| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08095992B2 |
Systems and methods for media authentication
A method and system for authenticating a digital optical medium, such as a CD-ROM, determine whether the medium is an unauthorized copy, or the original. The original media is created, or altered, so as to contain anomalous locations from which the transfer of data is accomplished at different rates than a standard digital copy would exhibit. One implementation of the process involves timing analysis of the differences in data transfer rates, and does not necessarily require the retrying of data reads, nor does the process require the media to exhibit fatal errors, as in conventional approaches. The process can be employed in systems that control access to unauthorized copies, or may be used for other informative purposes. Theft, distribution, and piracy of digital content on optical media, such as computer software (also games, video, audio, e-book content), is often accomplished by copying it directly to another disc using commonly available copy tools and recordable optical media, or the replication of media to another mass manufactured disc. The present invention, which helps to irrefutably identify a unit of optical media as the original, and can correspondingly identify any copy made by any currently available means as such a copy, may prevent an unauthorized individual from making use of any unauthorized copies. This offers significant advantages to content creators who wish to protect their products. |
| US08095990B2 |
Gaming machine, gaming information authentication loading device and gaming information loading device
A gaming machine comprises a gaming board and a mother board. The gaming board comprises a boot ROM and a card slot. The boot ROM stores therein an authentication program for authenticating a gaming program and a gaming system program stored in a memory card. The card slot receives the memory card therein. The mother board comprises a main CPU and a RAM. The main CPU reads the authentication program from the boot ROM and the gaming program and gaming system program from the memory card received in the card slot. The main CPU executes an authentication process for the read gaming program and gaming system program according to the read authentication program. The main CPU writes the authenticated gaming program and gaming system program to the RAM. The main CPU controls a game proceeding according to the written gaming program and gaming system program. |
| US08095989B2 |
Associating first and second watermarks with audio or video content
The present invention relates generally to processing audio or video content. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: electronic memory, and an electronic logic processor. The electronic memory is for storing data representing audio or video content, in which the data includes a protect watermark embedded therein, the protect watermark providing an indication that the data is protected, and in which the data further includes a rights watermark embedded in the data, the right watermark providing an indication of user rights associated with rendering the audio or video content, the protect watermark being more difficult to remove from the data relative to the rights watermark. The electronic logic processor is programmed for analyzing the data to retrieve the protect watermark only when the rights watermark does not exist in the data. Other claims are described and provided as well. |
| US08095986B2 |
Method for enabling a trusted dialog for collection of sensitive data
The present invention is a method for enabling a trusted dialog for collection of sensitive data, including the steps of: storing a personal security token specified by a user; receiving an input dialog request from an application; determining whether the application is a signed application; and, if a determination is made that the application is a signed application, accessing the personal security token and allowing the input dialog to be displayed with the personal security token and signed application identification. |
| US08095985B2 |
Protected media path and refusal response enabler
In a protected media path for delivering content from a source to a sink, a source authority (SOTA) on behalf of the source decides with regard to a policy corresponding to the content that a particular type of action with the content is to be refused, and provides a particular enabler to an application. The provided enabler includes information and methods necessary for the application to obtain data necessary to respond to the refusal. The application receives the enabler at an interface thereof and the interface applies a common interaction procedure to run the enabler to obtain the data necessary to respond to the refusal. |
| US08095982B1 |
Analyzing the security of communication protocols and channels for a pass-through device
A security analyzer includes a single software application that both sends test messages to a device under analysis (DUA) and receives response messages generated by the DUA in response to the test messages. In this way, synchronization of which response messages correspond to which test messages can be reduced or avoided. The software application further determines whether the DUA operated correctly by analyzing the received response messages. |
| US08095979B2 |
Analysis of event information to perform contextual audit
Analysis of audit information that takes into account a wide context allows for a rich picture from which system conditions may be assessed. Event information about various events that have occurred or are occurring, on various sources in the computing arrangement, is maintained. Each entity has an “activity identifier”, which remains the same across various events performed by that entity at the various sources. Event information associated with the various sources is contextually analyzed on the basis of the activity identifier, to assess whether a condition exists that impacts the performance and/or security of the computing arrangement. In case it is determined that such a condition exists, an action is performed to remediate the condition. |
| US08095978B1 |
Method and system for managing ports in a host bus adapter
A method and a host bus adapter (HBA) are provided. The HBA includes a first port that is enabled for use in a storage area network; and a second port that is enabled after a user acquires a transceiver with a security key, wherein the HBA firmware reads the security key and validates the transceiver and enables a function for the second port. The method includes coupling a transceiver to an inactive port, wherein the transceiver stores a security key; validating the transceiver by reading the security key; enabling a function for the inactive port; downloading a software component for the inactive port; and operating the host bus adapter with more than one functional port. |
| US08095977B2 |
Secure PIN transmission
A secure channel is established between a processor and a smart card such that authentication can be achieved without transmitting a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to or from the smart card in the clear. A session ticket indicative of the PIN is generated, and the session ticket is securely negotiated between the computer and the smart card instead of the PIN. Also, a trusted path is established between a user and the operating system of the processor for allowing the user to enter a PIN. A trusted computing base is established in the processor for receiving the PIN from the user and performing operations associated therewith. |
| US08095975B2 |
Dynamic document merging method and system
A document merging method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system from a first user, a plurality of documents and a command for tagging portions of each document according to various parameters. The computing system assigns identification tags to the portions of each document. The computing system receives from a second user, a command for generating a merged document. The computing system receives a selection of a first identification tag associated with a first document and a selection of a second identification tag associated with a second document. The computing system generates a merged document comprising a first portion of the first document and said second portion of the second document. The computing system stores the merged document. |
| US08095973B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting network attack
There are provided a network attack detection apparatus and method capable of determining even unknown network attack, the apparatus connected between two networks or connected by port mirroring of an Ethernet switch to real-time monitor all packets flowing through the networks. The apparatus decodes a payload portion of an inputted network packet into a machine code instruction, determines whether an executable code is included in the decoded machine code by analyzing relationship between instructions, and determines whether the packet is harmful based on statistics with respect to a possibility that an executable code exists in a service and a certain transaction of the service when the executable code is included. |
| US08095969B2 |
Security assertion revocation
Security assertion revocation enables a revocation granularity in a security scheme down to the level of individual assertions. In an example implementation, a security token includes multiple respective assertions that are associated with multiple respective assertion identifiers. More specifically, each individual assertion is associated with at least one individual assertion identifier. |
| US08095968B2 |
Techniques for providing a personal identification security feature to a portable computing device
One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes implementing a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a wireless personal identification mechanism. Specifically, the wireless identification mechanism can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit which is incorporated on the inside of the rear housing (e.g., plastic) of the personal digital assistant. Once the radio frequency identification integrated circuit has been implemented with an authorized security code, the personal digital assistant in accordance with the present embodiment is capable of functioning as a “key” enabling entry into restricted areas which are secured with non-contact radio frequency security systems such as corporate campuses, buildings, and/or laboratories. In this manner, an authorized person does not have to carry around a separate radio frequency keycard in order to gain access to restricted areas. |
| US08095965B2 |
Secure authentication for authorization for transaction processing
A method and apparatus for authenticating and authorizing online transactions. An authentication cookie is transmitted to a client system. The authentication cookie includes a user encryption key and an encrypted buffer that contains user identification data and a profile code. Subsequent requests for the particular service use the authentication cookie to generate a query that includes the encrypted buffer and user identification data entered by the user. Portions of the query are encrypted using the user encryption key. Queries received at each authentication and authorization server are authenticated by reconstructing the user encryption key using information transmitted in the clear and decrypting the query using both the reconstructed user encryption key and the secret key. The user identification data entered by the user is then compared with the user identification data in the encrypted buffer for further authentication. The profile code is analyzed for determining authorization. If the query is authenticated and authorized, the authentication and authorization server forwards the request to a server that provides the desired service. |
| US08095962B2 |
Method and system of auditing databases for security compliance
Method and system of auditing databases for security compliance. The method and system relating to querying databases for security parameters and auditing the queried parameters against authorized security parameters to determine security compliance of the databases. |
| US08095959B2 |
Method and system for integrating policies across systems
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method of applying policies. The method may include identifying a first entity and a first relationship, the first relationship defining an attribute related to the first entity. Additionally, the method may include identifying a policy associated with the first entity and the first relationship and applying semantics to determine a degree of relatedness between the first entity and a second entity. Further, the method may include applying the policy to a second relationship that defines an attribute related to the second entity if the degree of relatedness between the entity and the second entity is within a range of values. |
| US08095958B2 |
System and method for location-appropriate service listings
Systems and methods applicable, for example, in the provision of service listings, channel listings, and/or the like. The location of a device may, for example, be determined, and one or more service parameters corresponding, for instance, to the location may, for example, be employed in receiving service listings data, channel listings data, and/or the like. |
| US08095957B2 |
Dependent data stream transmission procedure
A method for the transmission of data flows; data flows, server, terminal, method for reception and use corresponding thereto. The invention relates to a method for the transmission of at least one flow of data towards at least one terminal, said flow or flows being organized in the form of flow units, characterised in that at least some of said flow units comprise at least one pointer pointing towards at least one flow unit of said flow or another flow in order to optimize processing in the terminal and/or the useful flow rate of said flow(s). |
| US08095955B2 |
Methods and systems for improving network response during channel change
In response to a channel change command in a home network, to reduce latency a real time network bandwidth determination is made and if the determination indicates that bandwidth is sufficient to support only I-frame transmission, then only I-frames are sent temporarily from the source to the sink. Otherwise, I and P frames only are sent and may be encoded at a faster than normal frame rate and displayed at a lower than normal frame rate. If the sink is not configured for non-standard groups of pictures (GOP) some of the P frames can be indicated to the sink as being B-frames. |
| US08095954B2 |
System and method for providing custom channel arrangements in a programming guide
A method includes associating a first channel identifier of an electronic programming guide with a first multimedia channel from a first content source and associating a second channel identifier of the electronic programming guide with a second multimedia channel from a second content source. The second content source is different from the first content source. A computer readable medium embodies a set of executable instructions that manipulate a processor to generate an electronic programming guide. The electronic programming guide includes a first set of one or more channel identifiers and a second set of one or more channel identifiers. Each channel identifier in the first set is associated with one or more multimedia channels of a cable television transmission and each channel identifier in the second set is associated with a multimedia channel of a packet-based network transmission. |
| US08095953B2 |
User interface for the image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a receiver which receives a broadcasting signal of a program corresponding to at least one of a plurality of categories; a UI generator which generates a UI having at least one of a plurality of attributes and capable of being displayed for the program; an image processing unit which performs image processing for the received broadcasting signal; and a controlling unit which controls the UI generator so that the attribute of the program can correspond to the category of the program. |
| US08095952B2 |
Mobile terminal device, control method thereof, program, and semiconductor device
In order to avoid a collision of a reserved viewing of television broadcasting with a different operation mode and also to realize the avoidance by simple and easy operation, a television-equipped mobile terminal device of the present invention is composed of: a reservation storage unit 111 which holds a start time at which a television reproduction for a reserved viewing is to be started; and a control unit 122 which performs a control so that the television reproduction is started at the start time and which determines the current operation mode of the mobile terminal device. The control unit further controls the determined operation mode and the television reproduction for the reserved viewing. |
| US08095951B1 |
Systems and methods for providing a scan
Systems and methods for a video scan are provided. The scan may be dynamically interactive and a function of characteristics of the programs in the scan (e.g., commercial breaks or the end of a program approaching) The scan may simultaneously display multiple scan windows for a plurality of programs, for example in a scan wizard. The scan wizard allows the user to simultaneously view a scan window and an information panel, select criteria for the scan from a criteria panel, and control the scan using a scan control panel. The scan may allow the user to record a program displayed in the scan without interrupting the scan (e.g., by using an additional tuner). The scan may display, within the scan interface, trick-play functions for appropriate scanned programs (e.g., recorded, cached and on-demand programs). The user may select and perform trick-play functions for a scanned program without exiting the scan mode. |
| US08095950B1 |
System and method for delivering audio and video content to remote facilities based upon input advertising content selections
A computer-assisted method of preparing video and audio content for playback at a plurality of facilities. The method includes transferring the content from a central network computer to at least one remote playback system located in each of the facilities. The method also includes generating, using the central network computer, at least one playlist for each of the facilities, the playlist for determining an order of playback of the content and transferring each of the playlists from the central network computer to the playback system in each of the facilities. |
| US08095949B1 |
Electronic book with restricted access features
A viewer for displaying electronic books and having various features for restricting access to their content. A user may assign ratings to stored electronic books, or use standard ratings, and assign access levels to potential users. The ratings and access levels determine which electronic books, or portions of the electronic books, a particular user may access on the viewer. |
| US08095946B2 |
Optical disk motor and disc driving device installing the optical disk motor
A cone part in a chucking device capable of freely attaching and detaching a disc having a disc shape includes an abutting portion for abutting an inner peripheral surface of a central through hole of the disc with substantially equal forces along an entire circumference thereof and aligning the disc. The cone part is made of a resin material having a high slidability than that of a material used for the disc. |
| US08095943B2 |
Slot-in optical disk drive
A slot-in optical disk drive includes a holding mechanism, a main body and a sliding module. The holding mechanism includes a disk slotting opening, two sliding rails and two slope rails. The main body and the sliding module are held by the holding mechanism. The main body includes a shelf, a disk reading unit and a main spindle motor. The sliding module includes a sliding base, two clamp sheets and a driving unit, each clamp sheet having a pivot end, a free end opposite to the pivot end and a sliding block. If the sliding block is at the sliding rail, the free end of the clamp sheet and the sliding base are closed up; and if the sliding block is at the slope rail, the free end of the clamp sheet and the sliding base are opened up. |
| US08095942B2 |
Disc changer device
A disc changer device, that houses discs, and transports a selected disc to carry out a recording/reproducing operation on the disc, includes a plurality of trays, a first tray driving unit for moving the tray in a reciprocating manner between a stand-by position and a recording/reproducing position, a traverse unit having an optical pickup and a turn table, a clamp unit for moving the traverse unit to a clamp position as well as to a retreat position, a pickup moving unit for moving the optical pickup, a first motor for driving the first tray driving unit, the pickup moving unit and the clamp unit, an elevation unit that raises and lowers the traverse unit, a second tray driving unit for moving the tray in a reciprocating manner between the stand-by position and an exchange position, and a second motor for driving the elevation unit and the second tray driving unit. |
| US08095941B2 |
System for portion of a day out of office notification
A system for generating an electronic notice programmed to display a portion of a day out of the office notice. The system including an application server node configured to execute a personal information management application. An application programming interface is programmatically associated with the personal information management application for allowing requests for services to be transmitted to the personal information management application. At least one of a rich client delegate and a remote EJB housing the API, the rich client delegate and the remote EJB being programmatically associated with the application server node and the personal information management application. The rich client delegate being configured to receive and transmit data to the API via a network. At least one client node is operably associated with the application server node via the network. Each client node having a user interface (UI) that is programmatically associated with the personal information management application. |
| US08095939B2 |
Managing application interactions using distributed modality components
A method for managing multimodal interactions can include the step of registering a multitude of modality components with a modality component server, wherein each modality component handles an interface modality for an application. The modality component can be connected to a device. A user interaction can be conveyed from the device to the modality component for processing. Results from the user interaction can be placed on a shared memory are of the modality component server. |
| US08095938B1 |
Managing alert generation
Alert generation is managed. A frequency with which a performance metric satisfies a first condition is determined. It is determined whether the frequency satisfies a second condition. An alert is generated based on the determinations. |
| US08095936B2 |
Remotely controlling and viewing of software applications
In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an input for a software application that is executing on a controlled device. The method also includes transmitting, over a network, an identification of an event for the software application, that is a result of the input, to a controller device to remotely control execution of the software application. The identification of the event comprises an identification of at least one of a control and the input for the control. |
| US08095933B2 |
Grid project modeling, simulation, display, and scheduling
Modeling grid projects is provided. A prediction of processor and network availability in a grid computing system are identified during a period of time. A grid project description model is generated utilizing a modeling language designed to describe phases of the grid project. The grid project description model is processed to determine an amount of processor and network resources needed for execution of the grid project. A graph is generated including a first curve representing the prediction of processor availability and a second curve representing the prediction of network availability. A simulation of execution of the grid project is generated based on the prediction of processor and network availability. A plot of utilization of processor and network resources required to complete execution of the grid project is added to the graph while keeping utilization of processor resources within the first curve and utilization of network resources within the second curve. |
| US08095931B1 |
Controlling memory conditions in a virtual machine
Memory assigned to a virtual machine is reclaimed. A resource reservation application running as a guest application on the virtual machine reserves a location in guest virtual memory. The corresponding physical memory can be reclaimed and allocated to another virtual machine. The resource reservation application allows detection of guest virtual memory page-out by the guest operating system. Measuring guest virtual memory page-out is useful for determining memory conditions inside the guest operating system. Given determined memory conditions, memory allocation and reclaiming can be used control memory conditions. Memory conditions in the virtual machine can be controlled with the objective of achieving some target memory conditions. |
| US08095930B2 |
System and method for priority-based selection of applications for termination
A computer application program executing on a computer, such as a portable computer, is selected for termination by first identifying computer application programs executing on the computer. A priority value is assigned to each of the identified computer applications. The priority value is based on multiple characteristics of the identified computer application programs. The computer application program with the smallest priority value is automatically terminated. If the computer application program with the smallest priority value is in a modal state in which it waits for a response from a user, then a default response is provided to the application prior to terminating the computer application program. The characteristics associated with the computer application programs may include average launch times, average memory usages, a class or type of application, frequencies of usage, and an amount of data stored on the computer by the computer application program. |
| US08095929B1 |
Method and system for determining a cost-benefit metric for potential virtual machine migrations
A cost-benefit metric for load balancing virtual machines is used to estimate a net gain in resource availability achieved by a proposed virtual machine migration. The cost-benefit metric can be used together with any other known metrics to evaluate candidate migrations. The metric takes into account stability of loads as well as migration cost, hence can protect a system from thrashing, i.e., frequently migrating virtual machines without gaining resource availability. |
| US08095928B2 |
Method of forming virtual computer cluster within shared computing environment
An embodiment of a method of forming a virtual computer cluster within a shared computing environment begins with a step of placing gatekeeper software on each of a plurality of particular host computers of the shared computing environment. The method continues with a step of assigning computing platforms located on the particular host computers to the virtual computer cluster. The gatekeeper software interposes between the computing platforms and hardware resources of the particular host computers. The method concludes with a step of isolating the virtual computer cluster from a remainder of the shared computing environment using the gatekeeper software. The gatekeeper software allows communication between the computing platforms while precluding communication with other computing platforms of the shared computing environment. The gatekeeper software controls input and output operations for the virtual computer cluster. |
| US08095921B2 |
Identifying code that wastes time switching tasks
A method of detecting portions of code of a computer program that protect resources of a computer system unnecessarily can include identifying threads and synchronization objects that are used by a computer program during execution, determining the number of threads that have accessed each resource while it has been consistently protected by a particular synchronization object, and indicating whether the resource is suited for protection according to the number of threads that have accessed the resource. |
| US08095918B2 |
Software development apparatus for model that requires security
A software development apparatus for developing application software based on an object model that requires security in a web service application is provided. The software development apparatus includes a display unit that displays, in a class diagram of the application software, security annotation for adding security requirements for a service, input means for inputting the security annotation, transforming means for transforming the class diagram into a configuration model based on a markup language, and configuration-file creating means for creating a configuration file based on a markup language by serializing the configuration model based on a markup language. The security annotation includes the security requirements and a token class of a security token that is a certificate for declaring identity of a client to a server. |
| US08095916B2 |
Grouping breakpoints by a criteria
A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment find all those breakpoints that meet a selection criteria and add the breakpoints to a breakpoint group. In various embodiments, the selection criteria may be a condition criteria, a hierarchy criteria, or a skipping criteria. In this way, the programmer is freed from needing to individually add breakpoints to the group and all the breakpoints in the group may be enabled, disabled, or removed as a group. |
| US08095915B2 |
Data value coherence in computer systems
A system and method for supporting tracking of data values of original source code at execution of a translated target version of the source code on a computer system. The system associates references to target data value containers in the target code with corresponding address information of original data value containers of the source code during program code translation. The system also stores, at execution of the target code, information related to target code instructions together with associated address information of original data value containers of the source code to uphold a data value view of the original source code. |
| US08095911B2 |
Method and system for utilizing development components
Methods, systems, and software for utilizing development components or other enterprise content—whether developed internally or by third parties—are described herein. One method for utilizing reusable development components includes presenting an interface to a remote user operable to display information for at least a first and a second development component. In some cases, the first development component is a first type of enterprise application content and the second development component of a second type of enterprise application content. The user is then allowed to update some portion of metadata associated with the first development component. |
| US08095910B2 |
Interruptible client-side scripts
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for creating interruptible client-side scripts. Input is received from a developer to write original code for a web application in at least one client-side script. A code injection process is programmatically performed to modify the original code to make one or more parts of an execution of the code interruptible in the client-side script. The code injection process parses a code segment of a client-side script to retrieve a next code segment. If the next code segment has at least one conditional semantic construct, then code is injected in the form of one or more script functions that will transition execution flow from the original code segment into the one or more script functions that are operable to interrupt execution of the client-side script upon user request. The modified code resulting from the code injection process is saved for the web application. |
| US08095908B2 |
Methods, systems and user interface for evaluating product designs in light of promulgated standards
Interactive, computer implemented systems and methods for analyzing issues raised by promulgated industry standards for complex electrical product and system design. Data and information related to the electrical system and to the promulgated standards of interest are archived in the system databases, and with an intuitive menu driven user interface and graphic displays, interested users may rather quickly evaluate complex product designs for certification with desired promulgated standards applicable to the product and system design. |
| US08095906B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing parallel routing using a multi-threaded routing procedure
A method for designing a system to be implemented on a target device includes generating bounding boxes on the target device for nets in the system where a bounding box identifies routing resources available for routing its corresponding net. The nets in the system are assigned to a plurality of threads to be routed. The threads are executed so that a plurality of the nets are routed in parallel within their corresponding bounding box. |
| US08095903B2 |
Automatically routing nets with variable spacing
A technique will automatically route interconnect of an integrated circuit and adjust spacing between tracks or interconnect in order to improve performance or reduce electromigration effects. By increasing spacing between certain tracks or moving tracks, performance can improve because a track will be more noise immunity from nearby tracks on the same layer or on different layers. The automatic router will adjust spacing between tracks depending on one or more factors. These factors may include current associated with a track, width of a track, capacitance, inductance, and electromigration. In a specific implementation, the technique uses a shape-based approach where a grid is not used. The technique may further vary the width of the tracks. |
| US08095899B1 |
Verifiable multimode multipliers
A verifiable duplex multiplier circuit is provided. In one mode, the circuitry of the duplex multiplier functions as an N-bit×N-bit multiplier. In another mode, the circuitry of the duplex multiplier operates as dual N/2-bit×N/2-bit multipliers. Because the same circuitry can be used to serve as both an N×N multiplier and as dual N/2×N/2 multipliers, integrated circuit resources are conserved. The duplex multiplier circuitry uses an architecture that can be automatically synthesized using a logic synthesis tool. Verification operations can be performed using logic-equivalency error checking tools. Exhaustive verification is possible using this approach, even when relatively large duplex multipliers (e.g., duplex multipliers with N values of 16 or more) are used. |
| US08095891B2 |
Smart menu apparatus
A smart search menu is displayed on a video display unit, wherein the menu includes an accumulated search criteria list and a results list. A user's selection is input from the menu as a selected element, and, if the user has selected an element of the search criteria, then the information is output to the video display unit. By accumulating the search criteria as a list of search criteria, the user is less likely to be “lost” within the search menus, and may therefore more quickly find desired content within a content database. |
| US08095888B2 |
Mobile terminal and image control method thereof
A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to connect to the Internet to receive a Web page, a display unit configured to display the Web page, and a controller configured to receive an input signal corresponding to a selection of at least one image included in the displayed Web page, to hide or un-hide the selected at least one image, and to reconfigure and display the reconfigured Web page such that an image region where the selected at least one image is located is reduced and other regions of the Web page are increased when the selected at least one image is hid. |
| US08095879B2 |
User interface for mobile handheld computer unit
The present invention relates to a user interface for a mobile handheld computer unit, which computer unit comprises a touch sensitive area (1), which is divided into a menu area (2) and a display area (3). The computer unit is adapted to run several applications simultaneously and to present an active application on top of any other application on the display area (3). The menu area (2) is adapted to present a representation of a first (21), a second (22) and a third predefined (23) function. The first function (21) is a general application dependent function, the second function (22) is a keyboard function, and the third function (23) is a task and file manager. Any one of these three functions can be activated when the touch sensitive area (1) detects a movement of an object with its starting point within the representation of the function on the menu area (2) and with a direction from the menu area (2) to the display area (3). |
| US08095875B2 |
Method and apparatus for consolidating network information
A method and apparatus for consolidating network information, in some cases for use as a start/portal page. The invention provides means for “framing” Internet content, as well as creating links on the fly, to a single start/portal page that can be accessed by a single user, or by a set of users in a cooperative relationship with each other. |
| US08095872B2 |
Method and system for laying out paginated content for viewing—continuation
A method and system in a document viewing control for laying out an invisible page grid based on various criteria, including whether the pages of a document are fixed, contain reflowable content, whether the fixed pages are all the same size, and where the user has actively focused a page when a new layout needs to be generated, which may be anytime a user changes the number of pages to display. Upon such a change, a mechanism determines page sizes based on whether the focused page has flow or fixed content. A layout mechanism computes the grid based on the number of pages (columns) to display across. For documents with mixed-sized and/or mixed flow and fixed pages, rows of the grid are determined from the active page to the start of the document, and from the active page's row to the end of the document. The grid provides consistent viewing results. |
| US08095871B2 |
System and method for GUI supported specifications for automating form field extraction with database mapping
A GUI (Graphical User Interface) supported specification method for form field extraction and database mapping in a computer system that includes converting a form file into a fixed electronic document format by using a GUI which is used to specify the form file and conversion parameters and extracting fields from the fixed electronic document format by using the GUI that is used to specify the fields to be extracted; and mapping the fields onto the database schema by using a GUI which is used to specify the mapping between the fields and the database schema. |
| US08095865B2 |
Layout manager
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for managing layout updates to user interface elements. A dirty state of user interface elements is tracked in a tree with multiple nodes of user interface elements. The dirty state allows dirty subtrees of the nodes to be identified. A root node is identified for each of the dirty subtrees. Affected portions of the tree are updated, starting with the root node that was identified for each of the dirty subtrees. As part of the update process, changes to ancestor nodes are detected and used to make a layout process more efficient. For example, any layout processes that are currently being performed on any descendant nodes of a changed ancestor are abandoned, and the layout process is resumed at the changed ancestor. After updating affected portions of the tree, the updated user interface elements are then rendered on an output device. |
| US08095864B2 |
Electronic apparatus, page display method, program, and storage medium
An electronic apparatus capable of displaying linked pages in turn by an easy operation for users is provided.In a element in an SMIL document, the attribute ??dur=t is added to URI description for specifying a media element. The resulting notation implies that a file name placed before ?? indicates a designated page and a link destination of the designated page is displayed. A numerical value following dur= indicates the duration for which a given link contained in the designated page can be activated. An SMIL player interprets an SMIL document having such a description, so as to allow auto-linking to the link destinations of the designated page with the defined link intervals. |
| US08095857B2 |
Method and apparatus for joint equalization and decoding of multidimensional codes transmitted over multiple symbol durations
A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing joint equalization and decoding of multidimensional codes transmitted over multiple symbol durations. An RSSE scheme is disclosed that cancels the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. The disclosed RSSE technique for multidimensional codes applies where the number of trellis code dimensions exceeds the number of channels. The disclosed RSSE decoder computes the intersymbol interference caused by previously decoded multidimensional code symbols. In addition, a branch metrics unit compensates for the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. In addition, the disclosed RSSE decoder compensates for the intrasymbol interference caused by other symbol components within the same multidimensional code symbol. |
| US08095845B1 |
System and method for assigning code blocks to constituent decoder units in a turbo decoding system having parallel decoding units
A system for, and method of, assigning code blocks to constituent decoding units in a turbo decoding system having parallel decoding units. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a resource model generator configured to generate a model that represents the constituent decoding units and memories thereof along two dimensions, (2) a decoding unit number calculator associated with the resource model generator and configured to determine, for each of the code blocks, a number of the constituent decoding units to use to decode subblocks of each of the code blocks, (3) a rectangle mapper associated with the decoding unit number calculator and configured to generate a mapping in which the code blocks are mapped to the model and (4) a code block assigner associated with the rectangle mapper and configured to assign the subblocks of each code block to the constituent decoding units in accordance with the mapping. |
| US08095844B2 |
Digital information reproduction method
An optical disc using super-resolution effects that achieves higher-density recording exceeding the optical resolution suffers from the signal-quality degradation caused by the normal resolution component included in the reproduction signal. To address this problem, a data reproduction method is provided. In the method, characteristic error patterns are identified and parity check codes in conformity with run-length limited coding are used to carry out efficient and reliable error correction. Error patterns caused by the normal resolution crosstalk are localized in the leading edges of a mark following a long space and in the trailing edges of a long mark. Whether an error exists in the data is determined by use of the parity check codes. When an error occurs, a pattern in which an error is most likely to occur is selected from the above-mentioned patterns by taking account of the edge shift direction, and then the error therein is corrected. |
| US08095842B2 |
Random error signal generator
In a random error signal generator, an M-sequence generation circuit outputs, in parallel, pieces of bit data stored in each register, a first generation circuit sequentially outputs first reference values C which are changed by a predetermined value in response to clocks, a second generation circuit outputs a second reference value D which is shifted from the first reference value C by a range value E which is determined depending on an error rate p. A comparison and determination unit outputs random error signals to be error bits when a numeric value A of the bit data output exists between the first and second reference values C, D. The random error signal has the error rate p, the number of times of error occurrences follows Poisson distribution, and a distribution of adjacent error occurrence intervals follows a geometric distribution. |
| US08095841B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing semiconductor devices with autonomous expected value generation
Method and apparatus for testing semiconductor devices with autonomous expected value generation is described. Examples of the invention can relate to apparatus for interfacing a tester and a semiconductor device under test (DUT). An apparatus can include output processing logic configured to receive test result signals from the DUT responsive to testing by the tester, the output processing logic voting a logic value of a majority of the test result signals as a correct logic value; and memory configured to store indications of whether each of the test result signals has the correct logic value. |
| US08095840B2 |
Serial scan chain in a star configuration
A method implemented to test a plurality of components coupled in a star configuration, each component having a test access port (TAP) controller. The method comprises performing a capture phase of a scan operation on all of the TAP controllers in the star configuration and sequentially selecting one of the TAP controllers at a time to perform a shift state. When all of the TAP controllers have been sequentially selected to perform the shift phase, the method further comprises selecting all of the TAP controllers to perform an update phase. |
| US08095839B2 |
Position independent testing of circuits
Scan distributor, collector, and controller circuitry connect to the functional inputs and outputs of core circuitry on integrated circuits to provide testing through those functional inputs and outputs. Multiplexer and demultiplexer circuits select between the scan circuitry and the functional inputs and outputs. The core circuitry can also be provided with built-in scan distributor, collector, and controller circuitry to avoid having to add it external of the core circuitry. With appropriately placed built-in scan distributor and collector circuits, connecting together the functional inputs and outputs of the core circuitry also connects together the scan distributor and collector circuitry in each core. This can provide a hierarchy of scan circuitry and reduce the need for separate test interconnects and multiplexers. |
| US08095838B2 |
Transitioning through idle 1, 2 and sequence 1 machine states
A process of selecting alternative test circuitry within an integrated circuit enables a test access port. Scan test instruction data is loaded into an instruction register of a test access port TAP, the instruction data including information for selecting the alternative test circuitry. An Update-IR instruction update operation is performed at the end of the loading to output scan test control signals from the instruction register. A lockout signal is changed to an active state to disable the test access port and enable scan test circuits. |
| US08095817B2 |
Information processing apparatus that maintains sound controller in power saving mode when speaker is set in volume full-mute state
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a sound controller which reproduces a sound signal, and a sound driver which controls a drive of the sound controller. The sound driver includes a volume full-mute determination unit which determines whether or not the apparatus is set in a volume full-mute state of making zero sound output volume, and a control unit which determines whether or not the apparatus is set in a volume full-mute state by using the volume full-mute determination unit when a sound signal reproduce request is made while the sound controller has transferred to a power saving mode, and maintains the sound controller in a power saving mode when the apparatus is set in a volume full-mute state. |
| US08095809B2 |
System and method for reducing power consumption of a transistor-based circuit having multiple operational modes characterized by different power consumption level
A method for reducing power consumption, and a system having power reduction capabilities, the method includes: storing, at a first circuit, data representative of a state of a second circuit, entering a low power mode, exiting low power mode, providing a default data value to the second circuit after exiting from the low power mode, and selectively providing data from the first circuit to the second circuit in response to the value of data and to a characteristic of a third circuit coupled to the first and second circuits. |
| US08095808B2 |
Method, element and circuit board for controlling shutdown of electronic device
The invention provides a method, an element and a circuit board for controlling an electronic device to be shut down. The method according to the invention includes the steps as follows. First, a power control signal is received, and the duration of the power control signal at a preset signal level is calculated. Then, whether the duration is greater than a threshold value is determined. If yes, an interrupt signal is generated and transmitted to a processing module of the electronic device to drive the processing module to set the preset mechanism of the electronic device according to the interrupt signal. |
| US08095806B2 |
Method of power simulation and power simulator
Disclosed are a method of simulating power and a power simulator. The power simulator includes a static information extracting unit that extracts static information with respect to execution of the second instruction; a dynamic information extracting unit that extracts dynamic information with respect to the execution of the second instruction; and a calculation unit that calculates an estimated power of the processor based on the static information and the dynamic information. |
| US08095800B2 |
Secure configuration of programmable logic device
A cryptographic system (100) and methodology executable within the cryptographic system (100) enable the use of a programmable logic device PLD (108) in a single chip cryptographic design flow for secure cryptographic services. Methodology for secure configuration of the PLD (108) within a cryptographic system 100 entails secure configuration and authentication (202), functional verification (204), configuration key reload capability (206), traffic key load capability (208) using a split key technique, isolation between command and key fill domains for secure key fill (210) of key material, redundant system instantiation (212), and high speed comparison for secure operation. |
| US08095796B2 |
Content identifiers
The present disclosure relates generally to content identification with so-called fingerprinting. One claim recites a method comprising: deriving fingerprint information corresponding to audio or video using a mobile user device; obtaining geographical location information associated with the mobile user device; communicating the fingerprint information and the geographical location information to a remotely located network service; and receiving a response from the remotely located service, the response being dependent on both the fingerprint information and the geographical location information. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided. |
| US08095792B2 |
One way authentication
A cryptosystem prevents replay attacks within existing authentication protocols, susceptible to such attacks but containing a random component, without requiring modification to said protocols. The entity charged with authentication maintains a list of previously used bit patterns, extracted from a portion of the authentication message connected to the random component. If the bit pattern has been seen before, the message is rejected; if the bit pattern has not been seen before, the bit pattern is added to the stored list and the message is accepted. |
| US08095787B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing SSL handshake processing
A method for buffering SSL handshake messages prior to computing a message digest for the SSL handshake includes: conducting, by an appliance with a client, an SSL handshake, the SSL handshake comprising a plurality of SSL handshake messages; storing, by the appliance, the plurality of SSL handshake messages; providing, by the appliance to a message digest computing device in response to receiving a client finish message corresponding to the SSL handshake, the plurality of SSL handshake messages; receiving, by the appliance from the message digest computing device, a message digest corresponding to the provided messages; determining by the appliance, the message digest matches a message digest included in the SSL client finish message; and completing, by the appliance with the client, the SSL handshake. Corresponding systems are also described. |
| US08095785B2 |
Authentication of entitlement authorization in conditional access systems
A method for determining whether the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service is practiced in a terminal of a conditional access system in which a user selects a service, the selected service being associated with a frequency, the terminal having a tuner and a secure element with at least one authorized entitlement unit number stored therein. The method includes receiving at least one encrypted entitlement control message corresponding to the service, and decrypting each of the at least one encrypted entitlement control message in the secure element, each decrypted entitlement control message revealing at least one first entitlement number associated with the selected service. The method further includes determining that the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service when any first entitlement number of any decrypted entitlement control message represents any number of the at least one authorized entitlement unit number. Alternatively, the method includes receiving at least one entitlement control message corresponding to the service, and authenticating each of the at least one entitlement control message in the secure element, each authenticated entitlement control message revealing at least one first entitlement number associated with the selected service. The method further including determining that the terminal is authorized to receive the selected service when any first entitlement number of any authenticated entitlement control message represents any number of the at least one authorized entitlement unit number. |
| US08095781B2 |
Instruction fetch pipeline for superscalar digital signal processors and method of operation thereof
A next program counter (PC) value generator. The next PC value generator includes a discontinuity decoder that is provide to detect a discontinuity instruction among a plurality of instructions and a tight loop decoder that is provide to: a) detect a tight loop instruction, and b) provide a tight loop instruction target address. The next PC value generator further includes a next PC value logic having a plurality of inputs: a first input coupled to an output of the discontinuity decoder, and a second input coupled to an output of the tight loop decoder. The next PC value logic provides as an output, without a stall, a control signal that a next PC value is to be loaded with the tight loop instruction target address if: the discontinuity decoder detects a discontinuity instruction, and the tight loop decoder detects a tight loop instruction. |
| US08095774B1 |
Pre-fetching data into a memory
Systems and methods for pre-fetching of data in a memory are provided. By pre-fetching stored data from a slower memory into a faster memory, the amount of time required for data retrieval and/or processing may be reduced. First, data is received and pre-scanned to generate a sample fingerprint. Fingerprints stored in a faster memory that are similar to the sample fingerprint are identified. Data stored in the slower memory associated with the identified stored fingerprints is copied into the faster memory. The copied data may be compared to the received data. Various embodiments may be included in a network memory architecture to allow for faster data matching and instruction generation in a central appliance. |
| US08095767B2 |
Arbitrary precision floating number processing
Techniques for providing arbitrary precision floating number (APFN) processing are disclosed. In some aspects, an APFN store may be used to store a large number (i.e., an APFN) having many significant digits, which in turn may enable a high degree of precision in mathematical operations. An APFN module may be used to create and define the APFN store. The APFN module may enable a user to define a precision (significant digits) for the large number that corresponds to the size of an array of bytes in the APFN store that are allocated for storing the large number. In further aspects, the APFN store may be used to store additional intermediary data and a resultant. |
| US08095766B2 |
Method and system for approximating object sizes in an object-oriented system
A method and system for increasing a system's performance and achieving improved memory utilization by approximating the memory sizes that will be required for data objects that can be deserialized and constructed in a memory cache. The method and system may use accurate calculations or measurements of similar objects to calibrate the approximate memory sizes. |
| US08095764B1 |
Dynamic application aware storage configuration
A method is used in dynamic application aware storage configuration. A storage system configuration policy is received that includes one or more sets of device generic application best practices and one or more sets of device specific best practices. Initial storage system configuration processing is performed in connection with configuring a data storage system. The storage system configuration policy is used in performing said initial storage system configuration processing. Storage objects are identified as being in use by an application. Application aware ongoing storage system configuration processing is performed in connection with configuring the data storage system for use with the storage objects. |
| US08095763B2 |
Method for reducing latency in a raid memory system while maintaining data integrity
A latency reduction method for read operations of an array of N disk storage devices (210) having n disk storage devices (210A-210H) for data storage and p of disk storage devices (210I, 210J) for storing parity data is provided. Utilizing the parity generation engine's (230) fault tolerance of for a loss of valid data from at least two of the N disk storage devices (210A-210J), the integrity of the data is determined when N−1 of the disk storage devices (210A-210J) have completed executing a read command. If the data is determined to be valid, the missing data of the Nth disk storage device is reconstructed and the data transmitted to the requesting processor (10). By that arrangement the time necessary for the Nth disk storage device to complete execution of the read command is saved, thereby improving the performance of memory system (200). |
| US08095759B2 |
Error management firewall in a multiprocessor computer
A multiprocessor computer system comprises a plurality of processors and a plurality of nodes, each node comprising one or more processors. A local memory in each of the plurality of nodes is coupled to the processors in each node, and a hardware firewall comprising a part of one or more of the nodes is operable to prevent a write from an unauthorized processor from writing to the local memory. |
| US08095751B2 |
Managing set of target storage volumes for snapshot and tape backups
A mechanism using special properties on data containers of a snapshot backup allows the snapshot backup used for a tape backup to be excluded from the policy enforcement. In addition, reconciliation of a local (client-side) backup repository and server repository bypass the snapshot backup to ensure its validity for the backup duration. If the snapshot backup is to be retained, the data container may be brought back under the domain of policy management. The policy clause may stipulate that a snapshot cannot be recycled while it is being used for a tape backup, allowing tape backups to be prioritized over subsequent snapshot backups. |
| US08095748B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending data from multiple sources over a communications bus
In a memory system, multiple memory modules communicate over a bus. Each memory module may include a hub and at least one memory storage unit. The hub receives local data from the memory storage units, and downstream data from one or more other memory modules. The hub assembles data to be sent over the bus within a data block structure, which is divided into multiple lanes. An indication is made of where, within the data block structure, a breakpoint will occur in the data being placed on the bus by a first source (e.g., the local or downstream data). Based on the indication, data from a second source (e.g., the downstream or local data) is placed in the remainder of the data block, thus reducing gaps on the bus. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08095745B1 |
Non-sequential transfer of data from a memory
The disclosed embodiments relate to a memory controller for retrieving a plurality of data stored in a memory in communication with the memory controller, the plurality of data being characterized by a first arrangement of first and second non-parallel arrays, such as one-dimensional arrays. The first array comprises at least first and second data of the plurality of data and the second array comprises at least the first data and third data of the plurality of data. The memory is operative to provide the at least first and second data of the first array before providing at least the third data of the second array when the memory is accessed based on an address of the first data in the memory and an amount of the plurality of data to provide starting from the address of the first data. The memory controller includes an address receiver operative to receive the address of the first data and a request generator in communication with the address receiver and the memory and operative to cause, based on the received address, the memory to provide the at least first data and third data of the second array before providing at least the second data of the first array. |
| US08095744B2 |
Device for controlling access from a plurality of masters to shared memory composed of a plurality of banks each having a plurality of pages
The memory access device includes: a plurality of command division sections provided for a plurality of masters; a plurality of inter-master arbitration sections provided for a plurality of banks; and a memory control section. Each of the command division sections divides a command issued by the corresponding master into a plurality of micro-commands when the access region of the command is over two or more banks among the plurality of banks, each of the micro-commands being a command accessing only one of the two or more banks, and gives each of the micro-commands to an inter-master arbitration section corresponding to the bank including the access region of the micro-command. Each of the inter-master arbitration sections arbitrates micro-commands given from the command division sections to select one. The memory control section selects one of a plurality of micro-commands selected by the inter-master arbitration sections to perform memory access. |
| US08095738B2 |
Differential caching mechanism based on media I/O speed
A method for allocating space in a cache based on media I/O speed is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, such a method may include storing, in a read cache, cache entries associated with faster-responding storage devices and cache entries associated with slower-responding storage devices. The method may further include implementing an eviction policy in the read cache. This eviction policy may include demoting, from the read cache, the cache entries of faster-responding storage devices faster than the cache entries of slower-responding storage devices, all other variables being equal. In certain embodiments, the eviction policy may further include demoting, from the read cache, cache entries having a lower read-hit ratio faster than cache entries having a higher read-hit ratio, all other variables being equal. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also disclosed and claimed herein. |
| US08095737B2 |
Content network global replacement policy
This invention is related to content delivery systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a content provider controls a replacement process operating at an edge server. The edge server services content providers and has a data store for storing content associated with respective ones of the content providers. A content provider sets a replacement policy at the edge server that controls the movement of content associated with the content provider, into and out of the data store. In another aspect of the invention, a content delivery system includes a content server storing content files, an edge server having cache memory for storing content files, and a replacement policy module for managing content stored within the cache memory. The replacement policy module can store portions of the content files at the content server within the cache memory, as a function of a replacement policy set by a content owner. |
| US08095735B2 |
Memory interleave for heterogeneous computing
A memory interleave system for providing memory interleave for a heterogeneous computing system is provided. The memory interleave system effectively interleaves memory that is accessed by heterogeneous compute elements in different ways, such as via cache-block accesses by certain compute elements and via non-cache-block accesses by certain other compute elements. The heterogeneous computing system may comprise one or more cache-block oriented compute elements and one or more non-cache-block oriented compute elements that share access to a common main memory. The cache-block oriented compute elements access the memory via cache-block accesses (e.g., 64 bytes, per access), while the non-cache-block oriented compute elements access memory via sub-cache-block accesses (e.g., 8 bytes, per access). A memory interleave system is provided to optimize the interleaving across the system's memory banks to minimize hot spots resulting from the cache-block oriented and non-cache-block oriented accesses of the heterogeneous computing system. |
| US08095733B2 |
Virtual barrier synchronization cache castout election
A data processing system includes an interconnect fabric, a system memory coupled to the interconnect fabric and including a virtual barrier synchronization region allocated to storage of virtual barrier synchronization registers (VBSRs), and a plurality of processing units coupled to the interconnect fabric and operable to access the virtual barrier synchronization region. Each of the plurality of processing units includes a processor core and a cache memory including a cache controller and a cache array that caches VBSR lines from the virtual barrier synchronization region of the system memory. The cache controller of a first processing unit, responsive to a memory access request from its processor core that targets a first VBSR line, transfers responsibility for writing back to the virtual barrier synchronization region a second VBSR line contemporaneously held in the cache arrays of first, second and third processing units. The responsibility is transferred via an election held over the interconnect fabric. |
| US08095729B2 |
Disk drive array synchronization via short-range RF signaling
A plurality of disk drives in a disk drive array are synchronized. A synchronization signal is generated at a master disk drive. The synchronization signal is encoded as a radio frequency signal for transmission over a radio frequency network in communication with the plurality of disk drives. The transmitted radio frequency signal is received at a slave disk drive and decoded to recover the synchronization signal. Rotation of a disk in the slave disk drive is synchronized with rotation of a disk in the master disk drive based on the recovered synchronization signal. |
| US08095724B2 |
Method of wear leveling for non-volatile memory and apparatus using via shifting windows
A method of wear leveling for a non-volatile memory is disclosed. A non-volatile memory is divided into windows and gaps, with each gap between two adjacent windows. The windows comprise physical blocks mapped to logical addresses, and the gaps comprise physical blocks not mapped to logical addresses. The windows are shifted through the non-volatile memory in which the mapping to the physical blocks in the window to be shifted is changed to the physical blocks in the gap. |
| US08095722B1 |
Connection management in serial attached SCSI (SAS) expanders
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing connection management in SAS expander devices. SAS expanders are commonly used within a SAS network topology to allow multiple disk drives to connect to multiple host devices. The method and apparatus provides arbitration of connection requests to be setup or removed among multiple end devices and expander devices so as to increase system performance and reduce hardware cost in a standard compliant manner. |
| US08095719B2 |
Data communication systems and bridges
The present invention may be related to a bridge for communications between a first computing device and a second computing device in a data communication system. The bridge may include a first interface, a second interface and a control module. The first interface may be adapted to couple with the first computing device. The second interface may be adapted to couple with the second computing device. The control module may be configured to process a file input/output (I/O) command from the first computing device so as to allow the first computing device to have access to at least one of data or resource of the second computing device via the first and second interfaces. Moreover, the control module may further include a parser, a decoder and a micro processor. The parser may be configured to identify whether the file I/O command includes an encoded controller command and retrieve the encoded controller command from the file I/O command if the file I/O command includes an encoded controller command. The decoder may be configured to decode the encoded controller command so as to retrieve a controller command if the file I/O command includes the encoded controller command. The micro processor may be configured to respond to a first polling signal from the first computing device and a second polling signal from the second computing device when the controller command is retrieved. |
| US08095717B1 |
System and method for configuration register synchronization
A system includes a data holding module that at least one of stores and receives data based on a first clock signal of a first clock domain. A data output module receives the data from the data holding module and selectively outputs the data based on a load signal and a second clock signal of a second clock domain which is asynchronous to the first clock domain. A synchronization process module generates the load signal based on a state of the data output module. |
| US08095711B2 |
Method and devices for compressing delta log using flash transactions
Each received piece of configuration data is added at a next currently free location in a volatile buffer. The contents of the volatile buffer are compressed after adding each received piece of configuration data. The compression result is stored in a non-volatile flash memory. If the compression result was shorter than a limit, it is allowed to be overwritten in the flash memory by a next compression result. If the compression result was longer than the limit, it is stored in the flash memory and the next compression result is directed to a different location in the flash memory. |
| US08095710B2 |
System and method of providing electrical isolation
In a particular embodiment, a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device is disclosed that includes a plurality of network input/output (I/O) interfaces adapted to physically and electrically connect to a respective plurality of cables. The PSE device further includes a plurality of driver circuits. Each driver circuit of the plurality of driver circuits is coupled to a respective network I/O interface of the plurality of network I/O interfaces to send and receive data via a respective cable of the respective plurality of cables. Further, the PSE device includes a shared isolation barrier to electrically isolate control circuitry from the plurality of driver circuits. |
| US08095706B2 |
Systems and methods for the analysis of mechanical properties of materials
The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the analysis of the mechanical properties of materials. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present invention relates to systems and methods of deriving the static and dynamic mechanical properties of deformative materials, for example, but not limited to, biological surfaces. The systems and methods of the present invention can be used to derive and evaluate the mechanical properties of many biological surfaces and subsurfaces, including but not limited to the skin. |
| US08095705B2 |
Wireless communicating apparatus and control method of the same
A wireless communicating function is provided for a printer, a digital camera, a computer, or another external apparatus can be connected without needing an operation, such as a connection exchange of a device or the like, and the burden on the power supply on the printer can be lightened. A wireless communicating apparatus has a first universal serial bus I/F for connecting to the printer, a communication control unit for allowing the printer to make wireless communication with another external wireless apparatus, and a second universal serial bus I/F for connecting an external universal serial bus apparatus. Either the communication control unit or the second universal serial bus I/F is connected to the first universal serial bus I/F in accordance with a connecting state of the external universal serial bus apparatus to the second universal serial bus I/F. |
| US08095700B2 |
Controller and method for statistical allocation of multichannel direct memory access bandwidth
A DMA controller and a method for statistical allocation of multichannel DMA bandwidth. In one embodiment, the DMA controller includes: (1) channel interfaces including respective counters and configured to provide request signals, priority signals and counter value signals representing current values of the counters at a given time and (2) a grant control unit coupled to the channel interfaces and configured to grant DMA access to one of the channel interfaces based on values of the priority signals and the counter value signals. |
| US08095697B2 |
Orientation measurement tool for seismic data acquisition
An apparatus for in-field configuration of a seismic device such as a seismic sensor may include a memory module having data for configuring the seismic device, a location sensor determining a location parameter for the seismic sensor, an alignment member aligning the location sensor with the seismic sensor, and a communication device transmitting the determined location parameter to a selected external device. |
| US08095690B2 |
Machine-readable medium for storing a stream data processing program and computer system
In a stream data processing method in which part of stream data is defined as a processing target and the time control information which indicates the advance of the time is inserted into the stream data, time information of the received stream data is stored in a next ignition time holding area as an ignition time. A processing module for generating the time control information at a time different from the time of reception of the stream data is extracted out of a query that indicates how the stream data is to be processed. Based on the extracted processing module and the time information indicating the time of the reception of the stream data, the ignition time is calculated and stored in the next ignition time holding area. The time generation module inserts the time control information at the ignition time held in the next ignition time holding area. |
| US08095689B2 |
Remote activation device for a computer
A remote activation device for enabling WOL capability in a target computer that is not connected to a wired network is disclosed. The remote activation device is WOL compatible and simulates a network host computer using WOL technology for “waking-up” the target computer. The remote activation device generally comprises a microcontroller and a communications controller. The device is connected to the target computer via the communications controller of the device and a wired network adapter of the target computer. As such, the remote activation device forms a “mini-network” with the target computer. The remote activation device generates and sends a WOL magic packet to the target computer instructing the computer to power ON. Once the computer is powered ON, the computer is able to wirelessly connect to a WLAN in the target computer's work environment. A computer administrator is then able to manage the target computer via network host computer. Alternatively, a computer user is able to commence work on the target computer. |
| US08095687B1 |
Systems and methods for managing state in a cluster of servers
The present invention provides systems and methods that can be used to manage state on a cluster comprising a plurality of application servers. A system according to one aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of application servers each of which is equipped to process requests, host unique state, and selectively forward requests. Client requests can arrive at any of the application servers. The servers forward client requests, as needed. A target computer system identification used in request forwarding can be provided with a response to the client whenever a cluster member develops state while carrying out a client request. The client, can include the request forwarding data in subsequent requests that are part of the same session. The invention provides a standards-compliant and secure system for allowing applications servers to effectuate requests that require processing by a particular target computer system. |
| US08095683B2 |
Method and system for mirroring dropped packets
A system for mirroring dropped packets by extending port mirroring. Networking devices, such as firewalls and routers drop some packets during data transmission due to various security issues, congestion and errors in the packets. The dropped packets are mirrored at a user-specified destination port by extending port mirroring. The mirrored packets can then be further analyzed by external traffic analyzers. The analysis can be helpful in finding out any mismatch between firewall rules and security policies at firewalls. Moreover, the analysis can also be helpful in finding out the extent of loss of useful data in dropped packets at forwarding devices such as routers, bridges, switches, firewalls etc. |
| US08095681B2 |
Load balancing server and system
When load balancing (LB) for SIP message communication is performed across multiple SIP servers, the number of messages that must be processed by an LB server is reduced. The SIP LB server includes an LB management means which, if the previous hop source of a received request message is a terminal in the local domain, determines which SIP server to serve the terminal, and a redirect function which notifies the message source terminal in the local domain of the address of the serving SIP server. The SIP LB server further includes an LB management table which, if the previous hop source of a received request message is other than a terminal in the local domain, is searched to find a SIP server serving communication with a destination terminal in the local domain, and a stateless forwarding function which statelessly forwards the received request message to the resolved SIP server address. |
| US08095680B2 |
Real-time network transport protocol interface method and apparatus
An electronic device has a multimedia framework including an integration layer and a higher-level application layer. The integration layer includes predefined media processing components having an input/output interface configurable based on the type and format of media content delivered to the device during a streaming media session and that provide predefined media processing functions to the application layer for enabling playback of the media content. A streaming media management component included in the integration layer establishes and manages the streaming media session and configures one or more content pipes used during the streaming media session to access packets received by one or more sockets. The component also maps the content pipes to the sockets and processes packets retrieved from the one or more content pipes such that the media content is provided to corresponding ones of the predefined media processing components in accordance with their configured input/output interfaces. |
| US08095675B2 |
Priority and bandwidth specification at mount time of NAS device volume
A method for specifying input/output (I/O) settings for a virtual machine that includes specifying a bandwidth for the virtual machine, specifying a priority for the virtual machine, sending a mount request for a volume on a network attached storage (NAS) device by the virtual machine, where the bandwidth and priority are transmitted to the NAS device as part of the mount request, and receiving a mount handle by the virtual machine, where the mount handle is associated with the volume. |
| US08095671B2 |
Method and equipment for accessing a telecommunication network
A method for accessing a network in a telecommunication system which comprises at least one terminal and a plurality of networks in which information sets describing settings needed to access networks and their resources are stored in the terminal. The terminal scans for information about available networks. Available information sets are determined by comparing the information about available networks to the stored information sets. At least one network is accessed based on the settings defined in the available information sets. |
| US08095667B1 |
Methods and apparatus for remotely waking up a computer system on a computer network
A method for waking up a computer. The method includes receiving a data unit via a first network link. The method further includes determining whether the received data unit includes data indicative of a wake-up event for the computer. The method further includes waking up the computer via a second network link if the data unit includes data indicative of a wake-up event for the computer. |
| US08095663B2 |
Method and system for deploying content to wireless devices
A method and system for deploying content to devices is provided. The method and system can be used to deploy markup content to web browser applications on wireless devices. The wireless devices may included, for example, WAP phones, HDML phones, Palm VII, Palm V, etc. The method and system can also be used in conjunction with wired systems. A translator receives data, in a variety of formats, from the wireless devices. The translator then translates the data into a standardized format. A content provider interface receives the data in the standardized format and provides content data, also in the standardized format. The content data in the standardized format is provided to a transformer. The transformer transforms the content data into the pre-selected format for the particular wireless device. The content data can then be utilized and manipulated by the wireless device. |
| US08095656B2 |
Geo-positionally based data access security
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing geo-positionally based data access security is provided. A method includes receiving a request at a computer to verify a geographic location of a segment of data stored in a storage device. The method further includes receiving, at the computer, an actual geographic location of the storage device from a geographic location device connected to the storage device. The method additionally includes accessing, at the computer, a location tag including an expected geographic location of the segment of data, and comparing, at the computer, the expected geographic location to the actual geographic location. The method also includes returning a value indicating that an error has occurred when the comparing indicates that the expected geographic location does not match the actual geographic location. |
| US08095655B2 |
System and method for controlled access to up-to-date contact information
A method and system for controlling a recipient's access to a user's information. The method includes receiving a plurality of contact information, registration information and access information from the user. Only person's knowing the user's registration information can update the contact and access information of the user. The contact information entered by a user is about that user. The access information defines accessible sets of contact information to be made accessible to recipients. A telephone exchange is associated with each recipient; and a local server is associated with each telephone exchange. The accessible set of information is stored in the local server for access by the recipient. The system handles updates to information on the local servers when a user updates their contact information. The system can automatically place calls for a recipient to a user that has granted the recipient access to a number for communicating with the user. |
| US08095653B2 |
System and method for monitoring and displaying radiology image traffic
An embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for detecting and monitoring confidential and DICOM image traffic on a computing device in a PACS network. Embodiments of the present invention protect patient confidentiality by preventing the simultaneous display of confidential images and patient identification information when measuring and displaying the image data. The system detects and measures the transfer of confidential images and stores and displays information included in only the non-confidential headers of the images. The system monitors and warns (such as via email and/or pagers) PACS administrators of system slowdowns as a result of the data gathered. |
| US08095652B2 |
Analysis system, information processing apparatus, activity analysis method and program product
An analysis system, information processing apparatus, activity analysis method, and program for analyzing activities of an information source on a network. The system and apparatus include an attribute extraction block for extracting, an information propagation graph acquisition block for searching action history data, and a characteristic user calculation block for calculating an amount characteristic. The method and program product include the steps of extracting an information characteristic value, searching action history data, registering the information, calculating an amount characteristic, and integrating the amount characteristic. |
| US08095649B2 |
Network delay analysis including parallel delay effects
A multi-functional graphical user interface facilitates the analysis and assessment of application delays, including delays that occur on multiple paths. A trace file of an application's network events is processed to categorize the causes of delays incurred in the propagation and processing of these events. The system identifies the amount of delay (‘component delay’) that can be eliminated by eliminating each of the components of delay individually, as well as the amount of delay (‘parallel delay’) that can be eliminated by eliminating combinations of the delay components. A user interface displays the amount of reduction that can be achieved by eliminating each component delay individually and the amount of reduction that can be achieved by eliminating combinations of the individual component delays. To facilitate the analysis and assessment of these potential reductions, the interface allows the user to ‘drill down’ to view the individual delay components contained in each combination forming the parallel delays. In this manner, the user is provided a view of each of the delay components that would need to be addressed, either individually or in combination, to improve the overall application delay. |
| US08095646B2 |
Content ancillary to sensory work playback
An ancillary device is used to access content related to a sensory work during the playback of the sensory work. The ancillary device receives information related to the playback of a sensory work on a primary device, prepares content information related to the sensory work using the received information, presents the prepared content information using the ancillary device. |
| US08095644B2 |
System and method for analyzing web paths
A method for analyzing web page paths associated with accesses to one or more web pages associated with one or more websites is disclosed. The method includes storing, for each instance of a web page access of the one or more web pages, time of access data, page access data, and entity data. The method further includes, for each entity reflected in the storage, determining one or more web page paths traversed by the entity based at least on the time of access data and the page access data, wherein each path includes accesses to at least two web pages. The method additionally includes analyzing at least one of the one or more websites or at least one of the one or more web pages, based on the determined one or more web page paths, and providing the analysis to one or more users or software processes. |
| US08095641B2 |
Method and system for virtualized health monitoring of resources
A method and system for monitoring computational resources within a data processing system is presented. A monitoring service receives a non-application-specific request to perform a monitoring operation in order to gather information about the usage of a computational resource within a data processing system. The monitoring service automatically selects a monitoring application from a set of monitoring applications in which the selected monitoring application is able to perform the monitoring operation on the computational resource. The monitoring service then sends to the selected monitoring application an application-specific request that identifies the computational resource and indicates the monitoring operation to be performed on the computational resource. |
| US08095640B2 |
Distributed architecture for real-time flow measurement at the network domain level
A virtual router network (VRN) for performing real-time flow measurements (RTFM) is provided. The VRN effectively reduces the number of traffic metering points required thereby simplifying the aggregation and exportation of flow records to a collector. The collector may be service manager in a network management system. The metering points, in a preferred embodiment, are at virtual interfaces (VI) which are edge nodes in VRN. One of the virtual interfaces is selected as a master virtual interface and act as a collector and distributor of flow related information. In one aspect of the invention the VRN is used to provide, non-invasively, per-flow delay monitoring in a communication system. |
| US08095638B2 |
Systems and methods for harvesting expired sessions
A system harvests sessions in a network device. The system receives a first data unit associated with a session and installs the session in a first queue until expiration of a first time period. The system installs the session in a second queue until the occurrence of at least one of an expiration of a second time period and a receipt of a data unit associated with the session. The system harvests the session upon expiration of the second time period. |
| US08095635B2 |
Managing network traffic for improved availability of network services
Managing network traffic to improve availability of network services by classifying network traffic flows using flow-level statistical information and machine learning estimation, based on a measurement of at least one of relevance and goodness of network features. Also, determining a network traffic profile representing applications associated with the classified network traffic flows, and managing network traffic using the network traffic profile. The flow-level statistical information includes packet-trace information and is available from at least one of Cisco NetFlow, NetStream or cflowd records. The classification of network flows includes tagging packet-trace flow record data based on defined packet content information. The classifying of network flows can result in the identification of a plurality of clusters based on the measurement of the relevance of the network features. Also, the classification of network traffic can use a correlation-based measure to determine the goodness of the network features. |
| US08095632B2 |
Method and system for performing remote diagnostics on a process data access
Disclosed are diagnostic utilities and complimentary interfaces that enable users to observe, from a remote location, the configuration and operation of data access servers and associated data source devices. The servers provide diagnostic data and server-specific diagnostic schema used by a diagnostic utility to analyze the received diagnostic data. Engines within servers supply data associated with diagnostic roots within each server. In an embodiment, the set of diagnostic root types is extensible. First, the diagnostic roots are extended by adding to the scope of data items provided by base diagnostic objects. Second, entirely new diagnostic object root types can be added for a particular server. A diagnostic utility development environment provides a set of class libraries for creating server-specific portions. Server developers use a class library to create customized diagnostic objects. The class library supports both pushing data to the diagnostic utility and serving requests from the diagnostic utility. |
| US08095615B2 |
System for synchronizing signals including a slave signal generator generating elapsed time data with respect to an initial time point and related methods
A system replaces the current “Genlock” reference signals and distribution architectures used in media and broadcasting use an IP network and distributed timekeeping service, such as ISO/IEC 61588 or IEEE1588. In such a system, a master and multiple slave devices are used to distribute precision time and phase information to synchronize equipment and systems. The method described herein allows the generation of a signal standard and format with a single distribution system. In addition, the method allows this distribution to be accomplished over an IP network despite the non-deterministic performance of such networks. The method also allows the deterministic generation of signals at slave devices. |
| US08095604B2 |
Automatically modifying distributed communications
Modifications are made to communications that have been distributed to one or more recipients. These modifications include at least one of adding a new recipient to the communication, deleting one or more recipients from the communication or moving one or more recipients from one or more of the fields of the communication to one or more other fields. These modifications may be performed automatically and/or transparently for the existing recipients. |
| US08095603B2 |
Efficient transmission of presence update information to presence service clients
To promote efficient transmission of presence update information to a presence service client associated or integrated with a communication client such as an instant messaging (IM) client, a separate computing device may be notified when the communication client becomes dormant. The separate device may buffer presence updates destined for the communication client, each presence update containing information regarding availability of at least one of a set of contacts for intercommunication via said communication client. When the separate device learns that either the communication client has ceased being dormant or that an event has occurred which shall cause the communication client to cease being dormant, the buffered presence updates may be sent to the presence service client. Presence updates within the buffered set may be reconciled to eliminate obsolete information. The result may be a conservation of wireless connection bandwidth or reduction in device power consumption. |
| US08095599B2 |
Mail-based web application and document delivery
A method and system for synchronously transferring information across the Internet. A user transmits a first message to a MAILS client. The MAILS client synchronously transmits the first message across the Internet by electronic mail to a MAILS server. The MAILS server synchronously transmits the first message to a software application residing on an application server. The software application may synchronously transmit a second message to the MAILS server in response to the first message. The MAILS server may synchronously transmit the second message across the Internet by electronic mail to the MAILS client. The MAILS client may transmit the second message to the user. |
| US08095595B2 |
Summarization of immersive collaboration environment
A system (and corresponding method) that enables automatic (and/or manual) summarization of significant events that occur within a collaborative discussion is provided. The summarization promotes efficient review and asynchronous participation where a user can trigger playback of a series of events that occurred within a discussion. The system can automatically summarize ‘high points’ or significant events from within an immersive collaborative environment. ‘World-marks’ or other tags can be employed to mark, locate and/or render the summarized content. |
| US08095593B2 |
Method for managing electronic information, the related user terminal and the related information source
The present invention relates to a method for managing electronic information and related devices where electronic information is forwarded from at least one electronic information source of a plurality of electronic information sources towards at least one terminal of at least one corresponding user of a plurality of terminals of corresponding users through a communications network. The at least one electronic information source of the plurality of electronic information sources sends electronic information towards the at least one terminal of at least one corresponding user. The terminal of a first user and terminals of users related to this first user send their electronic information preferences towards a community interest management module. The community interest management module subsequently determines community information preferences based on the information preferences of the first user and based on the information preferences of the users related to the first user. |
| US08095590B1 |
Techniques for distributing data
Techniques are provided for distributing data over a network. One or more source nodes distribute data to an intermediate node. The intermediate node accumulates the data, dynamically selects a first path for distributing the data to a first destination node, and dynamically selects a second path for distributing the data to a second destination node. In an embodiment, the data is simultaneously distributed over the first and second paths from the intermediate node. |
| US08095586B2 |
Methods and arrangements to correct for double rounding errors when rounding floating point numbers to nearest away
Methods and arrangements to correct for double rounding errors when rounding floating point numbers to nearest away are described. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to perform a floating point operation on one or more floating point numbers of precision P1 in base b, producing positive result res0 of precision greater than precision P1; rounding positive result res0 to precision P1 to the nearest away, producing positive result res1; and rounding the result res1 to precision P2 to the nearest away, where P2 is narrower than P1, producing result res2. The embodiments may also include correcting res2 for double rounding errors. The correcting may include determining that res1 is midway between two consecutive floating point numbers of precision P2, the larger being res2, determining that rounding res0 to produce res1 involved rounding up, and decrementing the significand of res2 to obtain the corrected result. |
| US08095585B2 |
Efficient implementation of multidimensional fast fourier transform on a distributed-memory parallel multi-node computer
The present in invention is directed to a method, system and program storage device for efficiently implementing a multidimensional Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of a multidimensional array comprising a plurality of elements initially distributed in a multi-node computer system comprising a plurality of nodes in communication over a network, comprising: distributing the plurality of elements of the array in a first dimension across the plurality of nodes of the computer system over the network to facilitate a first one-dimensional FFT; performing the first one-dimensional FFT on the elements of the array distributed at each node in the first dimension; re-distributing the one-dimensional FFT-transformed elements at each node in a second dimension via “all-to-all” distribution in random order across other nodes of the computer system over the network; and performing a second one-dimensional FFT on elements of the array re-distributed at each node in the second dimension, wherein the random order facilitates efficient utilization of the network thereby efficiently implementing the multidimensional FFT. The “all-to-all” re-distribution of array elements is further efficiently implemented in applications other than the multidimensional FFT on the distributed-memory parallel supercomputer. |
| US08095580B2 |
Providing content to users
A method of providing content to users, with a tool incorporated in a website, includes searching a content database; selecting content from the database; and printing the selected content in book form. A system for providing content includes a content tool; and a service module. The content tool is incorporated in a website and is in communication with the service module. The content tool and service module allow visitors to the website to search, select and customize content located in a database accessible to the service module. The content tool and service module allow the visitors to order a copy of the content. |
| US08095577B1 |
Managing metadata
A method is used in managing metadata. Data of an object is stored in a magnetic hard disk set in an object addressable data storage system. Metadata for the object is stored in an SSD set in the object addressable data storage system. The metadata includes information necessary for determining the location of the data of the object in the magnetic hard disk set. |
| US08095576B2 |
Recording device
In the case of recording pieces of cache data stored in a cache information management unit onto a recording medium, a recording device pertaining to the present invention records, according to designation of a recording area by a file management unit, pieces of data that are to be recorded into empty areas on the recording medium before recording pieces of data that are to be recorded into occupied areas on the recording medium. This prevents that the pieces of data to be recorded into the occupied areas on the recording medium from being recorded into the empty areas. As a result, the recording device pertaining to the present invention can reduce the number of overwrite operations as a whole. |
| US08095571B2 |
Partitioning modeling platform data
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for partitioning modeling platform data. Embodiments of the invention facilitate partitioning modeling platform data into nested horizontal slices. Using nested horizontal slices makes the modeling platform data more manageable and permits modeling platform data to align with existing tools and processes. Schemas and tables can be used to partition modeling platform data vertically and folders can be used to partition modeling platform data horizontally. Thus, a user-interface can preset the intersection of folders and schemas/tables as navigable chunks of data compatible with existing tools and processes, such as, for example, software development tools. |
| US08095570B2 |
Decorated model architecture for efficient model-driven application development
A method for implementing a model-driven architecture, including defining a principal model having a plurality of classes, references, attributes, and associations between any of the classes, the model configured to facilitate the automatic generation of at least one resource for use by a computer-executable application, where a change to the principal model subsequent to performing the automatic generation requires the automatic generation be performed again in order to effect the change for use by the application, defining a decoration model having a class, reference, and attribute for any corresponding one of the primary model classes, references, and attributes, where a change to the decoration model subsequent to performing the automatic generation does not require the automatic generation be performed again in order to effect the change for use by the application, mapping the decoration model to the principal model, and storing both of the models on a computer-readable medium. |
| US08095562B2 |
Configuring computer systems with business configuration information
A configuration server includes a configuration repository that stores a wide range of configuration information for possible use by application programs. The configuration repository may include configuration parameters, settings for the parameters, and meta-data of definitions and descriptions of the parameters. Configuration information is selected from the configuration repository and stored in a configuration directory for later use by application programs at runtime. The configuration information is accessed from the configuration directory when needed by an application program or a component thereof. |
| US08095560B2 |
Edge attribute aggregation in a directed graph
Methods and apparatus are described by which edge attribute data relating to a system that may be represented by a directed graph may be efficiently aggregated despite the presence of virtual entities in the system for which edge attribute data aggregation is not useful or meaningful. |
| US08095558B2 |
System for logging and reporting access to content using unique content identifiers
One embodiment of a system for logging and reporting access to content includes a content addressable storage manager configured to control storing of data elements to the content storage and retrieving of data elements from the content storage, the content addressable storage manager including a content identifier generator configured to generate a content identifier for each data element stored in the content storage, and an access log module configured to record access data for each data element stored in the content storage and to associate the access data for each data element with a content identifier of that data element. The access log module is also configured to generate an access report that includes access data for one or more data elements stored in the content storage. |
| US08095553B2 |
Sequence support operators for an abstract database
The present invention generally provides methods, systems and articles of manufacture that provide a database query application that allows user to compose an abstract query that includes a sequence operator. In one embodiment, sequence operators are used to specify which data elements, from a sequence of data elements, should be retrieved for an abstract query. In another embodiment, a sequence operator may be used to specify that a condition included in an abstract query should be evaluated against particular data elements of the sequence. |
| US08095546B1 |
Book content item search
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products are provided for ranking distinct book content items based on implicit links to other distinct book content items. The implicit links are defined based on the identification of matching features in the distinct book content items. In some implementations, the matching features are uncommon phrases in textual content of the distinct book content items. Edges representing implicit links are generated between distinct nodes representing distinct book content items in a weighted graph. Search results for distinct book content items can be ordered based on the edges connected to the distinct nodes in the weighted graph that represent the distinct book content items. |
| US08095545B2 |
System and methodology for a multi-site search engine
Techniques for query processing in a multi-site search engine are described. During an indexing phase, each site of a multi-site search engine indexes a set of assigned web resources and each site calculates, for each term in the set of assigned web resources, a site-specific upper bound ranking score on the contribution of the term to the search engine ranking function for a query containing the term. During a propagation phase, all sites exchange their site-specific upper bound ranking scores with each other. In response to a site receiving a query, the site determines the set of locally matching resources and compares the ranking score of a locally matching resource with the site-specific upper bound ranking scores for the terms of the query that were received during the propagation phase and determines whether to communicate the query to other sites. By exchanging appropriately defined site-specific upper bound ranking scores, the site initially receiving the query can determine whether the locally matching resources would be identical to the resources obtained from a single-site search system without having to communicate the query to each of the other sites. |
| US08095538B2 |
Annotation index system and method
A method of encoding on a computer system for information retrieval in an inverted list structure of annotation includes collecting a group of documents and storing them in a digital format, determining a group of annotations referencing the group of documents, and forming a snippet index by grouping the group of annotations by unique annotation identifier. The method also includes forming a snippet dictionary which, for each unique annotation identifier, indexes a corresponding position in the snippet index for the group of annotations having that unique annotation identifier. |
| US08095534B1 |
Selection and sharing of verified search results
Aspects of the disclosure include establishing a verified set of search results, as a selection of search results returned by a search engine, responsive to a pre-defined query. The verified set of search results are stored and associated with a URL. The URL can be distributed by an entity that establishes the definition of the query and the selection of search results. When the URL is activated, the selection of search results can be returned, with a link to the search engine that allows a redirect to the search engine, with the pre-defined query, so that a current set of search results is returned by the search engine responsive to the pre-defined query. The entity can be notified when the URL is used, and information concerning the party activating the URL can be provided to the entity. |
| US08095533B1 |
Automatic index term augmentation in document retrieval
Disclosed are methods and systems for automatically assigning index terms to electronic documents such as Web pages or sites in a manner which may be used to facilitate the retrieval of electronic documents of interest. The method involves determining co-occurrences of terms in other documents with the electronic document, and selecting terms as index terms based upon those scores. The method permits the efficient retrieval of electronic documents. |
| US08095532B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating report data in a multi-user environment
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to receive a report request and perform a query operation corresponding to the report request to produce report results. The report results are then cached to produce cached report results. The computer readable storage medium further includes executable instructions to respond to the report request during a first interval utilizing the cached report results and respond to a second report request during the first interval utilizing the cached report results. One or more formatted reports are then generated based on the cached report results. |
| US08095530B1 |
Detecting common prefixes and suffixes in a list of strings
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a plurality of character strings. The number of strings (M) in the plurality of strings having a unique substring of X characters at an extremity of the string is determined, the number of strings (N) in the plurality of strings having at least X characters in the string is determined. A probability is determined, based on a predetermined model for a distribution of characters in the strings, that the unique substring of X characters would occur M or more times out of the N strings, given that the unique character string occurs at least once. Based on the probability, the number M, and the number N, it is determined that the unique character string is a significant affix in the plurality of character strings, and the unique character string is stored. |
| US08095529B2 |
Full-text relevancy ranking
A method and system for ranking relevancy of metadata associated with media on a computer network, such as multimedia and streaming media, include categorizing the metadata into sets of metadata. The categories are broad categories relating to areas such as who, what, when, and where, such as artist, media type, and creation date, creation location. Weights are assigned to each set of metadata. Weights are related to technical information such as bit rate, duration, sampling rate, frequency of occurrence of a specific term, etc. A score is calculated for ranking the relevancy of each set of metadata. The score is calculated in accordance with the assigned weight and category. This score is available for search systems (e.g., search engines) and/or users to determine the relative ranking of search results. |
| US08095527B2 |
Reproducing apparatus and method, information processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program
The present invention is intended to automatically construct a database of contents data which are distributed over plural reproducing apparatuses and search this database on the basis of user's fragmentary memory. A contents sharing management system practiced as one embodiment of the invention comprises an episode server installed at user's home and plural reproducing apparatuses including a component stereo set, portable player, portable wireless terminal, and MD player, which are interconnected in a wireless manner based on wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth. The episode server wirelessly connects to the portable player for example to get the episode information stored therein and organizes the retrieved episode information into a database. The episode server also searches the database upon request from the portable player to identify a source apparatus in which desired contents data are stored and supplies the retrieved contents data to the requesting portable player. |
| US08095522B2 |
Method of searching for information in a database
The present invention relates to a method of searching for information in a database, the method comprising the steps of: presenting at least one item of data to an observer and measuring at least physiological parameter of the observer; and in the presence of a variation in the physiological parameter greater than a predetermined threshold, presenting an item of data having a relationship with the previously-presented data item. |
| US08095521B2 |
Recommendation system with cluster-based filtering of recommendations
Computer-implemented processes are disclosed for clustering items and improving the utility of item recommendations. One process involves applying a clustering algorithm to a user's collection of items. Information about the resulting clusters is then used to select items to use as recommendation sources. Another process involves displaying the clusters of items to the user via a collection management interface that enables the user to attach cluster-level metadata, such as by rating or tagging entire clusters of items. The resulting metadata may be used to improve the recommendations generated by a recommendation engine. Another process involves forming clusters of items in which a user has indicated a lack of interest, and using these clusters to filter the output of a recommendation engine. Yet another process involves applying a clustering algorithm to the output of a recommendation engine to arrange the recommended items into cluster-based categories for presentation to the user. |
| US08095520B2 |
Event recording with local event record locking
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with event recording are described. One example method includes locally locking a record in an event data store corresponding to an event having a same event type as a given event when a prior occurrence of the given event has not yet been recorded. The event data store is updated to record the given event while the record is locked. One example system includes an event data store configured to store records corresponding to events, an event recorder configured to record event data in the event data store and a local lock actuable by the event recorder. The event recorder is configured to update the locked record to correspond to a received event. |
| US08095518B2 |
Translating DRM system requirements
Various embodiments provide a mapping layer to translate DRM system requirements from one DRM system, such as a source system, to another DRM system, such as a target system. In at least some embodiments, DRM system requirement translation is performed using a signed data structure that maps DRM system requirements from one DRM system to one or more other DRM systems. By mapping DRM system requirements from one system to another, licenses associated with DRM-protected content and associated content can be safely transferred between systems. |
| US08095514B2 |
Treemap visualizations of database time
Particular embodiments generally relate to displaying database time using a treemap. A set of database time values is determined for a set of dimensions. The database time values measure performance of one or more databases by the time the database takes to respond to a request. The set of database time values is correlated to a set of cells in the treemap. A size of the cell is determined based on the database time value associated with it. For example, the database time value is correlated to an area of the cell. A layout of the set of cells is determined and the treemap is displayed using the layout. For example, the largest values of database time may be shown with the largest sized cells. This makes it easier for an administrator to review and analyze the database performance across multiple dimensions and determine problem areas affecting the performance of the one or more databases. |
| US08095507B2 |
Automated topology-based statistics monitoring and performance analysis
A computer is programmed to parse a network that interconnects databases in a distributed database system, into a number of paths, wherein each path starts in a source database that is a source of changes and ends in a destination database that uses the changes to replicate the source database. The computer identifies databases that occur within each path in the network, and queries the identified databases to obtain statistics for each path. Statistics along each path are analyzed automatically, to identify a component in each path as a candidate for further investigation. The identified component may be marked as a bottleneck e.g. if there are no other paths connected to it. Alternatively the identified component may be a source of changes for another path that has a bottleneck or that has another candidate for further investigation. The identified bottleneck is displayed to the user with recommendations for improvement. |
| US08095505B2 |
Online system and method for restoring electronic media on electronic storage devices
Copy protected materials are backed up or restored and made available for play on electronic media players through an online retrievable system. Corrupted segments of electronic media storage files are identified and located prior to being read, executed, or played. An uncorrupted copy from the network is then located, and software instructions provide for the storage of the uncorrupted segment of the file on electronic media player, merging the uncorrupted segment into the reading, executing, or playing of the electronic storage media file to seamlessly produce an output in real-time that is indistinguishable from the uncorrupted file. |
| US08095504B2 |
N-way synchronization of computer databases
A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent's database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent's database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information. |
| US08095493B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer program
An information processing apparatus that constructs an information analysis processing configuration to be applied to information analysis processing in a target area including uncertainty is disclosed. The apparatus includes a data processing section that performs processing of automatically creating a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) model from the input of attribute data including attribute information and an attribute value, and a rule storage section storing a rule to be applied to processing of creating a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) in the data processing section, wherein the data processing section is configured to create a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) model by performing, as an action, processing of creating and outputting a question based on the attribute data, obtaining the answer to the question as observation information, and performing processing of creating probability distribution information corresponding to an object based on the obtained observation information. |
| US08095483B2 |
Support vector machine—recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE)
Identification of a determinative subset of features from within a group of features is performed by training a support vector machine using training samples with class labels to determine a value of each feature, where features are removed based on their the value. One or more features having the smallest values are removed and an updated kernel matrix is generated using the remaining features. The process is repeated until a predetermined number of features remain which are capable of accurately separating the data into different classes. |
| US08095481B2 |
Method and system for automatically adding new class definitions to a classification system
A method and system for automatically classifying a product description into a product type based on a classification system is disclosed. Real product descriptions representing a given product type can be compared with a pre-defined set of characteristics that are relevant to the classification system. The relevant information regarding the classification system is extracted from each of the real product descriptions. The extracted information can then be coalesced and transformed into a new set of classification rules for a new product type. The new classification rules can be used to automatically classify the product descriptions that represent the new product type. The classification system can be a rule based classification system and/or semantic web classification system. |
| US08095479B2 |
Plant control apparatus and method having functions of determining appropriate learning constraint conditions
There is provided a control apparatus including a function of generating an operation signal applied to a control subject and a model that simulates characteristics of the control subject, a function of receiving an evaluation value signal calculated based on a measurement signal obtained by applying the operation signal to the control subject and the model, and a function of learning to generate the operation signal such that an expected value of the sum of the evaluation value signals obtained from a present state to a future state is either maximum or minimum in which the evaluation value signal calculated based on the measurement signal from the model is calculated by adding a first evaluation value obtained based on a deviation between the measurement signal obtained from the model and a setpoint value, and a second evaluation value obtained based on a difference in characteristics between the model and the control subject. |
| US08095478B2 |
Method and system for calculating importance of a block within a display page
A method and system for identifying the importance of information areas of a display page. An importance system identifies information areas or blocks of a web page. A block of a web page represents an area of the web page that appears to relate to a similar topic. The importance system provides the characteristics or features of a block to an importance function that generates an indication of the importance of that block to its web page. The importance system “learns” the importance function by generating a model based on the features of blocks and the user-specified importance of those blocks. To learn the importance function, the importance system asks users to provide an indication of the importance of blocks of web pages in a collection of web pages. |
| US08095477B2 |
Load fuzzy modeling device and method for power system
A load fuzzy modeling device for the power system based on the causality diagram, the composite cloud generator and the improved T-S fuzzy model, comprising: a hardware device, including: the sensors, a signal conditioning and filter module, an A/D conversion module, a causality conversion module, a DSP module, a memory module, a display and keyboard module connected with the DSP module, respectively and a communication module connected with the PC. The voltage and the current are respectively acquired from the system through a voltage transformer and a current transformer, and then are transmitted into the filter circuit for filtering, thus are amplified through a amplifier LM258P as the voltage within the range of −5V ˜+5V so as to input into the A/D conversion modules for sampling; the digital signal is simply processed by the causality conversion module according to certain analysis algorithm principle, and the processed signal is transmitted into the DSP to process, the final results thus displayed on the LCD screen and transmitted into the PC through the commutation module. |
| US08095463B1 |
System and method for prepaid account replenishment
A system and method for replenishing prepaid account balances is disclosed. Consumers are issued a prepaid account card similar to a credit card. Funds are added to prepaid accounts at retail locations by providing cash or equivalent to a clerk along with the prepaid account card. The clerk swipes the prepaid account card in an authorization terminal and rings up the transaction in a manner similar to a normal credit card transaction. The transaction is transmitted to a bank which processes the transaction and notifies a replenishment system that the customer has added value to the prepaid account. The replenishment system provides the customer with a confirmation number associated with the transaction. The replenishment system notifies a prepaid engine for the prepaid account. The prepaid engine updates the user's prepaid account balance, thereby making funds available for future purchases by the user. The user may also add funds to the prepaid account via an automated teller machine (ATM), via the Internet or by dialing certain feature codes on a wireless telephone. |
| US08095462B2 |
Dynamic enrollment control system, method and computer program product
An enrollment control system for activating and deactivating enrollment of beneficiaries of a first entity in a service program, such as a bill pay service program, of a second entity. The system requests information from the second entity identifying beneficiaries enrolled in the program and the timing of services provided to the beneficiaries. A request is sent to the second entity to deactivate enrollment of beneficiaries who have not received services within a dormancy threshold time. Advantageously, no enrollment charges are incurred by the first entity for dormant beneficiaries not recently availing themselves of the second entity's services. Optionally, the system can monitor unfulfilled service requests and remove the corresponding beneficiaries from the deactivation request to avoid deactivating enrollment of a customer needing services. Further, the system detects new requests made by beneficiaries for services from the first entity and requests reactivation of the beneficiaries' accounts by the second entity. |
| US08095459B2 |
Method and system for providing flexible financing
Methods and systems for providing flexible financing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a business card product with a customer activated credit line extension for accommodating large ticket purchases where the credit line extension may be linked to other business loan/lease products so that balances may be transferred to a customer's preferred financing product (or products). The purchases may be considered secured or unsecured loans/leases that may be capitalized as well as appreciate and depreciate in value. The purchases may include various types of revenue producing property, such as computer, office equipment, office furniture, copiers, farm equipment, and other types of revenue producing property. |
| US08095457B2 |
Communication system and method between a home buyer, seller, strategic business source, and lender
A computerized system and method are presented for exchanging information between a buyer, a seller, a lender, and a strategic business source. The system permits sellers, lenders and strategic business sources to input buyers that are then submitted for activation. The buyers use the system to obtain information about items, while the sellers, lenders, and strategic business sources make consistent contact with the buyer in order to work with the buyer. Information about the buyers is shared with the sellers, lenders, and strategic business sources. A business plan is input into the system for the financial institution employing the lender while another business plan is input for the seller institution employing the seller. Activity on the computerized system is calculated for compliance with the business plan. Feedback is provided to management relating to whether the business plan is being met. |
| US08095456B2 |
Block trading system and method providing price improvement to aggressive orders
An exemplary embodiment comprises a method for trading items among a plurality of traders, the method comprising: (a) receiving a first order for at least one item from one of the traders into an electronic trading system, wherein the first order provides priority for said at least one item but does not reserve said at least one item; (b) receiving, from another one of the traders, a second order into the electronic trading system that matches said first order; (c) determining that at least a portion of the first order is available to be filled by at least a portion of the second order; (d) reserving said at least a portion of said first order for execution against said at least a portion of said second order; and (e) executing said at least a portion of said first order against said at least a portion of said second order. |
| US08095453B2 |
Order chronicle process and method
A process for chronicling a portion of an electronic market includes a record process for recording an activity relating to a security interest in an order book in main memory of a computer system and another record process for recording the activity in a persistent store. |
| US08095450B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating a transaction between a buyer and one seller
A seller server receives an offer which specifies a type of product (e.g. a seat on a flight), at least one condition (e.g. destination and date of departure), and an offer price specified by a buyer. The seller server also receives an associated payment identifier that specifies a financial account, such as a credit card account. The payment identifier essentially “guarantees” the offer in that the seller may receive payment from the financial account even if the buyer attempts to renege. The seller determines whether to accept the offer, based on various factors such as the offer price and the availability of appropriate products to satisfy the conditions of the offer. If the offer is accepted, payment is provided to the seller using the payment identifier. |
| US08095447B2 |
Methods and apparatus for self-adaptive, learning data analysis
Methods and apparatus for analyzing financial data generally includes a predictive modeling system. The predictive modeling system may include an artificial agent responsive to an input data set. The artificial agent may produce an estimated data set including a market conditions data set. The market conditions data may include an estimate of at least one of liquidity of a market, strategy of a counterparty, and an effect of information leakage. The artificial agent may determine a predictability value for the estimated data set. The predictive modeling system may also include an agent factory responsive to the input data set. The agent factory may generate an artificial agent in response to the input data set. |
| US08095441B2 |
Method and system for administering money laundering prevention program
A money laundering prevention program administered by a financial institution. A plurality of risk factors associated with a potential for conducting illicit activities in connection with an account held at the financial institution are identified. The risk factors include jurisdiction-based risk factors, entity type-based risk factors, and/or business type-based risk factors. The risk factors are ranked and, based on the rank, each of the risk factors is assigned to a tier. Each of the tiers represents a level of risk that illicit activities will be conducted in connection with the account. |
| US08095440B2 |
Methods and systems for effecting payment card transactions
The present invention relates to card payment systems. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for processing payment card transactions in a dynamic currency conversion and/or multi-currency scheme. To operate correctly, ghost transactions are used. However to prevent duplication of debits against the Card Holder, these “ghost copy” transactions must not be processed into the card schemes with the normal transactions. Thus the Acquirer's and/or third parties host systems have to be amended, in addition to modifications to the related accounting thereof. To overcome this necessity, the present invention provides a method for effecting the performance of a payment card transaction for a first transaction amount in a first currency, between a first merchant and a first payment card holder, the method comprising the steps of a) creating a first payment card transaction record between the first merchant and a second cardholder for the first transaction amount, b) creating a second payment card transaction record between a second merchant and the first cardholder, wherein the second transaction record identifies a second transaction amount in a second currency which equates to the first transaction amount converted into the second currency, and submitting the first transaction record and the second transaction record for processing as payment card transactions. |
| US08095434B1 |
Automatically performing varying levels of summarization of geographic data points in response to a user's selection of zoom level
A facility for summarizing a set of data points each having a geographic location is described. The facility specifies the display of a map showing a geographic area the specified by a user. The facility identifies a number of geographic regions in the geographic area that are of a type that is automatically selected by the facility in response to the identity of the geographic area. The map indicates, for a least one of the identified geographic regions, information that summarizes one or more aspects of the data points of the set that have geographic locations contained in the identified geographic region. |
| US08095433B2 |
Method and computer storage medium for ordering a replacement kit to build superseded parts
The present invention provides a system and method for identifying replacement parts. Replacement parts may be identified although they do not correlate to obsolete parts on a one-to-one basis. Both replaced parts and their substitutes may be tracked by, for example, associating an identifier with the part. Each identifier may be a string of characters that uniquely refers to the part. The identifier of the replaced part may be linked to an array of identifiers, each corresponding to a replacement part. A user may enter the identifier of the replaced part and retrieve data corresponding to each of the substitutes. During the lifecycle of the product, replacement parts may be replaced. Data may be retrieved showing a hierarchy describing a history of multiple replacements. The user need not know that a part has been replaced to retrieve re-designed or remanufactured part information. |
| US08095416B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for the dynamic generation of business intelligence alert triggers
The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for dynamically generating business intelligence alert triggers. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: identifying an attribute; monitoring data values associated with the attribute; analyzing the data values to establish a baseline value; generating a trigger value based on a variance from the baseline value; and repeating the monitoring, analyzing and generation steps to dynamically refine the baseline value and the trigger value based on new data values. |
| US08095415B1 |
Human capital development framework
The invention provides a human capital development framework which allows organizations to assess the business impact of human capital initiatives and guide their implementation. The invention further provides a four-tier tool for arriving at an assessment of an organization's human capital practices. The first tier includes a measurement of business results, the second tier involves key performance drivers which contribute to business results, the third tier involves human capital capabilities and the fourth tier involves human capital processes. Surveys are provided to collect data for each tier and a detailed report is generated based upon survey results. |
| US08095413B1 |
Processing management information
Management information is processed. A first set of computer data is acquired that represents a model of an organization of people having fundamental components, such as processes or capabilities, that are represented in the first set of computer data by data items. The first set of computer data is associated with a second set of computer data that represents a portfolio of management concepts, such as management goals. A report of management concepts is issued based on the second set of computer data and is sorted by fundamental component. |
| US08095412B1 |
Method and system for evaluating expansion of a business
A method for evaluating expansion of a business where the business is located in a first geographic area. The method includes receiving information about the business, querying a business information source and a demographic information source using the information, receiving data from the business information source and the demographic information source in response to the querying, processing the data using business expansion factors to obtain a rank order, where the data comprises a plurality of potential geographic areas for expanding the business, where the plurality of potential geographic areas are evaluated on the business expansion factors to determine a similarity to the first geographic area to obtain a rank order, and presenting, in the rank order, each of the plurality of potential geographic areas. |
| US08095411B2 |
Guided procedure framework
Systems and techniques relating to associating a procedure with actions and resources are described. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: specifying a list of one or more actions corresponding to a specified procedure and, for each action, one or more resources associated with the action; indicating an action order, including indicating whether two or more actions in the action list are to be performed in an order-dependent manner or in an order-independent manner; formatting the list of actions into a presentation format; and enabling a user to access the resources associated with the specified procedure. The actions can be grouped into one or more phases and a navigation model may include a phase indicator to navigate by phases of the procedure and display of actions and deliverables associated with a phase. The techniques can include associating deliverables, contributors and resources with an action. A display can be provided for tracking the status of deliverables, contributors, resources or the completion of the procedure. |
| US08095408B2 |
System and method for facilitating network connectivity based on user characteristics
A computer system for facilitating user connectivity in a computer network includes an attention manager, an identity manager, and an introduction manager. The attention manager generates data indicative of the current interests of the user. The identity manager manages data indicative of the interests of the user. The introduction manager provides a proactive contact, content, or commerce data recommendation for the dynamic introduction of contact, content, or commerce data to the user, and may also provide bilaterally secure introductions with other users. |
| US08095407B2 |
System and method for service parts planning in a multi-echelon network
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for service parts planning in a multi-echelon network having one or more service parts. For at least a subset of the one or more service parts, a calculation is performed to determine a location within the multi-echelon network at which allocating the service part provides the greatest gain in system availability per item cost. In one embodiment, the calculations take into consideration violations of incremental optimal allocation. In an embodiment, the calculations take into consideration violations of convexity. |
| US08095403B2 |
System and method for provision of maintenance information and products
A system and method are provided for the comprehensive provision of maintenance related information and products to a client. By one approach, item information is received from a client regarding at least one of a plurality of disparate items. The method also includes receiving manufacturer information regarding the plurality of disparate items from information from manufacturers of the items. A selectively accessible database is created that includes at least in part the item information, the manufacturer information, and maintenance information derived at least in part from the manufacturer information relating to servicing at least one of the disparate items and/or to a product relating to at least one of the disparate items. The client is provided with access to the maintenance information stored on the selectively accessible database. The maintenance information can be accessed from brick and mortar hardware stores as well. |
| US08095400B2 |
Online waiting room system, method and computer program product
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention sets forth a system, method and computer program product which may include providing an online waiting room and gatekeeper for controlling access to users in a plurality of tiered classification standby lines, seeking access to an online event. |
| US08095399B2 |
Method and system for providing insurance policies via a distributed computing network
A virtual insurance producer Web site is provided at which a prospective insurance customer may request a bindable premium quotation for an insurance policy. The prospective customer may be asked to provide information relating to the insurability of an individual to be insured by the insurance policy and information relating to the coverage to be provided by the insurance policy. The premium is displayed to the prospective customer as a bindable quotation that binds the insurance company providing the policy and that may be purchased on-line immediately. The prospective customer may purchase the insurance policy according to the provided bindable premium quotation through the virtual insurance producer Web site. If the prospective customer elects to purchase the policy, the virtual insurance producer Web site may re-intermediate an insurance agent into the sales process and transmit the insurance policy to the customer in electronic form. |
| US08095398B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing retirement income benefits
A computerized method and system for administering an unannuitized variable annuity plan having a guaranteed minimum withdrawal payment feature associated with a systematic withdrawal program includes the steps of and system for storing data, determining an amount of a scheduled payment, periodically determining the account value, making the scheduled payment by withdrawing that amount from the account value, monitoring for an unscheduled withdrawal made under the plan and adjusting the amount of the scheduled payment in response to the unscheduled withdrawal. Scheduled payments will be made to the owner under the plan for the period of benefit payments, even if it is determined by the computerized method and system that the account value is or will be exhausted before all payments have been made. Payments made before such determination are made with the aid of the computer, and payments made thereafter may be made with or without the aid of the computer. |
| US08095397B2 |
Variable annuity with a guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit based on an external index
Products, methods and system for guaranteeing the minimum accumulation benefit of an investment account owned by an entity are described. The steps of the guarantee include determining an external index or method to use to calculate the guarantee at the end of the defined investment period; allowing the owner of the investment account to select from available investment options; and at the end of the investment period crediting the investment account the difference of the current value of the investment account and the calculated minimum value of the investment account if the investment account has not increased in value above the calculated minimum. |
| US08095393B2 |
Method and system for automated processing of insurance information
A method and system for automated processing of insurance information. A universal electronic insurance application form is automatically created and sent and received electronically. The universal electronic insurance information form includes a set of common insurance census information required by health insurance carriers to provide health insurance quotes. The universal electronic insurance information form is used to obtain group health insurance rate quotes automatically from multiple health insurance carriers. |
| US08095391B2 |
System and method for performing reinspection in insurance claim processing
A system and method for performing insurance claim reinspections is disclosed. The system includes an insurance company computer in communication with a communications server, at least one remote terminal in communication with the communications server, and an insurance claim workfile having a loss estimate section, an appraisal section and a reinspection section. The method includes the steps of providing an insurance claim profile and exception priority information, comparing an estimate in an insurance workfile to the insurance claim profile, and generating exception indicators based on the comparison. |
| US08095389B2 |
Computer systems and methods for selecting subjects for clinical trials
Computers, computer program products, and methods for identifying a plurality of subjects for a clinical trial are provided. A candidate set of molecular profiles in a stored plurality of molecular profiles are identified. Each such profile has measurements for a discriminating set of cellular constituents that match the measurements of corresponding cellular constituents in a responder set of biological samples, thereby identifying the plurality of subjects for the trial from those subjects from which the candidate set of molecular profiles were derived. Each respective molecular profile in the stored plurality of profiles has measurements of a plurality of cellular constituents from a respective biological sample in a plurality of samples obtained from a first plurality of subjects. The discriminating set of cellular constituents is identified from those cellular constituents in the plurality of cellular constituents whose measurement values discriminates between the responder and nonresponder sets of biological samples. |
| US08095388B2 |
Medical imaging diagnosis supporting apparatus and image diagnosis supporting method
By selecting at least one of an image and a report to be provided for an institute to which a patient is introduced, an object having the same series ID as that of the image or report is automatically obtained. Medical information including the object is generated and stored in an external medium. By selecting an image or the like to be provided to the institute to which a patient is introduced, address information of the selected image or the like and address information of an object or the like having the same series ID as that of the image or the like is automatically obtained. Medical information including the address information is generated and stored in an external medium. |
| US08095385B2 |
Method and system to track customer purchases
A system and method for identifying transactions relating to a single customer in a data set received from a plurality of outlets (402), such that one patient's (404) pharmaceutical prescription data may be linked (406) to represent the entire pharmaceutical purchases of said patient is disclosed (414). |
| US08095378B2 |
Automated system for managing the selection of clinical items and documentation for a clinical event
A method in a computer system for preparing for a clinical event is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying a preference card associated with the clinical event, the preference card including a list of predefined clinical item values, accessing at least one patient-specific demographic value; determining whether at least one of the predefined clinical item values is incompatible with at least one patient-specific demographic value, and updating the preference card if at least one of the predefined clinical item values is incompatible with at least one patient-specific demographic value. |
| US08095376B2 |
Method and system for ordering print products by electronic mail
A automated method, system and computer program for ordering print products by electronic mail. An e-mail request for business cards or other print products, such as postcards or calendars, is generated by a user of an e-mail system and sent to a management system including a management program which, in response, causes the system to selectively retrieve additional information associated with the e-mail request from one or more databases. The management system then prepares the business card order, or other print product order, using the retrieved information. The databases may be internet accessible directory services or other types of databases which the management system can look up using the originating e-mail address contained in the e-mail request in order to retrieve the additional information. The print product order can be prepared by importing the additional information, such as print product, shipping, billing and/or approval information, into one or more templates. |
| US08095373B2 |
Robot apparatus with vocal interactive function and method therefor
The present invention provides a robot apparatus with a vocal interactive function. The robot apparatus receives a vocal input, and recognizes the vocal input. The robot apparatus stores a plurality of output data, a last output time of each of the output data, and a weighted value of each of the output data. The robot apparatus outputs output data according to the weighted values of all the output data corresponding to the vocal input, and updates the last output time of the output data. The robot apparatus calculates the weighted values of all the output data corresponding to the vocal input according to the last output time. Consequently, the robot apparatus may output different and variable output data when receiving the same vocal input. The present invention also provides a vocal interactive method adapted for the robot apparatus. |
| US08095369B1 |
Apparatus and method for verifying transactions using voice print
A system, apparatus, and method for verifying that a consumer seeking to conduct a transaction with a merchant is authorized to use an associated account. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus may include a voice response unit, a storage medium, and a voice print comparator The voice response unit may be configured to obtain a test voice print during a transaction between the consumer and the merchant. The storage medium may be configured to store an account number associated with the consumer, and a control voice print associated with the account number. Also, the voice print comparator may be configured to receive the control voice print associated with the account number, compare the test voice print to the control voice print, and to return a match level signal indicating a degree of match therebetween. From the match, the merchant may decide whether the consumer is authorized to use the account. |
| US08095362B2 |
Method and system for reducing effects of noise producing artifacts in a speech signal
Methods and systems are presented for reducing effect of noise producing artifacts in a speech signal. An example method includes obtaining a plurality of incoming samples representative of a speech subframe, summing an energy level for each of the plurality of samples to generate a total input level, determining whether the speech subframe is in a silence area using the total input level, setting a gain value as a function of the total input level in response to the speech subframe being in the silence area, wherein the function results in the gain value increasing as the total input value increases and the gain value decreasing as the total input value decreases, multiplying the plurality of samples by the gain value to produce modified samples, generating a digital speech signal using the modified samples, and converting using a digital-to-analog converter, the digital speech signal into an analog signal. |
| US08095360B2 |
Speech post-processing using MDCT coefficients
There is provided a method of post-processing a speech signal. The method comprises applying a time-domain post-processing to the speech signal, using LPC coefficients, for a low-band frequency range and applying a frequency-domain post-processing to the speech signal, using MDCT coefficients, for the high-band frequency range. Applying the frequency-domain post-processing includes decoding an encoded speech signal to obtain MDCT coefficients representative of the speech signal divided into a plurality of sub-bands, generating an envelope for each sub-band of the plurality of sub-bands as an average magnitude of the MDCT coefficients of the sub-band, generating an envelope modification factor for each sub-band of the plurality of sub-band using the MDCT coefficients of the sub-band, modifying the envelope by the envelope modification factor for each sub-band of the plurality of sub-bands to provide a modified envelope, and generating the post-processed speech signal using the modified envelope. |
| US08095357B2 |
Removing time delays in signal paths
The disclosed embodiments include systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable mediums for compensating one or more signals and/or one or more parameters for time delays in one or more signal processing paths. |
| US08095356B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing natural language using tape-intersection
Operations for weighted and non-weighted multi-tape automata are described for use in natural language processing tasks such as morphological analysis, disambiguation, and entity extraction. |
| US08095355B2 |
Displaying original text in a user interface with translated text
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for user interaction with machine translation. A user interface for receiving requests to translate text and/or documents from a first language text to a second language text. The translated text and/or document is displayed such that the first language text corresponding to a selected portion of the second language text can be accessed and displayed in the same user interface. |
| US08095354B2 |
Power consumption peak estimation program for LSI and device therefor
As a program tool of the embodiment estimating the peak of power consumption, primary processing is performed in which logic simulation is executed in a first time period to extract operation data of a gated clock for every predetermined section within the first time period, e.g. operation waveform data or data on the number of operations. Then, a narrowed section, which is composed of one or more sections and in which the switching activity per unit time is higher compared to other sections, is discovered, the switching activity being obtained from the operation data, and this narrowed section is taken as a second time period. Then, secondary processing is performed in which logic simulation is executed in the second time period to extract signal waveform data for every clock cycle and obtain power consumption data corresponding to the clock cycles from the extracted signal waveform data. |
| US08095353B2 |
Power index computing apparatus, method of computing power index, and computer product
A power index computing apparatus that computes a power index for a circuit having one or more modules includes an obtaining unit that obtains estimated power consumption for a module in the circuit and a first computing unit that computes entropy based on a transition probability of an output signal of the module during a simulation period. The entropy is indicative of an expected value of a data volume output from the module, and the output signal is output to a destination that is external to the module. The power index computing apparatus further includes a second computing unit that computes a power index based on the estimated power consumption and the entropy, where the power index concerns power consumption for output of the output signal with respect to the estimated power consumption. An output unit of the power index computing apparatus outputs a result of the second computing unit. |
| US08095351B2 |
Modeling method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for creating three-dimensional analysis model of a target object to analyze data transmission
A modeling method creates a three-dimensional analysis model of a target object for extracting parameters that are used to analyze a high-frequency transmission, by selecting, from an art work data of the target object, an extraction target region that becomes a target for extracting the parameters that are used to analyze the high-frequency transmission, deleting non-extraction target elements of the extraction target region, that do not affect an electromagnetic analysis and are other than extraction target elements that affect the electromagnetic analysis, linearizing, from among the extraction target elements, a curved wiring, and optimizing a wiring length of the extraction target region including the linearized wiring and optimizing an analyzing space dimension of the extraction target region, so as to create the three-dimensional analysis model. |
| US08095348B2 |
Support system, support method and support program of resin molded article
A model creation portion having a obstacle in a space includes two creation portions, one is to separate them and another is to combine them which handles, as porous media, an obstacle in which narrow spaces are regularly arranged. A thermosets flow analysis portion includes two analysis portions to separate and combine them, each of them has a viscosity equation for thermosets. The space/obstacle separation analysis portion analyzes by combining the viscosity equation with conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy, and the space/obstacle combination analysis portion analyzes by combining the viscosity equation with a conservation equation directed to a shape simplified as porous media. Resin flow behavior is analyzed while data in an interface between two models is delivered to each other, to accurately predict filling behavior at the time of injecting resin of thermosets molded articles having the complex obstacles. |
| US08095346B2 |
Operation simulation system for plant construction
An operation simulation system for plant construction, having operating expense calculated based on crane type determined by a command input; the expense to construct foundation calculated based on the foundation placement on which the determined crane is put; the operating expense calculated based on a period during which an operation is carried out; the expense to temporarily place the installation object calculated based on the specifications of the installation object before the installation; the installation operation expense calculated based on an installation milestone reflecting a due date of the installation object; the total necessary expense calculated based on all the expenses calculated; the total necessary expense is analyzed and evaluated; and the command input is adjusted by reflecting the results of an evaluation analysis so that the value of the command input falls in range of the set values in the specifications held by the corresponding setting apparatus. |
| US08095343B2 |
Method and apparatus for modeling source-drain current of thin film transistor
Provided are a method and apparatus for modeling source-drain current of a TFT. The method includes receiving sample data, the sample data including a sample input value and a sample output value; adjusting modeling variables according to the sample data; calculating a current model value according to the adjusted modeling variables; when a difference between the calculated current model value and the sample output value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, fitting a current model by applying the adjusted modeling variables to the current model; applying actual input data to the fitted current model; and outputting a result value corresponding to the actual input data, wherein the current model is a model for predicting the source-drain current of the TFT. |
| US08095333B2 |
Device for locating a right or left position of a tire and wheel assembly of a vehicle
A location device is provided, in which the device is configured to be carried by a tire and wheel assembly so as to locate a right or left position of the assembly in a vehicle. The device includes two magnetic sensors with axes of maximum sensitivity; a measurement circuit for measuring a signal across terminals of each of the magnetic sensors, the measurement circuit being able to deliver two periodic signals phase-shifted with respect to one another and each periodic signal being representative of variations in values of a magnetic field detected by a corresponding magnetic sensor during a revolution of the tire and wheel assembly; and a calculation processor programmed to determine, based on the phase shift between the two periodic signals, a direction of rotation of the tire and wheel assembly, and to deduce from the direction of rotation and a direction of travel of the vehicle, a right or left location of the tire and wheel assembly. The two magnetic sensors have their axes of maximum sensitivity oriented in parallel, and in the two magnetic sensors are configured to be placed on the tire and wheel assembly at distinct azimuths. |
| US08095331B2 |
Transaction based verification of a system on chip on system level by translating transactions into machine code
In a transaction-based verification environment for complex semiconductor devices, enhanced verification efficiency may be achieved by providing a transaction to machine code translator and an appropriate interface that enables access of the translated machine code instruction by a CPU under test. In this manner, transaction-based test environments may have a high degree of re-usability and may be used for verification on block level and system level. |
| US08095323B2 |
Polymorphism detection
The present invention generally provides a rapid efficient method for analyzing polymorphic or biallelic markers, and arrays for carrying out these analyses. In general, the methods of the present invention employ arrays of oligonucleotide probes that are complementary to target nucleic acids which correspond to the marker sequences of an individual. The probes are typically arranged in detection blocks, each block being capable of discriminating the three genotypes for a given marker, i.e., the heterozygote or either of the two homozygotes. The method allows for rapid, automatable analysis of genetic linkage to even complex polygenic traits. |
| US08095322B2 |
Systems and methods for determining cross-talk coefficients in PCR and other data sets
Systems and methods for determining cross-talk coefficients in curves, such as sigmoid-type or growth curves, and PCR curves and nucleic acid melting curves in particular, as well as for applying the cross-talk coefficients to produce cross-talk corrected data sets using a linear subtractive model. Cross-talk signal coefficients are determined using cross-talk data acquired across the entire signal acquisition range. Analyzing across all of the signal curve data provides for a more robust cross-talk correction across the entire data acquisition range. A linear subtractive model is used to correct data sets having cross-talk components. |
| US08095318B2 |
Method for estimating formation dip using combined multiaxial induction and formation image measurements
A method for determining dip of rock formations penetrated by a wellbore using multiaxial induction measurements and imaging measurements made from within the wellbore includes estimating dip from the multiaxial induction measurements. Dip is also estimated from the imaging measurements. The dip is determined by combining the induction and imaging measurements. |
| US08095316B2 |
Well log normalization
A method of normalizing well log data relating to geology of a subsurface region includes identifying a pair of markers defining a zone on each well log, determining a statistic for a property within the zone for each well log, fitting a smooth function to the statistics to create a first-iteration trend surface, determining, for each statistic, a deviation from the trend surface and eliminating those statistics that deviate from the trend surface by greater than a threshold value, fitting a smooth function to the remaining statistics to create a second-iteration trend surface, normalizing the property for each well log based on the second-iteration trend surface, and analyzing the normalized properties to determine the geology of the subsurface region. |
| US08095305B2 |
System and method for financing a rideshare system
A system and method for financing a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare transaction is arranged. Potential participants are identified for the rideshare transaction. Two or more of the potential participants are matched for inclusion in the rideshare transaction. Revenue is derived through an offering of insurance coverage for the arranged rideshare transaction. |
| US08095304B2 |
Cargo tracking and visibility system and method
A cargo load and visibility system and method as well as an associated delivery vehicle tracking system are provided to permit cargo to be tracked, both as the cargo is loaded upon the delivery vehicle and throughout the delivery process, thereby increasing the visibility of the shipping operations including the last stage of the shipping operations in which the goods are delivered to their intended or ultimate destination. The cargo load and visibility system and method may be configured to permit redirection of the delivery vehicle while in route in instances in which the intended destination, such as a military unit, has changed position if such redirection can be performed in a manner that is safe for the delivery vehicle. |
| US08095303B1 |
Identifying a route configured to travel through multiple points of interest
A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest. |
| US08095302B2 |
Discrepancy reporting in electronic map applications
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for proposing an update for a navigation chart displayed in an aircraft data processing system. A selection of a navigation object is received in the navigation chart through the aircraft data processing system. In response to receiving the selection, a set of attributes is presented for the navigation object, wherein each attribute can be selected containing a discrepancy. In response to receiving user input to change an attribute in the set of attributes, the attribute is changed using the user input. A discrepancy report is directly sent to the data provider via a datalink. |
| US08095298B2 |
Variable valve actuation system of internal combustion engine
In a variable valve actuation system of an internal combustion engine employing a variable valve actuator capable of variably adjusting at least intake valve closure timing depending on engine operating conditions, a processor of a control unit is programmed to phase-advance the intake valve closure timing to a predetermined timing value after a piston top dead center position and before a piston bottom dead center position on intake stroke during at least one of an engine starting period and an engine stopping period. The variable valve actuator includes a biasing device by which the intake valve closure timing is permanently biased toward the predetermined timing value. |
| US08095295B2 |
Device and method for controlling fuel injection
In a method for controlling fuel injection by means of injectors in a multicylinder internal combustion engine, the injectors are controlled sequentially according to control data for opening and closing in injection processes, wherein for each cylinder in an operating cycle a certain injection segment is defined, during which injection is possible. For the cylinders, a plurality of injection processes are performed per injection segment, the duration and temporal position for these injection processes are defined in the operating cycle, and in a conflict correction step a shift, or suppression, is performed of at least partially overlapping, and therefore conflicting, injection processes. |
| US08095294B1 |
Method for determining fuel injection on-time in a gaseous-fuelled internal combustion engine
A method and apparatus determine the fuel injection on-time to accurately meter fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber of a gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine. The fuel injection on-time is determined by interpolating between values retrieved from two of a plurality of predetermined look-up tables, which each define fuel injection on-time as a function of gaseous fuel rail pressure and fuelling amount. Each table corresponds to a fixed value of a third parameter that correlates to in-cylinder pressure. |
| US08095290B2 |
Method to control vehicular powertrain by monitoring map preview information
A method of operating a vehicular powertrain including an internal combustion engine includes monitoring map preview information, determining a projected vehicle path based upon the map preview information, determining likely engine operation demands along the projected vehicle path, wherein the likely engine operation demands include likely required engine speeds and likely required engine loads, determining selectable engine operating modes at each likely engine operating demand, and executing engine operation based upon the selectable engine operating modes. |
| US08095285B2 |
Method for derating a power source to limit damage
A method for derating a power source to limit damage to a drive train of a machine including determining a first operational parameter associated with a power conversion unit and a second operational parameter associated with the power source, selecting, based on the first operational parameter associated with the power conversion unit and the second operational parameter associated with the power source, a power source derate value, and reducing an available power output associated with the power source according to the derate value. |
| US08095284B2 |
Automatic transmission and control method thereof
An automatic transmission control unit determines whether or not a constantly open failure, in which a switch valve cannot switch a pressure regulating valve and a second hydraulic chamber to a non-communicative state, has occurred on the basis of a parameter (an inertia phase time, for example) representing a dynamic characteristic during a shift from a first gear position to a second gear position. The determination of the constantly open failure is begun after initial variation in the parameter representing the dynamic characteristic during the shift has been eliminated through learning control in which the dynamic characteristic during the shift is caused to approach a target dynamic characteristic. |
| US08095279B2 |
Systems and methods for improving haul route management
A method for managing haul routes in work environments comprises receiving performance criteria associated with a haul route and establishing a target total effective grade for at least one machine associated with the haul route based on the performance criteria. The method also includes collecting performance data associated with the at least one machine. A drive axle torque of the at least one machine is determined and an actual total effective grade associated with the at least one machine is estimated. The at least one machine is identified as an underperforming machine if the actual total effective grade for the at least one machine exceeds the target total effective grade. An average total effective grade for the at least one machine is determined as a function of the actual total effective grade. A haul route deficiency is identified if the average total effective grade exceeds a threshold level. |
| US08095272B2 |
Yaw moment control system of vehicle
A rotatable grip (ancillary operation member) is provided on a part of a steering wheel body of a steering wheel (main operation member) for turning wheels. When the grip is rotated, a difference is generated between left and right wheels, and a yaw moment generated with this difference can assist or suppress the turning of a vehicle. Because the grip constitutes a part of the steering wheel body, it is possible to rotate the grip to assist or suppress the turning of the vehicle, while operating the steering wheel to turn the vehicle. Because both the steering wheel body and the grip can be operated by the same hand of a driver, operational burden on the driver is alleviated. Thus, it is possible to concurrently provide an excellent operability of the main operation member for controlling a kinetic state of the vehicle, and an excellent operability of the ancillary operation member for controlling the operation of a yaw moment generating device. |
| US08095271B2 |
Method and device for protecting the driver during driver-independent superposition of steering moments
In a method for deactivating a driver assistance system that influences the steering, a driver-independent system steering variable is applied to the steering wheel by the driver assistance system, the value of a driver steering variable applied to the steering wheel by the driver is determined, and the driver assistance system is deactivated dependent on the driver steering variable. |
| US08095270B2 |
Vehicle safety system
In a vehicle safety system with a vehicle steering wheel, which has a steering wheel rim, and with at least one capacitive sensor which detects an alteration to an electric or electromagnetic field, the sensor is arranged in or on the steering wheel rim. |
| US08095264B2 |
Vehicle-mounted information system, and data gathering method in diagnostic equipment
A diagnostic equipment coupled to a vehicle network makes an inquiry about internal information, e.g., yes or no whether there is a logging-available memory area, with respect to each of a plurality of ECUs, and only to any of the ECUs making a response of yes, e.g., having such a memory area, a notification is made when some defect is observed. The internal information is then gathered from the ECU, and in response to an inquiry about the internal information coming from the diagnostic equipment, the ECU forwards back information about yes or no for logging thereto. When the ECU is available for logging, log data that has been periodically accumulated is forwarded back as a response with respect to a retrieval request therefor from the diagnostic equipment. |
| US08095263B2 |
Electronic control unit and vehicle control system
When an electronic control unit receives a rewriting request of vehicle identification information, the electronic control unit writes state information indicating a rewriting state in a memory and rewrites the vehicle identification information into new vehicle identification information. The electronic control unit sends an erasing order to a peripheral electronic unit for erasing failure information stored in the peripheral electronic unit and determines whether the peripheral electronic control unit sends an erasing completion signal indicating that the erasing of the failure information is completed. The electronic control unit erases the state information indicating the rewriting state when the rewriting of the vehicle identification information is completed and the peripheral electronic control unit sends the erasing completion signal. |
| US08095261B2 |
Aggregated information fusion for enhanced diagnostics, prognostics and maintenance practices of vehicles
A system and method for enhancing vehicle diagnostic and prognostic algorithms and improving vehicle maintenance practices. The method includes collecting data from vehicle components, sub-systems and systems, and storing the collected data in a database. The collected and stored data can be from multiple sources for similar vehicles or similar components and can include various types of trouble codes and labor codes as well as other information, such as operational data and physics of failure data, which are fused together. The method generates classes for different vehicle components, sub-systems and systems, and builds feature extractors for each class using data mining techniques of the data stored in the database. The method also generates classifiers that classify the features for each class. The feature extractors and feature classifiers are used to determine when a fault condition has occurred for a vehicle component, sub-system or system. |
| US08095256B2 |
System and method for using vehicle attributes to identify a vehicle under service
A system and method directed to determining vehicle attributes associated with a vehicle under service so as to eliminate the need for a user of a vehicle service tool to enter the vehicle attributes or to reduce the quantity of vehicle attributes that the user has to enter in order for the vehicle service tool to identify the vehicle under service and, in turn, to retrieve vehicle reference data associated with the vehicle under service. The vehicle service tool may include vehicle service applications for servicing various systems and/or components of the vehicle under service. A vehicle service application selected by the user may function as a requester application that queries other applications and/or data storage for the vehicle attributes needed by the requester application to identify the vehicle under service. |
| US08095255B2 |
Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
In a hybrid vehicle provided with a power dividing mechanism comprising a clutch mechanism, an ECU performs speed-change control. In the control, the ECU performs an engage preparing process if it is necessary to engage clutch plates of the clutch mechanism with each other. In the process, the ECU switches a reference value which is referred in a feedback control for performing a rotation synchronization and a position synchronization for the clutch plates from a calculated value which is calculated from a pulse signal of first rotational sensor mounted the clutch plate to an estimated value which is estimated from a pulse signal of each of second and third rotational sensors for detecting rotational speed of each motor generators if clutch rotational speed as rotational speed corresponding to the clutch plate as an engagement element decreases to less than a criterion value. |
| US08095254B2 |
Method for determining a power constraint for controlling a powertrain system
A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring operating conditions of an engine, a transmission device, and an energy storage device. The method further includes determining a first power constraint, filtering the first power constraint utilizing a first filter response time when the first power constraint changes in a first direction, and filtering the first power constraint utilizing a second filter response time when the first power constraint changes in a second direction. |
| US08095249B2 |
System and method for displaying a digital terrain
Methods and systems for displaying a digital terrain to a user of a vehicle are provided. First, second, and third actual terrain data points are received. The third actual terrain data point is between the first and second actual terrain data points. If the third actual terrain data point is above a line interconnecting the first and second actual terrain data points, the first actual terrain data point is modified such that the third actual terrain data point is not above a line interconnecting said modified first actual terrain data point and the second actual terrain data point. A digital terrain is displayed to the user of the vehicle. The digital terrain includes a first digital terrain data point corresponding to the modified first actual terrain data point. |
| US08095247B2 |
Turret envelope control system and method for a vehicle
A turret control system and method is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback. |
| US08095245B1 |
Thermal energy dispatch system
A system and computer-implemented method for dispatching thermal energy and generating power in a solar power generating plant. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium to direct the operation of the processor. The processor generates an optimized thermal energy dispatch schedule which controls operation of the generating plant by performing a combination of direct thermal energy and indirect thermal energy storage simulations to maximize operating revenues. |
| US08095239B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the motion of a robotic device
A robot movement control device is connected to a communications network in a remote location relative to a robotic device that is also connected to the communications network. The robot movement control device is an electronic device with a video display for displaying a real-time video image sent to it by a camera associated with the robot. A robot movement control overlay is displayed in the field of the real-time video image at the robot control device and robot control commands are generated by selecting locations within the boundary of the movement control overlay which include speed and directional information. The control commands are sent by the robot control device over the network to the robot which uses the commands to adjust its speed and direction of movement. |
| US08095234B2 |
Transferring disk drives within disk drive testing systems
A method of transferring disk drives within a disk drive testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple disk drives presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved disk drive to a respective test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert each disk drive in the respective test slot. |
| US08095232B2 |
Printer driver systems and methods for automatic generation of embroidery designs
An example printer driver system and method disclosed herein includes determining a set of line segments corresponding to received image information, determining a first polygon from a first subset of the set of line segments, determining a second polygon from a second subset of the set of line segments, determining that a first line segment in the first subset and a second line segment in the second subset are collinear, removing the first line segment from the set of line segments, subtracting the first line segment from the second line segment to form a third line segment, replacing the second line segment in the set of line segments with the third line segment, determining a path corresponding to the set of line segments, determining a set of coordinates corresponding to the path, and instructing an embroidery machine to stitch the path in a substrate using the set of coordinates. |
| US08095231B2 |
Graphical automated machine control and metrology
A graphical programming system allows a user to place geometric shapes onto a scaled image, the shape having associated behavior that operates on the image or on the object of which the image is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the shapes are objects in the Visio program by Microsoft Corporation. The shapes are dragged from a stencil onto an image provided by ion beam or electron microscope image. The shape invokes software or hardware to locate and measure features on the image or to perform operations, such as ion beam milling, on the object that is imaged. |
| US08095229B2 |
Three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing process planning
Manufacturing process planning is usually considered as not intuitive for non-expert user. This is because a user needs to deal with processes, describing a work to be done, and other abstract concepts that are loosely related to the real world. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided to describe a work to be done in response to a user interacting with a three-dimensional representation of one or more parts that form a product and to provide the user with feedback in the form of a graphical representation of the work to be done. This approach is very intuitive as it is close to how a user would, for example, in a real world, decompose a product into sub-assemblies that essentially results into a definition of a manufacturing process of the product. |
| US08095228B2 |
Data distribution apparatus, its control method, program, and storage medium
This invention has as its object to be able to maintain constant audio data transmission intervals even when video and audio data are transmitted to many users. A group number is assigned to each user, and every time data is generated, it is stored in buffers having different start positions. When a predetermined number of data can be stored, a transmission process to clients is executed. Hence, the load on the transmission processes can be distributed to the number of groups, and the difference of the transmission intervals of audio data can be minimized. |
| US08095226B2 |
Methods and systems to schedule gains in process control loops
Methods and planning systems used to schedule gain matrices for process control loops and determine optimal values for manipulated variables according to a minimum cost function. A cost function is calculated for each of a predetermined number of plans as a sum of partial cost functions calculated over a predetermined number of projections in a horizon. Each partial cost function after the initial projection of a plan is calculated using a scheduled gain matrix. The gain matrix can be scheduled for each projection by selection from a predetermined set of gain matrices or can be calculated in real time during the calculation for each projection. |
| US08095223B2 |
Apparatus and method for inserting a catheter
A delivery apparatus for a stimulating catheter has a conductive wire wound within a reel dispenser. The reel dispenser has a base portion and a rotating portion that are coupled at the axle with the rotating portion rotatable relative to the base portion. The proximal region of the conductive wire is in electrical connection with the axle of the dispenser. A method for delivering a stimulating catheter includes introducing the distal regions of the conductive wire and catheter into a subject, rotating the rotating portion of the reel dispenser relative to the base portion whereby the catheter and conductive wire are advanced into the subject, providing an electrical current to the conductive wire through the axle, and rewinding the rotating portion of the reel dispenser relative to the base portion whereby the conductive wire is retracted in a proximal direction through the catheter. |
| US08095221B2 |
Active discharge systems and methods
To avoid charge accumulation on capacitive connections to implanted electrodes during delivery of stimulation pulses, stimulation pulses are followed by active discharge pulses having opposite polarity of the stimulation pulses. The active discharge pulses preferably have at least one pulse attribute magnitude (e.g., duration, voltage, and/or current) different than a corresponding stimulation pulse and are preferably programmable. Approximately the same total net current flow is delivered during active discharge pulses as during the stimulation pulses, but in the opposite direction and optionally at a lower amplitude. In addition, by reducing the driving voltage and a variable load within the electrical path for delivery of the pulses, power dissipation during active discharge is preferably reduced. |
| US08095220B2 |
Neurostimulation therapy usage diagnostics
An implantable medical device delivers neurostimulation therapy to a patient according to a parameter set. A parameter set may consist of a number of programs that are delivered substantially simultaneously. When programming the implantable medical device for the patient, a clinician programmer may maintain a session log for the patient that includes a listing of programs delivered to the patient and rating information provided by a clinician and the patient for programs of the list. The listing may be ordered according to the rating information in order to facilitate the selection of programs for a parameter set. A program library that may include particularly effective programs organized according to a directory structure may be stored in a memory. One or both of the implantable medical device and a patient programmer may store usage information that provides an objective assessment of therapy use by the patient, and allows a clinician to later improve the therapy based on the usage information. |
| US08095217B2 |
Terminal housing for an electromedical implant
A terminal housing (14) for an electromedical implant (10) having female contacts (22.2, 22.2, 24) to receive and provide electric contact for electrode line plugs. The terminal housing has a base module (20) and a separately premanufactured cover module (40) that has a female contact (24) according to the IS-4 standard and is inserted into the base module (20) and connected thereto. |
| US08095215B2 |
Multipolar guide wire and electrode line
Electrode arrangement for an electrical stimulation device, having electrode line (10) with electrical connection at proximal end of electrode line and with plurality of conductive surface areas (14, 16) in region of distal end of electrode line for emitting electrical pulses to a heart or for receiving electrical signals from the heart. Electrically conductive surface areas are at least partly electrically connected with the electrical connection at the proximal end of the electrode line. Uses switch or switching means (100), arranged within the electrical connection or within the electrode line, electrically arranged between at least one connection contact of the electrical connection and at least some of the electrically conductive surface areas (14b, 16), and which has an initially electrically conductive or non-conductive component (52), configured via a permanent configuration process by an electrical switching pulse to make permanently electrically non-conductive or conductive. |
| US08095213B1 |
Transdermal patch
A transdermal patch can include a drug source, a porator, and an energy storage device on-board the patch. Conductive contact terminals can extend from the energy storage device for connection to an external source of power. The porator operates free of any concurrent connection to any external source of power. A switch can be used to make the selective electrical connection between the porator and the energy storage device. The switch can be arranged to respond to a manual user action after the patch has been adhered to skin, including separation of the porator from a remainder of the patch. Optionally, a series of switches can make electrical connections between the porator and respective individual energy storage devices.In another aspect, a transdermal patch includes a mechanical bias that applies a displacement force to the porator to thereby better ensure good physical contact between the porator and the skin. |
| US08095211B2 |
Body fat measuring device
A body fat measuring device comprises electrodes brought into contact with the waist portion of a subject, an optical sensor composed of a light applying section and a light receiving section, an impedance computing section for computing the impedance between the electrodes, a subcutaneous fat thickness computing section for computing the thickness of the subcutaneous fat of the subject from the value detected by the optical sensor, and a body fat computing section which subtracts the amount of subcutaneous fat determined using the thickness of the subcutaneous fat computed by the subcutaneous thickness computing section from the total fat amount of the subject determined using the impedance computed by the impedance computing section so as to determine the visceral fat amount of the subject. With this, not only the accuracy of measurement of the visceral fat amount is improved but also the visceral fat amount of the subject can be easily computed even without a database. |
| US08095210B2 |
Prosthetic devices and methods and systems related thereto
The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling neural prosthetic devices and electrophysiological recording equipment, and for using the same in clinical operation. Various embodiments of the invention are directed to an algorithm for autonomously isolating and maintaining neural action potential recordings. The algorithm may be used in connection with a neural interface microdrive capable of positioning electrodes to record signals from active neurons. |
| US08095209B2 |
Biological interface system with gated control signal
Various embodiments of a biological interface system and related methods are disclosed. The biological interface system may comprise a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient, a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor and process the multicellular signals to produce a processed signal, and a signal gate configured to receive the processed signal from the processing unit and an alternative signal generated by the system, the signal gate being configured to transmit a control signal to a controlled device based on either the processed signal or the alternative signal. A monitoring unit may receive system data and process the system data to produce a system status signal. The system status signal may be used to determine which of the processed signal and the alternative signal is to be used as the control signal. |
| US08095208B2 |
System for determination of an effective training heart rate zone and use of such a system
System for effective training heart rate zone determination, the system comprising:—a training module adapted to determine target training heart rate zone based on at least one stored parameter;—at least one sensor for measuring core temperature of a user's body during training;—at least one sensor for measuring a user's heart rate during training;—a compensation module, which is arranged for compensating the target training heart rate zone based on said core temperature;—an indicating module adapted to compare the users heart rate to an effective training heart rate zone based on information from the compensation module and to inform the user when the heart rate exceeds or drops under the effective training heart rate zone. The invention further relates to use of such a system. |
| US08095205B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying a determined cardiac event in a medical device based on detected variation in hemodynamic status
A method and apparatus for verifying a determined cardiac event in a medical device based on detected variation in hemodynamic status that includes a plurality of sensors sensing cardiac signals, and a physiologic sensor sensing physiologic signals to generate a plurality of variation index samples corresponding to the sensed signals. A microprocessor detects a cardiac event in response to the sensed cardiac signals, computes a variation index trend associated with a predetermined number of variation index samples of the plurality of variation index samples, determines whether the sensed cardiac signals are associated with noise in response to the computed variation index, and confirms the determined cardiac event in response to the sensed cardiac signals not being associated with noise. |
| US08095201B2 |
Medical device and method for operating a medical device
The possibility for receiving and processing data from an analytical chip (“lab-on-a-chip”) is integrated into a medical device, such as for example an X-ray imaging system. This means quite simply that it is possible at the medical device to make a diagnosis which could otherwise only be made by a laboratory. There is a separate processor unit, a separate memory a separate input/output unit, adapted to the analytical chip, and a display unit displays both image data from the X-ray imaging system and also analytical data. |
| US08095192B2 |
Signal quality metrics design for qualifying data for a physiological monitor
The present disclosure generally relates to determining the quality of signal used for measuring a physiological parameter. One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed towards a pulse oximeter, where the measured physiological parameter includes a patient's pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. The signal quality is calculated by combining a plurality of signal quality indicators, each of which is an indicator of a quality of the measured signal. The value of the signal quality metric is compared to a threshold and based on this comparison various decisions are made by the medical device. One decision is directed towards deciding whether or not to display the measured physiological parameter, to ensure that only accurate measured values are displayed. Another decision is directed towards providing feedback to guide the clinician to adjust the location of the sensor to a more suitable tissue location. |
| US08095185B2 |
Estimation of angular parameters of a signal at an antenna array
A method and an antenna array system are provided for estimating parameters of radio signals impinging on antenna arrays, for estimating angular parameters, for estimating angular distribution types, and for selecting types of antenna array processing. Models of angular distribution types are used to populate look-up tables. Correlation magnitudes and correlation phases of signals impinging on antenna elements of antenna arrays are used as pointers to obtain values of parameters from the look up tables. The obtained values may be compared to some value ranges in order to select appropriate antenna array processing types. Where the angular distribution type is unknown, several values representing angular parameters may be obtained from look-up tables representing various models, and a variance of the angular parameter values for each model may be calculated. A low variance obtained from a look-up table is indicative that the model used to populate the look-up table is a good representation of the actual channel. In a network comprising a first node incorporating an antenna array and a second node, the first node may inform the second node about the type of signal distribution of the channel. This information is used by the second node to select the antenna processing type. |
| US08095184B2 |
Wireless control of operating characteristics of electronic data cards
A system comprising a first device and a second device having an electronic data card associated therewith, information on the electronic data card being useable by and accessible by the first device, wherein the first device is arranged to control the operating characteristics of the electronic data card of the second device. Thus the first device may power up/down the electronic data card, reset the electronic data card or change the clock or baud rate associated with the electronic data card. |
| US08095181B1 |
Communication device
The communication device comprising a voice communicating implementer, a sound caller ID implementer, an auto time adjusting implementer, a calculation implementer, a word processing implementer, a stereo audio data replaying implementer, a digital camera implementer, a multiple language displaying implementer, a caller's information displaying implementer, a communication device remote controlling implementer, an icon software implementer, a stereo audiovisual data replaying implementer, and an SOS implementer. |
| US08095180B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a housing comprising a light emitting portion disposed on at least a portion of the housing, a light emitting unit disposed inside the housing, a light transmission member configured to transmit light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a guiding structure formed on the light transmission member and configured to direct and emit the light toward the light emitting portion. |
| US08095178B2 |
Wireless intelligent switch engine
A wireless intelligent switch engine (WISE) is described. The wireless intelligent switch engine provides for automatic switching between different physical wireless interfaces in mobile devices while roaming to maintain a wireless network connection. WISE functions as a bridge between a mobile device and multiple wireless network interfaces to provide automatic and seamless switching among networks while roaming. The mobile device sees WISE as a LAN interface and communicates with WISE using the TCP/IP protocol stack, thus providing a PPP-less configuration that uses the TCP/IP protocol stack regardless of the wireless interface. |
| US08095175B2 |
WLAN-to-WWAN handover methods and apparatus using a WLAN support node having a WWAN interface
Methods and apparatus for use in switching communication operations between a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g. an IEEE 802.11-based network) and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) (e.g. a cellular telecommunications network) for a mobile communication device are disclosed. A network support node which is utilized to facilitate such transitioning has a first communication interface (e.g. an Ethernet interface) for connection with a communication network which includes the WLAN and a second communication interface (e.g. a cellular radio air interface) for communicating with a base station of the WWAN over a wireless communication link. |
| US08095171B2 |
Radio channel control method and receiving apparatus
A radio channel control method for controlling, in a radio communication system having a transmitter and a receiver, a radio channel from the transmitter toward the receiver. The method includes receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitter by the receiver, measuring reception quality of the signal, generating information which indicates increment or decrement of the reception quality, and controlling a modulation or coding for the radio channel based on the information. |
| US08095164B2 |
Adaptive interference avoidance method
A method is provided for operating a two-way communications service station having a maximum transmitter power adapted to avoid interference to broadcast station receivers. The communications service station shares a frequency band with the broadcast service station transmitter. The method includes periodically tuning the communications service station to the frequency band being used by the broadcast service station and detecting the presence of signals above a predetermined power level on frequencies known to be used by the broadcast station. The method further includes raising the maximum transmitter power limit for the two-way communications service station to a higher power level if the power level of the detected signal is above the predetermined power level. |
| US08095161B2 |
System and method for determining a transmit timing for communication in a radio communication system
A method for determining a transmission timing is provided. The method includes steps of, at a first point in time, determining a first transmission timing for transmissions from a user entity to a first radio transceiver, and determining a representation of a first position of the user entity in relation to the first radio transceiver and at least a second and a third radio transceiver. The method further includes, at a second point in time, subsequent to the first point in time, determining a representation of a second position of the user entity in relation to the first, second and third radio transceivers, and adjusting the transmission timing based on a difference of the first position and the second position. |
| US08095159B2 |
Radio power-fed terminal, system, and method
A power-fed terminal includes a first reception unit receiving, from another terminal, first information containing at least one frequency candidate that fails to be used by any other communication system, the frequency candidate being used for transmitting a first microwave, a second reception unit receiving the first microwave transmitted by the another terminal using the frequency candidate, a conversion unit converts an energy of the first microwave into a first DC energy, a transmission unit transmitting, to the another terminal, second information containing an optimum frequency corresponding to a maximum energy of the first DC energy, wherein the second reception unit receives a second microwave transmitted based on the second information by the another terminal, the conversion unit converts an energy of the second microwave into a second DC energy, the terminal further includes a secondary cell acquiring the second DC energy at the optimum frequency. |
| US08095158B2 |
Time setting method and apparatus for use in a mobile communication terminal
Disclosed is a time setting method and apparatus for use in a mobile communication terminal. The mobile communicates terminal transmits a short message to a short message service center (SMSC). When receiving a short message service (SMS) status report message indicating if a destination side has received the short message, the mobile communication terminal extracts short message reception time information of the SMSC included in the SMS status report message. The mobile communication terminal sets a time of the mobile communication terminal on a basis of the reception time information. |
| US08095154B1 |
System and method for providing locally applicable internet content with secure action requests and item condition alerts
Optimized delivery of locally applicable Internet content to users. A cache of locally applicable Internet content is maintained in a local content server, based upon a monitoring of locations of users requesting Internet content. Requests for Internet content are received from user equipment through a wireless network base station, and served from the local content server, which is logically proximate to the wireless network base station. The caching of locally applicable Internet content may be maintained on a layered basis. Secure action request receipt and corresponding performance, and item condition alerts are also described. |
| US08095150B2 |
Method and apparatus for conveying location of lost or motionless mobile communication devices
Movement of a mobile communication device is monitored during any of its powered modes. Upon sensing lack of movement, the location of the device is identified. If no movement has been sensed during a predetermined time period, determination is made as to whether the location of the device has changed. If not, a call is initiated to a remote address to convey the location of the device. |
| US08095144B2 |
Method and apparatus for hashing over multiple frequency bands in a communication system
Method and apparatus for hashing mobile stations to frequencies in a communication system. The method uses two-level hashing to assign a mobile station first to a frequency band and then to a specific frequency within the frequency band. Embodiments allow for weights to be assigned to frequencies and mobiles hashed to the weighted frequencies. Weighting allows for a non-uniform distribution of mobile stations among frequencies to optimize system operating parameters. |
| US08095140B2 |
Regrouping wireless devices
The present invention provides a method of switching a number of wireless devices to a common channel. The method comprises automatically broadcasting location coordinates for an initiator wireless devices to the other wireless devices in response to receiving an initiate switching message comprising the location coordinates from the initiator wireless device; automatically determining the distance between each of the other wireless device and the initiator wireless device in response to receiving respective location based information from the other wireless devices; and transmitting an instruction to switch to the common channel to the initiator wireless device and the other wireless devices within a predetermined distance of the initiator wireless device. |
| US08095139B2 |
Wireless communication method and apparatus for assigning cell and resource blocks
A method and apparatus for assigning cell and resource blocks to a wireless transmit/receive units (WTRU) in a wireless communication system including a resource management unit and a plurality of cells having resource blocks are disclosed. The WTRU is currently associated with a particular one of the cells. Path losses between the WTRU and cells neighboring the particular cell are determined. The average level of inter-cell interference on each resource block at each cell neighboring the particular cell is then determined. A signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) is then determined to support a guaranteed bit rate of the WTRU on an uplink. |
| US08095137B2 |
Method, system, network entity, and end-user terminal for controlling a handover of a cellular terminal
A method, a system and an end-user terminal for providing a handover between a digital unidirectional data communication domain and a digital bi-directional data communication domain is disclosed. Exemplary domains can be a broadcast network such as IP over DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) network, or a broadcast mode, in further examples IP over DVB-T (Terrestrial DVB) or alternatively referred to as IPDC (IP Datacast), the 3G (The Third Generation for Mobile Communication) network, in further examples UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Node). The embodiments apply measurement signalling structure of the Inter-system handover of ULMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) to control the handover. The measurements of the cell is extended to contain digital unidirectiona communications domain cells such as IP over DVB cells, as well as apply these cells to perform the handover. The fact that one of the network is principally delivering one (unidirectional) leads to a partial handover where the downlink data of the bi-directional network is applied in the handover. The unidirectional communications domain is already in a downlink transmission which knits the handover with the downlink of the bi-directional domain. |
| US08095133B2 |
Method for categorization of multiple providers in a wireless communication service environment
A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communications device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. A frequency band is examined by dividing the frequency band into many sub-bands, and by locating the strongest signal above a threshold within the sub-band being examined. The examination continues until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider. The category of service provider may be identified and displayed on the communication device. |
| US08095125B2 |
Mobile terminal, operation control program, and data access control program
In a cellular phone, when a coming-to-the-office signal is detected by a non-contact IC section, a CPU selects an official mode as a telephone number mode. Meanwhile, when a leaving-the-office signal is detected by the non-contact IC section, the CPU selects a private mode as a telephone number mode. In an application menu, applications usable and not usable in the current telephone number mode are displayed according to the availability mode added for the applications so that a user can identify these applications. Only the files corresponding with the current telephone number mode can be selected according to the mode identifier added for the file, or the type of the folder storing the file. Thereby, a plurality of processing functions included in the cellular phone, or many files stored therein can be automatically used selectively either on official use or on private use. |
| US08095120B1 |
System and method of synchronizing multiple microphone and speaker-equipped devices to create a conferenced area network
The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for creating an ad-hoc conference station from speakers on a plurality of mobile communication devices. The ad-hoc conference station can cancel the echo of any incoming audio for all of the communication devices. This feature may be achieved by employing a master/slave configuration for the communication devices within a common area. |
| US08095119B2 |
In-call contact information display
Call control information regarding a phone call that a user of a mobile communications device is currently engaged in with an individual is displayed on a screen. A request to display in-call contact information is received, and in response to the request the in-call contact information regarding the individual is displayed. This request can be a single user input, and the in-call contact information can include information obtained by the mobile communications device from a social networking service. |
| US08095117B2 |
System and methods for wireless messaging
Systems and methods for enabling data messaging in a wireless communications system is provided in one embodiment. Wireless messaging is enabled by having a host service send enable messages to a mobile communications device. Once an enable message has been received at the mobile communications device, the generation of an event causes the mobile communications device to send a fetch message to the host service to retrieve messages. |
| US08095109B2 |
Charging of GPRS traffic for roaming mobiles by performing traffic counting at the user terminal
The application relates to charging of traffic from terminals and in particular of charging of traffic from GPRS mobile terminals which are roaming in a visited PLMN (not claimed). According to the applicant's acknowledged prior art, either the traffic passes the home PLMN or the Home Operator relies on the Visited Operator to generate the CDRs to be used by the Home Operator for billing. Whereas the first solution leads to tromboning and inefficient traffic routing, the second solution calls for a strong trust relationship between the Home and the Visited Operators. The present invention circumvents both problems in that the terminal generates a traffic counting information and sends it to the Visited Network. The Visited Network generates a traffic counting record comprising the traffic counting information from the terminal and traffic counting information from the Visited Network. The traffic counting record is subsequently sent to the Home Network. |
| US08095108B2 |
System and method for handling mobile emergency service call from an incognito mobile station
A system for handling a mobile emergency service call originating from an incognito mobile station operating in a mobile telecommunication network includes a mobile positioning center coupled with the mobile telecommunication network; an incognito call handling center coupled with the mobile telecommunication network; and an incognito phone data base coupled with the mobile positioning center. The mobile positioning center queries the incognito phone data base to ascertain handling instructions for the mobile emergency service call when the mobile telecommunication network fails to provide a call back number for the incognito mobile station to the mobile positioning center. The incognito phone data base, the mobile positioning center, the mobile telecommunication network and the incognito call handling center cooperate to effect routing of the mobile emergency service call substantially according to the handling instructions. |
| US08095102B2 |
Phase-lock loop
In one implementation an output signal of an oscillator is varied to be within a desired frequency band with respect to a reference signal, the output signal having a plurality of phases. The implementation may include comparing the output signal with the reference signal, counting falling edges about each phase of the number of phases in a predetermined time period and summing to define a count output; comparing the count output with a product of the number of phases of the output signal and the factor to define a comparison, generating a control signal based upon the comparison, and inputting the control signal to the oscillator to alter the output signal thereof. |
| US08095101B2 |
Receiving device and related method for calibrating DC offset
A receiving device includes a mixer, an AC coupling circuit, a post-stage circuit, and a DC offset calibration circuit. The mixer is utilized for mixing an input signal with a local oscillating (LO) signal from an oscillator to generate a converted signal. The AC coupling circuit is coupled to the mixer and utilized for reducing at least one portion of DC offset of the converted signal to generate a filtered signal. The post-stage circuit is coupled to the AC coupling circuit and utilized for processing the filtered signal to generate an output signal. The DC offset calibration circuit is coupled to the post-stage circuit and utilized for providing at least a compensation current for the post-stage circuit to reduce DC offset of the output signal. |
| US08095100B2 |
Receiver with sigma-delta structure
There is provided a receiver with a sigma-delta structure, the receiver including: a low noise amplifier amplifying a received signal according to a detection signal; a mixer converting an RF signal of the low noise amplifier into an IF signal; a sigma-delta A/D converter converting the IF signal from the mixer 200 into a digital signal; a 1 bit detector determining whether a voltage of the output signal of the mixer is greater than that of a predetermined reference voltage and outputting the detection signal including a result of the determination; and a demodulator obtaining an FFT result with respect to the signal from the sigma-delta A/D converter and adding or subtracting a predetermined gain value to or from the FFT result to calculate received signal strength indication (RSSI). |
| US08095099B2 |
Multiple radio receive chain wireless communication devices
The present invention provides architectures and methods which use multiple radio receive chains in mobile devices to boost performance of the mobile devices. While a first set of the receive chains are assigned to a serving base station, another set of receive chains are dynamically allocated to neighbor base stations and/or to the serving base station depending upon present or expected system conditions and timing. A first synthesizer is configured to provide signals to the first and second set of receive chains. Other synthesizers are also configured to provide signals to the second set of receive chains. Thus, depending on the mode of operation, the second set of receive chains utilizes signals from a given synthesizer as needed. A priori data may be used to allocate specific receive chains to the serving base station, neighboring base stations or both. Unused synthesizers may be turned off to conserve power. |
| US08095095B2 |
Band switch control apparatus for intermediate frequency filter
A band-switch control apparatus for an intermediate-frequency filter comprising: an adjacent interference-signal detecting unit for detecting an adjacent interference-signal, having a frequency adjacent to the desired frequency, superimposed on a reception signal having a frequency tuned to a desired frequency; a modulation-degree detecting unit for detecting a modulation degree of the reception signal; a bandwidth selecting unit for selecting a pass bandwidth of the intermediate-frequency filter corresponding to the amplitude of the adjacent interference-signal; and a band-narrowing suppression control unit for selecting a lower limit value of the pass bandwidth of the intermediate-frequency filter corresponding to the demodulation degree, the intermediate-frequency filter for passing, with a variable pass bandwidth, an intermediate-frequency signal obtained by frequency converting the reception signal, and changing the pass bandwidth selected by the bandwidth selecting unit to the lower limit value, if the pass bandwidth selected by the bandwidth selecting unit is smaller than the value. |
| US08095094B2 |
Communication semiconductor integrated circuit, communication electronic component and wireless communication system
A communication semiconductor integrated circuit includes a phase control loop and an amplitude control loop. A gain of a variable gain amplifier when it is detected from an output of the comparator that the amplitudes of the reference signal and the feedback signal are equal to each other while a predetermined DC voltage is applied to an amplifier which amplifies an output of a transmission oscillation circuit and is controlled by the amplitude control loop to vary the gain of the variable gain amplifier on a feedback path is held in a register. Thereafter, the DC voltage is changed to another value to detect the gain of the variable gain amplifier, so that the gain of a variable gain amplifier on the forward path is decided on the basis of the detected gain and the gain held in the register. |
| US08095093B2 |
Multi-mode transmitter having adaptive operating mode control
Methods and apparatus for transmitting communications signals that are both power efficient and effective at avoiding or reducing transmitter-generated receive band noise. An exemplary transceiver apparatus includes a multi-mode transmitter that is configurable to operate in a plurality of operating modes (e.g., a polar mode, a quadrature mode and a hybrid mode), a receiver, and an operating mode controller. The operating mode controller is configured to control which operating mode the transmitter is to operate, depending on one or more of a transmit (Tx) power, receive (Rx) power, the Tx power relative to the Rx power, a level of frequency separation between a Tx frequency band and a Rx frequency band (Tx/Rx band separation), and modulation type employed by the transmitter. |
| US08095091B1 |
Transmit power amplification control for wireless device
A system and method are disclosed for controlling transmit power amplification in a wireless transmitting device. A processor receives data to determine whether a communication channel from a transmitting device to a receiving device is strong enough to support a target data transmit rate of the devices with a power amplifier either on or off. The processor controls a switching device between a data transmitter circuit and the transmitter's antenna based on the quality of the communication channel. In a first state, the switching device connects the data transmitter circuit to the power amplifier to increase the strength of the signal communicated to the antenna. In a second state, the switching device bypasses the power amplifier. The power amplifier is turned off when the switch is in the second state, thereby decreasing the power consumed by the transmitting device as it transmits data at the target data transmit rate. |
| US08095088B2 |
Compact wide dynamic range transmitter for point to point radio
A radio frequency transmitter comprising a modem which receives one or more input data signals and an adaptive predistortion signal and provides a baseband in-phase signal and a baseband quadrature signal. The transmitter may comprise a power amplifier module which receives the in-phase and quadrature phase signals and provides a radio frequency output signal. A predistortion module receives the radio frequency signal, downconverts the radio frequency signal to an intermediate frequency signal, and downconverts the intermediate frequency signal to a baseband feedback signal. The transmitter samples the feedback signal and provides an adaptive predistortion signal to the modem. |
| US08095086B2 |
FM simulcast broadcast signal broadcast transmission system and receiver device
The invention relates to a FM simulcast broadcast signal, in which an analogue and digital signal are combined for a transmission in a transmission channel with limited bandwidth as a total signal (s), which has a first phase speed (vs), an auxiliary signal (hs) is prepared in the complex region from the modulated digital signal (ds) for transmission and the FM modulated analogue signal (as) for transmission, which has a second phase speed (vas). Said auxiliary signal (hs) is placed in a used or at least largely unused frequency range of the digital signal (ds). The total signal (s) for transmission comprises the auxiliary signal (hs) and the FM modulated digital signal (ds) and the first phase speed (vs) of the total signal (s) corresponds at least approximately to the second phase speed (vas) of the analogue signal (as). |
| US08095082B2 |
Dual band radio frequency transmitter
A transmitter includes a transformer and a transformer tuning circuit. The transformer transforms a differential radio frequency (RF) signal to a single-ended RF signal. The transformer tuning circuit tunes the transformer to permit the transmitter to transmit the single-ended RF signal in a first frequency band (e.g., cellular frequency band) or a second frequency band (e.g., PCS frequency band). |
| US08095079B2 |
Decentralized control of feedback for multi-user diversity
A communication apparatus includes a mobile terminal to measure a downlink channel state of a downlink between a base station and the mobile terminal, and to determine whether to transmit feedback information about the downlink channel state to the base station based on the measured downlink channel state. |
| US08095074B2 |
Wireless communication device and method for controlling beam to be transmitted
A controller controls the direction of a beam to be transmitted toward a correspondent wireless communication device to transmit a first wireless signal to the correspondent wireless communication device, and controls the direction of the beam within a predetermined shift from the direction of the first wireless signal, thereby transmitting a second wireless signal at a first timing before or a second timing after the timing of the control for the first wireless signal. |
| US08095072B2 |
System and method for managing wireless connections in computer
A Wireless Connection Utility (WCU) provides a unified user experience for managing various types of wireless connections, including Wireless WANs, Wireless LANs, and Bluetooth networks. The WCU functions as a gateway for a user of a computer to monitor the computer's wireless network status, to switch wireless connections, to configure wireless connection settings, and to diagnose wireless connection problems through a Wireless Helper Utility (WHU). The WCU thus provides a unified U/I layer on the top of the existing operating system components for ease of use. |
| US08095071B2 |
Method for pairing wireless communication devices and apparatus for the same
The present invention relates to a method for pairing wireless communication devices through a simple process by selecting a wireless communication device desired by a user by receiving beacons of the wireless communication devices connected to IEEE 802.15.4 wireless communication network and setting pairing with a wireless communication device corresponding to a beacon with the greatest LQI (Link Quality Index) among the received beacons by a pairing request device needing pairing, and an apparatus for the same. In accordance with the present invention, the method for pairing the wireless communication devices connected to the IEEE 802.15.4 communication network in order to transceive wireless data including: a) an initial setting step of trying pairing to have access to one of the wireless communication devices by the pairing request device; b) a search step of performing active scan to search the wireless data received in the pairing request device; c) an inquiry step of requesting the beacons to the wireless communication devices and receiving the beacons from the wireless communication devices; and d) a pairing step of selecting one of the beacons received in the pairing request device in order to request the wireless data to the corresponding wireless communication device. |
| US08095068B2 |
Broadcast receiving apparatus
When an RF signal is output, noise is prevented from appearing in the RF signal without degrading convenience. The MPU of the set top box has a functionally of an RF determination portion, which determines whether or not the RF signal is being output, the antenna setting portion, which if it is determined by the RF determination portion that the output of the RF signal is started, sets a smart antenna to preset one direction of a first predetermined number of directions and to preset one gain of a second predetermined number of steps of gains, and a change prohibition portion which prohibits a change of a direction and gain of the smart antenna if it is determined by the RF determination portion that the RF signal is being output. |
| US08095061B2 |
Image forming unit having conveying members for conveying waste developer and image forming apparatus
In an image forming unit or an image forming apparatus, there is an image carrying body, then, a cleaning member is furnished along the image carrying body to remove developer remaining on the surface of the image carrying body after transferring; a first conveying member conveys the developer removed by the cleaning member to a conveying section formed on one end of the image forming unit, as waste developer; and a second conveying member conveys the waste developer conveyed from the conveying section to a waste developer collecting section. Further, the first conveying member has a developer pushing section which changes a conveyance direction in the conveying section and conveys the waste developer toward the second conveying member. |
| US08095060B2 |
Cleaning device and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device includes a cleaning blade that contacts an image carrier and cleans residual toner remaining on the image carrier; a toner pool forming member that is disposed on an upstream side of the cleaning blade in a rotational direction of the image carrier, collects the residual toner that has been cleaned, and forms a toner pool that contacts the cleaning blade and the image carrier; and a toner amount adjusting component that makes the pressure of the residual toner that acts on the image carrier substantially uniform across an axis-of-rotation direction of the image carrier by adjusting the amount of the residual toner in the toner pool in the axis-of-rotation direction of the image carrier. |
| US08095057B2 |
Transferring unit and image forming apparatus
A transferring unit of an image forming apparatus that includes: a contacted member; a rotating body that contacts and is spaced away from the contacted member; a rotating body transporting member where a supporting part to rotatably support the rotating body, a contacting external force receiving part to receive a contacting external force that contacts the rotating body with the contacted member, and a spacing external force receiving part to receive a spacing external force that spaces the rotating body away from the contacted member are formed in a single body; and a driver that drives the rotating body transporting member. |
| US08095055B2 |
Electroconductive endless belt having flame retarding material
An electroconductive endless belt for use as an intermediate transfer member that is disposed between an image-forming unit and a recording medium, is circularly driven by a drive unit, and temporarily holds a toner image transferred from the image-forming unit and subsequently transfers the toner image onto the recording medium, wherein the electroconductive endless belt has a multilayer structure including at least a surface layer disposed on a base layer, and the base layer is mainly composed of a polyester resin and/or a polyester elastomer and contains a conductive agent, a brominated epoxy resin, and an antimony compound, the polyester elastomer having a melting point of at least 210° C. |
| US08095053B2 |
Transfer belt unit for image forming apparatus including a steering roller to correct meandering
In the transfer belt unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, rotation of a rear-side detection roller or a front-side detection roller rotated in contact with ribs of a transfer belt is transmitted to a steering roller via a lead screw to tilt the steering roller and control meandering of the transfer belt. |
| US08095052B2 |
Developer supply device
A developer supply device, comprising a casing having: a developer reservoir at a bottom part of the casing; a developer amount adjustment chamber provided close to a side of the developer reservoir to communicate with a top portion of the developer reservoir; and a communication part through which the top portion of the developer reservoir and the developer amount adjustment chamber communicate with each other, and further comprising: a carrying substrate having electrodes arranged along a developer transport path to carry a developer through a traveling electric field, each of the electrodes having a longer side extending in a width direction of the developer reservoir, and a developer providing unit to provide the developer into the developer reservoir, and wherein the carrying substrate comprises an upper carrying substrate on an inner wall of the casing on an opposite side of the communication part to carry the developer upward. |
| US08095048B2 |
Toner cartridge mounting structure, toner cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A toner cartridge mounting structure includes a toner cartridge and a developing member. The toner cartridge having a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner, a toner supplying opening through which the toner in the toner accommodating portion is supplied, and a supplying opening shutter for opening and closing the toner supplying opening. The developing member has a toner receiving opening and a receiving opening shutter for opening and closing the toner receiving opening. The toner supplying opening being higher than the toner receiving opening, and the supplying opening shutter being opened after the receiving opening shutter is opened, by the operation of mounting the toner cartridge in an apparatus body. |
| US08095046B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image developer used therein
An image forming apparatus, including a surface-traveling latent image bearer bearing a latent image on the surface thereof; an image developer feeding a toner in a two-component developer including the toner and a carrier to the latent image in a developing area facing the latent image bearer to develop the latent image to form a toner image, including a developer stirrer and feeder circulating the two-component developer in circulation paths while stirring the two-component developer, including a driver independently driving the first and the second stirring and feeding members; a transferer transferring the toner image onto a recording material; and a controller controlling the driver such that an amount of the two-component developer fed by the second stirring and feeding member per unit time is relatively larger than that of the two-component developer fed by the first stirring and feeding member when a predetermined increase condition of stirring is satisfied. |
| US08095042B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling same
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of first image carriers on which different color toner images C are respectively formed, a transfer fixing member onto which a multicolor toner image A consisting of the toner images C is transferred, a heater located configured to fuse the toner image A on the transfer fixing member, a pressurizer pressing against the transfer fixing member, an image carrier located upstream of the transfer fixing member in a direction in which the recording medium is transported, on which a toner image B is formed, and a transferer facing the image carrier. The toner image A is transferred from the transfer fixing member and fixed on a recording medium in a nip formed between the transfer fixing member and the pressurizer. The toner image B is transferred from image carrier onto the recording medium before the toner image A is transferred thereonto and fixed thereon. |
| US08095041B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a pair of fixing members opposing each other and a pressing lever that is rotatable around a shaft. The pressing lever can be moved either to a pressing position in which one of the fixing members is pressed against the other fixing member, or to a pressure releasing position in which the one of the fixing member is separated from the other fixing member. When the pressing lever moves between the pressing position and the pressure releasing position, a first control unit located near an end of the pressing lever controls displacement of the end. |
| US08095036B2 |
Process cartridge
A member for performing separation holding of a developing roller of a process cartridge is provided at a position opposite from a photosensitive drum with respect to a swing center. A detachably mountable protective cover is mounted to the process cartridge and a projection of the protective cover is inserted between the photosensitive drum and a developing device frame which supports the developing roller. The projection of the protective cover is inserted in a non-contact state with the photosensitive drum and the developing device frame. |
| US08095031B2 |
Charging device with vibrating discharge electrode and image forming apparatus
A charging device is provided. A needle-like electrode for charging the surface of a photoreceptor drum is formed with a vibrating portion for vibrating the needle-like electrode by the vibration. The vibrating portion is a piezoelectric bimorph element in which two piezoelectric elements are bonded together and a base portion is formed therebetween. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric bimorph element, a free end thereof is curved to vibrate. |
| US08095030B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus using the same
A fixing device including a fixing member to melt a toner so as to fix a toner image onto a recording medium, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the fixing member, and a heater to heat the fixing member based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A driving speed of the fixing member is reduced after printing is completed, and subsequently the fixing member stops driving. The fixing member is controlled to have a desired temperature (Ts) after the fixing member stops driving that is lower than a desired temperature (Tp) during printing. |
| US08095028B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
A driving motor for a color black is shared between a photosensitive body for the color black and a driving roller that drives an intermediate transfer belt not shown. Furthermore, a driving motor for colors yellow, magenta, and cyan is shared between photosensitive bodies for the colors yellow, magenta, and cyan. Driving of the driving motor for the colors yellow, magenta, and cyan is controlled based on a first waveform as a speed fluctuation waveform of the photosensitive body for the color black obtained when the driving motor for the color black is driven at a predetermined speed and second waveforms as speed fluctuation waveforms of the photosensitive bodies for the colors yellow, magenta, and cyan obtained when the driving motor for the colors yellow, magenta, and cyan is driven at a predetermined speed. |
| US08095027B2 |
Image forming device and process cartridge
An image forming device contains: a latent image holding member; a latent image forming unit; a developer storage unit that stores a liquid developer including a toner and an aqueous medium; a developer supply member that supplies the liquid developer to a latent image holding member; and a transfer unit that transfers a toner image to a recording medium. The developer supply member has a surface formed of a liquid absorbent member and is disposed such that a part of the liquid absorbent member is immersed in the liquid developer stored in the liquid developer storage unit and that another part of the liquid absorbent member is in contact with and compressed by the latent image holding member. The water repellency of the surface of the latent image holding member is higher than the water repellency of the surface of the developer supply member. |
| US08095021B2 |
Image forming device determining refilled product
An image forming device to which can be installed an image forming material cartridge which contains an image forming material, and which has a non-volatile memory from which data can be read and to which data can be written, includes a counter which approximately counts the image forming material usage amount of the image forming material cartridge, and generates an image forming material usage amount count; a state detector which detects a predetermined state in which it is inferred that the amount of the image forming material in the image forming material cartridge is low; a storage unit which stores amount of change information which specifies the amount of change of the image forming material usage amount count from the time point that the predetermined state was detected until the present in the non-volatile memory of the image forming material cartridge; and a determination unit which determines whether or not the image forming material cartridge is a refilled product, based upon the amount of change of the image forming material usage amount count and upon a first threshold value. |
| US08095017B2 |
Fully optical device for breaking down the dynamic range of an optical signal and system for measuring the signal using the device
Fully optical device for breaking down the dynamic range of an optical signal and system for measuring the signal, using this device. This device comprises fully optical means to break down this dynamic range. |
| US08095014B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhanced free space optical communication in an aviation environment
A free space optical communications link is established, for example, between a commercial aircraft and an airport ground terminal unit, the link being asymmetric in the sense that a downlink to the aircraft has a much higher bandwidth than the reverse link from the aircraft so that the system is adapted for quickly loading large amounts of data (e.g., in-flight entertainment) onto the aircraft while still providing enough bandwidth for the lesser amounts of data (e.g., maintenance data) required to be transmitted from the aircraft to ground. Such adaptation provides significant benefits over standard, commercially available, free space optical communications systems. For example, equipment on the aircraft can be much smaller and lighter than ground unit equipment; and the communications link can allow for greater uncertainty in the alignment of the optical transceivers than do current free space optical communication systems and can allow for operation in harsher environmental conditions. |
| US08095008B2 |
Systems and methods for a multiple-input, multiple-output controller in a reconfigurable optical network
The present invention provides systems and methods to convert a reconfigurable optical node multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system to a single-input single-output (SISO) system suitable for a proportional-integral-differential (PID) control process. Advantageously, the present invention allows PID control to apply to a MIMO optical node by modeling the node as two SISO systems. The present invention optimizes the division of gain and loss between components in the reconfigurable optical node. This provides means to control the net gain and loss of a series of components when the component chain being controlled includes those components that have a single action affecting multiple channels and components that affect only one channel. The present invention utilizes control of a single quantity of amplifier gain minus attenuation for each channel, and the coupling together of all channels in the amplifier which makes the channels inter-dependent. |
| US08094994B2 |
Information recording medium, and apparatus and method for recording information to information recording medium
Provided is an information recording medium which achieves high speed conversion of a signal input from external from MPEG-TS to MPEG-PS complying with DVD standard. An apparatus and a method for recording information to the information recording medium are also provided. A constrained format which enables conversion from a first stream (for example, MPEG transport stream) to a second stream (for example, MPEG program stream) is provided. The constrained format defines that a first packet (for example, TS packet) is grouped and managed in multiplexing unit. The first one (AF#8) of complete audio frames in the multiplexing unit (402) is the first one of audio frames in a payload of a second packet (for example, PES packet) (413). |
| US08094993B2 |
Video recording device, video recording method, video recording program, and integrated circuit
A video recording apparatus that prevents screen malfunctions due to playback of incomplete frame image data, even when a power failure has occurred while recording frame image data received via a network to a recording medium, and incomplete frame image data has been recorded. The video recording apparatus includes a reception unit 1001 that receives management information attached to each piece of data, a first recording unit 1003 that records the received video data to the recording medium 1010, and a second recording unit 1004 that records position information of the video data to the recording medium. The video recording apparatus quickly specifies damaged data positions by referencing a file length of the video data file 1005, and a position information file 1006. |
| US08094992B2 |
Information recording device and method, program storage medium, and program
The present invention relates to an information recording device and method, a program storage medium, and a program, wherein updated file system information can be recorded without changing a logical address. As shown to the upper side in FIG. 18, in the event that data has been recorded, upon a file (Files (Stream+DB)) recorded in region B112 being updated, an updated file is recorded at region B112′ as shown at the middle in FIG. 18. In conjunction with this, main FS (FS (Metadata)), inner side volume structure information, and anchor information, which had been recorded in region B111 until this time, is rendered unreadable, and newly-generated file system information (FS (Metadata)), inner side volume structure information, and anchor information, are recorded in region B111′ in an ISA which is an inner side SA region. The present invention can be applied to a Blu-Ray Disc recording/playing device. |
| US08094991B2 |
Methods and apparatus for recording and reproducing a moving image, and a recording medium in which program for executing the methods is recorded
Apparatus and methods for recording and reproducing a moving image in which image data having a frame rate is easily reproduced together with audio data when images are simultaneously recorded with different frame rates when a moving image is imaged, and a recording medium in which a program for executing the methods is recorded. The apparatus and methods employ, for example, a timing detector an image processor, a frame number obtaining unit, and a medium recording unit recording which operate to reproduce image data with synchronized audio and video and record image data on a recording medium. |
| US08094990B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a timing specifying unit that allows a user to specify a timing to execute video printing of a video file at least including first image data based on which a video frame is generated and second image data based on which a video frame is generated by additionally referring to image data of another video frame; a reference frame selecting unit that selects, on the basis of the timing specified by the timing specifying unit, the video frame generated from the first image data as a reference frame; an additional frame selecting unit that selects, on the basis of the reference frame selected by the reference frame selecting unit, one or a plurality of video frames generated from the first image data as additional frames; and an extracted image displaying unit that generates a plurality of extracted images on the basis of the first image data of the reference frame and the first image data of the additional frames and displays a group of the generated extracted images on a screen. |
| US08094982B2 |
Fiber lens assembly for optical device
A fiber lens assembly is configured to optically couple an optical fiber to a signal processing device having free-space optical elements. The fiber lens assembly includes a diverging lens having a focal length that may be around 2 to 6 times the diameter of the optical fiber core. Sensitivity of the fiber lens assembly to angular misalignment and positional displacement is reduced by coupling the optical fiber to the signal processing device using a diverging lens rather than a collimating lens, and by configuring the diverging lens with a suitable focal length. |
| US08094975B2 |
System and method for factory work logging
Provided is an information processing system which has a plurality of tags, a tag reader, a digital-pen, and a server. The plurality of tags each hold a tag identifier. The tag reader reads the tag identifier held in each of the plurality of tags. The digital-pen reads location information, which identifies a location where handwriting is made on paper. The server keeps work record including information that associates the tag identifier recorded in the server in advance with the location on paper. When it is judged that the read tag identifier and a handwriting location identified by the location information are associated with each other, the server judges whether or not the read tag identifier matches the tag identifier recorded in advance that is associated by the work record with the handwriting location identified by the location information. The server outputs a result of the judging. |
| US08094973B2 |
Content aware image resizing for text and contone images
A method, computer readable medium, and computing device for resizing images. A digital image arranged in a rectangular array of pixels is received for resizing in either a horizontal direction or a vertical direction. An energy value is computed for each of the pixels, and pixels are connected to form extended 8-connectivity seams, with each seam having a cumulative energy value. The digital image is segmented into segments corresponding to lines of text and/or images. A seam is selected to best maintain proportionality of white space in the segments when the seam is either replicated or deleted. The selected seam then replicated or deleted. At least the seam selection and replication or deletion is repeated until the resized image is the desired size. The resized image is then outputted to a display screen, storage device, and/or printer. |
| US08094972B2 |
Registration of separations
Separations or images relating to film or other fields may be registered using a variety of features, such as, for example: (1) correcting one or more film distortions; (2) automatically determining a transformation to reduce a film distortion; (3) applying multiple criteria of merit to a set of features to determine a set of features to use in determining a transformation; (4) determining transformations for areas in an image or a separation in a radial order; (5) comparing areas in images or separations by weighting feature pixels differently than non-feature pixels; (6) determining distortion values for transformations by applying a partial distortion measure and/or using a spiral search configuration; (7) determining transformations by using different sets of features to determine corresponding transformation parameters in an iterative manner; and (8) applying a feathering technique to neighboring areas within an image or separation. |
| US08094969B2 |
Discrete fractional fourier numerical environments for computer modeling of image propagation through a physical medium in restoration and other applications
A system for numerically modeling evolution of an image propagating through a medium includes image using image data and a propagation medium model. The propagation medium model aligns a propagation centerline of the propagation medium model relative to the center of the image data. The propagation medium model has a numerical operator for applying an index-shifted numerical fractional Fourier transform operation on the image data, and aligning the zero original-domain origin relative to the center of the image data. The image data has spatially-indexed amplitude values and a center located relative to the spatially-indexed amplitude values. The propagation medium model has quadratic phase properties which are defined relative to a propagation centerline of the propagation medium model. Aligning the zero original-domain origin relative to the center of the image data to produces transformed image data having a zero frequency-domain origin that is centered within the transform-domain indices. |
| US08094966B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium
This invention can perform a developing process or editing process, with a high response, for raw image obtained by image sensing by a digital camera or the like. When, therefore, raw image data is input, an extraction area in the raw image data is determined on the basis of the size of an image display area in which a processed image is displayed and a magnification set at this time. A developing process is then performed for partial raw image data in the determined area, and the resultant data is displayed in the image display area. |
| US08094965B2 |
Image processor
A system and method for making an image processor. A system for processing an image may include a target image processing element, a distorted image calculating element coupled to the target image processing element, an eccentricity estimator coupled to the distorted image calculating element, an eccentricity compensator coupled to the distorted image calculating element, a distorted foveated image modeler coupled to the eccentricity compensator, a log-polar image generator coupled to the eccentricity compensator, and an unreliable feature omitter coupled to the eccentricity compensator. Methods to make the foregoing system are also described. |
| US08094963B2 |
Imaging system, imaging condition setting method, terminal and server used for the same
An imaging unit (1) images an object to be imaged and acquires image data. On the other hand, an imaging information acquisition unit (2) acquires imaging information as information during imaging. A storage unit (3) contains optimal imaging condition information induced from the imaging information. An imaging information analysis unit (4) analyzes the imaging information given from the imaging information acquisition unit (2) and reads out imaging condition information optimal for imaging from the storage unit (3). An imaging condition setting unit (5) sets the imaging condition of the imaging unit (1) according to the imaging condition information obtained by the imaging condition information acquisition unit (4). |
| US08094960B2 |
Spectral calibration of image pairs using atmospheric characterization
A system (100) for processing remotely acquired imagery is provided. The system (100) includes a storage element for receiving imagery data defining a first image of a panchromatic image type using a sensor characterized by a panchromatic spectral response curve and a second image of a multi-spectral image type using at least one other sensor characterized by a plurality of multi-spectral response curves associated with a plurality of optical bands. The first image has a first spatial resolution and a first spectral resolution. The second image has a second spatial resolution lower than the first spatial resolution and a second spectral resolution higher than that first spectral resolution. The system (100) also includes a processing element configured for deriving a radiation transfer model based on meta-data associated with one of the first and the second image and for determining a set of spectral weights for down-sampling the second image to the first spectral resolution based on the radiation transfer model and the panchromatic and the multi-spectral response curves. |
| US08094959B2 |
Efficient detection of camera shake
At least two sites in a frame of pixels are specified. The sites are arranged in a particular spatial distribution and correspond with the pixel locations of a block of pixels. Block parameters are calculated for each pixel block of first and second frames. The block parameters may be calculated using fewer than all of the bits of each pixel. A block-pair similarity determination for each pair of spatially-corresponding pixel blocks of the first and second frames is generated by determining whether there is a difference between the respective block parameters which is greater than a particular block-level threshold. A frame similarity determination is generated by combining the block-pair similarity determinations. A user-interface indication may be provided, or a frame may be stored, as a result of the frame similarity determination. |
| US08094957B2 |
Method of modifying brightness of color pixels
An apparatus includes an extractor, a first subtractor, a second subtractor, a third subtractor, an offset generator and an adder. The extractor receives the color pixel and to provides a first, a second, and a third image value, wherein the first, the second, and the third image values are associated with the brightness of the color pixel. The first subtractor calculates a first offset between the first image value and a first expected image value. The second subtractor calculates a first difference between the first and the second image values. The third subtractor calculates a second difference between the first and the third image values. The offset generator defines a linear relation based on the first offset and the first image value, and generates a second and a third offset. The adder receives the second offset, the third offset, the second image value and the third image value to generate a second and a third expected image value. |
| US08094956B2 |
Method and device for down-sampling a DCT image in the DCT domain
A method and device that uses transform matrices to down-sample a DCT image directly in the DCT domain. The transform matrices have been selected to minimize an optimization problem which is a function of the visual quality of down-sampled images obtained using the matrices and the computational complexity associated with using the transform matrices. The transform matrices comprise a row transform matrix and a column transform matrix. A down-sampled image is produced by determining an intermediary matrix as the product of the DCT image and one of either the row transform matrix or the column transform matrix and then determining the down-sampled image as the product of the intermediary matrix and the transform matrix not already used to determine the intermediary matrix. |
| US08094951B2 |
Coding system and method for a bit-plane
A coding system and method for a bit-plane is disclosed. A bit-plane is decomposed or segmented into at least a background area and a foreground area. A number of encoders are provided for efficiently encoding the background area and the foreground area respectively. Accordingly, the performance of compression is substantially improved by this data or texture segmentation. |
| US08094948B2 |
Photo classification using optical parameters of camera from EXIF metadata
A method of classifying and organizing digital images utilizing optical metadata (captured using multiple sensors on the camera) may define semantically coherent image classes or annotations. The method defines optical parameters based on the physics of vision and operation of a camera to cluster related images for future search and retrieval. An image database constructed using photos taken by at least thirty different users over a six year period on four different continents was tested using algorithms to construct a hierarchal clustering model to cluster related images. Additionally, a survey about the most frequent image classes shot by common people forms a baseline model for automatic annotation of images for search and retrieval by query keyword. |
| US08094943B2 |
Background-foreground module for video analysis system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a module for identifying a background of a scene depicted in an acquired stream of video frames that may be used by a video-analysis system. For each pixel or block of pixels in an acquired video frame a comparison measure is determined. The comparison measure depends on difference of color values exhibited in the acquired video frame and in a background image respectively by the pixel or block of pixels and a corresponding pixel and block of pixels in the background image. To determine the comparison measure, the resulting difference is considered in relation to a range of possible color values. If the comparison measure is above a dynamically adjusted threshold, the pixel or the block of pixels is classified as a part of the background of the scene. |
| US08094938B2 |
Apparatus and method for handwriting recognition
An apparatus (100) for handwriting recognition has a touch-sensitive display screen (240) providing a hand writing input area (270) capable of detecting hand-made user input. The apparatus also has a processing device (300) coupled to the touch-sensitive display screen and providing a user interface to a user. The handwriting input area (270) includes a writing start area (280) capable of switching between a first two-dimensional scope (282) and a second two-dimensional scope (282′), larger than the first two-dimensional scope. The processing device (300) is configured to handle said handmade user input as either a logical mouse event, associated with a control operation for said user interface, or a logical pen event, associated with handwriting. User input within the writing start area when having its first two-dimensional scope is handled as a logical mouse event and causes the writing start area to switch to its second two-dimensional scope, Furthermore, user input that starts within the writing start area when having its second two-dimensional scope is handled as a logical pen event and causes interpretation of the user input (252) as a symbol (254) from a plurality of predefined symbols. |
| US08094937B2 |
System and method for labeling feature clusters in frames of image data for optical navigation
A system and method for labeling feature clusters in frames of image data for optical navigation uses distances between feature clusters in a current frame of image data and feature clusters in a previous frame of image data to label the feature clusters in the current frame of image data using identifiers associated with the feature cluster in the previous frame of image data that have been correlated with the feature clusters in the current frame of image data. |
| US08094933B2 |
Method for converting an input color signal
A white light-emitting microcavity light-emitting diode device, comprising a method for converting a red, green, and blue (RGB) input signal to a converted signal having RGB color signals and an additional saturated color signal, by calculating saturation of the additional saturated color in the RGB input signal to determine the proportion of the additional saturated color signal to the sum of the converted RGB color signals such that the proportion of the additional saturated color signal is constant or decreases as the saturation of the additional color in the RGB input signal increases. |
| US08094928B2 |
Stereo video for gaming
A real-time stereo video signal of a captured scene with a physical foreground object and a physical background is received. In real-time, a foreground/background separation algorithm is used on the real-time stereo video signal to identify pixels from the stereo video signal that represent the physical foreground object. A video sequence is produced by rendering a 3d virtual reality based on the identified pixels of the physical foreground object. |
| US08094924B2 |
E-beam defect review system
An apparatus comprises an imaging unit to image a wafer to be reviewed, wherein imaging unit is the modified SORIL column. The modified SORIL column includes a focusing sub-system to do micro-focusing due to a wafer surface topology, wherein the focusing sub-system verifies the position of a grating image reflecting from the wafer surface to adjust the focus; and a surface charge control to regulate the charge accumulation due to electron irradiation during the review process, wherein the gaseous molecules are injected under a flood gun beam rather than under a primary beam. The modified SORIL column further includes a storage unit for storing wafer design database; and a host computer to manage defect locating, defect sampling, and defect classifying, wherein the host computer and storage unit are linked by high speed network. |
| US08094923B2 |
Wafer containing cassette inspection device and method
A wafer containing cassette inspection device that expresses external view attributes such as shapes of respective inspection object portions of water containing cassettes of different types under the same condition without changing imaging conditions for each of the types. A wafer containing cassette inspection device includes an imaging device and a processing unit which processes an image signal from the imaging device. The processing unit includes: reference image generation means; image-to-be-inspected information generation means which generates image-to-be-inspected information; image correction means which performs a process for obtaining a predetermined image from the reference image information on the image-to-be inspected information; and means which generates external view attribute information expressing external view attributes of the inspection object portions according to the corrected image information. |
| US08094922B2 |
Crack measuring method and apparatus
Disclosed are a crack measuring method that may automatically measure crack growth in a surface of a structure rapidly and exactly without influencing the structure using image processing scheme, and an apparatus thereof. The crack measuring method includes: irradiating light to a surface of a structure; converting reflected light, wherein the irradiated light is reflected from the surface of a structure, into an image signal and capturing images of the surface of a structure corresponding to the image signal at predetermined scan intervals through a camera; performing continuously a line scan on the crack parts in the captured images at predetermined scan intervals; and inspecting crack growth in the surface of a structure by identifying pixels with relatively higher or lower light intensity in the scan lines. |
| US08094920B2 |
System and method of image processing, and scanning electron microscope
A scanning electron microscope comprises an image processing system for carrying out a pattern matching between a first image and a second image. The image processing system comprises: a paint-divided image generator for generating a paint divided image based on the first image; a gravity point distribution image generator for carrying out a smoothing process of the paint divided image and generating a gravity point distribution image; an edge line segment group generation unit for generating a group of edge line segments based on the second image; a matching score calculation unit for calculating a matching score based on the gravity point distribution image and the group of edge line segments; and a maximum score position detection unit for detecting a position where the matching score becomes the maximum. |
| US08094919B2 |
Magnetic ink character recognition (‘MICR’) signal generation for a MICR
Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (‘MICR’) signal generation for a MICR character configured on a medium that include: exposing, by an emitter, an electromagnetic signal to the MICR character, the MICR character absorbing a portion of the electromagnetic signal; detecting, by a receiver, a remaining portion of the electromagnetic signal, the remaining portion of the electromagnetic signal representing the character density for the MICR character; generating a character density signal, the character density signal being dependent upon the detected remaining portion of the electromagnetic signal; and determining a MICR signal for the MICR character, the MICR signal being dependent upon the character density signal. |
| US08094918B2 |
Check and other item design for reflectance values determination prior to item manufacture
A system for determining a plurality of reflectance values for an item design representing a physical item having at least one area of interest on a surface of the physical item for containing critical data and a background feature positioned on the surface, the physical item suitable for positioning in a digital image recorder, the system comprising: an input module configured for receiving one or more material reflectance values of a substrate for providing said surface and design parameters for said background feature, the design parameters including a color and a color density of said background feature; a memory configured for storing a plurality of color reflectance values assigned to a corresponding plurality of selected combinations of specified design parameters; a look-up module configured for determining from the memory one or more color reflectance values having the specified design parameters matching the design parameters for said background feature; a combination module configured for combining the one or more material reflectance values with the corresponding one or more color reflectance values to produce resultant one or more design reflectance values representative of the reflectance of physical item when having the background feature positioned on said surface of the substrate; wherein the one or more design reflectance values of the item design are for use in determining whether the design parameters would produce the physical item having an acceptable digital image when processed by the digital image recorder. |
| US08094916B2 |
Biological growth plate scanner
A biological growth plate scanner includes a multi-color illumination system that illuminates a biological growth plate with different illumination colors. A monochromatic image capture device captures images of the biological growth plate during illumination of the growth plate with each of the illumination colors. A processor combines the images to form a composite multi-color image, and/or individual components of the composite image, and analyzes the composite image to produce an analytical result such as a colony count or a presence/absence result. The biological growth plate scanner may include both front and back illumination components. The back illumination component may include a diffuser element disposed under the biological growth plate. The diffuser element receives light from one or more laterally disposed illumination sources, and distributes the light to illuminate a back side of the biological growth plate. The illumination sources in the front and back illumination components may take the form of sets of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be independently controlled by the processor. |
| US08094914B2 |
Microscope system and image processing method used for observation of a specimen
An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system and an image processing method which are practical and capable of imaging a specimen efficiently in a short period of time and also ensuring reduction of the data amount of a generated image. Accordingly, the microscope system includes a storage section 24, 27 which stores identification information of a specimen 10A, a macro image and a micro image in a correlated manner, a stage member 11 on which the specimen as an observation target is mounted, an acquiring section 39B, 40 which acquires identification information of the specimen, a first display section 16, 22, 40, 47, 24 which displays a macro image of the specimen by reading a macro image correlated with the identification information from the storage section (or by imaging the specimen), a second display section 12 to 22, 47, 40, 24 which displays a micro image of the specimen by imaging the specimen, and an additional storing section 40 which additionally stores in the storage section in accordance with instruction from outside a micro image displayed on the second display section in a correlated manner with the macro image displayed on the first display section and the identification information acquired by the acquiring section. |
| US08094912B2 |
Cardiac function display apparatus and program therefor
Using first voxel data of a three-dimensional medical image obtained by photographing a subject, a functional image representing a function of a heart in at least one position is generated, and using a portion of second voxel data of a three-dimensional medical image obtained by photographing the subject corresponding to an area which includes a blood vessel along an outer myocardial wall of the heart, a morphological image depicting morphology of the blood vessel is generated. Then, the functional image and the morphological image are displayed in a superimposing manner such that at least one position of the heart in the functional image corresponds to at least one position of the heart in the morphological image. |
| US08094904B2 |
Method and system for bone suppression based on a single x-ray image
A method and system for suppressing bone structures based on a single x-ray image is disclosed. The bone structure suppressing method predicts a soft-tissue image without bone structures from an input x-ray image. A set of features is extracted for each pixel of the input x-ray image. A soft-tissue image is then generated from the input x-ray image using a trained regression function to determine an intensity value for the soft-tissue image corresponding to each pixel of the input x-ray image based on the set of features extracted for each pixel of the input x-ray image. The extracted features can be wavelet features and the regression function can be trained using Bayesian Committee Machine (BCM) to approximate Gaussian process regression (GPR). |
| US08094901B1 |
Systems and methods for matching, naming, and displaying medical images
A method of matching medical images according to user-defined matches rules. In one embodiment, the matched medical images are displayed according user-defined display rules such that the matched medical images may be visually compared in manner that is suitable to the viewer's viewing preferences. |
| US08094899B2 |
Medical image diagnostic device
A medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is provided that is capable of accurately tracking motions of a moving organ that moves periodically over a plurality of periods. The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a matching computation unit for performing a matching computation between a template extracted containing a tracking point on one image and another image, and a template extracting unit for extracting, from the other image, a region correlated with the template as a template of the other image by the matching computation, whereby a movement of the tracking point is tracked based on the extracted template. The template extracting unit extracts, as a key template, a region containing one or more tracking points set on an image at least one time phase within a motion cycle of the moving organ. The matching computation unit performs the matching computation using the key template in the vicinity of the time phase at which the key template is extracted. |
| US08094883B2 |
Sleepiness level determination device for driver
A sleepiness level determination device includes: a detector processing a face image of an user and for detecting an eye image of the user based on the face image; a characteristic value calculating unit calculating a characteristic value regarding the eye based on the eye image; a sleepiness level determining unit determining a sleepiness level based on the characteristic value; and a reliability calculating unit calculating reliability of the sleepiness level based on the characteristic value. |
| US08094880B2 |
System and method for using image data in connection with configuring a universal controlling device
A method for configuring a universal controlling device to enable the universal controlling device to communicate commands to one or more target appliances. A system having an associated database of original equipment remote control images that are cross-referenced to configuration information for a respective plurality of appliances receives identification data that specifies at least a brand and type of an appliance. The system uses the received identification data to discern one or more images from the associated database as being a match for the received identification data. The one or more images from the associated database that were discerned as being a match for the received identification data are then displayed to allow for the selection of one or more of the displayed plurality of images. At least a subset of the configuration information that has been cross-referenced to the selected one or more of the displayed plurality of images is used to enable the universal controlling device to communicate commands to the one or more target appliances. |
| US08094878B2 |
System and method for assessment of health risks and visualization of weight loss and muscle gain
The present system combines image morphing technology, exercise programming, supplement sales, and motivational techniques into one product. Users begin by entering their current measurements, measurement goals and current picture into the system, preferably via a Web site. The picture is segmented into body components, and each affected segment is morphed based upon the measurements, goals, and the segment's responsiveness to weight loss in order to create a modified image representative of the user in a post-regimen condition. This system helps health and fitness businesses obtain new members and retain existing members by showing the members how they will look after following a specific regimen of diet and/or exercise. The system also predicts health risks of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke associated with the user's pre-regimen and post-regimen conditions. |
| US08094877B2 |
Variable message coding protocols for encoding auxiliary data in media signals
Variable message coding protocols enable greater flexibility in encoding auxiliary data in media signals. One such protocol employs a version identifier that indicates the type of coding used to process an auxiliary data message before it is embedded in a host media signal. This version identifier specifies the type of error robustness coding applied to a variable message. The error robustness coding may be varied to alter the message payload capacity for different versions of auxiliary data embedding and reading systems. Another protocol uses control symbols to specify the format and variable length of the variable message. |
| US08094867B2 |
Speaker, yoke thereof and method for manufacturing yoke
A speaker includes a frame, a diaphragm, a cover, a magnetic device, and a voice coil. The cover and the diaphragm are both disposed on a first side of the frame, and the cover covers the diaphragm. The magnet device is disposed on a second side of the frame. The voice coil is disposed on the magnetic loop generated by the magnetic device and integrated with the diaphragm. The magnetic device includes a yoke, a magnet, and a pole piece. The yoke includes a protrusion by bending for the magnet and the pole piece to be mounted upon. |
| US08094862B2 |
Speaker
A speaker having smaller distortion and driven at higher efficiency is disclosed. The speaker includes a frame, a magnetic circuit supported by the frame, a voice coil unit placed movable with respect to magnetic gap provided to the magnetic circuit, a diaphragm of which outer rim is coupled to the frame via a first edge, and of which inner rim is coupled to the voice coil unit, and a damper placed on the magnetic circuit side with respect to the diaphragm, and which damper has an outer rim coupled to the frame and an inner rim coupled to the voice coil unit. The outer rim of the damper is coupled to the frame via a second edge, which includes a first protrusion protruding toward the diaphragm and a second protrusion protruding oppositely to the first protrusion. |
| US08094859B2 |
Dipole antenna device, earphone antenna device, and wireless communication terminal device connected to the device
An earphone antenna device operable to be connected with a wireless communication terminal device includes: earphone cables, connected with earphone sections, respectively, for supplying audio signals; an audio cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with the earphone cables; and a coaxial cable one end of which is connected with the wireless communication terminal device and the other end is connected with a pair of string-shaped antenna elements integrated with the earphone cables. The earphone cables are insulated from the antenna elements and the audio cable is insulated from the coaxial cable. This provides a dipole antenna device and an earphone antenna device hardly influenced by noises from the wireless communication terminal device and noises transmitted via the audio cable. Further, a wireless communication terminal device to be connected with the antenna devices is provided. |
| US08094858B2 |
Eyewear retention device
What is provided is an eyewear retention device comprising two ends, wherein each end is adapted for removable connection to an earpiece of an eyewear device; an audio device located at or substantially near at least one of the ends, wherein the audio device is adapted to play one or more audio signals for transmission to one or more surfaces of a human auditory passage at a location proximate to and outside of the ear, if the strap is connected to the earpiece of the eyewear device and worn in combination with the eyewear device; a receiver electrically connected to the audio device, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive the one or more audio signals, wherein the receiver is further adapted to remotely communicate with a sound transmission device; and a power source electrically connected to the audio device and to the receiver that is adapted to supply power to the audio device and the receiver. In one embodiment the audio device is adapted to connect the strap to the earpiece of the eyewear. |
| US08094856B2 |
Microphone coupler for a communication device
The disclosure relates to a microphone coupler and coupler system for a communication device. The system comprises: a printed circuit board; a microphone having a port facing towards the printed circuit board and aligned with an opening through the printed circuit board; and a microphone coupler for the microphone. The coupler comprises: a conduit having an internal channel therein, a distal end, a proximal end, a first opening in the distal end connecting to the internal channel and a second opening in the proximal end connecting to the internal channel. In the system, the proximal end of the coupler is locatable about the opening of the printed circuit board to have the second opening mated to the opening of the printed circuit board; and the distal end of the coupler extends towards an end of the printed circuit board. |
| US08094855B2 |
Inverse horn loudspeakers
In a low frequency transducer system a multi-compression chamber, inverse horn structure is employed in combination with a resonance-distortion filter chamber. The filter chamber effectively expands the effective enclosure volume at low frequencies and connected to one of the compression chambers filter parasitic resonances and distortion and allowing the system to more efficiently reproduce low frequencies while being able to use smaller diameter transducers and maintaining good system sensitivity. Compression chambers are organized for constant or continuous compression on a section-by-section basis throughout the inverse horn system. |
| US08094854B2 |
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker comprises a horn waveguide having a waveguide surface, and a transducer located in, or adjacent to, a throat of the horn waveguide. The transducer has a substantially rigid convex dome-shaped acoustically radiating surface. A horn angle subtended between a longitudinal axis of the horn waveguide and the waveguide surface at the throat of the horn, is in the range 20 to 60 degrees. An intersection angle subtended between a plane tangential to the dome shape of the acoustically radiating surface and a plane tangential to the waveguide surface at a point where the dome shape or an extrapolation of the dome shape meets the waveguide surface or an extrapolation of the waveguide surface, is in the range 85 to 110 degrees. |
| US08094851B2 |
Hearing apparatus having a rocker-like actuator for switching on/off
The size of hearing apparatuses and in particular of hearing devices is to be reduced. To this end, provision is made to combine a rocker-like actuator of the hearing apparatus for manually adjusting a parameter of a signal processing unit for pressing from a neutral position in a first adjusting position or a second adjusting position with an on/off switch. To this end, the rocker-like actuator can be pressed into an additional switching position. The multiple functionalities of the actuator allow installation space to be conserved and thus allow the housing of the hearing apparatus to be simplified and minimized. |
| US08094850B2 |
BTE/CIC auditory device and modular connector system therefor
An earpiece auditory device is described which includes a behind-the-ear component shaped to fit behind the ear of a user. The behind-the-ear component can also have at least one microphone and processing circuitry, where the processing circuitry is used to processes audio signal from the microphone. The device also includes a speaker sized to fit in the ear canal of a user, and an ear mold holding the speaker in place. The ear mold can also be position to touch the bony portion of the ear canal and provide sound attenuation in the ear canal. A connector physically and electrically connects the behind-the-ear component to the speaker. The connector is capable of being used to insert and remove the speaker and ear mold from the ear canal of the user. |
| US08094848B1 |
Automatically configuring hearing assistive device
An adjustable hearing assistive device that automatically configures to the hearing needs of a user. The adjustable hearing assistive device can be in the form of a hearing aid that includes a presence activated sensor adapted to receive setting data, hearing processing circuitry adapted to receive sound and manipulate an audio signal, and a controller adapted to configure the processing circuitry in response to the setting data so that sound output to a user is in accordance with the hearing needs of the user. The setting data can include settings for a default mode of operation or temporary settings for use when the user is in a particular environment. Setting data can be provided by a hearing profile tag in the form of an RFID tag and the presence activated sensor can be an RFID reader. |
| US08094841B2 |
Apparatus and method using capacitive detection with inherent self-calibration
The illustrated embodiment of the invention includes a capacitive detection method in a MEMS resonator comprising the steps of: vibrating a resonator with a drive signal; sensing vibration of the resonator by detecting a plurality of sidebands of an electromechanical amplitude modulation signal in a capacitive detector; and extracting amplitude of motion from a ratio of two simultaneously sensed sidebands of different order. |
| US08094837B2 |
Processing an audio input signal to produce a processed audio output signal
An audio input signal is processed to produce a processed audio output signal. An audio input signal is received as an original signal. The audio input signal is dynamically filtered to produce a first stage signal consisting of a selected frequency band of the input signal. Gain applied to the first stage signal is dynamically controlled in response to a control signal to produce a second stage signal. The control signal is derived from the first stage signal. Processing the original signal in combination with the second stage signal to produce a processed audio output signal. Processing the original signal in combination with the second stage signal and the first stage signal to produce a processed audio output signal. |
| US08094835B2 |
Signal processing apparatus
A signal processing apparatus includes first and second extracting units extracting frequency components having a first frequency band and a second frequency band, respectively, from an input audio signal, a first-harmonic-component generating unit generating a first-harmonic-component signal including a frequency component whose frequency is N1 times that of the frequency component extracted in the first extracting unit, a second-harmonic-component generating unit generating a second-harmonic-component signal including a frequency component whose frequency is N2 times that of the frequency component extracted in the second extracting unit, and a combining unit combining the input audio signal, and the first- and the second-harmonic-component signals in a predetermined ratio. The first frequency band is higher than the second frequency band. N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N1 is smaller than N2. |
| US08094833B2 |
Sound source localization system and sound source localization method
A sound source localization system and a sound source localization method. The sound source localization system includes sound capturing devices and an arithmetic unit. The sound capturing devices sense a sound source to output time domain signals. The arithmetic unit transforms the time domain signals into frequency domain signals, performs a cross spectrum process according to the frequency domain signals to determine time differences of arrival, and locates the sound source according to the time differences of arrival and locations of the sound capturing devices. |
| US08094831B2 |
Supplemental audio output box
An audio system for a motor vehicle is provided, including an audio head unit that generates an audio signal. One or more external speakers are provided that receive the audio signal and produce an acoustic output within the motor vehicle. A supplemental output interface receives the audio signal through a hard-wired connection to the audio head unit. The supplemental output interface comprising at least one output speaker connection, for providing a removable speaker connection. |
| US08094830B2 |
Video/sound output device and external speaker control device
A television set includes: an internal speaker which outputs sound; a memory which holds information; a remote controller receiver which receives an instruction from the outside of the television set; a microcomputer which causes, based on a mode specifying instruction for specifying a sound output mode received by the remote controller receiver, the memory to hold any one of (a) information that indicates a first sound output mode in which sound is outputted from the internal speaker and (b) information that indicates a second sound output mode in which sound is outputted from an external speaker that is a speaker outside the television set; and an HDMI/CEC communication unit which outputs the information that indicates the sound output mode and that is held by the memory, to an amplifier which controls to operate or not operate the speaker outside the television set. |
| US08094829B2 |
Method for processing sound data
Masking thresholds are obtained for each frequency component of sound data and ambient noise. It is determined whether each frequency component of the sound data is masked by at least one of the other frequency components of the sound data. It is further determined whether each frequency component of the sound data is masked by ambient noise. Correction coefficients are set for each frequency component of the sound data according to whether the frequency component is masked by at least one of the other frequency components of the sound data and whether the frequency component is masked by the ambient noise. And each frequency component of the sound data is corrected by using the respective correction coefficients. |
| US08094828B2 |
Sound source separating apparatus and sound source separating method
There is disclosed a sound source separating apparatus (100) including: a sound pressure detecting unit which detects a sound pressure in which fluid sound generated due to fluctuations in fluid pressure and oscillation sound generated due to oscillation of a solid are mixed; an oscillation detecting unit (2) which detects oscillation of the solid; and a sound source separating unit (3) which separates the sound pressure detected by the sound pressure detecting unit into a fluid sound component and an oscillation sound component for output by using the sound pressure detected by the sound pressure detecting unit and the oscillation detected by the oscillation detecting unit (2). By separating into the fluid sound and the oscillation sound, it is possible to effectively and rapidly implement oscillation and noise control and reduce a development period of a noise-free product. |
| US08094825B2 |
Integrity protection of streamed content
The invention relates to a method, a system, an electronic device and a computer program for providing at least one content stream to an electronic device applying Digital Rights Management (DRM). In the method a master integrity key is obtained in a streaming node. An encrypted master integrity key is obtained in an electronic device. The encrypted master integrity key is decrypted in the electronic device. At least one session integrity key is formed in the streaming node and in the electronic device using at least the master integrity key and the integrity of at least one content stream is protected between the streaming node and the electronic device using the at least one session integrity key. |
| US08094823B1 |
Extended diffie-hellman group key generation
Described are group key generation and distribution mechanisms that offer efficient protection for multi-party communication applications. A network includes a key distribution center (KDC) and m relay stations (RS). The KDC and each RS choose their own secret number. Each RS encodes its secret number and sends it to the KDC. The KDC uses the secret numbers from all the RS's, as well as its own secret number, to generate a random group key RGK. Then, to each RS, the KDC sends a partial key, which is a mathematical combination of the RGK with that RS's secret number. Each RS can then combine its secret number with the received partial key to deduce the RGK. Once all RS have deduced the RGK, the RGK can be used for further key exchange and encryption procedures and encrypted data transfer. |
| US08094822B2 |
Broadcast encryption key distribution system
Each terminal in a wireless ad-hoc communication system includes an encryption-key management list table 660. The encryption-key management list table 660 stores, in association with a terminal identifier 661 such as a MAC address, a unicast encryption key 662 for use in unicast communication with a terminal identified by the terminal identifier 661, and a broadcast encryption key 663 used when the terminal identified by the terminal identifier 661 performs broadcast communication. Therefore, a broadcast encryption key is provided for each terminal that performs broadcast communication, and the broadcast encryption keys are managed by the individual terminals in an independent and distributed manner. This allows independent and distributed management of broadcast encryption keys in a wireless ad-hoc communication system. |
| US08094820B2 |
Information recording/reproducing device
[PROBLEM] To provide an information recording/reproducing apparatus, an information recording/reproducing method, an information recording/reproducing program and a record medium, secure contents are reproduced with a mobile device so that a check-out can be made on memory card of a small capacity thereby to prevent an authorized copy of the secure contents.[SOLVING MEANS] The information recording/reproducing apparatus creates a title key, encrypts the contents in accordance with a title key; stores the encrypted contents, stores navigation information on the reproduction of the contents containing the title key, encrypts the title key in accordance with the medium ID of an external medium, outputs the encrypted title key and an externally connecting method to the external medium, and transmits the encrypted contents stored, to the outside in case a request for the contents is received from the outside. |
| US08094819B1 |
Method and apparatus for high agility cryptographic key manager
A method and apparatus for improved algorithm and key agility for a cryptosystem, comprising a CAM-type key manager. The key manager uses two memories, an index RAM and a key RAM, to virtualize each algorithm or key using pointers from the index RAM to the key RAM, allowing simple reference to algorithm/key pairs, and to dynamically allocate storage for keys. An autonomous free memory management design improves latency in future key write operations by transforming the search for free location addresses in the key RAM memory into a background task, and employing a free address stack. The index RAM is resizable so that data for a plurality of cryptographic algorithms may be stored dynamically. |
| US08094818B2 |
Method to synthesize video copy protection signals
A method and apparatus for defeating copy protection signals in a video signal, and also for providing copy protection signals for a video signal, is disclosed. The defeat technique generally utilizes a particular pulse position shifting, modulation, etc., of AGC, normal sync and/or pseudo sync pulses to increase the separation between the pulses. Various embodiments are disclosed including selective shifting of the relative positions of either the sync/pseudo sync or AGC pulses, trimming portions of the sync/pseudo sync and/or the AGC pulses and narrowing of either the sync/pseudo sync and/or the AGC pulses, all to provide the selective position separation between the sync/pseudo sync and AGC pulses. The copy protection technique includes various embodiments for dynamically varying the sync/pseudo sync and AGC pulse separation by applying a modulation of the above position shifting, trimming and/or narrowing techniques over selected time periods to cycle from the copy protection condition to the copy protection defeat condition, back to the copy protection condition. |
| US08094811B2 |
Data encryption device and data encryption method
A data encryption device that is capable of stopping power analysis attacks and reducing instances of speed drops and memory amount increases in encryption processing more effectively than in the past; the data encryption device performs a predetermined encryption, based on a key, on a plain text, and includes a random number generation unit (410a) which generates one core random number per round, concatenates a predetermined amount of plural core random numbers and generates a first random number; an exclusive OR unit which data-merges the plain text with the first random number and generates intermediate data (410b); and a data randomizing unit (410f, 410k) which performs a data randomizing process on the intermediate data, the data randomizing process being based on the first random number, a second random number and the key. |
| US08094805B2 |
Communication terminal and communication method thereof
A communication terminal includes an obtaining unit, a judging unit, a removing unit, and a transmitting unit. The obtaining unit obtains a phone number which is associated with a message from a transmitter. The judging unit determines whether an international code precedes a telephone number used by the transmitter, and further for generating a first control signal when the phone number includes an international code preceding the telephone number. The removing unit removes the international code from the phone number in response to the first control signal to get the telephone number only. The transmitting unit communicates with the transmitter using the telephone number only. |
| US08094804B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing the status of work waiting for service
The present invention provides a system and method for assessing the status of work waiting for service in a work queue or a work pool. Work items are placed in the work queue or work pool and have a service time goal. The work items in the work queue or work pool are scanned and a required queue position for each work item is calculated according to the amount of time remaining prior to the expiration of the service time goal and weighted advance time for servicing of work items in the work queue or pool. An array of counters has elements which correspond to required queue positions. Upon the calculation of the required queue position for a work item, the counter corresponding to the required queue position is incremented. When all of the work items are scanned, the array of counters is analyzed to predict a future state of the work queue or work pool. |
| US08094803B2 |
Method and system for analyzing separated voice data of a telephonic communication between a customer and a contact center by applying a psychological behavioral model thereto
A method for analyzing a telephonic communication between a customer and a contact center is provided. According to the method, a telephonic communication is separated into first and second constituent voice data. One of the first and second constituent voice data is analyzed. The analysis consist of translating one the constituent voice data into a text format and applying a predetermined linguistic-based psychological behavioral model to the translated voice data. In applying the behavioral model, the translated voice data is mined, and behavioral signifiers associated with the psychological behavioral model are identified in the voice data. The behavioral signifiers are automatically associated with at least one of a plurality of personality types associated with the psychological behavioral model. Behavioral assessment data is generated which corresponds to the analyzed voice data. |
| US08094796B2 |
Customer responding system, computer terminal, customer responding method and recording medium
When a call from external telephone network can not be forwarded to a telephone terminal used by a requested communicator, a client PC of the communicator who took the call, accepts an inputting of call back data, displaying the call back message, to communicate to the requested communicator by the concerned communicator. The concerned client PC sends the accepted call back data to the client PC used by the designated requested communicator. When the client PC of the sending destination receives the call back data, it notifies the concerned communicator that he/she has received a call back data. Furthermore, the client PC of the sending destination responds to an instruction by a communicator, and lists the received call back data in the inputted order. |
| US08094785B2 |
Modulatable radiation collimator
The invention specifies a radiation collimator, in particular an x-ray collimator, which can be arranged between a radiation source outputting radiation and an object. The radiation collimator includes absorber channels arranged adjacent to one another which form a two-dimensional collimator aperture in the form of a matrix and a first absorber element arranged in the absorber channel. The first absorber element blocks the radiation in a first position and allows the radiation at least partially through the absorber channel in at least one second position. The first absorber element is rod-shaped and can be moved in the absorber channel by a rotation about its longitudinal axis and/or by a longitudinal and/or transverse displacement from the first into the at least one second position. This is advantageous in that the two-dimensional collimator aperture can be modulated easily, rapidly and with high resolution. |
| US08094784B2 |
X-ray sources
The present invention is directed to an anode for an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube has an electron aperture through which electrons emitted from an electron source travel subject to substantially no electrical field and a target in a non-parallel relationship to the electron aperture and arranged to produce X-rays when electrons are incident upon a first side of the target, wherein the target further comprises a cooling channel located on a second side of the target. The cooling channel comprises a conduit having coolant contained therein. The coolant is at least one of water, oil, or refrigerant. |
| US08094782B1 |
X-ray backscatter system for imaging soft tissue regions
An x-ray source emits a cone beam a rapidly rotating, x-ray-opaque disc with four narrow radial slots. The slots break the cone beam into fan beams that are emitted to an x-ray-opaque plate with a narrow slit. As each fan beam moves across the plate, the slit produces a scanning x-ray pencil beam. The backscatter detector is mounted adjacent to the plate and has a slightly larger slit that is aligned with the plate slit. The pencil beam enters the object space through the detector slit. The pencil beam moves rapidly in a line across the object space, 20 cm in 0.1 second. Simultaneously, the assemblage of x-ray source, disc, plate, and detector moves slowly in the x direction at 1 mm in 0.05 second. Thus, the raster scan of the 20 cm×20 cm region is accomplished in 10 seconds. |
| US08094780B2 |
Two dimensional small angle X-Ray scattering camera
A two-dimensional x-ray scattering camera includes a source, an optic, a detector, and a pair of collimating blocks. The source emits x-ray beams that are reflected by the optic towards a sample. The detector detects scattering from the sample, the pair of collimating blocks is positioned between the optic and the detector to collimate the beam. A bottom surface of one block is substantially parallel a top surface of the other block, and the blocks are rotatable relative to the beam about a pivot. The system forms a two-dimensional beam that is symmetric about the primary beam axis at the detector position, regardless how the beam is collimated by the collimating blocks. The system therefore eliminates smearing and can be used for anisotropic small angle scattering at high resolution and low Qmin. |
| US08094779B2 |
Orthovoltage radiotherapy
A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, the ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the ocular structures inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the ocular structures within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, the position of the ocular structure is tracked and related to the status of the radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, the structure is an eye and the eye is tracked by the system. In some embodiments, the eye is held in place and in some embodiments, the eye is fixed by the patient. In some embodiments, a fiducial is placed on the eye to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, a reflection off the eye is used to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments. |
| US08094776B2 |
Tomosynthesis radiographing apparatus
Providing a radiation emission unit having multiple radiation sources for emitting radiation onto a subject, in which the multiple radiation sources are distributed such that the radiation emitted from each radiation source and transmitted through the subject forms a part of a projected image of the subject. Each radiation source is a source that emits fan beam radiation and is disposed such that a plane of the fan beam having a wider spread angle intersects with an arrangement direction of the multiple radiation sources and is arranged parallel to each other. |
| US08094773B2 |
Method and device for generating a three-dimensional X-ray imaging
A method is provided for quickly and simply generating a three-dimensional tomographic x-ray imaging. Tomosynthetic projection images are recorded from different recording angles along a tomosynthetic scanning path and three-dimensional image data is reconstructed from the tomosynthetic projection images. The tomosynthetic projection images are recorded by a tomosynthetic x-ray device with a plurality of x-ray sources arranged on a holder at a distance from one another. Each projection image is recorded by a different x-ray source being fixed in one place during recording the tomosynthetic projection images. |
| US08094768B2 |
Multi-channel timing recovery system
The present invention discloses a novel multi-channel timing recovery scheme that utilizes a shared CORDIC to accurately compute the phase for each tone. Then a hardware-based linear combiner module is used to reconstruct the best phase estimate from multiple phase measurements. The firmware monitors the noise variance for the pilot tones and determines the corresponding weight for each tone to ensure that the minimum phase jitter noise is achieved through the linear combiner. Then a hardware-based second-order timing recovery control loop generates the frequency reference signal for VCXO or DCXO. A single sequentially controlled multiplier is used for all multiplications in the control loop. |
| US08094767B1 |
Method and apparatus for timing and/or frequency synchronization in an RF receiver
The present invention provides methods and systems for allowing a receiver in a (wireless) communication system to synchronize its timing and frequency subsystems in accordance with a received signal. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided in which a relative time of arrival of sync values provided in a received signal are determined and used to align the receiver's reference signal(s) accordingly. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments that follows. |
| US08094766B2 |
Tracker circuit and method for automated test equipment systems
A digital data signal capture circuit for synchronization of received digital data signals includes a transition detector for determining a state transition of the received digital data signal. The transition detector samples the received digital data signal at a first time, a second time and a third time and determines whether the transition occurs between the first time and the second time and whether it occurs between the first time and third time and generates an increment/decrement signal indicating a position for the transition. A strobe adjust circuit generates a strobe signal based on the increment/decrement signal. A capture circuit captures the received digital data signal using the strobe signal. |
| US08094765B2 |
Clock and mode signals controlling data communication in three states
Data is communicated through two separate circuits or circuit groups, each having clock and mode inputs, by sequentially reversing the role of the clock and mode inputs. The data communication circuits have data inputs, data outputs, a clock input for timing or synchronizing the data input and/or output communication, and a mode input for controlling the data input and/or output communication. A clock/mode signal connects to the clock input of one circuit and to the mode input of the other circuit. A mode/clock signal connects to the mode input of the one circuit and to the clock input of the other circuit. The role of the mode and clock signals on the mode/clock and clock/mode signals, or their reversal, selects one or the other of the data communication circuits. |
| US08094763B1 |
Communications system using adaptive filter with adaptive update gain
A communications system receives a modulated signal that carries encoded communications data. An adaptive filter has a plurality of non-adaptive and adaptive filter taps with weighted coefficients and an adaptive gain circuit for updating the adaptive gain of the adaptive filter responsive to a received state of a modem or the type of modulation used by communications system. A demodulator and decoder receive the filtered output signal from the adaptive filter and demodulate and decode the signal to obtain the communications data. |
| US08094762B2 |
Joint estimation of MIMO channels and noise correlation for wireless systems with multiple receive antennas
A radio communication sent by a transmitter having M transmit antennas is received by a receiver having N receive antennas, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to one and N is positive integer greater than one. Thus, N output signals, one for each receive antenna, are received. The signal transmitted from each transmit antenna includes predetermined pilot symbols known by the receiver and information symbols to be determined by the receiver. Weights for estimating each of M×N single-input/single-output channels between transmit and receive antennas are determined based on jointly processing pilot symbols received on all of the N receive antennas. The M×N channels are estimated based on the determined weights, and those estimated channels are used to determine the information symbols. An iterative procedure is used to estimate the M×N channels using a noise correlation matrix estimate and to estimate the noise correlation matrix using the M×N channel estimates. |
| US08094761B2 |
Uplink feedback for supporting MIMO operation in the LTE downlink
A quantization method of transmission of channel quality information (CQI) includes measuring two measurements SINRs and calculating a difference (i.e., Delta SINR) between the two measurements of the SINRs; determining a CQIbase (base channel quality information) based on one of the two measurements SINRs and a known quantization table for the CQIbase, and simultaneously receiving cell-specific or UE-specific parameters transmitted from a base station and configuring a quantization table defining a mapping method of CQIdelta (delta channel quality information) and the Delta SINR and determining the CQIdelta based on the obtained Delta SINR and the configured quantization table; and transmitting the resulting CQIdelta and CQIbase. |
| US08094757B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for detecting values of a space-time block code using selective decision-feedback detection
A selective decision-feedback detector for the space-time block code which provides both diversity and spatial multiplexing. To detect a received code block of transmitted symbols, the channel matrix is properly preprocessed with the real and imaginary parts decoupled, and the selective decision-feedback detector makes multiple decisions on the same block upon differently permuted channel matrix and generates multiple candidates for the results. The indicators of the decision errors associated with the candidates are compared, and one of the candidates with the minimum error is selected by a selector as the decided symbols to be used for further processing at a receiving station. |
| US08094756B2 |
Portable communications device with demodulation correction and related methods
A portable communications device communicates based upon constant envelope orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (CE-OFDM). The portable communications device may include an antenna for receiving a CE-OFDM signal, and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver may include a frequency domain equalizer (FDE) operating based upon a channel estimate of the received CE-OFDM signal, a non-linear function block coupled to and downstream from the FDE, and a demodulation correction block coupled to and downstream from the non-linear function block for correcting an output of the non-linear function block. |
| US08094755B2 |
Ramping in multimode transmitters using primed filters
A modulation system can switch between two modulation modes. In order to comply with limits on peak power in spectral bands outside the RF operating one the transmitter is required to ramp down to a condition of minimal power. To avoid fixed ramping and trailing bits, the transmitting signal is subjected to FIR filtering. The two FIR filters are primed with a sequence using a parallel input mode before serially entering the information data. |
| US08094754B2 |
Frequency hold mechanism in a clock and data recovery device
A system and method are provided for holding the frequency of a non-synchronous communication signal in a clock and data recovery (CDR) device frequency synthesizer. The method initially acquires the phase of a non-synchronous first communication signal having a first frequency, and divides a first synthesized signal by a selected frequency ratio value, creating a frequency detection signal having a frequency equal to a reference signal frequency. In response to losing the first communication signal and subsequently receiving a second communication signal with a non-predetermined second frequency, the frequency ratio value is retrieved from memory based upon the assumption that the second frequency is the same, or close to the first frequency. Using a phase-frequency detector (PFD), the reference signal, and the frequency ratio value, a second synthesized signal is generated having an output frequency equal to first frequency. Using a rotational frequency detector (RFD), the second communication signal, and the second synthesized signal, a second synthesized signal is generated having an output frequency equal to second frequency. |
| US08094750B2 |
Digital television transmitting system and receiving system and method of processing broadcast data
A digital television receiving system includes a first known data detector, a second known data detector, and a selector. The first known data detector detects a location of a first known data sequence in a broadcast signal by calculating a first correlation value between the broadcast signal and a first reference known data sequence. Similarly, the second known data detector detects a location of a second known data sequence in the broadcast signal by calculating a second correlation value between the broadcast signal and a second reference known data sequence. The selector selects the location information detected by one of the first and second known data detectors with a greater correlation value. |
| US08094741B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus and a wireless communication method wherein even when the permissible delay amount of data is small, the permissible delay thereof can be satisfied. A data type determining part (101) determines whether the delay of transport data or control information should be allowed or not. A pilot signal insertion control part (102) decides, based on pilot insertion interval information and allowable delay information, that a pilot signal is placed adjacently to data that is not allowed to delay. A multiplexing part (106) multiplexes encoded and modulated transport data with the pilot signal generated by a pilot signal generating part (105) in such a manner that realizes the placement decided by the pilot signal insertion control part (102). |
| US08094740B2 |
Method of determining the location of the FFT window and the delay spread for the platinum broadcast channel estimator
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a channel estimation method, comprising determining a FFT window position, and calculating a delay spread. In another embodiment, the step of determining a FFT window position comprises setting an initial position of the FFT window, computing an energy for each tap, time averaging said energy for each tap, comparing an average energy of each tap with a first threshold multiplied by the average energy of all taps, comparing the average energy of each tap with a second threshold multiplied by a maximum average energy in alias components, updating the set of paths if the average energy of the tap is greater than said second threshold multiplied by the maximum average energy in alias components; and refining the FFT window position. |
| US08094739B2 |
Modulation parameter selecting method, modulation parameter selecting apparatus, and communication apparatus
A modulation parameter selecting method in a system including, as a scheduler portion, a temporal coding rate determining portion that determines a coding rate temporarily, a temporal modulation rate determining portion for selecting a modulation method that satisfies required quality and has a maximum transmission rate in each channel, under the temporarily determined coding rate, and a transmission rate computing portion that calculates a transmission rate from the coding rate determined at the temporal coding rate determining portion and the modulation method in each of the channels selected at the temporal modulation method determining portion, in which processing from the temporal coding rate determining portion to the transmission rate computing portion is performed repeatedly with respect to selectable coding rates and a coding rate with a maximum transmission rate and a modulation method in each of the channels are determined. |
| US08094736B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating noise power in frequency domain
An apparatus and a method for estimating noise power in frequency domain are provided. The apparatus and the method are applied to a state where no packet is transmitted over the channels. And the apparatus and the method acquire noise in every sub-carrier, and obtain the transmission status in every sub-channel to adjust bit-loading in every sub-carrier and improve the spectral-efficiency. |
| US08094733B2 |
Apparatus and method for feeding back channel quality information and scheduling apparatus and method using the same in a wireless communication system
An apparatus and method are provided for feeding back channel quality information and performing scheduling using the fed-back channel quality information in a wireless communication system based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). In the OFDMA wireless communication system, forward performance degradation due to a decrease in an amount of reverse channel quality information is reduced, and also an increase in the reverse load due to channel quality information feedback is suppressed. A base station controls power of a physical channel using information fed back from a mobile station. In a method for feeding back channel quality information from the mobile station, sub-band-by-sub-band channel quality information is measured and channel-by-channel quality information of a number of channels is transmitted in order of sub-bands of better channel quality information. Average channel quality information for a total band is measured and transmitted. |
| US08094731B2 |
System and method for transferring telemetry data between a ground station and a control center
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media for coordinating communications between a ground station, a control center, and a spacecraft. The method receives a call to a simple, unified application programmer interface implementing communications protocols related to outer space, when instruction relates to receiving a command at the control center for the ground station generate an abstract message by agreeing upon a format for each type of abstract message with the ground station and using a set of message definitions to configure the command in the agreed upon format, encode the abstract message to generate an encoded message, and transfer the encoded message to the ground station, and perform similar actions when the instruction relates to receiving a second command as a second encoded message at the ground station from the control center and when the determined instruction type relates to transmitting information to the control center. |
| US08094726B2 |
Image encoding apparatus and control method thereof
This invention enables to generate encoded data without noticeable image quality degradation when reproducing an image at a lower resolution not to mention the original resolution. An image a digital camera can capture takes three sizes L, M, and S. When the size L is designated, stream conversion information SC is set to “2”. When the size M is designated, the stream conversion information SC is set to “1”. When the size S is designated, the stream conversion information SC is set to “0”. When encoding image data in compression processing, block overlap processing of suppressing discontinuity of data at the boundary between adjacent blocks is executed as many times as the count set in the stream conversion information. |
| US08094723B2 |
Motion estimation sum of all differences (SAD) array having reduced semiconductor die area consumption
An apparatus is described comprising: logic circuitry to take an absolute difference between: 1) less than all of the bits of an uncompressed video data value from a reference macro block and 2) less than all of the bits of an uncompressed video data value from a macro block worth of data within a search window. The apparatus further includes a register to store the reference macro block. The register is coupled to the logic circuitry. The apparatus further include a random access memory to store the search window. The random access memory is coupled to the logic circuitry. |
| US08094718B2 |
Motion-compensated spatio-temporal wavelet compression of video data with optimised permutation of the frames
In video encoding, the video frames are spatio-temporally filtered for reduction of spatial and temporal redundancy before they are entropy encoded. Known filtering schemes consider temporally successive frames and are static. It is probable but not necessary that successive frames are most efficient to encode. Therefore, a plurality or all possible frame order permutations are considered for a group of frames (GOP) and evaluated based on a global criterion, which is the sum of local criterion values computed over successive subsets of permuted frames. The local criterion value is deduced from motion estimation processed on each considered set of frames. The best ordering is chosen as the one that minimizes the global criterion value. |
| US08094717B2 |
Image generation apparatus and image generation method
An image generation apparatus generates a new video sequence with a high S/N ratio and suppressed motion blurs, from an original video sequence and a still image which are generated by capturing the same dark, moving object. The image generation apparatus includes: a capture condition decision unit (105) which decides, based on an incident-light amount, capture conditions under which the original video sequence and the still image are to be captured; an image receiving unit (101) which receives the original video sequence and the still image which are generated under the capture conditions; an integration processing unit (104a) which generates, from the original video sequence and the still image, the new video sequence including frames having a resolution equal to or higher than the still image, at a frame rate equal to or higher than the original video sequence, by reducing a difference between (i) a value of the still image and (ii) a sum of values of the frames in the new video sequence which correspond to an exposure period for the still image. The capture condition decision unit (105c) decides a longer duration of an exposure period as a duration of the still image capturing, as the incident-light amount is smaller. Here, the duration is longer than an frame interval of the original video sequence. |
| US08094716B1 |
Method and apparatus of adaptive lambda estimation in Lagrangian rate-distortion optimization for video coding
A method for hybrid video coding is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) calculating a bit rate based on a percentage of quantized zero coefficients resulting from encoding a plurality of components of a video signal, (B) calculating a distortion based on the percentage of quantized zero coefficients, (C) calculating a plurality of variances of a plurality of prediction error pictures and (D) calculating an adaptive Lagrangian multiplier in a Lagrangian rate-distortion optimization as a function of the bit rate, the distortion and the variance to minimize a Lagrangian cost. |
| US08094711B2 |
Adaptive reference picture generation
A video encoder and corresponding method are provided for encoding an input picture or image block using a prediction from a reference-only picture, where the encoder includes a picture buffer for storing a previously coded picture, and a reference processing unit in signal communication with the picture buffer for generating the reference-only picture from a previously coded picture; and the corresponding method includes receiving a substantially uncompressed image block, filtering (714) a previously coded picture to create an adaptive reference, motion compensating the adaptive reference, subtracting the motion compensated adaptive reference from the substantially uncompressed image block, and encoding the difference between the substantially uncompressed image block and the motion compensated adaptive reference. Video decoder and corresponding method are also disclosed. |
| US08094709B2 |
Equalizer and equalization method
A correction coefficient calculating section 20 calculates a correction coefficient β so as to obtain a noise power equivalent to detected path and adjacent path transmission channel estimation values. A noise power correcting section 21 calculates a corrected noise power βN0. A weight calculating section 8 receives as its input a frequency-domain transmission channel estimation value H(f) being an output of an FFT section 7 and the noise power βN0 corrected by the noise power correcting section 21 and calculates a weight of an equalization filter by MMSE. |
| US08094708B2 |
Receiver with multiple antennas and method of receiving signals
Provided are a multiple antenna receiver and a method of receiving a signal. A multiple antenna receiver includes a plurality of antennas to receive a plurality of received symbols, a QR decomposition unit to perform QR decomposition for a channel matrix, a Q-received symbol generator to generate Q-received symbols corresponding to the plurality of antennas, a subtractor to remove a component corresponding to at least one neighbor symbol from a target received symbol corresponding to one of the Q-received symbols, an adder to add a signal component to the target received symbol, a first FDE to perform frequency domain equalization for an output of the subtractor, and a second FDE to perform frequency domain equalization for an output of the adder. |
| US08094701B2 |
Channel estimation for high data rate transmission using multiple control channels
For high rate data transmission, channel estimates may be computed using multiple control channels. An exemplary method comprises determining a transmission parameter for a data channel, generating first and second channel estimates derived respectively from first and second control channels, and selectively combining the first and second channel estimates to generate a combined channel estimate. In some embodiments, the second channel estimate may be used to refine the first channel estimate before the selection of the final channel estimate. |
| US08094700B2 |
Transmitter, transmission method, receiver, receiving method, communication device, and communication method including generating an individual spread code and performing spread spectrum processing
A communication device includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a transmission-side code generator and a first spread unit for example. The receiver includes a reception-side code generator and a first inverse spread unit for example. The transmission-side code generator generates a spread code comprised of a spread code scheduled according to a difference of a transmission cycle of an input signal. The first spread unit performs spread spectrum processing on the input signal by the spread code. The reception-side code generator generates a spread code in use for performing inverse spread spectrum processing on a receiving signal. The first inverse spread unit performs inverse spread spectrum processing on the receiving signal by the spread signal generated at the code generator. |
| US08094698B2 |
Method for generating a spread spectrum clock and apparatus thereof
A method for generating a spread spectrum clock includes the steps of providing a reference clock having a reference period; generating a plurality of output clocks respectively having different phases according to the reference clock; generating a first/second control signal according to the reference clock and a spread spectrum clock and starting a first/second duration accordingly; during the first/second duration, outputting a first/second selecting signal representing a first/second predetermined sequence according to the first/second control signal, wherein the second predetermined sequence is a substantial reversed sequence of the first predetermined sequence; and during the first/second duration, sequentially outputting some or all of the output clocks as the spread spectrum clock according to the first/second predetermined sequence. |
| US08094697B2 |
Method and device for the demodulation of satellite radio navigation signals
For demodulating radio navigation signals (s(t)) transmitted in spread spectrum and comprising a data channel modulated by a navigation message and a pilot channel not modulated by a navigation message, the data channel and the pilot channel are combined into one multiplexing scheme so as to modulate a carrier, this method consists in applying de-spreading processing to the pilot and data channels' signals and in demodulating the de-spread data signal (rd) in order to obtain the navigation message |
| US08094696B2 |
Semiconductor laser device
A semiconductor laser according to the present invention comprises a λ/2 dielectric film (λ:in-medium wavelength of a dielectric film, for example, SiO2, Si3N4, Al2O3, and AIN) in contact with an facet of a resonator; and a first dielectric double layered film disposed on the dielectric film, which includes a first layer of a-Si and a second layer of a material having a refractive index lower than that of a-Si. The first layer has a thickness) ¼ of a in-medium wavelength of a-Si, and the second layer has a thickness ¼ of a in-medium wavelength of the second layer. Therefore, it is possible to firmly stack the first dielectric double layered film and form a high reflectance film with high yield. |
| US08094681B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive bandwidth control with defined priorities for different networks
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code to receive data from a source at a plurality of gateways for distribution using a selected priority. The data is transmitted from the plurality of gateways to a plurality of receivers using the selected priority. Every gateway in the plurality of gateways has an adaptive bandwidth control process and a respective set of parameters for controlling the adaptive bandwidth control process for sending the data at the selected priority. Transmission of the data from each gateway for the selected priority has a different impact on other traffic at different gateways in the plurality gateways for the selected priority when different values are set for the set of parameters for the different gateways. |
| US08094679B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program product for providing automated backup to TDM network connections over an IP network
An automated telecommunications backup system includes a first system operable to monitor a primary time division multiplexing (TDM) link on a TDM network for a failure condition and a second system operable to back up at least a portion of the telecommunications traffic of the TDM link over a backup network. The backup network may be a packet based network, an Internet protocol (IP) based network, a satellite based network, or an IP based system over a satellite network. The first system may continuously monitor the primary TDM link and switch the functionality thereof into circuit with the TDM link upon the detection of the failure condition. The second system may compress the telecommunications traffic of the TDM link to transmit a pre-designated number of time slots thereof. |
| US08094678B2 |
Method of and apparatus for providing reserved bandwidth to ethernet devices over switched ethernet including a home network wall plate having a combined IEEE 1394 and ethernet modified HUB
A combined IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet network allows devices to operate according to both the IEEE 1394-2000 protocol and the ethernet protocol. The devices within the network are able to send IEEE 1394-2000 isochronous data, IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous data and ethernet data. Both IEEE 1394-2000 and ethernet devices are coupled to modified hubs (MHUBS) to form a local cluster. The MHUBS are coupled to an ethernet switch which controls communications between devices in different local clusters. The ethernet switch and the MHUBS obey an isochronous interval in which all isochronous data transfers and asynchronous data transfers from ethernet devices with an allocation of reserved bandwidth will be allowed. The ethernet switch sends a periodic isotick signal to begin the isochronous interval. Bandwidth remaining after the isochronous interval is then allocated to the IEEE 1394-2000 asynchronous traffic, until the start of the next isochronous interval. |
| US08094677B2 |
Multi-bus structure for optimizing system performance of a serial buffer
A serial buffer having a parser and multiple parallel processing paths is provided. The parser receives incoming packets, determines the type of each packet, and then routes each packet to a processing path that corresponds with the determined packet type. Packet types may include blocking priority packets (which implement bus slave operations), non-blocking priority packets (which access on-chip resources of the serial buffer) and data packets (which implement bus master operations). Because the different packet types are processed on parallel processing paths, the processing of one packet type does not interfere with the processing of other packet types. As a result, blocking conditions within the serial buffer are minimized. |
| US08094673B2 |
Cable user interface
A cable user interface, such as a cable for audio headphones, enables control of one or more aspects of operation of a device to which such cable is connected. A user touches/applies pressure to the cable user interface, either along the full length of the cable, or to a localized part of the cable, in order to control the device. A mechanism is included for interfacing the pressure sensitive controller(s) to the device so that pressure/touch applied by a user can be translated to control of the device. In one embodiment, a headphone cable itself is an input device for volume and playback control of a portable media player. |
| US08094669B2 |
System and method for store and forward routing for distributed destinations
The present invention enables a store-and-forward service providing an efficient and reliable forwarding of messages stored in a message queue to a distributed destination. It provides customers with high availability and scalability for applications such as JMS queues and topics. It achieves load balancing and failover amongst all individual members of the distributed destination while ensuring that each message is delivered exactly once. |
| US08094666B2 |
Mapping an original MAC address of a terminal to a unique locally administrated virtual MAC address
In a network terminals communicate wirelessly through gateway devices with an access node. In the access node an original media access control (MAC) address of a terminal is mapped to a unique, locally administered virtual MAC address for the terminal. This virtual MAC address has a particular portion indicating a unit-specific use including fields that indicate a port index for the gateway device through which the respective terminal communicates with the access node, and an MAC index for the original media access control address of the terminal. |
| US08094662B2 |
Methods and apparatus to limit transmission of data to a localized area
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for limiting transmission of data to a localized area in a networked environment. In an example method, a request to transmit data from a source device to a sink device is received. If the data to be transmitted is localized data, a time to live value associated with the data is set to first predetermined value. If the data to be transmitted is not localized data, a time to live value associated with the data is set to a second predetermined value. |
| US08094661B2 |
Subscriber access network architecture
A subscriber network architecture includes a packet processing node that communicates with a network backbone and with a plurality of access nodes. The access nodes also communicate with a plurality of subscriber devices. The packet processing node controls Quality of Service (QoS) levels for the subscriber devices, routes user data to subscriber devices based on downstream communication channels of the access nodes and QoS levels, and receives data from subscriber devices (via the access nodes) for forwarding across the network backbone. |
| US08094655B2 |
Communication scheme with arbitration mechanism for cases of address initialization and server setting
The other communication devices are prohibited to transmit the address initialization request for a prescribed period of time since one communication device transmitted the address initialization request for an address managed by a control protocol, so that the conflict of the initialization requests for the same address will not occur and the problem of assigning the address in overlap to the communication devices will not arise. Also, the other communication devices are prohibited to transmit the address server detection request packet for a prescribed period of time since one communication device transmitted the address server detection request packet, so that the conflict on the network by a plurality of address server detection requests will not occur, and it is possible to determine the MAC address server uniquely. |
| US08094654B2 |
Information transfer in electronic modules
An electronic assembly includes electronic modules connected in a series circuit such that a particular number of input connections of one of the electronic modules is connected with the particular number of output connections of another of the electronic modules. Each electronic module is configured to pass on an information which each electronic module receives on an input side at an nth of each electronic module's input connections to an nth of each electronic module's output connections. The input connections and output connections of each electronic module are arranged in a same geometric arrangement. Each electronic module is configured to receive, irrespective of a geometric orientation of the input connections of a given electronic module in relation to a geometric orientation of the output connections of a corresponding electronic module connected with the given electronic module on the input side of the given electronic module, at the same of the given electronic module's input connections, a particular information which is transmitted by the same output connections of the corresponding electronic module. |
| US08094653B2 |
Software parameterizable control blocks for use in physical layer processing
A physical layer transport composite processing system used in a wireless communication system. A plurality of interconnected processing blocks are provided. The blocks are interconnected by a read data bus, a write data bus and a control bus. The blocks include a transport channel processing block, a composite channel processing block and a chip rate processing block. At least two of the blocks are capable of processing data for a plurality of wireless formats. A first set of parameters is programmed into the blocks for a particular wireless mode. The blocks are operated to process data in the particular wireless format mode. |
| US08094652B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing circuit switched domain services over a packet switched network
A method and Packet Mobile Switching Center (PMSC) for providing MSC-based services over a packet-switched network. An interface between a mobile station and the PMSC is used to transfer control plane and user plane information between the mobile station and the PMSC over the packet-switched network. In one embodiment, the PMSC includes a network controller for handling control plane information from a packet-switched core network and an interworking unit for handling user plane information from the packet-switched core network. |
| US08094650B2 |
Method and apparatus for routing data
A method and apparatus for handling internet access telephone calls made via cable company telephone services. A head end data terminal receives cable signals and converts them into individual signals. An intelligent switch detects signals destined for an internet service provider and routes those signals on a separate path to the internet service provider. A central switch routes the other signals along a telephone network. A computer program can control the steps of receiving cable signals, converting them into voice band signals, routing the signals that are not for the intended recipient to a central switch, multiplexing the signals for the intended recipient together, and sending the multiplexed signals to the intended recipient. |
| US08094641B2 |
TD-SCDMA uplink processing
A wireless device has a BRP-CRP interface that includes a dual-port frame memory having a first access port and a second access port in which data can be written to the dual-port frame memory through the first access port at the same time that data is read from the dual-port frame memory through the second access port. A bit rate processor performs bit rate processing on input data and writes data resulting from the bit rate processing to the dual-port frame memory through the first access port. A chip rate processor reads data from the dual-port frame memory through the second access port and performs chip rate processing on the data read from the dual-port frame memory. A data processor executes a software application that writes data to the dual-port frame memory through the first access port and reads data from the dual-port frame memory through the second access port. |
| US08094637B1 |
Avoiding mesh path discovery in wireless mesh networks
Apparatus having corresponding methods comprise: a mesh path module adapted to select a mesh path between a first mesh point in a mesh network and a second mesh point in the mesh network, wherein the mesh path module comprises a neighbor discovery module adapted to determine whether the second mesh point is one hop from the first mesh point, a one-hop mesh path module adapted to select a one-hop mesh path between the first mesh point and the second mesh point when the second mesh point is one hop from the first mesh point, and a multi-hop mesh path module adapted to discover a multi-hop mesh path between the first mesh point and the second mesh point only when it is determined that the second mesh point is not one hop from the first mesh point. |
| US08094632B2 |
Random access communication method and mobile communication system in mobile communication system
The random access communication method according to the present invention includes a mobile station transmitting a transmission continuation request signal which requests a continuation of transmission of random access data to a base station during transmission of the random access data, the base station judging, upon receiving a transmission continuation request signal from the mobile station, whether or not to permit a continuation of transmission of the random access data depending on the current communication situation, the base station transmitting a transmission continuation permission signal or a transmission continuation rejection signal to the mobile station depending on whether or not to permit the continuation of transmission of the random access data, and the mobile station continuing, upon receiving the transmission continuation permission signal from the base station, transmission of the random access data. |
| US08094630B2 |
Radio frequency dragging prevention
A device receives information about signals detected by an access terminal, a first one of the signals corresponds to a radio node with which the access terminal is in communication, and if a second signal detected by the access terminal does not correspond to signals in use by the radio node and the access terminal, and if a condition is met, the devise causes the access terminal to alter communication with the radio node. |
| US08094628B2 |
Half-duplex terminal operation in a full-duplex network
A method for communication includes deploying a half-duplex terminal in a wireless full-duplex communication network configured to permit simultaneous transmission of downlink paging messages and uplink access messages between a base station and full-duplex mobile terminals in the network. The half-duplex terminal is assigned paging channel slots in a cyclical sequence of the paging channel slots, so that the base station transmits the downlink paging messages to the half-duplex terminal only during the assigned paging channel slots. The half-duplex terminal is controlled so that the half-duplex terminal transmits the uplink access messages only during an interval bounded by the assigned paging channel slots occurring in successive cycles in the sequence. |
| US08094626B2 |
Method for a code division multiple access telecommunication system
A method for a Code Division Multiple Access telecommunication system implemented by a mobile station. The Code Division Multiple Access telecommunication system implementing a phase of communicating data conveyed by a plurality of transport channels. The Code Division Multiple Access telecommunication system includes at least one base station and at least the mobile station with the mobile station performing a plurality of rate matching steps. Each of the rate matching steps executing a transformation of an input block of an initial size into an output block of a final size by puncturing or repeating at least one bit of the input block. |
| US08094624B2 |
Method and apparatus for minimizing packet transmission loss in a wireless network
A wireless communication device, such as a wireless router or access point, transmits and receives signals according any one of several standard or proprietary wireless protocols and automatically adapts its transmission rate according to the condition of a link or channel over which it is sending and receiving signals. A packet delay value is used to calculate the maximum number of packet retransmissions that are acceptable given a particular application. The packet retransmission value is used to calculate a maximum acceptable packet loss value which is then compared against actual packet losses to determine whether or not to change the packet transmission rate. If it is determined that the actual packet losses are less than the maximum acceptable value, then the packet transmission rate can be changed to a higher rate and if it is determined that the actual packet losses are greater than the maximum acceptable value, then the packet transmission rate can be changed to be a lower rate. |
| US08094623B2 |
Method and apparatus for choosing a sector based on a scaled forward link metric
Methods and apparatus for selecting a serving sector in a high rate data (HDR) communication system are disclosed. An exemplary HDR communication system defines a set of data rates, at which a sector of an Access Point may send data packets to an Access Terminal. The sector is selected by the Access Terminal to achieve the highest data throughput while maintaining a targeted packet error rate. The Access Terminal employs various methods to evaluate quality metrics of forward and reverse links from and to different sectors, and uses the quality metrics to select the sector to send data packets to the Access Terminal. |
| US08094619B2 |
Multi-mode multi-band mobile communication terminal and mode switching method thereof
Disclosed is a multi-mode multi-band mobile communication terminal and a mode switching method thereof wherein a mode switching can be performed between an asynchronous network and a synchronous network by minimizing interruption in communication. According to the switching method of a multi-mode multi-band mobile communication terminal, the power of a signal received from an asynchronous network or a synchronous network is measured and the measured power of the received signal drives a modem portion, thereby switching the mode of the mobile communication terminal. |
| US08094618B2 |
Method for transmitting MAC PDUs
With respect to generating and sending a MAC PDU by using the radio resources allocated to the mobile terminal, the level of priority between the buffer status report (BSR) and the established logical channels are defined such that the data of each logical channel and buffer status report can be more effectively, efficiently and quickly transmitted. |
| US08094617B2 |
Method for recognizing available channel in IEEE 802.15.4 protocol CSMA/CA mechanism
Disclosed is a method of recognizing an available channel in order to prevent channel occupation requirements from colliding with each other when one wireless channel is shared by plural terminals in a CSMA/CA mechanism using an IEEE 802.15.4 protocol slot, the method including: a first step of initializing a counter, CW, as 2, the CW being used for CCA which an attempt to perform is made before frame transmission; a second step of determining if a required channel is occupied; a third step of decreasing the CW by 1 when the channel is idle in the second step; a fourth step of re-determining if the channel is occupied; and a fifth step of, based on a determination result in the fourth step, determining if the CW is 1 when the channel is occupied. |
| US08094612B2 |
Quality of service resource negotiation
Embodiments of apparatuses, articles, methods, and systems for negotiating quality of service resources in wireless networks are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08094610B2 |
Dynamic cellular cognitive system
High quality communications among a diverse set of cognitive radio (CR) nodes is permitted while minimizing interference to primary and other secondary users by employing Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) in a Dynamic Cellular Cognitive System (DCCS). Diverse device types interoperate, cooperate, and communicate with high spectrum efficiency and do not require infrastructure to form the network. The dynamic cellular cognitive system can expand to a wider geographical distribution via linking to existing infrastructure. |
| US08094605B2 |
Aircraft communications system with network selection controller and associated methods
A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least some personnel having personal electronic devices (PEDs) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a ground-based communications network, and a satellite-based communications network. An access point is in the aircraft for providing a WLAN for data communications with the PEDs. An air-to-ground transceiver in the aircraft cooperates with the access point for data communications with the ground-based communications network. A satellite receiver in the aircraft cooperates with the access point for data communications with the satellite-based communications network to the PEDs. At least one network selection controller determines whether to send data communications to the PEDs through the air-to-ground transceiver or the satellite receiver. |
| US08094604B2 |
Method of inputting data in a wireless terminal and wireless terminal implementing the same
A method of inputting data into a wireless terminal and wireless terminal implementing the same are provided, in which first data is input in data input mode, at least one pixel value of the first data detected is registered at a predetermined reference position, second data is input, at least one pixel value of the second data detected at the predetermined reference position is registered, the registered pixel value of the first data is compared with the registered pixel value of the second data, and the pixel value of the second data comprising the same value as the registered pixel value of the first data is tracked. Accordingly, an opposite direction of the data moving direction is determined as the moving direction of the wireless terminal. |
| US08094593B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication program, and communication method
A communication apparatus of the present invention used for communicating with an external communication device is provided with a memory section to store a correspondence table associating users of external communication devices with contact addresses for contacting the users via the communication apparatus; a communication section to transmit data destined for the contact addresses and/or receive data originated from the contact addresses; a retrieval section that retrieves, from the users in the correspondence table, users with an elapsed period longer than a threshold value, the elapsed period being a period elapsed after a final communication destined for or originated from contact addresses of the retrieved users; a display section to display a list of the retrieved users; and a communication control section that, upon selection of a user from the displayed list, causes the communication section to perform a communication destined for the contact address associated with the selected user. |
| US08094587B2 |
Method for forwarding and storing session packets according to preset and/or dynamic rules
A system and method for recording and/or monitoring data by forwarding it, with or without analyzing or otherwise filtering the data itself are provided. According to embodiments of the invention, the system and method are operative over IP networks. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system and method for forwarding data according to at least one characteristic of the data, such as the session's metadata for example, without analyzing or otherwise filtering the data itself. According to another embodiment of the invention, before the data is forwarded to the recording device, pre-processing algorithms are performed according to a system preset or according to one or more rules. |
| US08094584B2 |
Node, network system, frame transfer method, and frame transfer program
For eliminating a reduction in throughput in a network as a whole according to optimum path transfer technique which is the expansion of spanning tree protocol, a frame switching unit of the network has an STP control unit for, when a port state of a spanning tree is changed, notifying a table control unit of an identifier of the spanning tree and a port number of a predetermined port among the respective ports, the table control unit for setting, in a forwarding table storage unit, a received port number of a predetermined port as an output port in an entry in which a node ID is equivalent to a spanning tree identifier, and a table search unit for determining an output destination from among output ports obtained by acquisition of received frame information from a frame analysis unit. |
| US08094582B2 |
Location determination for placing a new capacity point in a wireless network
A location for placing a new capacity point in a wireless network is determined based on a wireless contention of the network and capacities for capacity points in the network. Each capacity point is a network device interfacing the network with a second network. The capacities are calculated as a function of the wireless contention. |
| US08094581B2 |
Method for the automatic configuration of communication relationships between communication units situated in a packet-oriented communications network
In the inventive configuration of a communication relationship, a data packet includes the respective address information of the communication unit is generated by at least one remote communication device or by at least one communication unit that is assigned to the device and is transmitted to a central communication device via a communication network. The central communication device selects an assigned communication unit and generates a data packet, which includes the respective address information of the selected communication unit, the data packet being transmitted to the remote communication device. The communication relationship between the addressed communication units is configured with the aid of the transmitted or exchanged address information via the communications network. The inventive method can be advantageously used during the initialization of a communications network, e.g. a booting of the system, as no communication with a management system (central or remote) is possible during this period. |
| US08094579B2 |
Performance measurement
A controlling node for a cell in a cellular system, arranged to measure a performance indicator of the communication between the node and at least one user and to aggregate the measured performance indicator for at least one user over an amount of time. The performance indicator is measured as the amount of data bits successfully transferred as data blocks in uplink and/or downlink between the controlling node and the at least one user during said defined amount of time, divided by the number of smallest physical resources in the system in terms of time and frequency used during said defined amount of time. One or more predefined combinations of one or more data blocks and one or more said smallest physical resources in the system is/are excluded from the aggregated measurement. |
| US08094578B2 |
Method of predicting the transmission error rate in a communication network and server implementing such a method
To predict the transmission error rate in a stream of data packets transmitted between a server and at least one client in a communication network: the server sends at least one group of packets to the client; the client calculates a plurality of items of statistical information on the group of packets and transmits them to the server; the server analyzes the items of statistical information so as to obtain a network stability indicator; and the server calculates a prediction of the transmission error rate on the basis of the network stability indicator. |
| US08094577B2 |
Apparatus and method for transceiving data using relay device in wireless communication system of centralized MAC
Provided is an apparatus and method for transmitting and a receiving data using a relay device in a centralized Media Access Control (MAC). The apparatus may include: a channel decision unit to determine a channel status with respect to a communication path using a corresponding device and a communication path using a relay device; a path selection unit to select at least one communication path between the communication path using the corresponding device and the communication path using the relay device, based on the channel status; and a transceiver to transmit and receive the data via the selected at least one communication path. |
| US08094572B2 |
Communications method and apparatus
A method of maintaining a communication link between a network node and a mobile node of a communications network comprises providing at least two downlink transmission beams (A to D) and designating a first of the at least two beams as a primary transmission beam (e.g. B). The beams are used in accordance with a schedule. Received signal quality or signal strength measurements are taken at the mobile node and signaled to the network node. A quality of link on the primary transmission beam (e.g. B) and at least one other of the at least two transmission beams (e.g. A, C) is determined from the measurements signaled from the mobile node to the network node and the quality of link for the beams is compared to provide a comparison and the schedule varied in accordance with the comparison. |
| US08094570B2 |
Method of transmitting data supporting multiple access
There is provided a method in which a second communication station located within a cell region provided by a first communication station transmits data. The method includes generating a hopping pattern between a plurality of orthogonal resources by arranging the plurality of orthogonal resources according to time, generating a transmission signal by mapping a data symbol to orthogonal resources, which are included in the hopping pattern and allocated to a specific timeslot and transmitting the transmission signal to the first communication station. Capacity for supporting multiple access can be increased by effectively utilizing limited wireless communication resources. |
| US08094561B2 |
Method and a device for acknowledging data received by a communication device in a communication network
The disclosure provides an acknowledgement of data received by a communication device, the data being received by data packets, with each data packet comprising a plurality of data blocks. The communication device determines, for a data packet, a number of data blocks whose data can be processed correctly. The communication device further sends an acknowledgement for at least one data block in the data packet if the number of data blocks whose data can be processed correctly is between a first and a second threshold. The communication device also sends, for the data packet, a piece of information at packet level representing the number of data blocks whose data can be processed correctly if the number of data blocks whose data can be processed correctly is lower than the first threshold or higher than the second threshold. |
| US08094557B2 |
Adaptive fast retransmit threshold to make TCP robust to non-congestion events
Mechanisms are disclosed for adjusting a fast re-transmit threshold (FRT) value for transmitting data streams over a computer system. One embodiment includes receiving, by a sender, a current fast re-transmit threshold value for a packet from a receiver. Further, these mechanisms include decreasing the size of the congestion window of the sender, and re-transmitting the packet to the receiver in network communication with the sender. Further still, the mechanisms include counting, by the sender, a number of dupacks after re-transmitting the packet until arrival, at the sender, of an acknowledgement (ACK) for the packet. Yet further, the mechanisms include determining, based on the size of the congestion window and the counting, a value of the FRT value. If the sender receives the ACK for the packet in less than one round trip time, then this may be a re-ordering problem for re-setting the FRT value. |
| US08094553B2 |
Base station, radio terminal and radio communication method
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided with a radio communication method using an OFDMA scheme for uplink communication from a plurality of radio terminals to a base station, including: detecting communication states of the radio terminals; and arranging null subcarriers between subcarriers used by the radio terminals to which frequency bands neighboring on the frequency domain are assigned, depending on the communication states of the radio terminals. |
| US08094548B2 |
Transmission format, communication control apparatus and method, recording medium, and program
JPEG-2000 data is formatted into RTP packets for transmission through the Internet. A priority field is provided in the format, and a value indicating the importance of a code stream included in a packet is stored therein. A type field indicates a payload type of a JPEG-2000 code stream. An mh_id field is provided as an identifier of a main header of the JPEG-2000 code stream and indicates a change in the main header. An mh_length field indicates the length of the main header and a fragment offset field stores the number of offset bytes from the start of an image of the packet. |
| US08094545B2 |
Recording medium, and method and apparatus for recording data in the recording medium
A recording medium, and a method and apparatus for recording data in the recording medium. The recording medium including an inner area, a data area, and an outer area includes a first test area contained in the inner area, and a second test area contained in the outer area, wherein the first and second test areas are formed by a predetermined wobble modulation method equal to that of the data area. Therefore, the recording medium can be applied to a method for manufacturing a Blu-ray disc, and data can be effectively recorded/reproduced in/from the recording medium, such as the Blu-ray disc. |
| US08094544B2 |
Optical information recording medium reproducing device
An optical information recording medium reproducing device (1) reproduces information from a super-resolution optical information recording medium (100a) having the information stored therein by positioning, according to a random pattern system, a plurality of recording marks including a recording mark shorter than a resolution limit of an optical system. This reproducing device (1) performs test readings for measuring indexes each relating to a reproduction quality of the super-resolution optical information recording medium (100a) by emitting laser light onto a storage surface of the super-resolution optical information recording medium (100a), while changing a reproduction laser power from a predetermined initial value, and based on the indexes measured, sets a reproduction laser power for reproducing the information. Thus, since the reproduction laser power for reproducing the information stored in the super-resolution optical information recording medium (100a) is determined based on the test readings results, a favorable reproduction quality can be obtained. |
| US08094543B2 |
Information recording medium, reproducing apparatus and reproducing method
An information recording medium according to the present invention includes at least three information recording layers. If the readout power of a laser beam in reading information from an information recording layer L(n) is identified by Pw(n), and if the readout power of the laser beam in reading information from an information recording layer L(n+a) is identified by Pw(n+a), then a base thickness between the information recording layers is determined so that the intensity of the light when the information recording layer L(n+a) is irradiated with a laser beam having the readout power Pw(n) becomes equal to or lower than that of the light when the information recording layer L(n+a) is irradiated with a laser beam having the readout power Pw(n+a). |
| US08094542B2 |
Optical pickup device, optical disc device, and diffraction grating
An optical pickup device and an optical recording/reproduction device are provided that can suppress a tracking error signal offset generated in the boundary between an unrecorded area and a recorded area. A three-beam diffraction grating is divided into two areas. A division line that divides the diffraction grating into two areas has a step in the direction almost vertical to a groove period structure, and the part of the division line in the step has a staircase shape. The phase difference in the groove period structures between one area and the other area, separated by the division line, is about 180 degrees. |
| US08094533B2 |
Hybrid laser diode drivers
A hybrid LDD includes a read channel to selectively output a read current, a plurality of write channels, each to selectively output a different write current, and an oscillator channel to selectively output an oscillator current. Additionally, the hybrid LDD includes programmable LDD controller that receives the plurality of enable signals from the external controller, and based on the enable signals, controls timing of the currents output by at least the write channels. The programmable LDD controller can also control timing of the currents output by the read and oscillator channels, based on the enable signals. Further and alternative embodiments are also provided. |
| US08094526B2 |
Information recording device and method, and computer program
An information recording apparatus comprising: a writing device capable of writing record information onto an information recording medium comprising first and second recording layers; a first controlling device for controlling said writing device to continuously write the record information into the first and second recording layers; a second controlling device for controlling said writing device to write a predetermined amount of buffer data on an outer circumferential side of the record information written in the first and second recording layers; and a third controlling device for controlling said writing device to add buffer data on an outer circumferential side of the predetermined amount of buffer data. |
| US08094523B2 |
Heat-assisted magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording apparatus with the medium
Provided is a magnetic recording medium that generates near-field light within itself and enables favorable heat-assisted magnetic recording with this near-field light. The medium comprises: a magnetic recording layer; and an optically changeable layer formed on the opposite side to a substrate relative to the magnetic recording layer, the optically changeable layer being made transparent or a refractive index of the layer being changed when irradiated by light with an intensity not less than a predetermined intensity. By the irradiation, a minute opening or a refractive-index-changed area is formed within the irradiated portion on the optically changeable layer. The light irradiation onto the minute opening or the refractive-index-changed area enables near-field light to be generated, which heats a portion of the magnetic recording layer. Thus, the anisotropic field of the portion is lowered to a writable value, which enables heat-assisted magnetic recording by applying write field. |
| US08094522B2 |
Electronic clock
An electronic clock makes no erroneous determination of rotation detection and suppresses unnecessary current consumption even when being provided with a second hand having a large moment of inertia. The electronic clock uses a first detection mode determination circuit and a second detection mode determination circuit to perform the rotation detection. The electronic clock includes a determination selecting circuit as changing means for changing the determination period of the second detection mode in accordance with the determination period of the first detection mode. Even when the current waveform is disturbed, erroneous determinations are prevented in a way that the determination terminal of the second detection mode is shortened if the first detection mode terminates earlier. The determination period is changed by the determination selecting circuit selecting either one of a seven-time detection/determination circuit that terminates the determination after seven detection pulses or a six-time detection/determination circuit that terminates the determination after six detection pulses. Alternatively, instead of the number of detection pulses, a cycle of the detection pulses may be shortened. |
| US08094521B2 |
Caregiver personal alert device
The present invention relates to a portable caregiver personal alert device to facilitate the improvement in the delivery of bedside patient care. The device assists caregivers in ensuring time-sensitive tasks are performed within a specific time frame and in a specific sequence to ensure efficiency, compliance with standard of care or regulation and patient comfort. The device of the present invention comprises a display, a microprocessor that monitors various tasks for multiple patients, and at least one user input feature and at least one alarm, capable of alerting a caregiver when it is time to perform the task. The device preferably includes various functions such as a bed assignment mode, a task mode for choosing applicable tasks associated with the needs of one or more bed numbers, and at least one clock for coordinating a plurality of alarms to one or more corresponding bed number and associated task. |
| US08094519B2 |
Intensity modulated fiber optic hydrophones
A fiber optic hydrophone has a reflective diaphragm having an exposed face and a reflective protected face, at least one transmitting multimode optical fiber having an end spaced apart from the protected face of the diaphragm positioned to emit light toward the diaphragm housing, and a reservoir. A cavity is defined by the diaphragm and the interior surface of the housing. Silicone oil and a compliant elastomeric material with embedded air bubbles are located in the cavity. Ports between the cavity and the reservoir and the reservoir and the exterior of the hydrophone allow static pressure communication between the cavity and the exterior of the hydrophone. The fiber optic probe can have one transmitting multimode optical fiber and six receiving multimode optical fibers, or more or fewer optical fibers. A grating can protect the diaphragm from environmental damage. |
| US08094518B2 |
Inter-diver signaling device and process
Taps on a beam-interrupt button of an underwater signaling transceiver are encoded as binary frequency shift-key modulated Golay codes, which are transmitted via 56-58 kHz compression waves generated by a ring-shaped electromechanical transducer. Light emitting diodes flash to signal the content of received signals and provide monitoring of the distance between divers. All components of the transceiver—except outer portions of input/output leads and a suction cup for attaching to the transceiver to a diver's mask—are completely encased in transparent plastic. The input/output leads allow an internal battery to be recharged, provide access to the internal processor for programming and data retrieval, and monitor whether the transceiver is submerged so that the transceiver can operate in an underwater mode or an above-water mode. Transceivers only communicate with other transceivers which use the same communication channel. Transceivers monitor their separation distances and flash a warning signal when nearing an out-of-range condition. |
| US08094515B2 |
Seismic data visualizations
Implementations of various technologies for a method for processing seismic data. A first portion of a record of pre-stack seismic data may be displayed in a three-dimensional XYZ (3-D XYZ) space. A selection may be received of a second portion of the record of the pre-stack seismic data within the first portion. One or more attributes may be determined that define the second portion. One or more regions may be identified within the record of the pre-stack seismic data having the attributes that define the second portion. |
| US08094514B2 |
Seismic vibrator array and method for using
A method for generating seismic energy for subsurface surveying includes operating a first seismic vibrator and operating at least a second seismic vibrator substantially contemporaneously with the operating the first seismic vibrator. A driver signal to each of the first and the at least a second seismic vibrators that are substantially uncorrelated with each other. |
| US08094513B2 |
Determining positioning of survey equipment using a model
To performing positioning of survey equipment, measurements of acoustic signals reflected from at least one boundary of a marine environment are received. The reflected acoustic signals are reflected from the at least one boundary in response to acoustic signaling originated by an acoustic source. A positioning model is updated based on the measurements of the acoustic signals, wherein the positioning model contains information relating to positions of components of a positioning system that includes the acoustic source and acoustic receiver. |
| US08094508B2 |
Memory block testing
A memory block of a memory device is tested by programming a plurality of pages of the memory block, passing the memory block if a number of pages, each programmed in a first programming time, is greater than or equal to a first predetermined number and a number of pages, each programmed in a second programming time, is less than or equal to a second predetermined number, and failing the memory block if a programming time of any one of the pages exceeds a predetermined programming time or if the number of pages programmed in the first programming time is less than the first predetermined number or if the number of pages programmed in the second programming time exceeds the second predetermined number. |
| US08094507B2 |
Command latency systems and methods
Examples of command latency systems and methods are described. In some examples, phase information associated with a received command signal is stored, a received command signal is propagated through a reduced clock flip-flop pipeline and the delayed command signal is combined with the stored phase information. The reduced clock flip-flop pipeline may use a clock having a lower frequency than that used to issue the command signal. Accordingly, fewer flip-flops may be required. |
| US08094505B2 |
Method and system to lower the minimum operating voltage of a memory array
A method and system to lower the minimum operating voltage of a memory array during read and/or write operations of the memory array. In one embodiment of the invention, the voltage of the read and/or write word line of the memory array is boosted or increased during read and/or write operations of the memory array. By doing so, the NMOS devices in the memory array are strengthened and the contention between the NMOS and PMOS devices are reduced during read and/or write operations of the memory array. This helps to lower or reduce the required VCCmin of the memory array during read and/or write operations of the memory array. |
| US08094504B2 |
Buffered DRAM
A buffered DRAM that can be utilized in a DIMM or RDIMM package to reduce the load on the data lines connected to the package is presented. A buffered DRAM can include a DRAM memory cell; and a buffer coupled to receive data lines and strobe signals, the buffer further coupled to receive address and command signals. If data access is directed to a second DRAM, the buffer buffers the data and strobe signals for access by the second DRAM. If data access is directed to the buffered DRAM the buffer buffers the data and strobe signals for access by the DRAM memory cell. |
| US08094494B2 |
Memory and operation method therefor
In an operation method for a memory including a plurality of memory cells, a first reading is performed on the memory cells by applying a reference voltage; the reference voltage is moved if it is checked that the first reading result is not correct; a second reading is performed on the memory cells by applying the moved reference voltage; a first total number of a first logic state in the first reading is compared with a second total number of the first logic state in the second reading if it is checked that the second reading result is not correct; and the moving of the reference voltage is stopped if the first reading result has the same number of the first logic state as the second reading result, and the moved reference voltage is stored as a target reference voltage. |
| US08094493B2 |
Memory devices and methods using improved reference cell trimming algorithms for accurate read operation window control
A memory device is disclosed that includes a plurality of word lines and a plurality of memory cells operating in one of a plurality of modes and coupled to at least one of the word lines. The memory device also includes a plurality of reference lines and reference cells. Each reference cell corresponds to one of the operating modes, supplies a reference current for the corresponding mode, and is coupled to at least one of the reference lines. A reference cell current from a reference cell can also be compared to a target range and, if outside the target range, the voltage level on a corresponding reference line can be adjusted accordingly such that the reference current falls within the target range (i.e., reference current trimming). |
| US08094489B2 |
Semiconductor device
A phase change memory capable of highly reliable operations is provided. A semiconductor device has a memory array having a structure in which memory cells are stacked including memory layers using a chalcogenide material and diodes, and initialization conditions and write conditions are changed according to the layer in which a selected memory cell is positioned. The initialization conditions and write conditions (herein, reset conditions) are changed according to the operation by selecting a current mirror circuit according to the operation and by a control mechanism of a reset current in a voltage select circuit and the current mirror circuit. |
| US08094488B2 |
Set algorithm for phase change memory cell
Memory devices and methods for operating such devices are described herein. A method is described herein for operating a memory cell comprising phase change material and programmable to a plurality of resistance states including a high resistance state and a lower resistance state. The method comprises applying a first bias arrangement to the memory cell to establish the lower resistance state, the first bias arrangement comprising a first voltage pulse. The method further comprises determining whether the memory cell is in the lower resistance state, and if the memory cell is not in the lower resistance state then applying a second bias arrangement to the memory cell. The second bias arrangement comprises a second voltage pulse having a pulse height greater than that of the first voltage pulse. |
| US08094486B2 |
Pad design with buffers for STT-MRAM or other short pulse signal transmission
A Spin Transfer Torque Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (STT-MRAM) bit cell array is provided. The STT-MRAM array includes a STT-MRAM bit cell and an input net coupled to the STT-MRAM bit cell. The STT-MRAM array includes a pulse signal input pad and a buffer coupled between the pulse signal input pad and the input net. In an aspect, the input net is one of a bit line, a word line, and a source line. |
| US08094484B2 |
Memory cell array
Disclosed is a memory cell array including word and first bit lines and second bit lines respectively connected to memory cells, wherein each memory cell includes a MOS transistor and switching element having first and second conductive layers and a gap in which a resistance value changes by applying a predetermined voltage, and data is written by specifying the first bit line to connect it to a ground, specifying the word line and supplying a write voltage to the second bit lines, and read by specifying the first bit line to connect it to the sense amplifier, specifying the word line and supplying a read voltage lower than the write voltage to the second bit lines, and the word line is specified when the word line voltage becomes a gate threshold value voltage or more and a sum of a drive voltage and the gate threshold value voltage or less. |
| US08094482B2 |
Nonvolatile memory apparatus and nonvolatile data storage medium
A nonvolatile memory apparatus and a nonvolatile data storage medium of the present invention, including nonvolatile memory elements each of which changes its resistance in response to electric pulses applied, comprises a first write circuit for performing first write in which a first electric pulse is applied to the nonvolatile memory element to switch a resistance value of the nonvolatile memory element from a first resistance value to a second resistance value and a second electric pulse which is opposite in polarity to the first electric pulse is applied to the nonvolatile memory element to switch the resistance value of the nonvolatile memory element from the second resistance value to the first resistance value. |
| US08094481B2 |
Resistance variable memory apparatus
A resistance variable memory apparatus (10) of the present invention comprises a resistance variable element (1) which is switched to a high-resistance state when a voltage exceeds a first voltage and is switched to a low-resistance state when the voltage exceeds a second voltage, a controller (4), a voltage restricting active element (2) which is connected in series with the resistance variable element (1); and a current restricting active element which is connected in series with the resistance variable element (1) via the voltage restricting active element (2), and the controller (4) is configured to control the current restricting active element (3) so that a product of a current and a first resistance value becomes a first voltage or larger and to control the voltage restricting active element (2) so that the voltage between electrodes becomes smaller than a second voltage when the element is switched to the high-resistance state, while the controller (4) is configured to control the current restricting active element (3) so that an absolute value of a product of the current and the second resistance value becomes the second voltage or larger and an absolute value of a product of the current and the first resistance value becomes smaller than the first voltage, when the element is switched to the low-resistance state. |
| US08094479B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A memory includes ferroelectric capacitors; sense amplifiers configured to detect the data stored in ferroelectric capacitors; and a plate control circuit configured to receive a plate driving signal driving a plate line, a write signal indicating writing of data from an outside to the sense amplifier, and an operation end signal indicating end of an executable period for reading or writing data between the sense amplifier and the outside, the plate control circuit validating or invalidating the plate driving signal based on the write signal and the operation end signal wherein the plate control circuit validates the plate driving signal in the executable period, and the plate control circuit invalidates the plate driving signal at the end of the executable period when the write signal is never activated in the executable period, and keeps the plate driving signal valid when the write signal is activated in the executable period. |
| US08094474B2 |
Drive controller for power conversion circuit
A drive controller is provided, for controlling driving of a power conversion circuit. The power control circuit includes a switching element for increasing/decreasing an absolute value of current passing through a coil by repeating electrical ON/OFF operation, so that voltage of power storage means is converted to a desired value required by power supply means, the switching element being provided for each positive/negative polarity of output current outputted from a circuit other than the power storage means, to the power storage means. Meanwhile, the drive controller includes energy loading means and OFF-state setting means. The energy loading means loads energy on the coil through a switching element not corresponding to existing polarity of the output current, after the absolute value has been zeroed by the turn OFF of the switching element corresponding to the existing polarity, but preceding an ON operation of the switching element corresponding to the existing polarity. The OFF-state setting means set both of the switching elements corresponding to and not corresponding to the existing polarity to an OFF state, after the energy loading process. |
| US08094465B2 |
Module and method for producing a module
A module, in particular a sensor module, has a module housing, a carrier element, a connection element, and at least one component, the module housing completely enclosing the at least one component and being situated on the carrier element, and the at least one component also being mounted on the connection element and being situated between the connection element and the carrier element. |
| US08094457B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a substrate, electronic components mounted on the substrate, an antenna mounted on the substrate, and a resin material containing a dielectric constant adjusting material added therein, and sealing the electronic components and the antenna. |
| US08094456B2 |
Polishing pad
To provide a polishing pad which is insusceptible to clogging of groove with abrasive particles and grinding dusts during polishing, and leads to little decrease in polishing rate even after long-term continuous use. A polishing pad of the present invention has a polishing layer formed of polyurethane resin foam having fine-cells, and asperity structure formed in a polishing surface of the polishing layer, and is featured in that the polyurethane resin foam is a reaction cured product between isocyanate-terminated prepolymer containing high-molecular-weight polyol component and isocyanate component, and a chain extender, and contains a silicon-based surfactant having combustion residue of not less than 8 wt %. |
| US08094454B2 |
Immersion cooling apparatus for a power semiconductor device
An immersion cooling apparatus includes a multi-terminal thermally conductive module that supports and encloses a power semiconductor device and a housing defining a flow-through chamber in which the thermally conductive module is mounted and through which liquid coolant is circulated. The thermally conductive module has first and second oppositely disposed connector headers housing terminal pins or blades electrically coupled to the semiconductor device, and the connector headers protrude through openings in oppositely disposed sidewalls of the housing so that the portion of the thermally conductive module between the connector headers is suspended in the chamber and immersed in the circulating coolant. The thermally conductive module is sealed against the housing sidewalls around the openings, and one of the sidewalls is removable to facilitate installation of the thermally conductive module in the housing or its subsequent removal. |
| US08094453B2 |
Compliant conduction rail assembly and method facilitating cooling of an electronics structure
Compliant conduction rail assembly and method are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronics structure. The rail assembly includes a first thermally conductive rail mounted to a surface of the electronics structure, a second thermally conductive rail thermally conductively interfaced to the first rail, and a biasing mechanism biasing the second rail away from the first rail. The first and second rails and the biasing mechanism are configured for slidable insertion into a housing with the electronics structure, the housing containing a liquid-cooled cold plate(s). With insertion of the electronics structure into the housing, the second rail engages the liquid-cooled cold plate and is forced by the biasing mechanism into thermal contact with the cold plate, and is forced by the cold plate towards the first rail, which results in a compliant thermal interface between the electronics structure and the liquid-cooled cold plate of the housing. |
| US08094450B2 |
Gaming machine vent cover
A vent cover is provided for use with a gaming machine. The vent cover comprises a body for location over a vent in a housing of the gaming machine. The vent cover cooperates with the housing to define a vent space through which air flows to and from an interior of the gaming machine via the vent. The vent cover has air ports in communication with the vent space. The vent cover also has one or more drains which direct water from the vent space. The vent cover is preferably used with an exhaust vent of a gaming machine, directing heated air upwardly away from the gaming machine and preventing foreign material from entering the gaming machine through the vent. |
| US08094449B2 |
Fastening structure of computer peripheral device
A fastening structure of a computer peripheral device includes a combining slot and a fastening body disposed on a housing member of the computer peripheral device. The fastening body has a first restricting surface and a second restricting surface. The computer peripheral device is clamped to a first object through the first restricting surface of the fastening body and the combining slot, or a second object is hooked to the computer peripheral device through the second restricting surface of the fastening body. |
| US08094445B2 |
Electronic device with protection for disk drive
An electronic device includes a tray, a disk drive secured in the tray, a first back plane secured on the tray, and a flexible connecting member. The disk drive connects with the first back plane by the connecting member so that the disk drive is spaced from the first back plane when the disk drive is vibrated. |
| US08094443B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a first housing that has a shape of a rectangle a second housing, and a connecting section that movably connects the first housing to the second housing. The first housing is formed of at least a first part that is attached to the second housing by the connecting section and forms one side of the rectangle and a second part that is bonded to the first part at a position closer to the one side, and an attaching surface of the first part and the second part has an attaching area that changes from both ends of the one side to the center thereof. |