| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08214913B2 |
Physically secure computing system and device, and physically secure container therefor
A secured computing system and container therefor may comprise: a base for receiving a computing device; a securable first cover for substantially enclosing at least part of the computing device when the first cover is in a first position in the base; a securable second cover for preventing access to the computing device when the second cover is in a secured position, wherein access to the computing device is available when the second cover is not in the secured position. The computing device may be substantially enclosed when the first cover is in the first position in the base and the second cover is in the secured position; and one or more user features of the computing device may be accessible when the first cover is not in the first position in the base. The computing device may include a computer processor or computer peripheral. |
| US08214910B1 |
Obscuring an accelerometer signal
The present disclosure presents techniques for determining when to obscure an accelerometer signal from an accelerometer of a mobile device. The techniques include determining whether a user has been prompted to provide sensitive input data to the mobile device using an input device of the mobile device. When the user has been prompted to provide sensitive input data, the technique includes obscuring a portion of an accelerometer signal outputted from an accelerometer, and receiving the sensitive input data from the user at the input device while the accelerometer signal is obscured. In some embodiments, the accelerometer signal can be obscured by (i) switching the accelerometer 216 off, (ii) inserting a random noise signal into the accelerometer signal, (iii) masking the low-order bits of the accelerometer signal, (iv) passing the accelerometer signal through a filter, (v) actuating a vibrator of the mobile device, and/or (vi) otherwise degrading the accelerometer signal. |
| US08214906B2 |
System, method and program product to determine security risk of an application
A system, method and program product for evaluating a security risk of an application. A determination is made whether unauthorized access or loss of data maintained or accessed by the application would cause substantial damage. A determination is made whether the application is shared by different customers. A determination is made whether a vulnerability in the application can be exploited by a person or program which has not been authenticated to the application or a system in which the application runs. A numerical value or weight is assigned to each of the foregoing determinations. Each of the numerical values or weights corresponds to a significance of the determination in evaluating said security risk. The numerical values or weights are combined to evaluate the security risk. Other factors can also be considered in evaluating the security risk. |
| US08214905B1 |
System and method for dynamically allocating computing resources for processing security information
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for dynamically allocating computing resources for processing security information. In one example, the system receives from an antivirus application deployed on a user's computer information about user's actions related to the security of said computer. The system analyzes the received information to determine user's level of expertise in the field of computer security. The system then classifies the user into one of two or more different roles based on the determined level of expertise. The system automatically selects, based on the user's role, configuration setting of the antivirus application for collecting information about security threats detected by the user. The system also automatically allocates and configures, based on the user's role, computing resources and services for processing information collected by the antivirus application deployed on the user's computer about security threats detected by the user. |
| US08214904B1 |
System and method for detecting computer security threats based on verdicts of computer users
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for detecting unknown security threats. In one example, a system receives from an antivirus application deployed on a user's computer information about an unknown security event associated with a software executing on the computer and a user's verdict indicating that the software is harmful or clean. The system identifies the user of the computer and a role of the user. The role indicates user's level of expertise in the field of computer security. If the user has a high level of expertise in computer security, the system accepts the user's verdict. If the user has a low level of expertise, the system analyzes the information about the security event to verify that the user's verdict is correct. If the user's verdict was accepted or verified to be correct, the system updates an antivirus database associated with the antivirus application. |
| US08214903B2 |
Analysis of scripts
A method and system for analyzing scripts. A script is processed, which executes text blocks of code derived from the script and copied to an output file in a sequential order. The script is the first text block that is copied to the output file. Executing the text blocks includes interpreting each text block to generate and execute a corresponding interpreted block of code. Processing the script results in the text blocks being sequenced in the output file in the sequential order. The text blocks include an original text block of code that includes text that may be directly inferred from text appearing in the script. The blocks of code include a new text block of code, which includes text that may not be directly inferred from text appearing in the script. The new text block is generated from executing the original text block. |
| US08214885B2 |
Managing network components using USB keys
Devices and methods for managing a communications network include using USB keys to provision and management components in the network by having the network component establish a connection to a network administrator device, such as a laptop, PDA, or desktop workstation. A first USB key is used to provision a network component so that it has the necessary security information to interact with a second USB key, used to enable actual management of the component. Once the component has the security information, the second USB key is inserted and certain callback data are made available to the component. It uses this data to make a “call” or connection to an administrator's device. The callback data may be an IP address of the device, an e-mail address, VoIP data, instant messaging data, dial-up data, and so on. Once the connection, initiated and established by the network component, is made the administrator can begin managing the component. |
| US08214884B2 |
Computer-based dynamic secure non-cached delivery of security credentials such as digitally signed certificates or keys
A management server acts as a repository for a plurality of user certificates corresponding to a plurality of users. When a user wishes to access a remote computer such as a secure-enabled host requiring a secure credential, his/her computer sends a request message to the management server. The management server may perform its own validity checking. In response to a request and conditioned on the management server authorizing access to a computing resource that requires an authorization credential, the management server delivers the requested credential and executable code, the authorization credential comprising information that enables access to the computing resource and the delivered executable code manages the lifecycle of the delivered authorization credential by allowing only temporary storage without caching of the delivered authorization credential. |
| US08214883B2 |
Using social networks while respecting access control lists
Techniques are described for use with social networks and associated access information, such as access control lists, indicating which users are allowed to access the social networks. The social networks represent relationships between users. The social networks and access control lists may be represented in a graph which is traversed in connection with performing different operations using the social networks. |
| US08214878B1 |
Policy control of virtual environments
When copying a guest from a source virtual environment to a target virtual environment, policy control of the target environment is provided. A configuration specification is created based on the source virtual environment and the guest to be copied. The configuration specification contains specific policies and/or requirements of the guest. The guest and the configuration specification are copied to the target virtual environment. The target virtual environment is examined to determine whether it is compliant with the copied configuration specification. If so, the copied guest runs in the target virtual environment. If not, the target virtual environment can be modified to be in compliance with the configuration specification. |
| US08214877B1 |
System and method for the implementation of policies
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for developing policies which govern entities and applying the developed policies against representations of entities, where the representations are contained in a repository. One embodiment of a method of the present invention includes obtaining a policy comprising a rule, wherein the rule comprises a condition associated with compliance to the rule, generating one or more filters according to the condition, applying the one or more filters to a plurality of representations in a repository, wherein each representation represents an entity and determining a set of entities compliant with the rule based on the application of the one or more filters to the plurality of representations. |
| US08214876B2 |
System and method for statistical analysis of border gateway protocol (BGP) configurations
Routing and connectivity in the Internet is largely governed by the dynamics and configuration of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). A configuration analysis toolkit enables network operators to discover, analyze and diagnose their BGP configuration, policies and peering relationships. Statistical variance analysis in such a toolkit exploits the recurrence of policies in large networks for analysis. In a large network, policies that have similar functions are examined, e.g. all inbound route maps associated with customer autonomous systems. For n occurrences of similar policy P, it is possible to flag k deviant configurations, and evaluate the probability that the deviant configurations are in error. Analysis and policy visualization of implemented BGP configurations enable service providers to move from checking of low-level configuration to extracting analyzable BGP level policy information across a multitude of BGP routers in order to validate consistency of policies and operator intent across distributed BGP configurations using a flexible, customizable analysis engine. |
| US08214873B2 |
Method, system, and computer-readable medium for employing a first device to direct a networked audio device to render a playlist
A method for playing music includes displaying a list of playlists names, selecting one of the displayed playlists names, sending at least one attribute of a playlist corresponding to the selected playlist name to a playlist server, receiving a playlist from the playlist server wherein the received playlist corresponds to the attribute(s), selecting at least one song from the received playlist, sending information representative of the selected song to a content server, receiving the selected song from the content server, and playing the selected song(s). Requesting a playlist on the first device based on attributes, sending the same attributes to a second device having the second device request the playlist and start playing. |
| US08214872B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor, an IP network stack, and a handler. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data configures a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame, and the RS frame includes mobile service data and an internet protocol (IP) signaling channel having pre-decided IP access information included therein. The IP network stack accesses the IP signaling channel from the RS frame using the IP access information, thereby collecting signaling table information received through the IP signaling channel. And, the handler identifies and parses the collected signaling table information based upon a table identifier of each signaling table received through the IP signaling channel, thereby storing the parsed result. |
| US08214865B2 |
Video signal receiving apparatus, display device, display system, and information updating method of display system
A video signal receiving apparatus, includes: a plurality of receiving parts which receive a video signal; a plurality of communicating parts which transmit the video signal to a plurality of external display devices, and transmit and receive control data for changing a display property of the video signal and a setting of the display devices to and from the external display devices; and a control part which controls the communicating parts to transmit the video signal received by the receiving part to the external display devices, and to receive the control data and to transmit a signal which controls the corresponding display devices if the control data is input from the external display devices. |
| US08214864B2 |
On-train video information delivery control and display system
A delivery control central device installed in a lead car of a train delivers video information including moving image information and still image information to a delivery control terminal device of each subsequent car via an inter-car transmission path. The video information is delivered based on video content and a content display schedule that are both wirelessly received from a ground station through a transceiver device. The delivery control terminal device of each car is sequentially connected to the delivery control terminal device of an adjacent car, sequentially delivers the delivered video information to the adjacent car, and delivers the delivered video information to a video output device via an in-car transmission path inside its own car. A video output device generates video signals from the delivered video information, outputs the video signals to a display device, and displays the video signals by the display device. |
| US08214856B2 |
Emergency alert system for video on demand viewers
Viewers of video on demand (“VOD”) programs are automatically presented with Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) information during an invocation of the EAS system. A VOD Support System receives notification of an EAS event and directs EAS information to be stored in a VOD Server. The VOD Support System then invokes a function in the VOD Server, causing the VOD server to suspend all active VOD streams and, instead, stream out the EAS information comprising a preamble and emergency information identified by the VOD Support System. Upon completion of streaming this information, the VOD Server will automatically resume each of the VOD programs previously suspended. VOD viewers watching a VOD session that is interrupted by an EAS test are thus automatically returned to their VOD programming at the point where their program was interrupted. |
| US08214852B2 |
Disc device including disc loading mechanism
In a disc device including a disc loading mechanism for transporting a disc between an inside and an outside of the disc device, a frame acting as an exterior of the disc device is disposed with at least a motor as a power source, and a switch for controlling the rotation or the stop of the motor by switching on or off, and a pressing unit for switching on or off of the switch is disposed integrally with the frame. With the configuration, the rotation control of the motor as the power source is realized by a simple structure. |
| US08214848B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing printer drivers of image forming apparatuses in printing environment employing universal printer driver
A method of installing printer drivers of image forming apparatuses in an environment that employs a universal printer driver is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an environment for using printer drivers of image forming apparatuses that is convenient to a user by deleting printer drivers of image forming apparatuses that were previously installed by using the universal printer driver and by installing printer drivers of image forming apparatuses corresponding to a predetermined standard. |
| US08214847B2 |
Distributed messaging system with configurable assurances
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for configuring assurances within distributed messaging systems. A defined set of message log and cursor components are configurably activatable and deactivatable to compose a variety of different capture assurances, transfer assurances, and delivery assurances within a distributed messaging system. A composition of a capture assurance, a transfer assurance, and a delivery assurance can provide an end-to-end assurance for a messaging system. End-to-end assurances can include one of best effort, at-most-once, at-least-once, and exactly once and can include one of: durable or non-durable. Using a defined set of activatable and deactivatable message log and cursor components facilities more efficient transitions between desired assurances. In some embodiments, a composition of a capture assurance, a transfer assurance, and a delivery assurance provides durable exactly-once message delivery. |
| US08214846B1 |
Method and system for threshold management
One or more computer-readable media that enable a method of recording object configurations at and after an incident occurs in the object. The present invention captures object configurations surrounding an incident that allows changes to be made in response to the incident to be analyzed. The present invention also may generate an incident classification based on a comparison of the configuration when the incident occurs and after it is resolved. |
| US08214843B2 |
Framework for distribution of computer workloads based on real-time energy costs
Energy costs for conducting compute tasks at diverse data center sites are determined and are then used to route such tasks in a most efficient manner. A given compute task is first evaluated to predict potential energy consumption. The most favorable real-time energy costs for the task are determined at the various data center sites. The likely time period of the more favorable cost as well as the stability at the data center are additional factors. A workload dispatcher then forwards the selected compute task to the data center having the most favorable real-time energy costs. Among the criteria used to select the most favorable data center is a determination that the proposed center presently has the resources for the task. |
| US08214840B2 |
Optimization with unknown objective function
Nonlinear optimization is applied to resource allocation, as for example, buffer pool optimization in computer database software where only the marginal utility is known. The method for allocating resources comprises the steps of starting from an initial allocation, calculating the marginal utility of the allocation, calculating the constraint functions of the allocation, and applying this information to obtain a next allocation and repeating these steps until a stopping criteria is satisfied, in which case a locally optimal allocation is returned. |
| US08214836B1 |
Method and apparatus for job assignment and scheduling using advance reservation, backfilling, and preemption
A method for scheduling computing jobs in a scheduling event. A computing node is identified that is able to satisfy the required resource during a first time period. A second computing job is determined to have previously been scheduled to execute during a second time period, where the second time period overlaps a first time period. Execution of the second computing job is preempted if the first computing job's priority is greater than the second computing job's priority by at least a threshold amount, and if preempting the second job frees the required resource for use by the first computing job. Execution of the first computing job is scheduled to take place on a first computing node during the first time period, where a start time associated with the first time period is a time selected from the group consisting of a current time and a future time. |
| US08214829B2 |
Techniques for placing applications in heterogeneous virtualized systems while minimizing power and migration cost
N applications are placed on M virtualized servers having power management capability. A time horizon is divided into a plurality of time windows, and, for each given one of the windows, a placement of the N applications is computed, taking into account power cost, migration cost, and performance benefit. The migration cost refers to cost to migrate from a first virtualized server to a second virtualized server for the given one of the windows. The N applications are placed onto the M virtualized servers, for each of the plurality of time windows, in accordance with the placement computed in the computing step for each of the windows. In an alternative aspect, power cost and performance benefit, but not migration cost, are taken into account; there are a plurality of virtual machines; and the computing step includes, for each of the windows, determining a target utilization for each of the servers based on a power model for each given one of the servers; picking a given one of the servers with a least power increase per unit increase in capacity, until capacity has been allocated to fit all the virtual machines; and employing a first fit decreasing bin packing technique to compute placement of the applications on the virtualized servers. |
| US08214821B1 |
Method and system for automatic firmware updates in a portable hand-held device
A method for automatically updating firmware of a hand-held device. To initiate the automatic update, a reset of the hand-held device is detected and an update application is executed. The update application determines whether a flag, indicating a pervious execution of the update application, has been set. If the flag is set, the update application terminates, otherwise, the update application performs an identification test by determining whether a device ID of the device matches a device ID stored in a table of the update application. If the device ID does not match, the update application terminates and the flag is set. If the device ID matches, the update application updates the firmware of the hand-held device, sets the flag, and terminates. In so doing, the firmware of the hand-held device is updated without requiring user intervention or interaction. |
| US08214819B2 |
Determining call counts in a program
Function calls for a program are sampled to determine call counts in the program. The call counts are determined based on sampled function calls collected during sampling intervals. |
| US08214815B2 |
Reducing the run-time cost of invoking a server page
The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for reducing the run-time cost of invoking a server page. The system can include a server page translation unit configured to translate a server page document into program code. The system also can include a program code compiler configured to compile the program code into a program object. Finally, the system can include an optimization processor programmed to modify the program code to permit direct invocation of the program object by external program objects bypassing a server engine typically used to invoke the server page. Notably, in a preferred aspect of the invention the server page can be a JSP. Similarly, the program code can be Java source code and the program object can be a Java class. Finally, the external program objects can be servlets. |
| US08214813B2 |
Code optimization across interfaces
A method of optimizing code which invokes methods on a system across an interface is described. High level information relating to the system is accessed and this information is used in performing code transformations in order to optimize the code. |
| US08214809B2 |
Grid-enabled ANT compatible with both stand-alone and grid-based computing systems
A grid-enabled ANT system that includes ANT XML task files that can run on both grid-enabled machines or stand-alone computers is disclosed. A network file server is used to store files accessed during the build process, and ANT's standard XML tagging and parameters are used, thus enabling the user to use a standardized format for entering XML information. This grid-enabled ANT is transparent to the user since ANT parses the tasks and automatically sends jobs to the grid, when appropriate, instead of the user deciding which tasks to implement as grid tasks. |
| US08214808B2 |
System and method for speculative thread assist in a heterogeneous processing environment
A system and method for speculative assistance to a thread in a heterogeneous processing environment is provided. A first set of instructions is identified in a source code representation (e.g., a source code file) that is suitable for speculative execution. The identified set of instructions are analyzed to determine the processing requirements. Based on the analysis, a processor type is identified that will be used to execute the identified first set of instructions based. The processor type is selected from more than one processor types that are included in the heterogeneous processing environment. The heterogeneous processing environment includes more than one heterogeneous processing cores in a single silicon substrate. The various processing cores can utilize different instruction set architectures (ISAs). An object code representation is then generated for the identified first set of instructions with the object code representation being adapted to execute on the determined type of processor. |
| US08214801B2 |
Applying persistence to selected attributes of static and dynamic operating system components
A process for managing customizations for components in a component tree includes for each customization associated with the parent of a component, matching the pathname of the component with the customization path. The process further includes associating the customization with the component, if the matching results in a partial match. The process further includes applying the customization to the component, if the matching results in a complete match. |
| US08214800B2 |
Compact representation of vendor hardware module revisions in an open architecture test system
Method and system for associating software components with vendor hardware module versions in an open architecture test system are disclosed. The method includes receiving a set of hardware versions of a vendor hardware module, receiving a set of software components supported by the vendor hardware module, processing the set of hardware versions, where the set of hardware versions is represented as an equivalence class of hardware version numbers using a mask value, obtaining user choices of hardware versions of the vendor hardware module, validating the user choices of hardware versions of the vendor hardware module, and creating a system profile in accordance with the user choices of hardware versions. |
| US08214799B2 |
Providing information to an isolated hosted object via system-created variable objects
A system-created variable object may expose a property of an object model to an internal object that does not have access to the object model directly. The system-created variable object may provide a mechanism for communicating the external state of an object model to an internal member (object) without exposing the object model to the internal object. This feature enables an object model object to be isolated, a concept that can be advantageously exploited. |
| US08214797B2 |
Visual association creation for object relational class development
A development system is provided. The system includes a workspace component to visually display one or more class components. A linking component identifies a database relationship between at least two of the class components, where the database relationship is employed to automatically create a class association between the at least two class components. |
| US08214795B2 |
Efficient automated translation of procedures in constraint-based language
A method is provided for translating sets of constraint declarations to imperative code sequences based on defining an instantiatable object per set, inserting calls to a notification callback mechanism on state modification and defining calls in the constraint context as imperative code sequences that, in response to these callbacks, take actions to maintain these constraints. This notification and callback mechanism can also be employed in connection with external events, thereby providing for efficient implementation of event-sequenced imperative procedures in a constraint programming language. |
| US08214793B1 |
Automatic restoration of tool configuration while navigating layers of a composition
A selection of a layer is received from a plurality of layers of a composition. A tool type and one or more tool setting(s) are obtained based at least in part on the selected layer, where in the event the selected layer was previously selected at least once, the obtained tool type and tool setting(s) were in use a last time the selected layer was selected. A tool is automatically configured using the obtained tool type and tool setting(s), where the tool is associated with manipulating the composition. |
| US08214792B2 |
System for implementing business transformation in an enterprise
A business enterprise is assessed by a consultant using a computer implemented tool for practicing component business modeling techniques. The tool builds a map of components, filters the map to form a heat map and identifies collaborations. Key performance indicators are evaluated. |
| US08214791B1 |
User interface for inherited connections in a circuit
Certain embodiments of the present invention enable a user to display and edit the effects of inherited connections in a circuit that is characterized as a hierarchical arrangement including cell instances and connectors. The hierarchical arrangement may include a tree structure where the cell instances include devices and the connectors include wires and pins. Property names are associated with connectors for identifying corresponding signal sources, and property-setting expression are associated with cell instances for specifying property-name values and making the corresponding identifications. Displays may include a path along the hierarchical arrangement from a given connector to a corresponding signal source including the effects of property names and property-setting expressions along the path. Displays may enable editing by the user to change property names and property-setting expressions along the path and view corresponding results for the inherited connections. |
| US08214789B2 |
Method and system for keyboard managing and navigating among drawing objects
A system and method for navigating drawings on a computing system is provided. The method includes loading drawings and associated object data. The drawings and the associated object data are arranged into at least two types of navigation networks, each type of navigation network having a plurality of parameters to interact with the drawings. Keys in a keyboard are mapped based on the plurality of parameters of the at least two types of navigation networks. A navigation network for the drawings is selected from the at least two types of navigation networks and the drawings are displayed. The drawings are manipulated using the mapped keys based on the selected navigation network, wherein the at least two types of networks include at least two of a row and column network, a flow chart network, a wiring diagram network, and a component location drawing navigation network. |
| US08214788B2 |
High-frequency VLSI interconnect and intentional inductor impedance extraction in the presence of a multi-layer conductive substrate
Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for extracting impedance for a circuit design are disclosed herein. Some of the disclosed embodiments are computationally efficient and can accurately compute the frequency-dependent impedance of VLSI interconnects and/or intentional inductors in the presence of multi-layer conductive substrates. In certain embodiments, the resulting accuracy and CPU time reduction are a result of a Green's function approach with the correct quasi-static limit, a modified discrete complex image approximation to the Green's function, and a continuous dipole expansion to evaluate the magnetic vector potential at the distances relevant to VLSI interconnects and intentional inductors. |
| US08214787B1 |
Cell uniquification
Methods reduce the number of newly created cells when creating new cells to optimize a design. Cells are created to optimize a design, but neighbor cells fitting a distribution of drive strengths and P/N ratios are used instead. This allows reducing the number of newly created cells to optimize the design, through uniquification of neighbor instances with respect to the distribution grid. |
| US08214784B2 |
Accurate parasitic capacitance extraction for ultra large scale integrated circuits
A system and method for extracting the parasitic contact/via capacitance in an integrated circuit are provided. Parasitic extraction using this system can lead to an improved accuracy on contact/via parasitic capacitance extraction by taking into account of the actual contact/via shape and size variation. The common feature of the various embodiments includes the step of generating a technology file, in which the contact/via capacitance in the capacitance table is derived from an effective contact/via width table. Each element of the effective contact/via width table is calibrated to have a parasitic capacitance matching to that of an actual contact/via configuration occurring in an IC. |
| US08214782B1 |
Systems for total coverage analysis and ranking of circuit designs
In some embodiments of the invention, a method and apparatus of consolidating all types of coverage metrics, obtained from an HDL simulator, under a single common framework is described. In other embodiments of the invention, a method and an apparatus are disclosed for performing ranking from a verification plan using total coverage metric. |
| US08214773B2 |
Methods for E-beam direct write lithography
A method of forming integrated circuits for a wafer includes providing an E-Beam direct write (EBDW) system. A grid is generated for the wafer, wherein the grid includes grid lines. An integrated circuit is laid out for the wafer, wherein substantially no sensitive features in the integrated circuit cross the grid lines of the grid. An EBDW is performed on the wafer using the EBDW system. |
| US08214772B2 |
Model import for electronic design automation
Methods and systems for providing processing parameters in a secure format are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for providing semiconductor fabrication processing parameters to a design facility is disclosed. The method comprises providing a set of processing parameters of a fabrication facility; creating a model from the set of processing parameters; converting the model into a corresponding set of kernels; converting the set of kernels into a corresponding set of matrices; and communicating the set of matrices to the design facility. In another aspect, a method for providing semiconductor fabrication processing parameters is disclosed. The method comprises providing a set of processing parameters of a fabrication facility; creating a processing model from the set of processing parameters; encrypting the processing model into a format for use with a plurality of EDA tools; and communicating the encrypted processing model format to a design facility. |
| US08214770B2 |
Multilayer OPC for design aware manufacturing
A method is provided for designing a mask layout for an integrated circuit that ensures proper functional interaction among circuit features by including functional inter-layer and intra-layer constraints on the wafer. The functional constraints used according to the present invention are applied among the simulated wafer images to ensure proper functional interaction, while relaxing or eliminating the EPE constraints on the location of the wafer images. |
| US08214769B2 |
System and method for initiating a call using a phone hard-button and a screen dialer of a personal digital assistant
A system and method is described for managing phone calls initiated from a phone device of a personal digital assistant. In one example, a system for managing a phone call is described. The system comprises, among other things, a personal digital assistant. The personal digital assistant includes the following: a display device; a phone device; a call device configured to control the phone device and to display a selectable interface on the display device; a hard button configured to initiate the call device; and a selection mechanism configured to receive user selections from the selectable interface. |
| US08214762B2 |
Presenting information regarding selected items
An approach is described for recording the selections made by a user and then presenting information regarding these selections to the user in various contexts. Each selection corresponds to the user's express request to receive information (such as a telephone number) that is useful in performing a transaction (such as calling a particular business entity). |
| US08214761B2 |
Imaging device
The present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus superior in operability and visibility at the time of setting and adjusting functions thereof.The apparatus includes GUI screen image generating means for generating a GUI screen image for operating the imaging apparatus to display the GUI screen image on image display means; operating means for operating the GUI screen image displayed on the image display means; controlling means for controlling the imaging apparatus in accordance with the operation of the GUI screen image by the operating means; storing means for storing hierarchy type main menu information; menu generating means; and menu editing means capable of editing the unique menu information generated by the menu generating means. The controlling means controls the GUI screen image generating means when detecting a predetermined operation by the operating means, and the GUI screen image generating means generates the GUI screen image in which the index information to operate the menu editing means is included in the unique menu information, in accordance with the control by the controlling means, and displays the GUI screen image on the image display means. |
| US08214757B2 |
Control device for a medical imaging technology system with an integrated web browser that automatically supplements queries
To execute a program, a computer opens a usage window of a user interface of the program when calling the program. Via the opened usage window, the computer receives usage commands for a usage part of the program from a user, the usage commands being presented during the input thereof in the usage window, or in a usage command window of the user interface. The computer executes a usage action corresponding with a usage command after validation of the usage command, and receives retrieval commands from the user to retrieve additional information. The retrieval commands are presented in a retrieval command window of the user interface during the input of said retrieval commands. Additional information is received from a web server after the validation of the respective retrieval command. The retrieval and output of the additional information is an action different from the usage action. The information window, the retrieval command window, the usage window and the usage command window are different windows. |
| US08214755B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An object is designated as a designated object. Two or more image data items containing objects each being different from the designated object by an amount smaller than or equal to a first predetermined value are selected from among a specific image data item group. The selected two or more image data items are displayed in two or more display regions provided on a display unit. The objects each being different from the designated object by the amount smaller than or equal to the first predetermined value are defined as main objects, the two or more image data items are adjusted such that differences in position and size of the main objects in the display regions between the two or more image data items are made smaller than or equal to a second predetermined value, and the adjusted two or more image data items are displayed. |
| US08214749B2 |
Method and system for sensing and reporting detailed activity information regarding current and recent instant messaging sessions of remote users
A system for providing a local computer user with detailed activity information regarding remote users, in order to assist the local user in determining whether to initiate a communication session with a remote user. The system provides activity information describing the number of instant messaging sessions one or more remote users are currently involved in, the identities of participants in those sessions, activity levels, time period information, and other information. The system further provides detailed activity information describing recent instant messaging sessions of one or more remote users. |
| US08214748B2 |
Meeting agenda management
A method for scheduling a meeting based on data collected from previous meetings includes: creating an agenda for a meeting with a computerized meeting management system, the agenda having at least one recurring agenda item; presenting a suggested amount of time for the at least one recurring agenda item to a user through the computerized meeting management system, the suggested amount of time being based on data regarding the recurring agenda item from at least one previous meeting. |
| US08214747B1 |
Role based state and dynamic feature enablement for collaborative and non-collaborative workspaces and imbeded applications
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification includes a workspace definition which includes a workspace identifier referring to a workspace where an application container having a user interface can instantiate the workspace based on the workspace definition; a plurality of application identifiers each referring to an application provider for an application, and where each application is configured to execute in the application container for the instantiated workspace and where each application has a visual representation in the user interface; and a one or more participants where each participant refers to one or more workspace participants. |
| US08214744B1 |
Integrated device interface using multiple web servers
A method is provided for operating a system which includes a local device running a local web server and a remote device running a remote web server. The method includes (a) running a web browser on the local device, (b) rendering a series of web pages on the web browser, the series of web pages including (i) a set of local web pages served from the local web server, the set of local web pages providing configuration information regarding the local device, and (ii) a set of remote web pages served from the remote web server, the set of remote web pages providing configuration information regarding the remote device, and (c) controlling the configuration of the local device or the remote device based on user interaction with the series of web pages. Computer program products for causing a computer to perform various operations to perform the method are also provided. |
| US08214743B2 |
Data management techniques
The exemplary embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing data. A graphical user interface is generated. The graphical user interface comprises a first selecting component for receiving a selection from a user of at least one attribute of a record from a set of records to be measured for relevancy, a second selecting component for receiving a selection from the user for a granularity of the at least one attribute to be measured for relevancy, and a displaying component for displaying a result to the user, wherein the result includes a visual representation of the relevancy of the at least one attribute selected by the user based on the granularity selected by the user. |
| US08214742B2 |
Method of rapidly creating visual aids for presentation without technical knowledge
A computer implemented method for capturing and enhancing illustrating pane content for use as sequential slides in a presentation includes illustrating a static image on an illustrating pane in a plurality of colors. Each color used to illustrate the static image representing a single element of the static image. The method further includes digitally capturing a single finished image of the illustrated static image and enhancing the background, geometry and colors comprising the finished image. The single finished image is separated into a plurality of single color images with each single color image comprising only a portion of the single finished image comprising that specific color. A ordered presentation is built from the single colored images and the presentation is displayed. |
| US08214737B2 |
Processing life and work events
A method allows a user to process a life or work event by enabling the user to perform certain operations, including creating at least one event instance based on an event definition that includes a specification of data required from an external source, a list of tasks to be completed, a task order, and one or more resources associated with each task, and processing the event instance by importing the data from the external source and by iteratively allowing the user to select a task in accordance with the task order and to access the resources associated with the selected task. The imported data may be used to pre-populate forms, or as other input within the tasks. If the imported data is processed or used to produce output data, the output data may be exported to an external destination. |
| US08214733B2 |
Automatic forms processing systems and methods
Systems and methods analyze the physical structure of text rows in a document image, including the positions of one or more alignments of one or more character blocks in one or more text rows of the document image. The systems and methods determine one or more groups of text rows that are placed into a class based on the structures of the text rows, such as the positions of the one or more alignments of the one or more character blocks in each text row. A pattern matching system then determines if one or more classes should be further combined into a combined class. |
| US08214731B2 |
Independently refreshing portlet content in a portal view
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to portlet content refreshing and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for independently refreshing portlet content in a portal view. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for refreshing portlet content in a portal view can include a portal server configured to render a portal page, a portlet aggregator configured to provide portlet markup for different portlets in different refresh controllers having independently refreshable portions, and a refresh servlet coupled to the portlet aggregator that includes programming to configure the portal page with the different refresh controllers. |
| US08214730B2 |
System and method for digital signal transmission with reduced error rate
A signal processing system is provided with a transmitting-side apparatus transmitting a digital signal, and a receiving-side apparatus receiving the digital signal. The transmitting-side apparatus includes a digital signal transmitter transmitting the digital signal and a signal controller controlling the digital signal. The receiving-side apparatus includes a digital signal receiver receiving the digital signal, an error rate detector detecting the error rate of the digital signal received, and a receiving-side controller transmitting error rate data based on the detected error rate to the transmitting-side apparatus. The transmitting-side apparatus further includes a transmitting-side controller receiving the error rate data and controlling the signal controller in response to the error rate data. |
| US08214729B2 |
Error detecting/correcting scheme for memories
A method for detecting and correcting errors in a memory having a read/write paradigm is presented. In these implementations, various approaches to detect errors on a per word or per group of words basis and correct errors on a per group of words or per page basis, respectively, in relation to a memory and its associated differing read/write operations, are provided. For instance, in one implementation, errors are detected on a per word basis and corrected on a per page basis for a NOR Flash Memory having differing read/write operations of reading on a per word basis and writing on a per page basis. Advantageously, benefits of the various implementations include reduced encoder/decoder complexities, reduced parity overhead requirements, and reduced performance degradation. |
| US08214726B2 |
Wireless communication device transmitting and receiving CEC messages of HDMI
When a wired interface circuit receives a CEC message destined for a node device connected through a wireless transceiver circuit, a CEC controller of a wireless node device outputs an ACK for the received CEC message from the wired interface circuit, and transmits a wireless data packet containing contents of the CEC message from the wireless transceiver circuit. The CEC controller also waits for the wireless interface transceiver circuit to receive a wireless ACK packet for the transmitted wireless data packet. |
| US08214722B2 |
Method and system for signal error determination and correction in a flexray communication system
A signal error determination and correction system is provided which comprises an error correction value calculation means which processes a predetermined segment of a signal to calculate an error correction value, and a signal correction means and prediction which applies the error correction value to at least part of the signal to correct the part of the signal. The invention further provides a method of signal error determination and correction. |
| US08214720B2 |
Bit error prevention method and information processing apparatus
Whether the comparison value of temporarily stored data which is read out from a flash memory by a host system exceeds a threshold value related to a bit error or not is checked, and if the comparison value exceeds the threshold value, the temporarily stored data which is read out is rewritten into the flash memory. If the temporarily stored data has an error, the error is corrected by an error correction part and then the data is rewritten. The threshold value includes, e.g., the number of readouts, the number of bit errors and the number of accumulated occurrences of bit errors. The present invention is suitable for prevention of bit errors due to read disturb and can recover the bit data which changes with time, and therefore makes it possible to improve the reliability of the flash memory by preventing occurrence of bit errors. |
| US08214719B1 |
Long latency protocol for hard disk controller interface
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising receiving a stream of codewords from a hard disk controller (HDC), receiving a write gate signal, the write gate signal configured to request a read/write (R/W) channel to write at least a first part of the stream of codewords to a media, and receiving a symbol count signal indicating a number of symbols in the first part of the received stream of codewords. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08214717B2 |
Apparatus and method for decoding LDPC code based on prototype parity check matrixes
Provided is an apparatus and method for decoding a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code based on prototype parity check matrixes. The apparatus, includes: a parity check matrix selecting means for determining multiple prototype parity check matrixes according to a sub-matrix size and a parallelization figure for processing the parity check matrix; a bit input means for receiving a log likelihood probability value for input bit according to the sub-matrix size and the parallelization figure; a check matrix process means for sequentially performing a partial parallel process on the parity check matrix based on the received log likelihood probability value and the determined multiple prototype parity check matrixes; and a bit process means for determining a bit level based on the partial-parallel processed parity check matrix value and recovering the input bit according to the sub-matrix size and the parallelization figure. |
| US08214716B2 |
Method for processing noise interference in data accessing device with serial advanced technology attachment interface
A method for processing noise interference in a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface. In the method, when a receiver does not receive a SOF primitive (start of frame primitive) but does receive an EOF primitive (end of frame primitive) or WTRM primitive (wait for frame termination primitive), the receiver outputs a R_ERR primitive (reception error primitive) to enable a transmitter to resend original data and thus to eliminate the interference. In addition, if the transmitter detects an error during the data transmission, a HOLD primitive (hold data transmission primitive) will be issued to temporarily stop the data transmission. |
| US08214715B1 |
Hardware implementation of QPP interleaver
A hardware implementation of a QPP interleaved address generator, or QPP interleaver, for use in a QPP turbo decoder uses state machines to determine BCJR engine QPP interleaved row and column addresses used by a soft-bit decoder operating in interleaved half-iteration alpha scan mode or interleaved half-iteration beta scan mode, as well as during non-interleaved half-iterations, if desired. Because QPP interleaving is pseudorandom in nature, the QPP address generator state machines leverage off knowledge of previous row/column addresses generated, as well as knowledge of the maximum row/column dimensions of the systematic soft-bit data store, to reduce the complexity of the processing performed. The described QPP address generator may be implemented in hardware with reduced hardware footprint, reduced power consumption, less heat production and an improved time response. Generated addresses may be provided to BCJR engines directly, or used to retrieve stored systematic soft-bits provided to the respective BCJR engines. |
| US08214713B2 |
Wireless communication system and wireless communication method
When a determination section of a reception apparatus determines that a control channel is intended for the reception apparatus, a comparing section of the reception apparatus compares control information transmitted on the control channel with a reception capability of the reception apparatus. A data channel reception section of the reception apparatus receives a data channel when the control information is within the reception capability of the reception apparatus, but does not receive the data channel when the control information exceeds the reception capability of the reception apparatus. When the control information exceeds the reception capability of the reception apparatus, the transmission section does not transmit an ACK signal and a NACK signal with respect to the data channel. |
| US08214712B2 |
Method for transmitting real-time streaming data in a communications system and apparatuses utilizing the same
A communications system is provided. A first communications device requests one or more dedicated service periods, via a request, to transmit a high rate real-time streaming data. A second communications device receives the request and schedules the dedicated service periods and one or more contention based periods. A third communications device receives the high rate real-time streaming data and requests the first communications device to re-transmit a portion of the high rate real-time streaming data. The request includes information about the high rate real-time streaming data and information pertinent to a probability of re-transmission. The contention based periods are scheduled to provide the first communications device having higher priority over communications devices of the communications system. The first communications device transmits the high rate real-time streaming data using the dedicated service periods, and re-transmits the portion of the high rate real-time streaming data using the contention based periods. |
| US08214711B2 |
Next data indicator handling
A method and apparatus for a base station engaging in transmissions via at least a media access layer with a user entity are disclosed. The base station transmits data to the user entity over a high speed scheduling and packet data scheduling channels. The base station has a plurality of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entities cooperating with a scheduler for transmitting frames from at least the base station to the user entity for a given HARQ process. Each HARQ entity receives either a not acknowledge or an acknowledge signal or detects a discontinuous transmission for a given HARQ process. The base station transmits a next data indicator to the user entity. The user entity has at least one buffer associated with a given HARQ process. The buffer stores and performs incremental combining of received data relating to data from the base station. The buffer is capable of being flushed. |
| US08214703B2 |
Testing multi-core processors
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for testing multicore processors. In some embodiments, the tested multicore processor may include at least a first core and a second core, a data input coupled to a first scan chain in the first core and a second scan chain in the second core, and a multiplexer including at least a first input and a second input, the first input coupled with a data output of the first scan chain and the second input coupled with a data output of the second scan chain, the multiplexer further including an output that couples to one or more pins on a package of the processor, the multiplexer further including a select signal that couples to the one or more pins on the package of the processor, and wherein the data input couples to the one or more pins on the package of the processor. |
| US08214702B2 |
Distributed joint test access group test bus controller architecture
Apparatus and other embodiments associated with a distributed Joint Test Access Group (JTAG) test bus controller (TBC) architecture are described. One example method includes providing first on-board scan programming (OSP) data to a first circuit board configured with a first TBC and located in a computer. The example method also includes providing second OSP data to a second circuit board configured with a second test bus controller and located in the same computer. The example method also includes controlling OSP to be performed at least partially in parallel on the first circuit board and the second circuit board. |
| US08214701B1 |
Hardware and software debugging
An integrated hardware and software debugging system debugs software running on a processor and debugs hardware blocks that perform operations separate from the processor. Cycle traces are recorded for hardware block operations and the data is presented to a user through the same interface used for software debugging. Where hardware blocks are implemented in configurable circuitry (such as an FPGA) from source code, hardware debugging is linked to the source code to simulate stepping through the source code. |
| US08214699B2 |
Circuit structure and method for digital integrated circuit performance screening
Disclosed is a semiconductor chip with a digital integrated circuit, such as a memory device (e.g., static random access memory (SRAM) arrays, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) arrays, content addressable memory (CAM) arrays, etc), that can be selectively operated in either a functional mode or in a performance screening mode. In the functional mode, a first signal supplied by an external signal generator is used to activate a first device in the circuit and, in response, a second device in the circuit outputs a data output signal. In the performance screening mode, a second signal is internally generated by an internal signal generator based on the data output signal. This second signal is then used to activate the first device in the circuit and, in response, the second device outputs the data output signal. Thus, in the performance screening mode, the digital integrated circuit is effectively converted into a performance screen ring oscillator (PSRO), the output of which can be monitored to determine whether performance criteria for the digital integrated circuit are met. |
| US08214698B2 |
Solid state storage system with improved data merging efficiency and control method thereof
The presented solid state storage system provides an efficient manner of processing read and write operations in a memory block that has a faulty page of memory within it. The solid state storage system includes a flash memory area and a memory controller. The memory controller stores link information into a buffer, allocates a first temporary physical block to resume operations of the bad block past the first bad page, updates and stores mapping information associated with the remaining portions of the bad block past the first bad page, and merges together those valid pages from among the bad block into a final physical block by merging together all prior successfully operated valid pages from among the bad block with any subsequently successfully operated valid pages which are associated with successful operations subsequently to the failure in the first bad page of the bad block. |
| US08214696B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting signal using bit grouping in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting a signal using a bit grouping method in a wireless communication system is disclosed. Interleaved subblocks are maintained, and output bit sequences are modulated in due order after bit grouping and bit selection. The bit grouping method is advantageous in that bit reliability is uniformly distributed. |
| US08214695B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information notification method therefor, and control program
To enable the host server side to be aware of the recovery of an error when the error is recovered by the user's power off/on operation, the most recent state regarding occurrences of errors at printer 16 (steps S61 and S62) is stored in the backup RAM 12a each time a status change occurs (steps S63 and S64), and when an user performs a power off/on operation and a printing device is re-activated (step S65), if a most recent state at the time of the previous activation was in a state of service call error occurrence (step S66), the current status of the printer 16 is then sent (steps S68 and S69). |
| US08214685B2 |
Recovering from a backup copy of data in a multi-site storage system
To make available a backup copy of source data in a multi-site storage system, the source data is provided at a first storage site and an operational copy of the source data is provided at a second storage site. In response to a request to create a backup copy of the source data, the backup copy of the source data is produced at each of the first and second storage sites. In response to failure that causes the first storage site to be unavailable, recovery of a version of the source data is enabled based on accessing the backup copy of the source data at the second storage site, and accessing the operational copy of the source data at the second storage site. |
| US08214684B2 |
Incomplete write protection for disk array
The embodiments of the invention provide methods of protecting data blocks while writing to a storage array, wherein storage units in the storage array include write logs. The data protection level of the write logs is equal to or greater than the data protection level of the storage units. Moreover, the write logs have metadata describing contents of the write logs, wherein the metadata include a sequence number identifying the age of the metadata. Each of the data blocks is a member of a parity group having addressable data blocks and first parity blocks. The addressable data blocks have at least one host data block and at least one associated data block. |
| US08214682B2 |
Synchronizing signals related to the operation of a computer system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that synchronizes signals related to the operation of a computer system. During operation, a set of correlation coefficients between a first signal and a second signal is generated, wherein each correlation coefficient is associated with a different phase shift between the first signal and the second signal. Then, a synchronizing phase shift associated with the highest correlation coefficient in the set of correlation coefficients is determined in order to synchronize the first signal and the second signal. |
| US08214681B2 |
Power control system, power monitoring device, record medium having power monitoring program recorded therein, and power monitoring method
The present invention has an object of realizing a power source redundancy of each of devices constructing a network while suppressing a processing load of each device with a simplified configuration. A power monitoring device includes a power configuration generator for preparing power control information based upon device information including necessary power information, being information indicative of a power necessary for operating each monitored device itself, and power status information indicative of a received power in each monitored device, causing a power configuration information storage to store the prepared power control information, and further transmitting the prepared power control information to each monitored device. Further, the monitored device includes a power controller for controlling the power of its own device based upon the transmitted power control information. |
| US08214677B2 |
Voltage regulator with suspend mode
A system is disclosed. The system includes a central processing unit (CPU) to operate in one or more low power sleep states, and a power converter. The power converter includes phase inductors; and one or more power switches to drive the phase inductors. The one or more power switches are deactivated during the CPU sleep state. |
| US08214676B2 |
Information processing apparatus, power mode control method, and power mode control program product
An information processing apparatus switches from a regular power mode to a power saving mode in the event that a first control unit does not process packets for a certain period of time. The information processing apparatus includes a packet table in which packets to be processed by the first control unit are registered, and a determining unit for determining whether the system of the information processing apparatus can switch to the power saving mode. In the event that the determining unit determines that the system can switch to the power saving mode, a network controller processes the packets based on the packet table. |
| US08214672B2 |
Method and systems for power consumption management of a pattern-recognition processor
Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a device that includes a pattern-recognition processor. In some embodiments, the pattern-recognition processor includes a first block of feature cells coupled to a decoder via a first plurality of local input conductors, a first block-disabling circuit, and a plurality of global input conductors. The pattern-recognition processor further includes a second block of feature cells coupled to the decoder via a second plurality of local input conductors, a second block-disabling circuit, and the plurality of global input conductors. |
| US08214671B2 |
Managing dependencies among objects of a system for energy conservation
Under the present solution, dependencies and relationships of objects are stored and are updatable by consumers and optionally manufacturers through a local UI or web interface. These dependencies and relationships are stored in a “collection profile” which describes the capabilities of objects. When a request to reduce energy is received the system can query the collection profile to determine the downstream effect of reducing energy to a single object. The collection profile will identify which other objects rely on that object and would also need to have energy reduced. Being able to identify these linkages and effects of changes across the system will be critical for good energy management. |
| US08214669B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing power in computer systems
The invention is directed towards minimizing power consumption in computer systems. One embodiment of the invention is a power management system that is used for a computer system that has at least one device and one power domain. This embodiment uses two different power managers to manage the power consumption of the device and the power domain. Specifically, this embodiment has (1) a first power manager that determines when to change power state of the device, and (2) a second power manager that determines when to change power state of the power domain. Each of these power managers decides to change the power state of its corresponding device or domain based on information from several different sources. These sources can include power-management clients and power managers of related domains or devices. |
| US08214662B2 |
Multiprocessor control unit, control method performed by the same, and integrated circuit
A multiprocessor control unit acquires first non processing time information on a first non processing time represented for each processor, wherein the first non processing time represents a time in which a first block is not executed in a first barrier establishment time from barrier synchronization start until barrier synchronization establishment of the first program block, and acquires second non processing time information on a second non processing time represented for each processor, wherein the second non processing time represents a time in which a second block is not processed in a second barrier establishment time from barrier synchronization start until barrier synchronization establishment of the second program block. The multiprocessor control unit controls a power supply for the processors while the first and second program blocks are consecutively executed in parallel, using the first and second non processing time information acquired. |
| US08214653B1 |
Secured firmware updates
When providing a user with native access to at least a portion of device hardware, the user can be prevented from modifying firmware and other configuration information by controlling the mechanisms used to update that information. In some embodiments, an asymmetric keying approach can be used to encrypt or sign the firmware. In other cases access can be controlled by enabling firmware updates only through a channel or port that is not exposed to the customer, or by mapping only those portions of the hardware that are to be accessible to the user. In other embodiments, the user can be prevented from modifying firmware by only provisioning the user on a machine after an initial mutability period wherein firmware can be modified, such that the user never has access to a device when firmware can be updated. Combinations and variations of the above also can be used. |
| US08214652B2 |
Biometric identification network security
Systems and methods for regulating user access in the context of a biometric security system are disclosed. One method disclosed includes receiving a remotely transmitted data packet containing an encryption key, utilizing a decryption component to decrypt the data packet, and utilizing the encryption component to encrypt biometric data. Another method disclosed includes utilizing a processor, within a client computing device, to perform an encryption function within a biometric security system, wherein the encryption function is incorporated into an authentication process that involves a transfer of biometric information between the client computing device and a remotely implemented server. |
| US08214649B2 |
System and method for secure communications between at least one user device and a network entity
A system and method are provided for secure encryption via use of at least two different communication channels, such as the internet and a Short Message Service (SMS) channel, to transmit an authentication request and/or encryption information between at least one user device that is associated with a common user and a network entity. In this regard, an authentication request and/or the encryption information generated in response to an authentication request is separated into at least two portions and transmitted via different communication channels. Even if a third party accesses one of the communication channels and receives a portion of the authentication request and/or the resulting encryption information, the system and method effectively prevent the third party from receiving information sufficient to enable the third party to successfully interpret future communications between the parties since other portion(s) of the authentication request and/or the encryption information is transmitted via other channel(s). |
| US08214646B2 |
Bundle verification
Systems, devices, and methods for modifying a signed bundle and verifying the modified bundle are disclosed. A signed bundle may be modified by removing a file specified in a server file list from a plurality of files in the bundle. The signed bundle comprises a catalog of files in the signed bundle and their associated hashes. The modified bundle includes the remaining files of the signed bundle that are not specified in the server file list and the catalog file of the signed bundle, the catalog signature of the signed bundle. The modified bundle may be verified by verifying the catalog signature of the modified signed bundle, and checking that the files specified in the catalog are either in the modified signed bundle or specified in the server file list. The hashes of the files in the modified signed bundle may also be checked to verify the modified signed bundle. |
| US08214641B2 |
File access in multi-protocol environment
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to providing file access in a multi-protocol environment. In aspects, a file server is operable to receive requests formatted according to two or more file access protocols. If a request is formatted according to a first file access protocol, the file server applies access rights associated with the file to an account associated with a requester to determine whether to grant access. If the request is formatted according to the second file access protocol, the file server may first attempt to find an account for the requester. If an account is not found, the file server may then grant access based on access rights associated with the file as applied to information in the request without consulting an account on the file server. |
| US08214640B2 |
Method of embedding information in implementation defined SIP header fields
A method is provided for passing control messages and other information through a SIP network by embedding the information in SIP messages. The information is sent from one SIP agent to another by encrypting the information, embedding the encrypted information in one or more implementation-defined SIP header fields, and transmitting a SIP message that includes the field or fields in which the information is embedded. |
| US08214639B2 |
Application executing device, managing method, and program
A BD-ROM stores a disc root certificate that is issued by a root certificate authority and assigned to the disc medium. An application manager acquires a hash value from the disc root certificated and verifies the authenticity of an application by using the hash value. If the authenticity is verified, a virtual machine executes the application. A local storage has a plurality of domain areas. From among the plurality of domain areas, a security manager allocates to the application a domain area that corresponds to the hash value. |
| US08214638B1 |
Using multiple certificates to distribute public keys
A source computer is associated with multiple certificates. The source signs each certificate with a separate private key. From time to time, the source generates (a) new key pair(s) to replace (an) old one(s). The source uses the new private key(s) to sign the associated certificate(s). The source then requests a connection to a destination computer, the request being associated with the multiple certificates which identify the source. The source also transmits the new public key(s). The destination receives the request, and checks the certificates for validity. If less than all but at least a threshold number of the certificates are valid, the destination notes that one or more new public keys are being distributed. The destination accepts the connection, receives the new public key(s) associated with the invalid certificate(s), and replaces the corresponding old public key(s). |
| US08214637B2 |
Public key certificate issuing system, public key certificate issuing method, digital certification apparatus, and program storage medium
A public key certificate issuing system is disclosed which comprises a certificate authority for issuing a public key certificate for an entity, the certificate authority including a plurality of signature modules each executing a different encryption algorithm and a registration authority that receives a public key certificate issuance request from the entity. |
| US08214632B2 |
Method of booting electronic device and method of authenticating boot of electronic device
Provided is a method of booting an electronic device including a host central processing unit (CPU) and a security module. The method includes: the host CPU starting to boot a system by using boot information in response to a reset or power on event of the electronic device; and when an authentication start instruction is not received by the security module from the host CPU until a first predetermined period elapses after an occurrence of the reset or power on event of the electronic device, controlling an operation of the host CPU by the security module. According to the method, when the authentication start instruction is received before the first predetermined period elapses, the security module authenticates the boot information and controls the operation of the host CPU based on an authentication result. A method of authenticating a boot of the electronic device in the security module is also provided. |
| US08214630B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling enablement of JTAG interface
A method, device and system for controlling JTAG interface enablement within a communication device. The JTAG interface can be selectively enabled based on the receipt of an encrypted access token generated by an access token server. The access token server generates the access token in response to an end user providing appropriate device-specific information. The access token includes appropriate information that, upon appropriate authentication and decryption, can temporarily device bind the boot code image of the device in a manner that enables the JTAG interface. Alternatively, the access token includes appropriate information that instructs the general purpose processor to choose between JTAG interface enablement information and JTAG interface disablement information for use with the boot code image of the device. The access token can include expiration information that causes an enabled JTAG interface to revert back to its disabled status upon expiration of the access token. |
| US08214629B2 |
Computer system with secure instantly available applications using non-volatile write-protected memory
A method and apparatus for instantly-available applications in a computer system is presented. A computer that incorporates fast non-volatile primary memory for storing the application software and/or operating system, resulting in an instant-on computer is presented. Large parts of the application code and/or operating system code are stored in non-volatile write-protectable areas of the memory that cannot be modified by malicious sources, resulting in a secure computer. It solves the problem of typical computers having to load the applications from a slow device such as the hard disk to the main memory. This loading is avoided by permanently housing the applications in a non-volatile main memory. The system also solves the problem of corruption of application software areas from malicious sources. The memory system contains writeable and write-protected areas and a memory controller that controls the access to the various regions of the memory. |
| US08214624B2 |
Processing long-latency instructions in a pipelined processor
There are provided a method and a processor for processing a thread. The thread includes a plurality of sequential instructions. The plurality of sequential instructions include some short-latency instructions and some long-latency instructions and at least one hazard instruction. The hazard instruction requires one or more preceding instructions to be processed before the hazard instruction is processed. The method includes the steps of: a) before processing each long-latency instruction, incrementing by one, a counter associated with the thread; b) after each long-latency instruction has been processed, decrementing by one, the counter associated with the thread; c) before processing each hazard instruction, checking the value of the counter associated with the thread, and i) if the counter value is zero, processing the hazard instruction, or ii) if the counter value is non-zero, pausing processing of the hazard instruction until a later time. The processor includes means for performing steps a), b) and c) of the method. |
| US08214621B2 |
Storage optimization across media with differing capabilities
A storage device can comprise storage media that can have differing characteristics. A storage manager can obtain the characteristics of a storage device, and of individual portions, such as individual media, of the storage device, by querying the device, querying a database, or through empirical observation or testing. The storage manager can then divide the media of the storage device into storage media parts, that can comprise some or all of the individual storage media. Data can then be stored on one or more storage media parts in accordance with the information provided by metadata associated with the data, such that the data is stored on storage media parts that are optimal for such data, from among the available storage media parts, based on the information from the associated metadata. |
| US08214620B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium storing data storage program, computer, and method thereof
A computer-readable recording medium storing a data storage program, a method and a computer are provided. The computer includes a cache table including an address area for storing an address and a user data area for storing user data corresponding to the address, and executes an operation including, reading user data at a specified address from a recording medium, delta-decoding the read difference data, and determining the decompressed user data to be the read user data, and writing the read user data in the user data area of the cache table when a size of the user data read by the delta-decoding is equal to or less than a threshold value and writing an address corresponding to the read user data in the address area of the cache table, obtaining difference data between the user data requested to be written and the corresponding user data and writing the difference data. |
| US08214618B2 |
Memory management method, medium, and apparatus based on access time in multi-core system
A memory management method and apparatus based on an access time in a multi-core system. In the memory management method of the multi-core system, it is easy to estimate the execution time of a task to be performed by a processing core and it is possible to secure the same memory access time when a task is migrated between processing cores by setting a memory allocation order according to distances from the processing cores to the memories in correspondence with the processing cores, translating a logical address to be processed by one of the processing cores according to the set memory allocation order into a physical address of one of the memories, and allocating a memory corresponding to the translated physical address to the processing core. |
| US08214615B2 |
Control method of device in storage system for virtualization
In a system where a first storage system and a second storage system are connected to a third storage system, when the first storage system virtualizes and provides a device in the third storage system as a device in its own storage system, update data stored in a cache in the first storage system is written into the device of the third storage system to be reflected, attributes of the device are transferred to the second storage system, and the second storage system virtualizes the device of the third storage system as a device of its own storage system. |
| US08214614B2 |
Avoiding information disclosure when direct mapping non-page aligned buffers
A method and a processing device are provided for mapping a non-page aligned memory buffer to an address space of a process. A beginning portion of a non-page aligned memory buffer and an ending portion of the non-page aligned memory buffer may be copied from respective original memory pages to new memory pages. Unused portions of the new memory pages may be initialized to zeros, ones, or other values. A safe buffer may be created, which resides in the new memory pages and all original memory pages of the non-page aligned memory buffer, except for the original memory pages including either the beginning portion or the ending portion of the non-page aligned buffer. The safe buffer may then be mapped to an address space of a process while avoiding unintended information disclosure. |
| US08214609B2 |
Data transference to virtual memory
Some embodiments comprise a method for selecting data to be transferred to a storage space of virtual memory and include identifying a set of data and determining subsets. Determining subsets may allow for delays before transferring the subsets and allow access to memory of the subsets during the delays. Accesses during the delays may enable embodiments to select other data to be transferred to the storage space and prevent transference of the accessed data. Other embodiments comprise apparatuses that have a paging space, a page identifier, and a page transferrer to transfer pages to the paging space after a delay. The delay may prevent a number of pages from being transferred to the paging space, such as for pages that were accessed during the delay. |
| US08214606B2 |
Storage system and control method thereof
The plurality of host systems or the plurality of applications include an insertion unit for sending the identifier. The storage controller includes an analysis unit for identifying a host system or an application based on the identifier contained in the access information and analyzing an access pattern of access information sent from the identified host system or application, a management unit for managing the identifier, the analysis result of the access pattern analyzed with the analysis unit, and a control method for controlling the processing of data to be sent from a host system based on the analysis result or data to be stored in a logical volume, and a data processing controller for controlling the processing of data to be sent from a host system or data to be stored in a logical volume according to the control method managed by the management unit. |
| US08214601B2 |
Purging without write-back of cache lines containing spent data
The present invention provides a system with a cache that indicates which, if any, of its sections contain data having spent status. The invention also provides a method for identifying cache sections containing data having spent status and then purging without writing back to main memory a cache line having at least one section containing data having spent status. The invention further provides a program that specifies a cache-line section containing data that is to acquire “spent” status. “Spent” data, herein, is useless modified or unmodified data that was formerly at least potentially useful data when it was written to a cache. “Purging” encompasses both invalidating and overwriting. |
| US08214600B2 |
Data processing system and method for efficient coherency communication utilizing coherency domains
In a cache coherent data processing system including at least first and second coherency domains, a master performs a first broadcast of an operation within the cache coherent data processing system that is limited in scope of transmission to the first coherency domain. The master receives a response of the first coherency domain to the first broadcast of the operation. If the response indicates the operation cannot be serviced in the first coherency domain alone, the master increases the scope of transmission by performing a second broadcast of the operation in both the first and second coherency domains. If the response indicates the operation can be serviced in the first coherency domain, the master refrains from performing the second broadcast. |
| US08214597B2 |
Cache tentative read buffer
An apparatus having a cache and a circuit. The cache may store old lines having old instructions. The circuit may (i) receive a first read command, (ii) fetch-ahead a new line having new instructions into a buffer sized to hold a single line, (iii) receive a second read command, (iv) present through a port a particular new instruction in response to both (a) a cache miss of the second read command and (b) a buffer hit of the second read command and (v) overwrite a particular old line with the new line in response to both (a) the cache miss of the second read command and (b) the buffer hit of the second read command such that (1) the first new line resides in all of the cache, the buffer and the memory and (2) the particular old line resides only in the memory. |
| US08214593B2 |
Serial interface cache controller including comparison control unit and finite state machine, control method and micro-controller system using the same
A serial interface cache controller, control method and micro-controller system using the same. The controller includes L rows of address tags, wherein each row of address tags includes an M-bits block tag and an N-bits valid area tag. The M-bits block tag records an address block of T-byte data stored in an internal cache memory, and the N-bits valid area tag records valid bit sectors in the address block. Each valid bit sector has the size of T/N bytes. The controller needs to read T/N bytes of data from an external memory to the internal cache memory at each time without the need of reading the T-byte data of the whole address block. Because the T-byte data of the whole address block is not necessary to be read by the micro-controller, the waiting time of the micro-controller may be shortened, and the performance can be increased. |
| US08214590B2 |
Systems and methods for storing parity groups
A system and method for dynamic redistribution of parity groups is described. The system and method for dynamic redistribution of parity groups operates on a computer storage system that includes a plurality of disk drives for storing parity groups. Each parity group includes storage blocks. The storage blocks include one or more data blocks and a parity block that is associated with the data blocks. Each of the storage blocks is stored on a separate disk drive such that no two storage blocks from a given parity set reside on the same disk drive. The computer system further includes a redistribution module to dynamically redistribute parity groups by combining some parity groups to improve storage efficiency. |
| US08214588B2 |
Parallel asynchronous order-preserving transaction processing
A method for data mirroring including receiving a sequence of transactions at a first storage node from a host indicating data to be stored by the node, storing the data therein, and delineating a first batch of the transactions. The node returns to the host an acknowledgment of having stored the data, delineates a second batch of the transactions received subsequent to the acknowledgment, and conveys the data to a second storage node. The first node also conveys to the second node a first record of the transactions in the first batch and a second record of the transactions in the second batch, and the data are stored in the second node responsively to the first and second records, so that all data indicated by the transactions in the first batch are stored by the second node prior to storing data indicated by the transactions in the second batch. |
| US08214582B2 |
Non-volatile memory system storing data in single-level cell or multi-level cell according to data characteristics
Provided is a system storing data received from an application or file system in a non-volatile memory system of single-level cells and multi-level cells in accordance with one or more data characteristics. The non-volatile memory system includes a non-volatile memory cell array having a plurality of multi-level cells forming a MLC area and a plurality of single-level cells forming a SLC area, and an interface unit analyzing a characteristic of the write data and generating a corresponding data characteristic signal. A flash transition layer receives the data characteristic signal, and determines whether the write data should be stored in the MLC area or the SLC area based on whether or not the write data will be accessed by the file, or whether the address associated with the write data is frequently updated or not. |
| US08214573B2 |
Method and system for handling a management interrupt event in a multi-processor computing device
A method and system for handling a management interrupt, such as a system management interrupt (SMI) and/or a platform management interrupt (PMI), includes allocating two or more processor cores from a plurality of processor cores to form a group of management interrupt handling processor cores. Generated management interrupts are directed to this first group of processor cores and not to remaining processor cores, which form a second group. At least one of the processor cores in the first group handles the management interrupt without disrupting the current operation of the processor cores in the second group. |
| US08214571B2 |
Simple serial interface—method of communication and information exchange, and electronic devices based on this method
A new simple serial interface method and device based on this method, which reduces the complexity of the existing universal serial bus (USB) interface, and allows fast and efficient data exchange, and quick development of hardware and software for this device.The method allows equal exchange of information between 2 participants wherein: each participant can initiate sending of information, the data exchange can occur at any time, with no wait or a reference in a ‘frame’. The device based on the method implemented as: separate UTMI or wireless interface chip and separate control chip, single chip which includes UTMI or wireless part, and control part, special mode included in the existing—USB host, USB device, USB OTG chips. |
| US08214570B2 |
Memory controller and method utilizing equalization co-efficient setting
A chip includes a transmitter circuit and a register provided to store a value representative of an equalization co-efficient setting. The transmitter circuit includes an output driver configured to adjust an output data signal based at least in part on the equalization co-efficient setting. |
| US08214566B2 |
Configurable health-care equipment apparatus
An apparatus, system and method for providing health-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. A configuration includes a selection and arrangement of health-care equipment modules that each provide specialized support for the provision of health care, including the measurement of physiological parameters. Various types of configurations include those adapted to be mounted upon a desk top or a wall surface, or adapted for wheel mounting or hand-carriable mobile configurations. |
| US08214564B2 |
Content transfer system, information processing apparatus, transfer method, and program
A content transfer system composed of a content reproduction terminal and an information processing apparatus is disclosed. A storage section stores information representing a file format and a bit rate of content reproducible by the reproduction terminal. A transmission section transmits the information stored in the storage section to the information processing apparatus. An obtainment section obtains the information representing the file format and the bit rate of the content reproducible by the reproduction terminal therefrom. A conversion section converts content having a predetermined file format and a predetermined bit rate as a transfer target into content having the file format and the bit rate represented by the information obtained by the obtainment section. A transfer section transfers the content converted by the conversion section to the reproduction terminal. |
| US08214562B2 |
Processing of data to perform system changes in an input/output processing system
A computer program product, an apparatus, and a method for processing communications between a target and an initiator an input/output processing system are provided. The computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes: sending a message from the initiator to the target, the message requesting suspension of input/output operations between the initiator and the target for a period of time, the period of time being defined by the message; responsive to the message, suspending input/output operation messages for the period of time; performing a system change comprising at least one of: at least one update, a computer program installation, a recovery, and a change in operating parameters; and initiating new input/output operations after at least one of: expiration of the period of time and initiation of new input/output operations by the initiator. |
| US08214557B2 |
Measuring direct memory access throughput
Methods and systems for measuring available direct memory access (DMA) throughput are disclosed, including providing a plurality of DMA channels, the DMA channels comprising a measuring DMA channel and other DMA channels, the measuring DMA channel having a lowest data rate priority, and determining an available DMA throughput by measuring a current data rate at which the measuring DMA channel is serviced in response to initiating a data transfer on the measuring DMA channel. |
| US08214554B2 |
Periodic and non-periodic data transfer circuit analyzing pointer information
In one cycle for transferring data, a controller forming a data transfer circuit stores pointer information P_A for periodic transfer and pointer information P_B for non-periodic transfer read from a memory respectively in first and second storage areas. The controller sequentially transfers, to a communication bus, data D_A for periodic transfer and data D_B for non-periodic transfer read from the memory by referring to the P_A and P_B. If transfer by a data length indicated in the P_B has not been completed upon the transfer of the D_B, the controller updates the data length to a data length of the remaining data, and updates an address indicated in the P_B to an address on the memory of the remaining data. In the next cycle for transferring data, the controller reads the remaining data from the memory by referring to the P_B, and transfers the remaining data to the communication bus. |
| US08214550B2 |
Method for controlling icon display corresponding to a USB mass storage, associated personal computer, and storage medium storing an associated USB mass storage driver
A method for controlling icon display corresponding to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mass Storage is provided. The USB Mass Storage is electrically connected to a USB port of a personal computer. The method includes: when it is detected that there is nothing inserted into any memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, preventing the USB Mass Storage from triggering a specific icon to be displayed, wherein the specific icon is selectively utilized for indicating that at least one USB device is electrically connected to the personal computer; and when it is detected that a memory card is inserted into any of at least one memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, allowing the specific icon to be displayed. An associated personal computer and a storage medium storing an associated USB Mass Storage driver for controlling icon display corresponding to the USB Mass Storage are further provided. |
| US08214549B2 |
Methods for personal emergency intervention
A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving a communication from a patient through an interactive voice response (IVR) system; providing a guided voice prompt from the interactive voice response system to the patient; receiving a response of the patient to the guided voice prompt through the interactive voice response system; analyzing the response of the patient to the guided voice prompt; determining, based on the response of the patient, whether a command should be transmitted; and transmitting a command to a device controlled by the patient after a determination that the command should be transmitted. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information. |
| US08214544B2 |
Register access protocol
A system and a method are disclosed for allowing a host device to communicate with an accessory device using a lightweight communications protocol. A communications link is first established between the connected accessory and host device. The host device sends a request for a register map file (RMF) to the accessory device. A RMF identifies registers for elements of the accessory device. The accessory device sends the RMF to host device, responsive to the request and the host device maps the RMF to interface with a higher level language such as C++ or JavaScript, allowing the host to act on the register mapping. Such interaction can be handled at the driver layer of an operating system, the application framework layer or the application layer. This permits both a layered service model and a fine-grant access at the application layer of the host device. |
| US08214539B1 |
Command mapping systems relating input devices to application program interfaces
Command mapping systems that provide extended command functions to input devices in addition to translating between multiple APIs to provide compatibility between a user-selected input device and a user-selected program. |
| US08214534B2 |
Method and apparatus for outputting event of third party device in home network supporting UPnP remote protocol
An apparatus for outputting an event of a third party device in a home network is provided, which includes a remote user interface (RUI) client taking part in a user interface (UI) session using a universal plug and play (UPnP) remote protocol; an RUI server taking part in the UI session, judging whether the RUI client exists on the home network, storing and transmitting an event message of a third party device that does not take part in the UI session; and an i-box receiving the event message from the RUI server if the RUI client does not exist on the home network, and transmitting the event message to the RUI client existing outside the home network by using an external network. |
| US08214530B2 |
Data collection in which data is recompressed without conversion of code into symbol
It is an object to provide a data collection system that is configured to reduce a communication amount, etc. at the time when data are collected from a plurality of devices, so as to reduce a communication amount attended by the collection of data without increasing processing loads imposed on devices. A symbol classifying unit of a data relay device classifies received data that have been already compressed. A data recompressing unit replaces codes contained in the classified already compressed data with other codes, so as to recompress the already compressed data. A symbol set clustering unit sends a transfer destination renewal device a communication speed at the time when the recompressed data are transferred to other devices, a processing speed at the recompressing time, etc. The transfer destination renewal device generates transfer destination information on the basis of the communication speed, the processing speed, etc. |
| US08214528B2 |
Address identifier scaling in converged networks
Embodiments of the present invention allow for address scaling of existing addresses in a FC, FCoE, CEE or other type of network. More specifically, subaddresses can be used in conjunction with existing addresses, so that a combination of a subaddress and existing address can identify an addressable entity. Thus, multiple entities can be share a single existing address and be distinguished among each other by way of their respective subaddresses. Some embodiments of the invention allow for use of the inventive subaddressing scheme in conjunction with devices or network elements (e.g., gateways, switches, etc.) that may not be subaddressing aware. Further embodiments allow for the multiple distinct devices to communicate with a single Fiber Channel switching element through a single port by using N_Port_ID Virtualization. |
| US08214526B2 |
Context-based routing in multi-hop networks
Context-based routing in multi-hop networks involves using a context-based routing metric. In a described implementation, respective path values are calculated for respective ones of multiple paths using the context-based routing metric. A path is selected from the multiple paths responsive to the calculated path values. Data is transmitted over at least one link of the selected path. In an example embodiment, the context-based routing metric is ascertained responsive to an estimated service interval (ESI) of a bottleneck link of each path of the multiple paths. In another example embodiment, the context-based routing metric is ascertained responsive to an expected resource consumption (ERC) metric. In an example embodiment of path selection, the path is selected using a context-based path pruning (CPP) technique that involves maintaining multiple local contexts at each intermediate node, with each local context representing at least one partial path. |
| US08214522B2 |
Internet protocol version 6 network connectivity in a virtual computer system
A method for sharing a network connection between a host system and a virtual machine is disclosed. The method includes sending an outgoing data frame from the virtual machine to a computer network. The host system is enabled to use the network connection using a first layer 2 address and a first layer 3 address. The first layer 2 and the first layer 3 addresses are associated with the network connection. The virtual machine is enabled to attempt to use the network connection using a second layer 2 address and a second layer 3 address. The first layer 3 and the second layer 3 addresses are compliant with IPv6. An occurrence of the second layer 2 address is replaced within the outgoing data frame with the first layer 2 address. If the outgoing data frame includes a network discover protocol (NDP) message of a selected type, the second layer 2 address in the NDP message is replaced by the first layer 2 address. |
| US08214521B2 |
Systems and methods for changing computational tasks on computation nodes to minimize processing time variation
Systems and methods are disclosed to process streaming data units (tuples) for an application using a plurality of processing units, the application have a predetermined processing time requirement, by changing an operator-set applied to the tuple by a processing unit, on a tuple-by-tuple basis; estimating code requirement for potential operators based on processing unit capability; and assigning the potential operators to the processing units. |
| US08214519B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing bookmark information for content stored in a networked media server
A method and apparatus for managing bookmark information of a media server through a network based on the UPnP AV standard is disclosed. If a request for bookmarking a content item is made, a bookmark item is created and the created bookmark item is linked to the content item by adding the ID of the created bookmark item to the property information of the content item and recording the ID of the content item to be bookmarked in the created bookmark item. |
| US08214518B1 |
Dynamic multimedia presentations
A method, system, and medium are provided for using a synchronized and distributed SMIL document to provide a dynamic multimedia presentation while maintaining client anonymity. An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a client request for a multimedia presentation. Client-specific information is removed from the client request and a SMIL document is generated for facilitating provision of the multimedia presentation. The SMIL document is synchronized across a plurality of network elements, and is configured to provide an interactive experience to a user. |
| US08214517B2 |
Methods and systems for quick and efficient data management and/or processing
System(s) and method(s) are provided for data management and data processing. For example, various embodiments may include systems and methods relating to relatively larger groups of data being selected with comparable or better performing selection results (e.g., high data redundancy elimination and/or average chunk size). In various embodiments, the system(s) and method(s) may include, for example a data group, block, or chunk combining technique or/and a data group, block, or chunk splitting technique. Various embodiments may include a first standard or typical data grouping, blocking, or chunking technique and/or data group, block, or chunk combining technique or/and a data group, block, or chunk splitting technique. Exemplary system(s) and method(s) may relate to data hashing and/or data elimination. Embodiments may include a look-ahead buffer and determine whether to emit small chunks or large chunks based on characteristics of underlying data and/or particular application of the invention (e.g., for backup). |
| US08214514B2 |
Auto-generation or auto-execution of web service description language call flow implementation
Development tooling receives the extended Web services description language with call flow interactions. The development tooling allows the user to select trivial message exchanges in the call flow. The development tooling may generate servlets for the selected message exchanges automatically to form a template form of the application that will execute in the converged application engine. Alternatively, the development tooling may generate a template form of the application that may be interpreted in an interpretive engine. The user may then drop in higher level business logic. The automatically generated servlets, or template form of the application to be interpreted, are configured to pass to the Web services information, including the last message contents. |
| US08214512B2 |
Control entity and method for setting up a session in a communications network, subscriber database and communications network
Control entity and method for setting up a session in a communications network, subscriber database and communications network The invention relates to a control entity for setting up a session in a communications network, comprising an input device for receiving a request to set up a session in the communications network, a processor unit for processing the request, and an output device for sending messages. The control entity further comprising or having access to a memory for storing information. The processor unit is arranged to determine if the request comprises a valid Communication Service Identifier, CSI, the Communication Service Identifier identifying the type of communication service of the session that is to be established over the communications network. And if the request does not comprise a valid Communication Service Identifier to execute a default CSI procedure using default CSI information stored in the memory. |
| US08214510B2 |
Maintaining state information on a client
The present invention provides a system and method of maintaining state information on a client. In response to a client request for a file located on a server, the file is transmitted from the server to the client. An unmodifiable cookie that specifies state information from the server is also transmitted to the client. The client then stores the unmodifiable cookie. A user is unable to alter the unmodifiable cookie on the client machine. |
| US08214505B2 |
Systems and methods of handling non-HTTP client or server push on HTTP Vserver
The present application presents systems and methods for handling by an HTTP virtual server (HTTPVS), connections via which non-HTTP data is transmitted between clients and servers. HTTPVS intercepts a request from a client to establish first transport layer connection (TLC) with a server. HTTPVS establishes second TLC with the servers in response to receiving an acknowledgment from a client to establish the first TLC. HTTPVS determines if a first network packet transmitted via first TLC comprises an HTTP payload or non-HTTP payload. If HTTPVP the first network packet includes HTTP payload, HTTPVS may process all transmissions from the first TLC in accordance with connection tracking and forward the processed transmissions to the server via the second TLC. If HTTPVS determines that the first network packet does not include an HTTP payload, HTTPVS may link the first TLC and the second TLC so the client and server exchange non-HTTP communication without interruption. |
| US08214504B2 |
Method of establishing a connection on a communication network
A method of establishing connections between at least a first and a second terminal on a communication network includes: sending to the second terminal a network signal requesting the network availability to establish the connection and a terminal signal requesting the availability of the second terminal to run an application exchanging data between the first and second terminals; receiving at the second terminal the network signal and the terminal signal; and sending on the network a response signal carrying information based on the network and terminal signals and assuming a content corresponding to the availability/unavailability of the network to establish the connection combined the availability/unavailability of the second terminal to run the application. |
| US08214501B1 |
Methods and systems for electronic data exchange utilizing centralized management technology
Methods and systems are provided for exchanging information between companies in a partnership. One method embodiment includes operatively associating a first company with a transaction directory through a directory management portal. The transaction directory is configured to permit establishment of at least one connection to a translation engine for permitting at least one transaction to occur through the connection. The method also includes connecting at least a second company to the translation engine to permit the transaction to occur between at least the first and second companies. The transaction includes an exchange of information between at least the first and second companies. |
| US08214495B2 |
System and method for performance management in a multi-tier computing environment
Apparatus for monitoring a selected tier in a multi-tier computing environment, the apparatus including a context agent and a dynamic tier extension, the context agent associated with the selected tier and coupled with other context agents, each of which is associated with a respective tier, the dynamic tier extension coupled with the context agent and with specific predetermined points of the selected tier, the dynamic tier extension monitoring request traffic passing through the selected tier, the monitored request traffic including at least one entering request received at a request entry port from an adjacent tier, the dynamic tier extension identifying each request in the monitored request traffic and sending at least a request identifier to the context agent, the context agent also receiving information relating to the request context of the entering request from the context agent associated with the adjacent tier, the context agent associating the information relating to the request context of the entering request with the entering request, in accordance with the received request identifier. |
| US08214494B1 |
Network device management technology
Techniques are described for providing network device management. In some implementations, a native mobile device application enables use of a mobile device to add new devices to a network, remove devices from a network, change network and device profile settings, troubleshoot a network, provide an interface into network devices, communications, diagnostics, etc., and provide remote access to the network for installation, programming, troubleshooting, and inclusion. |
| US08214492B2 |
Method and system for adapting a session timeout period
A method for adapting a session timeout period of an application comprising one or more parts, each part of the application having a corresponding predetermined session timeout period for receiving an input from a user connected to a part of the application, comprising the steps of determining the rate of timed out sessions for the part of the application after the number of connections to the part has reached a predetermined level; comparing the rate of timed out sessions of the part of the application with a predetermined threshold value of the rate of timed out sessions; adapting the predetermined session timeout period of that part (400) of the application based on the comparison to give rise to an adapted session timeout period. |
| US08214489B2 |
Peer to peer network
Peer-to-peer networks employing simple peers and super peers strike a balance between centralized (client-server based) and entirely flat peer-to-peer approaches. They introduce hierarchy into peer-to-peer networks in the form of super peer nodes, peers which have extra capabilities and duties in the network. There are problems in the identification and election of peers to take the role of super peer: in particular, the need for regular update messages to communicate peer availability across the network significantly impacts discovery times (when a simple peer attempts to advertise a service or requests a service from another peer). A presence server is implemented in the network in order to monitor the availability of each peer. A device called the “super peer elector” subscribes to receive updated availability information from the presence server and assigns super peer status to the most appropriate, and available, simple peer. |
| US08214486B2 |
Method and apparatus for internet traffic monitoring by third parties using monitoring implements
Disclosed is an internet traffic monitoring method. In the method, a first packet, sent from a user client, having a web content request meeting certain monitoring selection criteria is detected. Upon detection of the first packet, a second packet is forwarded to the user client. The second packet has a redirection with a fabricated web content request to a monitoring web page including at least one monitoring implement. |
| US08214485B2 |
Using SNMP as an RPC mechanism for exporting the data structures of a remote library
A semi-automatic mapping of a library definition to a simple network management protocol (SNMP) management information base (MIB). By exposing the internal data needed to remotely access arbitrary user space libraries as SNMP data structures which can be directly modified over the network, the internal data, its operations, and usages operations can be modeled remotely. |
| US08214484B2 |
Method to predict edges in a non-cumulative graph
To predict edges in a non-cumulative graph, based on a sequence of non-cumulative previous occurrences of the graph, the sequence of non-cumulative previous occurrences of the graph is obtained, and topological properties of each of the previous occurrences of the graph are extracted. Topological similarities between each of the previous occurrences of the graph are computed based on the topological properties. The edges of the graph are predicted by computing a score for each possible edge of the graph, based upon the topological similarities. |
| US08214481B2 |
Firewall permitting access to network based on accessing party identity
The inventive communications management systems manage access to a local area network or network content by external users, applications, and devices. The systems and methods are implemented on a network appliance to manage content within the network and facilitate content transmission through a firewall that separates the network from a larger networking environment, such as the World Wide Web. Other applications operating on the network appliance are made firewall aware so that existing network appliance identity schemes can be used to also control gate access to and from the network, to and from applications that run on the network appliance, and to and from other applications that run on the local network. Because the firewall is integrated closely with other application on the network appliance, after the external user is granted access to the network, network applications can control and terminate access through the firewall as desired. |
| US08214476B2 |
Computer network software and hardware asset configuration and discovery system and method
A method, system, and network for interfacing the work-flow monitoring and reporting of a host computer, a local network of information technology devices, a community of network users, and a global information technology community. This includes the processes and system features for initiating an inventory of a plurality of information technology devices associated with the local network of information technology devices. The present disclosure further includes determining needs of the local network of information technology and associating the needs to similar needs of the community of network users, and solution product and services of the global information technology community. The system directs the host computer to research and purchase resources similar in temperament of the needs of the local network of the information technology devices, and drive the global information technology community advertisements of the needs of the local network to the user of the host computer. |
| US08214474B2 |
Autonomic computing system with model transfer
Methods and systems are provided for autonomic control and optimization of computing systems. A plurality of component models for one or more components in an autonomic computing system are maintained in a system level database. These component models are obtained from a source external to the management server including the components associated with the models. Component models are added or removed from the database or updated as need. A system level management server in communication with the database utilizes the component models maintained in the system level database and generic component models as needed to compute an optimum state of the autonomic computing system. The autonomic computing system is managed in accordance with the computed optimum state. |
| US08214471B2 |
Synchronizing information through profile management between a host system and a mobile device
A system for enabling control and managing the assets by synchronizing information between a host system server and a mobile client device is disclosed. Control of the mobile client devices from remote locations enables an administrator to provide specific profiles for the mobile devices. These profiles are consistent and ensure that the user can perform all of the required tasks. The system also includes a multi-level security mechanism. The security provision maintains control of the hardware (mobile device) and the information stored thereon. The administrator also controls the distribution of applications and services to the mobile device, including restoring information which may have become lost. |
| US08214470B2 |
Upgrading software in radio base station nodes
A cluster-based, delegated software upgrade scheme facilitates software upgrade for radio base station nodes comprising a cluster of a flat radio access telecommunications network. The plural radio base stations are grouped into clusters (30), and a master radio base station (RBSM) designated for each cluster. The master radio base station (RBSM) is used to initiate software upgrade of the radio base stations comprising the cluster. The master radio base station (RBSM) can also perform a monitoring of implementation of the software upgrade at the radio base stations of the cluster, and on the basis of the monitoring, determine whether a cluster-wide software upgrade is successful. In one of its example modes, the master radio base station can further prepare a software upgrade report which confirms/summarizes implementation of the software upgrade at the radio base stations of the cluster. |
| US08214462B1 |
System and method for providing a personalized media service
A system and method for providing a personalized media service. In one aspect, the system includes an on-demand system, a plurality of subscriber devices, and a network to which the on-demand system and the subscriber devices are coupled so that the on-demand system and the subscriber devices can communicate with each other. The on-demand system enables a user to create one or more personalized media channels by enabling the user to specify his/her media preferences for each channel. The on-demand system includes a media server for streaming media to the plurality of subscriber devices. The media is preferably implemented using a video-on-demand server. |
| US08214461B1 |
Method of processing request by server computer system
In an embodiment, a method of processing a request by a server computer system begins with a step of receiving an object. The object comprises the request, an exception criterion, and a recovery operation. The method continues with a step of determining that the server computer system is unable to fulfill the request due to an exception which meets the exception criterion. The method concludes with a step of applying the recovery operation to resolve the exception. In an embodiment, the server computer system comprises a resource management system for a shared computing environment and the object comprises a resource request object. The resource request object comprises a resource request, the exception criteria, and the recovery operation. The resource request indicates resources requested from the shared computing environment by a start time and for a time period. |
| US08214457B2 |
Post-to-profile control
Multimedia content is featured on user pages of an online social network using embed codes that are generated using a configuration file associated with the source ID for the multimedia content and a content ID for the multimedia content. The configuration file, the source ID and the content ID are stored locally by the online social network so that any changes to the embed codes can be made by changing the configuration file associated with the source and regenerating the embed codes. By managing multimedia content in this manner, greater control can be exercised by the online social network over the multimedia content that are featured on its user pages. |
| US08214455B2 |
Human-machine interface support of remote viewing sessions
A human-machine-interface (HMI) system comprises a machine interface, a communication interface, and a processing system. The machine interface receives operation data from a plurality of machines within an industrial automation environment, wherein the operation data corresponds to operations of the plurality of machines. The communication interface receives a request for a remote viewing session from a communication device, and in response to the request, transfers graphics data and the operation data for delivery to and display by the communication device. The processing system monitors for changes to the graphics data and the operation data during the remote viewing session. The communication, upon a change occurring to the graphics data, transfers updated graphics data for delivery to and display by the communication device, and upon a change occurring to the operation data, transfers updated operation data for delivery to and display by the communication device. |
| US08214454B1 |
Seamless retrieval of non-standard items for a mobile device
Systems and methods for seamless retrieval of coupons and other non-standard items to a mobile device. Some method embodiments comprise: receiving a communication that specifies a user id and a coupon id, and storing the user id and a location of the coupon in a table in response to said receiving. A response to the communication is sent to the mobile device to invoke an application that accesses the table to determine the coupon location and uses the coupon location to download the content. The communication may be a web page request from a browser on the mobile device, and the application may be a coupon organizer external to the web browser. The communication may further include origination information, so that once the retrieval is complete, the mobile device once again displays the original web page and the user is given the perception that the download was accomplished within the browser. |
| US08214450B2 |
Dynamic bandwidth allocation
According to the invention, a content delivery network (CDN) for delivering content objects from a content provider to a recipient is disclosed. The CDN includes a dynamic pricing engine and a second web location. The dynamic pricing engine is coupled to a first web location. The first web location, which is associated with a content provider, allows the recipient to order a content object. The delivery quote is solicited by the first web location for delivering a content object one or more times. The second web location delivers the content object to a recipient system of the recipient. The second web location is associated with the dynamic pricing engine. The dynamic pricing engine automatically produces the delivery quote, which is affected by at least one of the content object or a web location of the recipient system. |
| US08214448B2 |
Optimized utilization of DMA buffers for incoming data packets in a network protocol
A method, system and computer program product for facilitating network data packet management. In one embodiment, a controller is configured to receive data packets. Incoming data packets are stored in DMA mapped packet buffers. A time stamp is associated with the packet buffers. When the associated time stamp exceeds a defined threshold, the controller is configured to copy the packet buffers stored in DMA memory to non-DMA memory. Once copied, the DMA memory previously used to store the packet buffers is available to receive new data packets. The controller is configured to continue copying aged packet buffers to non-DMA memory until an unallocated amount DMA memory is reached. |
| US08214445B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions
Managing electronic subscriptions includes receiving user input for modifying an electronic subscription of a user to prevent receiving a redundant subscription message for the electronic subscription. Whether a future subscription message is redundant is determined based on at least one of an identifier for the subscription message and content included in the subscription message. Redundant future subscription messages associated with the electronic subscription is excluded from presentation to the user based on the redundancy determination and the user input. |
| US08214443B2 |
Electronic mail forwarding service
A system and method are disclosed that enable an email service provider to implement an email forwarding service without losing associated page views. In one embodiment, rather than forwarding the entire email message, the email forwarding service generates a summary email message, and sends this summary email message to the forwarding email address pre-specified by the subscriber. This summary email message includes a link that is selectable by the user to view the original email message on a web site of the email service provider. Thus, even if the forwarding email address is hosted externally, the subscriber still views the full email message on a web site of the provider of the email forwarding service. |
| US08214442B2 |
Facilitating an extended IM session in a secure way
A method includes steps of: receiving a prompt from a user to activate a message interface in order to begin a session; activating the message interface such that said message interface is presented to the user and is able to receive input from the user; receiving user input from the message interface, including: a user selection of at least one target correspondent; and a first message to be sent to the at least one target correspondent; identifying the session with a unique identifier; and sending the first message to a messaging system for delivery to the target correspondent when the target correspondent is available. |
| US08214440B2 |
Controlling the display of sensitive information and managing visual clutter in a live session display area system
A system for clearing content displayed in the live session display area of an instant messaging system. The system enables a session participant to clear the content currently visible to each other participant in the session, either immediately, or in response to a criteria such as elapsed time or elapsed time since active in the session. The content that is cleared from the live session display area is not permanently lost, but is only temporarily hidden from the live session display area. The system further enables a local participant to recall such temporarily hidden content back into the live session display area. |
| US08214438B2 |
(More) advanced spam detection features
The present invention involves a system and method that facilitate extracting data from messages for spam filtering. The extracted data can be in the form of features, which can be employed in connection with machine learning systems to build improved filters. Data associated with the subject line, timestamps, and the message body can be extracted and employed to generate one or more features. In particular, subject lines and message bodies can be examined for consecutive, repeating characters, blobs, the association or distance between such characters, blobs and non-blob portions of the message. The values or counts obtained can be broken down into one or more ranges corresponding to a degree of spaminess. Presence and type of attachments to messages, percentage of non-white-space and non-numeric characters of a message, and determining message delivery times can be used to identify spam. A time-based delta can be computed to facilitate determining the delivery time. |
| US08214432B2 |
Differential dynamic content delivery to alternate display device locations
Differential dynamic content delivery including providing a session document for a presentation, wherein the session document includes a session grammar and a session structured document; identifying a recording period within a presentation session; recording, during the recording period, a presentation control instruction; selecting from the session structured document a classified structural element in dependence upon the recorded presentation control instruction and in dependence upon user classifications of a user participant in the presentation; and presenting the selected structural element to the user. |
| US08214428B1 |
Optimized prepopulation of a client side cache in a deduplication environment
A backup cache on a client is prepopulated with fingerprints corresponding to data stored on a backup server. A plurality of fingerprints of data are received from the client, each received fingerprint corresponding to data present on the client which is subject to backup to the server. For each received fingerprint, an attempt is made to locate data corresponding to the received fingerprint stored on the backup server. Responsive to locating data corresponding to a received fingerprint stored on the backup server, data stored on the backup server considered to be “in the neighborhood” of the located data is identified. Fingerprints (e.g., hashes) identifying data stored on the backup server in the neighborhood of the located data are created and transmitted to the client, for prepopulating the backup cache on the client. |
| US08214423B2 |
CAD system
A computer aided design (CAD) system is described where each type of change in a CAD-generated object is automatically and chronologically protocoled so that the object directly includes an abstract description of the history of the object independent of the CAD module used. This is particularly advantageous with decentralized CAD systems in which several constructors/designers are working together on the same draft, but located in different places. At the end of a session, the object history, i.e., the changes which have taken place, are directly exported, together with the object data, into the destination system. The abstract description is in a form independent of the system used. |
| US08214420B2 |
Method and device for digitizing an analogical signal
This device (10) includes elements (12) for receiving an analogical signal including a data signal in a frequency channel, elements (18) for amplifying the received signal, elements (20) for filtering the amplified signal so as to cut out frequencies outside the frequency channel of the data signal, members (24) for converting the filtered analogical signal into a digital signal, elements (32) for measuring the power (Pwhole) of the whole received signal after amplification and before filtering, and members (26) for determining an amplification control signal for the received signal amplification as a function of the received signal measured power (Pwhole). |
| US08214417B2 |
Subnormal number handling in floating point adder without detection of subnormal numbers before exponent subtraction
In an embodiment, a floating point unit (FPU) comprises an adder configured to add a first mantissa and a second mantissa and an operand adjust unit coupled to provide at least the first mantissa to the adder. The operand adjust unit is coupled to receive a first operand and a second operand for a floating point add operation, and is configured to: right shift at least one mantissa corresponding to one of the first and second operands responsive to a shift count generated from exponent portions of the first and second operands; to detect whether or not neither, one, or both of the first and second operands are subnormal numbers in parallel with at least a portion of the right shifting; and to left shift by one bit the right shifted mantissa responsive to only one of the first and second operands being a subnormal floating point number. |
| US08214415B2 |
Interpolator for a networked motion control system
An interpolator for a system, such as a motion control system, where a stream of values of at least a first command signal is communicated across a communications medium according to a predefined update rate. The integrator is configured to calculate at a higher rate relative to the update rate to generate at least one interpolated prediction of the first command signal. |
| US08214413B2 |
Electronic calculator with a formula display function
When the intake input mode is set and a 2D function key, such as “√{square root over ( )}” or “a/b,” is operated in a state where the cursor has been moved to an arbitrary position on the formula displayed on the display unit of an electronic calculator, the range of the formula covered by the input 2D function (or to be calculated) is determined on the basis of the position of the cursor by recognizing a formula part sandwiched by parentheses or a chunk of the formula part of a function with parentheses, recognizing a chunk of a formula part of a 2D function, recognizing a chunk of a formula part with successive numerals and characters, and recognizing the position of an arithmetic symbol (“+,” “−,” “×,” or “÷”) or a delimiter (“:” or “,”). The determined range is taken in by the input 2D function. |
| US08214412B2 |
Playlist editing apparatus and playlist editing method
A playlist editing apparatus includes a management unit 11 that manages a playlist, a playlist name input unit 12 for newly setting a playlist name, a determination unit 13 that determines whether conversion of a character code of a playlist name set for an existing playlist is required, based on a relationship with a character code of a set playlist name, a changing unit 14 that changes a character code flag of the existing playlist to a flag corresponding to a character code to be converted to, when it is determined that character code conversion is required, a character code conversion unit 15 that converts a character string targeted for conversion to a designated character code, in response to changing of the character code flag, and a playlist name setting unit 16 that sets the converted character string as the playlist name. This enables a playlist to be edited so that inconsistency in character codes throughout the playlist and the disk does not occur. |
| US08214409B2 |
Adapter architecture for mobile data system
A data architecture provides View objects that define an enterprise data source interface to an application through connectors, and also by Data Objects defined by Commands. Thus, a Data Object comprises a configurable request for data that is issued through Commands to the Adapters of the enterprise data sources. The architecture provides an application developer with the ability to create custom enterprise connectivity to disparate backend enterprise data sources. |
| US08214405B2 |
Longest-match/shortest-match search apparatus, search method, and program
A coupled node tree comprises a root node and a node pair, the node pair being a branch node and leaf node, or a pair of branch nodes, or a pair of leaf nodes located in adjacent storage areas. The branch node includes a discrimination bit position of the search key and a position information of a primary node, which is one node of a node pair of a link target. The leaf node includes an index key that is a bit string that is the target of a search. A coupled node tree is searched using a longest-match/shortest-match search key and the longest-match/shortest-match node is determined through a comparison of the difference bit position between the index key resulting from the search and the longest-match/shortest-match search key and the discrimination bit position of a branch node on the search path memorized when the search is performed. |
| US08214394B2 |
Propagating user identities in a secure federated search system
A flexible and extensible architecture allows for secure searching across an enterprise. Such an architecture can provide a simple Internet-like search experience to users searching secure content inside (and outside) the enterprise. The architecture allows for the crawling and searching of a variety or sources across an enterprise, regardless of whether any of these sources conform to a conventional user role model. The architecture further allows for security attributes to be submitted at query time, for example, in order to provide real-time secure access to enterprise resources. The user query also can be transformed to provide for dynamic querying that provides for a more current result list than can be obtained for static queries. |
| US08214387B2 |
Document enhancement system and method
A system, apparatus and method for enhancing documents, including using a graphical capture device, are described herein. |
| US08214378B2 |
Time-critical filtering of information using domain ontologies
An ontology that is used to determine relationships between instances of objects having types. The ontology is made from a text file containing a DAML+OIL description of the ontology and includes a set of ontology objects and an accelerator that accelerates determination of the relationships. The accelerator is implemented using database tables and indexes. The ontology may be used as a data filter. A decision-centered visualization system uses the ontology to relate data items contained in event instances to task instances and to determine for a given task instance what portion of the data in the data item should be provided for display by a given task instance. |
| US08214376B1 |
Techniques for global single instance segment-based indexing for backup data
Techniques for global single instance segment-based indexing are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for global single instance segment-based indexing for backup data. The method may comprise dividing an item being backed up into segments, generating a fingerprint for each segment, and saving an entry for each segment in an index database. Each entry may comprise the fingerprint for the segment. |
| US08214375B2 |
Manual and automatic techniques for finding similar users
A user data engine records profile data supplied by a user and usage data that is based on interactions between the user and a software application. A group data engine receives a set of user data comprising the profile data and the usage data for each user of a plurality of users. The group data engine determines a similarity value between each pair of users of the software application. The group data engine identifies groups of similar users based on the similarity values by executing one or more clustering algorithms. A user may then search for other users and groups of users of the software application and may then receive information from the users and/or groups of users that is related to use of the software application. |
| US08214374B1 |
Methods and systems for abridging video files
Techniques for generating automated tags for a video file are described. The method includes receiving one or more manually generated tags associated with a video file, based at least in part on the one or more manually entered tags, determining a preliminary category for the video file, and based on the preliminary category, generating a targeted transcript of the video file, wherein the targeted transcript includes a plurality of words. The method further includes generating an ontology of the plurality of words based on the targeted transcript, ranking the plurality of words in the ontology based on a plurality of scoring factors, and based on the ranking of the plurality of words, generating one or more automated tags associated with the video file. |
| US08214373B1 |
Systems and methods for assignment of human reviewers using probabilistic prioritization
The present application discloses systems and methods for using probabilistic prioritization to assign human reviewers to review data stored in or indexed by an information system. Some embodiments include accessing an index of data items, where individual data items have a corresponding probability f of having a problem, a cost to review the data item, a penalty if a problem associated with the data item is not remedied, and a gain if a problem associated with the data item is remedied; identifying a subset of data items having a corresponding f that is greater than or equal to a decision threshold based on the data item's corresponding cost, penalty, and gain; and ranking at least a portion of the subset of data items based at least in part on their corresponding cost, f, and gain. |
| US08214366B2 |
Systems and methods for generating a language database that can be used for natural language communication with a computer
A system for knowledge representation in a computer that can enable unrestricted natural language communication with a computer, comprising a database configured to store at least one table, the table configured to store associations between concepts in a text string and associated concept identifiers; and a builder interfaced with the database, the builder configured to construct a table that represents knowledge defined by a text string, the text string comprising (n) operands and (n−1) operators, by performing a process comprising the following steps: combining concepts in the text string into first order sub-concepts according to precedence defined by the operators, combining the first order sub-concepts into higher order concepts according to the precedence defined by the operators, repeating the steps until the higher order sub-concepts join to form a concept that represents the entire text string, and storing the concept, first order sub-concepts, and higher order sub-concepts in the database. |
| US08214365B1 |
Measuring confidence of file clustering and clustering based file classification
A uniformity of a cluster of samples is determined, and a corresponding raw confidence value is calculated. A confidence interval weight is calculated using a confidence interval to determine reliability of the uniformity. A trace length weight is calculated, as a function of traces of the samples. An n-gram weight is calculated, as a function of numbers of n-grams generated by the samples. A compactness weight is calculated, as a function of the similarity of the samples. A cluster weight is calculated as a function of the four above-described weights. A cluster confidence measurement is calculated as a function of the cluster weight and the raw confidence value. When a new sample is assigned to the cluster, an assignment confidence measurement is calculated, as a function of the cluster's confidence measurement and the sample's trace length, n-grams and similarity. |
| US08214364B2 |
Modeling user access to computer resources
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for detecting changes in behavior of authorized users of computer resources and reporting the detected changes to the relevant individuals. The method includes evaluating actions performed by each user against user behavioral models and business rules. As a result of the analysis, a subset of users may be identified and reported as having unusual or suspicious behavior. In response, the management may provide feedback indicating that the user behavior is due to the normal expected business needs or that the behavior warrants further review. The management feedback is available for use by machine learning algorithms to improve the analysis of user actions over time. Consequently, investigation of user actions regarding computer resources is facilitated and data loss is prevented more efficiently relative to the prior art approaches with only minimal disruption to the ongoing business processes. |
| US08214355B2 |
Small table: multitenancy for lots of small tables on a cloud database
Methods and apparatus are described for partitioning native tables in a database cluster into logical tables. Each logical table is mapped into a unique portion of the native table by an intermediary server. Clients access a logical table as an ordinary, full-fledged database table through the intermediary server, which translates queries on the logical table into queries on the corresponding portion of the native table. The mapping may use the application name, logical table name, and a version number to create a native table key for each key in the logical table. A data structure storing these mappings may be stored at the intermediary server or in a native table in the database. This approach affords clients quick and flexible access to the database with better data integrity and security than native tables allow. |
| US08214354B2 |
Column constraints based on arbitrary sets of objects
Techniques for using arbitrary sets of objects to constrain objects in database systems. The constraint set of objects is associated with the constrained object in the database system and the database system will perform an operation which adds an object to the constrained object only if the object being added belongs to the constraint set. In a preferred embodiment, the techniques are employed to obtain constraint sets of terms from ontologies which are then used to constrain columns containing those terms. An implementation of the techniques makes a materialized view out of the objects in the constraint set and uses the materialized view to define a referential integrity constraint on the constrained column. |
| US08214352B2 |
Modular query optimizer
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for modular query optimizer. In one aspect, a method includes selecting one or more projections from a set of projections for each table in a database query wherein each of the selected projections for the table has leads to an estimated lower execution cost for the query as compared to non-selected projections; generating join orders for the query based on data distribution of one or more of the selected projections among sites in a computer network wherein the join orders reflect different combinations of data distribution operations applied to the output of one or more of the query's joins; and selecting a join order from the join orders based on evaluation of the join orders using a cost model. |
| US08214350B1 |
Pre-computed impression lists
Systems, methods, and computer program products identify one or more web page impressions satisfying one or more simply queries, each of the one or more web page impressions associated with a respective impression ID. Respective impression IDs of the one or more web pages satisfying the one or more simple queries are stored in an impression log. Subsequent to storing the respective impression IDs, a query is received from a client device, and a number of impression IDs for the one or more web pages satisfying the query are identified based on the identified one or more web page impressions satisfying the one or more simple queries. |
| US08214347B2 |
Search result sub-topic identification system and method
A method and apparatus for sub-topic identification from a search result that matches a query, said method including the steps of receiving a search result, extracting snippets from said search result that contain said query, truncating snippets on an instance of a boundary token, identifying phrases within said snippets that include the query, comparing all said phrases to determine optimal phrases, and presenting said optimal phrases. The apparatus for sub-topic identification from a search result that matches a query may include a dedicated server or a proxy for processing the search and sub-topic query. |
| US08214346B2 |
Personalization engine for classifying unstructured documents
Unstructured electronic documents are classified for profiling and targeting users for additional relevant content. Behavioral data is gathered from user activity, and user documents and actions are categorized. Profile information is combined with collaborative and editorial data to provide users with credible information regarding products. Author-generated document classification information is analyzed and assigned a first taxonomic noun to characterize the document. User-generated tags characterizing a portion of the document are assigned a second taxonomic noun. Search terms that resulted in the user accessing the document are identified and assigned a third taxonomic noun. Attributes related to how the document was accessed are evaluated and assigned a fourth taxonomic noun. The document is processed using pattern rules to extract a fifth taxonomic noun. The taxonomic nouns are aggregated to determine term vectors representing the document, and the document is categorized using the term vectors, the taxonomic nouns, or the author-generated classification. |
| US08214345B2 |
Custom constraints for faceted exploration
The Facet Navigator permits users to set custom constraints for searching databases by facet, displays facets representing fields in a database, and provides a manipulator for each facet. The manipulator may be a slider bar, or a drop-down menu, or some other interactive device known to persons skilled in the art. When a user sets constraints for a facet with the manipulator, the Facet Navigator searches the database based on the constraints and displays a list of items in the database that satisfy the constraints. The Facet Navigator displays a preview of interim results whenever a cursor is moved over an active region of the manipulator, where the preview includes details of database items meeting a search criteria based on the location of the cursor on the manipulator. |
| US08214342B2 |
Supplier identification and locator system and method
A method to identify a supplier of good or services over the Internet by providing a home page with at least one link to a directory Web site for a class of goods or services. The directory Web site includes a directory Web site domain that at least partially describes a class of goods or services. The directory Web site also contains at least one supplier link to a corresponding supplier Web site and a rollover window. The home page and the directory Web site are configured to allow a user to access the home page; select a directory Web site based at least in part on the directory Web site domain name; activate the link to the selected directory Web site; and select and activate the supplier link for a supplier of goods or services. |
| US08214339B2 |
Method and system for profile typing in batch loading documents into a service registry in a computing environment
A method and system for profile typing in batch loading document files into a service registry module in a computing environment, is provided. One implementation involves loading document files into a service registry by profile typing document files for loading into a service registry of a service oriented architecture (SOA) computing environment, including automatically identifying a profile of each document file; and batch loading the document files into the service registry based on their corresponding profile type. |
| US08214336B2 |
Preservation of digital content
Methods for generating a characterizing summary and generating a collection of relevant preservation objects in a preservation system are provided. A characterizing summary is generated by collecting first information about a preservation object; collecting second information about other preservation objects or other metadata; generating a characterizing summary according to the first information and the second information; and adding the characterizing summary to the preservation object. A collection of relevant preservation objects is generated by accessing one or more preservation objects by way of one or more metadata included in a target preservation object constructed for content data; determining whether each of the accessed preservation objects is relevant to the target preservation object; adding each relevant preservation object to a list of relevant preservation objects; and generating the collection of relevant preservation objects according to the list of relevant preservation objects. |
| US08214333B2 |
Storage system for managing a log of access
Provided is a storage system including: a first interface connected to a host computer; a second interface connected to a manager terminal; a control unit connected to the first interface and the second interface and equipping a processor and a memory; and one or more disk drives in which data that is requested to read by the host computer is stored, in which the control unit detects an access from the host computer to the first interface and an access from the manager terminal to the second interface, and generates log data of operations according to the accesses. Accordingly, log data concerning every action and every operation of the storage system is maintained and stored. |
| US08214332B2 |
Data retention using logical objects
Various embodiments are provided for facilitation of data retention using logical objects. Following an operation creating a redundant copy of the data performed on a scheduled interval, a logical object containing a number of managed file versions, represented by a number of member objects for a recovery point, is created. The logical object is assigned a policy of a data retention policy construct associated with the recovery point. The logical object is adapted for reassignment between policies of the data retention policy construct associated with various recovery points. During the reassignment, the plurality of member objects representing the plurality of managed file versions are logically retained instead of performing a data copy operation to associate the plurality of managed file versions with another recovery point. |
| US08214329B2 |
Remote data collection systems and methods
The present disclosure provides remote data collection systems and methods for retrieving data including financial, sales, marketing, operational and the like data from a plurality of databases and database types remotely over a network in an automated, platform-agnostic manner. The present invention is designed to work across a plurality of LOB applications, database vendors and business models or businesses, as well as business infrastructure (various PCs, embedded devices and POS devices) and business processes while still providing the centralized ability to automatically collect data from multiple remote business sites. The present invention includes one or more central servers communicating with a plurality of remote data collection agents. The remote data collection agent is designed to overcome existing requirements or limitations as it is able to automatically collect remote data from a wide range of businesses, as well as multiple LOB applications while connecting to multiple databases vendors and formats. |
| US08214328B2 |
High-performance asynchronous peer-to-peer remote copy for databases
Database content changes are asynchronously remotely copied from a primary site to a remote site by associating sequential identification with each respective log record write and each corresponding data record write received at the primary site. Each respective log record write is asynchronously remotely copied from the primary site to the remote site, and an acknowledgement corresponding to a log record write that has been completed at the remote site is received at the primary site. Each data record write having a sequential identification that is prior to or equal to the sequential identification of the log record write corresponding to the received acknowledgement is then asynchronously remotely copied to the remote site. A log record write is asynchronously remotely copied from the primary site to the remote site before a data record write is asynchronously remotely copied from the primary site to the remote site. |
| US08214326B2 |
Reducing data storage requirements on mail servers by storing a shared copy of a message
A mail server detects if an incoming message is addressed to multiple recipients, in which case redundant data storage is reduced. A single shared copy of the message is stored, and a reference message, which refers to the shared message, is provided to the addressed recipients. A record of the number of existing reference messages is maintained, and decremented as each reference message is deleted by recipients. When no reference messages remain, the shared message is also deleted. A record of recipients authorized to access the shared message is also maintained, and updated as recipients delete their reference messages. |
| US08214320B2 |
Litigation cost management system
The litigation cost management system (FIG. 1) provides modules for outlining the process of litigation (12), establishing pricing variables to each step of the litigation (14), all at the outset of the case. A case budget (16) is then generated and the case is managed by outside counsel based upon the agreed upon budget and process. When exceptions occur during the course of litigation, outside counsel electronically submits requests for new work to corporate counsel, which in turn can be approved or denied. Point and click billing allows immediate simplistic invoicing which requires no review by corporate counsel as the work performed has already been approved. Statistical reporting provides corporate counsel with real time analysis of all the cases that are in the system. |
| US08214315B2 |
Systems and methods for prioritizing mobile media player files
Disclosed are embodiments of systems and methods for prioritizing mobile media player files by providing for the automated addition and/or deletion of media items for a mobile media player. In some embodiments, a statistical method may be provided for inferring which media items on a mobile media player should be deleted based on, for example, user taste data. In some embodiments, new media items may be loaded onto a user's mobile media player by creating one or more playlists from a playlist builder. The playlist(s) may be created by using user taste data. Rankings may also be created to determine an order for deletion of the media items currently on a mobile media player and/or for addition of new media items to the device. |
| US08214313B1 |
Turn rate calculation
A data store includes item configuration data for a plurality of configurations of an item and inventory mix rate data. A computing device is configured to generate a matrix that combines the item configuration data with the inventory mix rate data such that cells in the matrix include an indication of an inventory mix rate related to an item feature; use the matrix to develop a plurality of neural network inventory turn rate models; and use the turn rate models to associate a value with each configuration in the plurality of configurations. |
| US08214311B2 |
Enhanced learning and recognition operations for radial basis functions
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to pattern identification and pattern recognition. In some particular implementations, the invention provides a flexible pattern recognition platform including pattern recognition engines that can be dynamically adjusted to implement specific pattern recognition configurations for individual pattern recognition applications. In some implementations, the present invention also provides for a partition configuration where knowledge elements can be grouped and pattern recognition operations can be individually configured and arranged to allow for multi-level pattern recognition schemes. |
| US08214307B2 |
Multiple-user processing device with intuitive learning capability
A processing device having one or more objectives is provided. The processing device comprises a probabilistic learning module having a learning automaton configured for learning a plurality of processor actions in response to a plurality of actions performed by a plurality of users, and an intuition module configured for modifying a functionality of said probabilistic learning module based on said one or more objectives. |
| US08214306B2 |
Computer game with intuitive learning capability
A computer game and a method of providing learning capability thereto are provided. The computer game has an objective of matching a skill level of the computer game with a skill level of a game player. A move performed by the game player is identified, one of a plurality of game moves is selected based on a game move probability distribution comprising a plurality of probability values corresponding to the plurality of game moves, an outcome of the selected game move relative to the identified player move is determined, the game move probability distribution is updated based on the outcome, and one or more of the game move selection, the outcome determination, and the game move probability distribution update is modified based on the objective. |
| US08214304B2 |
Method and device for calculating a similarity metric between a first feature vector and a second feature vector
The method of calculating a similarity metric between a first feature vector of a first audio and/or video signal and a second feature vector of a second audio and/or video signal of the invention comprises the step of calculating a distance between the first feature vector and the second feature vector, both the first feature vector and the second feature vector comprising a feature value of a second dimension, wherein a weighting factor is used that gives a stronger weight to the first dimension than to the second dimension. The electronic device of the invention comprises electronic circuitry, which is operative to perform the method of the invention. The software of the invention makes a programmable device operative to perform the method of the invention. |
| US08214300B2 |
Social network method and apparatus
A social networking apparatus includes a first project involvement module, a second project involvement module, and a relationship determination module. The first project involvement module determines a first degree of involvement with a project for a first person. The second project involvement module determines a second degree of involvement with the project for a second person. The relationship determination module determines a social relationship between the first and second person based on the first and second degree of involvement. A combined project involvement module may also determine a combined degree of involvement that takes into account the contributions of substantially all project participants, which combined degree of involvement may be further employed when determining the social relationship. In this manner, social relationships may be determined in a more efficient manner. |
| US08214295B2 |
Internet system for facilitating human user advisement and licensing of copyrighted works of authorship
An Internet system for disseminating information regarding works or authorship, including a server and a client device connected to the Internet and wherein when any one web page out of a set of web pages is displayed on the client device and when a work of authorship is displayed as part of the web page, an image is also displayed near the work of authorship, as part of the webpage and when a user clicks on the image, copyright information concerning the work of authorship is presented in a user-perceivable manner. |
| US08214293B2 |
Methods and system for cardholder initiated transactions
A cardholder-initiated financial transaction using a cardholder controlled input device in communication with a payment card network and a database is disclosed. The cardholder uses a payment card issued to the cardholder by an issuer bank. An exemplary method includes the steps of storing merchant data within the database including data identifying the merchants registered to utilize the card network and receiving from the input device transaction data relating to the financial transaction. The transaction data includes an authorization request and merchant identifying data that identifies the merchant involved in the transaction. The method further includes determining that the identified merchant is registered to utilize the card network by comparing the transaction data with the merchant data stored in the database, forwarding the authorization request to the issuer bank, receiving a response to the request from the issuer bank, and automatically forwarding the response to the input device. |
| US08214292B2 |
Post-authorization message for a financial transaction
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for enabling a financial institution to communicate with a merchant regarding post-authorization processing of a financial transaction. The merchant assesses feasibility of the financial transaction after receiving an authorization from the financial institution for the financial transaction and accordingly processes the financial transaction based on the feasibility assessment. The processing of the financial transaction may either result in fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the financial transaction depending on the feasibility assessment. Finally, the merchant provides the financial institution details related to the processing of the financial institution in real-time following the authorization. |
| US08214290B1 |
Self-service terminal reporting
Apparatus and methods for monitoring a plurality of electronic self-service devices. The apparatus and methods may involve a receiver module, a database module, and a web server module. The receiver module may receive from each of the electronic self-service devices information regarding a fault-related event. The database module may associate each of the fault-related events with one of multiple event types. The database module may store the fault-related event information in machine readable memory. The web server module may provide reporting information based on the fault-related events to a user. |
| US08214286B1 |
Computerized extension of credit to existing demand deposit accounts, prepaid cards and lines of credit based on expected tax refund proceeds, associated systems and computer program products
Systems, computer program products, and computer-implemented methods apply or otherwise make available new credit or additional credit to demand deposit accounts, prepaid cards, and existing lines of credit of a customer based on expected tax refund amounts. A computerized estimate of the tax refund available from a tax return of the customer is formed. A portion of the computerized estimate of the tax refund which can be made available as the line of credit is then determined. The existing line of credit is then adjusted based on the expected refund determined to be available, which will serve as an additional source of repayment for the line of credit. One or more of several adjustments may then be made to an existing line of credit. The invention may be implemented as a computerized process, a computer system or a computer program product. |
| US08214285B2 |
Real time adaptive control of transaction review rate score curve
Modern technologies of signal processing and real-time feedback adaptive control are applied to a fraud screen model to enable the fraud screen model to adapt to changes in shopping behavior to effectively maintain the model's performance on a review rate score curve continuously. Multiple techniques disclosed herein integrate control technologies with modeling technology to control the review rate score curve in real time. |
| US08214284B2 |
Computer system and computer-implemented method for managing funding of catastrophe relief efforts
A special purpose entity offers a financial product linked to a charitable organization. A monetary donation is made to the charitable organization for paying a premium assigned to the financial product. Capital payments are received from one or more investors for the financial product. The premium is paid by the special purpose entity to the investors. Upon occurrence of a catastrophic event assigned to the financial product, the capital is paid from the special purpose entity to the charitable organization, for funding relief efforts for the catastrophic event. Otherwise, the capital is repaid from the special purpose entity to the investors. Charities and donors can prepare a country for natural and man-made disasters by putting in place funding before a catastrophic event actually occurs. |
| US08214275B1 |
Multiple transaction property valuation
Property valuation that uses multiple transactions in predicting a value for a property. Instead of choosing only one prior transaction, valuation uses multiple transactions for a given property to provide a more accurate mark-to-market value. Preferably, a weighted combination of mark-to-market values provided by an HPI and individual ones of the multiple transaction records provide a predicted value for the given property. Weighting factors recency and transaction type to correct for both sources of potential inaccuracy. |
| US08214274B2 |
Financial activity based on natural events
A financial activity network includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of an event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. In one example, an external objective independent information source is consulted, with the external objective independent information source providing monitoring, interpretation and derived determination of parameters pertaining to the natural event. Methods and articles of manufacture are also disclosed. |
| US08214269B2 |
Transactional tax settlement in personal communication devices
A transactional tax settlement system for use with a personal communication device is provided. The system has particular usefulness in determining a taxing authority and calculating a tax rate imposed by the taxing authority in a communication network environment. The system may be used to determine a tax authority and corresponding tax rate for a buyer/seller transaction over a network, e.g., the Internet. The system may also be used to determine a tax authority and corresponding tax rate in a mobile telecommunications network, e.g., a cellular phone. The system includes a tax information system for determining the taxing authorities and corresponding tax rates by evaluating factors pertaining to the transaction such as, location, tax status, and transaction description. In addition, the tax information system may validate a payment modality, collect taxes, and account for the transaction. |
| US08214263B2 |
Community management for electronic business to business transactions
Systems, methods, and devices for the automated, community-based exchange of procurement documents. In some embodiments, there may be different sets of rules for each of a number of different communities of trading partners. Each set of rules may be made up of rules data for the automated exchange of procurement documents in respective communities. By way of example, a host trading partner may select the rules for exchange of procurement documents for a community. Invited trading partners may register for the community, and rules for the community may then be distributed to the registered trading partners. |
| US08214260B2 |
On-line sales method and system
An on-line sales method includes providing a website operated by at least one computer connected to the Internet, receiving a user's submission of an amount for conducting a sales transaction, providing a plurality of items available for the user to select from and to potentially purchase at the submitted amount, and providing a selection option of the user determined based on the submitted amount. The method further includes receiving, on the website, the user's selection of multiple ones among the plurality of items in accordance with the user's selection option, conducting a computerized drawing to draw one out of the multiple items selected by the user. The drawn item has a published price that is equal to or higher than the submitted amount. |
| US08214257B1 |
Proxy transactions and delegation of transaction capabilities and roles for a cash handling device
Financial transaction capabilities and roles may be delegated by one user to another user allowing a user to act as a proxy for the other user. Allowing one user to conduct transactions on behalf of another may increase efficiency by reducing potential downtime due to transporting funds, setting up and other time consuming tasks. In one or more configurations, a user may conduct transaction on behalf of another user without requiring explicit permission by the other user. The user conducting the transaction may be allowed to do so by virtue of his or her role or position. According to another aspect, roles may be delegated such that one employee may assume the role of another employee in a business. A role may include a set of transaction capabilities, authorizations, responsibilities and the like. |
| US08214253B1 |
Identifying influencers among a group of wireless-subscription subscribers
An embodiment of the current invention is directed to retaining customers for a wireless-service provider (“carrier”). A plurality of users who are influencers are identified from a group of wireless-service subscribers, wherein an influencer is a user who is likely to affect decisions of other users regarding whether to cancel or maintain their subscriptions with a particular carrier based on whether the influencer cancels or maintains his or her subscription. A list of influencers is thereby created. An incentive to provide the list of identified influencers is determined. The incentive increases the likelihood that the set of influencers will retain their respective subscriptions, thereby increasing the likelihood that other subscribers who might be influenced will also retain their respective subscriptions. |
| US08214252B2 |
System comprising a consumer good and server and a method to bestow an advantage with a monetary value
A system comprising a consumer good, especially a packet of cigarettes or packet of pharmaceutical products, and a server has a consumer good fitted with a concealed code, wherein the code is associated with an advantage having a monetary value and can be transmitted to a server via a telecommunication link, the server being used to check whether the code is registered as valid, and depending on the result of this test, an advantage with a monetary value is credited by the server to the telecommunication number of the caller. |
| US08214251B2 |
Methods and systems of organizing vendors of production print services by ratings
Methods and systems of evaluating customer satisfaction with a plurality of print-related items are disclosed. A plurality of evaluator ratings, each including an ordinal scale value, may be received for each print-related item in a set. A rating distribution may be determined for each print-related item based on the received evaluator ratings. A similarity value between the rating distribution for the print-related item and each other print-related item may also be determined. The set of print-related items may be divided into one or more clusters based on the corresponding similarity values. A comparison of the one or more clusters may be displayed. The comparison may include a comparison of the similarity values and/or a rating variability between rating distributions associated with the print-related items in one or more clusters and/or a comparison of average rating distributions associated with one or more clusters. |
| US08214249B2 |
Resource planning system with carbon emission input
Embodiments of systems, methods, and software associated with the development of a resource or production plan within an enterprise's integration system are described in the present disclosure. In one of many embodiments, a method is described. Upon obtaining a master planning schedule, the method includes evaluating an inventory of resource associated with the master planning schedule. A production schedule associated with the master planning schedule is evaluated. Also, the method includes estimating carbon emission information associated with the master planning schedule. |
| US08214245B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing inclusive decision branches
A method and system for reconstructing an original process model that includes an inclusive decision into a reconstructed process model that includes synchronized branches. The inclusive decision is replaced with a fork. Each original path of the inclusive decision is reconstructed into a corresponding reconstructed path. Each reconstructed path includes a decision, an activity included in the corresponding original path, and a merge. The decision includes a first output connected to the activity, whose output is connected to a first input of the merge. The decision further includes a second output connected to a second input of the merge. A join is created to recombine output branches from the merge node and other merge nodes included in reconstructed paths. The output branches are synchronized so that all activated reconstructed paths must finish processing before a modeling element connected to an output of the join is executed. |
| US08214244B2 |
Commercial investment analysis
A technique for performing commercial venture analysis involves establishing an empirically-derived structure and evaluating companies using analytical techniques within that structure. The technique may involve defining jobs, or goals a customer is attempting to reach, with dozens or even hundreds of outcomes. Ideally, the structure and tools facilitate analysis that would not be possible otherwise. Moreover, the nature of the system enables real-time input for changing conditions and the ability to calculate returns for new markets in which products or services do not exist. |
| US08214242B2 |
Signaling correspondence between a meeting agenda and a meeting discussion
Signaling correspondence between a meeting agenda and a meeting discussion includes: receiving a meeting agenda specifying one or more topics for a meeting; analyzing, for each topic, one or more documents to identify topic keywords for that topic; receiving meeting discussions among participants for the meeting; identifying a current topic for the meeting in dependence upon the meeting agenda; determining a correspondence indicator in dependence upon the meeting discussions and the topic keywords for the current topic, the correspondence indicator specifying the correspondence between the meeting agenda and the meeting discussion; and rendering the correspondence indicator to the participants of the meeting. |
| US08214241B2 |
System and method for web-based customer check-in
A web-based system and method allows customers to remotely check-in to a wait list for a service from a business. A website is provided through which an address submitted by the customer can be received. Multiple locations of the business in the vicinity of the address and wait times for the service at each location can then be geographically displayed. A selection of a location at which to receive the service can be received and the customer can then be placed on a waiting list for the selected location. The multiple locations can be displayed on a map showing the relative proximity of the address and the locations. The wait times can be calculated using historical data related to the performance of the service at each location, such as the amount of time that employees at the location have taken to perform the service in the past. |
| US08214235B2 |
Method and apparatus for enterprise risk management
A method of enterprise risk management includes defining a hierarchical organizational model to represent an enterprise. The model has a master level and one or more levels subordinate to the master level. The master level has plural materiality grades and plural probability grades, each subordinate level including one or more entities have a reporting relationship to one of the entities in the preceding level, each entity having plural materiality grades. Risk information is collected which includes risk items, each associated with a particular entity in the hierarchical organizational model and having a materiality measure and a probability measure. Selected portions of the collected risk information is output in an output view that for each selected risk item relates the probability measure to the plural probability grades and the materiality measure to either the plural master level materiality grades or the plural entity level materiality grades depending on a selected level. The output view may be presented in a graphical or tabular format. The materiality grades may be defined in financial terms and/or in synonymous terms. |
| US08214221B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding an audio signal and identifying information included in the audio signal
A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding an audio signal are provided. The present invention includes receiving an audio signal including an audio descriptor, recognizing that the audio signal includes a downmix signal and a spatial information signal using the audio descriptor, and converting the downmix signal to a multi-channel signal using the spatial information signal, wherein the spatial information signal includes a header each a preset temporal or spatial interval, and the spatial information signal includes a header each a preset temporal or spatial interval thereby the header can be selectively included in the spatial information signal and if the header is plurally included in the spatial information signal, it is able to decode spatial information in case of reproducing the audio signal from a random point. |
| US08214220B2 |
Method and apparatus for embedding spatial information and reproducing embedded signal for an audio signal
An apparatus for encoding and decoding an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which compatibility with a player of a general mono or stereo audio signal can be provided in coding an audio signal and by which spatial information for a multi-channel audio signal can be stored or transmitted without a presence of an auxiliary data area. The present invention includes extracting side information embedded in non-recognizable component of audio signal components and decoding the audio signal using the extracted side information. |
| US08214217B2 |
System and method for performing speech synthesis with a cache of phoneme sequences
Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer readable media for performing speech synthesis. The method embodiment comprises applying a first part of a speech synthesizer to a text corpus to obtain a plurality of phoneme sequences, the first part of the speech synthesizer only identifying possible phoneme sequences, for each of the obtained plurality of phoneme sequences, identifying joins that would be calculated to synthesize each of the plurality of respective phoneme sequences, and adding the identified joins to a cache for use in speech synthesis. |
| US08214216B2 |
Speech synthesis for synthesizing missing parts
A simply configured speech synthesis device and the like for producing a natural synthetic speech at high speed. When data representing a message template is supplied, a voice unit editor (5) searches a voice unit database (7) for voice unit data on a voice unit whose sound matches a voice unit in the message template. Further, the voice unit editor (5) predicts the cadence of the message template and selects, one at a time, a best match of each voice unit in the message template from the voice unit data that has been retrieved, according to the cadence prediction result. For a voice unit for which no match can be selected, an acoustic processor (41) is instructed to supply waveform data representing the waveform of each unit voice. The voice unit data that is selected and the waveform data that is supplied by the acoustic processor (41) are combined to generate data representing a synthetic speech. |
| US08214212B2 |
Systems and methods for extracting meaning from multimodal inputs using finite-state devices
Multimodal utterances contain a number of different modes. These modes can include speech, gestures, and pen, haptic, and gaze inputs, and the like. This invention use recognition results from one or more of these modes to provide compensation to the recognition process of one or more other ones of these modes. In various exemplary embodiments, a multimodal recognition system inputs one or more recognition lattices from one or more of these modes, and generates one or more models to be used by one or more mode recognizers to recognize the one or more other modes. In one exemplary embodiment, a gesture recognizer inputs a gesture input and outputs a gesture recognition lattice to a multimodal parser. The multimodal parser generates a language model and outputs it to an automatic speech recognition system, which uses the received language model to recognize the speech input that corresponds to the recognized gesture input. |
| US08214210B1 |
Lattice-based querying
A system for processing a query operates by receiving a first query segment that includes audio speech. Next, the system generates a representation for this first query segment, where the representation includes at least two paths associated with alternative phrase sequences for an ambiguity in the audio speech. The system then compares the paths in the representation to a group of documents and determines matching scores for the group of documents based on the comparisons. Finally, the system presents a ranking of the group of documents, where the ranking is based on the matching scores for the group of documents. |
| US08214208B2 |
Method and system for sharing portable voice profiles
An embodiment of the present invention provides a speech recognition engine that utilizes portable voice profiles for converting recorded speech to text. Each portable voice profile includes speaker-dependent data, and is configured to be accessible to a plurality of speech recognition engines through a common interface. A voice profile manager receives the portable voice profiles from other users who have agreed to share their voice profiles. The speech recognition engine includes speaker identification logic to dynamically select a particular portable voice profile, in real-time, from a group of portable voice profiles. The speaker-dependent data included with the portable voice profile enhances the accuracy with which speech recognition engines recognize spoken words in recorded speech from a speaker associated with a portable voice profile. |
| US08214207B2 |
Quantizing a joint-channel-encoded audio signal
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for quantizing a joint-channel-encoded audio signal, e.g., by: identifying a target quantization unit for reduction of quantization step size based on quantization errors; determining whether the target quantization unit has been jointly sum/difference encoded with another quantization unit; if the target quantization unit has been jointly sum/difference encoded with another quantization unit, then (i) designating the sum or difference channel quantization unit as a target S/D quantization unit in based on which has a greater quantization error and (ii) re-quantizing the target S/D channel quantization using a decreased quantization step size; recalculating the quantization error for the target quantization unit; and repeating the process until a specified criterion is satisfied. |
| US08214205B2 |
Speech enhancement apparatus and method
A speech enhancement apparatus and method and a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon execute a speech enhancement method. The speech enhancement apparatus includes a spectrum subtraction unit generating a subtracted spectrum by subtracting an estimated noise spectrum from a received speech spectrum, a correction function modeling unit generating a correction function to minimize a noise spectrum using variation of a noise spectrum included in training data, and a spectrum correction unit generating a corrected spectrum by correcting the subtracted spectrum using the correction function. |
| US08214198B2 |
Translation supporting program, apparatus, and method
In a computer for supporting translation work, an acquisition unit retrieves a pair of original document including a plurality of original sentences and translated document including a plurality of translated sentences from a document storage unit. An estimation unit counts the number of original sentences included in the original document and the number of translated sentences included in the translated document, and estimates a position of a translated sentence corresponding to each original sentence in the translated document based on a ratio of the number of original sentences to the number of translated sentences and a positional order of each original sentence in the original document. An alignment unit aligns each original sentence with the translated sentence located at the estimated position, and outputs information indicating the correspondences between the original and translated sentences. |
| US08214196B2 |
Syntax-based statistical translation model
A statistical translation model (TM) may receive a parse tree in a source language as an input and separately output a string in a target language. The TM may perform channel operations on the parse tree using model parameters stored in probability tables. The channel operations may include reordering child nodes, inserting extra words at each node (e.g., NULL words) translating leaf words, and reading off leaf words to generate the string in the target language. The TM may assign a translation probability to the string in the target language. |
| US08214195B2 |
Testing in a hardware emulation environment
A system and method is disclosed for testing emulation boards in a hardware emulation environment. In one embodiment, test files can be maintained that identify a list of test commands. Such a list can be easily changed without recompiling. In another embodiment, the list of commands can be read by a first server. The commands can be passed (e.g., sequentially) to a second server associated with one or more emulator boards. The second server can ensure that the commands are executed on the specified emulator boards for testing the emulator boards. In yet another embodiment, a user can request a series of tests to be executed. The tests can be included in a list of test names. Each test name can correspond to a list of test commands associated with the test name. Thus, a first server can read a test name, read a file of test commands associated with the test name and pass the test commands to a second server to ensure the test commands are executed. |
| US08214189B2 |
Performance evaluation simulation
A performance evaluation simulation apparatus divides a process into basic process units based on an execution log, calculates a throughput of each basic process unit from information held in the execution log, changes an arrangement structure so that a basic process unit with the calculated throughput exceeding a predetermined threshold is disposed in a hardware model, and performs a performance evaluation simulation on the hardware model and a software model to generate statistical information on which performance evaluation is based. |
| US08214188B2 |
Methods and systems for modeling, designing, and conducting drilling operations that consider vibrations
A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method, which relates to modeling and operation of drilling equipment, includes constructing one or more surrogates for at least a portion of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and calculating performance results from each of the one or more surrogates. The calculated results of the modeling may include one or more vibration performance indices that characterize the BHA vibration performance of the surrogates for operating parameters and boundary conditions, which may be substantially the same as conditions to be used, being used, or previously used in drilling operations. The selected BHA surrogate may then be utilized in a well construction operation and thus associated with the production of hydrocarbons. |
| US08214182B2 |
Methods of predicting residual stresses and distortion in quenched aluminum castings
Computational systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to predict at least one of residual stresses and distortion in quenched aluminum castings. Residual stresses and distortion may be predicted through incorporating thermal strains induced during quenching with the nonlinear constitutive behavior of quenched microstructures of a quenched aluminum casting, wherein thermal strains arise generally from non-uniform transient temperature distribution of the casting during quenching. The transient temperature distribution of the aluminum casting during quenching may be calculated based on heat transfer coefficients specific to one or more nodes, elements and/or zones on the surfaces of the aluminum casting. The nonlinear constitutive behavior of the quenched aluminum casting may be modeled as functions of temperatures, strain rates, and microstructure variations. A material constitutive model accounts for not only strain hardening and creep, but also precipitate hardening. Thereby, residual stresses and distortion in the quenched aluminum castings can be predicted using the embodiments. |
| US08214181B2 |
Method for generating a model representative of a process
A method for generating a model representative of a process. The process includes a result variable representing a product of the process, and a plurality of process variables representing characteristics of the process other than the product of the process. The method includes steps of acquiring a plurality of test values of the result variable; acquiring, for each process variable of the plurality of process variables, a plurality of test values of the process variable, each test value being associated with a result variable value; providing, for each first coefficient of a plurality of first coefficients, a separate test value of the first coefficient associated with each process variable; and, for each second coefficient of a plurality of second coefficients, providing a separate test value of the second coefficient associated with each test value of each process variable. |
| US08214178B2 |
Method and system for optimizing the vibrational characteristics of a structure
A structural optimization engine generates a response profile based on a vibrational analysis of a three-dimensional (3D) structure. The structural optimization engine determines whether the 3D structure complies with one or more design goals set for the 3D structure based on the response profile. When the 3D structure does not comply with the design goals, the structural optimization engine retrieves dependency data from a structure database. The dependency data indicates various dependencies between response characteristics included in the response profile and specific regions of the 3D model. Based on the dependency data, the structural optimization engine determines structural modifications that can be made to the 3D structure to bring the 3D structure into compliance with the design goals. A multi-axis computer-aided manufacturing unit then makes the structural modifications to the 3D structure. |
| US08214176B2 |
Exhaust gas sensor abnormality diagnostic device
An exhaust gas sensor abnormality diagnostic device includes an exhaust gas sensor, and a judgment means that judges whether execution conditions are established for making an abnormality diagnosis of element breakage in the exhaust gas sensor. The device also includes an abnormality diagnosis means that makes the abnormality diagnosis in accordance with an output signal generated by the exhaust gas sensor. Further, when the integrated value of intake air amounts of an internal combustion engine is not smaller than a predetermined value, the judgment means judges that the execution conditions are established. The abnormality diagnosis means cancels the establishment of the execution conditions when an intake air amount of the internal combustion engine remains less than a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time. |
| US08214175B2 |
Method and device for monitoring and analyzing signals
A method and system for monitoring and analyzing at least one signal are disclosed. An abstract of at least one reference signal is generated and stored in a reference database. An abstract of a query signal to be analyzed is then generated so that the abstract of the query signal can be compared to the abstracts stored in the reference database for a match. The method and system may optionally be used to record information about the query signals, the number of matches recorded, and other useful information about the query signals. Moreover, the method by which abstracts are generated can be programmable based upon selectable criteria. The system can also be programmed with error control software so as to avoid the re-occurrence of a query signal that matches more than one signal stored in the reference database. |
| US08214174B2 |
Algorithm for online adaptive polarization curve estimation of a fuel cell stack
An algorithm for determining a polarization curve of a fuel cell stack. When the fuel cell stack is running and certain data validity criteria have been met, the algorithm goes into a data collection mode where it collects stack data, such as stack current density, average cell voltage and minimum cell voltage. When the stack is shut down, the algorithm uses a cell voltage model to solve a least squares problem to estimate predetermined parameters that define the polarization curve. If the estimated parameters satisfy certain termination criteria, then the estimated parameters are stored to be used by a system controller to calculate the polarization curve of the stack. |
| US08214171B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including test mode circuit
A semiconductor memory device having a test mode circuit is presented which includes: a mode setting unit, in response to an external command and a first address signal for a mode set, providing a mode register set signal corresponding to predetermined mode setting; and a test mode circuit, in response to the mode register set signal and a second address signal for test enable control in an initial operation, performing test mode enable; the test mode circuit, in response to the mode register set signal and a third address signal for test item selection in the test mode enable state, outputting a test mode item signal; and the test mode circuit, in a subsequent operation, receiving the fed-back test mode item signal to maintain the test mode enable state. |
| US08214170B2 |
Test pattern compression
A method for test pattern compression generates a first test pattern comprising a plurality of bits. The method identifies bits comprising a don't-care bit value in the first test pattern and replaces the identified bit values with random bit values, to generate a second test pattern. The method determines a fault coverage level of the second test pattern. In the event the determined fault coverage level of the second test pattern exceeds a predetermined individual test pattern fault coverage level, for at least one bit position in the second test pattern corresponding to a replaced identified bit value and detecting at least one fault, the method exchanges the don't care value in the bit position in the first test pattern with the bit value in the corresponding bit position in the second test pattern. The method merges subsequent test patterns that increase fault coverage with the second test pattern. |
| US08214168B2 |
Noninvasive testing of a material intermediate spaced walls
A sensor probe provides a pair of unique signal paths through a test material, wherein one configuration of the probe provides identical external portions of the signal paths such that a selected parameter of a measuring signal passing along at least two of the unique signal paths is measured. From these measurements, a method is provided for calculating at least one parameter of the test material, wherein the parameter can include an intrinsic parameter as well as a condition of state. |
| US08214166B2 |
Method and its system for calibrating measured data between different measuring tools
A method, and a corresponding system, are provided for calibrating data of an object measured by different measuring tools, including measuring a Critical-Dimension (CD) and roughness of an object by using a CD-SEM tool, calculating a number of cross section measurement points required for calibration, by statistically processing the roughness of the object, measuring the cross section of the object by using a cross section measuring tool to obtain cross section data at the calculated number of cross section measurement points, calculating the average measurement of the cross section measurement height, and calculating a calibration correction value that is a function of a difference between the average CD measurement of the object and the average measurement of the cross section measurement height of the object. |
| US08214165B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for precise early detection of AC power loss
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining power source failure. A sampling module samples an alternating current power waveform as input to a power supply, at a sampling frequency which is a multiple of a predetermined frequency, to obtain a sampled amplitude at a known point within the predetermined period. A comparison module compares the sampled amplitude to a stored threshold amplitude to obtain a comparison result, corresponding to the known point. An accumulation module accumulates most recent comparison results. A warning module asserts an early power off warning signal if a predetermined number of the most recent comparison results each indicate that the sampled amplitude is smaller in absolute value than the stored threshold amplitude. |
| US08214160B2 |
State detection device, state detection method, state detection program, and information recording medium
A state detecting apparatus S for detecting a current operating state of an LM (linear motion) system includes an AE sensor 1 generating a detection signal Sae by detecting an AE wave elastically generated when a plurality of balls contained in the LM system revolve in a circulation portion while spinning themselves; and a signal processing unit 4 generating a parameter indicating an intensity of the AE wave based on only the detection signal Sae corresponding to an operating frequency of the ball, and uses the parameter to determine a lubrication state of the LM system. Thereby, it is possible to provide the state detecting apparatus capable of predicting failure occurrence in the LM system; providing an improved maintenance to a user of the LM system and further longer lifetime thereof; and providing a performance guarantee and an improved quality of a device or equipment manufactured using the LM system. |
| US08214157B2 |
Method and apparatus for representing multidimensional data
The present invention relates to methods for representing multidimensional data. The methods of the present invention are well suited but not limited to the representation of multidimensional data in such a way as to enable the comparison and differentiation of data sets. For example, the invention may be applied to the representation of flow cytometric data. The invention further relates to a program storage device having instructions for controlling a computer system to perform the methods, and to a program storage device containing data structures used in the practice of the methods. |
| US08214154B2 |
Systems for rapid identification of pathogens in humans and animals
“The present invention provides systems for: identifying pathogens in biological samples from humans and animals, resolving a plurality of etiologic agents present in samples obtained from humans and animals, determining detailed genetic information about such pathogens or etiologic agents, and rapid detection and identification of bioagents from environmental, clinical or other samples.” |
| US08214153B1 |
Methods for determining the genetic affinity of microorganisms and viruses
Selecting which sub-sequences in a database of nucleic acid such as 16S rRNA are highly characteristic of particular groupings of bacteria, microorganisms, fungi, etc. on a substantially phylogenetic tree. Also applicable to viruses comprising viral genomic RNA or DNA. A catalogue of highly characteristic sequences identified by this method is assembled to establish the genetic identity of an unknown organism. The characteristic sequences are used to design nucleic acid hybridization probes that include the characteristic sequence or its complement, or are derived from one or more characteristic sequences. A plurality of these characteristic sequences is used in hybridization to determine the phylogenetic tree position of the organism(s) in a sample. Those target organisms represented in the original sequence database and sufficient characteristic sequences can identify to the species or subspecies level. Oligonucleotide arrays of many probes are especially preferred. A hybridization signal can comprise fluorescence, chemiluminescence, or isotopic labeling, etc.; or sequences in a sample can be detected by direct means, e.g. mass spectrometry. The method's characteristic sequences can also be used to design specific PCR primers. The method uniquely identifies the phylogenetic affinity of an unknown organism without requiring prior knowledge of what is present in the sample. Even if the organism has not been previously encountered, the method still provides useful information about which phylogenetic tree bifurcation nodes encompass the organism. |
| US08214151B2 |
Methods of identifying high neutron capture cross section doped proppant in induced subterranean formation fractures
Methods are provided for determining the locations and heights of fractures in a subterranean formation using a neutron-emitting logging tool. Utilizing predetermined relationships (1) between logging tool count rates and associated apparent formation hydrogen index values and (2) between logging tool count rate ratios and associated apparent formation hydrogen index values, the methods detect the presence and heights in the formation of proppant containing high thermal neutron capture cross section material in a manner substantially eliminating proppant determination uncertainty resulting from a prior change in formation hydrogen index values. A second, associated, method employing logging tool count rates and count rate ratios to determine the presence of proppant containing high thermal neutron capture cross section absorbers utilizes a crossplot of count rate versus ratio. Logged intervals containing no proppant will fall on a trend/trendline on the crossplot, whereas logged intervals containing proppant will fall off from this trend/trendline. |
| US08214139B2 |
Position source selection
Techniques are described for position source selection. In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to select between a plurality of position sources to determine position based upon a variety of selection criteria. In an implementation, a last known position may be stored when position is being determined through the plurality of position sources. The last known position may be used as an alternative to determining position via the position sources when one or more of the position sources are unavailable. In another implementation, the last known position may be employed to automatically select one of the plurality of position sources to be used by the electronic device for determining position. |
| US08214127B2 |
Torque based clutch fuel cut off
An engine control system comprises a clutch cut off enable module and a torque control module. The clutch cut off enable module generates an enable signal based on a clutch engagement signal and an accelerator pedal signal. The torque control module reduces a spark advance of an engine to a minimum value and disables fueling of cylinders of the engine based on the enable signal. The minimum value is a minimum allowed spark advance for current engine airflow. |
| US08214125B2 |
Apparatus for changing a vehicle speed setting of cruise control
A vehicle speed setting of cruise control is changed based on an operation by a driver. At this time, it is determined whether the vehicle is traveling in a passing lane or a traveling lane (S202). If the vehicle is traveling in a passing lane, the speed at which the vehicle speed setting is changed is increased (S206). If a blinker on the passing lane side of the vehicle is on (S205), the speed at which the vehicle speed setting is changed is also increased (S206) even if the vehicle is traveling in the traveling lane. |
| US08214121B2 |
Brake control interlock logic
A brake control circuit for determining if a brake command from a brake pedal is valid is provided. The brake control circuit includes at least two independent channels configured to receive data indicative of brake pedal deflection for the brake pedal, and logic circuitry operatively coupled to the at least two independent channels. The logic circuitry is configured to generate a valid brake flag when the respective channels receive data that are within a predetermined range of one another, and to generate an invalid brake flag when the respective channels receive data that are not within a predetermined range of one another. |
| US08214120B2 |
Method to manage a high voltage system in a hybrid powertrain system
A powertrain includes an electromechanical transmission operative to transmit torque between an input member and an electric machine and an output member to transmit tractive torque. The electric machine is electrically connected to an inverter device which is electrically connected to an energy storage device. A method for operating the powertrain includes detecting a shutdown event, commanding the transmission to neutral, commanding the electric machine to cease operating in a torque generating mode, and electrically disconnecting the energy storage device from the inverter device. |
| US08214115B2 |
System and method of changing engine performance curves to manage heat generation
A system and method for managing the heat produced by operation of an internal combustion system utilizes an electronic controller to control operation the engine that is coupled to a transmission. The transmission can include a high drive ratio and a low drive ratio. Stored in the controller are a plurality of different performance curves. When the transmission is in the low drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively increases the amount of torque and/or power the engine produces. When the transmission is in the high drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively reduces torque and/or power produced by the engine. Because the engine generates less heat when it produces less torque, the engine can accommodate additional emissions control devices and/or techniques that may otherwise adversely affect heat rejection. |
| US08214114B2 |
Control of engine torque for traction and stability control events for a hybrid powertrain system
An internal combustion engine is mechanically coupled to a hybrid transmission to transmit mechanical power to an output member. A method for controlling the internal combustion engine includes determining an accelerator output torque request based upon an operator input to the accelerator pedal, and determining an axle torque response type. A preferred input torque from the engine to the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request. An allowable range of input torque from the engine which can be reacted with the hybrid transmission is determined based upon the accelerator output torque request and the axle torque response type. The engine is controlled to meet the preferred input torque when the preferred input torque is within the allowable range of input torque from the engine. The engine is controlled within the allowable range of input torque from the engine when the preferred input torque is outside the allowable range of input torques from the engine. |
| US08214111B2 |
Adaptive machine control system and method
A machine control system and method includes an on-board GPS receiver, an on-board processor adapted to store a preplanned guide pattern and a guidance device. The processor includes a comparison function for comparing the vehicle GPS position with a line segment of the preplanned guide pattern. The processor controls the guidance device for guiding the vehicle along the line segment. Various guide pattern modification functions are programmed into the processor, including best-fit polynomial correction, spline correction, turn-flattening to accommodate minimum vehicle turning radii and automatic end-of-swath keyhole turning. |
| US08214110B2 |
Construction machine and method of controlling construction machine
The present invention provides a construction machine where overheating of mounted electric devices can be prevented properly with a simple structure and a method of controlling the construction machine. For this purpose, a pump target discharge flow rate of a hydraulic pump is calculated based on an operated amount of an operating unit, a temperature of an electric device mounted on the construction machine is detected, an engine minimum speed, which is a minimum possible speed of an engine in carrying out low-speed matching for matching output of the engine and pump absorbing horsepower of the hydraulic pump to each other in a low-speed region where speed of the engine is lower than set speed, is calculated by using the detected temperature of the electric device, and a maximum value out of a corresponding speed of the pump target discharge flow rate and the engine minimum speed is generated as a candidate for an engine target speed. |
| US08214108B2 |
Vehicle system and method for selectively coupled vehicles
A vehicle system and method includes a primary vehicle (PV) and an auxiliary vehicle (AV) selectively connectable to the primary vehicle. The PV and AV vehicles each having an ECU, a propulsion system a braking system, and a directional control system for steering at least one wheel thereon. The ECU of the PV and the ECU of the AV in communication with one another to form an interactive control system that control operation of the systems of the PV and the AV when connected to one another. The vehicle system also includes a docking system for connecting the AV and the PV. The docking system includes an automatic docking actuator that automatically connects the AV to the PV when actuated. Optionally, a remote control device communicates with the ECU of the AV for controlling the AV through the ECU of the AV when disconnected from the PV. |
| US08214106B2 |
Adaptive suspension control for a motor vehicle
A suspension control system for a motor vehicle having a chassis and wheels connected to the chassis by a suspension system the stiffness of which is variable under the control of the suspension control system comprises a controller adapted to modify autonomously the stiffness of the suspension system depending on a current state of motion of the vehicle. |
| US08214101B2 |
System and method for detecting machine movement and speed sensor failure
A method for indirectly detecting a movement of a machine and a failure of a speed sensor is disclosed. The method may include receiving an operator input signal, and determining a first factor based on the operator input signal. The method may also include measuring a machine operation parameter, and determining a second factor based on the machine operation parameter. The method may further include identifying a movement of the machine if the first factor is out of a first threshold range and the second factor is out of a second threshold range for at least a first threshold length of time. The method may also include determining a speed sensor failure if the movement of the machine is identified and no speed is detected by the speed sensor for at least a second threshold length of time. |
| US08214100B2 |
Internet-based system for monitoring vehicles
The invention provides a method for monitoring a vehicle that features the steps of: 1) generating a data packet including vehicle data retrieved from the vehicle using a wireless appliance; 2) transmitting the data packet over an airlink with the wireless appliance so that the data packet passes through a network and to a host computer system; 3) processing the data packet with the host computer system to generate a set of data; and 4) displaying the set of data on a web page hosted on the internet. |
| US08214095B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting engine firing in a hybrid powertrain system
A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system includes commanding engine operation to transition from an engine-off state to an engine-on state. A control scheme detects engine firing based upon input speed, input torque and a change in the input torque. |
| US08214088B2 |
Device for piloting a drone
The device (10) for piloting a drone (8) comprises a housing having a tilt detector (12) for detecting tilts of the housing, and a touchpad (16) displaying a plurality of touch zones (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42). A self-contained stabilizer system to stabilizes the drone in hovering flight in the absence of any user commands. The device comprises a controller controlled by a touch zone (30) forming an activation/deactivation button to cause the drone piloting mode to switch in alternation between an activation mode in which the self-contained stabilizer system of the drone is activated, in which mode said piloting commands transmitted to the drone result from transforming signals delivered by the touch zones and a deactivation mode in which the self-contained stabilizer system of the drone is deactivated, in which mode the piloting commands transmitted to the drone result from transforming signals emitted by the tilt detector of the housing. |
| US08214087B2 |
Object specifying device for a vehicle
An object specifying device mounted in a controlled vehicle has a unit for tracking objects, existing in a monitoring area set along a running direction of the controlled vehicle, to detect the objects as forward objects, a unit for specifying one forward object running in the area as a forward vehicle, a unit for specifying each of other forward objects as a candidate for a control-based object when the forward object is placed in an inter-vehicle area between the controlled and forward vehicles, and a unit for specifying each candidate, tracked for a tracking period equal to or longer than a reference tracking period, as a control-based object and specifies each candidate, tracked for a tracking period shorter than the reference tracking period, as a non-control-based object. The controlled vehicle is controlled according to a movement of the control-based objects, regardless of a movement of the non-control-based objects. |
| US08214085B2 |
Ventilator control optimizer
A ventilator control optimizer allowing the control of a ventilator without the need for manual input. The ventilator control optimizer analyzes trends in indoor environmental conditions (dew point, relative humidity, etc.) and makes decisions based on these trends. The ventilator control optimizer is able to change ventilator fan speeds depending on the detected trends. This will prevent the ventilator from operating under conditions which might aggravate the humidity problem indoors. The ventilator control optimizer also allows auxiliary systems (dehumidifier, etc.) to be controlled automatically to deal with high humidity conditions. |
| US08214080B2 |
Method and device for the compensation of geometrical errors in machining machinery
A method to compensate geometrical errors in processing machines, in which a workpiece holder (8) is arranged such that it can be adjusted on the basis of measurement signals that have been received by being able to be rotated relative to a fixture (9) in the processing machine to which the workpiece holder is attached. A method for the alignment of a workpiece in processing machines, and an arrangement for the realization of the method are disclosed. The arrangement includes a workpiece holder (8), the angle of which relative to a fixture (9) in the processing machine to which the workpiece holder (8) is connected can be adjusted. |
| US08214078B1 |
Kiosk for dispensing items
A kiosk and a method for dispensing items therefrom. In various embodiments, the kiosk comprises a shelf system for holding items to be dispensed from the kiosk and a gripper capable of transporting items from the shelf system to a dispenser. The shelf system preferably comprises a series of parallel shelves, each shelf capable of holding one dispensable item. When not in operation, the shelves of the shelf system remain in an inclined position, thereby preventing the items situated thereon from falling off the shelves. To dispense an item, the shelves are rotated into a substantially horizontal position so the gripper may engage the selected item and transport the item to a dispenser. |
| US08214075B2 |
System and method for modelling a flight
A method of modelling a flight of an aircraft using at least one computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: sourcing flight details from at least one data source using at least one data acquisition system, the flight details representative of the activity of the aircraft within a flight information region, and compiling a flight model from the flight details using a processing system, the flight model indicating the activity of the aircraft over the duration of the flight in two or more FIRs or for an entire flight undertaken in a single FIR. |
| US08214072B2 |
Apparatus for monitoring and securing danger zones on power-driven textile machines
In an apparatus for monitoring and securing danger zones on power-driven textile machines, in particular spinning room preparatory machines, having movable machine parts, an optical monitoring device monitors a movable danger zone to form a movable protection zone, such that a person and/or an object intruding into the danger zone triggers a switching operation. To produce an apparatus that allows guarding of danger zones in a simple and reliable manner, stationary monitoring device is present, which is selectively activatable and forms a dynamically movable protection zone around the movable danger zone. |
| US08214070B2 |
Method and device for controlling an actuator
In a method and a device for controlling an actuator, the first setpoint value for the position of the actuator is predefined. A change in the setpoint value for the control of the actuator to the first setpoint value is limited to a first setpoint value change limitation. For the reaching of the first setpoint value, a second setpoint value is predefined. A change in the setpoint value for the position of the actuator to the second setpoint value is limited to a second setpoint value change limitation. If the actual value of the change of the setpoint value to the first setpoint value using the first setpoint value change limitation would be greater than the change of the setpoint value to the second setpoint value using the second setpoint value change limitation, the first setpoint value is predefined for the setpoint value and the change in the setpoint value for the control of the actuator to the first setpoint value is limited according to the first setpoint value change limitation. |
| US08214069B2 |
Automated hierarchical configuration of custom products with complex geometries: method and apparatus
The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product having a complex design, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration for the product will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type, such as a bus. A particular instance of the product type must satisfy a set of external parametric constraints specified by a user. These constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic of the product. Constraints may also be imposed for other reasons, such as governmental regulations or business requirements. The hierarchical decomposition facilitates the solution of highly complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, for a collection of subdesigns, or globally. The tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated parametric constraints upon a subsequent subdesign solution. If no acceptable solution is found for a given subdesign, the candidate overall configuration is rolled back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns. The method transforms the constraints into a concrete design. The method will ordinarily be executed on a digital computer, and the instructions to program the computer will be stored on tangible digital media. |
| US08214062B2 |
Plant control system and thermal power generation plant control system
The plant control system has a measurement signal data database, a model to estimate the value of measurement signal data used at a time when an operation signal is given to the plant, and an operation signal learning unit to learn a method of generating a model input, which is equivalent to an operation signal, so that a model output, which is equivalent to the measurement signal data, attains a target value. The plant control system also has an evaluation function calculating unit to calculate an evaluation function value from the model output obtained as a result of an operation carried out by the operation signal learning unit for the model, and an evaluation function adjusting unit to adjust evaluation function parameters used in calculation of an evaluation function. |
| US08214057B2 |
Surgically implantable electrodes
Paddle lead electrodes that are capable of performing peripheral nerve stimulation, thereby modulating, controlling and/or reducing neuropathic pain in a patient, that are also surgically implantable, and that will remain fixed in place at the site of implantation when in use are provided. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the electrodes are capable of being surgically implanted underneath a sheath of protective connective tissue that covers electrically excitable tissues and are adapted to electrically stimulate those tissues. Electrodes contemplated by some embodiments are particularly well suited for perineurial implantation. Some embodiments include methods of use associated with the electrodes. |
| US08214056B2 |
Nerve cuff, method and apparatus for manufacturing same
A nerve cuff comprising a wall band member having an inner surface defining a lumen when the wall band member is in a closed configuration for receiving a nerve therethrough. At least one longitudinal and contiguous conductor extends within the lumen. The conductor is insulated and has at least one exposed portion thereby providing an electrode. When mounting the nerve cuff to a nerve, each electrode is in electrical communication with the nerve. A multi-channel nerve cuff further comprises a plurality of longitudinal ridges formed on the inner surface with each adjacent pair of ridges defining a longitudinal chamber. Each chamber comprises a respective conductor extending therein. When mounting the multi-channel nerve cuff to the nerve, the ridges abut the nerve providing for each chamber to isolate respective longitudinal portions of the nerve. A method and an apparatus for manufacturing such nerve cuffs are also disclosed. |
| US08214055B2 |
Implantable pulse generator comprising MRI current limiting windings in header structure
In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads. |
| US08214052B2 |
Method of improved vein closure
There are disclosed methods of vein closure. In an embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg of a patient during a vein closure procedure so as to effect substantial emptying of the vein. The method also includes applying radio-frequency energy to a vein within the leg of the patient to cause the vein closure. In another embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg of a patient during a vein closure procedure within a range of about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees from a horizontal position. The method also includes applying radio-frequency energy to a vein within the leg of the patient. In one embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg, and emptying of a segment of the vein prior to applying radio-frequency energy. In another embodiment, the method includes elevating a leg of a patient, and applying energy to a vein. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08214049B2 |
Gastric stimulation systems and methods utilizing a transgastric probe
Gastric stimulation devices, systems and methods are provided, particularly for stimulating a gastric organ having an internal cavity. Such devices and systems are typically implanted outside of the gastric organ while the environment of the internal cavity is probed and monitored by one or more sensors. The sensor information may be used to affect the stimulation signals provided to the gastric organ by the devices and systems. Such feedback integration assists in providing treatments and stimulation programs that are tailored to the needs of the individual patient. |
| US08214047B2 |
Method of using spinal cord stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders or conditions
The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. |
| US08214046B2 |
Pre-molded header with universal tip-to-tip feedthru adaptor
In fabricating a header assembly of an implantable medical device, one end of a bore contact wire attached to a connector block is keyed with one guiding channel at an upper region of a feedthru adapter and through the adapter to its undersurface. An opposite end is bent into conformance with an orientation channel on the adaptor undersurface. A tip end of a feedthru wire connected to electronic circuitry of the medical device and projecting out of a casing mounting surface is bent for alignment with the orientation channel so end portions of the feedthru wire and bore contact wire are in end to end engagement, then welded together. A plastic header is molded to encapsulate the adapter, connector block, and bore contact wire and, when solidified, has an undersurface for engagement on the casing and an elongated receptacle aligned with a connector block bore to receive the lead. |
| US08214044B2 |
Telemetry apparatus for communications with an active device implanted in a patient's thoracic region
Apparatus for telemetry equipment for communication with an active device implanted in the thoracic area of a patient This equipment includes a wave collector (16) essentially sensitive to a magnetic field so as to allow an exchange of signals through magnetic coupling (i.e., an inductive channel) with the implanted device (14). The wave collector is connected to an electronic circuit package (24) for transmission/reception and signal processing of acquired data and programming. The apparatus further comprises a cloth (10) in the form of a vest to be worn by and able to cover at least one part of the patient's anatomy, a support structure (18) for receiving and supporting the wave collector, and adjustable members able to fix the support structure at a chosen location of the cloth, for example, by means of hooking tapes (20) disposed on the support (18) and cooperating surface material on the cloth. Thus, after initial positioning of the wave collector in front of the area where the device is implanted, placement and maintaining of the wave collector will be fixed to that location each time the patient puts the cloth on. |
| US08214043B2 |
Control of a defibrillator and/or pacemaker
An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person. |
| US08214040B2 |
Intermittent stress augmentation pacing for cardioprotective effect
A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in a manner which provides a protective effect is disclosed. The protective effect is produced by configuring a cardiac pacing device to intermittently switch from a normal operating mode to a stress augmentation mode in which the spatial pattern of depolarization is varied to thereby subject a particular region or regions of the ventricular myocardium to increased mechanical stress. |
| US08214038B2 |
Post-shock recovery monitoring for tachyarrhythmia discrimination
A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to discriminate between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias (referred to as SVT/VT discrimination) by utilizing a morphology criterion in which the morphology of electrogram waveforms during ventricular beats are analyzed to determine if the beats are normally conducted. After the delivery of a cardioversion/defibrillation shock, however, the intraventricular conduction system is left in a modified state which alters the subsequently generated electrogram signal. Use of the morphology criterion for SVT/VT discrimination is discontinued after delivery of such a shock and resumed after a predetermined minimum number of normally conducted ventricular beats has been detected. |
| US08214036B2 |
Atrial capture test for an active implantable medical device
An active implantable medical device that is able to perform an atrial capture test. The device includes circuits for delivering atrial stimulation pulses, and testing atrial capture, namely to detect the occurrence of an atrial contraction after the application of an atrial stimulation pulse. An acceleration sensor is used to deliver an EA signal representative of the movements produced by the contractions of the atrial cavity. The EA signal is analyzed to recognize and isolate in this EA signal a component EA4 corresponding to the fourth endocardiac acceleration peak (PEA4) associated with the atrial activity. The presence or absence of this component EA4 is used to define the atrial capture or loss of capture. The signal analysis preferably quantifies an EA parameter (T, T+D), such as the energy of the EA signal within analysis time windows, each having duration D, of successive analysis (W1 . . . Wn) triggered after the atrial stimulation (P) and ending before a ventricular detection or stimulation. |
| US08214033B2 |
Interferential cardiac preconditioning and depolarization
Exemplary systems, devices, and methods pertaining to cardiac related therapy and particularly to interferential cardiac preconditioning and depolarization are described. A cardiac arrhythmia is detected from electrogram data sensed from a patient's heart and a region of the heart affected by the cardiac arrhythmia is determined. The affected region is interferentially energized by multiple cycles of two concurrently delivered alternating currents which are offset in frequency. |
| US08214028B2 |
Electrocardiogram analysis and parameter estimation
A system, method and memory medium for operating on an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. A multiscale short-time Fourier transform (STFT) is performed on a set of ECG samples {s(n)} to obtain a transform array. For each sufficiently energetic peak in the transform array, a refined window width value and a refined window displacement value is generated by: computing an inner product between the set of samples and each of a plurality of functions, where the plurality of functions are sufficiently close to a coarse approximation function given by the peak location; and solving a linear system Av=c for the unknown vector v, where the vector c is determined by the inner products, where the matrix A is determined by the center times of the plurality of functions. After appropriate selection, the refined window width and refined window displacement may be used to represent ECG waveform features. |
| US08214022B2 |
Hysterography and intrauterine venography catheter
A single device is provided for performing hysterography and intrauterine venography having a marker that aids in positioning the device within the patient, having a bulb-tip to seal the cervix, having a bulb-tip opening to allow an image enhancing medium to be discharged from a needle and injected into the uterus to perform the hysterography, having a needle to discharge and inject an image enhancing medium into the fundal myometrium to perform the intrauterine venography, and having a needle securing mechanism to secure the needle to prevent patient injury during transcervical introduction of the device. |
| US08214021B2 |
Medical imaging system and method containing ultrasound docking port
An ultrasound medical imaging system and non-ultrasound medical imaging system are combined and communicate via a suitable docking port, which is supported by the non-ultrasound medical imaging system and configured to receive the ultrasound medical imaging system. The systems can communicate directly, indirectly, and/or wirelessly. Each can also be configured for cross-imaging in the other modality, displaying medical imagery from the other modality on respective and/or combined displays, and/or control by a user interface of the other and/or a common user interface. Registry between patient imagery is possible, and improved workflow is provided. |
| US08214019B2 |
Robotically guided catheter
Apparatus is provided for use with a steerable catheter that includes a thumb control adapted to control a deflection of a distal tip of the catheter. The apparatus includes a robot, including an end-effector, adapted to be coupled to the thumb control, and a controller, adapted to drive the end-effector to deflect the distal tip by manipulating the thumb control. |
| US08214014B2 |
System and methods for improved access to vertebral bodies for kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, vertebral body biopsy or screw placement
A method of determining the size and/or placement of screws or other instruments in pedicles during surgery in a selected spinal area, comprising generating a dimensionally true three-dimensional image of the bony spine in the selected spinal area; hollowing out the vertebra in the three-dimensional image with cortical wall thicknesses selected by a surgeon performing the surgery; determining the narrowest cross section (isthmus) within each pedicle; generating a straight line starting at the center of the isthmus and extending inwardly to a point centered within the anterior cortex so that it is positioned concentrically within the pedicle without touching the walls thereof, the line terminating inside the vertebral body a predetermined distance from the anterior inner cortical wall and extending outwardly in the opposite direction to penetrate the posterior pedicle cortex; expanding the line concentrically and radially to a cross sectional size that is less than that of the isthmus, the line being expanded into a cylinder that stops growing when any portion thereof contacts the inner cortical wall of the hollowed out vertebral body, with the exception of the posterior pedicle cortex; and calculating the ideal pedicle screw or instrument diameter, length and/or trajectory based on the dimensions and trajectory of the cylinder generated for each pedicle. Also, a new and improved method for providing access to the interior of a pedicle for a desired transpedicular procedure, and a new and improved pedicle cannula construction are disclosed herein. |
| US08214013B2 |
Accelerated shells trajectory MRI acquisition
A method for prescribing a scan on an MRI system includes selecting a general pulse sequence to be used during a time-resolved imaging process of a subject using an MRI system. The method also includes setting a first set of scan parameters to more specifically prescribe the general pulse sequence and setting a second set of scan parameters using a formula that relates time resolution and spatial resolution resulting from the first set of scan parameters. The method then includes performing the time-resolved imaging process using the general pulse sequence, the first set of scan parameters, and the second set of scan parameters. |
| US08214011B2 |
System and method for remodeling prediction using ultrasound
A system and method for remodeling prediction using ultrasound are provided. The method includes obtaining ultrasound information relating to a heart and determining a likelihood of myocardial remodeling of the heart based on the ultrasound information. |
| US08214009B2 |
Electrode for living body and device for detecting living signal
A biosignal measurement device includes an electrode and a signal processing member. The electrode includes an insulation sheet having a hole, a device contact portion provided on the top surface of the insulation sheet and a body contact portion provided on the bottom surface of the insulation sheet, the device contact portion and the body contact portion electrically connected to each other via the hole. The signal processing member includes an externally exposed terminal to make surface contact with the device contact portion, an analog signal processing unit, an A/D signal converter and a digital signal processing unit. Also, the device contact portion and the body contact portion are formed of a material which is both conductive and adhesive. Accordingly, the signal processing member may be directly attached. Noise may be reduced. Also, a biosignal may be accurately measured. |
| US08214008B2 |
Textile-based electrode
Textile-based electrodes include a fabric portion having stretch-recovery non-conductive yarns and an electrically conductive region having stretch-recovery electrically conductive yarn filaments. The electrodes can further include float yarns and can be configured in a textured or ribbed construction. When incorporated into a garment, the electrodes can be used to monitor biophysical characteristics, such as the garment wearer's heart rate. In addition, two garments with textile based electrodes are disclosed. First, a wrist band for use with a cardiac patient remote monitoring system includes two fabric layers with integral textile-based electrodes. The skin contacting surface of the band includes a conductive region formed as a continuous ring or stripe. A connector links the conductive region to a lead to a device. Second, an infant garment includes textile based electrodes at the torso region and optionally at other regions in order to monitor the infant's biophysical characteristics as the garment is worn. |
| US08214004B2 |
Driver information system
A driver information system comprises an operating device 10 having at least two operational control units 20 and a holding unit 12 for the operational control units 20. A control device 62 for validating control signals delivered by the operational control units 20 is also provided. The operational control units 20 are freely arrangeable within the holding device 12. |
| US08214003B2 |
RF radiation redirection away from portable communication device user
A case for a wireless device includes a number of RF coupling elements mounted in the case and configured such that RF radiation is coupled from an internal antenna of the wireless device out of the device to a first RF coupling element, and from the first RF coupling element to a RF redirector coupling element that redirects the RF radiation in a direction outward from said wireless device that is opposite to a user side of the wireless device. A corrugated metallic shield is optionally provided on an opposite side of the case, facing a user of the device. |
| US08214000B2 |
Locking device for internal battery pack cover of mobile phone
Provided is a locking device for an internal battery pack cover of a mobile phone, which is mounted on a lower case frame of a main body of the mobile phone, and which includes a locking member formed on the lower case frame; and a locking module coupled to the cover and rotating around a hinge axis with a sliding movement of a button unit to be mounted within or released from the lock member, thereby causing the cover to be coupled to or detached from the main body. |
| US08213999B2 |
Controlling method and system for handheld communication device and recording medium using the same
A controlling method and a controlling system for a handheld communication device are provided. In the present method, a tilting state of the handheld communication device is detected by using a G-sensor when a notice is activated. Then, whether the tilting state is changed from a face up state to a face down state is determined. The handheld communication device is controlled to perform a function when the tilting state is confirmed to be changed from the face up state to the face down state. Accordingly, the handheld communication device may be controlled to perform a function timely according to the positioned state of the device without going through complicated procedures, so as to provide a more intuitive and convenient way to control the handheld communication device. |
| US08213991B2 |
Mobile terminal, associated storage devices and methods of using the same
A mobile terminal and its associated storage devices and various methods of controlling and using them are discussed. According to an embodiment, a method for launching an application for a mobile terminal, includes receiving, by a first storage device connected to the mobile terminal, information on a second storage device after the second storage device is connected to the mobile terminal; and accessing, by the first storage device, a content stored in the second storage device based on at least the received information on the second storage device. |
| US08213985B2 |
Mobile communication terminal supporting TTY device for hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled person and communication method thereof
A mobile communication terminal supporting a teletypewriter (TTY) device for a hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled user is provided. The mobile communication terminal includes: a controller activating a vocoder corresponding to a TTY mode selected by a user; a vocoder encoding a Baudot tone received from the TTY device into a voice data packet based on the selected TTY mode; a TTY mode processor including TTY mode information selected by a user in part of the voice data packet; and an RF transmitter transmitting an encoded voice data packet including the TTY mode information. |
| US08213980B2 |
Method and system for controlling transmission power of a downlink signaling channel based on enhanced uplink transmission failure statistics
A method and system for controlling the transmission power of at least one downlink (DL) enhanced uplink (EU) signaling channel such that enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) DL signaling is delivered efficiently and reliably. The system includes at least one wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), at least one Node-B and a radio network controller (RNC). At least one of the WTRU and the Node-B compute EU transmission failure statistics on the DL EU signaling channel and report the EU transmission failure statistics to the RNC. The RNC then adjusts a transmission power offset of the DL EU signaling channel to be used in determining transmission power level of the DL EU signaling channel at the Node-B based on the EU transmission failure statistics. |
| US08213979B1 |
Method and system for forward link and/or reverse link power control
Methods and systems for adjusting a transmit power of a forward link or reverse link signal make use of variable adjustment parameters. The wireless signal is received to obtain a received signal. An observed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and an observed frame error rate (FER) for the received signal are determined. In an outer loop process, an adjustment increment is selected based on how much the observed FER differs from the target FER, and the target SNR is adjusted by the adjustment increment. In an inner loop process, a power adjustment command is selected based on a comparison between the observed SNR and a target SNR. The power adjustment command instructs the transmitter of the wireless signal to either increase or decrease the transmit power of the wireless signal. The power adjustment increment may also depend on the observed FER. |
| US08213978B1 |
Estimating mobile local propagation environment characteristics for wireless communications
Characterization and enhancement of a mobile local scattering environment. The system includes a channel component and a link control component, wherein the channel component facilitates communication of a ping signal, which is used to estimate the delay spread characteristics and/or angle of arrival in order to characterize the mobile local scattering environment. This information is sent to the link control component, which enhances radio link performance based on the received information. The system can be used to assist in E-911 location applications, such as determining the location of an indoor user. |
| US08213974B2 |
System and method for sequencing radio items for a multi downlink multi carrier receiver
A system and method are provided for sequencing radio events in a mobile device with a multi downlink multi carrier receiver. In the mobile device, there is a processor in communication with a timing control unit (TCU), whereby the TCU is in communication with two or more radios. The processor collects one or more radio events corresponding to the two or more radios and then sorts the radio events from highest priority to lowest priority to form a sorted list. The processor then loads the sorted list, beginning with a highest priority radio event, onto the TCU. |
| US08213972B2 |
Mobile advertising packages for displaying advertisement display messages on personal cellular telecommunications devices
Mobile advertising packages offered for sale on personal cellular telecommunications devices for displaying advertisement display messages on personal cellular telecommunications devices. Mobile advertising packages specify the contents of advertisement display messages, and their transmission details including inter alia geographical area, number of exposures, schedule. |
| US08213970B2 |
Method of utilizing forced alerts for interactive remote communications
The system and method having a specialized software application on a personal computer or a PDA/cell phone that that enables a participant to force an automatic acknowledgement and a manual response to a text or voice message from other participants within the same network. Each participant's PDA/cell phone includes a force message alert software application program for both creating and processing these forced message alerts. The system and method enabled by the force message alert software application program provides the ability to (a) allow an operator to create and transmit a forced message alert from a sender PDA/cell phone to one or more recipient PCs and PDA/cell phones within the communication network; (b) automatically transmit an acknowledgement of receipt to the sender PDA cell phone upon the receipt of the forced message alert; (c) periodically resend the message to the recipient PCs and PDA/cell phones that have not sent an acknowledgement; (d) provide an indication of which recipient PCs and PDA/cell phones have acknowledged the forced message alert; (e) provide a manual response list on the display of the recipient PC and PDA/cell phone's display that can only be cleared by manually transmitting a response; and (f) provide an indication on the sender PDA/cell phone of the status and content the manual responses. |
| US08213969B2 |
Mobile terminal for chatting by using SMS and method thereof
The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal that supports a text chatting function by using a short message service, and a text chatting service method. For this purpose, the present invention provides a mobile communication terminal including a program memory, a data storage unit, a key input unit, a display, and a microprocessor. The program memory stores a text chatting program for the text chatting service and a program that performs additional functions executed in the text chatting service. The data storage unit stores a text chatting message transmitted/received through the text chatting service. The key input unit includes a key button for generating the text chatting message. The display displays the transmitted/received text chatting message on a chatting window. The microprocessor executes the text chatting program and performs a control function to display text chatting messages communicated with a mobile communication terminal of a chatting contact on the chatting window. Herein, the text chatting message is transmitted/received by using a short message service. According to the present invention, a text chatting service using a short message service can be realized by simply changing a user interface of the mobile communication terminal so that a user can check a transmitted/received short message through one screen window, and provide a cost reduction by using a less expensive short message service than a data charge. |
| US08213965B2 |
Method of paging in a wireless communication system
A method of paging in a wireless communication system is disclosed. In the method, a base station generates a paging advertisement message that includes a paging group ID bitmap indicating whether there are any mobile stations that perform paging for each of paging groups that include the base station, and transmits the paging advertisement message to the mobile stations. |
| US08213964B2 |
Communication system and method for mobile and stationary devices
A communication system for mobile and stationary devices has at least one transmitter/receiver unit provided for the mobile and stationary devices and covering a defined transmission/reception range, and is formed so that at least partial overlap of the transmission/reception ranges of the mobile and/or stationary devices results in accidental communication between the mobile and/or stationary devices, and this accidental communication changes to a targeted communication. |
| US08213963B2 |
Network based location measurement method and system using pCELL database
The present invention provides a network-based location measurement method using a pCELL database, comprising the steps of establishing a pCELL database in which a location measurement service target area is divided into lattices each having a predetermined size; continuously determining whether a request for location measurement occurs by a service subscriber; and, when the request for location measurement is generated, comparing fundamental information received from a mobile terminal with the pCELL database, determining a matching pCELL, and reporting the pCELL to the service requester. Furthermore, the present invention is constructed to periodically update a initially established pCELL database using the results of A-GPS-based location measurement and reflect variation in BTSs within a mobile communication network to the pCELL database, thereby always maintaining the optimal database. The present invention contributes to the activation of location-based services by resolving problems related to stability of location measurement due to relays, and the degrading of accuracy of location measurement in a network-based location measurement method in a mobile communication system. Furthermore, the present invention improves the service usage rate of indoor subscribers, occupying about 70% of overall location measurement attempts and service quality and minimizes the need for human and physical resources upon initial commercialization and optimization by resolving the problem due to the considerable amount of human and physical resources required upon initial commercialization and optimization. Therefore, it is possible to replace A-GPS-based location measurement with relatively small costs. |
| US08213962B2 |
Vehicle computer link to mobile phone
A method is implemented by a mobile device associated with a short-range wireless network in a vehicle. The method includes identifying a paired device within the short-range wireless network, the paired device having access to a vehicle information system, and receiving, from the paired device, vehicle status information from the vehicle information system. The mobile device determines if the vehicle status information triggers a safety mode for the mobile device and disables particular features or components of the mobile device based on the determination. |
| US08213958B2 |
Electronic device and method for managing call records
An electronic device and a method for managing call records includes presetting a virtual icon corresponding to each call types; obtaining current position information of the electronic device from the GPS when a call is established and generating a call record when the call is finished. The electronic device and method for managing call records further include determining the call type of the call from the call record, and finding the location on a map of the electronic device according the recorded position information, and marking the corresponding virtual icon at the location on the map. |
| US08213955B2 |
Network measurement report caching for location of mobile devices
A system and method for determining an approximate location of a mobile device. The occurrence of a predetermined event may be determined at a first node of a network. Measurement data associated with the mobile device may be stored at a second node of the network. An attempt may be made to determine a location of the mobile device using a first location methodology. Upon failure of the location attempt, the mobile device data may be received at a third node of the network from the second node. At the third node an approximate location of the mobile device may be determined using the mobile device data. |
| US08213949B1 |
Adjustable modulation for overhead information in wireless communication networks
What is claimed is a method of transferring overhead information in a wireless communication system, where the overhead information is encoded with a first modulation scheme, and where the overhead information is wirelessly transferred to a plurality of wireless communication devices in communication with the wireless communication system. The method includes receiving signal quality information from each of the plurality of wireless communication devices, processing the signal quality information to determine a second modulation scheme for the overhead information, where the second modulation scheme is determined to allow the overhead information to be decoded by each of the plurality of wireless communication devices, and the second modulation scheme is of a higher order of modulation than the first modulation scheme. The method also includes transferring an indicator of the second modulation scheme to the plurality of wireless communication devices, and transferring the overhead information to the plurality of wireless communication devices encoded with the second modulation scheme. |
| US08213943B2 |
Constrained hopping of DL reference signals
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate employing constrained frequency hopping of downlink reference signals. Constrained frequency hopping of reference signals provides a sufficiently large set of frequency hopping patterns while enhancing channel estimation. Respective subsets of resource elements can be selected to carry reference signals from a plurality of antennas for a first subframe of a sequence. Further, respective subsets of resource elements used to carry reference signals from the plurality of antennas for a second subframe can be constrained based upon the respective subsets for the first subframe. Moreover, the first subframe frame and the second subframe (and similarly any additional subframes in the sequence) can be transmitted. An access terminal receiving the sequence of subframes can combine reference signals sent from common antennas at common frequency locations in the plurality of subframes and perform channel estimation as a function of the combined reference signals. |
| US08213940B2 |
Mobile communication method and mobile station
The present invention relates to a mobile communication method in which a mobile station performs a handover from a handover source radio base station to a handover target radio base station. The mobile communication method includes the steps of: (A) acquiring, at the handover target radio base station, from the handover source radio base station or a switching center, a key for calculating a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between the handover target radio base station and the mobile station; and (B) acquiring, at the handover target radio base station, from the switching center, a second key for calculating a first key for generating a certain key used in a communication between a next handover target radio base station and the mobile station. |
| US08213935B2 |
Creating a globally unique identifier of a subscriber device
To register a mobile device located in a first network with a packet-switched services network, a registration request is received from an aggregation device in the first network. The registration request contains an identifier of the aggregation device and identification information of the mobile device, where the identification information is previously unknown to the packet-switched services network. A globally unique identifier of the mobile device is dynamically created based on the identifier of the aggregation device and the identification information of the mobile device, wherein the globally unique identifier is used for uniquely identifying the mobile device in the packet-switched services network. |
| US08213934B2 |
Automatic selection of a home agent
The claimed subject matter relates to assigning a home agent to a wireless terminal during authentication, authorization, and/or accounting with respect to the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal can provide identifying indicia which can be relayed to a AAA server by way of a base station. The AAA server can then determine one or more home agents that can be associated with the wireless terminal. If more than one home agent can be assigned to the wireless terminal, the base station can resolve which home agent to utilize during registration of the wireless terminal. Such determination can be important with respect to MVNOs. |
| US08213933B2 |
Wireless communication between a base station and a mobile device
System and method for wirelessly communicating between a base station and a mobile device. The base station wirelessly sends a first one or more overhead messages to the mobile device. The first one or more overhead messages may include at least one parameter. The mobile device may wirelessly receive the first one or more overhead messages from the base station, including the at least one parameter. The base station may wirelessly send a second one or more messages to the mobile device according to a schedule based on the at least one parameter. The mobile device may wirelessly receive the second one or more messages according to the schedule based on the at least one parameter. The mobile device may schedule a sleep cycle based on the at least one parameter, which may reduce battery consumption in the mobile device. The second one or more messages may be sent less frequently than the first one or more overhead messages. |
| US08213932B2 |
Apparatus and method for differentiating services in multimedia networks to roaming subscribers
A mechanism enabling users roaming in a visited network to specify whether they prefer to dial numbers belonging to their home network in local format or in international format from the visited network. Restrictions based on the type of call, and the geographic locations and preferences of the users involved in the call, are correspondingly applied. Information about the location of the user, taking into account the access location and user preferences, is sent from a home subscriber server to a serving call session control function entity, both in the home network of the user. |
| US08213927B2 |
Mobile phone with maximum output power calibration
A mobile phone utilizes a radio frequency (RF) chip transceiving RF signals via a front end circuit. A power detector detects power output from a power amplifier and converts the power to voltage to transmit to a central processing unit (CPU). A base station tester measures output power of the mobile phone and transmits to the CPU in a test mode. A microwave chamber measures power radiated by the antenna in an operation mode. A high voltage circuit provides a high voltage signal continuously. A detection circuit detects a connection status of the base station tester and the testing connector and outputs the high voltage signal to the CPU according to the connection status. The CPU determines an operating mode of the mobile phone based on output of the detection circuit, and outputs a maximum output power according to the test mode and operation mode maximum output power calibration tables. |
| US08213921B2 |
Server for sending new application portions to mobile wireless communications devices and related methods
A communications system is to communicate with an application server storing a plurality of applications. The communications system includes a mobile wireless communications device configured to store at least one application from among the plurality of applications, the at least one application having stored version information associated therewith. An intermediate server is configured to update the mobile wireless communications device by at least obtaining respective current version information for associated current versions of the plurality of applications and obtaining the stored application version information from the mobile wireless communications device for the at least one stored application. The stored application version information is compared with the current version information for the at least one stored application. New application portions are downloaded from a current application associated with the current version information, and the new application portions are sent to the mobile wireless communications device. |
| US08213913B2 |
Providing location based services for mobile devices
Systems and methods are provided that allow the delivery of location based services within a communication network. The location information can be retrieved using information from the mobile node when the mobile node registers in the network. The location information can then be cached or stored in one or more places in the communication network and correlated with the mobile node's addressing information. If a request for location based services is received without location based information, the gateway can use location based information regarding the mobile node to provide location based services. The gateway can enable non IMS mobile nodes to obtain IMS location based services or incompatible mobile nodes to obtain location based services. |
| US08213912B2 |
Mobile system for providing personalized information
An information system includes a server that creates an information reservoir with data units for a user of a mobile communication device based on a unique user profile of the user of the mobile communication device. The server creates the unique user profile based on interaction of the user with the mobile communication device or with another computing system. The server transfers the information reservoir to the mobile communication device and each time the user requests data from a web site, the server scans it to find key terms. If the server finds key term(s) in the data, it uses a tagging rule to mark the key term(s) and, then, it transfers the data with the marked term(s) to the mobile communication device. The user may, then, select a marked key term to call/display a data unit that is locally stored on the mobile communication device. The server may also mark terms in data units and a data unit stored on the mobile communication device may be called using a key term that is marked in another data unit. |
| US08213909B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending voice message in mobile network
To use the supplementary services of a conventional mobile communication service, such as Short Message Service (SMS) and Voice Mail System (VMS) service, there are problems in that an access method to each service must be known and several steps must be undergone. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sending voice messages in a mobile communication network and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus that gain access to the service providing page of the wireless Internet in such a way as to input the telephone number of a counterpart and a wireless Internet access key, and send a voice message to the counterpart. |
| US08213902B2 |
Smart card accessible over a personal area network
Some embodiments of a smart card accessible over a personal area network have been presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wireless transceiver to communicatively couple to a personal area network (PAN) to receive an authentication request via the PAN from a device. The device may include a computer. The apparatus further includes a storage device to store a digital certificate that uniquely identifies a user. An authentication module in the apparatus may authenticate the user in response to an authentication request from the device using the digital certificate, wherein the user is allowed to access the computer upon authentication. |
| US08213901B2 |
Subscriber identities
There is disclosed a method for verifying a first identity and a second identity of an entity, said method comprising: receiving a first and second identity of said entity at a checking entity; sending information relating to at least one of the first and second identities to a home subscriber entity; and verifying that said first and second identities both belong to the entity from which said first and second identities have been received. |
| US08213895B2 |
Multi-wideband communications over multiple mediums within a network
A powerline communications device comprises a powerline communications interface and at least one other communications interface configured to communicate over a computing network. The powerline communications interface is further configured to receive electrical power. The computing network may comprise mediums including powerlines, telephone lines, and/or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the powerline communications interface may communicate with a network apparatus, such as a personal computer, via an Ethernet interface. The powerline interface, the telephone line interface, and/or the coaxial cable interface may all be associated with the same media access control (MAC) address. The powerline communications device may receive a message via a first medium and repeat the message via a second medium based on a quality of service (QoS) metric. In some embodiments, the powerline communications device may communicate using multiple frequency bands. |
| US08213894B2 |
Integrated circuit passive signal distribution
For one disclosed embodiment, an integrated circuit may comprise an internal transmission line in one or more layers of the integrated circuit. The internal transmission line may be coupled to receive a signal from an external transmission line at a first end of the internal transmission line without use of termination circuitry. The internal transmission line may transmit the signal passively to a second end of the internal transmission line. The integrated circuit may also comprise first circuitry having an input coupled to the internal transmission line at a first location of the internal transmission line to receive the signal and second circuitry having an input coupled to the internal transmission line at a second location of the internal transmission line to receive the signal. The second location may be different from the first location. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08213893B2 |
Mixer arrangement
A quadrature connected passive mixer arrangement for frequency converting analog signals from a first to a second frequency. The arrangement comprises two parallel connected mixers provided as transistors. First and second LO signals and their inverse signals having separated phases are provided for driving the transistors. Signal path switches are provided between the RF terminals and the mixer transistors. The switches are driven by signals having a different phase than the signal driving the corresponding mixer transistor. Thus, any short circuit between IF terminals of the arrangement may be eliminated. |
| US08213887B2 |
Pre-distorting a transmitted signal for offset cancellation
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a pre-driver to receive data of a first clock phase and to pre-drive the data, a driver coupled to the pre-driver to drive the data onto a link operable to be coupled to a receiver, and an offset driver to drive an offset value associated with the first clock phase onto the link with the data. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08213885B2 |
Impedance measurement in an active radio frequency transmitter
A transmitter and method for determining impedance measurement in an active radio frequency transmitter of an antenna are provided. Voltage and current samples are obtained from a modulating signal delivered to an antenna. The voltage and current samples are converted from analog to digital format, and decimation occurs to reduce the number of samples. Complex demodulation is performed of each of the voltage and current samples to baseband levels and decimation of the voltage and current samples is performed to reduce the number of samples. An impedance estimate can then be estimated from the voltage and current samples. |
| US08213884B2 |
Baseband-derived RF digital predistortion
A baseband-derived RF predistortion system using a lookup table having coefficients extracted at baseband and then applied at RF by means of a vector modulator. The architecture combines the narrowband advantage of envelope predistortion with the accuracy of baseband predistortion, and including compensation for memory effects. A polynomial-based alternative is also described. |
| US08213883B1 |
Additive pre-distortion for linearization
In one embodiment, a signal processor for linearizing a non-linear circuit through pre-distortion of an input signal is provided that includes: a first coupler for extracting a version of the input signal, wherein a remaining portion of the input signal not extracted by the first coupler is provided to a first node; a mixer for multiplying the extracted version of the input signal with a pre-distortion signal to produce an additive signal, the pre-distortion signal having a relatively small or zero constant component such that the additive signal includes either no linear version of the input signal or a linear version of the input signal that has a lower power than the remaining portion of the input signal; and a second coupler to add the additive signal to the remaining portion of the input signal at the first node to form a pre-distorted input signal, whereby if the non-linear circuit processes the pre-distorted input signal to form an output signal, the output signal is a substantially linear function of the input signal. |
| US08213882B2 |
Voltage converting circuit and radio communication apparatus
A common resistor is connected to load impedances that convert differential currents respectively generated by current sources into differential voltages. A constant current generated by the current sources is supplied to the common resistor to cause the common resistor to generate an in-phase current and set a common potential. |
| US08213879B2 |
Radio-frequency signal reception and/or transmission device with noise reduction
The radio-frequency signal reception and/or transmission device includes an antenna (8) for picking up or transmitting radio-frequency signals, a bandpass filter (9), at least one low noise amplifier (11) for amplifying the filtered signals, an oscillator stage (1) for generating first high frequency signals (SVCO), at least one frequency divider (14) for dividing by M the frequency of the first signals in order to generate second high frequency signals (SD), where M is an integer number greater than 1, at least a first mixer unit (12) for mixing the filtered and amplified radio-frequency signals (SR) with the first high frequency signals (SVCO), and at least a second mixer unit (13) for mixing the intermediate signals supplied by the first mixer unit with the second high frequency signals in order to produce baseband signals (IR, QR). The stage oscillator (1) is configured to generate first high frequency signals (SVCO), whose frequency is outside the frequency band of the bandpass filter and higher than the frequency of the received radio-frequency signals by a factor M/N comprised between 1 and 2, where N is an integer number greater than 1. |
| US08213875B1 |
Learning and adaptive communication services
A mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device comprises a touch screen adapted for receiving touch inputs and for presenting a visual display, a processor coupled to the touch screen, and an application. The application, when executed by the processor, analyzes a plurality of inputs to the mobile communication device to infer a behavior pattern and presents a sequence of teachings about how to use selected features of the mobile communication device on the touch screen, the selected features distinct from the inputs and selected based on the inferred behavior pattern. |
| US08213871B1 |
Data management tool
A data management tool is provided. The tool comprises a first processor, a server application that, when executed on the first processor, manages allocation of equipment serial numbers (ESNs) used in executing test cases related to mobile devices, aggregates test progress data in a defect board, maintains a test chat forum, and sends a notification of a defect when the defect is reported to the server application, a second processor, and a thick client that, when executed on the second processor, receives the notification of the defect, participates in the test chat forum and requests one of the equipment serial numbers from the server application. |
| US08213870B2 |
Beamforming using predefined spatial mapping matrices
Systems and methods for transmitting packets to a receiver. In an implementation, the method includes storing, in a memory, a plurality of predefined spatial mapping matrices for use in a transmission of one or more packets to a receiver; sequentially transmitting one or more packets to the receiver, in which each of the sequential transmissions of one or more packets comprises using a different one of the plurality of predefined spatial mapping matrices stored in the memory; and selecting one of the plurality of predefined spatial mapping matrices stored in the memory for use in a subsequent transmission of one or more packets to the receiver, in which the selection of the one of the plurality of predefined spatial mapping matrices for use in the subsequent transmission is based on a quality of reception of the one or more data packets transmitted in each of the sequential transmissions. |
| US08213862B2 |
Headset charge via short-range RF communication
Embodiments of the present invention enable energy transfer via short-range RF communication between a main device and an associated device, thereby allowing the main device to energy charge the associated device. Accordingly, the need for a separate charger for the associated device can be eliminated. Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for applications in which the main device and the associated device operate in close proximity to each other. Further, embodiments of the present invention are suitable for applications in which the associated device is more energy-constrained than the main device. According to embodiments, energy transfer applications can be supported using near field communication (NFC). In an embodiment, energy transfer via NFC is enabled between a Bluetooth enabled cellular phone and a Bluetooth headset. In another embodiment, energy transfer via NFC is enabled between a Bluetooth enabled digital camera and a Bluetooth enabled digital frame. |
| US08213861B2 |
Method of vehicle to vehicle communication
A method of communicating information that has been formatted for Internet publication from a principal vehicle using short range wireless communication components to communicate with a second vehicle. The method includes storing a web page (blog, social networking page, etc.) or other information formatted for Internet publication in the principal vehicle. An introductory signal is transmitted to the second vehicle. A communication link is established between the principal vehicle and the second vehicle using the respective short range wireless communication components. The second vehicle is then queried for authorization to transmit the information and, if given, the information is then transmitted to the second vehicle via the communications link. User-selected categories can be used to identify common interests between users of the two vehicles. The method can be used to share user information with other potentially interested drivers to facilitate human interactions and relationships. |
| US08213858B2 |
Wireless display system and method thereof
A wireless display system is disclosed comprising a host-side data communication apparatus connected to a host and configured to acquire media data containing at least display data from the hardware of the host, generate data message and transfer the data message wirelessly, and a display-device side data communication apparatus configured to receive the data message transferred wirelessly, interpret it into media data and then output to a display device. With the system of the present invention, CPU does not need to execute a screen-capturing program to acquire display information from a display memory unit and thus has a reduced work load, and transmission delay can also be reduced. |
| US08213853B2 |
Printer system and method for recovery from a document assembly failure
A system and method are provided for recovering from print assembly failure in a printer with printed medium assembly capabilities. The method generates a first print set including a plurality of physical medium sheets, and stores the first print set of a first interim stacker. A second print set is generated including a plurality of physical medium sheets. Sheets are accessed sheets from the first interim stacker and assembled with sheets from the second print set, generating a final print set with a plurality of sheets in a first order. The final print set is stored in an output stacker. In the event of a first print set failure, first print set replacement sheets are generating. In one aspect, generating the final print set includes directly merging first print set replacement sheets (bypassing the interim stacker) with sheets from the second print set. |
| US08213851B2 |
Conveying device and image forming apparatus
A first longitudinal registration correcting unit corrects a misalignment of a recording medium in its conveying direction. A lateral registration correcting unit corrects a misalignment of the recording medium in its width direction after the misalignment in the conveying direction is corrected by the first longitudinal registration correcting unit. A second longitudinal registration correcting unit corrects the misalignment of the recording medium in the conveying direction again after the misalignment in the width direction is corrected by the lateral registration correcting unit. |
| US08213848B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a fixing device configured to apply heat and method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes a first fixing device that applies heat to a non fixed toner image and a second fixing device arranged downstream of the first fixing device, which applies pressure and fixes the non-fixed toner image onto a recording member. |
| US08213844B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device for an image forming apparatus of a non-magnetic one-component type. The developing device has a developing roller having a body and a shaft. Bearings for supporting the shaft have a groove made in a contact surface that is in contact with the shaft, and grease is pooled in the groove. The contact surface of the shaft has a surface roughness from 0.2 to 0.5, and the grease has consistency from 265 to 385 ( 1/10 mm·20° C.). |
| US08213842B2 |
Toner cartridge, and process unit and image forming apparatus using the same
A toner cartridge, and a process unit and image forming apparatus using the same. Toner contained in an outer chamber is scooped with a toner scooping member by rotation of a toner container and slides down toward a communication port along an upper surface of a partition, and falls down to an inner chamber from the communication port. Then, the toner that has fallen down into the inner chamber from the communication port slides down toward a toner discharging port along the inner surface of the partition, and is discharged from the toner discharging port. Furthermore, toner discharged form the toner discharging port is discharged from a toner through hole provided in a toner container supporting member to the outside of the toner cartridge. |
| US08213835B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with transfer roller
An image forming apparatus has an image bearing member on which a toner image is to be formed. A transfer roller contacts a surface of the image bearing member for transferring a toner image on the image bearing member to one side of a transfer medium by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image on the image bearing member from the other side of the transfer medium. A biasing member biases the transfer roller toward the image bearing member. The transfer roller is shaped such that the outer diameter of a first part corresponding to the width of a specified sheet size is constant and the outer diameters of second parts located closer to opposite ends of the transfer roller than the first part are gradually increased toward the outer sides in an axial direction. |
| US08213834B2 |
Photoconductive drum and image forming apparatus having the same
A disclosed photoconductive drum includes a mechanism where, when the sleeve inner circumferential surface pressing member is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the photoconductive sleeve member, a displacement of the first end surface member with respect to the photoconductive sleeve member in the center line direction leads to increasing a pressing force applied from the sleeve inner circumferential surface pressing member to the inner circumferential surface of the photoconductive sleeve member. |
| US08213831B2 |
Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a developing roller that is movable between a contacting position in which the developing roller is in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a spaced position in which the developing roller is spaced from the electrophotographic photosensitive drum. The apparatus further includes a spacing force receiving portion that is movable between a projected position and a retracted position, and a projecting force receiving portion that receives an external force to move the spacing force receiving portion from the retracted position to the projected position. |
| US08213829B2 |
Developing device removably mountable in an image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing device and an image forming apparatus having the same include a frame having a knob part, a photosensitive body provided in front of the knob part with respect to a first direction of mounting the developing device, and a rotation guide part provided in front of the photosensitive body with respect to the first direction, and to guide a rotational motion of the developing device. When the developing device is removed from the image forming apparatus, the knob part is rotated upward. A first protrusion is provided on a side surface of the frame to determine a mounting position of the developing device. When the knob part is rotated upward, the first protrusion is rotated in the same direction as the knob part. Accordingly, the developing device has an improved mounting/removing structure adequate to compactly manufacture the image forming apparatus, and improves handling convenience in mounting and removing the developing device. |
| US08213828B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus and process cartridge mounted thereto having contacts electrically connecting with an electrical contact
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a main assembly mounting a process cartridge, a movable member movable from outside to inside the main assembly while supporting the cartridge, and an intermediary electrical contact supplying a bias voltage to the cartridge and disposed at a downstream side of the movable member. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, process means actable on the drum, an input electrical contact at a leading end with respect to the moving direction of the movable member when the cartridge is supported on the movable member and contacting the intermediary electrical contact when the cartridge is supported on the movable member, a contact portion provided at an upstream side with respect to the moving direction and contactable to the movable member when the input electrical contact is contacted by the intermediary electrical contact and is elastically urged by the intermediary electrical contact. |
| US08213827B2 |
Fixing device, image forming apparatus incorporating same, and fixing method
In a fixing device, a metal member is provided inside a fixing belt to heat the fixing belt. A first lubricant is applied between the metal member and the fixing belt at a center portion of the fixing belt in an axial direction of the fixing belt that contacts a recording medium bearing a toner image. A second lubricant having a viscosity greater than a viscosity of the first lubricant is applied between the metal member and the fixing belt at lateral edge portions of the fixing belt in the axial direction of the fixing belt that do not contact the recording medium. |
| US08213826B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developing cartridge
A developing cartridge includes a case having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a developing roller disposed between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The developing roller can include a developing roller shaft and a developing roller member configured to carry a developing agent thereon, the developing roller member disposed around the developing roller shaft. Also, the developing cartridge can include an electrode disposed on the first sidewall adjacent to the developing roller shaft, the electrode electrically connected to the developing roller member, and a driven coupling disposed on the second sidewall. The electrode can include, an extending portion extending in a direction away from the first sidewall. An outermost periphery of the driven coupling defines a projection plane projecting in a direction towards the electrode, wherein at least a part of the extending portion is disposed within the projection plane. |
| US08213818B2 |
Temperature control apparatus, electrophotographic apparatus, and temperature control method for heating element
A temperature control apparatus includes a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of a heating element, a controller for controlling heat generation of the heating element in accordance with a detected temperature by the temperature sensor, and a monitoring circuit which monitors the detected temperature, and stops operation of the controller in a predetermined stop period defined on the basis of the detected temperature when a predetermined operation mode of plural operation modes is set. |
| US08213816B2 |
Method and system for banding compensation using electrostatic voltmeter based sensing
A method and system for compensating for an image quality defect in an image printing system comprising at least one marking station, the at least one marking station comprising a charging device for charging the image bearing surface, an exposing device for irradiating and discharging the image bearing surface to form a latent image, a developer unit for developing toner to the image bearing surface, and a transfer unit for transferring toner from the image bearing surface to an image accumulation surface is provided. The method includes sensing the image quality defect on an image bearing surface by an electrostatic voltmeter (ESV) in the image printing system and determining the frequency, amplitude, and/or phase of the image quality defect by a processor. In one embodiment, the method includes compensating for the image quality defect by modulating the power of an exposing device during an expose process. In another embodiment, the method includes compensating for the image quality defect by modifying image content. |
| US08213814B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developer carrier being in contact with the image carrier and configured to develop the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier with a developer; a temperature humidity measurement unit configured to measure the temperature and humidity around the developer carrier; a pressure changing mechanism configured to change a pressure of a contact between the image carrier and the developer carrier; and a pressure controller operable to change, based on the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature humidity measurement unit, the pressure by controlling the pressure changing mechanism. |
| US08213810B2 |
Demodulation of an optical signal under control of a kalman filter
An optical receiver and a method of demodulating an optical signal. The method includes combining a received optical signal with a local oscillator signal to construct a complex signal indicative of an optical field of the modulated optical signal and processing the complex signal recursively under control of a Kalman filter that enforces a constraint. The receiver includes an optical hybrid that combines a received optical signal with a local oscillator signal, a detector that recovers components of a complex signal, a processor that receives these components, and instructions that cause the processor to process the components of the complex signal recursively under control of a Kalman filter that enforces a constraint to recover data. |
| US08213797B2 |
DWDM transport of CATV and digital signals over optical fiber in low-dispersion spectral regions
Methods and apparatus are described for DWDM transport of CATV and digital signals over optical fiber in low-dispersion spectral regions. A method includes transporting a plurality of optical carriers of different wavelengths over an optical link using wavelength division multiplexing, the optical link including a plurality of optical segments. The plurality of optical channel center wavelengths defined by the plurality of optical carriers are clustered proximate an average value of a zero-dispersion wavelength of the optical link, or near either a) a low wavelength edge or b) a high wavelength edge of a range of zero-dispersion wavelengths of the optical link and a plurality of optical channel center frequencies defined by the plurality of optical channel center wavelengths are non-uniformly spaced apart. |
| US08213795B2 |
Systems and methods of polarization time coding for optical communications
Systems and methods of polarization-time coding are disclosed. One method includes encoding information in orthogonal polarizations of light and correlated information in multiple time slots, and transmitting the information using the orthogonal polarizations in the time slots. Another method includes receiving a first input pair which specifies a first polarization state and a second input pair containing which specifies a second polarization state; transforming each input pair according to a matrix specifying a conjugate operation to produce four output pairs. The method further includes transmitting at a first time the first output pair using the first polarization state and the third output pair using the second polarization state. The method further includes transmitting at a second time the second output pair using the first polarization state and the fourth output pair using the second polarization state. |
| US08213793B2 |
Wavelength assignment optimization
A method may include inputting parameters that characterize an optical network, inputting one or more demands to be routed, selecting routes, wavelengths, and wavelength translation nodes simultaneously for the one or more demands of the optical network based on the parameters, where each demand includes a working path and one or more protect paths, and configuring the optical network based on the selected routes, wavelengths, and wavelength translation nodes associated with the one or more demands. |
| US08213789B2 |
Camera with built-in projector and projector device
A camera with a built-in projector includes: a camera unit equipped with photographing components including an optical system; and a projector module equipped with a projecting optical system, with an optical axis extending along a longer side of the projector module running substantially parallel to an optical axis of the camera unit extending along a longer side of the camera unit. |
| US08213785B2 |
Focus detection optical system
A focus detection optical system includes a condenser lens positioned behind an expected image plane of a photographing lens, an auxiliary lens positioned behind the condenser lens, and a separator lens including a pair of lenses behind the auxiliary lens. An object image formed on the expected image plane is divided into two images by the pair of lenses and reformed on a pair of areas on a sensor. The auxiliary lens is a plastic lens having a negative refractive power. The separator lens is a glass lens or a hybrid lens consisting of a glass substrate and a plastic lens having a curved surface which is layered onto the glass substrate, and the focus detection optical system satisfies the following condition (1): 0.068 |
| US08213783B2 |
Anti-shake device and optical system having the same
An anti-shake device for use in an optical system comprises a biaxial rotating element and a electromagnetic driving module. The biaxial rotating element is made by grooving a thin resilient plate to form a special multiple-frame structure. The biaxial rotating element, when driven by the electromagnetic driving module, makes limited pivotal movement about two axes so as to provide shake compensation. The electromagnetic driving module, composed of a plurality of permanent magnets and a plurality of coils, is supported and positioned by an inner support frame and an outer support frame, both of which have uniquely designed structures. The resultant anti-shake device is structurally simple, easy to assemble, compact in size, and relatively low-cost. |
| US08213778B2 |
Recording device, reproducing device, recording medium, recording method, and LSI
Provided is a recording apparatus generating meta-information including an initial address of TS packets constituting a PES packet that includes an independently-decodable picture, and including size information pertaining to the picture, and recording the generated meta-information in a recording medium. The recording apparatus includes a detection unit detecting, from the TS packets constituting a transport stream, a TS packet at a head of a PES packet, and includes a judging unit judging whether the PES packet includes an independently-decodable picture. Further, the recording apparatus includes generation unit generating meta-information including, as the size information, a size from a head of a PES packet that is judged as including an independently-decodable picture to a head of a succeeding PES packet. |
| US08213777B2 |
Recording/reproducing apparatus and method, simultaneous processing program storage medium, and simultaneous processing program
The present invention aims to certainly use an electronic program guide. According to the present invention, a switch circuit part 24 for connecting a first tuner 2 and a second tuners 3 that take in a television signal S2 on plural channels including a program guide providing channel and select one of them, to a first and a second signal processing systems 30 and 31 that perform predetermined processing to the television signal S2, and a VBI slicer 23 that extracts an electronic program guide from the television signal S2 on the program guide providing channel, is controlled so that the first and the second signal processing systems 30 and 31 that simultaneously perform predetermined different processing to the above one television signal S2, are collectively connected to one of the first tuner 2 and the second tuner 3. Thereby, even in the case where predetermined plural different processing is simultaneously performed to one television signal S2, the first or the second tuner 2 or 3 can be kept for selecting the program guide providing channel, and an electronic program guide can be certainly obtained. Thus, a recording/reproducing apparatus capable of certainly using an electronic program can be accomplished. |
| US08213772B2 |
Editing apparatus, editing method, and program
An editing apparatus for performing editing in which a second video is added to or inserted into a first video, includes: an editing unit performing the editing; a generating unit generating a first electronic mark indicating characteristics of the first video, as an edited video electronic mark, which is an electronic mark indicating characteristics of an edited video obtained as the result of the editing; a detecting unit detecting, of the first electronic marks, a first electronic mark indicating characteristics of a first video corresponding to an editing section, as an invalid electronic mark; and a deleting unit deleting the invalid electronic mark from the edited video electronic marks. |
| US08213769B2 |
Frame indexing technique to improve personal video recording functionality and security of transmitted video
One or more methods and systems of efficiently indexing a digitized video stream is presented. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a coded video stream containing non-scrambled frame location indicators and scrambled video data, filtering the non-scrambled frame location indicators, and generating a database used for indexing frames. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor such as a hardware and/or software capable of generating a database used for improving video playback functionality by way of filtering non-scrambled indicators that define the start of frames in a digitized video stream. |
| US08213767B1 |
Methods and systems for performing top concepts extraction
Techniques for generating automated tags for a video file are described. The method includes receiving one or more manually generated tags associated with a video file, based at least in part on the one or more manually entered tags, determining a preliminary category for the video file, and based on the preliminary category, generating a targeted transcript of the video file, wherein the targeted transcript includes a plurality of words. The method further includes generating an ontology of the plurality of words based on the targeted transcript, ranking the plurality of words in the ontology based on a plurality of scoring factors, and based on the ranking of the plurality of words, generating one or more automated tags associated with the video file. |
| US08213764B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method and program
An information processing apparatus includes area image extracting means for extracting, as a telop image, an area displaying a telop in contents, detecting means for detecting a scene change in images of the contents, recording means for converting an image at the time when a scene change is detected by the detecting means to a thumbnail image and recording the thumbnail image, display control means for controlling to arrange and display a plurality of the thumbnail images and a plurality of the telop images chronologically, and playing means for playing the contents from the position corresponding to the selected thumbnail image or telop image. |
| US08213762B2 |
Lightguide plate and lightguide plate manufacturing method
A film-shaped lightguide plate having high light entrance efficiency, and which is easy to make, has a lightguide plate body having an upper surface as a light-exiting surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the respective peripheral edges of the upper and lower surfaces. A circumferential part of the peripheral side surface forms a light-entrance surface that faces a light source. The lightguide plate further has an additional lightguide portion formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the lightguide plate body at the light-entrance surface side. The additional lightguide portion has a light-entrance surface facing the light source, together with the light-entrance surface of the lightguide plate body. The additional lightguide portion receives light from the light source through its light-entrance surface and guides the light into the lightguide plate body. |
| US08213761B2 |
Mini drop terminal
A terminal for mounting to a fiber distribution cable includes a housing having a base and a cover. The cover is connectedly engaged with the base. The terminal further includes a plurality of adapters disposed on the cover. A fiber routing tray having a top panel and a bottom panel is disposed in an interior cavity. The fiber routing tray includes a storage space defined between the top and bottom panels for storing a length of optical fiber. A method for installing a terminal includes providing a terminal having a housing defining an interior cavity. A cable is pulled from the interior cavity of the housing. The cable is spliced to a fiber distribution cable with a splice. The cable is inserted back into the interior cavity. A spliced end of the cable, a spliced end of the fiber distribution cable and the splice are inserted in a retention device. |
| US08213759B1 |
System for retaining optical devices
A system for organizing and retaining optical devices and fiber optic cable includes a housing, at least one module, and a tray coupled to the housing and including a first portion defining a receiving area and a second portion defining a track. The at least one module is releasably retained in a selected portion of the receiving area. The track extends along the receiving area and is configured for guiding cable to the retained module. |
| US08213757B2 |
Combined display and antenna arrangement
The present invention relates to a display and antenna arrangement comprising a primary display screen (30) and an antenna arrangement comprising a number of receiving and/or transmitting elements (1A11, 1A12,1A13) formed by an least in given areas electrically conductive layer and adapted to receive/transmit radio-, millimeter waves or microwaves. The electrically conductive layer is perforated and comprises a plurality of densely arranged holes (4m, . . . ) crossing the layer. Said holes (4111, . . . ) contain a dielectric material. The perforated conductive layer is provided on the front of the primary display screen, said holes being adapted to guide light/optical information from the primary display screen through the electrically conductive layer, the outer surface of which facing away from the primary display screen. Said outer surface is adapted to act as a secondary, functional display screen. |
| US08213755B2 |
Optical device, and virtual image display device
A virtual image display device with an optical waveguide to guide, by internal total reflection, parallel pencil groups meeting a condition of internal total reflection, a first reflection volume hologram grating to diffract and reflect the parallel pencil groups incident upon the optical waveguide from outside and traveling in different directions as they are so as to meet the condition of internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide and a second reflection volume hologram grating to project the parallel pencil groups guided by internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide as they are from the optical waveguide by diffraction and reflection thereof so as to depart from the condition of internal total reflection inside the optical waveguide. |
| US08213754B2 |
Optical splitter, combiner and device
An optical splitter, a combiner and a device. The optical splitter comprises a first longitudinal waveguide for receiving an incoming light wave; at least first and second pairs of output waveguides, the output waveguides of each pair being disposed on opposite sides of the first waveguide; wherein each of the output waveguides of each pair comprises a longitudinal portion disposed parallel to the first waveguide and such that optical power is coupled from the first waveguide into the respective longitudinal portions and the longitudinal portions of output waveguides of the first and second pairs are displaced along a length of the first waveguide; wherein each of the output waveguides of each pair further comprises a substantially S-shaped portion continuing from the respective longitudinal portions and such that optical power coupling between the respective S-shaped portions of output waveguides of the first and second pairs is substantially inhibited. |
| US08213749B2 |
System and method for creating, storing and utilizing images of a geographic location
A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal. |
| US08213748B2 |
Generating an electronic document with reference to allocated font corresponding to character identifier from an image
An image processing apparatus includes: an image acceptance unit that accepts an image; a character information adding unit that adds a character identifier for uniquely identifying a character, a character position indicating a position of the character in the image, a character size indicating a size of the character, and a character color indicating a color of the character as character information, to the image accepted by the image acceptance unit; a font allocation unit that allocates a font without drawing element as a font corresponding to the character identifier within the character information added by the character information adding unit; and an electronic document generation unit that generates an electronic document for reference to the font information allocated by the font allocation unit, based on the character information added to the image by the character information adding unit. |
| US08213746B2 |
Super-resolution image processing
A method for iterative derivation of a master image from sampled images of non-identical, at least partially overlapping, regions of a scene. The method includes defining a transformation operator mapping positions within the master image to corresponding positions in the sampled image; a distortion operator simulating a modulation transfer function associated with an imaging sensor from which the sampled image was generated; and a sampling operator for reducing an image from the output resolution to the resolution of the sampled image. For each sampled image the transformation operator, distortion operator and sampling operator are applied to a current master image hypothesis to generate a predicted image A difference image is calculated which has pixel values corresponding to the difference in corresponding pixel values between the sampled image and the predicted image. A back-projection of each of the difference images is performed to generate a correction image for the current master image hypothesis. Finally, the correction images are employed to perform a correction to the current master image hypothesis to generate a new master image hypothesis. The correction to the current master image hypothesis includes combining the correction images by deriving a weighted average of values of corresponding pixels in the correction images. The weight of each pixel in each correction image is calculated as a function of a distance as measured in the sampled image between: a point in the sampled image to which the pixel in the correction image is mapped by the transformation operator, and at least one pixel centroid proximal to that point. |
| US08213744B2 |
Image processing apparatus and storage medium storing image processing program
An image processing apparatus includes a registration unit for executing a registration process among a plurality of images; an image synthesis unit for superposing the plurality of images subjected to registration in the registration unit to synthesize the plurality of images and generate a synthetic image; a frequency characteristic measurement unit for measuring a frequency characteristic of the synthetic image; and a registration error detection unit for detecting an error of the registration process among the plurality of images based on the measured frequency characteristic of the synthetic image. |
| US08213743B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating a continuum of image data
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for generating a continuum of image data. The continuum can include image data representing a street level view of a geographic area. The image data can be captured at multiple disparate points along another continuum. Each continuum of image data can include a ribbon of data representing the geographic area. In some examples, image data can be simultaneously captured which represents multiple continuums of image data. |
| US08213740B1 |
Coherent image correlation
Systems and methods for coherent image correlation are provided. The systems include sonars with overlapping frequencies that observe terrain from overlapping aspects to form sonar images. First and second sonar images are formed and are grazing angle compensated. The first image is formed using the open or closed aperture theorem. Forming the second image using the open or closed aperture theorem constraint is optional. If the first and second images are not aligned, a range of possible rotations can be defined and image pairs can be created for a sampling of rotational angles. In addition, the images can be aspect compensated to remove windowing and beam pattern effects, if necessary. Once both images are grazing angle compensated and aligned, values are calculated for each possible image shift. To obtain a correlation image, the correlation coefficient for each possible image shift is calculated. |
| US08213733B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program and storage medium
An image processing method is a method for correcting both an image quality of an overall image and an image quality of a partial image with excellent balance. |
| US08213732B2 |
Device and method for simplifying vector graphics
Today's computer programs that convert raster images into vector-based images do not optimize/compress the vector representation of the vector-based images. Instead, they simply keep all of the complex edges for the vector objects within the vector-based images. The present invention described herein functions to create a compressed vector-based image by simplifying the shapes of common complex edges which are shared by adjacent vector objects. The compression (lossless compression) of the vector objects is done without affecting the perceived quality of the vector-based image. |
| US08213729B2 |
Multidimensional data encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus, and control method thereof
The invention losslessly encodes multidimensional data such as a color lookup table in which neighboring elements in a space have high correlations, by a simple arrangement at a high compression ratio. To this end, a multidimensional data input unit inputs data of an X-Y plane in an order of Z=0, 1, 2, . . . from a lookup table expressed by three-dimensional X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates. An inter-plane difference generation unit calculates differences D between elements of two neighboring planes, and outputs the calculation result as two-dimensional inter-plane differences. A prediction error generation unit considers data Di of interest in the inter-plane differences D as an element of two-dimensional data, and outputs a difference e from a predicted value p, which is obtained with reference to already encoded data, to a prediction error encoding unit. The prediction error encoding unit generates and outputs a codeword from the inputted difference e. |
| US08213727B2 |
Image encoding apparatus and image decoding apparatus, and control method thereof
An image encoding apparatus generate encoded data having a fixed length L which is less than or equal to m×n bits and an integral multiple of 32 by m×n pixel block, while resolution information and color information are excellently maintained. For this purpose, a block generation unit inputs image data by m×n pixels. A 2-color extraction unit extracts representative colors C0 and C1 from the input block image data. An identification information detection unit generates m×n items of identification information each identifying each pixel in the block as a pixel approximate to one of the colors C0 and C1. An identification information deletion unit deletes the items of identification information in corresponding positions based on a deletion pattern stored in a deletion pattern memory. A packing unit packs the colors C0, C1 and the identification information after deletion, and outputs the data as encoded data. |
| US08213724B2 |
Apparatus and method for labeling a video, for modifying a video, and for video processing
An apparatus and method for labeling a video, an apparatus and method for modifying a video, a video searching method and an advertising method. The method for labeling a video includes labeling at least one object with its properties. The method for modifying a video includes replacing at least one object labeled as “can be replaced” with another object and modifying at least one object if the object has been labeled as “can be modified.” The video searching method includes labeling at least one object in at least one video with its properties and searching the video for an object of interest using the properties labeled on at least one object. The advertising method includes creating a video having an object labeled by an author's name, modifying the video by replacing the labeled object with an advertising object or modifying the labeled object as an advertising object by the advertiser, and distributing the video so that end user can watch the modified video. |
| US08213719B2 |
Editing 2D structures using natural input
A natural input system is described for creating and editing complex structures in a typeset application. The natural input system receives a typeset representation of an object and converts the typeset format to generate a standard digital ink representation. The natural input system provides the generated ink representation to a natural input application where can be manipulated by the user with a rich set of correction and editing features provided by the natural input application. Once the end user is satisfied with the recognition result in the natural input application, the natural input system receives the recognition result based on the modified digital ink representation. The natural input system may convert the received recognition result to the typeset application format and provides the modified typeset representation to the typeset application for merging into the document the user is editing. |
| US08213717B2 |
Document processing apparatus, document processing method, recording medium and data signal
A document processing apparatus includes a marking detection part that detects a marking written on the form from data read by a first reading part, an attribute name extraction part that extracts a character string described beforehand within or near a marking area of the detected marking as an attribute name, an attribute name detection part that detects the attribute name, extracted by the attribute name extraction part, stored in an attribute information memory and specifies the descriptive position of the detected attribute name from the data read by a second reading part that reads the form on which the attribute values are entered, and an attribute value extraction part that extracts the character string around the detection position of the attribute name detected from the read data, and registers the extracted character string as the attribute value of the attribute associated with the attribute name in the attribute information memory. |
| US08213715B1 |
System and method for digital image intensity correction
The present invention provides a method and apparatus to enhance the image contrast of a digital image device while simultaneously compensating for image intensity inhomogeneity, regardless of the source. The present invention corrects intensity inhomogeneities producing a more uniform image appearance. Also, the image is enhanced through increased contrast, e.g., tissue contrast in a medical image. The method makes no assumptions as to the source of the inhomogeneities, e.g., physical device characteristics or positioning of the object being imaged. In the method, the error between the histogram of the spatially-weighted original image and a specified histogram is minimized. The specified histogram may be selected to increase contrast generally or particularly for accentuation, e.g., on localized regions of interest. The weighting is preferably achieved by two-dimensional interpolation of a sparse grid of control points overlaying the image. A sparse grid is used rather than a dense one to compensate for slowly-varying image non-uniformity. Also, sparseness reduces the computational complexity, as the final weight set involves the solution of simultaneous linear equations whose number is the size of the chosen grid. |
| US08213714B1 |
Method, device and computer program product for performing a gamut based white balance of a digital image
A method for performing a color gamut based white balancing of a digital image, the method includes: determining at least one filtering parameter based upon a relationship between candidates and color gamuts that are associated with different illumination conditions; wherein each candidate represents a pixel area; selecting selected candidates by filtering the candidates; wherein the filtering is responsive to at least one filtering parameter; calculating at least one white balance compensation parameter in response to pixel information of the selected pixel areas; and providing a compensated digital image by applying at least one white balance compensated parameter. |
| US08213710B2 |
Apparatus and method for shift invariant differential (SID) image data interpolation in non-fully populated shift invariant matrix
An image processing system interpolates image data of an image array by ascertaining shift invariant points and non-shift invariant points within the array. The average illumination and the second order derivative are determined for the shift invariant locations. The second order derivative and the intensity at the non-shift invariant locations for each of the non-shift invariant points are estimated. The color data for each color element is determined from the image data and second order derivative. The second order derivative is multiplied by a scaling factor for selectively smoothing and sharpening the second order derivative. The color data values of adjacent color element to enhance a resolution of the image data. |
| US08213709B1 |
Method and system for directed area search using cognitive swarm vision and cognitive Bayesian reasoning
A method and system for a directed area search using cognitive swarm vision and cognitive Bayesian reasoning is disclosed. The system comprises a domain knowledge database, a top-down reasoning module, and a bottom-up module. The domain knowledge database is configured to store Bayesian network models comprising visual features and observables associated with various sets of entities. The top-down module is configured to receive a search goal, generate a plan of action using Bayesian network models, and partition the plan into a set of tasks/observables to be located in the imagery. The bottom-up module is configured to select relevant feature/attention models for the observables, and search the visual imagery using a cognitive swarm for the at least one observable. The system further provides for operator feedback and updating of the domain knowledge database to perform better future searches. |
| US08213708B2 |
Adjusting perspective for objects in stereoscopic images
A method for manipulating a stereoscopic image, comprising receiving an original stereoscopic image including a left image and a right image; identifying one or more objects; determining actual object sizes and actual object locations in both the left and right images; determining original perceived three-dimensional object location and new perceived three-dimensional object locations for the identified one or more objects; determining a size magnification factors and location displacement values for each of the one or more objects; generating a new stereoscopic image by changing the actual object sizes and the actual object locations responsive to the corresponding size magnification factors and location displacement values; and storing the new stereoscopic image in a processor-accessible memory system. |
| US08213705B2 |
Methods for accurate identification of an edge of a care area for an array area formed on a wafer and methods for binning defects detected in an array area formed on a wafer
Methods for identifying an edge of a care area for an array area formed on a wafer and/or for binning defects detected in the array area are provided. One method for identifying an edge of a care area for an array area formed on a wafer includes determining a value for a difference image as a function of position from a position known to be inside the array area to a position known to be outside of the array area. The method also includes identifying the position that is located closest to the inside of the array area and that has the value greater than a threshold as a position of the edge of the care area. |
| US08213703B2 |
Method and apparatus for reviewing defects on mask
A defect to be reviewed is selected from a plurality of defects obtained from inspection results. When the selected defect is a defect of a pattern written using an iteration expression in design data on the mask, another pattern written using the iteration expression in the design data is extracted. A defect present in another pattern is extracted. A peripheral pattern portion located at the periphery of the selected defect and a peripheral pattern portion located at the periphery of the extracted defect are extracted. It is determined whether the peripheral pattern portions extracted are similar to each other. When the peripheral pattern portions are similar to each other, the selected defect and the extracted defect are grouped. It is determined whether the selected defect is an actual defect or a pseudo defect. The determination result is applied to the other grouped defect. |
| US08213700B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying suspicious anomalies using information from a plurality of images of an anatomical colon under study
Systems, computer-readable media, and methods are presented that identify suspicious anomalies in a colon with higher sensitivity and at a lower false positive rate. A plurality of images of an anatomical colon is acquired. Candidate suspicious anomalies are identified in each image. The candidate suspicious anomalies across images are then compared using registration and matching. Features of candidate suspicious anomalies across images may be jointly evaluated to perform classification. |
| US08213699B2 |
Medical image processing apparatus and medical image diagnosis apparatus
A medical image processing apparatus comprises: an acquiring part configured to acquire a morphological image that is formed by a first apparatus and shows the morphology of an organ of an object, and a functional image that is formed by a second apparatus different from the first apparatus and shows the state of the organ; a display; and a processor configured to cause the display to display a synthetic image based on the morphological image and the functional image. |
| US08213694B2 |
Computed tomography reconstruction from truncated scans
A system is provided for reconstructing image data having truncated scans. The system includes a padding section for providing non-zero padding to truncated portions of the image data, a pre-weighting section for pre-weighting the image data including both the non-truncated portions and the non-zero padded portions, a filter section for filtering the pre-weighted image data, and a reconstruction section for reconstructing the filtered image data. |
| US08213691B2 |
Method for identifying faces in images with improved accuracy using compressed feature vectors
A method identifies an unknown face in an input image using reference images of known faces. A Haar-like feature vector is extracted from each image. The vectors are compressed. An L1 norm is determined between the compressed feature vector of the input image and each compressed feature vector from the set of reference images to determine a most similar reference image. The identity of the face associated with the most similar reference image is assigned as the identity of the unknown face in the input image. |
| US08213688B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating printing presses
A method for controlling operating processes or measuring processes in connection with a printed image applied to a printing material, includes acquiring image information from the printed image on the printing material with a camera device. The data acquired by the camera is compared in a computer with digital image data of the printed image. Operating processes or measuring processes are triggered by the computer on the basis of the identified printed image on the printing material. The printing material is displayed on a desk, the camera device detects objects or persons covering the printing material and specific operating, processes or measuring processes are triggered on the basis thereof. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US08213685B2 |
Video speed detection system
A system and method for measuring vehicle speeds using video sensing. The system comprises a tracking camera that generates accurately time-stamped video sequences of the monitored road at high frame rates and a processing unit that analyzes the video sequences in real time to detect moving vehicles and calculate their speeds using the time-over-distance method. The system automatically detects moving vehicles in each image frame and derives vehicle positions from a projective mapping established from reference markers on the road. Time information is obtained from the date and time stamp associated with each image frame. In one example, the system also allows a user of the system to set a trigger speed, and the system automatically saves a video clip of the vehicle whose speed exceeds the trigger speed, recording the speeding vehicle passing through the monitored traffic zone defined by the reference markers. |
| US08213684B2 |
Motion estimating device
A motion estimating device first detects mobile objects Oi and Oi′ in continuous image frames T and T′, and acquires image areas Ri and Ri′ corresponding to the mobile objects Oi and Oi′. Then, the motion estimating device removes the image areas Ri and Ri′ corresponding to the mobile objects Oi and Oi′ in the image frames T and T′, extracts corresponding point pairs Pj of feature points between the image frames T and T′ from the image areas having removed the image areas Ri and Ri′, and carries out the motion estimation of the autonomous mobile machine between the image frames T and T′ on the basis of the positional relationship of the corresponding point pairs Pj of feature points. |
| US08213682B2 |
Feature information collecting apparatuses, methods, and programs
Apparatuses, methods, and programs acquire vehicle position information that represents a current position of a vehicle, acquire image information of a vicinity of the vehicle, and carry out image recognition processing of a target feature that is included in the image information to determine a position of the target feature. The apparatuses, methods, and programs store recognition position information that is based on the acquired vehicle position information and that represents the determined recognition position of the target feature. The apparatuses, methods, and programs determine an estimated position of the target feature based on a set of a plurality of stored recognition position information for the target feature, the plurality of stored recognition position information for the target feature being stored due to the target feature being subject to image recognition processing a plurality of times. |
| US08213681B2 |
Moving object detection method and moving object detection apparatus
A moving object detection method with which a region of a moving object is accurately extracted without being affected by a change in shape or size or occlusion of the moving object and in which a distance indicating a similarity between trajectories of an image in each of the blocks included in video is calculated (S203) and a group of similar trajectories is identified as one region based on the distance (S209). Step S209 includes, for each of the thresholds, (1) non-linearization of the distance, (2) calculating a geodetic distance between plural trajectories from the distance after non-linearization (S204), (3) specifying, as region candidates, a group of trajectories which are distant from each other by the geodetic distance of a finite value, from among the trajectories (S205), calculating an interregional geodetic distance that is a scale indicating the similarity between the region candidates (S206), and selecting, from the region candidates, a region candidate having the interregional geodetic distance that satisfies a predetermined condition, as a result of segmentation (S207). |
| US08213674B2 |
Perceptual modeling of media signals for data hiding
The present disclosure relates generally to embedding auxiliary data and data hiding. One claim recites a method including: receiving data representing a media signal; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating perceptibility characteristics of the media signal, in which the perceptibility characteristics include contrast; using a programmed electronic processor, calculating a non-linear contrast to gain mapping using the perceptibility characteristics; using a programmed electronic processor, embedding an auxiliary signal in the media signal with reference to the non-linear contrast to gain mapping. Other claims and combinations are also provided. |
| US08213669B2 |
Rotary tweeter mounting arrangement for a speaker assembly
A rotary tweeter mounting arrangement used in a speaker assembly is disclosed to include a hollow holder member affixed to a T-iron of the speaker assembly and having a cup portion at the top, a semispherical carrier member rotatably supported on the cup portion of the hollow holder member, a circular spring plate mounted in a lower part inside the carrier member, a screw inserted through a center mounting hole of the circular spring plate and a center through hole of the semispherical carrier member to pivotally secure the semispherical carrier member to the hollow holder member, and a face panel fastened to the semispherical carrier member to hold a tweeter for allowing rotation of the tweeter with the face panel and the semispherical carrier member relative to the hollow base member. |
| US08213668B2 |
In-ear earphone
An in-ear earphone includes a shell and a sound output device. The shell has a first engaging portion. The sound output device has a sound tunnel, a second engaging portion and a speaker. The speaker is disposed between the sound tunnel and the second engaging portion coaxially with the sound tunnel. The second engaging portion is movably engaged with the first engaging portion. The angle between the shell and the sound output device is adjustable so that the sound tunnel can be suitably plugged into individual user's ear canals. |
| US08213662B2 |
Earpad and headphones
There is provided an earpad that is attachable to a housing capable of containing an audio signal processing unit and includes a ring-shaped cushioning member and a covering member covering the ring-shaped cushioning member. In the earpad, the ring-shaped cushioning member includes an outer ring member, a middle ring member and an inner ring member, and the hardness of the middle ring member is different from the hardness of the outer ring member and the inner ring member. |
| US08213661B2 |
Microphone
There is provided a microphone comprising a housing (2) which has at least one sound inlet opening (3) to connect the internal volume of the housing (2) with the volume surrounding the housing (2), and a first electroacoustic transducer (4) and a second electroacoustic transducer (5) which are symmetrically arranged in mutually opposite relationship in the housing (2), wherein a circuit board (7) is arranged between the first electroacoustic transducer (4) and the second electroacoustic transducer (5) and wherein the circuit board (7) has a slot (8) in the region of the sound inlet opening (3) of the housing (2). |
| US08213660B2 |
Shielded microphone for mobile communications device
A shielded microphone, and method for shielding a microphone, are provided for use in a communications device having a circuit board and a microphone, especially where the device also has an antenna in close proximity to the microphone. The microphone is provided in an electromagnetic shield (e.g. formed as a shielding can) and a resilient separator (e.g. o-ring or disk) is provided over the shield. The device housing is stacked over the separator and shield, while the latter are stacked over the circuit board so that the separator and shield, with microphone there under, are sandwiched between the housing and the circuit board. By this sandwiching the separator is loaded onto the shield to drive the shield directly against the circuit board to make an electrical ground connection therewith, the microphone also being electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The microphone is thereby enclosed between the circuit board and the shield, such that the shield shields the microphone against electromagnetic energy radiated by the proximate antenna. The resilience of the separator accommodates the variation in the stacking of the components. |
| US08213658B2 |
Acoustical horn
An acoustical horn having an inlet or throat, and an outlet or mouth wherein the shape of at least a portion of the horn between the throat and the mouth is defined by an exponential function including a negative exponential term. |
| US08213655B2 |
Hearing device to be worn behind an ear
For individual coloring of the housing of the hearing device, a hearing device containing electromechanical and/or electronic components is provided. The components are accommodated in a divided housing, with the housing being constructed from an upper shell, a first lower shell and a second lower shell which can be releasably fastened to the first lower shell. |
| US08213652B2 |
Multi-component hearing aid system and a method for its operation
The invention relates to a multi-component hearing aid system, comprising at least one first component that is designed to be disposed on or in the ear of a patient for the purpose of generating and/or amplifying an auditory stimulus and at least one further component which can engage at least partially and/or temporarily in a wireless communication connection via which a data transmission can take place with the first component that is to be worn on or in the ear, wherein circuitry means are included which can place at least one source of interference contained in the hearing aid system at least during the transmission of data into an operating mode in which interference signals are coupled by said at least one source of interference into a receiver involved in the data transmission in a manner that is at least attenuated compared to the normal operating mode. |
| US08213651B2 |
Hearing device with a contact unit and an associated external unit
The invention specifies a hearing device, which has at least one contact means which can be flush with the hearing device housing. The contact means contacts an external unit, for instance a battery charging unit, when in an extended or folded-out position. The unit has a corresponding opening for receiving the contact means. As a result, a reliable connection can be established between the hearing device and the charging device when charging a rechargeable battery of the hearing device for instance. The contact means can comprise first and second contact elements, and third contact elements which correspond to the external unit. |
| US08213650B2 |
Hearing device with a visualized psychoacoustic variable and corresponding method
The setting and/or adjustment of a hearing device for a user is provided. The hearing device includes a signal processing facility for processing an input sound to form an output sound, with a perceptive model being implemented in the signal processing facility or in a processing facility connected in a data link therewith, with which perceptive model a psychoacoustic variable can be provided in respect of the output sound. A visualization facility, for instance integrated in a remote control comprising the processing facility, is preferably wirelessly connected to the signal processing facility. A value of the psychoacoustic variable can thus be visualized accordingly. In this way an assisting person obtains an item of information relating to the perception of the sound supplied by the hearing device by the user, as a result of which the setting is facilitated for the assisting person. |
| US08213648B2 |
Audio signal processing apparatus, audio signal processing method, and audio signal processing program
An audio signal processing apparatus includes: a division section that divides at least two or more channel audio signals into components in a plurality of frequency bands; a phase difference calculation section that calculates a phase difference between the two or more channel audio signals at each the frequency band; a level ratio calculation section that calculates a level ratio between the two or more channel audio signals at each the frequency band; a sound image localization estimation section that estimates, based on the level ratio or the phase difference, sound image localization at each the frequency band; and a control section that controls the estimated sound image localization at each the frequency band by adjusting the level ratio or the phase difference. |
| US08213634B1 |
Modular and scalable directional audio array with novel filtering
A directional sensor array system generally for remote audio collection applications that is modular, scalable, and robust with the modules assembled in layers. The invention can alternatively employ sensors other than microphones, such as ultrasonic transducers and accelerometers. In the preferred embodiment, the sensors are mounted on tiles, each of which performs its own local beamforming using a low-impedance resistive summation technique. The tiles are constructed in a layered, sandwiched fashion and incorporate integral protection from wind, sand, dust, moisture, radio frequency noise, vibration, ambient acoustic noise, and directional acoustic noise, as well as provide inter-sensor isolation. Multiple tiles can be joined together physically and electrically. When joined, a secondary parallel beamforming is performed on the bus using electrical summation. Due to the techniques employed, large scale arrays are feasible at low power consumption—for example, an array of 400 microphone elements can be powered for over 6 hours by a single 9 volt battery. |
| US08213630B2 |
Sound processing unit, sound processing system, audio output unit and display device
Practical speaker connection is identified using a device having a sound channel of a 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel, and a device is provided that can easily reproduce the optimum multiple channels. Actual speaker arrangement can be identified by, for example, measuring the impedance of a terminal at the side of an audio amplifier. If incorrect connection is found, a warning is issued. This information is transmitted to a signal source with an EDID and a signal with the optimum a number of sound channel is sent. The EDID is also used for the connection with a display unit and the speaker connection with which the display unit is provided uniquely. For example, a sound through the 7.1 channel is easily reproduced using the speaker of the display unit in the channel of the front speaker. |
| US08213628B2 |
Listening device for clear perception of sound signals in a noisy environment
The invention concerns a listening device (1) for transmitting electroacoustic signals comprising an earphone (2) and means for connecting said earphone (2) with a remote electroacoustic source (3). The invention is characterized in that it comprises an acoustic filter (4) and that its shape is perfectly adapted to the external auditory canal of the ear so as to provide sufficient soundproofing to the external environment. The invention also concerns a headphone comprising one or two such listening devices. |
| US08213625B2 |
Intercom headset connection and disconnection detection
A headset is able to be coupled via a cable to an intercom system, is able to be wirelessly coupled to a wireless device via a wireless transceiver of the headset, and is able to be connected to a wired device via another cable. A controller of the headset separately monitors the microphone conductors and audio conductors by which the headset may be coupled to the intercom system to detect whether or not one or both of a communications microphone and an acoustic driver of the headset are coupled to the intercom system, and monitors the operating state of the wireless transceiver to detect whether or not the wireless transceiver is inactive, on standby or in use; and selectively couples a system ground conductor to one of the microphone conductors, selectively provides a local sidetone, and/or selectively provides a local microphone bias voltage in response to what is observed through such monitoring. |
| US08213621B2 |
Method and device for controlling a reproduction unit using a multi-channel
A method of controlling a sound field reproduction unit (2) having numerous reproduction elements (3n), uses a plurality of sound information input signals (SI) which are each associated with a general pre-determined reproduction direction which is defined in relation to a given point (5). The method includes: determining parameters which are representative of the position of the elements (3n) in the three spatial dimensions; determining matching filters (A) from the spatial characteristics and the general pre-determined reproduction directions; determining control signals by applying the aforementioned filters to the sound information input signals (SI); and delivering control signals for application to the above-mentioned reproduction elements (3n). |
| US08213620B1 |
Method for managing cryptographic information
Method for distributing encryption keys stored by a centralized key manager, operationally coupled to a first encryption device and the second encryption device is provided. The first encryption device and the second encryption device may request the CKM to provide the stored encryption keys in different formats and each encryption device may use a different encryption format to encrypt information. If the encryption devices are authorized to receive the stored encryption keys, then the CKM prepares the requested keys in different formats and provides them to the encryption devices. |
| US08213619B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing communication via service provider
Provided are a method and apparatus for establishing communication via a service provider providing a service of establishing communication between a transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal. The method includes receiving an encryption key from the service provider, transmitting the encryption key to an external device storing receiving terminal identification information required for establishing communication with the receiving terminal, receiving the encrypted receiving terminal identification information from the external device, and transmitting the encrypted receiving terminal identification information to the service provider. |
| US08213618B2 |
Protecting content on client platforms
A method, computer system, and computer-readable medium with instructions to provide a client security management layer and a content player that ensure that the content is protected from malware on the receiving computer system. The client security management layer controls access to a protected portion of a memory of a computer system on behalf of a component, such as the content player, running on the processor of the computer system. The client security management layer receives an encrypted content key from the component, confirms the integrity of the component, decrypts the encrypted content key to provide a decrypted content key, and places the decrypted content key in the protected portion of the memory in response to confirming the integrity of the component. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08213612B2 |
Secure software download
Software can be downloaded securely using a multi-encryption method, where the decryption is completed when the software is executed. In one aspect, a multi-encrypted data item is received. One or more of the encryptions on the multi-encrypted data item is decrypted, yielding a partially decrypted data item. The partially decrypted data item is stored in a reserved portion of a storage medium. The partially decrypted data item is fetched from the storage medium and decrypted to yield the data item. The decryption can be performed using one or more circuits that implement multiple decryption processes, including multiple algorithm-key combinations. |
| US08213611B2 |
Two-stage block synchronization and scrambling
A two-stage block synchronization and scrambling module includes a synchronization PRNG module, a scramble PRNG module, a summing module, and a storage module. The synchronization PRNG module is clocked once per N+1 bit PCS frame (N arbitrary) to produce a synchronization bit and a pseudo-random starting state for the scramble PRNG. The scramble PRNG module is clocked N times per PCS frame to produce a cipher stream starting with a pseudo-random state from the synchronization PRNG. The summing module is operably coupled to sum the cipher stream and a PCS frame payload to produce scrambled payload. The storage module is operably coupled to store the scrambled payload with the synchronization bit. Synchronization bits from successive frames are a running bit-serial representation of the synchronization PRNG state and are used by the receiver to synchronize with the transmit scrambler. |
| US08213610B2 |
Generation of key streams in wireless communication systems
Security key stream generation in a communication apparatus. The method includes using a count parameter and a bearer parameter as input, value of said count parameter being incremented as security key streams are generated and value of the count parameter having a finite maximum value; detecting value of the count parameter reaching a predetermined value; and responsive to the detecting, changing value of the bearer parameter into a new value, and resetting value of the count parameter to a value below the maximum value. |
| US08213600B2 |
Sliding mechanism
A sliding mechanism used in a portable electronic device is described. The sliding mechanism includes a body section, a cover section, a rolling disk and a coil spring. The rolling disk is fixed to the cover section. A center of the coil spring is fixed to a center of the rolling disk. An end of the coil spring is fixed to a periphery of the rolling disk. When the rolling disk rotates relative to the body section, the coil spring generates a force towards or against the sliding direction of the cover section. |
| US08213597B2 |
Audio communication device and methods for reducing echoes by inserting a training sequence under a spectral mask
Embodiments of an audio communication device and methods for reducing echoes are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, echo-reduction circuitry may insert a training signal into digital audio signals at or below a noise floor and in a non-audible portion of the frequency spectrum based on a spectral mask. The training signal may be generated from a spectrum estimate and a training sequence. An adaptive filter may generate an echo-cancellation signal using filter coefficients generated from the training sequence and return-path signals. The echo-cancellation signal may remove echo signals from the return-path signals. |
| US08213595B2 |
System and method to adjust caller ID information
A method for adjusting caller ID information includes receiving at a call device a caller ID message that includes a calling number. An address book associated with the call device is searched. An address book telephone number having the matching area code or local exchange number is analyzed to determine if the first digits of both address book phone number and calling number constitute a “1.” If the first digit in both numbers is the same, the calling number is stored unadjusted, while if the first digits differ, the calling number is adjusted. A method for adjusting caller ID information includes comparing the format of a received calling phone number to a set of predetermined criteria that are used to enable a “truncate” function in a context-sensitive “delete” button only when a predetermined criterion is met. Accordingly, a user is provided with a means to assure in a single pressing of a button that the proper deletion of numbers takes place for any calling number that is identified as needing truncation. |
| US08213593B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing a nature of address indicator and/or calling party number to support telecommunication features
A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten. |
| US08213592B2 |
Call management using call routing engine
A telephone call management system first receives a call over a telephone network from a calling device. The calling device is connected to a first called device by a first connection through the telephone network. A first call management message is received at a call routing engine, the first call management message to cause the engine to initiate establishment of a second connection among the calling device, the first called device, and a second called device. The engine issues, in response to the first call management message, a second call management message specifying a DTMF sequence for provision to the telephone network to cause the telephone network to establish the second connection. The telephone network may be a public switched telephone network. |
| US08213591B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for providing ring tones
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for processing a ring tone. A communication is processed from a calling number to a called number. An electronic database is queried for the calling number, and contact information associated with the calling number is retrieved. A ring tone database is queried for the contact information, and the ring tone database stores an association between the contact information and a ring tone. The ring tone associated with the contact information is retrieved and processed to alert the called number to the communication from the calling number. |
| US08213589B1 |
Data security seeding system
In one aspect of the invention there is provided a system for tracking seed data that has been inserted into a secured private information database listing. The system includes a network, computer, and database. Incoming communications to the network are monitored and when matched to a phone number corresponding to the seed data, the system plays back a pre-recorded voice message and stores a caller identification phone number and/or records a caller voice message from the incoming phone call. The information is sent to a user to determine if the incoming phone call was conducted by breaching the secured private information database listing. |
| US08213588B2 |
Communication terminal, communication system, server apparatus, and communication connecting method
A communication terminal includes a communication unit configured to carry out communications with a communication terminal of an intended counterparty; a detector configured to detect information reflecting a status of a user of the own communication terminal; a condition checker configured to check whether a predetermined condition is satisfied by comparing information reflecting a status of a user of the communication terminal of the counterparty, received via the communication unit, with the information detected by the detector; and a controller configured to exercise control so that a communication circuit is established with the communication terminal of the counterparty via the communication unit when it is determined by the condition checker that the condition is satisfied. |
| US08213586B2 |
System, method, and devices for allocating communications-related charges
Methods, systems, and devices for allocating communications-related charges are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a communications device receives notification of an uncompleted incoming call attempt, the notification including a calling a party identifier. The communication device retrieves a call attempt descriptor associated with the uncompleted incoming call, the call attempt descriptor comprising charge-back data. In response to the initiation of a return call to the calling party, the communication device sends a charge-back message, comprising all or part of the charge-back data, to a charge allocation server for use in allocating charges relating to the return call. An exemplary system, including a charge allocation server, for implementing the disclosed methods is also disclosed. |
| US08213580B2 |
Automated message conversion based on availability of bandwidth
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for managing a communications session. The process monitors a bandwidth of the communications device in response to detecting an exchange of audio-based messages on a communications device. In response to detecting the bandwidth below a threshold, the process converts a subsequent outgoing audio-based message into an outgoing text-based message and associates a low bandwidth indicator to the outgoing text-based message to form a distinguished text-based message. The process then transmits the distinguished text-based message for receipt by an intended recipient. |
| US08213579B2 |
Method for interjecting comments to improve information presentation in spoken user interfaces
A method and an apparatus for providing audio information to a user. The method and apparatus provide information in multiple modes that represent various pieces of information and/or alternatives. In various embodiments, the form of a prompt played is dependent on what previously played prompts were given to the user during that session. |
| US08213577B2 |
Phone test set modem
A phone test set provides modem capability in a hand held device, enabling bi-directional data communications. Demodulation is provided by sampling digitized incoming phone line signals at 4 times carrier frequency, and employing values representing 0 and 90 degree samples to extract the information signal. |
| US08213575B2 |
X-ray generating apparatus
According to the X-ray generating apparatus of this invention, a potential corresponding to that of a housing is applied to a first electrode, closest to a cathode, of at least two intermediate electrodes arranged between the cathode and a target. Therefore, even if the first electrode with an increased thermal capacity contacts the housing, the function of the X-ray generating apparatus will never be impaired. As a result, the first electrode is not easily restricted by structure, so that the first electrode may be enlarged as a measure for heat radiation, or that the first electrode may be placed in contact with the housing. The first electrode contacting the housing determines a positional relationship of the electron gun and housing to facilitate assembly of the X-ray generating apparatus. Further, all the potentials of the cathode, intermediate electrodes (e.g. a second electrode and a third electrode) and target will have straight polarity with respect to the potential of the first electrode, which facilitates power source control. |
| US08213570B2 |
X-ray security inspection machine
X-ray security inspection machine (10) comprising an X-ray tunnel (40); a conveyor means (50) for conveying an article through the tunnel; an X-ray source for irradiating the article; and an X-ray detection means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the article. In one aspect, the detection means comprises a photodetector array module (20) actuatable between a first stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration. In a second aspect, the detection means comprises a first unit having a first photodetector array (22); and a second unit, having a second photodetector array (24), offset with respect to the first unit. The units are moveable relative to one another between a first arrangement where the arrays overlap to a first degree and a second arrangement where they overlap to a second, lower degree; preferably zero. Also, a conveyor belt-tracking device (100) comprising a guide frame (104) to receive the conveyor belt (116) and substantially to restrict its motion to a predetermined direction. |
| US08213569B2 |
X-ray diagnosis apparatus and a method for controlling an X-ray irradiation region
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus and a method for controlling an X-ray irradiation region that can appropriately narrow down an X-ray radiation aperture so as to fit a configuration of a region of interest during acquisition of X-ray projection data for reconstructing tomography images of an object.Based on a plurality of 2D image data acquired through a preliminarily X-ray imaging, a 3D region of interest is set up on an examination target portion having a strong directionality. X-ray imaging of the 3D region of interest is performed by sliding and rotating a plurality of aperture blades in an X-ray collimator based on a projected figure of the 3D region of interest along successively renewed imaging directions around a periphery of an object. |
| US08213566B2 |
K-edge imaging
An imaging system including a radiation source (110) that emits poly-chromatic radiation that traverses an examination region and a detector (116) that detects radiation traversing the examination region and produces a signal indicative of the energy of a detected photon. The system further includes an energy discriminator (122) that energy resolves the signal based on a plurality of different energy thresholds, wherein at least two of the energy thresholds have values corresponding to at least two different K-edge energies of two different elements in a mixture disposed in the examination region. The system also includes a signal decomposer (132) that decomposes the energy-resolved signal into at least a multi K-edge component representing the at least two different K-edge energies. In one instance, a stoichiometric ratio of the two different elements in the contrast agent is known and substantially constant. |
| US08213565B2 |
Method for correcting truncated projection data
A method for correcting truncated projection data of a rotation for a reconstruction technique for computed tomography scans with truncated projection data in the computed tomography images produced by a C-arm is proposed. At least one truncated projection is recorded. The truncated portions prior to acquisition of the rotation for the at least one truncated projection is captured. The truncated projection and the truncated portions are assembled into at least one complete projection. Truncated projection data is acquired during the rotation. The truncated data is estimated based on a model of the patient geometry from the at least one complete projection. A reconstruction technique is performed on the basis of the acquired and the estimated data. |
| US08213563B1 |
Control rod
A control rod includes a tie-rod, a handle mounted to an upper end portion of the tie-rod, either a connector plate or a fall velocity limiter mounted to a lower end portion of the tie-rod, sheaths having a U-shaped cross-section, welded intermittently to the tie-rod at a plurality of locations in the axial direction of the tie-rod, and having an upper end welded to the handle and a lower end welded to either the connector plate or the fall velocity limiter, and a neutron absorbing member disposed inside each of the sheaths. An upper end of a weld portion located at uppermost position in an axial direction of the tie-rod among a plurality of weld portions between the tie-rod and the sheath is disposed at a position within a range between 0.8 and 13% of total axial length Ls of the sheath below an upper end of the sheath. |
| US08213562B2 |
Control rod blade extension for a nordic nuclear reactor
An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of an apparatus or system that may incorporate a single component to connect the control rod blade to the control rod drive system (CRD) of a Nordic-type of BWR. An embodiment of the present invention may eliminate the need of using multiple components to connect the control rod blade with the CRD. |
| US08213561B2 |
Wide frequency range delay locked loop
A delay locked loop operates over a wide range of frequencies and has high accuracy, small silicon area usage, low power consumption and a short lock time. The DLL combines an analog domain and a digital domain. The digital domain is responsible for initial lock and operational point stability and is frozen after the lock is reached. The analog domain is responsible for normal operation after lock is reached and provides high accuracy using smaller silicon area and low power. |
| US08213558B2 |
Digital timing correction system, method and apparatus
The method and system of digital timing correction in a digital baseband communication system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving samples at a predetermined time interval based on a current clock signal of a receiver clock, reading in a prompt sample of the received samples and a successor sample of the received samples based on a control signal, interpolating a projected sample based on the prompt sample, the successor sample and a predetermined time offset, determining the time offset for interpolation, by accumulating sampling frequency offset between the receiver clock and a reference clock, relative to a sample timing of the prompt sample, resulting in an interpolated data sample rate reduced by an integer multiple factor compared to a received sample rate and receiving a next sample of the received samples based on the current clock signal of the receiver clock. |
| US08213555B2 |
Methods and apparatus to improve distortion performance and direct current (DC) offset cancellation in receivers
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are described for improving distortion performance and for direct current offset cancellation in receivers. In one example, a method of improving distortion in a receiver includes determining a direct current (DC) amplitude of an offset signal, generating the offset signal, and providing the offset signal to an output of a mixer to improve the distortion performance of the mixer. |
| US08213554B2 |
Sparse sampling of signal innovations
A method of signal processing, comprising: obtaining a digital signal (yn) based on another signal (xt) and noise; and estimating information relating to the another signal (xt) by using a denoising process to produce a denoised signal (y′n) and by processing the denoised signal (y′n), wherein the denoised signal (y′n) produced by the denoising process has a substantially Finite Rate of Innovation. |
| US08213552B2 |
Demodulation method
A method of calculating at least one soft bit corresponding to a data symbol received by a radio receiver is described. In one form the method (300) includes, calculating an average amplitude at least one received data symbol. The method also includes calculating (304) at least one threshold amplitude in respect of the data symbol on the basis of the calculated average amplitude. Next a subset of constellation symbols is determined (310) at least partly on the basis of the at least one threshold, and for which a distance determination will be made. The distance between the position of the data symbol and each of the symbols in the subset of constellation symbols is determined (312) and then a soft bit corresponding to the received symbol is calculated (314) on the basis of said determined distances. |
| US08213550B2 |
Wideband digital receiver with integrated dynamic narrowband channelization and analysis
Wideband digital receiver with integrated dynamic narrowband channelization and analysis. Signals received in a wide band are channelized into a plurality of narrower band channels within the wide band and input into a programmable narrowband filter. A set of descriptors is formed, each corresponding to an associated output signal of each of the channels. The descriptors are analyzed to determine if further processing is warranted. For each descriptor warranting further processing, one or more corresponding analysis algorithms is/are selected from a library of available analysis algorithms. The programmable narrowband filter is adjusted and a new descriptor is formed of its output. The initial set of descriptors is augmented with the new descriptor. The new descriptor is analyzed to determine if further processing of received signals is warranted. |
| US08213549B2 |
Apparatus, computer program and method for determining a symbol estimate
An apparatus for determining a symbol estimate includes a detection unit, an information storage, a channel decoder, and an estimator. One or more detectors of the detection unit is configured to detect a first data stream and the one or more detectors or one or more other detectors are configured to detect a second data stream when interference cancellation is carried out and when interference cancellation is not carried out parallel to detection of a first data stream to obtain results of detection. The information storage is configured to store the results of the detection of the second data stream, and the channel decoder is configured to channel decode a detected first data stream. The estimator is configured to determine a symbol estimate by using the stored results of the detection of the second data stream and based on the success of the channel decoding of the first data stream. |
| US08213547B2 |
Identification of target signals in radio frequency pulsed environments
A system and method to detect a signal of interest. In one embodiment, the system comprises a memory including a first parameter value, a second parameter value, a third parameter value and a program to identify active video values and null values in a first plurality of signals including the signal of interest. The system includes an interface portion adapted to receive a second plurality of signals based upon power levels of a first plurality of signals. The signal of interest is detectable based on the first, second and third parameter values. |
| US08213545B2 |
Radio receiving apparatus and radio receiving method
A radio receiving apparatus and method of using thereof, in which the radio receiving apparatus includes a first synchronization circuit, a second synchronization circuit, and a demodulation section that demodulates an incoming signal based on one of synchronization information output from the first synchronization circuit and synchronization information output from the second synchronization circuit, the first synchronization circuit including a first correlation section that determines a correlation between the incoming signal and a first pulse template received as input at a timing corresponding to a first reference signal, the second synchronization circuit including a second correlation section that determines a correlation between the incoming signal and a second pulse template received as input at a timing corresponding to a second reference signal, and the first pulse template having a longer width than a width of the second pulse template. |
| US08213544B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data
A digital broadcast receiver includes a tuner receiving a digital television (DTV) signal which includes a first data group including mobile service data, and the DTV signal has been processed by generating the first data group by interleaving a second data group by a DTV transmitter. |
| US08213540B1 |
System and method of transmit beam selection
A system and method of beamforming facilitate beam selection without requiring an exhaustive search. In some implementations, a beamforming technique may select candidate vectors to construct a beamforming matrix without having to compute each matrix element. |
| US08213538B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improved utilization of air link resources in a wireless communications system
Methods and apparatus for improving the utilization of air link resources in a wireless communications system, e.g., an OFDM MIMO system, including a base station with multiple transmit antennas are described. Superposition signaling in the downlink is employed. The superimposed signal includes a first transform result signal and a second lower power signal. The first transform result signal is generated from a first signal, which uses position modulation, e.g., including null components and high power non-null components. Different components of the first transform result signal are directed to different transmit antennas. The first transform result signal communicates information to a first wireless terminal, e.g., a weak receiver. The non-null received elements of the first transform result signal are utilized by a second wireless terminal, e.g., a superior receiver, as pilots to determine a channel estimate. The second wireless terminal uses the determined channel estimate to demodulate received second signals. |
| US08213532B2 |
Information processing device and bidirectional transmission method
In a provided information processing device, a first information processing module, within its transmission time segment, transmits an encoded signal in which mutually distinct first and second bit values are respectively expressed by pluralities of mutually distinct first amplitude values and second amplitude values, the same amplitude value not occurring consecutively and the amplitude value polarity being inverted with each cycle. Within a transmission time segment for a second information processing module, the first information processing module transmits a clock signal that corresponds to the cycle at which the polarity is inverted. The second information processing module extracts the clock signal by detecting the polarity inversions in the encoded signal, decodes the first and second bit values from the encoded signal using the clock signal, generates a transmission signal by controlling the amplitude values of the clock signal, and transmits the transmission signal in synchronization with the clock signal. |
| US08213529B2 |
Method for MIMO decoding, apparatus for MIMO decoding, and MIMO receiver
There is provided a method for MIMO decoding, based on a channel estimated value between a plurality of transmitting antennas and a plurality of receiving antennas, a received signal received by the plurality of receiving antennas, including: in obtaining a unitary matrix Q and a triangular matrix R through QR decomposition of a channel estimated value matrix H, creating the triangular matrix R such that a sum of scalars of non-diagonal elements of the triangular matrix R is the minimum; and estimating a signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas through the use of the created triangular matrix R, the unitary matrix Q, and the received signal received by the plurality of receiving antennas. |
| US08213528B2 |
Apparatus and associated methods to perform space-frequency interleaving in a multicarrier wireless communication channel
An apparatus and associated methods for performing space-frequency interleaving in a multicarrier wireless communication system is generally described. |
| US08213526B2 |
MIMO/transmit diversity channel estimation
A receive station of the present invention despreads a received signal over both long and short despreading periods to determine individual channel estimates over each symbol period of an extended period for multiple pilot signals. As a result, the present invention provides channel estimates sufficient for both slow and fast fading conditions. The receive station determines an average channel estimate for each of the pilot signals over the extended period by despreading the received signal over the extended period using mutually orthogonal extended spreading sequences. The receive station further determines a combined channel estimate for the pilot signals over each symbol period of the extended period by despreading the received signal over each symbol period using a common spreading sequence. Based on the average and combined channel estimates, the receive station determines individual channel estimates for each pilot signal over each symbol period of the extended period. |
| US08213520B2 |
Compression method for display frames of QFHD (quad full high definition) resolution and system thereof
A compression method and a compression system for display frames of QFHD (quad full high definition) resolution are provided and applied to the image encoding/decoding environment of the H.264/AVC image encoding standard of the QFHD resolution and the effective dictionary base compression and de-compression algorithm, the image data compression rate can be tremendously raised at the resolution of 1080 HD (High Definition) content and the average memory data rate is greatly decreased. Hence only a bus with a lower frequency as 57 MHz can be done for the real-time of the resolution of 1080 HD content. |
| US08213519B2 |
Methods of operating a dual decoder portable media device
Methods of operating a portable media device 100 including two onboard hardware media decoders (124, 128) operative to decode a given digital content item 148 are disclosed. In some embodiments, one of the onboard hardware media decoders 128 has a relatively high power consumption and produces a relatively ‘high quality’ media signal, and the other of the onboard hardware media decoder 124 has a relatively low power consumption and produces a relatively ‘low quality’ media signal. In one non-limiting use case: (i) when no external power is available, the relatively ‘low power’ hardware media decoder 124 may generate a relatively ‘low quality’ media signal which is presented on an onboard display screen 140a and/or onboard speaker 140b; and (ii) when external power is available, the relatively ‘high power’ hardware media decoder 128 may generate a relatively ‘high quality’ media signal which is exported out of the portable media device 100 via one or more media ports, and presented on an external host presentation device 160 (for example, a large-screen television). |
| US08213513B2 |
Efficient data prediction and data reuse motion estimation engine for system-on-chip design
A data reading method for motion estimation in an embedded system is provided. The embedded system includes an external memory device and a video encoding device, wherein the external memory device stores a first frame, and the video encoding device has an internal memory. First, a second frame is divided into M×N sub frame sets, wherein each of the sub frame sets has O×P sub frames. Then, each of the sub frame sets is selected in a calculation sequence, and the selected sub frame set is stored into the internal memory. Next, a predicted search path of each sub frame in the selected sub frame set is calculated. Thereafter; a predicted reading range is determined, wherein the predicted reading range includes the predicted search paths of the sub frames. Finally, a comparison data is read from the first frame according to the predicted reading range. |
| US08213512B2 |
Determining an intermediate image
Included are embodiments for determining an intermediate image. At least one embodiment includes receiving data associated with a first motion vector and receiving data associated with a second motion vector, wherein the first motion vector and the second motion vector define a first image and a second image. Some embodiments include determining a single set of potential pixel values for an intermediate image, the single set of pixel values being determined from the first motion vector and the second motion vector and creating the intermediate image from the single set of potential pixel values. |
| US08213511B2 |
Video encoder software architecture for VLIW cores incorporating inter prediction and intra prediction
This invention is a method of video encoding. The number N macroblocks stored in a temporary buffer depends upon an estimated number of motion vectors. N macroblocks of current and prior frame data is transferred to the temporary buffer. The invention determines for each macroblock whether to be inter frame predicted or intra frame predicted. The inter and intra macroblocks are separately encoded based upon this determination and stored in an output buffer. Output macroblocks are output from the output buffer in raster scan order. This technique permits the process to loop over differing number of macroblocks in differing parts of the encoding process. Entropy encoding complexity from separating inter and intra macroblock encoding is avoided by separating a symbol generation phase from an encoding phase. |
| US08213509B2 |
Video coding on parallel processing systems
A method of estimating motion is disclosed. A first plurality of candidates is identified in a reference frame, wherein the total area occupied by the first plurality of candidates is substantially smaller than that of the reference frame. A first refinement search is then performed based, at least in part, on the first plurality of candidates. One or more best candidates are then identified based, at least in part, on the first refinement search. Finally, motion data is encoded based, at least in part, on the one or more best candidates. |
| US08213508B2 |
Complexity scalable video encoding
A video decoder, a video decoding method, a video encoder and a video encoding method are disclosed. A video decoder for decoding a video bitstream for an image block includes a motion vector resolution reducer and a motion compensator. The motion vector resolution reducer is for receiving decoded high resolution motion vectors included in the video bitstream and for reducing an accuracy of the high resolution motion vectors to correspond to a low resolution. The motion compensator, in signal communication with the motion vector resolution reducer, is for forming a motion compensated high resolution prediction using the reduced accuracy motion vectors. The video encoder for encoding scalable video comprises a motion compensator for forming a motion compensated full resolution prediction and combining the motion compensated full resolution prediction from an image block to form a prediction residual. The prediction residual is downsampled to form a low resolution downsampled prediction residual and then coded. |
| US08213507B2 |
Interpolation of video compression frames
Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation. |
| US08213506B2 |
Video coding
A method of transmitting video, a method of receiving and decoding video, and a corresponding transmitter, receiver and computer program products. The method of transmitting video to one or more recipient terminals comprises: transmitting a stream of inter frame encoded video data to a recipient terminal; during ongoing transmission of the stream to the recipient terminal, receiving a request signal from that recipient terminal; and in response to the request signal, transmitting alternatively encoded video data to the recipient terminal in association with the inter frame encoded video data. |
| US08213504B2 |
Image display apparatus, video signal processor, and video signal processing method
The present invention provides an image display apparatus capable of suppressing deterioration in picture quality resulting from precision of detection of a motion vector at the time of performing a predetermined video signal process to improve picture quality. In consideration of reliability in detection of a motion vector mv by a motion vector detector 44, a video signal process in an interpolation section 45, an imaging blur suppression processor 13, and an overdrive processor 10 is performed. Concretely, the video signal process is performed so that a degree of the video signal process rises as reliability increases and, on the other hand, a degree of the video signal process falls off as the reliability decreases. In the case of performing the video signal process using a motion vector, even when a motion vector lies out of a motion vector search range (block matching range), the video signal process according to the motion vector detection precision can be performed. |
| US08213503B2 |
Skip modes for inter-layer residual video coding and decoding
Techniques and tools for skip modes in encoding and decoding of inter-layer residual video are described. For example, an encoder encodes multiple macroblocks of a picture of inter-layer residual video. For a current macroblock that is skipped, the encoder selects a skip mode from among multiple available skip modes and uses the selected skip mode when encoding the current macroblock. The skip modes can include intra skip mode and predicted-motion skip mode. A corresponding decoder, for the current macroblock, selects and uses the skip mode for the current macroblock during decoding. As another example, an encoder encodes multiple channels of a picture of inter-layer residual video. For each channel, the encoder determines whether to skip the channel. The encoder signals channel skip information to indicate which channels are skipped. A corresponding decoder parses the channel skip information and determines on a channel-by-channel basis whether to skip the respective channels. |
| US08213502B2 |
Method and system for real-time adaptive quantization control
A system and method for controlling video compression quantization comprising generating a quantizer scale offset based on diagonal frequencies of luminance components of a data block samples, luminance intensity of the samples and motion activity of the data block, adjusting a first quantizer scale using the quantizer scale offset to receive a second quantizer scale and quantizing the data block using the second quantizer scale. |
| US08213497B2 |
Moving image converting apparatus, moving image converting method, and computer program
A moving image converting apparatus includes: a block dividing unit executing block division processing for each of frames that form the moving image data; a motion amount detecting unit detecting a block motion amount corresponding to a motion amount of an object contained in each of blocks obtained; a line-of-sight motion amount detecting unit calculating a line-of-sight motion amount of a viewer who views the moving image data; a sampling point phase change amount determining unit receiving the block motion amount and the line-of-sight motion amount as input, and determining a block-corresponding sampling point phase change amount to be applied to spatial decimation processing on each of the blocks; and a decimation executing unit receiving the blocks obtained as input, executing the spatial decimation processing on the inputted blocks, the spatial decimation processing being executed by applying the block-corresponding sampling point phase change amount determined. |
| US08213495B2 |
Picture decoding method and picture decoding apparatus
Provided is a picture decoding method in which a less degraded decoded picture can be reconstructed even if an error has occurred. A picture decoding method for decoding coded data on a block-by-block basis and smoothing, using a deblocking filter, blocking distortion which occurs in a boundary between decoded blocks. In this method, a variable length decoding unit VLD detects whether or not each block in the coded data contains an error; and a deblocking filter DBF determines, based on the result of the detection, (i) whether or not filtering should be performed on a boundary between two adjacent blocks, and (ii) which one of deblocking filters with different smoothing levels should be used for filtering of the boundary. |
| US08213493B2 |
Pilot-directed and pilot/data-directed equalizers
A normalized least means square (NLMS) equalizer including two equalizer filters is disclosed. In one embodiment, a single correction term generator is used to generate correction terms for tap coefficient updates of each of the equalizer filters based on a pilot signal. In another embodiment, two different correction term generators are used to generate correction terms for each of the equalizer filters, whereby one of the correction term generators uses data received from a hard decision unit at the output of one of the equalizer filters to generate correction terms for both of the equalizer filters. |
| US08213491B1 |
Adaptive ultrawideband receiver method
In accordance with the present invention, novel methods for adaptive receiver design and related parameter estimation techniques for efficient and non-coherent reception of ultrawideband signals are presented. Efficient estimation of maximum excess delay of the channel for enabling many useful adaptation techniques is additionally provided. Also, noise power estimation which significantly improves the performance of the receivers is presented. |
| US08213488B2 |
Method and device for performing communication in digital subscriber line
A method and transmitter receiver sets are used to perform communication in digital subscriber line technology. The method includes: acquiring communication performance parameter; the first transmitter receiver set and the second transmitter receiver set using the predetermined communication standard to perform communication when the communication performance parameter is equal to the predetermined value or greater than the predetermined value, the predetermined communication standard is respectively set in the first transmitter receiver set and the second transmitter receiver set. The bit table and the gain table predetermined are respectively stored in the first transmitter receiver set and the second transmitter receiver set. According to the method, a rapid switch to the bit table and the gain table predetermined using simple message or enquiry answer mechanism may be ensured when great wideband noise exists. There is no need of interchanging the bit table and the gain table when using this method. |
| US08213486B2 |
Method for simplifying the calculations for pre-whitening in a G-rake receiver
A method for simplifying calculations for pre-whitening in a G-RAKE receiver, comprising receiving at least two signals with at least two antennas via a channel, where each one of said received signals comprises time delayed and attenuated versions of the original signals. Each received signal forms a corresponding vector of received signal versions and the vectors form a matrix of received signals, where, due to correlation between the antennas, the received signals are correlated. Each version also comprises a certain amount of colored noise. The correlating effect of the antennas is estimated and formulated in matrix form and used to acquire essentially uncorrelated received signal vectors in an essentially uncorrelated received signal matrix. A calculated inverse of a covariance matrix of the calculated essentially uncorrelated signal vectors is used to pre-whiten the noise. A G-RAKE receiver arranged for applying the method above. |
| US08213485B2 |
High rate CDMA wireless communication system using variable sized channel codes
Method and apparatus for high rate code-division multiple access wireless communication is described. Each of a channel encoded data is modulated by an associated code having a small number of pseudo-noise spreading chips per orthogonal waveform period, thus producing a set of streams of modulated symbols. Each of the set of streams of modulated symbols is then gain adjusted, and combined to yield two streams of combined symbols. The combination is the set of streams is carried out to reduce a peak-to-average ratio of the transmission. The resulting two combined symbol streams are modulated by a complex multiplyer using a user long code and a pseudorandom spreading code (PN code) and upconverted for transmission. |
| US08213484B2 |
Wireless communication network with extended coverage range
A wireless communication network supports 802.11b/g and a range extension mode, which supports at least one data rate lower than the lowest data rate in 802.11b/g. A transmitting station (which may be an access point or a user terminal) includes first and second processors. The first processor performs differential modulation and spectral spreading for a first set of at least one data rate (e.g., 1 and 2 Mbps) supported by 802.11b/g. The second processor performs forward error correction (FEC) encoding, symbol mapping, and spectral spreading for a second set of at least one data rate (e.g., 250, 500, and 1000 Kbps) supported by the range extension mode. The transmitting station can send a transmission at a data rate supported by either 802.11b/g or the range extension mode, e.g., depending on the desired coverage range for the transmission. A receiving station performs the complementary processing to recover the transmission. |
| US08213480B2 |
Multiple emitter VECSEL
An extended cavity surface emitting laser has a first laser die with a first cavity and a first gain element and a second laser die with a second cavity and a second gain element. The first and second gain elements are in series to provide optical gain and optical feedback in an extended optical cavity configuration. The first and second gain elements provide optical gain and optical feedback in a common extended cavity with the first and second gain elements operating serially as a common extended cavity optical mode. |
| US08213474B2 |
Asymmetric DBR pairs combined with periodic and modulation doping to maximize conduction and reflectivity, and minimize absorption
An optical device for improving conduction and reflectivity and minimizing absorption. The optical device includes a first mirror comprising a first plurality of mirror periods designed to reflect an optical field at a predetermined wavelength, where the optical field has peaks and nulls. Each of the plurality of mirror periods includes a first layer of having a high carrier mobility, a second layer having lower carrier mobility, and a first compositional ramp between the first and second layers. The thicknesses of the first and second layers for at least a portion of the first plurality of mirror periods are established such that the nulls of the optical field occur within the first layer and not within the compositional ramp. At least the portion of the first layers within the first plurality of mirror periods include elevated doping concentrations at locations of the nulls of the optical field. |