while the remote connector is configured to establish a remote connection between the processing unit and an inventory order interface of the supplier of the inventory. A customer identification card having order information is selectively connected to the host tool. When the card is connected, the information is read by and transmitted from the host tool to the inventory order interface through the remote connector. The processing unit is configured to interface location information from the location provider, payment information and order information from the customer identification card, through the remote connector, to place an order for inventory at the inventory order interface. |
| US08082180B2 |
Conditional purchase offer management system
A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO is a binding offer containing one or more conditions submitted by a customer for purchase of an item, such as airline travel, at a customer-defined price. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers. |
| US08082173B2 |
Drug sample fulfillment architecture
One of the major components of the present invention is to provide a process to facilitate the fulfillment of drug samples to prescribers in several different manners. With the present invention, a prescriber can request actual drug samples on-line or can order on-line coupons for drug samples to be given to patients who in turn go to a pharmacy to obtain the free medications. As a third alternative, the prescriber can print the coupons in his own office to give to patients who in turn redeem the coupons for free medications at a pharmacy. |
| US08082171B1 |
Methods and systems for hosting business applications having pipeline-based business logic using shared computing resources
Methods and systems for hosting business and other e-commerce application services are provided which provide secure shared computing resources to multiple instances of e-commerce or other business applications. The shared computing resources are dynamically allocated among the instances of the applications, and the instances of the applications are logically separated from one another to provide additional security. |
| US08082170B2 |
Opportunity matrix for use with methods and systems for determining optimal pricing of retail products
A data warehouse system and application which analyzes historical sales and product data contained within a data warehouse to determine the best product prices across a set of products for a retailer. The application analyzes historical sales and product data contained in a database to determine an opportunity score for multiple products sold by a retailer, the opportunity score indicating potential benefit to said business from changing the pricing of a product; and analyzes historical sales data contained in the database to determine an ability to change score for each product, the ability to change score indicating potential risk of lost sales for the retailer from changing the pricing of a product. Results of the analyses are displayed in a scatter plot graph with the graph axes being the opportunity scores and ability to change scores, respectively. Each product is represented by a point in the scatter plot, the coordinates of the point being the opportunity score and the ability to change score associated with the represented product. The scatter plot graph can be divided into quadrants, wherein products having favorable opportunity scores and favorable ability to change scores are displayed together in one the four quadrants. |
| US08082169B2 |
User interface for workflow builder
A method is disclosed for creating a workflow process. An initial activity (304, 316) is displayed. The method then displays a user interface diagram (FIG. 5) to configure a type of an activity to be added to the workflow process in response to a detection of designation of adding the activity. The type of the activity configured in the user interface diagram is then saved and the added activity (420, 312) whose type is configured is then displayed in the user interface diagram. In another form, the method shows an initial activity in the workflow process, the initial activity having associated therewith a list for selecting a starting activity. A first new activity is then added to the workflow process, the first new activity having associated therewith lists for selecting destination activities for each of a number of outcomes of the first new activity. The list for selecting a starting activity in the initial activity to include the first new activity is then updated. A second new activity is then added to the workflow process, the second new activity having means of selecting a corresponding destination activity for each of a number of outcomes of the second new activity. The list of starting activities in the initial activity and the lists of destination activities in the first new activity are each then updated to include the second new activity. |
| US08082167B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program for scheduling the extraction of a resource and for determining the net present value of an extraction schedule
The scheduling of extraction of a resource within a mine is disclosed which comprises obtaining drill hole grade data relating to the resource and creating a plurality of different block models, with each block in each model having a resource grade and each of the block models honoring the drill hole grade data. An extraction schedule is determined based on a cut-off grade policy to increase expected net present value of the mine. The cut-off grade policy can be a variable cut-off grade and the scheduling using the variable cut-off grade is converted from a non-linear representation to a linear representation and a mixed integer programming formulation is used for simultaneous optimization of the extraction schedule and the cut-off grade. |
| US08082156B2 |
Audio encoding device, audio encoding method, and audio encoding program for encoding a wide-band audio signal
By using a high-range sub-band signal, a correction coefficient corresponding to importance of auditory sense is calculated to correct a noise level and generate additional signal information, thereby accurately reflecting the noise level of the sub-band important in the auditory sense. Thus, it is possible to calculate additional signal information reflecting the noise level of the sub-band important in the auditory sense according to importance with a small calculation amount. The calculation amount can further be reduced by using a correction coefficient based on the characteristic of an ordinary audio signal. |
| US08082154B2 |
Centralized biometric authentication
A communications system obtains verification of an expected identity of a party from a remote centralized biometric system over a communications network. A forwarder forwards, over the communications network to the remote centralized biometric system when the party attempts to obtain a service using the communications system, a biometric sample from the party and information characterizing the expected identity of the party. A receiver receives, over the communications network from the remote centralized biometric system, verification that the biometric sample matches biometric information obtained by the remote centralized biometric system from a storage such that the expected identity of the party is verified as the identity of the party. The service is provided contingent on verification of the expected identity of the party as the identity of the party. |
| US08082153B2 |
Conversational computing via conversational virtual machine
A method for conversational computing includes executing code embodying a conversational virtual machine, registering a plurality of input/output resources with a conversational kernel, providing an interface between a plurality of active applications and the conversational kernel processing input/output data, receiving input queries and input events of a multi-modal dialog across a plurality of user interface modalities of the plurality of active applications, generating output messages and output events of the multi-modal dialog in connection with the plurality of active applications, managing, by the conversational kernel, a context stack associated with the plurality of active applications and the multi-modal dialog to transform the input queries into application calls for the plurality of active applications and convert the output messages into speech, wherein the context stack accumulates a context of each of the plurality of active applications. |
| US08082151B2 |
System and method of generating responses to text-based messages
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an automated method of and system for generating a response to a text-based natural language message is disclosed. The method includes identifying a sentence in the text-based natural language message. Also, identifying an input clause in the sentence. Further, comparing the input clause to a previously received clause, where the previously received clause is correlated with a previously generated response message. Additionally, generating an output response message based on the previously generated response message. The system includes means for performing the method steps. |
| US08082143B2 |
Extracting treelet translation pairs
In one embodiment of the present invention, a decoder receives a dependency tree as a source language input and accesses a set of statistical models that produce outputs combined in a log linear framework. The decoder also accesses a table of treelet translation pairs and returns a target dependency tree based on the source dependency tree, based on access to the table of treelet translation pairs, and based on the application of the statistical models. |
| US08082141B2 |
Modelling and simulation method
A method for simulating behavior of first and second interrelated components within a system. The method comprises modelling behavior of said first and second components using first and second functional specifications; simulating behavior of said first and second components in predetermined circumstances by instantiating at least one first entity within a hierarchy of interrelated entities; and instantiating at least one further entity in response to the or each instantiated first entity. The or each further entity is selected by a simulation system on the basis of its hierarchical relationship with the at least one first entity. |
| US08082138B1 |
Automated bottom-up and top-down partitioned design synthesis
An embodiment of the present invention includes a partitioner, a synthesizer, and an optimizer. The partitioner partitions a design into a hierarchy of partitions having a top-level partition and lower partitions. The lower partitions include a bottom-level partition. The top-level partition has top-level constraints. The synthesizer synthesizes the lower partitions hierarchically from the bottom-level partition to create lower partition netlists based on the top-level constraints. The optimizer optimizes a top-level netlist corresponding to the top-level partition from the lower partition netlists to satisfy the top-level constraints. |
| US08082135B2 |
Method and system for modeling bone structure
The present invention relates to scanning confocal microscopy used to systematically quantify characteristic collagen fibril orientations by position within the lamellar thickness of secondary osteons along the osteon radial direction. Fully calcified lamellar specimens appear either extinct or bright in cross-section under circularly polarized light, and can be isolated from embedded osteon, flattened, and examined along the radial thickness direction of the original embedded osteon. Collagen orientation is measured from confocal image stacks. Extinct and bright lamellae display distinct patterns of collagen orientation distribution. Relative counts of collagen fibrils that are longitudinal to the osteon axis in extinct lamellae, transverse to the osteon axis in bright lamellae, and oblique to the osteon axis in both lamellar types, show parabolic distribution through the osteon radial direction. |
| US08082129B2 |
Real-time rendering of light-scattering media
A real-time algorithm for rendering of an inhomogeneous scattering media such as smoke under dynamic low-frequency environment lighting is described. An input media animation is represented as a sequence of density fields, each of which is decomposed into a weighted sum of a set of radial basis functions (RBFs) and an optional residual field. Source radiances from single and optionally multiple scattering are directly computed at only the RBF centers and then approximated at other points in the volume using an RBF-based interpolation. Unique approximation techniques are introduced in the computational algorithms to simplify and speed up the computation of source radiance contributed by single and multiple scattering. Using the computed source radiances, a ray marching technique using slice-based integration of radiance along each viewing ray may be performed to render the final image. |
| US08082128B2 |
Building material design support system, building material, and program for the system
The present invention relates to a building material design support system for supporting design of a building material capable of exhibiting a random texture pattern as a whole in a state in which the building materials are installed on a building portion and exhibiting continuity of the texture of adjacent building materials, such building material and a program for use in such building material design support system. More specifically, on a building material, first convex portions #A1L, #A1R, #A2L, #A2R to be arranged next to corresponding first convex portions of an adjacent building material have a prescribed texture common to every building materials, and the second convex portions have randomly arranged textures different from each other on every building material. |
| US08082121B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and information storage medium
An information processing device acquires an output value in accordance with a state in which an operating device is held, acquires the output value in accordance with a predetermined first holding state of the operating device as a first reference value, acquires the output value in accordance with a predetermined second holding state of the operating device, different from the first holding state, as a second reference value, and calculates a state value indicative of the state in which the operating device is held, which is in accordance with the acquired output value, based on the first reference value and the second reference value. |
| US08082117B2 |
Optical image processing using minimum phase functions
A method utilizes an optical image processing system. The method includes providing a measured magnitude of the Fourier transform of a complex transmission function of an object or optical image. The method further includes providing an estimated phase term of the Fourier transform of the complex transmission function. The method further includes multiplying the measured magnitude and the estimated phase term to generate an estimated Fourier transform of the complex transmission function. The method further includes calculating an inverse Fourier transform of the estimated Fourier transform, wherein the inverse Fourier transform is a spatial function. The method further includes calculating an estimated complex transmission function by applying at least one constraint to the inverse Fourier transform. |
| US08082114B2 |
Method for characterizing the endurance limit of a part from its surface profile
The invention concerns a method for characterizing the endurance limit of a part from the state of its surface including the following steps: reading geometrical data describing the surface profile of the zone the endurance limit of which is to be determined, applying said data to a computing model so as to work out an estimate of the field of mechanical stresses in said zone of said part, deducing from said estimate of the field of stresses at least one quantity characteristic of the endurance behavior of the part. |
| US08082109B2 |
Computer-aided discovery of biomarker profiles in complex biological systems
The invention relates to computational methods, systems and apparatus useful in the analysis of sets of biomolecules in an accessible body fluid or tissue sample from a patient, which biomolecules collectively or individually are candidates to serve as biomarkers, i.e., biomolecules which together or individually upon detection or change are indicative that the patient is in some biological state, such as a diseased state. The methods permit one to examine such potential biological markers to determine whether each one is indeed present as a consequence of the biological state, or as an artifact of the biomarker search protocol. |
| US08082107B2 |
Methods and computer-readable medium to implement computing the propagation velocity of seismic waves
The invention relates to methods and computer-readable medium for computing the propagation velocity of seismic waves in the earth. The invention computes the true propagation velocity of seismic waves in the earth, which is a condition of obtaining an accurate image of subsurface geology that can be used to prospect for oil and gas deposits. In an embodiment, the method of computing the propagation velocity of seismic waves in earth, includes providing an estimate of the propagation velocity, generating a time shift gather using a depth migration at a plurality of locations of the earth, converting each of the time shift gathers to a semblance gather, transforming each semblance gather into a velocity gather whose energy peaks represent a root-mean-square average of the propagation velocity along the forward and backward path between earth's surface and a point of the subsurface geology, and converting the energy peaks to the propagation velocity. |
| US08082106B2 |
3D surface related multiple elimination for wide azimuth seismic data
According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided herein a system and method for the imaging and monitoring of the subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs and other subsurface features, wherein the collected seismic data contain multiples therein. In brief, the instant invention is a method of removing multiples using surface-related multiple elimination (SRME), wherein wide azimuth seismic data are used to directly compute a multiple prediction via a mixed space-wavenumber-frequency domain implementation. |
| US08082105B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring in-situ stress of rock using thermal crack
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring in-situ stress in rock using a thermal crack. The method involves forming a borehole, cooling a wall of the borehole, applying tensile thermal stress, forming a crack in the borehole wall, and measuring temperature and cracking point. Afterwards, the borehole wall is heated to close the formed crack, the borehole wall is cooled again to re-open the crack, and temperature is measured when the crack is re-opened. The in-situ stress of the rock is calculated using a first cracking temperature at which the crack is formed and a second cracking temperature at which the crack is re-opened. Further, the apparatus cools, heats and re-cools the borehole wall, thereby measuring the first cracking temperature, the second cracking temperature, and the cracking point. |
| US08082101B2 |
Collision warning system
A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. |
| US08082099B2 |
Aircraft navigation using the global positioning system and an attitude and heading reference system
A vehicle navigation technique uses a receiver for signals of a global positioning system to produce a first position indication and a first velocity indication. An attitude and heading reference system employs accelerometers and gyroscopes oriented along three axes. The raw signals from the accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to derive a second position indication and a second velocity value. A Kalman filter function is applied to the first and second position indications and to the first and second velocity indications to thereby produce a present position indication and a present velocity indication. The Kalman filter function exploits GPS data to corrects periodic drift in the position and velocity indications derived form the accelerometers and gyroscopes by calculating accelerometer and gyroscope biases, thereby enabling relatively inexpensive devices to be utilized. |
| US08082098B2 |
Information supplying system, apparatus mounted in vehicle, information supplying server, program, and information processing method
An apparatus mounted in a vehicle which can communicate with an information supplying server includes: a detection portion for detecting that a predetermined process is carried out in the vehicle; an institution information acquiring portion for acquiring institution information indicating an institution in a location where the process is carried out; a recording portion for recording the institution information acquired by the institution information acquiring portion in a memory medium; an information acquiring portion for acquiring information to be outputted from an information supplying server which stores information to be outputted, including map additional information to be added to maps or advertisement information; and an extraction portion for extracting information to be outputted relating to an institution indicated by the institution information recorded in the memory medium from the information to be outputted acquired by the information acquiring portion. |
| US08082092B2 |
Process for controlling an internal combustion engine
A process for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which an actual position of a reciprocating gas valve is detected by a position sensor, a positional deviation is calculated from the actual position and a zero position, a total length change of the reciprocating gas valve is calculated as a function of the temperature of the reciprocating gas valve, a valve clearance of the reciprocating gas valve is determined from the positional deviation and the total length change, and the further operation of the internal combustion engine is determined on the basis of the valve clearance. |
| US08082091B2 |
Method for controlling a turbocharger using a physical model of the turbocharger speed
A method for controlling a turbocharger using a physical model of the turbocharger speed is disclosed with an application for controlling an internal-combustion engine. A setpoint pressure corresponding to a fluid pressure in the engine intake manifold is converted to a desired speed value. A physical relation connecting the turbocharger speed to a pressure ratio of the fluid flowing into and out of the turbine is then defined. A desired pressure ratio for the fluid flowing into and out of the turbine is deduced therefrom. A turbine actuator control law is estimated by mapping the turbine, from a measurement of the fluid flow rate flowing into the turbine and from the desired ratio of the pressures in the turbine. Finally, the control law is applied to the turbine actuator so that the pressure in the intake manifold is equal to the setpoint pressure. |
| US08082089B2 |
Vehicle speed control in a cruise mode using vehicle brakes
A cruise control system includes a speed difference module that compares a current vehicle speed and a target cruise speed, and a brake module that selectively actuates a brake when the current vehicle speed is greater than the target cruise speed by a predetermined speed difference. A related method is also provided and includes comparing a current vehicle speed and a target cruise speed, and selectively actuating a brake when the current vehicle speed is greater than the target cruise speed by a predetermined speed difference. The method includes selectively actuating the brake based on a negative drive torque of a powerplant. The method also includes determining a desired braking force based on the current vehicle speed and the target cruise speed, and actuating the brake to generate an actual braking force less than or equal to the desired braking force. |
| US08082088B2 |
Method for controlling rotation speed
A method for controlling the rotational speed of at least one rotating element in a vehicle's drive line is provided. A first control model and a second control model are defined. The first control model calculates a permitted slippage of at least one of the vehicle's ground-engaging elements at its point of contact with the ground, which ground-engaging element is driven via the rotating element. The second control model calculates a torque delivered to the said ground-engaging element. The result of one of the said control models is utilized for controlling the rotational speed of the rotating element. |
| US08082085B2 |
Method for engaging a gear in a gear position in an automated shift transmission
A method for shifting a gear into a gear position in an automated shift transmission with several gears and an automated shift transmission adapted to perform said method are suggested. Via a shifting fork, a shifting sleeve can be shifted from a neutral position into respective gear positions and reaches on its way a pull-in position where the shifting sleeve is automatically forced in direction of the gear position. It is achieved that the pull-in position is safely reached by checking whether the shifting fork has reached a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and whether it has come to a standstill therebetween. Accordingly, an increased shifting force can be applied. Albeit allowing production tolerances in the transmission, the respective gear position is safely reached. |
| US08082084B2 |
Loader and loader control system
A loader and a control system for a loader provide for monitoring the position of a part of the implement carried by the loader. The loader has a body with left and right upright tower portions, and a loader drive system including ground engaging drive elements. Left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies each have an implement lift arm pivotally connected with a corresponding tower portion of the body at a lift arm pivot point. A lift actuator is connected between the body and the lift arm. The implement is pivotally connected with the lift arm assemblies about an implement pivot axis. The lift arm pivot point and the implement pivot axis in side elevation define a straight reference line. At least one implement tilt actuator is connected between at least one of the lift arm assemblies and the implement. A position sensor is mounted on the body at the level of, or above, the lift arm pivot points. An inclinometer is movable with the left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies to provide an indication of the inclination of the lift arm assemblies along the straight reference line. An angle sensor provides an indication of the orientation of said implement with respect to said left and right interconnected lift arm assemblies. The control is responsive to the position sensor, the inclinometer, and the angle sensor. The control determines the position of the position sensor and the position of a part of the implement with respect to the position sensor. |
| US08082083B2 |
Method to control the vibrations in an articulated arm for pumping concrete, and relative device
An active control method to control the vibrations of an articulated arm consisting of a plurality of segments articulated with respect to each other, by means of an electronic controller, comprising the following steps: a) construction of a modal model of the articulated arm starting from experimental data or from structural models; b) assignation of gains of electronic controller; c) multiplication of gains by the difference between the reference modal coordinates and those calculated through the modal model starting from directly measured quantities, in order to determine the control forces to be applied to the arm, or to at least part of the relative segments; d) evaluation of the modal coordinates by means of a states estimator; e) comparison between measurements estimated using the modal coordinates and real measurements and correction of the estimate, so that the estimate converges on real values. |
| US08082072B2 |
Control apparatus for electric vehicles
A motor control unit controls the input electric power of a MG unit to thereby suppress variations of a system voltage and stabilize the system voltage. The torque control of an AC motor and the input electric power control of the MG unit are executed independently from each other, so that the torque control and the input electric power control are stabilized. Further, torque variation zeroing control for correcting a phase of a pulse waveform voltage is executed so that a difference between a first estimated torque computed based on a torque control detection current vector of the AC motor and a second estimated torque computed based on a detection motor current vector is reduced to zero. Thus, uncomfortable torque variation is suppressed in a transient condition of the input electric power control of the MG unit. |
| US08082070B2 |
Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators
Methods and systems for displaying assistance messages to aircraft operators are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes receiving an input from an aircraft operator at an aircraft flight deck, comparing a characteristic of the input to at least one target value for the characteristic, and, if the characteristic of the input differs from the at least one target value for the characteristic by at least a threshold amount, displaying an assistance message to the aircraft operator. The assistance message can include a complying input and/or an instruction for creating a complying input. The input and the assistance message can be displayed simultaneously. |
| US08082066B2 |
System for controlling valve fluid flow based on rate of change of close rate acceleration
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of controlling fluid dispense to ensure clean break off of fluid at the end of a dispense process and to reduce crystallization of fluid in the dispense nozzle. One embodiment of the present invention can include a controller that can, generate a flow control signal to cause a control valve to close according to a first close rate parameter for a first segment of the close range and to generate the flow control signal to cause the control valve to close according to a second close rate parameter for a second segment of the close range. |
| US08082065B2 |
Communication Interface for Wireless Energy Networks
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an energy management apparatus for a home energy management system and method includes a processor operable to manage energy use at a site. The processor is configured to convert an incoming message received from a wireless energy network into XML enabled output data and format an outgoing message to be output to the wireless energy network using XML enabled input data. A communication interface is configured to enable access to a communication device having access to the wireless energy network, wherein the communication interface is further configured to detect the outgoing message formatted by the processor to be output using the wireless energy network; configure the outgoing message to a message bus format, detect the incoming message received from the wireless energy network, and convert the incoming message from the message bus format to access the incoming network device data. |
| US08082056B2 |
Operation method for a looping pit with drag compensation
A band is introduced into the pit entrance of a looping pit. This band is released from the looping pit at a pit exit. A segment of the band can thereby be buffered. The entrance-sided drag that exists in the band at the pit entrance is measured by an entrance-sided drag measuring device; the exit-sided drag that exists in the band at the pit exit is measured by an exit-sided drag measuring device. The values of the entrance-sided and exit-sided drags are passed to a control device. Depending on the entrance-sided and exit-sided drags, a control signal for at least one driven roller arranged between the pit entrance and exit is identified by the control device and is passed to the at least one driven roller. The band buffered in the looping pit is acted upon by the at least one driven roller according to the control signal. |
| US08082055B2 |
Method for a bin ratio forecast at new tape out stage
A method for providing a bin ratio forecast at an early stage of integrated circuit device manufacturing processes is disclosed. The method comprises collecting historical data from one or more processed wafer lots; collect measurement data from one or more skew wafer lots; generating an estimated baseline distribution from the collected historical data and collected measurement data; generating an estimated performance distribution based on one or more specified parameters and the generated estimated baseline distribution; determining a bin ratio forecast by applying a bin definition and a yield degradation factor estimation to the generated estimated performance distribution; determining one or more production targets based on the bin ratio forecast; and processing one or more wafers based on the one or more determined production targets. |
| US08082054B2 |
Method of optimizing process recipe of substrate processing system
The present invention is a method of optimizing a process recipe of a substrate processing system including: a substrate processing apparatus that performs a film deposition process of a substrate to be processed according to a process recipe; a data processing unit that executes a calculation for optimizing the process recipe; and a host computer; the substrate processing apparatus, the data processing unit, and the host computer being connected to each other through a network. The present invention includes the steps of: measuring a film thickness of a substrate to be processed that has been subjected to a film deposition process by the substrate processing apparatus; sending a command for conducting a process-recipe optimizing process from the host computer to the substrate processing apparatus, when the measured film thickness is deviated from a target film thickness and the deviation is beyond an allowable range; and in response to the command for conducing a process-recipe optimizing process from the host computer, sending required data from the substrate processing apparatus to the data processing unit, causing the data processing unit to execute a process-recipe optimizing calculation to calculate an optimum process recipe for achievement of the target film thickness, and updating the process recipe in the substrate processing apparatus based on the calculated result. |
| US08082049B2 |
Method and apparatus for safe switching of an automation bus system
The invention provides a method for operation of an automation system having at least one bus system connected to at least one subscriber, and having a central control system. The method includes parameterizing and/or programming the at least one bus subscriber by the central control device, identifying an interruption in the connection to the control device by the at least one bus subscriber, and controlling at least one output of the at least one bus subscriber as a function of the parameterizing and/or the programming upon identification of the interruption in the connection. The invention also provides an automation system which is suitable for carrying out the method. |
| US08082048B2 |
Position controlling device
A structure is provided in which a thrust feed forward structure for operating a structure to be driven without vibration and a control structure which simultaneously compensates for positional deviation caused by the thrust feed forward structure and positional deviation caused by a base displacement are included in a position controlling device (3). Alternatively, a structure is provided in which an acceleration and deceleration process for realizing response of the position of the structure to be driven and base displacement without vibration and a control structure which determines a feed forward amount with respect to a position instruction value after the acceleration and deceleration process are provided to the position controlling device. |
| US08082047B1 |
Adaptive control method that compensates for sign error in actuator response
An adaptive control method that provides the ability to address control uncertainties in both the sign and magnitude of the control power of the system to ensure stability and command tracking. The adaptive control system also functions correctly and remains internally stable in spite of control limits. The control system has the following elements: (i) a filter that smoothes the command to the plant and modifies the command when a control limit is reached, (ii) an element that receives command error input and constructs a nonlinear function of the accumulated error, (iii) an element that converts the nonlinear function of the accumulated error into a control signal to be added to the output of a baseline control system, and (iv) an element that computes the difference between the actuator command and the maximum achievable output. |
| US08082038B2 |
Method for treating degenerative disc disease using noninvasive capacitively coupled electrical stimulation device
A method for treatment of degenerative disc disease using capacitively coupled electrical stimulation. In one embodiment, a subject diagnosed as having degenerative disc disease is treated by placing first and second electrodes on the subject's body at the site of an identified disc in a state of degenerative disc disease, and applying an electric field to the identified disc via the first and second electrodes with the intent to treat the degenerative disc disease. The electric field is created with an electrical signal having a frequency within a range of 20 to 100 kHz and having a symmetrical waveform with an amplitude within a range of 0.1 to 20 volts peak-to-peak, preferably a frequency of approximately 60 kHz and an amplitude of approximately 5 volts peak-to-peak. |
| US08082037B2 |
Form for retaining battery in implantable medical device
A form for retaining a battery in implantable medical device includes outer edge and first and second opposing major surfaces. The first major surface of the form includes a recess, a ridge disposed between the recess and the outer edge, and a trough forming element disposed between the ridge and the outer edge. The ridge is configured to engage at least a portion of a major surface of the battery retained in the form. The trough forming element has first and second edge surfaces positioned to engage an edge surface of the retained battery to form a trough configured to receive adhesive. The recess is disposed adjacent the ridge and is configured to allow for expansion of the retained battery during recharge. The retention assembly is configured to secure the first major surface of the battery against the ridge to prevent adhesive from leaking from the trough into the recess. |
| US08082036B2 |
Automatic signal amplitude measurement system in the setting of abnormal rhythms
A system for automatically evaluating the sensing and detection of physiological processes by an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardiac stimulation device. The system includes an automatic testing algorithm which iteratively adjusts at least one of the threshold and gain settings of the device and evaluates the accuracy of the detection for refining the programming of the device. The algorithm can include sampling the physiological process beginning at a relatively low rate to avoid excessive burden on the processing and battery capacity available and progressively increasing the rate to obtain higher resolution data. The algorithm can also evaluate the observed physiological process for periodicity and can determine repetition of an irregular pattern, such as bigeminy, and use the determined pattern for predictive purposes to refine the programming of the device. The algorithm employs observation of a change in observed pattern as indicia for loss of proper detection. |
| US08082035B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implanting electronic implants within the body
Apparatus and methods for implanting electronic implants within the body are described herein. Such electronic implants can include, for example, elongated stimulating devices, sensors and/or electronic leads. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first member and a second member operatively coupled to the first member. The first member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the first member includes a target probe. The second member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the second member is configured to be selectively coupled to an electronic implant. |
| US08082034B2 |
Graphical configuration of electrodes for electrical stimulation
A device that programs a medical device includes a display and a user input device. The device displays a graphical representation of a plurality of electrodes on a medical lead implanted in the patient, and displays an active electrode template at a first position relative to the graphical representation of the electrodes. A processor of the device receives input dragging the active electrode template. In response to the input dragging the active electrode template, the processor adjusts at least one parameter of electrical stimulation delivered to the patient via the lead based on the position of the active electrode template relative to the graphical representation of the electrodes on the medical lead. |
| US08082028B2 |
Device, method and computer-readable storage medium for SVT and VT classification
A device for classifying of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SVT) from ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) comprising means for providing a template signal and a test signal originated from an electrogram, the template signal and the test signal comprising samples, means for transforming at least the test signal resulting in a representation of the test signal where the sample values of the signal take integers, means for determining a correlation between the template signal and the test signal and means for classifying of SVT from ventricular VT based on the correlation. |
| US08082026B2 |
Heartbeat detecting apparatus
A heart beat sensor (10) comprises signal processing means (15) for performing frequency analysis of the output signal of a piezoelectric sensor (1) installed in a seat (2) and judging means (16) judges on the basis of the results of the frequency analysis that if the amplitude of the signal component in a first preset frequency range included in the output signal is in a preset amplitude range, the signal component includes a human body seating waveform indicating a person is seated in the seat (2). |
| US08082025B2 |
ECG data acquisition device
An apparatus for generating ECG recordings and a method for using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a handheld device and a controller. The handheld device has first, second, third, and fourth electrodes on an outer surface of the handheld device. The controller records signals from the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes and generates an ECG recording from the signals. The controller also provides placement information regarding locations on a user's body that are to be brought into contact with the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes while the controller records the signals. The handheld device can include a cellular telephone or a PDA. The controller stores an exemplary normal ECG recording, and compares a newly generated ECG recording with the stored ECG recording and generates an indication that indicates whether the newly generated ECG recording is consistent with the stored ECG recording. |
| US08082024B2 |
Micro-scale compact device for in vivo medical diagnosis combining optical imaging and point fluorescence spectroscopy
An apparatus and method for medical practitioners to detect the presence of abnormal cells including cancerous and pre-cancerous cells by using a transport capsule containing an imaging apparatus including UV sources and fluorescence detectors for obtaining images and fluorescence data of biological cells and tissue. The method includes the steps of scanning biological tissue using an ultra-violet (UV) source to obtain fluorescence data, transferring fluorescence data and/or images using a radio frequency (RF) or other suitable means to a personal computer (PC) system, analyzing the image and/or fluorescence data in the PC, identifying -tissues with precancerous and cancerous cells, and optionally determining their precise location, and assessing the accuracy of the calculated fluoroscopic images. |
| US08082014B2 |
Devices and methods for detecting proximal traffic
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the detection of automobiles within a proximity of a user's automobile. A wireless phone is disclosed which can detect surrounding vehicles and display them on the phone's screen without any peripherals. The wireless phone may employ a RADAR, a thermal camera, or a plurality of microphones to detect other automobiles. |
| US08082009B2 |
Combined rear view mirror and telephone
A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rear view mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle, the improved telephone apparatus includes a rear view mirror housing, the housing including a rear view mirror, telephone and SIM card for sending and receiving telephone calls and instant video image, the image display and SIM card are removably connected thereto. A telephone key pad is cooperatively connected to the telephone for dialing the telephone. An attachment bracket attaches the mirror housing to the vehicle. The housing has the electronic circuitry incorporated therewith to which a telephone and video assembly is connectable. A remote device, and computer process to communicate with the motor vehicle without the need for an automated hub, or Network Operating Center (NOC). |
| US08082005B1 |
Method and system for using an integrated subscriber identity module in a network interface unit
Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information can be stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed), thereby facilitating grant or denial of access to services at an NIU while the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider can store a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and used at any of a plurality of NIUs, thereby facilitating payment for the services following the SIM. |
| US08082003B2 |
Mobile terminal and operation control method thereof
A mobile terminal including a flexible display provided on a main body of the mobile terminal, in which the flexible display is configured to flex as the mobile terminal is attached to a part of the human body. The mobile terminal also includes a sensor configured to sense at least one of a position and movement of the main body, and a controller configured to control the flexible display to display an image in a first area of the flexible display so that a display direction of the image is in a first direction, and to move the displayed image in the first area to a second area of the flexible display based on the at least of the sensed position and movement of the main body so that the display direction of the image is maintained in the first direction. |
| US08082001B2 |
Multi-mode mobile communication terminal and method for reducing power consumption thereof
A mobile communication terminal includes a first communication module which communicates with a licensed network, a second communication module which communicates with a generic access network, and a controller which switches the first communication module between a hibernation mode and another mode according to whether the second communication module is activated. |
| US08082000B2 |
Method of selecting a private cell for providing communication to a communication device and a communication device
A method of selecting a private cell for providing communication to a communication device (222) in a communication system (200) comprising a plurality of private cells (202, 204, 206, 208) comprises identifying (400) private cells available to the communication device for establishing communication, determining (402) a priority value from a plurality of priority values for each of the identified private cells for the communication device, and selecting (404) a private cell for providing communication from the identified private cells according to the determined priority values of the identified private cells. Each private cell may be associated with a predetermined type of private cell for the communication device. The priority values for each of the identified private cells may then be determined according to the predetermined type associated with the identified private cell. A method of synchronising a priority value of a private cell determined by the communication device with a priority value of the private cell determined by a network (218) is also disclosed. |
| US08081997B2 |
Power and/or data rate control based on pilot channel information
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate pilot channel optimization schemes for high data rate communications transmissions. In various illustrative implementations, pilot channel operations can be monitored and controlled by an exemplary base station for one or more cooperating wireless terminals (e.g., user equipment) such that one or more power features of the one or more cooperating wireless terminals can be illustratively changed in response to one or more selected pilot channel operational conditions. In an illustrative operation, an exemplary base station can engage one or more selected pilot channel control operations as part of pilot channel optimization comprising a jump detection technique, operating power control on another channel other than the DPCCH, engaging in delayed power control, engaging in a soft-handoff power control in the instance of a boosted pilot channel, and resolving ambiguity in grant messages resulting from a pilot boost. |
| US08081995B2 |
Communication method through network and terminal thereof
A communication method through a network and a terminal thereof, where the terminal includes a transmitting/receiving unit configured to transmit a message containing information on a specific subject of interest and receive a response message from other terminal sharing the subject of interest; and a controller configured to connect to the other terminal through a network. |
| US08081994B2 |
Messaging using a coded surface
A method of sending a message using a print medium is disclosed. Coded data on a surface of the business card is sensed by a sensor module in a media feed path of a communications device. The coded data encodes an identifier which uniquely identifies the surface. The identifier is determined from sensed coded data, and a representation of the business card is retrieved using the identifier. The representation of the business card is displayed on display of the communications device, with the representation including fields, with one of the fields being a messaging field. Upon receiving a selection of the messaging field, a communications address is retrieved from a database where the communications address is indexed by the identifier. A message editor is opened in the communications device, with a current message being addressed to the communications address. |
| US08081987B2 |
Method and system for implementing a GIS data collection network
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for implementing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) network. In one embodiment, configuration data comprising a unique identification of a mobile electronic device and an assigned membership of the mobile electronic device to a workgroup is received. The method further comprises selecting a data dictionary comprising at least one desired GIS feature type which was not originally intended for use by the mobile electronic device based upon the assigned membership of the mobile electronic device to the workgroup. The method further comprises sending the data dictionary to the mobile electronic device via a wireless communication network. |
| US08081986B2 |
Method for transmitting location information
A method for transmitting location information includes the steps of: a) receiving a start message including MO (mobile originated location request) mode information from a first terminal; b) calculating location information of the first terminal; and c) transmitting the calculated first terminal's location information according to the MO (mobile originated location request) mode information. A method for transmitting location information in a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) protocol of a first SUPL Enabled Terminal (SET), a SUPL Location Platform (SLP), and a second SUPL Enabled Terminal (SET) includes the steps of: a) receiving a start message including MO (mobile originated location request) mode information from the first SET; b) calculating location information of the first SET; and c) transmitting the calculated first SET's location information to any one of the first SET and the second SET according to the MO (mobile originated location request) mode information. |
| US08081985B2 |
Load management for a mobility management entity of a cellular communication system
A cellular communication system comprises a Mobile Management Entity, MME, 117 and a load characteristic processor 203 that determines an MME load characteristic for base stations 101-107 in response to a measured operating characteristic thereof. A selection processor 207 selects a subset of base stations in response to the MME load characteristics, and a load monitor 205 determines an MME load level measure. A transmit controller 209 transmits a load reduction indication for the MME to the subset of base stations in response to the MME load level measure meeting a criterion. The base stations receiving the load reduction indication bias their operation towards a reduced load level of the MME. |
| US08081981B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing neighbor list for handover management
A method and an apparatus for optimizing a neighbor list in a mobile communication system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: i) a data collecting unit, collecting wireless quality measurement data and call fault data of a mobile communication terminal, wherein the call fault data is information on a call fault event generated because no sub-cell information is present in the neighbor list when the mobile communication terminal carries out a handover, ii) a data analyzing unit, analyzing the wireless quality measurement data and the call fault data and calculating a frequency of a sub-cell being included in an active set for each handover-possible target sub-cell and a frequency of call fault event occurrence, wherein the frequency of being included in the active set is a frequency of the sub-cell and target sub-cell being included simultaneously in the active set for handover and iii) a neighbor list optimizing unit using the frequency of being included in the active set and the frequency of call fault event occurrence to set an order of priority of handover-possible target sub-cells for the sub-cell and generating a neighbor list. |
| US08081977B2 |
Mobile communication network
A mobile communication network comprising a plurality of base stations and a plurality of mobile machines, the unit for supplying particular location information assigned to a predetermined particular area in advance to the mobile machines moving in the particular area and the mobile machines conduct location registration to the base station side by using the particular location information at a time when the mobile machine enters in the particular area, thereby, increase of load on a network and of power consumption, and quality deteriorations of transmission paths, due to location registration when many users carrying the mobile machines move on a train or the like can be prevented. |
| US08081972B2 |
Method and system for sensing discontiguous channels in a wireless network
A method for sensing channel availability in a wireless network includes receiving a measurement request message which includes a channel interval list. A first channel interval in the list includes information associated with a first starting channel number, a first number of channels, and first linkage information of the channel interval list. The method includes processing information associated with the message, generating a first list of contiguous channels, and performing at least first channel measurement to determine a first channel availability for each of the first list of contiguous channels. The method also includes determining whether the channel interval list further includes a second channel interval that needs to be processed based on at least first linkage information, and if needed, generating a second list of contiguous channels and performing at least second channel measurement to determine a second channel availability for each of the second list of contiguous channels. |
| US08081970B2 |
System and method for provisioning a mobile wireless communications device, including indicators representative of image and sound data
A system provisions a mobile wireless communications device for indicating account or device specific characteristics. A database stores a plurality of indicators that are indicative of different wireless carriers, email service providers and device types. A configuration module accesses the database and uploads an indicator that is indicative of at least one of the wireless carriers, email service providers or device types to the mobile wireless communications device upon provisioning. The indicator can comprise at least sound data for a ringing sound on the mobile wireless communications device. |
| US08081969B2 |
System for creating an aircraft-based internet protocol subnet in an airborne wireless cellular network
The Aircraft IP Subnet System provides wireless communication services to passengers located onboard an aircraft by storing data indicative of individually identified wireless devices that are located onboard the aircraft. The Aircraft IP Subnet System assigns a single IP address to each Point-to-Point Protocol link connecting the aircraft network to the ground-based communication network and creates an IP subnet onboard the aircraft. The IP subnet utilizes a plurality of IP addresses for each Point-to-Point link, thereby to enable each passenger wireless device to be uniquely identified with their own IP address. This is enabled since both Point-to-Point Protocol IPCP endpoints have pre-defined IP address pools and/or topology configured, so each Point-to-Point Protocol endpoint can utilize a greater number of IP addresses than one per link. Such an approach does not change IPCP or other EVDO protocols/messaging but allows this address to be directly visible to the ground-based communication network. |
| US08081967B2 |
Method to manage medium access for a mixed wireless network
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an access point may provide multiple access to a single medium by providing time division multiple access to the medium. |
| US08081964B1 |
System, method and apparatus for wireless communication between a wireless mobile telecommunications device and a remote wireless display
A method and apparatus provide for removal of a display screen from a wireless device, or, in a different embodiment, provide for a display screen as a separate and additional device that functions in real time in the same way as if the screen were incorporated in the wireless device. This functionality is enabled by a short range wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, between transceivers located in the wireless device and the display screen device. The display screen device allows a user to monitor the associated wireless device without needing to operate the full device. The display screen device may also have control capability for controlling the wireless device. Thus, a user can monitor, and control, a mobile device from a smaller remote display device while being presented with the information that would be displayed on the display screen of the wireless device. |
| US08081963B2 |
Utilizing mobile device functionality from remote computers
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for utilizing mobile device information and functionality from separate computing devices. A synchronization operation is performed to update a data store with communication information from a mobile device. The synchronization operation is performed wirelessly with the mobile device. A user of a separate computing device can access the communication information stored in the data store separately from the mobile device. The user of the separate computing device can remotely initiate operations on the mobile device from the separate computing device. For example, the user can initiate the sending of text messages through the mobile device from the separate computing device. As another example, the user can initiate the placing of a telephone call through the mobile device from the separate computing device. |
| US08081962B1 |
Communication device
The communication device which implements a voice communicating function, an attached file emailing function, a geographic location function, a dictionary function, a schedule notifying function, a multiple type TV program function, a multiple TV screen displaying function, a touch panel function, a communication device finding function, and a resume enabled video game function, independently or simultaneously. |
| US08081960B2 |
Device and method for processing data resource changing events in a mobile terminal
A device and method are disclosed for processing a data resource changing event in a mobile terminal by recommending a change from a specific, currently used data resource to a new data resource when the data resource has not been changed for a long time. The method for processing a data resource changing event in a mobile terminal comprises storing the data resource changing event occurring in the mobile terminal, confirming a specialist previously set to process the data resource changing event, calling the confirmed specialist to process the data resource changing event, and displaying an avatar and text according to event processing results. |
| US08081959B2 |
Transfer back
A communication system includes logic to detect a second communication device in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, logic to provide substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call to the second communication device, and logic to transfer in a substantially uninterrupted fashion at least a portion of the call to the second communication device back to the first communication device upon indications that a user of the second communication device has shifted back to using the first communication device. |
| US08081949B2 |
Methods and systems for enhanced sleep request messages for multi-mode operations
Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a method of managing multi-mode operations such that a multi-mode MS may utilize the WiMAX sleep mode for monitoring the paging intervals of other supported radio access technologies. For example, certain embodiments may enable the MS to determine a set of WiMAX sleep mode parameters that align a WiMAX sleep window with a CDMA page listening window. Additionally, certain embodiments may provide enhanced MOB_SLP-REQ and MOB_SLP-RSP messages enabling the multi-mode MS to establish a WiMAX sleep mode based on the previously determined WiMAX sleep mode parameters. As a result, embodiments of the present disclosure may enable an MS to manage multi-mode operations, such that the MS 430 may better employ the WiMAX sleep mode for switching from the WiMAX network to the CDMA network to listen for CDMA paging. |
| US08081947B2 |
Method and system for configurable active/passive mixer and shared GM stage
Aspects of a method and system for configurable Active/Passive Mixer and Shared GM Stage may include configuring an RF mixer in frequency demodulator to operate in an active mode or a passive mode. An in-phase (I) processing path and a quadrature (Q) processing path of the RF mixer may utilize a single shared GM stage. One or more switches may be activated to enable the active mode or the passive mode of operation for the RF mixer. |
| US08081944B2 |
Wireless transmitter receiver
A wireless monitoring receiver and system use multiple video data feeds from a plurality of cameras. The video feeds are transmitted using a multi-antenna technique, and decoded by a multi-antenna processor. The resulting transmissions are resistant to noise, interference, etc., and can be focused using antenna beams to achieve a simple form of location encryption. |
| US08081943B2 |
Reception apparatus and reception method
A receiving apparatus includes an amplification section that amplifies a received signal and a frequency conversion section that converts a frequency of the received signal, from a radio frequency to a baseband, the baseband having a lower frequency than the radio frequency. A gain control section amplifies, by a predetermined gain, the signal that has been subjected to the frequency conversion to the baseband. A voltage calibration section performs calibration on an offset voltage generated in the signal subjected to frequency conversion to the baseband. A time constant control section sets a first time constant during a reception operation and sets a second time constant, which is reduced with respect to the first time constant, during the calibration. A filter section passes a received signal of a predetermined band, with the first time constant or the second time constant, an operation control section stops operation of the amplification section during the calibration, controls the amplification section to operate during the reception operation, and controls the operation of the amplification section so as to reduce a residual offset voltage caused by switching the operation of the amplification section. |
| US08081938B2 |
Broadcast receiver and channel list display method
A broadcast receiver includes a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; a general broadcast channel storing unit that stores general broadcast channel information, which is receivable in an area by the receiving unit in advance; a position detecting unit that detects a current position; a matching determination unit that compares the receivable channel received by the receiving unit with the general broadcast channel information of the area corresponding to the current position detected by the detecting unit that is read out from the general broadcast channel storing unit, and then determines whether or not the receivable channel matches the general broadcast channel information; a separation display unit that displays the receivable channel that does not match the general broadcast channel information as a local broadcast channel, and displays the location broadcast channel separately from the receivable channel. |
| US08081933B2 |
Reconfigurable aircraft radio communications system
A reconfigurable radio communications system is disclosed. The system comprises a digital data bus, a control bus, and first and second reconfigurable radio communication units responsive to the digital data bus and the control bus. Each of the first and second reconfigurable radio communication units further include a first and a second multifunction radio transceiver, with the first reconfigurable radio communication unit responsive to at least a first antenna, and the second reconfigurable radio communication unit responsive to at least a second antenna. Each of the first and the second multifunction radio transceivers of the first and the second reconfigurable radio communication units are operable to simultaneously transmit and receive data on at least two separate channels from different frequency bands. Within the system, one of the multifunction radio transceivers is automatically reconfigurable to maintain radio communication functions previously performed by a faulted multifunction radio transceiver. |
| US08081932B2 |
Transceiver front-end
A transceiver front-end provides an interface between a transmission medium and transmitter, and between a transmission medium and receiver. The transceiver front-end includes a hybrid circuit, a high-pass filter, and a gain stage, that permits the reduction or the complete elimination of buffer amplifiers. Buffer amplifiers can be eliminated because the hybrid circuit and/or the high-pass filter are adapted so that they can be directly connected to each other, without a loss in circuit performance. Furthermore, the high-pass filter and/or the gain stage are also adapted so they can be directly connected. As such, the transceiver front-end can be constructed using all passive components, reducing or eliminating excess heat generation. |
| US08081931B2 |
Transceiver device and impedance matching method
A transceiver device and an impedance matching method are provided. In the impedance matching method, a plurality of matching modes is set. Each matching mode includes a default impedance and a corresponding default power. In addition, one of the matching modes is selected for outputting a transmission signal to a load. Besides, a response signal derived from the transmission signal is received. Further, whether the default impedance is matched with an impedance of the load or not is determined according to a parameter of the response signal. Thereby, the echo signal can be restrained from being generated. |
| US08081926B2 |
Method and system for multisession communication using multiple physical (PHY) layers
A wireless device comprising a single communication stack accessing a corresponding radio interface accessed via a corresponding physical layer, may utilize a plurality of communication sessions to perform a plurality of applications simultaneously. The corresponding radio interface may be utilized to perform initial connectivity and/or control functionality associate with each of the communication sessions; whereas data communication during the communication sessions may be performed utilizing one or more other radio interfaces supporting high speed data standards, which may also be accessed by the single communication stack, using corresponding other PHY and/or MAC layers. The connectivity and/or control functionality may comprise discovery, pairing, and/or initial connection. The plurality of high speed data standard may comprise WLAN, ultra-wideband (UWB), and/or 60 GHz PHY and/or PHY/MAC layers. Two or more of the communication sessions may contemporaneously utilize different PHY and/or PHY/MAC layers pertaining to the same high speed data standard. |
| US08081924B2 |
Relaying system and method with partner relays and selective transmission
Partner relay systems and methods are provided in which relaying is performed by a pair of partner relays. Signals received from a base station are translated by a first of the pair of partner relays to a different transmission resource for communication between the pair of partner relays, and then upon reception by a second of the pair of partner relays, the signal is translated back to the original transmission resource and re-transmitted towards the receiver. |
| US08081923B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing location services for a distributed network
A method and system for normalizing various simulcasting nodes within a distributed antenna system (DAS) simulcast sector uses the simulcast sector's known fiber delays, the distance between the nodes, and its corresponding RF delays. The methodology includes adding calculated delays to the known fiber delays to normalize each node's delay. Each normalized node delay value is equal to the value of the fiber delay of the furthest node plus the respective RF delay distance from that node. |
| US08081921B2 |
Flight training and synthetic visualization system and method
A low-cost training and synthetic visualization system and method directed to improving an individual's airborne performance in general aviation, skydiving, and other aerial applications. The system is comprised of a self-contained mobile sensor and data storage device for recording the travel path, orientation, and forces acting upon an object as it moves through space, a desktop graphics software program for creating a playback of the recorded data on a three-dimensional representation of the environment through which the object moved, a means of linking the sensor and data storage device to the software program for the purpose of exchanging information, and a centralized data storage and retrieval system designed to accept, assimilate and redistribute the recorded data. |
| US08081918B2 |
Developer transportation device and image forming apparatus
A developer transportation device includes a storage portion for storing developer; a transportation member formed of an elastic material and disposed in the storage portion to be freely rotatable for transporting the developer upon rotating; and a rotation transmission member for transmitting a rotation to the transportation member. The transportation member may be provided with an abutting portion abutting against a wall portion of the storage portion when the transportation member rotates. |
| US08081912B2 |
Image forming apparatus with marginless printing mode
An image forming apparatus operates in a marginless print mode in which the toner image is formed on a first region on a first image bearing member corresponding to a sheet size and a second region on the first image bearing member outside the first region. Reverse-transfer efficiency TR1 and reverse-transfer efficiency TR2 satisfy TR1 |
| US08081911B2 |
Development roller, development device, and image forming apparatus
A development roller includes a base unit having a base recess and a base projection formed in a predetermined area of a circumference surface of the base unit, and a surface layer formed on the circumference surface of the base unit and having a recess and a projection formed respectively in accordance with the base recess and the base projection of the base unit. |
| US08081909B2 |
Image forming device having developing material case and a vibrator for vibrating carrying electrodes and controller for changing the frequency of vibration
There is provided an image forming device, comprising: an image holding unit configured to hold an image formed by developing material; a developing material case configured to accommodate the developing material and to have a supplying opening facing the image holding unit; a carrying unit having a plurality of carrying electrodes, the carrying unit being configured to carry the developing material accommodated in the developing material case toward the image holding unit by generating a traveling electric field through the plurality of carrying electrodes; a vibrator that vibrates the carrying unit; and a controller that controls the vibrator to change a frequency of vibration. |
| US08081905B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of correcting rotation angular velocity of image bearing member
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member, an image forming device forming a latent image on the image bearing member and visualizing the latent image; a transfer device transferring the visual image onto a receiving material, using a moving member; a drive controller controlling driving of the image bearing member so that the rotation angular speed of the image bearing member is identical to the targeted rotation angular speed; a pattern detection device detecting pattern images formed on the moving member; and a correction device determining the variation in rotation angle or angular speed per one revolution of the image bearing member on the basis of the detection data and correcting the targeted rotation angular speed by superimposing a correction value to negate the variation in rotation angle or angular speed per one revolution of the image bearing member on the target. |
| US08081900B2 |
Developing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing apparatus. The developing apparatus includes a mainframe to hold a photosensitive medium and includes an opened top surface and a bottom surface with a photosensitive medium opening through which some part of the photosensitive medium is exposed, the mainframe to include two spaces formed at each side of the photosensitive medium that can receive toner and used toner, respectively; and a cover to cover the top surface of the mainframe. |
| US08081895B2 |
Image forming apparatus with variable speed cleaning members and cleaning method utilizing same
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of image carrying members; a plurality of rotation cleaning members disposed for the respective image carrying members and cleaning surfaces of the respective image carrying members through rotation; and a controller that rotates the plurality of rotation cleaning members at different rotation speeds in accordance with wear amounts of the respective image carrying members. |
| US08081894B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling heating of fixing unit therein
When a user has performed an operation with respect to an image forming apparatus, a control mechanism informs that a user has performed an operation with respect to an image forming apparatus to an engine control unit through a dedicated communication line, i.e., without waiting for a general-purpose communication line to open for communication. Upon receiving the user operation signal, the engine control unit heats a fixing unit. |
| US08081891B2 |
Image quality adjustment method, image forming apparatus and computer readable medium
When an image forming job is completed that records onto a recording sheet an image formed on a photoconductor drum and conveys the recording sheet, a simple process control is carried out that forms some filled patch images with using some toners. After the simple process control is carried out, a determination is carried out, in accordance with a charge control value of a charge roller adjusted by the simple process control (a voltage value applied on the charge roller), whether a formal process control should be carried out or not that forms many patch images with using much toners. The formal process control is additionally carried out, when the determination means so. |
| US08081888B2 |
Estimating amount of toner in an image forming device
An image forming device includes a container accommodating toner, a light emitting unit emitting light to be transmitted through the container, a light receiving unit receiving the light transmitted through the container, an efficiency determining unit determining a light receiving efficiency based on a light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit, an execution amount determining unit determining an execution amount of image forming operations that represents an accumulated amount of image forming operations executed since first use of the container, a correction coefficient determining unit determining a correction coefficient based on the execution amount of image forming operations, an efficiency modifying unit modifying the light receiving efficiency with the correction coefficient, and an estimating unit estimating an amount of the toner remaining in the container based on the modified light receiving efficiency. |
| US08081886B2 |
Image forming apparatus which memorizes a paper jam
The present invention can include an image forming apparatus including a conveying device configured to convey a medium for recording along a conveyance path, an image forming portion configured to form an image on the medium for recording conveyed by the conveying device, a first medium detecting device configured to detect the presence and absence of the medium for recording at a first position in the conveyance path, a second medium detecting device configured to detect the presence and absence of the medium for recording at a second position in the conveyance path, and a storage device configured to store information on a state where after the medium for recording is detected by the first medium detecting device, the absence of the medium for recording is detected by the first medium detecting device, and then the medium for recording is not detected by the second medium recording detecting device. |
| US08081881B2 |
Optical node device, network control device, maintenance-staff device, optical network, and 3R relay implementation node decision method
An economical optical network is constituted by effectively using network resources by using the minimum number of, or minimum capacity of 3R repeaters. 3R section information corresponding to topology information on the optical network to which an optical node device itself belongs is stored, and the 3R section information stored is referred so as to autonomously determine whether or not the optical node device itself is an optical node device for implementing the 3R relay when setting an optical path passing through the optical node device itself. Alternatively, when the optical node device itself is a source node, another optical node device for implementing the 3R relay among the other optical node devices through which the optical path from the optical node device itself to the destination node passes is identified, and this identified optical node device is requested to implement the 3R relay when setting an optical path in which the optical node device itself is a source node. |
| US08081872B2 |
Flame imitation manufacturing device of an electrical-heated fireplace
A flame imitation manufacturing device of a fireplace relates to a flame imitation manufacturing device for simulating the burning state in a fireplace in the field of household appliances. Said device comprises a housing, a cross flow fan and a light source mounted on a base plate of the housing, a simulated fire chamber mounted on a back plate of the housing, ribbons mounted on the back plate of the housing by means of upper and lower strip bars and above the cross flow fan, and a light-transmitting glass plate mounted on the housing and in front of said ribbons. This invention, characterized in that said cross flow fan is a swinging one, is advantageous in that supplying wind non-directively by utilizing the swinging of said fan improves the flying state of ribbons so as to make the image state of burning flames more vivid, greatly enhances the authenticity of flames and lowers the cost thereof, and thus is adaptable to various flame imitation electrical-heated fireplaces and electrical appliances. |
| US08081870B2 |
Receiving apparatus and method
Upon reproducing a TV program, it is a common practice to display video data sent from a broadcast station as it is, and the display pattern (layout) is not effectively changed (e.g., an object in video data is erased, or the object size is changed). A program ID from additional data contained in received TV information is detected, and when layout setting data corresponding to the detected program ID is stored in a memory, the corresponding layout setting data is read out from the memory to display program video data in the set layout. When a new layout is set, the user selects an object for which a layout is to be adjusted from objects that form image data in TV information, and adjusts movement, upscaling/downscaling, display ON/OFF of the selected object. |
| US08081867B2 |
Record/playback apparatus
A record/playback apparatus includes a recording unit that records a televised program being received by a receiving unit to a disk-shaped recording medium such as a DVD or HD. Also, a commercial message detecting unit detects a switch from main program to commercial message and a switch from commercial message to main program. The recording unit records the main program and commercial messages inserted in the main program to the recording medium under separate titles, based on a result of the detection by the commercial message detecting unit. |
| US08081862B2 |
Recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium
The present invention relates to a recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and to reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium. The present recording medium has script files including additional information about moving picture data, e.g., scene descriptive text and introduction of characters, etc. In addition, information linking each script file with a section of moving picture data to be presented with contents of the script file is included in a link data file or is contained in a filename of the script file. In reproduction of the recording medium, a script file linked with presently reproduced moving picture data section is determined and searched for based on the link data file or every filename of the script files, and contents of the found script file are presented together with the presently reproduced moving picture data. Furthermore, previously presented additional information is removed depending on data or filename of the found script file. |
| US08081860B2 |
Recording medium and recording and reproducing methods and apparatuses
A recording medium includes a data area which stores at least one text subtitle stream. Each text subtitle stream includes text data to be displayed within a text subtitle region, region style information specifying a region style of the text subtitle region including an overall style of the text data, and inline style information for applying a different style to a specific portion of the text data within the text subtitle region. |
| US08081857B2 |
System for an internal rotating storage spool combined with top and bottom cable access in a fiber distribution terminal
A fiber distribution terminal having an environmentally sealed enclosure. A spool contained in the enclosure is a spool for housing input fiber cable. The spool is capable of rotation within the housing. An adapter pack and an adapter plate are contained in the enclosure. The adapter pack insures that the connections between fibers of the input fiber cable and fibers of the output fiber cable are secure and organized. The adapter plate guides the routing of both the input and output fiber cables internal to the enclosure. The fiber distribution terminal also includes a spool lock as part of the internal components of the enclosure. The spool lock is engaged to direct the cable routing to a first side or a second side of the fiber distribution terminal. |
| US08081856B2 |
Optical fiber and optical cable
Provided is an optical fiber that has a small bending loss, can be securely prevented from being fractured due to accidental bending during installation or other operations, and is compliant with the G. 652 standard. An optical fiber 1 includes a core 11, a first cladding 12, a second cladding 13, and a third cladding 14. The relative refractive index difference Δ1 of the core 11 is in the range of 0.3% to 0.38%, the relative refractive index difference Δ2 of the first cladding 12 is equal to or smaller than 0%, and the relative refractive index difference Δ3 of the second cladding 13 is in the range of −1.8% to −0.5%. The inner radius r2 and the outer radius r3 of the second cladding 13 satisfy the expression “0.4r2+10.5 |
| US08081854B2 |
Low bend loss optical fiber
Disclosed is a low bend loss optical fiber including: a core; an inner layer disposed at outside of the core, which has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the core, the refractive index of the inner layer gradually decreasing as it becomes farther from the core; and a trench layer disposed at outside of the inner layer, which has a lowest refractive index. |
| US08081853B2 |
Single-fiber drop cables for MDU deployments
Disclosed is an improved optical fiber that employs a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses.The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness.The improved coating system provides optical fibers that offer significant advantages to single-fiber drop cables, such as those employed for Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) applications. |
| US08081850B2 |
Device with tunable plasmon resonance
A device includes a resonator capable of supporting a plasmon mode, a gain structure arranged to couple energy into the resonator, and a memristive layer arranged to provide an interaction with the plasmon mode. An electric signal applied to the memristive layer can change the interaction and change a resonant frequency of the plasmon mode. |
| US08081849B2 |
Portable scanning and memory device
A handheld optical scanner and/or memory device for capturing images of text from a rendered document is described. The handheld device may include a data storage component, a scanning component configured to capture text from rendered documents, a power storage component, and a universal serial bus port configured to receive and store data from a computing device and transmit data to the computing device. |
| US08081843B2 |
Image-pickup apparatus
An image-pickup apparatus is provided which allows a user to accurately and easily know the out-of-focus amount for various images or objects. The image-pickup apparatus which picks up an image of an object comprises a producing unit for producing a pair of object images, the object images being displaced from each other in accordance with a displacement of the object from an in-focus position in an optical axis direction, an image combining unit for superposing and combining the pair of object images produced by the producing unit into an image, and a display unit for displaying the image resulting from the combination by the image combining unit. |
| US08081839B2 |
Image processor
The image processor includes an image filter acquiring unit, a reduced image average value calculating unit, a normalization parameter setting unit, an original image average value calculating unit, an original image reflectance acquiring unit, a normalizing unit, and a correcting unit. The image filter acquiring unit generates either one of the original image filter and the reduced image filter based on the other one of the original image filter and the reduced image filter. The reduced image average value calculating unit calculates an average peripheral value for each pixel in the reduced image using the reduced image filter. The normalization parameter setting unit tabulates frequencies of each reflectance value within the entire range of reflectance values of the reduced image and sets a normalization parameter. The normalizing unit normalizes the reflectance value for each pixel in the original image based on the normalization parameter. The correcting unit corrects a value for each pixel based on the normalized reflectance value for the each pixel in the original image. |
| US08081838B2 |
System and method for providing two-scale tone management of an image
The present invention provides two-scale tone management of an input image. A method of providing two-scale tone management contains the steps of: separating the input image into a base layer and a detail layer; separating a model image into a base layer and a detail layer; analyzing the input image globally for global contrast; analyzing the input image locally for local contrast; and performing detail preservation of the input image. A system contains a memory and a processor, where the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: separating the input image into a base layer and a detail layer; separating a model image into a base layer and a detail layer; analyzing the input image globally for global contrast; analyzing the input image locally for local contrast; and performing detail preservation of the input image. |
| US08081837B2 |
Image sensor array leakage and dark current compensation
Apparatus, systems and methods for image sensor leakage and dark current compensation are disclosed. In one implementation, a system comprises an imaging device including imaging pixels and two or more dark pixels, processing logic coupled to the imaging device, and an antenna coupled to the processing logic through an input/output (I/O) interface. |
| US08081834B2 |
Image processing method and related partial PSF estimation method thereof
An image processing method includes (a) performing edge detection to an image to obtain a plurality of the edge pixels of the image; (b) performing partial PSF estimation to each of the edge pixels to generate a plurality of partial PSF estimation results; and (c) generating a PSF estimation result according to the partial PSF estimation results. |
| US08081832B2 |
Method of generating multiscale contrast enhanced image
A method of generating a multiscale contrast enhanced image is described wherein the shape of edge transitions is preserved. Detail images are subjected to a conversion, the conversion function of at least one scale being adjusted for each detail pixel value according to the ratio between the combination of the enhanced center differences and the combination of the unenhanced center differences. |
| US08081824B2 |
Generating search requests from multimodal queries
A method and system for generating a search request from a multimodal query that includes a query image and query text is provided. The multimodal query system identifies images of a collection that are textually related to the query image based on similarity between words associated with each image and the query text. The multimodal query system then selects those images of the identified images that are visually related to the query image. The multimodal query system may formulate a search request based on keywords of web pages that contain the selected images and submit that search request to a search engine service. |
| US08081823B2 |
Segmenting a string using similarity values
Disclosed are systems and methods for segmenting a string comprised of one or more string segments using similarity values. In embodiments, each string segment may contain at least a variation of a marker string that may be used to separate string segments in the string. In embodiments, a similarity value representing the result of comparing the marker string to substrings of the string may be computed, and a similarity vector representing the set of comparisons for the locations on the string may be generated. In embodiments, the similarity vector may be used to identify candidate segmentation locations in the string. In embodiments, a set of segmentation locations in the string may be derived from the candidate segmentation locations in the string, and the string may be segmented according to the set of segmentation locations. |
| US08081822B1 |
System and method for sensing a feature of an object in an interactive video display
Embodiments of the present invention include a method for processing captured image information in an interactive video display system. The method includes accessing a region of a vision image. The method further includes comparing the region of the vision image to a first orientation of a value image. The value image comprises a plurality of weighted values representing a feature to be detected. The method further includes comparing the region of the vision image to a second orientation of the value image. The method further includes determining which orientation of the value image best matches the feature to be detected to an object of the region of the vision image. |
| US08081820B2 |
Method for partitioning a pattern into optimized sub-patterns
A method is provided for dividing a pattern into a plurality of sub-patterns, each sub-pattern being adapted for use with an image search method that can provide a plurality of sub-pattern search results. The method represents the pattern as a plurality of feature points, generates candidate partitions of the plurality of feature points, and then scores the candidate partitions by examining characteristics of each potential sub-pattern of each candidate partition. The highest-scoring partition is selected, and then it is applied to the plurality of feature points, creating one or more sub-pluralities of features. The invention advantageously provides a plurality of sub-patterns where each sub-pattern contains enough information to be located with a feature-based search method, where that information has been pre-evaluated as being useful and particularly adapted for running feature-based searches. |
| US08081819B2 |
Color processing method and apparatus
In order to implement color matching with higher precision, a device that handles object colors and a device that handles light-source colors must be separately processed. Hence, when the device type is a device that handles light-source colors, control is made so as not to perform processing (forward color appearance model conversion and inverse color appearance model conversion) for converting colorimetric conditions of a colorimetric value file into viewing conditions. When the device type is a device that handles object colors, the processing for converting the colorimetric conditions of the colorimetric value file into the viewing conditions is performed, and a profile is created from the colorimetric values. |
| US08081817B2 |
Systems and methods for remote work sessions
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches.In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. In one embodiment, images of “no-man” zones—areas where no humans or vehicles should be present or monitored—are sent to Guardians for a simple determination of whether or not a human exists in the picture. Site owners compensate the operator of the computer system for this monitoring service, and the operator in turn compensates Guardians based on, for example, (i) the amount of time spent monitoring, and/or (ii) the degree of a given Guardian's responsiveness to real or fabricated security breaches.Among other things, systems and methods are disclosed herein for facilitating (a) the registration of monitored sites, (b) the registration of Guardians, and (c) the management of monitoring sessions, including the routing of real and fabricated images to Guardians, the rating of Guardians, and the compensation of Guardians. Many additional and alternative embodiments are contemplated, including the following example of one embodiment. |
| US08081815B2 |
Marker arrangement information measuring apparatus and method
A marker arrangement information measuring apparatus includes an image acquiring unit configured to acquire a captured image, a marker detecting unit configured to detect markers from the captured image, a marker identifying unit configured to identify the marker detected by the marker detecting unit, an arrangement information calculating unit configured to calculate arrangement information of the marker based on an identification result of the marker identifying unit, an analyzing unit configured to analyze the identification result of the marker identifying unit, and a display unit configured to display an image corresponding to an analysis result of the analyzing unit on the captured image in a combined manner, thus presenting the analysis result to a user. |
| US08081812B2 |
Method and facility for visualizing an overlaid presentation of X-ray images
The invention relates to a method for visualizing an overlaid presentation of x-ray images. A first two-dimensional fluoroscopy image of an object of interest is provided. A second two-dimensional x-ray image of the object is intra-operatively recorded. A color is selected to a part of the first fluoroscopy image reproducing the object of interest. A complementary color corresponding to the selected color to the same part of the second fluoroscopy image reproducing the object is selected. The fluoroscopy images provided with the colors are overlaid. Deviations in the overlaid presentation remaining are identified with one of the added colors. |
| US08081809B2 |
Methods and systems for optimizing high resolution image reconstruction
Methods and apparatus for reconstructing a multiple resolution images of an object are provided. The method includes reconstructing a first three-dimensional image at a first resolution, determining at least one volume of interest in the generated image, and reconstructing a second three-dimensional image of the determined at least one volume of interest at a second resolution, the second resolution being higher than the first resolution such that a quantification of image structures is facilitated. |
| US08081808B2 |
Retinal thickness measurement by combined fundus image and three-dimensional optical coherence tomography
Disclosed are method and apparatus for mapping retinal thickness values to a movable measurement grid. A three-dimensional volume dataset acquired from three-dimensional optical coherence tomography is registered to a fundus image by rendering a two-dimensional composite image from the three-dimensional volume dataset and superimposing characteristic features in the two-dimensional composite image upon corresponding characteristic features in the fundus image. A measurement grid is displayed on the two-dimensional composite image. The measurement grid is moved to a region of interest, and retinal thickness values in the region of interest are mapped to sectors within the measurement grid. |
| US08081807B2 |
Method and device of reconstructing an (n+1)-dimensional image function from radon data
A method of reconstructing an (n+1)-dimensional image function ƒ representing a region of investigation comprises determining the image function ƒ from n-dimensional or less dimensional Radon data comprising a plurality of projection functions pθ(t) measured corresponding to a plurality of predetermined projection directions (Θ), wherein the image function ƒ is determined as a sum of polynomials multiplied with values of the projection functions pθ(t). Imaging methods, imaging devices, and computer tomography devices using this reconstruction method are described. |
| US08081805B2 |
Finger sensing device with multiple correlators and associated methods
A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area to receive a user's finger moved in a sliding motion, and a controller cooperating with the finger sensing area for generating successive image samples. Moreover, the controller may also generate the displacement estimate of the user's finger by at least performing a plurality of different image sample correlations between at least one pair of image samples, and cross-verifying results of the plurality of different image sample correlations. |
| US08081804B2 |
Electronic camera and object scene image reproducing apparatus
An electronic camera is provided with: an imager, having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene, for generating an object scene image; a designator for designating a specific position within the object scene image generated by the imager; a recorder for recording, together with position information of the specific position designated by the designator, the object scene image generated by the imager; and a reproducer for reproducing the object scene image recorded by the recorder, using the position information recorded by the recorder. |
| US08081802B2 |
Method for determining permeability of rock formation using computer tomograpic images thereof
A method for estimating permeability properties of a porous material from a sample thereof includes making a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample of the material. The image is segmented into pixels each representing pore space or rock grains. The image is divided into sub-volumes. A porosity is estimated for each sub-volume. The components of a permeability tensor are determined by conducting simulations. Principal permeability values and directions are then calculated. The permeability properties are stored in a computer or displayed. |
| US08081801B2 |
Device and method for controlling streetlights
A method for controlling streetlights located at a streetlight control area using a streetlight power control system controls an image capturing device to capture digital images of at least one route section of the streetlight control area at a predetermined interval. Light of a streetlight corresponding to the streetlight power controller is automatically adjusted by turning on or off the streetlight and by increasing or decreasing the intensity of the streetlight. |
| US08081799B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic object identification using identified perpendicular lines, gradient magnitudes and distances
A method and system for processing image data to identify objects in an image. A gradient vector image is generated from the image, the gradient vector image identifying a gradient magnitude value and a gradient direction for each pixel of the image. Lines are identified in the gradient vector image. It is determined whether the identified lines are perpendicular, whether more than a predetermined number of pixels on each of the lines identified as perpendicular have a gradient magnitude greater than a predetermined threshold, and whether the individual lines which are identified as perpendicular are within a predetermined distance of each other. A portion of the image is identified as an object if the identified lines are perpendicular, more than the predetermined number of pixels on each of the lines have a gradient magnitude greater than the predetermined threshold, and are within a predetermined distance of each other. |
| US08081797B2 |
Selective and adaptive illumination of a target
There are provided a method and a system for illuminating one or more target in a scene. An image of the scene is acquired using a sensing device that may use an infrared sensor for example. From the image, an illumination controller determines an illumination figure, such that the illumination figure adaptively matches at least a position of the target in the image. The target is the selectively illuminated using an illumination device, according to the illumination figure. |
| US08081792B2 |
Fourier scattering methods for encoding microbeads and methods and apparatus for reading the same
A method, optical arrangement, and apparatus for reading a microbead having a code. The method includes reflecting an incident light from the microbead to provide an output light. The output light is projected on a Fourier plane. The method also includes reading the code from the Fourier plane. |
| US08081787B2 |
Hearing assistance system and method of operating the same
A system providing hearing assistance to a user having a wireless remote control for transmitting control commands as an amplitude modulated radio frequency signal, an RF power detector for outputting a signal representative of the power envelope of the RF signal received by an antenna of the RF power detector, a classifier unit for analyzing the output signal of the RF power detector to detect control commands of the remote control and to detect the presence of a source of interfering RF signals, an audio signal processing unit, and a user's ear worn part for stimulating the user's hearing according to audio signals processed in the audio signal processing unit. The classifier unit provides a control signal representing detected remote control commands and an interference signal representing the presence of a source of interfering RF signals. Operation of the audio signal processing unit is controlled by the control signal. |
| US08081783B2 |
Miniature acoustic transducer
A technique using a new diaphragm structure and support design is provided herein for microphones or structure designs for pressure sensing. The structure includes a set of capacitive structures. The capacitive structure has a combination of a diaphragm structure, a back plate structure and a surrounding micro-structure for fixing the diaphragm. After the diaphragm structure has deformed due to a pressure load, a gap between the back plate and the diaphragm is changed accordingly, and variation occurs in the capacitance value between the two parallel plates. By using the principle of the effect of capacitance value variation, the capacitive sensor causes the capacitance value to vary with the change in the sound, thus accomplishing the object of measuring. |
| US08081781B2 |
A/V amplifier and method for driving the same
For achieving an audio reproduction with high sound quality, in a multi-channel A/V amplifier, front speakers are driven with a parallel-drive bi-amplifier arrangement upon stereo reproduction. In the case of the multi-channel reproduction mode, the switching circuit allows an output signal of each channel of the decoder to be sent to speakers via amplifiers for each channel in one-to-one correspondence. On the other hand, in the case of the 2-channel stereo reproduction mode, the switching circuit allows at least two amplifiers among the plurality of amplifiers to be connected in parallel between the output signal for each of the channels L and R of the decoder and the speakers for each of the channels L and R, and also allows the timing of the output signals of the respective amplifiers to be varied. |
| US08081778B2 |
VOX circuit with 2-wire interfaces
A VOX interface is provided that interfaces with at least two communication paths to two separate devices. One communication path may be to a first electronic device, such as a central monitoring station remote from the VOX interface, and another communication path may be to one or more remote devices, such as to one or more patient devices remote from the VOX interface. The VOX interface may determine which of the communication paths is sending a signal (such as an audio signal), and configure the VOX interface (via one or more switches) to pass the signal through. Specifically, the VOX interface may sense signals indicating the presence of audio from a central station audio bus and the patient station bus, may do some background noise filtering on the signals, and may pass these filtered values through a differentiator circuit to determine which bus presented the audio. Depending on which bus presented the audio, one or more switches (such as a relay) may be configured so that the audio may be passed through. |
| US08081777B2 |
Volume-based adaptive biasing
An audio amplifier such as for driving headphones. The amplifier includes multiple amplifier devices coupled in parallel. Both a bias generator and a volume control are responsive to a user setting. Under low output signal conditions, one or more of the amplifier devices are disabled in response to the user setting. Disabled amplifier devices do not consume output bias current. Thus the audio amplifier has reduced power consumption, and the system has longer battery life. |
| US08081773B2 |
Audio signal processing apparatus, audio signal processing method and imaging apparatus
An audio signal processing apparatus includes first, second and third omni-directional microphones each of which receives sound and generates an omni-directional audio signal and which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, a first adder section that adds audio signals generated by the first, second and third omni-directional microphones and generates an audio signal having an omni-directivity in the whole circumferential direction, a first subtractor section that subtracts audio signals generated by the first and third omni-directional microphones and generates an audio signal having a directivity in the right-left direction, a second adder section that adds audio signals generated by the first and third omni-directional microphones, a second subtractor section that subtracts an audio signal generated by the second omni-directional microphone from the audio signal added by the second adder section and generates an audio signal having a directivity in the front-back direction, and an output section that adds the audio signal resulting from the multiplication of the audio signal having a directivity in the whole circumferential direction by a predetermined coefficient, the audio signal resulting from the multiplication of the audio signal having a directivity in the right-left direction by a predetermined coefficient, and the audio signal resulting from the multiplication of the audio signal having a directivity in the front-back direction by a predetermined coefficient and generates a unidirectional audio signal. |
| US08081771B2 |
Automobile personal radio recorder
In one embodiment, an audio recorder is disclosed that interfaces with an automobile radio. The audio recorder includes a radio tuner that receives radio frequency signals and converts the signals to audio output and an audio comparator that compares audio output from the radio tuner with audio output of the automobile radio and tunes the radio tuner until the audio output of the audio tuner is synchronized with the audio output of the automobile radio. An audio storage device is activatable to record the audio output of the radio tuner for later playback. |
| US08081768B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a target amplification curve for a hearing device
To determine target amplification curves in hearing devices, audiometric mismeasurements are to be corrected. To this end, it is proposed first to measure a bone conduction hearing threshold of a patient. Furthermore a database having typical sound conduction components for a number of typical hearing impairments is provided. One of these sound conduction components is selected in order to smooth the measured bone conduction hearing threshold, with a smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold resulting. One or a number of target amplification curves is formed from the smoothed bone conduction hearing threshold, if necessary with further hearing thresholds. Error corrections can be reliably carried out with the aid of the database. |
| US08081765B2 |
Volume adjusting system and method
The invention discloses a volume adjusting system and a volume adjusting method. The volume adjusting system includes a volume receiving module, a volume auto-adjusting module, and a volume output module. The volume receiving module is configured for receiving an external sound from an external sound source. The volume auto-adjusting module is connected to the volume receiving module and configured for analyzing the external sound from the volume receiving module and an action of a user of the electronic device, to determine an analysis value corresponding the external sound and the action of the user, automatically adjusting an output volume according to the analysis value, and storing a plurality of volume values corresponding to different analysis values of external sound and user actions. The volume output module is connected to the volume auto-adjusting module, and configured for outputting sound according to the output volume. |
| US08081764B2 |
Audio decoder
Provided is an audio decoder which can reduce an amount of arithmetic operations while suppressing occurrence of aliasing noise. The audio decoder includes: a decoder (102) and an analysis filter bank (110) which generate, from a coded down-mixed signal, the first frequency band signal (x) corresponding to a down-mixed signal (M); a channel expansion unit (130) which converts the first frequency band signal (x) generated by the analysis filter bank (110) into output signals (y) corresponding to respective audio signals of N channels, using BC information; an synthesis filter bank (140) which performs band synthesis for the output signals (y) generate by the channel expansion unit (130) and thereby converts the output signals (y) into the respective audio signals of the N channels on a time axis; and an aliasing noise detection unit (120) which detects occurrence of aliasing noise in the first frequency band signal (x). The channel expansion unit (130) further prevents the aliasing noise from being included in the output signals (y), based on information detected by the aliasing noise detection unit (120). |
| US08081761B2 |
Communication encryption processing apparatus
A communication encryption processing apparatus is provided in which a dedicated signal line is provided between a key management module and an encryption and decryption processing module to perform a key delivery via the dedicated signal line from the key management module to the encryption and decryption processing module, and as a result, transmission and reception of raw key data on a bus is no longer performed. |
| US08081757B2 |
Blind watermarking of audio signals by using phase modifications
Watermarking of audio signals intends to manipulate the audio signal in a way that the changes in the audio content cannot be recognised by the human auditory system. In order to reduce the audibility of the watermark and to improve the robustness of the watermarking the invention uses phase modification of the audio signal. In the frequency domain, the phase of the audio signal is manipulated by the phase of a reference phase sequence, followed by transform into time domain. Because a change of the audio signal phase over the whole frequency range can be audible, the phase manipulation is carried out with a maximum amount only within one or more small frequency ranges which are located in the higher frequencies and/or in noisy audio signal sections, according to psycho-acoustic principles. Preferably, the allowable amplitude of the phase changes in the remaining frequency ranges is controlled according to psycho-acoustic principles. The watermark is decoded from the watermarked audio signal by correlating it with corresponding inversely transformed candidate reference phase sequences. |
| US08081755B2 |
JPEG2000 syntax-compliant encryption with full scalability
A method and system is provided for encrypting an image compressed with a JPEG2000-based compression with minimal overhead so that the encrypted codestream is compliant with the syntax of the JPEG2000-based compression and can be scaled without decrypting. The encryption system generates, for each independent encryption segment of a codestream for an image, a unique initialization vector from a global initialization vector in such a way that the initialization vectors can be generated during decryption from the global initialization vector, even after truncation. The encryption system encrypts each independent encryption segment using its unique initialization vector. The encryption system ensures that the encrypted codestream is compliant with the syntax of the JPEG2000-based compression both as originally generated and as truncated by an encryption-unaware device. |
| US08081752B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing crosstalk between digital subscriber lines
A method and apparatus for reducing crosstalk between digital subscriber lines includes: firstly, determining a parameter of VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line); secondly, determining frequency range of signal to be transmitted in the line and transmitting signal in the corresponding line according to the determined frequency range. This mainly means reducing or turning off the transmitting of the signal at a high frequency band and only using low frequency band for data transmitting in the case that the line parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold, so that crosstalk to neighboring lines is reduced. The present invention can effectively overcome the crosstalk against neighboring lines during the channel discovery phase of digital subscriber line and the transfer performance of the digital subscriber line in operation can be guaranteed. The present invention is realized based on the established standard, so the present invention is simple and easy to implement. |
| US08081745B2 |
Dynamic information publication enabling direct access to a preferred communication channel connection in integrated communication server
The method and system guides a user to easily and effectively communicate with a potential recipient via an integrated communication server. The integrated communication server will track and aggregate user presence information about the potential recipient. The aggregated user presence information includes the current state, activity, and/or availability of the potential recipient. The integrated communication server dynamically analyzes and compares the aggregated user presence information with user preference information of the potential recipient in order to identify an appropriate communication method. The identified appropriate communication method is published to the user indicating that it has a great likelihood of reaching the potential recipient successfully in the right way at the right time. |
| US08081740B2 |
Voice over IP method of determining caller identification
Before completing a call initiated at a calling telephony device for a called telephony device; caller identification information for the calling telephony device is obtained for the call. If standard caller identification information is not available, the caller is prompted to provide spoken caller identification information. The caller identification information is communicated to the called telephony device via a connectionless protocol such as VoIP where a continuing connection does not exist between communicating end points. The called party is given call disposition options. The process which controls this operation may be located anywhere in the network, including at switching equipment and at the called telephony device. |
| US08081738B2 |
Visual communication system and its main apparatus
According to one embodiment, an apparatus accommodates a telephone terminal and an emergency call terminal, wherein the telephone terminal is associated with the first video camera and a first display, the emergency call terminal is associated with a second video camera and a second display, and the apparatus further includes a determination processor determines whether or not a call generated from the telephone terminal is an emergency call, a visual link former forms an image communication link between the first video camera and the second display to display an image captured by the first video camera on the second display if the determination processor determines the call is the emergency call, and a voice link former forms a voice communication link between the telephone terminal and the emergency call terminal when the emergency call terminal performs a response to the call after the image communication link is formed. |
| US08081737B2 |
Systems and methods for providing call monitoring service for multiple telecommunications units
Systems and methods provide a call monitoring service for multiple telecommunications units. When an incoming communication directed to a subscriber's simultaneous ring number is received, outgoing communications are placed to each of the telecommunications units associated with the subscriber's simultaneous ring number. A determination is made as to whether the incoming communication should be routed to the voice mail system. If the incoming communication should be routed to the voice mail system and the call monitoring service is activated, a communication between the calling party and the voice mail system is established. A determination is made as to whether a user of one of the telecommunications units takes an action to connect to the communication between the calling party and the voice mail system. If an action is detected, then a communication between the calling party, the voice mail system, and the telecommunications unit is established. |
| US08081735B1 |
PSTN VOIP reconciliation
A method for determining if a which node through which a signal is propagated i (e.g., PSTN or VOIP) when the distances from the source to VOIP modem and PSTN connections are both known, the steps making a measurement that indicates a distance that a signal travels from a source to a point of reflection (e.g., a PSTN or VOIP connection) and comparing the measurement to known values corresponding to the distances from the source to closest VOIP and PSTN nodes. |
| US08081734B2 |
Miniature, low-power X-ray tube using a microchannel electron generator electron source
Embodiments of the invention provide a novel, low-power X-ray tube and X-ray generating system. Embodiments of the invention use a multichannel electron generator as the electron source, thereby increasing reliability and decreasing power consumption of the X-ray tube. Unlike tubes using a conventional filament that must be heated by a current power source, embodiments of the invention require only a voltage power source, use very little current, and have no cooling requirements. The microchannel electron generator comprises one or more microchannel plates (MCPs), Each MCP comprises a honeycomb assembly of a plurality of annular components, which may be stacked to increase electron intensity. The multichannel electron generator used enables directional control of electron flow. In addition, the multichannel electron generator used is more robust than conventional filaments, making the resulting X-ray tube very shock and vibration resistant. |
| US08081732B2 |
Correcting transverse scattering in a multi-emitter CT scanner
A multi-emitter computed tomography scanner is disclosed, including a plurality of x-ray emitter/detector arrangement pairs arranged offset at an angle to one another. In at least one embodiment, the detector arrangements of the pairs are designed to be energy selective. |
| US08081731B2 |
Shift register
A shift register includes a plurality of electrically connected shift units. Each shift unit includes a pull-up circuit, a pull-up driving circuit, a pull-down circuit, and a pull-down driving circuit. The pull-up circuit outputs a first signal to an output node according to the first signal and a voltage of a driving node. The pull-up driving drives the pull-up circuit according to an output voltage of the previous shift unit. The pull-down driving circuit outputs a low level voltage to the driving node and the output node according to the first signal and a second signal. The pull-down circuit resets the pull-up driving circuit according to the voltage of the output node and outputs the low level voltage to the output node and the driving node according to a third signal and a fourth signal. |
| US08081729B2 |
Heat exchanger assembly, in particular for a high-temperature nuclear reactor
The invention relates to an assembly for exchanging heat between first and second fluids, the assembly comprising a central manifold communicating with one of the inlet and the outlet for the first fluid; an annular manifold disposed around the central manifold and communicating with the other one of the inlet and the outlet for the first fluid; a plurality of heat exchangers interposed radially interposed between the central manifold and the annular manifold; and a plurality of axial inlet manifolds communicating with the inlet for the second fluid, and a plurality of axial outlet manifolds communicating with the outlet for the second fluid, the axial inlet and outlet manifolds being interposed circumferentially between the heat exchangers. According to the invention, the assembly has an inlet chamber disposed at a first axial end of the heat exchangers and putting the inlet(s) for the second fluid into communication with at least a plurality of axial inlet manifolds. |
| US08081728B2 |
Method and apparatus for clock correction in MIMO OFDM
A method of phase correction at a wireless device includes: estimating a phase slope for an OFDM symbol in a data portion of a packet based on an elapsed time from the start of the packet; measuring a residual phase slope from tracking pilots for the OFDM symbol in the data portion of the packet; and adjusting a phase correction based upon the phase slope and the residual phase slope. Apparatus in a wireless device performs the method and machine-readable media carry instructions for carrying out the method. |
| US08081727B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and system
A radio communication apparatus connected to a device including a digital signal processing unit generating a clock signal, the apparatus includes an acquisition unit acquiring frequency information concerning the clock signal from the digital signal processing unit, a first measurement unit measuring a signal power in a first frequency band, a comparison unit comparing the signal power with a threshold, a first selection unit selecting, from the first frequency band, a second frequency band necessary for data communication, a bandwidth of the first frequency band whose signal power is lower than the threshold being more than a bandwidth of the second frequency band, a second selection unit selecting an optimum communication scheme from a plurality of communication schemes of the data communication according to the frequency information, and a communication unit using the optimum communication scheme to perform the data communication in the second frequency band. |
| US08081726B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing data in utility system
A time synchronization device (TSD) that produces a synchronization signal and couples it onto energized power conductors in a power monitoring system. Monitoring devices coupled to the TSD include frequency detection algorithms, such as a Goertzel filter, for detecting the synchronization signal and interpreting the information encoded in the signal. The frequency of the synchronization signal may correspond to the fourth or tenth harmonic component of the fundamental frequency of the voltage on the power conductors. The magnitude of the signal is selected to be above the expected or established noise floor of the power monitoring system plus a predetermined threshold. The duration of the signal can be varied, such as lasting a full cycle of the fundamental frequency. Multiple TSD signals received in a predetermined sequence may be converted into digital words that convey time, configuration, reset, control, or other information to the monitoring device. |
| US08081721B2 |
Method and arrangement in wireless communication networks using relaying
A wireless communication system uses relaying to enhance performance. Artificial frequency selectivity and spatial diversity are provided by introducing delay diversity. A transformed OFDM chunk is subjected to a 2D cyclic prefix by pre-appending to a representation of the chunk the last column of the representation and by copying a number of the last rows of the pre-appended chunk to the top of the representation thereby forming an augmented OFDM chunk. |
| US08081719B2 |
Method and system for improving reception in wired and wireless receivers through redundancy and iterative processing
A method and system for improving reception in wired and wireless systems through redundancy and iterative processing are provided. A multilayer decoding process may comprise a burst process and a frame process. Results from a first burst process may be utilized to generate a decoded bit sequence in the frame process. The frame process may utilize redundancy information and physical constraints to improve the performance of a decoding algorithm. Results from the frame process may be fed back for a second iteration of the burst process and of the frame process, to further improve the decoding operation. In some instances, the second iteration of the burst process may be based on a gradient search approach. |
| US08081718B2 |
Adaptive transmission rate and fragmentation threshold mechanism for local area networks
An apparatus for adjusting the transmission bit rate and fragmentation threshold of a wireless station in response to transmission errors is disclosed. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention is based on a wireless station that employs both an IEEE 802.11 radio and a Bluetooth radio, and determines whether transmission errors of the IEEE 802.11 radio are due to fading, or interference from the Bluetooth radio. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention for protocols other than IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth, as well as stations that employ wireline or non-RF-wireless transceivers. |
| US08081714B2 |
Method and system for reuse of CORDIC in an RF transceiver by reconfiguration in real time
Methods and systems for processing an RF signal are disclosed herein. Aspects of the method may comprise utilizing a single input CORDIC and a single output CORDIC for synchronizing and demodulating a received signal, wherein the received signal may comprise one or more bit rates. The received signal may comprise a one megabit per second (Mbps) signal. The single input CORDIC may be configured to operate in a rotating mode and the single output CORDIC may be configured to operate in a rotating mode and/or an arctangent (ARCTAN) mode. A rotated output of the single input CORDIC may be correlated with a phase shift keying (PSK) synchronization (sync) word and a portion of the correlated rotated output of the single input CORDIC may be buffered. |
| US08081712B2 |
Method and apparatus for mapping of absolute power grant values in wireless communications
A method and apparatus for adjusting power grants in wireless communications. Multiple power grant tables are stored and one or more tables are designated during communication. |
| US08081711B2 |
Predistortion methods and apparatus for polar modulation transmitters
Methods and apparatus for predistorting signals in a polar modulation transmitter. An exemplary method includes predistorting an envelope component signal in an amplitude path of a polar modulation transmitter according to a set of AM/AM predistortion coefficients, and predistorting a phase component signal in a phase path of the polar modulation transmitter according to a set of AM/PM predistortion coefficients. The AM/AM and AM/PM predistortion coefficients are stored in a memory in the form of a look up table (LUT). The envelope component signal is scaled and/or offset, before predistortion is applied, by an amount dependent upon which average power level of a plurality of average power levels the power amplifier of the polar modulation transmitter is configured to operate. Scaling and/or offsetting the envelope component signal prior to applying predistortion affords the ability to share the AM/AM and AM/PM predistortion coefficients of the predistortion LUT over the plurality of average power levels. |
| US08081703B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
Modulated signal A is transmitted from a first antenna, and modulated signal B is transmitted from a second antenna. As modulated signal B, modulated symbols S2(i) and S2(i+1) obtained from different data are transmitted at time i and time i+1 respectively. In contrast, as modulated signal A, modulated symbols S1(i) and S1(i)′ obtained by changing the signal point arrangement of the same data are transmitted at time i and time i+1 respectively. As a result the reception quality can be changed intentionally at time i and time i+1, and therefore using the demodulation result of modulated signal A of a time when the reception quality is good enables both modulated signals A and B to be demodulated with good error rate performances. |
| US08081702B2 |
Radio communication system, radio communication device, and channel correlation matrix decision method
It is possible to prevent lowering of a throughput of a radio communication system even when propagation path environments of an uplink line and downlink line are asymmetric. A maximum proper value calculation unit (115) calculates a maximum proper value from a channel matrix. A maximum proper value comparison unit (116) compares the maximum proper value with a maximum proper value of the downlink line reported separately from a base station. According to the comparison result obtained by the maximum proper value comparison unit (116), a proper mode initiative instruction unit (117) decides to pass the proper mode initiative to a communication partner or to the local device. When the initiative is to be passed to the local device, this fact is reported to a proper bam correction unit (118). When the proper beam correction unit (118) gets the proper mode initiative, the proper beam correction unit (118) corrects the correlation matrix by using the proper values of both of the downlink line and the uplink line and instructs a directivity forming unit (103) to form a proper beam according to the correlation matrix after the correction. |
| US08081701B2 |
Method for sending and receiving communication signals, and apparatuses for sending and receiving communication signals
In a method for sending communication signals, space-time block coding is performed by dividing a data stream of complex-value data symbols into a number KT>2 of partial data streams of respectively n>2 data symbols. The data symbols in the partial data streams are used to form n×KT matrix CKT. Transmitter-end predistortion is performed by using the matrix CKT to form a matrix D, and the data symbols are sent by KT transmission antennas according to their arrangement in the matrix D. |
| US08081699B2 |
Wireless communication system and method with elliptically polarized radio frequency signals
In one embodiment, a UWB transmission system includes a pair of crossed linearly polarized antennas, one of which is fed with a UWB signal current, while the second is fed with a temporally orthogonal UWB signal such as the time-derivative of the UWB signal current. The resultant field is elliptically polarized. In another transmission system, a loop and a co-located dipole are fed with the same current to generate signal exhibiting elliptical polarization. When the energies of the transmissions from each antenna are equal, the polarization is circular. In yet another embodiment, a polarization modulated transmitting and receiving system is disclosed in which the binary states are encoded in orthogonal polarizations, wherein left-handed polarization encodes one digital state while right-handed polarization encodes another digital data state, and data encoding is additionally provided. Since either one circular polarization state can be generated with both UWB pulses flipped in polarity, a Polarization Orthogonal Keying (POK) modulation, of 4-state per symbol in the two orthogonal polarizations is disclosed as one example. Thus a UWB transmitting and receiving system is shown that utilizes signals that are simultaneously spatially orthogonal and temporally orthogonal, and the several combinations of those signal and polarization states encode data for transmission. |
| US08081698B2 |
Method and apparatus for selection mechanism between OFDM-MIMO and LFDM-SIMO
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate switching between various combinations of MIMO, SIMO, SISO and OFDM, LFDM and IFDM. According to various aspects, a method for a wireless communication network is provided that includes: receiving a first set of data information, wherein the first set of information comprising a first value, determining if the first value is above a threshold and transmitting an indication to switch to using a first transmission technique if determined that the first value is above the threshold. |
| US08081697B2 |
Detection complexity reducing apparatus and method in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna system
An apparatus and method for lowering a tree searching complexity in a Spatial Multiplexing (SM) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system are provided. A transmitting apparatus includes a generator for generating a plurality of transmit streams by spatial-multiplexing a transmit data, a determiner for determining modulation schemes to be applied to the plurality of the transmit streams respectively and a modulator for modulating the plurality of the transmit streams using at least two modulation schemes under control of the determiner. The receiver detects the signals by allocating the modulation scheme of the lowest order to the upper tree level. |
| US08081689B2 |
Method for performing frequency selective control channel scheduling in networks using an OFDM spectrum, a base station, a mobile terminal and a network therefor
The invention concerns a method for performing frequency selective control channel scheduling in networks using an OFDM spectrum, whereby a base station (BS1-BS8) broadcasts on at least one predefined subcarrier which is known to all mobile terminals (T1-T4) a signaling information common to all mobile terminals (T1-T4) indicating the position of at least one subcarrier of at least one frequency selective shared control channel and at least one identification of at least one addressed mobile terminal, the base station (BS1-BS8) sends signaling information for said at least one addressed mobile terminal at the indicated position of said at least one subcarrier of said at least one frequency selective shared control channel, and at least one mobile terminal (T1-T4) measures at least one subcarrier of said at least one frequency selective shared control channel for channel quality estimation, a base station (BS1-BS8), a mobile terminal (T1-T4) and a network (CN) therefor. |
| US08081686B2 |
Scalable spectrum CDMA communication systems and methods with dynamic orthogonal code allocation
At least a portion of a total spectrum bandwidth of a wireless system may be allocated to each of a plurality of users by assigning at least one unique spreading code to each of the plurality of users. At least two of the plurality of users may have different spectrum capabilities and may transmit simultaneously. Each of the assigned spreading codes may have a different code length. The number and/or the code length of the spreading codes assigned to each user may be indicative of a portion of the total spectrum bandwidth allocated to each user. |
| US08081685B2 |
Communication control apparatus, communication terminal apparatus, wireless communication system, and transmitting method
To determine a length of a guard interval based on performance provided in a communication terminal apparatus. A communication control apparatus 100 is a communication control apparatus that adds a guard interval to transmit a symbol to a communication terminal apparatus, and is provided with a terminal information receiving section 120 that receives delayed version tolerant performance information indicating performance of a communication terminal apparatus 200 to support delayed versions from the communication terminal apparatus, a guard interval length determining section (GI length determining section) 140 that determines a length of the guard interval based on the delayed version tolerant performance information, and a data symbol transmitting section 150 that transmits the symbol with the guard interval of the determined length added thereto to the communication terminal apparatus 200. |
| US08081677B2 |
Receiver-based adaptive equalizer with pre-cursor compensation
An equalization circuit is disclosed that enables high data rate transmission over high loss communications channels. Also disclosed is a set of functional blocks and update criteria that allow for the equalization function to be adapted for a large variety of different communications channels. A fully continuous adaptive equalizer is used in conjunction with a Decision Feedback Equalizer to fully equalize a wide range of communications channels. Interoperability and Bit Error Rate performance are optimized through compensation of pre-cursor inter-symbol interference, which is performed adaptively in the receiver as opposed to the transmitter. |
| US08081672B2 |
Method and system for channel estimation in a single channel (SC) single-input multiple-output (SIMO) system
The method and system for channel estimation in a single channel (SC) single-input multiple-output (SIMO) system described herein may provide a fast and cost effective approach to concurrently determine propagation channel estimates in a single-transmit (1-Tx) and multiple-receive (M-Rx) antennas wireless communication system. A single weight baseband generator may comprise a set generator, a channel estimator, and an algorithm generator. The set generator may generate orthogonal function sequences that may be applied to the M receive antennas and may be utilized by the channel estimator to generate channels estimates. The orthogonal function sequences may be transferred to the channel estimator after a delay. The algorithm generator may generate phase values based on the channels estimates that may be applied to the M receive antennas to improve the system's signal-to-noise performance. |
| US08081671B2 |
Optoelectronic device and method of operating optoelectronic device
The invention provides an optoelectronic device combining a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and a photodetector for monitoring the output power of the vertical cavity surface emitting laser. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the photodetector, a light deflector is interposed between the photodetector and the VCSEL. |
| US08081664B2 |
Method and arrangement for regenerating a timing signal in digital data communication
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for regenerating a timing signal in digital data communication where two network elements operate in a master/slave loop timing mode. In a solution according to the invention two different frequency difference indicators are formed. Values or changes of the values of both of them in relation to time indicate a frequency difference between a reference timing signal present in a master device and a regenerated timing signal present in a slave device. One frequency difference indicator is formed on the basis of reception taking place in the master device, and the other one on the basis of reception taking place in the slave device. The frequency of the regenerated timing signal is adjusted utilizing information contained by both frequency difference indicators. The probability of incorrect frequency adjustment measures can be thereby reduced. |
| US08081663B2 |
Time synchronization method and relay apparatus
A time synchronization method for synchronizing times of a first apparatus and a second apparatus includes transmitting, by the first apparatus, a packet to the second apparatus, the packet including the time of the first apparatus, providing, by a relay apparatus that relays the packet, a value to the packet, the value indicating a reception time upon the reception of the packet, providing, by the relay apparatus, a difference between the value provided to the packet in the providing of reception time and a current time to the packet upon the transmission of the packet, the difference serving as a delay value, and executing, by the second apparatus, a control for time synchronization based on the time of the first apparatus included in the packet and the delay value provided to the packet. |
| US08081658B2 |
Method and signaling procedure for transmission opportunity usage in a wireless mesh network
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for using the remaining TxOP time by the peer node to forward traffic to a different destination, a method for using the remaining TxOP time by the original node to send traffic to a different destination, a method for using the remaining TxOP time by a neighbor to send traffic to the original node, a method for using the remaining TxOP time by a neighbor to send traffic to another node, a method to signal the reuse rules of the remaining TxOP time, and a method to efficiently relinquish/truncate a TxOP to reset the NAV for the neighborhood. |
| US08081656B2 |
Processing data packets using navigational hardware assist
Herein described is a system and method for improving the performance in which data packets are processed in a set-top-box. The system determines and stores one or more values into a memory. The one or more values in memory are subsequently utilized when a firmware is executed. These values are used to efficiently index locations within one or more data packets, such that processing performance is improved. Based on the types of packets received by the set-top-box, the hardware assistance provided by the system may be gradually increased or attenuated to optimize the performance in which the data packets are processed. The method involves determining the one or more values, storing the one or more values in a memory, and using said one or more values to effectively index one or more data fields in the one or more data packets. |
| US08081655B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless transmission of data
There are provided methods for selecting a communication protocol for formatting data and for wirelessly transmitting data, preferably medical data, e.g., electrocardiogram data, methods for reducing data and/or selecting from data, methods for adding data, methods for generating trend data, methods for rendering data, methods for inputting and/or transmitting addressee data and for transmitting data to the addressee(s) and/or notifying the addressee(s), and methods for wirelessly transmitting data to a server and transmitting data from the server, as well as systems for carrying out such methods. |
| US08081654B2 |
Bandwidth division for packet processing
A bandwidth divider and method for allocating bandwidth between a plurality of packet processors. The bandwidth divider includes a plurality of counters for measuring the bandwidth of data packets transferred from the bandwidth divider to a respective packet processor; and a controller for analyzing the plurality of counters and transferring a data packet to a selected packet processor based on the contents of the counters. The method monitors the bandwidth consumed by the packet processors; determines, based on the bandwidth consumed by the packet processors, which packet processor has consumed the least amount of bandwidth; and allocates a next data packet to the packet processor which has consumed the least amount of bandwidth. |
| US08081652B2 |
Integrated universal input-output interface circuit
A circuit for enabling communication between a micro-controller device and a number of data networks using different network protocols comprises a switch circuit and a number of interface circuits. The switch circuit is configured to connect input-output terminals of the data network to corresponding terminals of the interface circuits. The interface circuits are configured to convert the data formatted according to the network protocol of the data network to data formatted in accordance with the micro-controller device communication protocol. |
| US08081647B2 |
Method and apparatus for buffering requests to web services using annotations
A system that allows for buffering of requests to web services. In an embodiment, a web service can include at least one annotation indicating that requests to that web service are to be buffered by a queue. A queue name and parameters can be optionally specified in the annotation; otherwise a default queue can be used. A message driven bean or other component can be created and can thereafter supply requests from the queue to the web service. |
| US08081640B2 |
Network system, network management server, and access filter reconfiguration method
Provided is a network system, comprising: a plurality of network devices; a network constructed from the plurality of network devices; and a management server managing the network. The plurality of network devices include a first network device in which a filter assigned as a target of reconfiguration is set and a second network device coupled at a lower level of the first network device. The management server obtains topology of the network from the plurality of network devices; reconfigures, by referring to the obtained network topology, the filters of the first and second network device such that a range in which a packet can be forwarded through a reconfiguring filter set in the first network device is made equal to a range in which a packet can be forwarded through the filter set in the second network device; and sets the reconfigured filters into the network devices. |
| US08081637B2 |
Network apparatus and method for forwarding packet
When a network apparatus of this invention receives an IEEE 802.3ad link application control packet from a subscriber line with a VPWS function, it processes the packet in a control unit without relaying the packet by VPWS. More specifically, the network apparatus receives an IEEE802.3ad link aggregation control packet along with receiving an IEEE802.3x flow control packet. The network apparatus transmits a link aggregation control packet. The network apparatus also relays other layer 2 control protocol packets without receiving them, and does not transmit the other layer 2 control protocol packets. |
| US08081635B2 |
Reconstruction of errored media streams in a communication system
A method for reconstructing and reproducing a received media stream while minimizing storage space is presented. The media stream transmitted by a transmitting device is uploaded to an external storage device. Metadata including packetization mapping information, missing packets not received by the receiving device, and reproduction time at the receiving device are also uploaded to the storage device. The storage device stores the missing packets and reproduction time of each receiving device if the same media stream is received by multiple devices. The data in the storage device is used to reconstruct the received media stream and reproduce the end user experience. |
| US08081632B2 |
Lookups by collisionless direct tables and CAMS
Computers are caused to provide a hash table wherein each entry is associated with a binary key and indexed by a selected portion of a hash value of the associated key, and points to a data structure location for storing non-selected portions of, or the entire hash value of, the binary key, and action data corresponding to the value of the binary key. Content addressable memory entries store a binary key, or a value unique to it, and an association to a corresponding action. Pointers to the data structure use selected portions of binary key hash values as an index when not selected portions of hash values of other binary keys, and associations are established between CAM entry and associated data structure locations when selected portions of the hash values of the binary keys are the same as selected portions of hash values of one or more other binary keys. |
| US08081629B2 |
System and method for sending packets over a computer network
The benefits of a multicast-enabled network are realized by a flexible, easy to deploy, software-based solution that does not require reconfiguring of network routers. Systems and methods that implement this solution can perform as follows. A packet is received that was sent by a sender to at least one receiver, and the packet includes a parameter relating to a multicast announce address. A forwarding rules set is associated with the packet if the parameter has a defined value. This forwarding rules set is used to determine whether any of the at least one destination addresses included in the packet corresponds to one of the receivers that has a receiver format that must be converted. In addition, the forwarding rules set defines when a packet should be converted from a sender format to a receiver format before forwarding the packet. The packet is converted from the sender format to the receiver format for each destination address identified as requiring conversion, and forwarded in accordance with the forwarding rules set. |
| US08081622B2 |
Jitter buffer controller
It is an object of this invention to improve speech quality in voice communications.Provided is a jitter buffer controller for controlling a jitter buffer in which arrived packets are accumulated, including: a jitter measuring portion for measuring jitters in the arrived packets; a judging portion for judging whether or not the jitters of the packets can be absorbed with an accumulation capacity of the jitter buffer; a determining portion for determining levels of importance of the packets; and a control portion for performing reproduction processing or discarding processing on a packet, among the packets accumulated in the jitter buffer, having jitter that cannot be absorbed with the accumulation capacity of the buffer, depending on a level of importance of the packet. |
| US08081618B2 |
Method and apparatus of continuous packet connectivity enhancement in a wireless communications system
In order to improve continuous packet connectivity (CPC), the present invention provides a method of improving CPC for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communications system. The method includes receiving the HS-PDSCHs indicated by a control information and decoding the data on the HS-PDSCHs according to the control information when detecting an HS-SCCH carrying the control information intended for the UE, and at the same time, receiving the HS-PDSCHs indicated by a specific control information and decoding the data on the HS-PDSCHs according to the specific control information when a specific operation is enabled. |
| US08081616B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
According to one embodiment, a communication apparatus has a transmission/reception module, a WLAN-setting data storage module, a registrar process module, a WOL-setting data storage module, and a WOL-setting data addition module. The transmission/reception module transmits and receives data to and from an external apparatus through wireless communication. The WLAN-setting data storage module stores WLAN-setting data for setting a WLAN function. The registrar process module transmits and receives data to and from the external apparatus via the transmission/reception module on the basis of the data stored in the WLAN-setting data storage module, and registers the external apparatus as an enrollee. The WOL-setting data storage module stores WOL-setting data for setting WOL function with respect to the external apparatus. The WOL-setting data addition module adds the WOL-setting data stored in the WOL-setting data storage module, to the data to be transmitted by the registrar process module to the external apparatus. |
| US08081611B2 |
Mobility label-based networks
A device may receive a discovery signal from a mobile node, register the mobile node in response to receiving the discovery signal from the mobile node, assign a mobility label to the mobile node after the registration, distribute messages describing the mobility label and the mobile node to edge routers in the network to create a label switched path, and route communication messages from a remote node to the mobile node along the label switched path in the network. |
| US08081610B2 |
Modifying remote service discovery based on presence
Modifying remote service discovery based on presence involves identifying service discovery data using ad-hoc, peer-to-peer, service discovery protocols of a local network. The service discovery data is aggregated via an entity of the local network. Presence data associated with a remote device located outside of the local network is identified and the aggregated service discovery data is altered based on the presence data. The altered aggregated service discovery data is made available to the remote device using out-of-band communications. The out-of-band communications are different from the service discovery protocols of the local network. |
| US08081609B2 |
Proxy-based signaling architecture for streaming media services in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method involving a media server, a wireless access network, at least one media client, and a proxy server. The method includes accessing, at the proxy server, at least one message including information indicating impending establishment of a media session between the media server and said at least one media client. The method also includes providing, from the proxy server, information indicating the impending establishment of the media session and a request to receive feedback associated with the media session. The method further includes receiving, at the proxy server, feedback associated with the media session in response to providing the request to receive feedback associated with the media session. |
| US08081608B2 |
Data flow control in WLAN radio connections for the impairment of internet telephony
In a method for controlling the data flow on a radio link between a WLAN base station and a WLAN mobile station, the data rate on the radio link is reduced for in each case one time period (36, 37) at time intervals (35). One preferred field of application for the method is to restrict general or unauthorized transmission of a telephone call via the Internet. |
| US08081604B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling SRVCC in an inter radio access technology handover
The techniques introduced herein provide a system and method for determining whether an inter-RAT handover is an SRVCC handover, and for performing the subsequent SRVCC handover. The techniques include receiving a handover command message that does not include SRVCC related information elements, for example “RAB info to replace,” but continuing with an SRVCC handover using a circuit-switched RAB provided in the information for setup. The techniques also include receiving a handover command message that does include SRVCC related information elements and performing the SRVCC handover by an alternative method. |
| US08081597B2 |
Quasi synchronous transmission in cellular networks
Aspects of the invention include a root node of a wireless communication infrastructure that buffers data packets for transmission by base stations over an air interface. The root node determines a time delay for transmission of a data packet from the root node to each base station, a maximum time delay of those time delays, and a timing latency based upon the maximum time delay. The root node transmits the timing latency to the base stations. In response, each base station initiates transmission of data packets received by the root node after expiration of the timing latency. Alternatively, the root node, instead of the base stations, may buffer the data packets, and transmit them so that they arrive at the base stations at substantially the same time. |
| US08081595B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling transmissions via an enhanced dedicated channel
A method and apparatus for scheduling transmissions via an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) are disclosed. A scheduled power is calculated for scheduled data flows. A remaining transmit power is calculated for the E-DCH transmission. A rate request message is generated, wherein the scheduled power, remaining transmit power and rate request message are used to select transport format combinations (TFCs) and multiplex data scheduled for the E-DCH transmission. The remaining transmit power is calculated by subtracting from a maximum allowed power the power of a dedicated physical data channel (DPDCH), a dedicated physical control channel (DPCCH), a high speed dedicated physical control channel (HS-DPCCH), an enhanced uplink dedicated physical control channel (E-DPCCH) and a power margin. |
| US08081593B2 |
Mobile switching center with outgoing access closed user group interlock code
A mobile switching center of an apparatus in one example is configured to provide a closed user group (CUG) supplementary service to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device is a member of a default CUG and is not provisioned for outgoing access. The mobile switching center is configured to provide a plurality of CUG interlock codes that correspond to a plurality of closed user groups (CUGs). The plurality of CUG interlock codes comprise at least one outgoing access (OA) CUG interlock code. The mobile switching center is configured to provide a default behavior according to the default CUG for an outgoing call from the mobile communication device. The mobile switching center is configured to provide outgoing access to the mobile communication device for the outgoing call if a setup message from the mobile communication device for the outgoing call comprises a request for the OA CUG interlock code. |
| US08081592B2 |
Flexible medium access control (MAC) for ad hoc deployed wireless networks
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate wireless communication using resource utilization messages (RUMs), in accordance with various aspects. A RUM may be generated for a first node, such as an access point or an access terminal, to indicate that a first predetermined threshold has been met or exceeded. The RUM may be weighted to indicate a degree to which a second predetermined threshold has been exceeded. The first and/or second predetermined thresholds may be associated with various parameters associated with the node, such as latency, throughput, data rate, spectral efficiency, carrier-to-interference ratio, interference-over-thermal level, etc. The RUM may then be transmitted to one or more other nodes to indicate a level of disadvantage experienced by the first node. |
| US08081591B2 |
Access terminal paging improvements
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed providing improved paging procedures in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, a Power-down Registration signal is transmitted via a 1×RTT modem from an Access Terminal (AT) to an Access Network (AN) in a wireless communication system that includes both a 1×RTT modem and a 1×HRPD modem. The Power-down Registration signal conveys information to the AN indicating that a power-down process has been initiated by the AT, and thereby enables the AN to discontinue transmission of signals and messages to the AT that are not effective when the AT is in an off-state. |
| US08081590B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling sleep states of network nodes
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for controlling nodes in a communication network, such as a wireless sensor network. In one exemplary embodiment, a node, referred to herein as a “coordinator node,” controls the operation of various nodes, referred to herein as “sensor nodes,” that are configured to monitor various parameters. The coordinator node from time-to-time broadcasts a beacon to the sensor nodes. The beacon can include various information that is used by the sensor nodes for control. In one exemplary embodiment, the beacon includes node-specific information that informs at least some nodes that they are to transition to a sleep state for a certain period of time. Such nodes, based on the beacon, transition to a sleep state, thereby conserving electrical power. |
| US08081584B2 |
Control system apparatus and systems using value-based transfers
A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor. The client digital data processor executes, within that virtual machine environment, an applet for configuring the client digital data processor as a “process controller” that establishes communications over the network with the command processor and that monitors and/or controls the process control apparatus via those communications. |
| US08081580B2 |
Network verification system
A network verification system verifies a network to which a relay apparatus relays a packet. A test management apparatus includes a condition acquiring unit to acquire verification conditions which contain an unused network address as a test target and a registering unit to register, in an address resolution table of the relay apparatus, an entry in which the unused network address contained in the acquired verification conditions is associated with a physical address of the testing apparatus. A testing apparatus includes a test packet transmitting unit to transmit, when instructed by the test management apparatus, the plurality of test packets to form a plurality of connections based on the verification conditions, a test packet receiving unit to receive the plurality of test packets and a measuring unit to measure communication qualities with respect to the respective connections of the plurality of test packets. |
| US08081579B2 |
Communication control apparatus, wireless communication apparatus, communication control method and wireless communication method
The communication control apparatus 100 of the present invention carries out complementary communication by selecting plural wireless communication paths 10A, 10B between a wireless communication apparatus 300 and itself. The communication control apparatus 100 includes: a calculation unit (135, 137, 105) for calculating, on the basis of a packet received by way of each wireless communication path, ideal signal-reception timing and allowable limit timing of the received packet at the wireless communication path; a memory unit (107) for receiving and memorizing variation absorbing time at the received packet in the application transmitted from the wireless communication apparatus; and a selection unit (105) for selecting the plural different wireless communication paths such that variation request time, obtained on the basis of the ideal signal-reception timing and the allowable limit timing at each wireless communication path calculated by the calculation unit, does not exceed the variation absorbing time in the application memorized in the memory unit. |
| US08081578B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically categorizing voice over internet protocol (VoIP) subscriber devices in accordance with VoIP test and call quality data
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for categorizing voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscriber device numbers in accordance to test call results are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes creating a plurality of VoIP test call lists within a test call system and assigning VoIP subscriber device numbers to the plurality of VoIP test call lists. Each of VoIP subscriber device numbers is tested based on the test call list to which each of the VoIP subscriber device numbers is assigned, wherein each test call list corresponds to at least one of a test call type and a test call frequency associated with the test call list. The method also includes obtaining call quality data for at least one of the VoIP subscriber device numbers and automatically reassigning one or more of the VoIP subscriber device numbers to a different test call list based on at least one of results of the testing and the call quality data. |
| US08081577B2 |
Method of calculating soft value and method of detecting transmission signal
The present invention relates to a method of calculating a soft value and a method of detecting a transmission signal. The present invention estimates a channel on the basis of a received signal and rearranges a plurality of data streams. Further, a plurality of substitute vectors are selected from the rearranged data streams and a metric corresponding to each of the substitute vector is calculated. Further, a threshold value is calculated from a metric calculated for each of the substitute vectors and a soft value of each bit of a transmission signal is calculated from the metric and threshold value corresponding to each of the substitute vectors. |
| US08081576B2 |
Multipath searcher results sorting method
A method and apparatus for identifying valid multipath energy peaks are described including locating an energy peak in a profile of energy peaks, categorizing the located energy peak based on a plurality of thresholds and processing energy peaks in at least one of the categories of located energy peaks. The method and apparatus further includes removing a direct current value component from each value in the profile of energy peaks, calculating a noise floor for a multipath searching window and determining a first threshold and a second threshold. The step and means for categorizing further includes determining if the located energy peak exceeds the first threshold, labeling the located energy peak as a false alarm, if the located energy peak does not exceed the first threshold, determining if the located energy peak exceeds the second threshold and labeling the located energy peak as confident, if the located energy peak exceeds the second threshold. |
| US08081575B2 |
System and method for dynamic adaptation of data rate and transmit power with a beaconing protocol
A system, apparatus, and method are provided for dynamically selecting the data rate and/or transmit (TX) power. The method consists of devices periodically transmitting beacon frames in which they include data rate and/or TX power feedback for all senders of data streams, of which the devices are a receiver. The feedback may consist of recommended values for data rate and/or TX power or of channel state information. A sender chooses data rate and/or transmit power considering the feedback from the one or several receivers of the stream. The invention especially relates to systems based on an Ultra Wide Band Medium Access Control Protocol. |
| US08081574B2 |
Monitor device and broadcast radio wave retransmission system
A monitor device includes a packet communication device, a report data transmitting device, a communication status determination device, and a transmission error history storage device. The report data transmitting device transmits report data for reporting an error of a broadcast radio wave retransmission system to an external monitoring center through the packet communication device. The communication status determination device determines whether or not transmission of the report data is successfully performed by the report data transmitting device. The transmission error history storage device stores an error in the report data transmission, when the communication status determination device determines that an error occurs in transmission of the report data, as a transmission error history in a storage device. |
| US08081571B2 |
Flow admission control in an IP network
A flow admission control module for IP traffic types monitors network topology and usage. A new flow is not admitted if it is determined that the flow would push the utilization of available bandwidth reserved for the traffic type on a link in the associated path beyond a predetermined threshold. The admission control module may, as a result of dynamic changes to network topology capacity, re-compute the link utilization for effected active flows The admission control module may also account for protection regimes in flow admission calculations. |
| US08081570B2 |
High speed flow control methodology
A method and apparatus for controlling data flow across a network performs a method which includes transmitting a packet request message from a first station to a second station, then determining if the packet request message is valid. A request acknowledge message is transmitted from the second station to the first station, and it is then determined if the request acknowledge message is valid. The packet request message and the request acknowledge message each includes a control bit string, an identification bit string, and at least one parity bit. |
| US08081566B1 |
Method and apparatus for indicating congestion in a source routed network
A packet header in a source routed network is augmented to include, with each hop identifier, at least one bit for indicating congestion at the particular hop. As the packet traverses from the source to the destination, when congestion is detected at a hop, a congestion bit associated with the hop is set in the header. At the destination, when another packet is forwarded from the destination to the source on the same path, the congestion bits are reflected back to the source. When the source receives the congestion bits, it has the option of re-routing subsequent communications between the source and destination nodes by generating a new hop list, which routes around one or more of the congested hops. |
| US08081564B2 |
Resilient data communications with physical layer link aggregation, extended failure detection and load balancing
Rapid channel failure detection and recovery in wireless communication networks is needed in order to meet, among other things, carrier class Ethernet channel standards. Thus, resilient wireless packet communications is provided using a physical layer link aggregation protocol with a hardware-assisted rapid channel failure detection algorithm and load balancing, preferably in combination. This functionality may be implemented in a Gigabit Ethernet data access card with an engine configured accordingly. In networks with various topologies, these features may be provided in combination with their existing protocols. |
| US08081561B2 |
Signal generating unit and signal receiving unit
A signal generating unit (100) is provided for generating signals. The signal generating unit comprises an IFFT unit (101) for generating an output signal; a filter unit (102) operatively connected to the IFFT unit; and a subtractor (103) operatively connected to the IFFT unit and to the filter unit, said subtractor being adapted to subtract the interference from the output signal. A signal receiving unit (200, 300) is provided for receiving signals. The signal generating unit comprises a filter unit (202, 302); a subtractor (203, 303) operatively connected to the filter unit; and an FFT unit (201, 301) operatively connected to the subtractor. Methods for receiving and generating signals are also provided. |
| US08081560B2 |
Method and apparatus for self-tuning precoder
Techniques are disclosed for compensating for crosstalk using adaptation of data signals transmitted over respective channels of a communication system. For example, a method includes the following steps. A first set of estimated measures of crosstalk is obtained for at least a selected portion of a plurality of communication channels over which data signals are to be transmitted from a transmitter to at least a selected portion of a plurality of receivers. A first set of data signals based on the first set of estimated measures of crosstalk is adapted to generate a first set of adjusted data signals. The first set of adjusted data signals is transmitted to corresponding ones of the plurality of receivers. A second set of estimated measures of crosstalk is obtained for the selected portion of the plurality of communication channels. A second set of data signals for transmission based on the second set of estimated measures of crosstalk is adapted to generate a second set of adjusted data signals. Iteration of the obtaining, adjusting and transmitting steps is performed so as to reduce an error between subsequent estimated measures of crosstalk and actual measures of crosstalk for the plurality of communication channels. |
| US08081558B2 |
Optical system of optical pick-up and optical information recording/reproducing apparatus
An optical system of an optical pick-up including a resin coupling lens and a resin objective lens with NA larger than 0.8, wherein, magnification β satisfies a condition: −0.13<β<−0.08, a focal length f of the objective lens satisfies a condition: 1.15 |
| US08081555B2 |
Method for evaluating read signal
A method for evaluating a read signal obtained by irradiating a medium with a laser beam through an objective lens and reading data from the reflected laser beam by a PRML detection method is provided. The method includes: a sampling step of sampling the data obtained from the reflected laser beam at clock timings to obtain sampled values; and a step of, when a constraint length of a PR class in the PRML detection method is an even number, computing an intermediate sampled value for evaluation using at least adjacent two of the sampled values arranged in the order sampled at the clock timings. The provided method is an objective evaluation method when the PRML detection method is used, whereby the selection of a recording medium and a reading apparatus is facilitated. |
| US08081551B2 |
Optical recording medium, and optical information device
An object of the invention is to provide an optical recording medium and an optical information device that enable to improve the quality of a servo signal and a reproduction signal. In the case where shape-wise thicknesses tr1, tr2, tr3, and tr4 of a cover layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, and a third intermediate layer are respectively converted into thicknesses t1, t2, t3, and t4 of the respective corresponding layers each having a predetermined refractive index “no”, a defocus amount with respect to a layer having a refractive index nrα and a thickness trα (satisfying: 1≦α≦n (where α is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)), and a defocus amount with respect to a layer having the refractive index “no” and a thickness tα (satisfying: 1≦α≦n (where α is a positive integer and n is an integer of 4 or more)) are equal to each other; and the thicknesses t1, t2, t3, and t4 satisfy |t1−(t2+t3+t4)|≧1 μm, a difference between any two values of the thicknesses t1, t2, t3, and t4 is set to 1 μm or more in any case, and |(t1+t2)−(t3+t4)|≧1 μm. |
| US08081546B2 |
Optical disk apparatus for performing power control
An optical disk apparatus for performing ROPC. A controller of the optical disk apparatus detects the quantity of reflected light Bo acquired when OPC is performed to set initial recording power Po; computes recording power P such that Bo/Pon=B/Pn is achieved in relation to the quantity of reflected light B acquired during recording of data; and computes next recording power Pr by use of a coefficient α by means of Pr=(1−α)·Pc+α·P in relation to current recording power Pc, to thus control recording power. The coefficient α is set to 0<α<1, thereby suppressing fluctuations and divergence of recording power. The coefficient α is dynamically set according to a parameter “n.” |
| US08081542B1 |
Thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk drive with patterned multilevel media and laser with power modulation
A thermally-assisted recording (TAR) patterned-media magnetic recording disk drive has a perpendicular patterned-media disk with multilevel data islands and a laser capable of supplying multiple levels of output power to a near-field transducer (NFT). If there are only two cells in each island, each island is formed of an upper cell of magnetic material with a coercivity HC1 and a Curie temperature TC1, a lower cell of magnetic material with a coercivity HC2 and a Curie temperature TC2 greater than TC1, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the two cells. Each cell is formed of high-anisotropy material so as to have an anisotropy field greater than the magnetic write field. The TAR laser is capable of supplying at least two levels of output power to the NFT to allow the islands to be heated to two distinct temperatures so that the two cells in an island can be written so as to have either the same or opposite magnetizations. |
| US08081539B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
For an ultrasonic sensor at least one sensitivity parameter or sensitivity characteristics curve may be adjusted as a function of the air humidity and/or temperature in such a way that a predefined range or a range section may be reliably reached. Such a sensor makes it possible to reliably detect curbs, and to locate parking spaces, including curb detection under varying weather conditions. |
| US08081534B2 |
Automatic scrambling of input/output data according to row addresses in a semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device is capable of scrambling input/output data according to row addresses. The semiconductor memory device includes a local line driving block configured to differentially drive a positive local line and a negative local line by selectively inverting data on a global line according to row addresses, a global line driving block configured to drive the global line by selectively inverting data on the positive local line and data on the negative local line according to the row addresses, a first cell region configured to allow a first internal data to be equalized with the data on the positive local line in response to the row addresses and column addresses, and a second cell region configured to allow a second internal data to be equalized with the data on the negative local line in response to the row addresses and the column addresses. |
| US08081533B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device is provided between a refresh request circuit and a command decoder, and includes a refresh synchronous circuit for deactivating a refresh request if an external access request is output from the command decoder. The semiconductor memory device further includes a clock phase adjusting unit that generates a delay to a clock, where the delay is same or longer than the time taken from when the external access request is issued until when a critical path is passed, and the delay is also shorter than one cycle. Then a flip-flop retrieves the request from the command decoder at the clock timing from the clock phase adjusting unit to supply it to the memory cell array. |
| US08081530B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and associated local sense amplifier
A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells, a bit line sense amplifier, a local sense amplifier, and a sense amplifier. The memory cells are connected between a word line and a bit line pair, and the bit line sense amplifier is configured to amplify voltages of data from the bit line pair and then transmits the data to a local data line pair. The local sense amplifier is configured to amplify voltages of the data from the local data line pair and transmit the data to a global data line pair in response to first and second control signals, and the sense amplifier is configured to amplify the voltages of the data from the global data line pair and transmit the data to an input/output line pair during a read operation. The local sense amplifier comprises a first read circuit, a second read circuit, and a write circuit, and when the memory device performs the read operation, the data is transmitted from the first read circuit to the write circuit via the second read circuit. |
| US08081527B1 |
Per-bit de-skew mechanism for a memory interface controller
A memory controller may implement variable delay elements, on a per-bit basis, in both the read and write paths. The memory controller may include multiple adjustable delay circuits associated with data lines and a strobe line, each of the adjustable delay circuits inserting an adjustable amount of delay into a signal destined to or received from one of the data lines or the strobe line. The memory controller may additionally include control logic to determine the delay amount for each of the adjustable delay circuits, the delay amount being determined to reduce static skew between each of the data lines and the strobe line. |
| US08081525B2 |
Memory device including combination SRAM-ROM cells and SRAM cells alternately arranged and semiconductor device including the memory device
A combination memory device including a static random access memory (SRAM) and a read only memory (ROM) comprises first memory cells and second memory cells arranged in rows and columns, in which each of the first memory cells includes an SRAM cell and a ROM cell and is arranged adjacent to at least one of the second memory cells, and each of the second memory cells includes an SRAM cell and does not include a ROM cell. |
| US08081521B2 |
Two bits per cell non-volatile memory architecture
A memory circuit for holding a single binary value. A first bit cell holds one of a logical high value and a logical low value, and a second bit cell also holds one of a logical high value and a logical low value. Circuitry is provided for placing a logical high value in the first bit cell when the binary value in the memory circuit is to be a logical high value, and circuitry is provided for placing a logical high value in the second bit cell when the binary value in the memory circuit is to be a logical low value. In this manner, a logical high value exists within the memory circuit, whether the single binary value within the memory circuit is a logical high value or a logical low value. The difference between the two values of the binary value is which of the two bit cells holds the logical high value. Thus, this memory circuit can be sensed without the use of a sense amplifier. |
| US08081520B2 |
Over erase correction method of flash memory apparatus
An over erase correction method of a flash memory apparatus is provided. The flash memory apparatus includes at least a microprocessor, a memory array, a bit line exchange unit and a column decoder. By controlling the column decoder of the flash memory during a period of the over-erase correction, the column decoder outputs control signals to the bit line exchange unit for selecting at least one of the bit lines according to a magnitude of the bit line leakage current. The drop in the charge pump voltage due to the bit line leakage current is reduced, and thus, the over-erase correction is executed effectively during the period of the over-erase correction. |
| US08081517B2 |
Solid state storage system for uniformly using memory area and method controlling the same
A solid state storage system includes a memory area having a plurality of pages and is capable of storing program information about each page. The memory area stores the number of pulse counts applied to each page. A main memory controller receives the program information from the memory area and determines whether to program pages according to the program information. The main memory controller determines whether the program information for a page is at a predetermined amount and if the corresponding page should be programmed again or not. |
| US08081513B2 |
NAND flash memory
A NAND flash memory has a control circuit. The control circuit applies a writing voltage between a control gate and a well by applying a first voltage to the well and a positive second voltage higher than the first voltage to the control gate during the writing operation, and then the control circuit applies a detrapping voltage between the control gate and the well by applying a third voltage to the control gate and a positive fourth voltage higher than the third voltage to the well before the verification reading operation. |
| US08081507B2 |
Tri-state memory device and method
A non-volatile tri-state random access memory device, including a permanent magnetic bit; a write module in functional communication with the permanent magnetic bit and configured to selectably alter the permanent magnetic bit between three magnetic states, a write module including a write coil disposed about the permanent magnetic bit and in communication with a source of electrical power; and a read module in functional communication with the permanent magnetic bit and configured to observe and communicate each of three magnetic states of the permanent magnetic bit, the read module including a read sensor coupled to a read return line. |
| US08081505B2 |
Magnetoresistive element and method of manufacturing the same
A magnetoresistive element includes a stacked structure including a fixed layer having a fixed direction of magnetization, a recording layer having a variable direction of magnetization, and a nonmagnetic layer sandwiched between the fixed layer and the recording layer, a first protective film covering a circumferential surface of the stacked structure, and made of silicon nitride, and a second protective film covering a circumferential surface of the first protective film, and made of silicon nitride. A hydrogen content in the first protective film is not more than 4 at %, and a hydrogen content in the second protective film is not less than 6 at %. |
| US08081497B2 |
Converter station
A converter station for connecting an AC system to a bipolar HVDC transmission line. A DC neutral arrangement includes first DC breakers enabling breaking of a first current path from the neutral bus of one pole to the neutral bus of the other pole at bipolar operation of the station for changing to monopolar operation thereof for isolation of a faulty section of the system while establishing a current path to electrode line connecting members for diverting the current from the one pole thereto. A separate connecting member is provided for each of the electrode lines. A connector is configured to connect each neutral bus to an optional of the two electrode line connecting members. |
| US08081496B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting maximum output power of a power converter
An example power converter includes an energy transfer element, a switch, a controller, and a current offset circuit. The controller is coupled to switch the switch between an ON state and an OFF state to regulate the output of the power converter. The controller is also adapted to terminate the ON state of the switch in response to a switch current flowing through the switch reaching a switch current threshold. An auxiliary winding of the energy transfer element is adapted to generate an auxiliary winding voltage that is representative of an input voltage of the power converter only during the ON state of the switch. The current offset circuit is coupled to the auxiliary winding to generate an offset current to flow through the switch in response to the auxiliary winding voltage, where an input current of the power converter is adjusted in response to the offset current. |
| US08081492B2 |
Switching power supply with smoothing circuitry for more stable output
The first choke coil and the third choke coil are not magnetically coupled to the second choke coil and the fourth choke coil. Therefore, even in a case where a structure for increasing the heat radiation area is adopted, a pair of the first and third choke coils and a pair of the second and fourth choke coils located between the two ends of the capacitor maintain a state of equilibrium so as to be inversely proportional to mutual loss without affecting one another, and the output therefore stabilizes. Accordingly, the output of the switching power supply, that is, the rectified and smoothed output across the two ends of the capacitor stabilizes. |
| US08081486B2 |
Electronic module
An electronic module has at least one first and one second connecting terminal and power semiconductors which are connected by way of connecting conductors, diodes which are each connected in parallel with the power semiconductors and at least one capacitor, likewise connected to the power semiconductors by connecting conductors, which is used, in the event of a fault, to ensure a high degree of availability and operational reliability of a converter; the connecting conductors of the novel device have at least two sections which run parallel to one another and at least one of which can be deformed. The sections are used to guide the current flowing in the electronic module in the opposite direction and are dimensioned such that, when a threshold current is exceeded, they form a conductive connection between the connecting terminals and bridge the power semiconductors and each capacitor. |
| US08081485B2 |
Component assembly
A component assembly includes an electric component with a body and a carrier substrate on which the component is fixed by means of a conductive adhesive layer. External electrical contacts that have a planar surface are arranged on the lower side of the body. The conductive adhesive acts upon the body in at least one contact region that is devoid of the external electrical contacts. |
| US08081484B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting a computer chip on a printed circuit board assembly
A printed circuit board assembly and method of assembly in which underfill is placed between a chip and substrate to support the chip. A trench is formed in the upper layer of the printed circuit board to limit the flow of the underfill and in particular to limit the underfill from contact with adjacent components so that the underfill does not interfere with adjacent components on the printed circuit board assembly. |
| US08081480B2 |
Fixing module and case having the fixing module
A fixing module for fixing a card module and a case having the fixing module are provided. The fixing module includes a base and a sliding element. The base is disposed on a bracket and includes a carrying portion, a cantilever hook, and a constraining structure. The sliding element includes a resilient portion and a body. The body is movably disposed on the carrying portion of the base. The constraining structure is adapted to contact the body and constrain a movement of the body when the sliding element is in a locked position, and the resilient portion constrains the locking bracket of the card module on the bracket. When a force is exerted on the cantilever hook to disengage the constraining structure from the body, the sliding element is moved to an unlocked position under the influence of an elastic restoring force of the resilient portion. |
| US08081478B1 |
Fluid cooled electronics module cover
An electronics component assembly for cooling high power density components including a fluid cooled module cover. In one embodiment, the electronics component assembly includes a module cover that is configured to make thermal contact with heat-generating electronic components of a module. The module cover includes an inlet, an outlet and at least one fluid passageway between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid passageway permits fluid to flow through the module cover, thereby allowing the module cover to act as a heat sink. |
| US08081469B2 |
Thermal interface material and method of using the same and electronic assembly having the same
An electronic assembly includes a heat source having a maximum operating temperature, a heat dissipating device, a thermal interface material sandwiched between the heat source and the heat dissipating device. The thermal interface material includes a base and a plurality of first thermally conductive particles dispersed in the base. The first thermally conductive particles have a size monotonically changing from a first size less than 100 nanometers and a first melting temperature below the maximum operating temperature, to a second size larger than 100 nanometers and a second melting temperature above the maximum operating temperature when the heat source operates at a temperature above the first melting temperature and at or below the maximum operating temperature. |
| US08081468B2 |
Memory modules including compliant multilayered thermally-conductive interface assemblies
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of thermally-conductive interface assemblies suitable for use in dissipating heat from one or more components of a memory module. The thermally-conductive interface assembly may generally include a flexible heat-spreading material having first and second sides and one or more perforations extending through the flexible heat-spreading material from the first side to the second side. The flexible heat-spreading material may be sandwiched between first and second layers of soft thermal interface material. A portion of the soft thermal interface material may be disposed within the one or more perforations. The thermally-conductive interface assembly may be positioned relative to one or more components of a memory module to provide a thermally-conductive heat path from the one or more components to the first layer of soft thermal interface material. |
| US08081467B2 |
Electronics package including heat sink in the housing and related methods
An electronics package may include a housing and electronic circuitry carried thereby. The housing may include a first metallic material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and having an array of openings therein. The electronics package may also include a thermally conductive body within each of the openings in the array thereof to thereby define a heat sink for the electronic circuitry. Each of the thermally conductive bodies may include a second metallic material having a second CTE substantially different from the first CTE. |
| US08081464B2 |
High-voltage switch with cooling
An exemplary encapsulated high-voltage switch is disclosed which contains a heat-generating current conductor, a metal encapsulation surrounding the current conductor, and a cooling element. A cooler of the cooling element is fixed on a part of the encapsulation that is embodied as a mounting plate, and has cooling ribs arranged outside the encapsulation. In a section of the cooler that is embodied as a cooling block, at least a portion of the cooling ribs is arranged parallel to the mounting plate and is held on a heat distributor fixed to the mounting plate in such a way that on both sides of the heat distributor in each case one of two groups of cooling channels arises, in which the cooling channels are in each case arranged in the manner of a sandwich. The cooling channels can, for example, be oriented in a manner inclined relative to a horizontal axis of the switch. |
| US08081463B2 |
Water-cooled communication chassis
A water-cooled communication chassis includes a chassis body and a water cooling unit. The chassis body includes at least one heat receiving portion, at least one heat dissipation portion, and at least one first water pipe system. The first water pipe system has a front part extended through the heat receiving portion and a rear part arranged on the heat dissipation portion, so that heat absorbed by the heat receiving portion is transferred via the first water pipe system to the heat dissipation portion and dissipated therefrom into ambient air. The water cooling unit communicates with the first water pipe system and drives a cooling fluid stored therein to circulate in between the first water pipe system and the water cooling unit, so that the heat absorbed by the heat receiving portion can be quickly and continuously carried away from the communication chassis by the circulating cooling fluid. |
| US08081456B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for controlling information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus sets a driving keeping voltage for keeping driving of a fan to a voltage that is higher than a voltage that is applied to the fan when the fan is determined not to be rotating after decreasing the voltage that is applied to the fan in a state where the fan is rotating. |
| US08081455B2 |
Cooling device and method for acoustic apparatus
A cooling device for an acoustic apparatus includes a cooling fan that is turned on and off, and adjusted in quantity of airflow in accordance with an apparatus temperature, wherein when the apparatus temperature is lower than a value requiring immediate cooling, and when an audio output is in a mute state, the cooling fan is not changed in operating state. |
| US08081454B2 |
Gas ejector, electronic device, and gas-ejecting method
A gas ejector capable of effectively dissipating heat generated from a heater while inhibiting noise generation as little as possible, an electronic device equipped with the gas ejector, and a gas-ejecting method are offered. A gas ejector (1) according to the present invention includes a vibrator (25) and ejects gas in a form of a pulsating flow such that vibration of the vibrator allows sound waves respectively generated upon ejection of the gas ejected from nozzles (23) and (24) to deaden out each other. Also, a control section (20) optimizes the frequency of the vibrator (25), hence, by increasing the gas ejection quantity as much as possible while inhibiting noise generation, heat of a heater is effectively dissipated. |
| US08081453B2 |
Adhesive air guiding device and motherboard having the same
A motherboard including an electronic component is provided. Airflow flows through the motherboard along a direction. An adhesive air guiding device including at least one air guiding surface facing the direction of the airflow is stuck to the electronic component, for guiding the airflow to flow over the electronic component. |
| US08081452B2 |
Computer case
A computer case includes a case, a main board, and a carrier. The case includes guiding members. The main board includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board is attached to the case. The first circuit board includes a first connector. The second circuit board includes a second connector. The carrier includes a main body, a handle, and at least one latching member. The second circuit board is removably connected to the main body. Each latching member includes a rotary member and a rotary arm. The rotary member is rotatably connected to the main body and the rotary arm. The rotary member defines a receiving groove. The rotary arm is rotatably connected to the handle. When the second connector is connected to the first connector, guiding members stay in the receiving grooves to prevent the main body and the handle from moving. |
| US08081451B1 |
Port locking device
A port locking device is fixed to an electronic device. The port locking device comprises a keyhole and a key. A port and a processing unit are connected by a magnetic metal. To lock a port of the electronic device, the key is received in the keyhole. After the key is pressed downwards to a plane on which a port switch of the keyhole is positioned, the key magnetizes a first magnetic object in the keyhole. As the key is rotated, the first magnetic object magnetizes the magnetic metal to cease connection between the port and the processing unit of the electronic device, and the port is locked. |
| US08081446B2 |
Notebook computer
A notebook computer includes a base, a display pivotably connected to a back of the base, and two brackets rotatably engaged with two side of the notebook computer. The two brackets can be rotated to from a rotating path. The rotating path includes a first position and a second position. At the first position, the two brackets are received in two sides of the display. At the second position, a top of each bracket extends out of the base to lift up the back of the base. |
| US08081444B2 |
Computer system with airflow guiding duct
A computer system includes a chassis and an airflow guiding duct. The chassis includes a chassis bottom wall, a chassis front wall and a chassis rear wall. The chassis front wall defines a first ventilation hole, and the chassis rear wall defines a second ventilation hole. A motherboard is secured to the chassis bottom wall between the chassis front wall and the chassis rear wall. A memory card is secured to the motherboard. The airflow guiding duct is secured in the chassis and includes an entrance portion. The entrance portion covers a portion of the memory card, so as to guide airflow. Airflow flows in the chassis via the first ventilation hole, over the memory card, and then out of the chassis via the second ventilation hole. |
| US08081443B2 |
Modeled after: information processing apparatus and video signal output control method
A video signal output control method in an information processing apparatus which being to be locked to an external unit by a lock mechanism, the video signal output control method includes detecting the state of the lock mechanism, and stopping the output of the video signal to the external unit, when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state. |
| US08081442B2 |
Removable data-storage device
A removable data-storage device. The removable data-storage device includes a main data-storage unit, an exterior housing for containing the main data-storage unit, an elastic shock-reduction part between an inner wall of the exterior housing and the main data-storage unit for reducing a mechanical shock to the main data-storage unit by elasticity and an external connector exposed from an opening of the exterior housing. The main data-storage unit is placed at the rear of the external connector as viewed from the opening. The external connector is joined and secured to the main data-storage unit and the exterior housing. In addition, the elastic shock-reduction part is configured to deform with a movement of the main data-storage unit in the exterior housing produced by a mechanical shock and a movable range of the external connector is smaller than a movable range of the main data-storage unit. |
| US08081434B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed that can prevent pressing of a substrate and exposure of D-IC to the outside. The display includes a display panel, a driving circuit on one side of a rear surface of the display panel, the driving circuit driving the display panel, and a case receiving the display panel and the driving circuit. The case includes a slit having a predetermined space to expose the driving circuit, and both ends of the slit include a spacer supporting a lower portion of the display panel. |
| US08081431B2 |
Height-adjustable stand and flat panel display utilizing the same
A height-adjustable stand includes a base defining a receiving space and a sidewall. A height extender is slidably received in the receiving space and includes a front wall and an upper connecting end. The front wall defines a number of slots arranged along a sliding direction of the height extender. The upper connecting end is configured for connecting with a flat panel display device. A positioning member includes a threaded rod and a flange extending outward from the threaded rod. The threaded rod slidably extends through the sidewall of the base and includes a distal end. The distal end is able to be received in one of the slots to set the height extender in a desired position. The flange is external to the receiving space of the base. A locking member includes a nut and two guide rods protruding from the nut. |
| US08081430B2 |
Microperforated and backlit displays having alternative display capabilities
A visual display having microperforations, backlighting and contrasting surface finishes is disclosed. The visual display includes an opaque base object having a front surface and a plurality of microperforations therethrough from the front surface to a back surface. Each microperforation has a diameter of about 100 microns or less, and numerous microperforations are arranged into an overall pattern, such as a logo, text or advertisement. A light source placed proximate to the back surface passes light through the microperforations to be visible at the front surface, such that the overall pattern can be visibly perceived when the light source is turned on. A contrasting surface finish formed on the front surface includes at least two visibly distinguishable shades, with one shade covering at least a portion of the front surface defined by the overall pattern, such that the overall pattern can be seen when the light source is turned off. |
| US08081428B2 |
Hand-held information processing apparatus
A game apparatus includes a vibrating motor, and the vibrating motor is arranged to be fit into a rib provided at approximately the center of a base cover of a lower housing. The rib is made up of an upper member and a lower member different in height, and the vibrating motor is secured to be sandwiched between a side surface of the lower member and a side surface of a rib of a motor cover to be attached to the base cover. Thus, a side surface of the vibrating motor is in intimate contact with the side surface of the lower member and the side surface of the rib of the motor cover. |
| US08081425B2 |
Portable electronic device and transferring method of circuit element thereof
A portable electronic device and a transferring method of a circuit element thereof are provided. The portable electronic device comprises a main body and a circuit element. The main body has a shell and a control element by a print way. The circuit element is integrated with the shell by transferring and is electrically connected with the control element. |
| US08081424B2 |
Method for positioning a user interface of a computing device
A method for positioning a user interface of a computing device is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a user interface (UI), a counterweight, and a housing assembly that houses the UI with one or more exposed portions, and the counterweight. The counterweight can be positioned in the housing assembly to cause a desired position of at least one of the one or more exposed portions of the UI when a select one of a plurality of surfaces of the housing assembly rests on a nearly planar surface. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08081422B2 |
Power distribution system
A back-wiring board that connects to a main circuit board of a power distribution system. The back-wiring board includes a plurality of connectors configured to mechanically secure to a plurality of bus bars. The connectors of the back-wiring board are further configured to receive a voltage signal from the plurality of bus bars and to transmit the voltage signal to the back-wiring board. The back-wiring board also includes a plurality of wire-wrap pins integrated into a surface of the back-wiring board, wherein the wire-wrap pins are configured to receive data input signals. The back-wiring board includes a right-angle connector configured to couple the back-wiring board to the main circuit board. |
| US08081418B2 |
Low temperature double-layer capacitors
Double-layer capacitors capable of operating at extremely low temperatures (e.g., as low as −75° C.) are disclosed. Electrolyte solutions combining a base solvent (e.g., acetonitrile) and a cosolvent are employed to lower the melting point of the base electrolyte. Example cosolvents include methyl formate, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, propionitrile, butyronitrile, and 1,3-dioxolane. An optimized concentration (e.g., 0.10 M to 0.75 M) of salt, such as tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, is dissolved into the electrolyte solution. In some cases (e.g., 1,3-dioxolane cosolvent) additives, such as 2% by volume triethylamine, may be included in the solvent mixture to prevent polymerization of the solution. Conventional device form factors and structural elements (e.g., porous carbon electrodes and a polyethylene separator) may be employed. |
| US08081415B2 |
Grounding assembly
A grounding assembly for electronic equipment provides a discharge path for the energy arising from lightning strikes. A conductive strap connects the ground lug of the equipment to a ground plate buried in the earth. The conductive strap has a length, width and thickness, with the width being greater than the thickness. This reduces the inductance of the conductor from the controller to the ground plate, thereby enhancing the ability of the grounding assembly to dissipate energy from lightning strikes. |
| US08081414B2 |
Lighting protection system for wind generators
The invention relates to a lightning transmission element (1) which is fixed to a hub (21) of a wind generator and which is formed by a first conductor bar (2) which is fixed to a second insulating bar (5). According to the invention, a first end (4) of the lightning transmission element (1) is positioned opposite a metal strip (18) that is disposed at the root of each blade (10) of the wind generator at a first distance which enables a flashover of incident lightning at a point on a blade (10) of the wind generator, while a second end (3) thereof is positioned opposite a gutter (12) of a nacelle (13) of the wind generator at a second distance which enables a lightning flashover. The lightning is conveyed from the point on the blade (10) at which it is incident thereon to the earth through a series of conduction means including the lightning transmission element (1), said means preventing the lightning from striking the sensitive parts of the wind generator. |
| US08081404B2 |
Magnetoresistive element including an amorphous reference layer, a crystal layer, and a pinned layer
A magnetoresistive element includes: a free layer made of a ferromagnetic material, the free layer configured to change the direction of magnetization under the influence of an external magnetic field; an insulating layer overlaid on the free layer, the insulating layer made of an insulating material; an amorphous reference layer overlaid on the insulating layer, the amorphous reference layer made of a ferromagnetic material, the amorphous reference layer configured to fix the magnetization in a predetermined direction; a crystal layer overlaid on the amorphous reference layer, the crystal layer containing crystal grains; a non-magnetic layer overlaid on the crystal layer, the non-magnetic layer containing crystal grains having grown from the crystal grains in the crystal layer; and a pinned layer overlaid on the non-magnetic layer, the pinned layer configured to fix the magnetization in a predetermined direction. |
| US08081394B2 |
Information recording apparatus and method, information reproducing method and fade-in memory, with summary information corresponding to plurality of information recording elements
An information recording apparatus has a plurality of fine particles forming an array on a plane in close proximity of each other, each of the plural particles including a ferromagnetic metal, a light-emitting device for exciting a near-field light, and a photo-electric conversion element for detecting a near-field light traveled along the fine particles. Summary information may be recorded for plural information recording parts. |
| US08081391B1 |
Zoom lens for projection and projection-type display apparatus
A zoom lens for projection includes a negative first group composed of two lenses, a second group composed of a positive lens, an aperture stop, a third group composed of a positive lens, a fourth group composed of a negative fourth-group-first lens, a fourth-group-second lens arranged in such a manner that a negative air lens is formed between the fourth-group-first lens and the fourth-group-second lens, and a positive fourth-group-third lens, and a fifth group composed of a positive lens having a convex surface facing the magnification side of the zoom lens, which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. Further, the following formula (1) is satisfied: −0.6<(R72+R71)/(R72−R71)<0.6 (1), where R71 is a radius of curvature of a magnification-side surface of the fourth-group-third lens, and R72 is a radius of curvature of a reduction-side surface of the fourth-group-third lens. |
| US08081389B2 |
Electro-wetting device and a method of manufacturing the same
An electro-wetting device is provided that can prevent deterioration of withstand voltage characteristics due to use of a high-dielectric constant film, thereby ensuring an insulating structure having high reliability. The electro-wetting device includes a conductive first liquid, an insulating second liquid, a transparent substrate and a cover body defining a liquid room for accommodating therein the first and second liquids, an electrode layer formed on a surface, on the liquid room side, of the transparent substrate, and an insulating layer formed on a surface of the electrode layer. The insulating layer has a lamination structure of a first insulating film made of an insulating inorganic crystalline material, and a second insulating film made of an insulating inorganic amorphous material, which results in that surface irregularities of the first insulating film is relaxed by the second insulating film, and thus the low voltage drive is possible. As a result, it is possible to obtain the highly reliable insulating layer which is excellent in the withstand voltage strength. |
| US08081383B1 |
Coupler and related method for equilibrating a duality modulated beam with another beam using one or more mach-zehnder stages
A generator of duality modulated radiation, of which the irradiance, the wave intensity, or both, are varied from ordinarily equivalent levels, either for purposes of providing energy depleted or energy enriched radiation or for purpose of encoding an information signal. Various techniques are disclosed for restoring irradiance levels to “ordinary” levels, or for amplifying irradiance without affecting wave intensity. A communication system also employs duality modulated radiation. |
| US08081380B2 |
Stereoscopic zoom endoscope
A stereoscopic lens system for a stereo endoscope is disclosed, the stereoscopic lens system converting light propagated from an object and received at an objective end of the stereoscopic lens system to left and right optical images at an image plane end of the stereoscopic lens system. The system includes at least one linearly movable left optical element configured to selectably adjust the magnification and field of view of the left image in response to linear movement and at least one linearly movable right optical element configured to selectably adjust the magnification and field of view of the right image in response to linear movement. The at least one linearly movable left optical element and the at least one linearly movable right optical element are selectably movable in fixed relation to each other. |
| US08081375B2 |
Electrophoretic sheet, electrophoresis apparatus, method for manufacturing an electrophoresis apparatus and electronic device
An electrophoretic sheet includes a substrate having one surface and the other surface, a microcapsule-containing layer comprised of a plurality of microcapsules, the microcapsule-containing layer provided on the other surface of the substrate, each of the plurality of microcapsules having a capsule body and an electrophoretic dispersion liquid contained in the capsule body, the electrophoretic dispersion liquid containing a plurality of electrophoretic particles of at least one color, and the capsule body having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and at least one colored part provided on the external side of the inner circumferential surface of the capsule body of each of the plurality of microcapsules, and wherein each colored part has a color complementary to the color of the plurality of electrophoretic particles. By using the electrophoretic sheet mentioned above, it is possible to provide the increased whiteness in display of the electrophoretic particles. An electrophoresis apparatus provided with such an electrophoretic sheet is also provided. By using the electrophoresis apparatus, it is possible to provide a superior contrast ratio. It is also possible to obtain high reliability. A Method for manufacturing such an electrophoresis apparatus is also provided. An electronic device provided with such an electrophoresis apparatus is also provided. |
| US08081369B2 |
System and method for a MEMS device
Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformation portion having a flexible membrane held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformation portion. An optical portion may be formed on the flexible membrane which helps provides an optical response to movement of the deformation portion. |
| US08081367B2 |
Layered dimmer system
A dimmer wheel which is formed to absorb large amounts of light and to disperse the light that is absorbed. The dimmer wheel has a bottom surface that is irregular, and a reflective material in that bottom surface to scatter the light. A light absorbing material also receives some of the light. |
| US08081364B2 |
High-speed multi-dimensional beam scanning system with angle amplification
A beam-steering system having high positional resolution and fast switching speed is disclosed. Embodiments of the beam-steering system comprise a diffraction limited optical system that includes a reflective imager and two controllably rotatable MEMS elements. The optical system is characterized by a folded optical path, wherein light propagating on the path is incident on each MEMS element more than once. Each MEMS element imparts an optical effect, such as angular change, on the output beam. By virtue of the fact that the optical system is multi-bounce optical system, the optical effect at each MEMS element is multiplied by the number of times the light hits that MEMS element. |
| US08081362B2 |
Method and apparatus for stabilizing galvanometer scanner
A galvanometer scanner includes a mechanical support unit engaged with a far end of an optical element. A near end of the optical element is connected to an output shaft of an electric rotary motor. The mechanical support unit maintains an alignment of an axis of rotation of the optical element and an axis of rotation of the electric rotary motor. |
| US08081357B2 |
Image scanning apparatus, image scanning method, and program for use in image scanning apparatus
A color image-scanning device has a fixed scan mode and a flow scan mode. In the fixed scan mode, a document is scanned while maintaining the document at a fixed location on a platen glass. In the flow scan mode, a document is fed from an automatic document feeder and is scanned while moving the document. In each of these modes, images are scanned in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction. Color registration errors in the main and sub scanning direction caused by an optical factor are corrected in accordance with correction values stored in a memory. Respective correction values for each of the main and sub scanning directions are acquired by scanning a test chart in each of the fixed-scan mode and the flow-scan mode and stored in the memory. Proper correction values are read from the memory depending on the scanning mode selected, and color registration errors are corrected in accordance with the read correction value. |
| US08081353B2 |
Enhanced illuminated scanning unit reference marker
A method for providing a visible reference marker on a scanning unit for orienting an item to be scanned or copied includes the steps of emitting a light from a light source, guiding the light to a scanning unit having a contact glass scanning surface, and redirecting the light to define an illuminated reference marker substantially adjacent to the contact glass. A reference marker assembly for accomplishing that method is provided, including a light source, a waveguide for guiding light emitted from the light source to a scanning unit having a contact glass, and a redirector for redirecting the light to define an illuminated reference marker adjacent to the contact glass, for orienting an item to be copied or scanned. The light source may be a light emitting diode, and the redirector may be a light diffuser for redirecting the collected light to define an illuminated reference marker adjacent to the contact glass. |
| US08081347B2 |
Image forming apparatus suitable for recycling sheets of paper with images formed thereon, and method and program product for adding recycling information
To facilitate sorting sheets of paper for recycling, a MFP includes an image data accepting portion to accept image data output from an image reader, a recycling information determining portion to determine recycling information corresponding to the image data, and an image forming portion to form an image of the image data together with the determined recycling information on a sheet of paper. |
| US08081345B2 |
Head unit, droplet discharging apparatus, droplet discharging system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, status information notifying method, status information updating method, faulty position detecting method, and programs
The present invention provides a droplet discharging apparatus including a discharge head for deflectively discharging droplets through one discharge port at a plurality of pixel areas in adaptive fashion. The discharge head is controlled to discharge droplets at an object. A storage unit stores status information about the discharge head. A communication unit communicates with an information processing apparatus located outside so as to transmit the status information to the information processing apparatus. |
| US08081343B2 |
Image forming system and computer readable medium storing image forming program
An image forming system includes: a resource information storage unit that previously stores resource information to be combined with input print information; a first setting unit that sets an image characteristic of the resource information stored in the resource information storage unit; a second setting unit that sets an image characteristic of the input print information; and a color conversion unit that, when the image characteristic set by the first setting unit and the image characteristic set by the second setting unit are different, performs color conversion on the resource information based on the image characteristic set by the first setting unit, and performs color conversion on the print information based on the image characteristic set by the second setting unit. |
| US08081342B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and print control program
An information processing apparatus that can operate under the control of an operating system configured to allow changing an enlargement rate in units of job and can generate print data corresponding to a plurality of pages to be printed by a printing apparatus. A setting input unit inputs borderless print settings for performing a borderless printing and bordered print settings for performing a bordered printing applied to a predetermined page. An enlargement designation unit instructs an enlargement rate to the operating system, a decision unit determines whether a page to be processed is the predetermined page, a margin creation unit forms a margin in a peripheral region of the data enlarged by the operating system, and, a print data generation unit generates print data corresponding to a plurality of pages to be printed by the printing apparatus. |
| US08081335B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing system, method for managing data in the image processing apparatus and computer program product
An image processing apparatus is provided with a box data management portion that manages boxes where document files as shared data are saved, a document update detecting portion that detects an updated document file among the document files saved in boxes, an RSS data accumulating portion that stores file update data indicating identification information of the box thus detected, a date and time when the update has been performed, a user who has performed the update and updated contents, the file update data being shown in the RSS format, and an update information displaying portion that presents a user with the file update data of the document file satisfying conditions. |
| US08081333B2 |
Image transmitting apparatus and image transmitting method
An image transmitting apparatus includes a reading condition determining unit that determines whether a first reading condition is satisfied that the first reading conditions contain compulsory information indicating compulsory use of that condition, and a second condition is satisfied that the first reading conditions are contradicting to each other. When both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the reading condition determining unit sets one of the first reading conditions as a reading condition for reading image data. |
| US08081323B2 |
Apparatus and method for transferring data to remote printer
Using a print response process block for generating a print job, a spool process block for spooling the print job and generating a print completion job, a transferring data convert process block for converting the print completion job into a format in which the print completion job can be transferred to a remote printer, a remote transfer process block for transferring the print completion job according to a predetermined transfer protocol, and an encipher block for enciphering the print completion job, a print process for performing remote printing is temporarily completed in a local network to suppress a delay in communications when remote printing is performed, a disconnection of a connected circuit, and a data leak during the remote transfer. |
| US08081322B2 |
Image forming apparatus, job setting support method, and job setting support program
The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a storage unit storing therein a database that contains a plurality of setting value strings of executed jobs. Here, each setting value string (i) indicates a setting condition used in a corresponding executed job, and (ii) includes setting values, each of which is associated with a different one of setting items and indicates a setting mode of the associated setting item. When a reception unit receives a setting value for a new job from a user, a search unit searches the database for a setting value string related to the received setting value. A display control unit displays the setting value string found by the search unit on a screen. |
| US08081318B2 |
Non-periodic wavefront dividing interferometer
A non-periodic reflection beamsplitter or reflector for use in an interferometer. The interferometer employs non-periodic reflectors or a non-periodic beamsplitter in order to produce interference patterns to analyze. The non-periodic reflectors or beamsplitters may be concentrically arranged reflectors having equal area. The beamsplitter consists of two adjacent non-periodic structures having complementary reflection and transmission patterns. |
| US08081316B2 |
Process, system and software arrangement for determining at least one location in a sample using an optical coherence tomography
A system, process and software arrangement are provided to determine at least one position of at least one portion of a sample. In particular, information associated with the portion of the sample is obtained. Such portion may be associated with an interference signal that includes a first electromagnetic radiation received from the sample and a second electro-magnetic radiation received from a reference. In addition, depth information and/or lateral information of the portion of the sample, may be obtained. At least one weight function can be applied to the depth information and/or the lateral information so as to generate resulting information. Further, a surface position, a lateral position and/or a depth position of the portion of the sample may be ascertained based on the resulting information. |
| US08081312B2 |
Method and a system for determination of particles in a liquid sample
The present invention relates to a method for the assessment of quantity and quality parameters of biological particles in a liquid analyte material. The method comprises applying a volume of a liquid sample to an exposing domain from which exposing domain electromagnetic signals from the sample in the domain can pass to the exterior, and exposing, onto an array of active detection elements such as CCD-elements, a spatial representation of electromagnetic signals having passed from the domain, the representation being detectable as an intensity by individual active detection elements, under conditions permitting processing of the intensities detected by the array of detection elements during the exposure in such a manner that representations of electromagnetic signals from the biological particles are identified as distinct from representations of electromagnetic signals from background signals. The size of the volume of the liquid sample is sufficiently large to permit the assessment of the quantity and quality parameters to fulfill a predetermined requirement to the statistical quality of the assessment based on substantially one exposure. |
| US08081310B2 |
Multimarking fibre-type fluorescence microscopic imaging method and system
The invention relates to a method for producing a fluorescent fiber image of a sample, wherein a sample is scanned with the aid of an excitation signal; the fluorescent signal emanating from the sample is detected, wherein the excitation signal and fluorescent signal use the same optical path; the optical path is used to excite at least two fluorophores contained in the sample; a final image is produced, including areas that are colored according to the at least two fluorophores. The multimarking according to the invention makes it possible to simultaneously acquire two images in two different wavelength bands. The system according to the invention can comprise a spectrometer for spectral quantification of the fluorescent signal. |
| US08081309B2 |
Optical microscope and spectrum measuring method
An optical microscope applies laser light to a sample through the an objective lens, detects reflected light reflected by the sample through the objective lens, changes a focal position of the laser light in an optical axis direction, extracts a focal position for spectrum measurement based on a detection result of the reflected light when the focal position of the laser light is changed, adjusts the focal position to coincide with the extracted focal position, separates outgoing light exiting from the sample by application of the laser light with the adjusted focal position from the laser light, and measures a spectrum of the outgoing light separated from the laser light with a spectroscope. |
| US08081308B2 |
Detecting chemical and biological impurities by nano-structure based spectral sensing
A method is disclosed for providing quality assurance in an industrial process. The method includes obtaining a manufacturing material from the industrial process, allowing the manufacturing material to contact with a nano-scale surface, which allows the harmful substance to adsorb to the nano-scale surface. The method also includes obtaining a Raman spectrum from the manufacturing material and the nano-scale surface using a spectrometer, searching for, using a spectral analyzer, a spectral signature of a harmful substance in a predetermined spectral region in the Raman spectrum to determine the existence of the harmful substance in the manufacturing material, determining the concentration of the manufacturing material if the spectral signature is found in the Raman spectrum, and rejecting the manufacturing material from the industrial process if the concentration of the manufacturing material is determined to be above a predetermined tolerance level. |
| US08081306B2 |
Method and system for localizing an attenuation change location in an optical waveguide
The invention provides a method and a system for localizing an attenuation change location in an optical waveguide, wherein the attenuation change location can be determined depending on a time difference (ΔT) between signal power change instants of optical signals having different wavelengths (λ1, λ2) that are transmitted via the optical waveguide. |
| US08081305B2 |
Preparing samples for optical measurement
We disclose an apparatus comprising: a hand-portable optical analysis unit including an optical interface; and a device configured to receive and releasably engage the hand-portable optical analysis unit. The device comprises: a housing; a sample unit in the housing; and a resilient member configured to bias the sample unit and the hand-portable analysis unit towards each other when the hand-portable optical analysis unit is received in the device to compress a sample disposed between the sample unit and the optical interface of the optical analysis unit. Methods of analyzing samples are also disclosed. |
| US08081304B2 |
Method, apparatus, and article to facilitate evaluation of objects using electromagnetic energy
Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of goods and articles. Spectral information may be employed in process control and/or quality control of media, for example financial instruments, identity documents, legal documents, medical documents, financial transaction cards, and/or other media, fluids for example lubricants, fuels, coolants, or other materials that flow, and in machinery, for example vehicles, motors, generators, compressors, presses, drills and/or supply systems. Spectral information may be employed in identifying biological tissue and/or facilitating diagnosis based on biological tissue. |
| US08081302B2 |
Multimode optical sensor
A Multimode Optical Sensor (MMOS) is a laser radar (ladar) that employs both coherent, or heterodyne, and noncoherent detection at long range, i.e. ranges for which the target is no more than a pixel in dimension. Coherent detection provides much higher velocity resolution while the noncoherent detection can provide better detectability. |
| US08081292B2 |
Exposure system and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
In an exposure system and semiconductor device manufacturing method relating to the present invention, an image of spatial image mark body through a reduction projection lens is projected onto a spatial image projection plate arranged on a wafer stage by irradiating the spatial image mark body arranged on a reticle stage with an exposure light. The spatial image mark body has a plurality of spatial image marks arranged in a same plane. At projection positions of images of each spatial image mark on the spatial image projection plate, spatial image openings are equipped with differing positions in an optical axis direction of the exposure light. A focus curve with a single exposure can be obtained, without moving the wafer stage in the optical axis direction, by respective measurements of optical intensities of images of each spatial image mark through each opening thereby enabling to calculate the best focus position. |
| US08081291B2 |
Electro-optic zoom lens system
A fast, electro-optically switched zoom lens system operates across a broad spectral and thermal range while correcting for birefringent aberrations by means of a polarizing system that preferably includes polarizing reticles. |
| US08081290B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel manufacturing method and device
A liquid crystal display panel 20 is manufactured by applying a seal agent 19 to at least of a pair of substrates 10, 12, enclosing the cell region 14; opposing the pair of substrates 10, 12 at a prescribed gap to define a cell space 14; depressurizing the interior of the cell space 14 through an opening 13 formed in at least one of the pair of substrates 10, 12 to thereby securely bond the pair of substrate 10, 12 to each other; and injecting a liquid crystal into the cell space 14. The atmospheric pressure is applied to the pair of substrates 10, 12, whereby a uniform external pressure is applied, and the glass substrates can be securely bonded to each other in good condition. |
| US08081285B2 |
Mounting structure mounting substrate, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A mounting structure includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of first connection terminals that are disposed on the first surface in a first direction, a plurality of second connection terminals that are disposed on the first surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and that are disposed at predetermined gaps from the first connection terminals, a plurality of connection wiring lines that are disposed on the second surface, each having first portions that overlap the first and second connection terminals in plan view and a second portion that is formed to have a width narrower than those of the first and second connection terminals in the first direction, a plurality of through holes that pass through the first substrate so as to correspondingly connect the second connection terminals to the connection wiring lines, and a second substrate that has a plurality of third connection terminals correspondingly connected to the first and second connection terminals and correspondingly overlap the first and second connection terminals in plan view. |
| US08081284B2 |
Video processing circuit, liquid crystal display device, electronic apparatus, and video processing method
A video processing circuit replaces an applied voltage designated by the video signal and applied to a first pixel with a predetermined third voltage, in the case that the applied voltage is lower than the third voltage, the first pixel is abutted on a predetermined application boundary, and the first pixel is surrounded by a risk boundary determined in accordance with a tilt azimuth direction of the liquid crystal on at least two sides. |
| US08081283B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel with pixel electrodes having bridge electrode
A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a pixel disposed on the second substrate, a bottom capacitor electrode, a top capacitor electrode, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the first substrate. The pixel includes a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode, in which a main slit is formed between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode. The bottom capacitor electrode is disposed on the second substrate and overlaps a portion of the main slit, and the top capacitor electrode is disposed on the second substrate and forms a capacitor with the bottom capacitor electrode. |
| US08081282B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a gate line and two data lines crossing with the gate line to define a pixel, a first pixel electrode connected to the gate line and the first data line, and a second pixel electrode connected to the gate line and the second data line. A second substrate opposes the first substrate and includes a common electrode having a common electrode cutting pattern. The pixel electrode includes a pixel electrode cutting pattern to form domains and sub domains in the pixel with the common electrode cutting pattern. A liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first and second substrates. The pixel electrodes include bent portions. The pixel electrode and the common electrode include sub cutting patterns extending towards the sub domains at the bent portions. |
| US08081280B2 |
Method of producing UV stable liquid crystal alignment
In a liquid crystal display device, a method for creating desirable pretilt angle by means of topography of the substrates, such as a surface that is sloped with respect to the surface of the electrodes. In combination with a low pretilt but highly photo-stable alignment layer, which may be very resistant to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, a high pretilt and photo-stable alignment structure is generated, by essentially combining two incompatible technical approaches. The ever more stringent requirements for projection displays are met. The methods for producing such sloped surfaces and the considerations related to design of the sloped surfaces are disclosed. |
| US08081278B2 |
Multidomain-vertical-alignment transreflective LCD
A transreflective LCD has a TFT array plate, a color filter plate and a liquid crystal therebetween. A trench is in the overcoat layer of the TFT array plate and/or the color filter plate. The trench can be located in a transmission area or in a reflective area of a pixel. A conformal transparent electrode is located therein, and an overcoat material is filled up in the trench. |
| US08081276B2 |
Color filter having a retardation-regulating agent, coloring composition for a color filter, and liquid crystal display device having a color filter
A coloring composition for a color filter includes a transparent resin, an organic pigment dispersed in the transparent resin, and a retardation-regulating agent dispersed in the transparent resin and containing a compound which is capable of increasing retardation in the thickness direction to minimize the difference in retardation among colored pixels. A color filter having colored pixels formed on a transparent substrate uses this coloring composition. A liquid crystal display device using this color filter may have improved black image quality and contrast. |
| US08081263B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method thereof
A display apparatus including a plurality of gate lines, a data line intersecting the plurality of gate lines; a first pixel unit connected with a n-th gate line of the plurality of gate lines and the data line. A second pixel unit connected with a (n+1)-th gate line of the plurality of gate lines; and a coupling capacitor disposed between the first pixel unit and the second pixel unit, wherein the first pixel unit comprises a first liquid crystal capacitor and a first thin film transistor (TFT), the second pixel unit comprises a second liquid crystal capacitor and a second thin film transistor (TFT), and a source electrode and a drain electrode of the second TFT are connected with both electrodes of the coupling capacitor, respectively. |
| US08081256B2 |
Method and system for edge directed deinterlacing in video image processing
A method and a system is provided for deinterlacing interlaced video containing an interlaced image field f including scan lines of multiple pixels. Such deinterlacing involves detecting the one or more edge directions in the image field f using principal component analysis (PCA), and performing spatial interpolation to reconstruct a missing pixel value in the image field f substantially along each of the one or more detected edge directions. |
| US08081254B2 |
In-camera based method of detecting defect eye with high accuracy
A portable digital image acquisition device includes multiple lenses and/or multiple flashes. A main digital image and first and second reference images are acquired. The first and second reference images are acquired with different flash-lens combinations that have different flash-lens distances. One or more flash eye defects are detected and corrected in the main image based on analysis of the first and second reference images. |
| US08081251B2 |
Imaging device and imaging system
A plurality of exchange lenses designed for object exposure regions of different sizes can be selectively mounted on the present imaging device. The imaging device determines whether a mismatch state is present, in which the size of the object exposure region of an exchange lens mounted is smaller than the size of the imaging region of an imaging element. If it is determined that a mismatch state is present, an image of a partial region of the imaging region is generated and the image of the partial region is displayed as a live view image in a relatively large area (an area larger than an area for displaying the partial region in a live view display when no mismatch state is present). Accordingly, techniques for performing a live view display with favorable visibility are provided. |
| US08081242B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An imaging apparatus, includes: an image sensor having a light receiving surface with a plurality of pixels and a plurality-of-color separation filter, which receives light from a photographic subject which is incident via an optical system on the surface via the filter, outputs a pixel output of each pixel, and images an image of the subject; a pixel output judging section which judges if each pixel output reaches each predetermined saturation level or not; a pixel output compensation processor which compensates a pixel output of a specific color filter based on a pixel output of another color separation filter in the vicinity which is less than its predetermined saturation level; and a bit compression convertor. |
| US08081240B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus is provided with an imager for fetching an optical image of an object so as to produce an image signal, a detector for detecting an image blurring amount based on blurring included in the image signal, an image blurring corrector for performing an image-blurring correcting process on the image signal based on the image blurring amount so as to produce a corrected image signal, a first display controller for causing the displayer to display an image based on the image signal, a second display controller for causing a displayer to display an image based on the corrected image signal, and a switcher for switching an image display by the first display controller and an image display by the second display controller. |
| US08081239B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a gradation correction unit configured to multiply input image data by a gradation correction value appropriate for the input image data so as to obtain gradation corrected image data; and a noise suppression unit configured to suppress noise of the gradation corrected image data on the basis of a noise model of the input image data to obtain output image data. The noise suppression unit includes a parameter generator configured to generate a noise suppression parameter in accordance with the gradation corrected image data by using the noise model; a parameter correction unit configured to multiply the noise suppression parameter by the gradation correction value to correct the noise suppression parameter; and a low-pass filter configured to vary characteristics thereof in accordance with the noise suppression parameter corrected by the parameter correction unit and to suppress noise of the gradation corrected image data. |
| US08081238B2 |
Image capturing apparatus to record a scene of an object included in a captured image, control method therefor, and program therefor
An image capturing apparatus includes a shutter-operation accepting unit that accepts a shutter operation; an image capturing unit that captures an image of an object and generates a captured image; a brightness-information extracting unit that extracts, from the captured image, brightness information indicating brightness of the whole captured image; a luminance-value-distribution-information extracting unit that extracts, from the captured image, luminance-value-distribution information indicating a distribution of luminance values in the captured image; a scene determining unit that determines a scene of the object included in the captured image based on the extracted brightness information and luminance-value-distribution information; and a control unit that performs control to record captured images using at least two different image capturing/recording parameters if, when the shutter operation has been accepted, the scene of the object included in the captured image is determined to be a predetermined scene. |
| US08081235B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and flicker detection method therefor
An image pickup apparatus capable of accurately detecting a flicker in a short time period without regard to a state of object and a photography scene. A signal processing circuit reads out an n-th line of an image subjected to collective reset/collective transfer readout, reads out an n-th line of an image subjected to rolling readout, and subtracts an output of a pixel section of a particular column of the n-th line of the image subjected to the rolling readout from an output of a corresponding pixel section of the image subjected to the collective reset/collective transfer readout. The signal processing circuit determines that a flicker is generated, if there is a differential value not less than a predetermined threshold value between each pair of outputs from the pixel sections of the same line and if there is a periodicity in an image vertical direction. |
| US08081234B2 |
Technique for increased exposure range in image sensors
An apparatus comprising an image sensor and a control logic circuit. The image sensor includes at least a first pixel array and a second pixel array, wherein at least some of the pixels of the first pixel array are interspersed over an image sensing area with pixels of the second pixel array. The control logic circuit is operable to control durations of exposure of the first pixel array and the second pixel array independently. |
| US08081230B2 |
Image capturing device capable of guiding user to capture image comprising himself and guiding method thereof
An image capturing device includes a memory, a communication unit, and a processor. The memory stores a guiding system configured for guiding a user to capture an image including himself. The processor is configured for activating the system to: perform a facial recognition function on a current checking image to determine a face portion in the checking image, determine if the face portion is fully within a predetermined region of the checking image, and control the communication unit to instruct the user to adjust position of the image capturing device according to the position of the face portion in relation to the predetermined region upon the condition that the face portion is not fully within the predetermined region. |
| US08081224B2 |
Method and apparatus for image stabilization using multiple image captures
A method and apparatus for image stabilization while mitigating the amplification of image noise by using a motion adaptive system employing spatial and temporal filtering of pixel signals from multiple captured frames of a scene. |
| US08081220B2 |
Digital still camera and method of controlling image combination
A solid-state electronic image sensing device senses the image of a subject repeatedly for an exposure time over which camera shake is thought not to occur, and repeatedly outputs image data representing the image of the subject. A combining device generates one frame of a combined image obtained by combining the image of the subject represented by image data that has been output from the solid-state electronic image sensing device with the image of the subject represented by image data that was output from the solid-state electronic image sensing device by an immediately preceding image sensing operation, in such a manner that the images of the subject coincide. A combining control device controls the combining device so as to repeatedly execute processing for generating one frame of a combined image updated by combining the combined image, which is the result of combination by the combining device, with the image of the subject represented by image data that has been output from the solid-state electronic image sensing device, in such a manner that the images coincide. |
| US08081219B2 |
Camera module with device independent data transfer
An image processor for a camera module having an image sensor that captures an image for transfer to a printer module of a compact printer system including a capture unit that captures the image from the image sensor and transforms it to planarized linear RGB form. The image processor also includes one or more interface units communicating with components of said camera module under control of the central processing unit and image processing units, being an application specific integrated circuits, in communication with said image storage memory to transform said image for transmission. A Serial Bus interface communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system to transfer data and power between modules. In one application, the camera module captures an image, which is transferred to the image storage memory of a printer module for printing by a printhead. |
| US08081214B2 |
Method of and system for mobile surveillance and event recording
A data-encoding system includes a source of unencoded data, and a first encoder interoperably coupled to the source, wherein the first encoder is adapted to receive the unencoded data, encode the unencoded data, and output encoded data at a first data rate. The data encoding system further includes a second encoder interoperably coupled to the source, wherein the second encoder is adapted to receive the unencoded data, encode the unencoded data, and output encoded data at a second data rate in which the second data rate exceeds the first data rate. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US08081210B2 |
Location of broadcast transmitters and mobile-adaptation using map-based navigation
A system and method for mitigating the effects of Doppler shift, multipath and/or noise for a mobile receiver, such as on a vehicle, that is receiving broadcast television signals. The vehicle may include a map database and a GPS receiver that combine to identify the location of the vehicle on the roadway. The receiver on the vehicle includes a rotatable antenna that can be either mechanically or electronically directed towards a broadcast tower that is broadcasting the signal that the vehicle wishes to receive. Therefore, multipath effects and other noise conditions can be mitigated or eliminated by more precisely directing the antenna towards the source of a signal. Further, the receiver on the vehicle can use the forward velocity of the vehicle and the direction of the broadcasting tower to determine the movement of the vehicle relative to the tower to correct for the Doppler shift. |
| US08081209B2 |
Method and system of sparse code based object classification with sensor fusion
A system and method for object classification based upon the fusion of a radar system and a natural imaging device using sparse code representation. The radar system provides a means of detecting the presence of an object within a predetermined path of a vehicle. Detected objects are then fused with the image gathered by the camera and then isolated in an attention window. The attention window is then transformed into a sparse code representation of the object. The sparse code representation is then compared with known sparse code representation of various objects. Each known sparse code representation is given a predetermined variance and subsequent sparse code represented objects falling within said variance will be classified as such. The system and method also includes an associative learning algorithm wherein classified sparse code representations are stored and used to help classifying subsequent sparse code representation. |
| US08081205B2 |
Dynamically switched and static multiple video streams for a multimedia conference
An end station for a videoconference/multimedia conference is disclosed, where the end station requests, receives and displays multiple video streams. Call control messages request video streams with specified video policies. A static policy specifies a constant source video stream, e.g., a participant. A dynamic policy dynamically maps various source streams to a requested stream and shows, for example, the current speaker, or a round robin of participants. A network access device, e.g., a media switch or a video composition system, mediates between the multi-stream end station and the core conference system. Multi-stream endpoints need not handle the complexity of directly receiving video according to a potentially wide variety of call control protocols, formats, and bit-rates. Multi-stream endpoints decentralize compositing video streams, which increases functional flexibility and reduces the need for centralized equipment. |
| US08081204B2 |
Image recording apparatus and image recording method
In an image recording apparatus, a shift amount for shifting a transition position of an output light amount from a light modulator element is obtained with respect to each pixel value-change point in a pixel line in order to correct displacement of writing. In a case where the shift amount excesses a width corresponding to one pixel on a substrate, a pixel value in the pixel line is altered so that the pixel value-change point moves by the number of pixels of an integer part of a value obtained by dividing the shift amount by the width, and the shift amount corresponding to the pixel value-change point is modified to a value equivalent to a decimal part. It is therefore possible to shift the transition position of the output light amount in excess of the distance corresponding to one pixel in recording an image, to record the image with accuracy. |
| US08081201B2 |
Thermal transfer printer
A thermal transfer printer according to the invention includes at least one printing unit for thermal transfer printing with a print head via a ribbon having a dye layer; a first bending member for bending the ribbon after thermal transfer, the first bending member having at least one curved surface that is aligned perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the ribbon and protrudes toward one or the other surface of the ribbon; a second bending member disposed at a distance from the first bending member, the second bending member having at least one acute apex that is aligned perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the ribbon and protrudes toward the one or the other surface of the ribbon, the apex causing a bend line to be formed in the used ribbon conveyed from the first bending member; a folder for folding the ribbon conveyed from the second bending member along the bend line; and a heater for fusing opposing dye layers of the folded ribbon together. |
| US08081196B2 |
Assisted adaptive region editing tool
Properties of pixels of a digital image are sampled within different subdivisions of an editing tool impression to produce different pixel property distributions. The property distributions from each region may be automatically classified to identify different edit classes within the property space, which are then used to apply an edit effect to the digital image within the tool impression. The edit classes are represented by an edit profile, the generation of which may be completely automated based on selection of a tool impression, or partially automated using the selection of the tool impression and receipt of classification guidance input, such as one or more parameters received from user input or a configuration file. The edit classes may also be generated without reference to the pixel property distributions, such as via user input. |
| US08081195B2 |
Method for increasing operation speed in virtual three dimensional (3D) application and operational method thereof
The present invention relates to a method for increasing operation speed in virtual three dimensional (3D) application and an operational method thereof. The method includes the steps of: providing a display frame, which includes a plurality of scan lines; dividing the display frame into at least one first area and a second area; providing a plurality of virtual 3D parameters according to the scan lines; and truncating a preset number of least significant bits (LSBs) of the virtual 3D parameters corresponding to the scan lines in the first area. |
| US08081186B2 |
Spatial exploration field of view preview mechanism
Indicators operable to preview or show the position and relative zoom level of a field of view within a virtual space. Virtual space exploration tools typically make use of a field of view for limiting a user's view of the virtual space and zooming in on a portion of the virtual space. A spherical indicator is provided to show the current position of the field of view within the virtual space, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom. A local field of view indication is also provided to show the current position of the field of view, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom, with respect to a nearby object within the virtual space. Such indicators may be useful in exploring outer space as well as landscapes and any other spaces. |
| US08081182B2 |
Depth buffer for rasterization pipeline
By locating the depth buffer of a 3D graphics rasterization pipeline in a dedicated high speed memory, bandwidth on a main bus can be eliminated that would otherwise result from hidden surface removal (HSR) hardware contained in the pipeline. Also, by reordering of read and write access commands to the depth buffer memory, it is possible to improve memory access throughput otherwise impacted by an increased latency of a read access. |
| US08081178B2 |
Electro-optical device, driving circuit, and electronic apparatus
Pixels include liquid crystal capacitors and holding capacitors having first ends connected to pixel electrodes and second ends connected to common electrodes corresponding to the first to 320th rows. A common electrode driving circuit includes TFTs for individual rows. In a partial mode, when a period in which a level of a scanning signal is high is long, a control signal Vg-c is brought to a high level during the period so that the TFTs are turned on. Since gate voltages are applied to the TFTs, a problem in that the gate voltages are reduced due to voltage leakage and the common electrodes are brought into high-impedance states is avoided. Alternatively, potentials of the common electrodes are fixed to a voltage of a common signal, which is a low-level when positive-polarity writing is specified to all the rows and a high-level when negative-polarity writing is specified to all the rows. |
| US08081175B2 |
Display panel and its application
A display panel and its uses are provided. The display panel has several photo-sensors for detecting values of the visible light spectrum of the environmental light and whole light spectrum of the environmental light to obtain a value of the invisible light spectrum. The photo-sensor can be incorporated into an electro-optical device with a display panel. |
| US08081174B2 |
Active matrix organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent display device includes a substrate, a gate line on the substrate, a data line crossing the gate line over the substrate, a switching thin film transistor near the crossing of the gate line and data line, a driving thin film transistor system including a plurality of sub-TFTs connected in parallel to the switching thin film transistor via a gate base, a power line crossing the gate line over the substrate and electrically connected with the plurality of sub-TFTs, a first electrode over the driving thin film transistor system in contact with the plurality of sub-TFTs, an organic electroluminescent layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode of transparent material on the organic electroluminescent layer. |
| US08081173B2 |
Plasma display device
A plasma display panel includes a front substrate and a rear substrate faced to each other to form a discharge space therebetween. The front substrate includes a plurality of display electrodes, each made of a scan electrode and a sustain electrode. The rear substrate includes a plurality of data electrodes intersected with the display electrodes. Discharges cells are formed at the intersections of the display electrodes and the data electrodes. The data electrodes have a plurality of main electrode parts in portions faced to the display electrodes, and wiring parts connecting the main electrode parts together and narrower than the main electrode parts. Further, each main electrode part is disposed so that ends thereof in the longitudinal direction of the data electrode substantially correspond to the furthest separated long sides of the scan electrode and the sustain electrode in the discharge cell. |
| US08081170B2 |
Object-selecting method using a touchpad of an electronic apparatus
An object-selecting method includes detecting presence of a touch spot on a touchpad of an electronic apparatus, determining a set of objects adjacent to a position associated with the touch spot detected in step A), and selecting one of the objects when it is determined that the position of the touch spot moves toward the selected object. |
| US08081168B2 |
On-screen input image display system
A detection resolution is improved in a display device that employs an electrostatic capacity coupling type touch panel provided with a transparent conductive film serving as a detection film. A plurality of electrode terminals (102) is provided such that at least three electrode terminals (102) are aligned in each side of a detection transparent conductive film (101). A touch panel control circuit is provided for selecting one of two to four numbers of electrode terminals from among the plurality of electrode terminals (102) of the detection transparent conductive film (101), applying an AC signal provided from a signal source (105) through a current detection resistor (r) (103), and then detecting a current that flows through each of the selected electrode terminals. |
| US08081164B2 |
Controlling user input devices based upon detected attitude of a handheld electronic device
A wireless handheld electronic device configured to send and receive text messages. A microprocessor for receiving, processing and outputting data is located within the handheld device. A display screen in data-communication with the microprocessor presents information for user observation based upon data output from the microprocessor. A sensor is provided within the handheld device that detects the attitude of the device as held by the user. The sensor communicates data that is indicative of the detected attitude of the device to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is further enable to disable a user input device when the detected attitude of the device matches a predetermined attitude criteria. |
| US08081163B2 |
Raised keys on a miniature keyboard
A miniature keyboard wherein the keys are arranged in a way to improve data entry and decrease the chance of depressing multiple keys at a time. Accordingly, the height of the keys are patterned to decrease the chance of multiple key depressions thus increasing the accuracy of data input into the personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated down the individual rows of keys. In another embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated across individual columns of keys. Similarly, in another embodiment, the heights of the keys are arranged in a checkered pattern on the keyboard. In addition, another embodiment staggers the heights of the keys and incorporates embodiments mentioned above. By incorporating different key arrangements and alternating the height of the keys, key differentiation, key navigation, and data input accuracy is greatly improved due to the improved tactile feedback provided by the miniature keyboard. |
| US08081161B2 |
Slender wheel mouse
A slender wheel mouse includes a mouse case, a base, a circuit board, a supporting member, a tilt frame, a slender wheel, an encoder, a slender ratchet, a resilience sheet and several switch elements. The slender ratchet is engaged with the slender wheel to drive the encoder. The slender wheel has a relatively smaller diameter and thus the height of the mouse case is reduced. |
| US08081159B2 |
Programmable lift response for an optical navigation device
An optical pointing device comprising an optical navigation sensor and an adjustment module for adjusting an operational height of the optical navigation sensor is provided in one embodiment. In another embodiment, an optical pointing device comprising a housing and an optical navigation sensor contained in the housing is provided where the optical navigation sensor is configured to provide movement information to a processing system to cause a pointer to continue moving in response to detecting that the housing has been lifted from a navigation surface. |
| US08081156B2 |
Control element with programmable haptics
The invention is directed to a control element, particularly for automotive electronics, having programmable haptics. Moments of force or a variation of the friction moments are formed on a control element by dynamically adapting the operative currents of electromagnetic arrays in dependence of the adjustment path. The force/path behavior (tactile feedback) of the control element can be modified at will during use so that the actuation forces for different operative functions can be varied. The tactile feedback of the moments of force on the control element takes by way of a locking piece, which, for example, can be comprised of at least one locking disc and a spring, which can be rendered active or inactive via an electromagnetic array. |
| US08081154B2 |
Ferroelectric liquid crystal device
There is provided a liquid crystal comprising a liquid crystal panel with a memory effect (2) sandwiching liquid crystals of a memory effect, a driving circuit (10) outputs driving voltage for driving the liquid crystal panel with a memory effect (2) and a temperature sensor for detecting an ambient temperature, wherein the driving circuit (10) includes a control circuit (11) for varying a driving voltage. The control circuit has a first temperature compensation range where the driving voltage is increased from a high temperature side toward a lower temperature side according to temperature information detected by the temperature sensor (3), and a second temperature compensation range where the driving voltage is rendered in a maximum value at a predetermined temperature, or rendered substantially equal to, or smaller than the maximum value on a side of the boundary, lower than the predetermined temperature. |
| US08081149B2 |
Integrated circuit device and electronic instrument
An integrated circuit device includes first to Nth circuit blocks (N is an integer of two or more) disposed along the long side of the integrated circuit device. One circuit block of the first to Nth circuit blocks is a logic circuit block, and another circuit block of the first to Nth circuit blocks is a programmable ROM of which at least part of data stored therein can be programmed by a user. The logic circuit block and the programmable ROM block are adjacently disposed along a first direction. At least part of information stored in the programmable ROM block is supplied to the logic circuit block. |
| US08081145B2 |
Display device
A display device for so-called façade displays is proposed which comprises several supports that can be affixed to the façade of an edifice, in particular a building, on the outside or the inside; a plurality of groups of light-emitting diodes that are provided on the several supports and serve as picture points of the display device; and a control unit for activating the plurality of the groups of light-emitting diodes. The display device distinguishes itself by the fact that the several supports are each formed as an elongated profile body, which comprises a recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile body; that the plurality of groups of light-emitting diodes are mounted on several circuit boards, the several circuit boards each being integrated or incorporated in a protective mass; and that the several circuit boards are inserted in such a way into the recesses of the several supports that the plurality of groups of light-emitting diodes project at least partly from the recesses or face at least the outer side of the respective support. |
| US08081143B2 |
Plasma display apparatus
A plasma display apparatus is disclosed. The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel including an address electrode, and a data driver. The data driver supplies a data signal having at least three voltage levels to the address electrode during an address period using different voltages received from first and second constant voltage sources. |
| US08081139B2 |
Structures and methods for mounting an antenna
An antenna amount including first, second, and third plates is disclosed. Each of the first and second plates includes a planar section and a flange connected to the planar section. At least one attachment device attaches the first plate to the second plate to form a plate structure. When attached, the planar sections of the first and second plates contact each other. Also, the flanges are parallel to each other, extend in the same direction, and are positioned to abut opposing surfaces of a mounting base. The third plate includes a planar section and a mounting surface connected to the planar section. The mounting surface is configured to receive a mounting device for the antenna. The attachment device clamps the mounting base between the third plate and the plate structure. |
| US08081136B2 |
Dual-band antenna
The dual-band antenna is provided. The dual-band antenna includes an impedance matching control element, a first connection part, a first radiation element, a second radiation element, and a ground element. The first radiation element operates in a first frequency band, is connected to the impedance matching control element, and extends along a first direction having an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first connection part. The second radiation element operates in a second frequency band. The ground element is electrically connected to the impedance matching control element and the second radiation element. |
| US08081131B2 |
Multi-polarized antenna array
In one embodiment, the present invention is a dual-polarized antenna array constructed from first and second instances of a planar antenna that are co-located and orthogonal to one another. The planar antenna comprises three conducting elements and a transmission line. The first conducting element comprises a straight segment and two arms of equal length. The proximal ends of the two arms are attached to opposite ends of the straight segment. The arms extend away from the second and third conducting elements and towards one another. The second and third conducting elements are separated by a gap and together form a mirror image of the first conducting element. The transmission line has first and second conductors that are coupled to the second and third conducting elements, respectively. In another embodiment, the present invention is a tri-polarized antenna array constructed from three orthogonal co-located instances of the planar antenna. |
| US08081130B2 |
Broadband whip antenna
A shortened multi-band antenna includes in-line dipoles, selected elements of which having shielded meanderline chokes to be able to switch from an extended dipole at the lower VHF frequencies to a shortened dipole for the UHF band. Additionally, the staggered asymmetric meanderline configuration permits overall size reduction, whereas antenna construction includes an intermediate fiberglass layer over which conductive foil is placed for tuning and for parasitic radiator purposes to improve the gain of the UHF dipole in the upper regions of the band at 450 megahertz. Additionally, at the low end of the 30 megahertz band a sleeve is positioned between the base of the lowest dipole element and ground, with the sleeve provided with two parallel RLC circuits tuned to different bands to improve VSWR at the low end of the VHF band and to eliminate unwanted nulls. |
| US08081126B2 |
Antenna apparatus
Even though an antenna apparatus is low profile to have a height of not more than 70 mm, sensitivity is maximally suppressed from being deteriorated. In an antenna case 10 projecting from a vehicle in a height of not more than 70 mm, an antenna circuit board 30 on which an antenna pattern is formed is uprightly arranged and an amplifier circuit board 34 which amplifies a received signal output from the antenna circuit board 30 are housed. In the antenna circuit board 30, an antenna coil to resonate the antenna pattern in an FM waveband is inserted between the antenna pattern and a feeding point. Therefore, a low-profile antenna pattern having a length which is about 1/20 a wavelength of an FM broadcast resonates the FM band. |
| US08081119B2 |
Product including power supply circuit board
A product includes a power supply circuit board, which includes a power supply circuit having a stable frequency characteristic which enables communication among various products to be obtained. The product includes a power supply circuit board including a power supply circuit arranged thereon having an inductance element, and a wireless communication circuit board electrically connected to the power supply circuit. The wireless communication circuit board is mounted on the power supply circuit board. The product further includes a radiation plate which emits a transmission signal which is supplied from the power supply circuit through electromagnetic field coupling and which has a frequency substantially determined in accordance with a resonant frequency of the power supply circuit, and which is used to supply a reception signal to the power supply circuit through electromagnetic field coupling. |
| US08081112B2 |
System and method for collecting information related to utility assets
A method and apparatus, including software, for the development and operational use of precise utility location and utility asset management information. Field-usable data sets may be produced that meet standards of accuracy and usability that are sufficient for use by field operations personnel participating in damage prevention activities associated with ground penetrating projects (e.g., excavating, trenching, boring, driving, and tunneling) or other asset applications. Some embodiments relate to integrating utility asset data including coordinate location, and geographical information data using a consistently available and accurate coordinates reference for collecting the data and for aligning the geographical information data. Some embodiments relate to managing projects with equipment that provides real time images and the updating of the data as required with this desired accuracy. |
| US08081108B2 |
Autonomous projection of global navigation satellite orbits
In a method of autonomous orbit projection performed within a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, distinct broadcast orbits are received over time from a GNSS satellite during operation of the GNSS receiver. A plurality of the distinct broadcast orbits are stored within the GNSS receiver. Within the GNSS receiver, a plurality of the stored broadcast orbits are converted into a time series of range data for the GNSS satellite. A projected orbit for the GNSS satellite is determined by utilizing the time series of range data as an input to an orbit projector of the GNSS receiver. |
| US08081103B2 |
Remote controller, method for controlling the same, and method for manufacturing the same
For a remote controller that is mainly used for simply and surely controlling various electronic devices, when predetermined pressing force is imposed on an operating body, a predetermined set value is stored in a storing section when a detection value of a pressure-sensitive conducting contact exceeds a predetermined resistance value and the detected value is stored in the storing section when the detection value of the contact point is within the range of the predetermined resistance value. Since a remote control signal is generated using a ratio of a value stored in the storing section and a value obtained when the remote controller is operated, an electronic device can be controlled without being influenced by variation of elements constituting the remote controller. |
| US08081101B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter using oscillators
An apparatus is provided which has a first analog input and a second analog input. In a particular implementation, the first analog input is coupled to a first controllable oscillator and the second analog input is coupled to a second controllable oscillator. First and second digital output signals generated based on output oscillations from the first controllable oscillator and the second controllable oscillator are combined. |
| US08081100B2 |
Read signal processor, image reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A read signal processor includes an output unit that serializes a plurality of bits of digital data for each of the colors to obtain a plurality of serial signals, converts the serial signals to a plurality of low-amplitude differential signals, and outputs the serial low-amplitude differential signals. |
| US08081097B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter and related calibrating comparator
An analog-to-digital converter includes a sample and hold unit, a successive control unit, a look-up memory, and a calibrating comparator, which further includes a positive input end, a negative input end, a timing signal input end, a data port, a latch unit, an enable switch, a first controllable resistor, a second controllable resistor, a reset switch assembly, a controllable capacitive device, and an output end. |
| US08081094B2 |
Signal transmission system and signal conversion circuit
A signal transmission system in which a serializer IC connected to first parallel signal wirings and a deserializer IC connected to second parallel signal wirings are connected by a transmission line. Among input terminals of the serializer IC, redundant input terminals which are not connected to the first parallel signal wirings are connected to one wiring obtained by branching off the first parallel signal wirings. When parallel signals are converted into a serial signal, their bit data is arranged into the serial signal which is temporally continuous. Thus, the number of transition times of the serial signal is reduced and radiation noises can be suppressed. |
| US08081093B2 |
Code transforming apparatus and code transforming method
A code transforming apparatus inputs therein a first codestream of a target file, and outputs a second codestream transformed from the first codestream. In the code transforming apparatus, a BOX decomposing unit extracts BOX information from the first codestream. A sharing/referencing determining unit determines whether sharing process or referencing process is to be performed on the BOX information. A sharing/referencing processing unit performs the sharing process or the referencing process on the BOX information based on a determination result from the sharing/referencing determining unit. The sharing/referencing processing unit can specify a logical set of codes on a referenced side as a unit of reference for referencing an incremental codestream. |
| US08081091B2 |
Secure keypad scanning
A secure key scanning functionality drives the row lines and column lines of a key switch array with randomized pulses of different polarities, and drives signals in one direction from a row line through a pressed key and to a column line as well as in an opposite direction from the column line through the pressed key and to the row line. To make unauthorized detecting of key presses more difficult, row lines and column lines are driven with pulses that appear as actual key press conditions when in fact the pulses are dummy pulses and no corresponding key has been pressed. In one novel aspect, dummy pulses are generated so that the line being driven with the dummy pulses has the same sustained and consistent waveform as the intersecting row and column lines that have identical waveforms due to the actual key press. |
| US08081088B2 |
Method and apparatus for apportioning attention to status indicators
Methods and apparatus for generating, by a computer processor, a first status indicator and a second status indicator, generating a first attention value to indicate an amount of attention a user should devote to the first status indicator, and a second attention value to indicate an amount of attention the user should devote to the second status indicator, and outputting the first and second attention values to enable display for the user. The attention values may be generated based on reliability factors of the status indicators and on probability of failure of a control system. |
| US08081086B2 |
AVI transponder with audio announcements means
An automatic vehicle identification (AVI) unit includes a transponder to communicate with an interrogator regarding at least an identification of a vehicle in which the AVI unit is located, and an audio speaker to broadcast verbal announcements based on information received from the interrogator. A highway monitoring and broadcast system includes means to collect and analyze activity on the highway and to determine when such activity requires sending information to vehicles on the highway, and an interrogator to communicate with AVI transponders installed in the vehicles. |
| US08081082B2 |
Monitoring patterns of motion
A method, computer program product, and apparatus for monitoring patterns of motion are provided. A signal is received from a sensor on a user, wherein movement of the user causes the sensor to generate power to emit a signal indicative of the movement of the user. The signal is analyzed to form a current pattern of motion. The current pattern of motion is compared to a baseline pattern of motion associated with the user. A difference between the current pattern of motion and the baseline pattern of motion associated with the user is determined to form a difference. The difference is compared to a predetermined threshold. Responsive to the difference exceeding the predetermined threshold, an alert is sent. |