| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08250668B2 |
Cantilever with paddle for operation in dual-frequency mode
A microcantilever system comprising a paddle, its use and a method of simultaneously acquiring the topography and measuring the tip-sample interactions of a sample with it. |
| US08250663B2 |
Method and system for controlling presentation of media on a media storage device
A method of controlling presentation of content on a media storage device is described. The method is comprised of verifying presence of a content presentation mechanism and a usage compliance mechanism on a computer system operated by a recipient to whom the media storage device is distributed. The usage compliance mechanism includes a file system filter driver for controlling data reads associated with the content. The present method further includes permitting the recipient to experience the content via the computer system provided the usage compliance mechanism is present on the computer system and the computer system is communicatively coupled with a network and wherein a server in the network authorizes the recipient to experience the content. The present method further includes presenting the content to the recipient via the content presentation mechanism. The content presentation mechanism is communicatively coupled with the usage compliance mechanism. The content presentation mechanism is enabled to present the content provided the content presentation mechanism is communicatively coupled with the server. |
| US08250662B1 |
Partially delegated over-the-air provisioning of a secure element
A system for provisioning a secure element on a mobile device is provided. The system comprises a first trusted service manager associated with a credit card, a second trusted service manager associated with a wireless service provider, and a mobile device. The mobile device has a secure element to hold the credit card and an over-the-air client to communicate wirelessly with the first trusted service manager and the second trusted service manager. When the second trusted service manager receives a message from the first trusted service manager to provision a personalization information for the credit card to the mobile device, the second trusted service manager transmits to the over-the-air client a message to initiate transfer of the personalization information for the credit card. |
| US08250660B2 |
Digital watermarking applications
Methods and systems include, e.g.,: (1) steganographically embedding location information in images, where the location information is obtained from remote sources like a cell phone network or remote GPS receiver; (2) steganographically embedding participant IDs in content to ensure proper billing and royalty tracking; (3) providing fair-use content management based upon digital watermark-tracked usage; (4) providing micro-payments based upon watermarked ID cards for retailers; and/or (5) providing watermarked logon cards, such as watermarked hotel room keys, to better provide internet logon access control. Other systems and methods are provided as well. |
| US08250659B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting the integrity of data
By arranging a redundancy means and a control means upstream from an encryption means which encrypts and decrypts the data to be stored in an external memory, the integrity of data may be ensured when the generation of redundancy information is realized by the redundancy means, and when the generation of a syndrome bit vector indicating any alteration of the data is implemented by the control means. What is preferred is a control matrix constructed from idempotent, thinly populated, circulant square sub-matrices only. By arranging redundancy and control means upstream from the encryption/decryption means, what is achieved is that both errors in the encrypted data and errors of the non-encrypted data may be proven, provided that they have occurred in the data path between the redundancy/control means and the encryption/decryption means. |
| US08250657B1 |
Web site hygiene-based computer security
A reputation server is coupled to multiple clients via a network. Each client has a security module that detects malware at the client. The security module computes a hygiene score based on detected malware. The security module provides the hygiene score and an identifier of a visited web site to a reputation server. The security module also provides identifiers of files encountered at specified web sites to the reputation server. The reputation server computes secondary hygiene scores for web sites based on the hygiene scores of the clients that visit the web sites. The reputation server further computes reputation scores for files based on the secondary hygiene scores of sites that host the files. The reputation server provides the reputation scores to the clients. A reputation score represents an assessment of whether the associated file is malicious. |
| US08250655B1 |
Rapid heuristic method and system for recognition of similarity between malware variants
A system, method and computer program product for identifying new variants of certain data objects, for example, malware-carrying files, including (a) dividing a file into a plurality of N pieces; (b) for each of the N pieces, calculating an average value of bytes in that piece; (c) generating a furl of length N elements, wherein each element of the furl has a value that represents the average value of its corresponding file piece; (d) calculating the distance between the furl and a second furl that corresponds to the file known to contain malware; and (e) based on the distance, determining whether the file is likely to carry a malicious object. The malicious object is, for example, a trojan, a virus, a rootkit or a worm. The second furl can be selected by comparing file size, and taking into account whether the file is packed. The furl elements are bytes, words, half words, etc. The distance is calculated based on, e.g., the sum of absolute value differences, root mean square difference and a correlation coefficient. The average value is an arithmetic average and a geometric average. |
| US08250654B1 |
Systems and methods for implementing and scoring computer network defense exercises
A process for facilitating a client system defense training exercise implemented over a client-server architecture includes designated modules and hardware for protocol version identification message; registration; profiling; health reporting; vulnerability status messaging; storage; access and scoring. More particularly, the server identifies a rule-based vulnerability profile to the client and scores client responses in accordance with established scoring rules for various defensive and offensive asset training scenarios. |
| US08250647B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic filter generation and maintenance
Automatic filter generation and maintenance comprises detecting, from network packets, an IP address and a first MAC address; the IP address and the first MAC address are used to determine that the IP address and another MAC address that are detected in second network packets is an illegal binding and the other MAC address is different from the first MAC address; causing a network element to create, in an ARP filter, based on the IP address and the first MAC address, rules that cause the network element to prevent an address resolution protocol table from including a binding that includes only one of the IP address and the first MAC address; in response to detecting the IP address and said another MAC address in the second network packets, preventing the address resolution protocol table from including the illegal binding that includes the IP address and the other MAC address. |
| US08250646B2 |
Method, system, and device for filtering packets
A method, system, and device for filtering packets are disclosed. The method includes: by a deep packet inspection (DPI) proxy server configured at the access-network user side, identifying the service type and/or contents of a received packet, and performing DPI filtering on the packet by using a preset DPI filtering policy according to the identified service type and/or contents. In the technical solution of the present invention, DPI proxy servers are configured at the access-network user side on a distributed basis; each DPI proxy server receives packets only from a user equipment (UE) on a customer premises network (CPN), where the UE corresponds to the DPI proxy server. Compared with the DPI server configured at the edge between the core network and the access network in the prior art, the DPI proxy server provided in embodiments of the present invention processes fewer packets, thus performing real-time DPI on the packets. |
| US08250645B2 |
Malware detection methods and systems for multiple users sharing common access switch
Malware detection systems and methods are presented in which header data of protocol data units (PDUs) are examined at a wireless access switch shared by multiple clients, and the PDU type and client are used to establish counters, with the count values being analyzed to identify clients suspected of being infected with malware. |
| US08250643B2 |
Communication device, communication system, communication method, and program
A TCP 2003 is terminated in an intermediate driver 2006 within a gateway device 20, a TCP 3003 is terminated in an intermediate driver 3006 within a gateway device 30, and a frame is transferred between the intermediate drivers with a method not causing a congestion control such as a UDP. Besides, an SSL session is constructed between an SSL 2002 and an SSL 3002, and upon completing construction of the session, a public key and a secret key are sent by means of an Ethernet frame from a processing speed acceleration engine control to a processing speed acceleration engine. Thus, the gateway device transfers the frame not through a CPU but by employing the processing speed acceleration engine within an NIC in later communication between a terminal 21 and a server 31. |
| US08250641B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic switching and real time security control on virtualized systems
In some embodiments, the invention involves securing network traffic to and from a host processor. A system and method is disclosed which utilizes a second processor on a virtualization technology platform to send/receive and triage messages. The second processor is to forward suspect messages to a virtual appliance for further investigation before routing the suspect messages to one of a plurality of virtual machines running on the host processor. When messages are not suspect, use of the virtual appliance is avoided and messages are routed to one of a plurality of virtual machines via a virtual machine manager running on the host processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08250637B2 |
Determining the degree of relevance of duplicate alerts in an entity resolution system
An entity resolution system and alert analysis system configured to process inbound identity records and to generate alerts based on relevant identities, entities, conditions, activities, or events is disclosed. One process of resolving identity records and detecting relationships between entities may be performed using a pre-determined or configurable entity resolution rules. Further, the entity resolution system may include an alert analysis system configured to allow analysts to review and analyze alerts, entities, and identities, as well as provide comments or assign a disposition to alerts generated by the entity resolution system. Furthermore, the entity resolution system may be configured to handle duplicate alerts, i.e., one or more identical or near-identical alerts generated using the same entities and/or identities as well as assign a relevance score to the particular entities and identities included in the alert. |
| US08250628B2 |
Dynamic augmentation, reduction, and/or replacement of security information by evaluating logical expressions
Method, server, and computer product for modifying base permissions of access control lists (ACL) by evaluating logical expressions (LE). Base permissions are determined for a subject by comparing a name of subject against ACL entries for an object. ACL entries having LE entries are determined. LE entries are evaluated to determine which LE entries are true for LE attributes of the subject. Set operators of LE entries are combined to single union ACL, intersect ACL, and replace ACL. Replace operation performed to replace base permissions with replace ACL, resulting in first output. If no replace ACL, base permissions are the first output. Union operation is performed on first output and union ACL, resulting in second output. If no union ACL, first output is second output. Intersect operation performed on second output and intersect ACL, resulting in third output. If no intersect ACL, permissions of second output are the third output. |
| US08250627B2 |
Transaction authorization
One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for transaction authorization within a security service. The computer-implemented method intercepts a request by a security service, wherein a transaction identifier is cached to form a cached transaction identifier, and requests the requester to authenticate to form an authentication request. The computer-implemented method further determines whether the requester was authenticated, and responsive to a determination the requester was authenticated, receives authentication information, including an associated transaction identifier. The request is intercepted and the cached transaction identifier inserted. The computer-implemented method further determines whether the cached transaction identifier is equivalent to the authentication information, including an associated transaction identifier, and responsive to a determination that the cached transaction identifier is equivalent to authentication information, including an associated transaction identifier, passes the request to the application. |
| US08250624B2 |
Portable device for securing packet traffic in a host platform
A device, such as a chip card, is connected to a host platform that is linked to a packet network such as the Internet. The device detects security policy designation parameters in packets leaving and entering the platform and processes the packets according to stored security policies designated by the designation parameters detected. The security information linked to a user can therefore be moved from one platform to another and it is not processed by the platform. Security policies are managed by a server with which the device can initiate a communication when no security policy corresponding to the policy designation parameters detected in a packet is recognized, so that the server can assist the device in negotiating a security policy. |
| US08250623B2 |
Preference extracting apparatus, preference extracting method and preference extracting program
A preference extracting apparatus includes a text information obtaining section that obtains text information having correspondence with a scene being currently played when video contents having text information having correspondence with each scene is played, a keyword extracting section that extracts a keyword for measuring user's preference based on the text information, a presenting section that presents the user a fact that the keyword has been extracted, a preference value defining section that defines a preference value of the user regarding the extracted keyword in accordance with the response by the user to the presentation, a storage section that establishes correspondence between the keyword and the preference value and stores them as the user's preference information in predetermined storage means. |
| US08250619B2 |
Method of receiving a broadcasting signal and receiving system for receiving a broadcasting signal
A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data. |
| US08250618B2 |
Real-time network adaptive digital video encoding/decoding
A method for real time video transmission over networks with varying bandwidth is described. Image quality is maintained even under degrading network performance conditions through the use of image scaling in conjunction with block based motion compensated video coding (MPEG2/4, H.264, et. Al.). The ability to quickly switch resolutions without decreasing reference frame correlation is shown enabling a fast switch to reduce the required bandwidth for stable image quality. |
| US08250615B2 |
Head-end system for providing two-way VOD service and service method thereof
A head-end system for providing a two-way VOD service and a service method thereof are disclosed. The head-end system includes: a terminal which is based on a Java virtual machine and a Java TV/GEM standard middleware and has a VOD navigator application of a tool set form for replaying and controlling an audiovisual (AV) which is processed to be replayed in real time and an application related to the AV which is processed to be replayed in real time; and a two-way VOD head-end system server for providing a VOD content list and content information to the terminal through the Internet and providing information of an application related to an AV which is processed to be replayed and an application execution-related file together when a VOD content is selected and requested by a user. |
| US08250612B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a method for processing data in the same are disclosed. A method for controlling a digital television (DTV) located in one independent space among a plurality of independent spaces physically separated from one another is disclosed. The DTV includes an access point (AP) card. The method includes receiving guest information recorded in a storage area of a compact wireless device and a wired equivalent privacy (WEP) key value of the AP card, receiving the WEP key value corresponding to the AP card of the DTV from a management server, comparing the WEP key value received from the compact wireless device with the WEP key value received from the management server, switching an operation mode of the DTV from a power-off mode to a wake mode, if the WEP key values are identical to each other, and controlling at least one guest information received from the compact wireless device to be displayed. |
| US08250609B1 |
TV content search system and method with automatic boolean multi-field search
A search based TV interface system and method is disclosed. Search results are dynamically filtered based on automatic Boolean combinations of search parameters based on search field types. |
| US08250607B2 |
Non-real time services
In certain embodiments, a digital television receiver method for receiving non-real time (NRT) content involves receiving a transport stream containing an Internet Protocol (IP) stream of packets containing non-real time content, NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the IP stream of packets to produce: NRT content, NRT service metadata, and NRT content metadata; an NRT metadata parser that produces NRT service metadata and NRT content metadata; and where the NRT service metadata contains an indication whether or not a particular NRT service is to be offered on a subscription basis. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08250602B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing personalized supplemental programming
A method and apparatus for providing personalized supplemental programming is provided. In one embodiment, the invention can include searching text for a keyword, the text associated with primary programming to be provided to an element of an entertainment system, accessing a database upon finding the keyword, retrieving content associated with the keyword from the database, combining the retrieved content with the primary programming to generate combined programming, and providing the combined programming to the element of the entertainment system. |
| US08250601B2 |
Configuration apparatus and method of configuring one or more devices having hidden configuration settings
A configuration apparatus includes a user interface allowing a user to initiate configuration of at least a target configurable device selected from a plurality of configurable devices. A command module is coupled to the user interface for dynamically generating a sequence of commands required to configure the target configurable device. The sequence of commands includes commands for entering a hidden service-configuration menu of the target configurable device. A communication module is coupled to the command module for transmitting the sequence of commands to the target configurable device. |
| US08250599B2 |
System and method for providing time-based content
System and method for providing time-based content. In one embodiment, time-based offers are presented to viewers of broadcast content, and may be presented on the same display device being used to display broadcast programming. In another embodiment, time-based offers are commercial offers inviting the viewer to purchase goods or services at a special rate for a limited time. Time-based offers may also be customized based on programming content being viewed and/or viewer profile data. Responses to presented time-based offers may be used to update viewer profile data and/or merchant conversion profile data, which is a measure of how effective the particular offer is. |
| US08250597B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing copy protection using a transmittal mode command
A method and system of providing copy protection of video analog and digital signals and the like, wherein the signals are transmitted via a digital delivery network, and may comprise, for example, pay-per-view (PPV) program materials protected by copyrights of respective program rights holders. The right holders authorize video service providers (3) to apply copy protection to the program material. The copy protection process is supplied to the rights holders or the service providers (3) by a copy protection process licensor. The video service providers (3) supply suitable copy protection control software via respective control and billing (tracking) centers to generate commands which activate, control and reconfigure the copy protection process being applied to the programs being transmitted. A set-top box (10) is provided to each consumer and contains a copy protection circuit which is adapted to apply selected anticopy waveforms to the video signal corresponding to the program material in response to the commands from the service providers (3). Usage data pertinent to each consumer is returned by the set-top box (10) to the service providers (3), which then report the copy protection usage to the respective rights holders and process licensor. |
| US08250596B2 |
Incentive rewards obtainable by a targeted audience tuned to a broadcast
A technique for providing a reward as an incentive for a monitored person to be an audience member of at least one program being performed by reproduction equipment. A programming signal is provided for broadcasting the program with a programming signal source. The programming signal is encoded with discrete code signals, such that a preset number of the code signals occur within a given period of time, to produce an output signal, and the output signal is then broadcast. The broadcast output signal is received at a site where the monitored person is located, and the code signals therein are detected. The detected code signals are recognized only if a signal manually-actuated by the monitored person is received within a predetermined time period. The number of the code signals recognized while the monitored person is an audience member of the at least one program is determined, and the number of recognized code signals is compared with predetermined reward issuance criteria. A reward is issued when the reward issuance criteria are met by the number of recognized code signals. |
| US08250594B2 |
Information providing device, information acquisition terminal, broadcast receiving terminal, information providing system, information providing method, and program
An ECG server for providing ECG information about a program to broadcast receiving terminals and user terminals includes an ECG information storage unit for storing the ECG information including attribute information, an emotion information acquisition unit for acquiring emotion information representing emotions of viewers about content of the program displayed by the broadcast receiving terminals via at least one of the information acquisition terminals, an emotion information analysis unit for analyzing at least one piece of the acquired emotion information, and an ECG unit configuration unit for configuring an ECG unit by associating at least one piece of the ECG information with the program and associating at least one piece of the acquired emotion information with the program based on attribute information of the ECG information to suit analysis results of the emotion information. Accordingly, viewers can be lured to view the program by inviting viewers to view the program. |
| US08250592B2 |
Optical disk apparatus
Provided is an optical disk apparatus in which an interlocking slider engaged with a main slider directly drive an eject lever and a boss for performing a disk chucking operation. The optical disk apparatus includes a housing having a slot to receive a disk, a main unit having a turn table to rotate the disk, the main slider configured to move in first and second directions corresponding to insertion and ejection of the disk, the eject lever configured to eject the disk inserted into the housing through the slot, and the interlocking slider. |
| US08250591B2 |
Tray of optical disk device and optical disk device including the same
A tray of an optical disk device and an optical disk device including the tray are provided. In a tray rear portion located at a higher level than a tray bottom portion, a first tapered surface as a draft taper and a second tapered surface sloping more gently than the first tapered surface are formed. An upper end of the second tapered surface is located farther from a center of rotation of an optical disk than a lower end, and thus air in a peripheral portion of the optical disk generated during rotation of the disk is introduced along the tapered surface to a rear. |
| US08250589B2 |
Method for simplifying interfaces having dynamic libraries
A method may include defining an interface class including a static member having an implementation pointer. The method may also include loading a main code segment including a stub implementation of the interface class. Additionally, the method may include instantiating the stub implementation of the interface class to provide a stub implementation object. The stub implementation of the interface class may include a first constructor configured to set the implementation pointer to the stub implementation object. Further, the method may include loading a dynamic library including a real implementation of the interface class. Still further, the method may include instantiating the real implementation of the interface class to provide a real implementation object. The real implementation of the interface class may include a second constructor configured to set the implementation pointer to the real implementation object. |
| US08250587B2 |
Non-persistent and persistent information setting method and system for inter-process communication
System, method, architecture, network device, and computer programs and computer program products for inter-process communications. Message structure, procedure for generating the message structure, applications of the message structure and messaging method for obtaining status, statistics, and other information and for performing an information or parameter set operation across one or more process boundaries, and to other device and system architectures and methods for utilizing the messages and messaging methodology. |
| US08250586B2 |
High-performance virtual machine networking
A virtual machine (VM) runs on system hardware, which includes a physical network interface device that enables transfer of packets between the VM and a destination over a network. A virtual machine monitor (VMM) exports a hardware interface to the VM and runs on a kernel, which forms a system software layer between the VMM and the system hardware. Pending packets (both transmit and receive) issued by the VM are stored in a memory region that is shared by, that is, addressable by, the VM, the VMM, and the kernel. Rather than always transferring each packet as it is issued, packets are clustered in the shared memory region until a trigger event occurs, whereupon the cluster of packets is passed as a group to the physical network interface device. |
| US08250585B2 |
Extensible framework for managing UI state in a composite AJAX application
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing the user interface (UI) state of an AJAX application by automatically binding a uniform resource locator (URL) to an application code component. The metadata for controller functions contained in an AJAX Web page are read as it is loaded. Once loaded, the URL of the page is monitored for changes in its value. If the URL's value changes, then the value of the ‘action’ property of the changed URL is compared to the application metadata for validation. If the ‘action’ property of the changed URL does not exist in the application metadata, then the changed URL is considered invalid and its associated actions are ignored. If the ‘action’ property is valid, the function specified by the ‘action’ request parameter is called. A single object parameter is sent, with the properties of the single object parameter derived from the request parameters other than ‘action’. The function is executed and the page is updated to display the value of the object property. |
| US08250584B1 |
Device location application programming interface
Media, methods and interfaces are provided for interfacing a mobile device and an application virtual machine to provide location information of the mobile device from a secondary source. When location information supplied by a first source to the application virtual machine contains invalid values for device location, a secondary source is utilized to provide the location information. No new processing thread is spawned for collection of back-up source configurations. Thus, interfaces initiate the first and second location determination methods in a single request. The power consumed by the mobile device to retrieve the device location information from a secondary source is reduced by the absence of additional configuration collection threads. Interfaces include a primary location component, a verification component, a backup location component, and a location update component. |
| US08250581B1 |
Allocating computer resources to candidate recipient computer workloads according to expected marginal utilities
The present invention provides for allocating computer resources to computer workloads at least in part as a function of expected marginal utilities of candidate recipient workloads. |
| US08250580B2 |
Multi-core SOC synchronization component
A multi-core SOC synchronization component comprises a key administration module, a thread schedule unit supporting data synchronization and thread administration, and an expansion unit serving to expand the memory capacity of the key administration module. The key administration module stores, distributes and manages keys. When the key is assigned to a data synchronization process, the key administration module supports the data synchronization process. When the key is assigned to a thread process, the thread schedule unit performs thread administration. The expansion unit is coupled to an external memory and able to expand the memory of the key administration module. When the keys are expanded or the internal memory is insufficient, the keys are stored in the external memory. |
| US08250575B2 |
Method and system for managing transactions utilizing a basis memory and a transaction memory
A method and system for managing transactions is provided. A transaction is initiated on a first data by a first entity with the first data being comprised in a basis memory. A change in the first data is moved as a second data to a transaction memory. The second data is read from the transaction memory if a request for reading the first data is received from the first entity. The first data is read from the basis memory if the request for reading the first data is received from a second entity. The write access of the second entity to the first data is locked. |
| US08250572B2 |
System and method for providing hardware virtualization in a virtual machine environment
A system and method for providing hardware virtualization and resource management in a virtual machine environment. In accordance with an embodiment, an application server environment includes a computer system, application server, and virtual machine (for example, a Java Virtual Machine or JVM). In accordance with an embodiment, a virtualization layer is provided at each physical machine, including a hypervisor for partitioning virtual machines over the machine. An execution layer runs a single Java-based application, focusing on running that application as efficiently as possible. In accordance with another embodiment, the system comprises two main components: a lower-level, execution environment that replaces the usual operating system; and a higher-level, resource broker that is responsible for handing out new virtual machines to the above layers, and for monitoring the current resource usage of the running virtual machines. |
| US08250568B2 |
Installing and upgrading an application in a computer system
A method of distributing and executing upgrade/installation instructions as data objects. These instructions can then be completed automatically requesting user interaction only when required. This method would allow someone with little knowledge of the application and/or internal implementation of said application to perform an upgrade to the application. |
| US08250563B2 |
Distributed autonomic solutions repository
Managing software is provided. A solution to a problem that has occurred with a program on a client data processing system is received by a server. This solution is created while solving the problem that occurred on the data processing system. The solution includes a process that may be executed on another data processing system to solve the same problem on that data processing system. The process is, for example, a script, a macro, or a set of computer executable steps or instructions. A database of solutions is selectively updated to reflect the new solution. In response to a request for a solution by another client system to a problem, the server will respond with the current solution that exists in the database. |
| US08250561B2 |
Shipment infrastructure for add-on content
A system including a software maintenance tool of a business process platform to manage software changes related to a main software product including a software enhancement supplement of the main software product; and a control unit interfaced with the software maintenance tool and provided by a software product provider to create, assemble, and provision the software enhancement supplement to the software maintenance tool based on a type of content comprising the software enhancement supplement. |
| US08250556B1 |
Distributing parallelism for parallel processing architectures
A system comprises a plurality of computation units interconnected by an interconnection network. A method for configuring the system comprises receiving an initial partitioning of instructions into initial subsets corresponding to different portions of a program; forming a refined partitioning of the instructions into refined subsets each including one or more of the initial subsets, including determining whether to combine a first subset and a second subset to form a third subset according to a comparison of a communication cost between the first subset and second subset and a load cost of the third subset that is based at least in part on a number of instructions issued per cycle by a computation unit; and assigning each refined subset of instructions to one of the computation units for execution on the assigned computation unit. |
| US08250555B1 |
Compiling code for parallel processing architectures based on control flow
A system comprises a plurality of computation units interconnected by an interconnection network. A method for configuring the system comprises forming subsets of instructions corresponding to different portions of a program, the subsets of instructions being related according to a control flow graph; for each of a first subset of branches in the control flow graph, scheduling a value of an associated branch condition to be broadcast to multiple computation units; for each of a second subset of branches in the control flow graph, representing each instruction dependent on an associated branch condition as a predicated instruction that includes a predicate for computing the associated branch condition; assigning each subset of instructions to one of the computation units for execution on the assigned computation unit; and converting at least some of the predicated instructions in a subset of instructions assigned to a given computation unit into unpredicated instructions that depend on a branch local to the given computation unit. |
| US08250552B2 |
High efficiency compilation framework for streamlining the execution of compiled code
A method and system for reducing processing overhead during execution of a code block in a high efficiency compilation framework. The method identifies second code blocks within the code block and separates them out from the first code block during compilation. Further, during compilation, the system converts the second code blocks to kernel program modules, in a form recognizable by the system kernel. The compilation is followed by execution of the first code block, with the compiled object code of the first code block being executed in user mode and the kernel program modules being executed in kernel mode. |
| US08250551B2 |
Refining tail call optimizations at link-time
A method and apparatuses for allowing additional tail call optimizations. The compiler generates both optimized and non-optimized code for tail call candidates. At a later time when there is more information (e.g. regarding program bounds), a decision and a modification to the executable code is made, implementing one of the two earlier codes. |
| US08250550B2 |
Parallel processing of distributed arrays and optimum data distribution
A computing device-implemented method includes initiating a single programming language, and identifying, via the single programming language, one or more data distribution schemes for executing a program. The method also includes transforming, via the single programming language, the program into a parallel program with an optimum data distribution scheme selected from the one or more identified data distribution schemes, and allocating the parallel program to two or more labs for parallel execution. The method further includes receiving one or more results associated with the parallel execution of the parallel program from the two or more labs, and providing the one or more results to the program. |
| US08250549B2 |
Variable coherency support when mapping a computer program to a data processing apparatus
A computer implemented tool is provided for assisting in the mapping of a computer program to a data processing apparatus wherein multiple physical instances of a logical variable in the computer program are required. A computer program is provided as the input to the tool which analyses the data flow of the program and identifies multiple physical instance requirement for logical variables. The tool adds mapping support commands, such as instantiation commands, Direct Memory Access (DMA) move commands and the like as necessary to support the mapping of the computer program to a data processing apparatus. |
| US08250548B2 |
Method for controlling heterogeneous multiprocessor and multigrain parallelizing compiler
A heterogeneous multiprocessor system including a plurality of processor elements having mutually different instruction sets and structures avoids a specific processor element from being short of resources to improve throughput. An executable task is extracted based on a preset depending relationship between a plurality of tasks, and the plurality of first processors are allocated to a general-purpose processor group based on a depending relationship among the extracted tasks. A second processor is allocated to an accelerator group, a task to be allocated is determined from the extracted tasks based on a priority value for each of tasks, and an execution cost of executing the determined task by the first processor is compared with an execution cost of executing the task by the second processor. The task is allocated to one of the general-purpose processor group and the accelerator group that is judged to be lower as a result of the cost comparison. |
| US08250545B2 |
Associated apparatus and method for supporting development of semiconductor device
An associated development-support apparatus for a semiconductor device enables highly accurate debugging and verification of operations. An emulator stub acquires event information by using a communication control unit, where the event is generated in a debugger, the event information is generated by a debugger stub according to an event, and transmitted by the debugger stub through a communication network. An emulator control unit analyzes the acquired event information, and controls an emulator according to the analyzed event so as to perform emulation processing which virtually emulates operations of the semiconductor device corresponding to the event based on hardware design information. The emulator stub acquires results of the event which is generated in association with the operations of the semiconductor device virtually emulated by the emulator, and notifies the debugger of the results of the event through the communication network and the debugger stub. |
| US08250543B2 |
Software tracing
A method for generating trace information for an exception in a software application, the software application having a traced mode for the generation of trace information and an untraced mode, and the software application further having a retry point as a defined point in a series of instructions for the execution of the software application, the method comprising the steps of: commencing execution of the software application in the untraced mode; on execution of the retry point, recording execution state information for the retry point; on occurrence of an exception at an exception point in the software application, reverting execution to the retry point using the recorded execution state information and switching to the traced mode; and in response to a determination that the exception point is executed in the traced mode, causing execution of the software application to proceed in the untraced mode. |
| US08250542B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing trace data compression
A method for compressing trace data includes maintaining a record of register values known to a debugger unit. A data packet is generated that includes a value in response to determining that the debugger unit is unable to determine the value from the register values known to the debugger unit. |
| US08250541B2 |
Reversible object code compiler for mathematical models
A method for verifying a software implementation generated from a model that includes a plurality of model elements is described. The method includes converting a model description into a textual representation of model elements and interconnections between the model elements, defining a series of assembler macros that implement the functionality of the model elements as sequences of assembly instructions for a target processor, compiling the textual representation into an object code image associated with a target processor using the macros, describing the object code image in a context-free grammar, and reproducing the model description from the object code image and the context-free grammar. |
| US08250537B2 |
Flexible horizontal stack display and editor
A method and system for debugging a computer program are described. In one embodiment, information pertaining to a first function executed within the computer program is presented in a first sub-window of a stack window. Further, information pertaining to a second function executed within the computer program is presented in a second sub-window of the stack window. The second sub-window is positioned next to the first sub-window to provide a horizontal arrangement of the sub-windows within the stack window. |
| US08250533B2 |
Reflection over objects
Different views on an object that has metadata. For instance, one code segment might have one view of the object and be able to view some of the metadata of that object, while another code segment might have a different view of the object and have a view on a different set of the metadata of that object. This may be done even though the code segments reside in the same application. Thus, each code segment may have a view of the metadata on the object that is most useful for that code segment to use the object without getting confused by metadata that is less or not relevant to the manner in which the code segment is to use the object. |
| US08250532B2 |
Efficient development of configurable software systems in a large software development community
An automated software process for acquiring and distributing information regarding design guidelines relevant to developers of a software system. The system supports developer decisions regarding design guidelines for operational characteristics, such as “points of variability” (POV), of a system under development. Operational characteristics of the system under development are “profiled” through answers to questions reflecting the high level system design. The collected answers indicate a category of operational characteristics associated with a design guideline. A developer obtains the design guidelines appropriate for a given operational characteristic when the answers entered by the developer with regard to that operational characteristic are used to determine one of the elements in the category array. Technical leadership establishes a high-level system design, and determines questions leading to design guidelines for categories of operational characteristics of the system. The design guidelines may then be conveniently accessed by the developer. |
| US08250531B2 |
Service assembly architecture
A multi-user communications service is configured by: setting up a choreography linking a plurality of user process control flows and a multi-user service configuration process; receiving via the choreography at the multi-user service configuration process requests from the plurality of user process control flows for access to the multi-user communications service and granting access to the multi-user communications service to selected users; in which the choreography provides a fixed interface supporting the independent reconfiguration of the user process control flows and the multi-user service configuration process. |
| US08250529B2 |
Specification to ABAP code converter
A method of generating procedural language code for extracting data from a data warehouse comprising the steps of accepting a declarative specification and generating procedural language code to execute the declarative specification. |
| US08250526B2 |
Method for analyzing an XACML policy
XACML (eXtensible Access Control Markup Language) documents, PolicySets and Policies can become long, complex and difficult to completely comprehend. A method is provided for facilitating analysis of such code to make it easier to answer questions such as: Given a particular set of Attribute values (and/or others unknown as of now), what is permitted or denied; are any of the rules redundant; are any of the rules inconsistent; for any pair of policies in the code, what set of Attributes will they both return Permit; how can a policy be refactored into an equivalent set of policies in which each branch of the policy tree pertains to specific values of specified Attributes? To facilitate such analysis and refactoring, every Rule in the collection of policies being analyzed is reduced to an equivalent expression in DNF (Disjunctive Normal Form). Some terms, predicates and other elements may be eliminated. |
| US08250524B2 |
Contract programming for code error reduction
In one embodiment, a computer system provides an application programming interface (API) for augmenting an application API. A computer system receives software code written in a second programming language indicating a user's intention to augment an application API with contracts from a contract API written in a first programming language. The software code includes a reference to the contract API. The contracts include assertions indicating appropriate use of the application API. The computer system accesses portions of the contract API according to the reference in the software code and compiles the received software code and the referenced portions of the contract API into an intermediate language (IL) version of the software code. The IL version is in an intermediate language common to both the first programming language and the second programming language. The IL version includes the assertions indicating appropriate use of the application API. |
| US08250522B2 |
Method and system for generating a web services meta model on the java stack
A method and system for creating a common model. In one embodiment, a web services model and a web service client model are identified. The web services and web services client models are then unified to create a common model. |
| US08250521B2 |
Method and apparatus for the design and development of service-oriented architecture (SOA) solutions
A method is provided for designing and developing a service-oriented architecture (SOA) solution that comprises implementing a business process layer having a first set of architectural building blocks (ABBs) and configured to perform service composition and service decomposition; implementing a service component layer having a second set of ABBs and configured to perform service integration and service invocation; implementing a service layer having a third set of ABBs and configured to perform service discovery; and service aggregation; integrating the business process layer, the service component layer, and the service layer; and specifying a set of characteristics of the first, second, and third sets of ABBs to be reconfigurable based upon extensible rules. |
| US08250517B2 |
Shape-based geometry engine to perform smoothing and other layout beautification operations
A shape-based layout beautification operation can be performed on an IC layout to correct layout imperfections. A shape is described by edges (and vertices) related according to specified properties. Each shape can be configured to match specific layout imperfection types. Corrective actions can then be associated with the shapes, advantageously enabling efficient formulation and precise application of those corrective actions. Corrective actions can include absolute, adaptive, or replacement-type modifications to the detected layout imperfections. A concurrent processing methodology can be used to minimize processing overhead during layout beautification, and the actions can also be incorporated into a lookup table to further reduce runtime. A layout beautification system can also be connected to a network across which shapes, actions, and IC layout data files can be accessed and retrieved. |
| US08250516B2 |
Printed circuit board layout system and method for merging overlapping polygons into irregular shapes
A method for merging polygons of a printed circuit board layout system is provided. The system generates PCB files according to the input wiring diagram, and generates polygons and records the profile attributes of each of the generated polygons. The method includes obtaining the profile attributes in response to user input. Then storing the obtained profile attributes and selecting two profile attributes. Then determining whether the polygons are overlapping and recording a new file attribute describing the shape of a new polygon of the two polygons combined shape excluding the lines indicating the overlapping portions of the two polygons. Finally, updating the opened PCB file with the new profile attribute if the polygons are overlapping. A related system is also provided. |
| US08250514B1 |
Localized routing direction
A routing method for a multilayer circuit design layout that has a set of possible preferred local routing directions and a default preferred routing direction for each layer. The method receives a set of user specified constraints on routing directions for particular regions of the design layout. The method tessellates the available routing space into separate tiles and automatically defines a preferred local routing direction for each tile based on the user specified constraints. The set of user specified constraints includes user designated flows, locked etches, “etch keep-out” areas, user “planned” data, etc. A routing method for a multilayer design layout that receives a first set of user specified preferred routing directions for particular regions of the multilayer design layout. The method tessellates the available routing space into separate tiles and automatically defines a second preferred local routing direction for each tile based on the user specified preferred routing directions. |
| US08250512B2 |
Apparatus for preventing congestive placement and associated method
A congestive placement preventing apparatus applied to a circuit layout including electrical devices is provided. The congestive placement preventing apparatus includes an analyzing module, a reserving module and a placing module. The analyzing module performs a routing congestion analysis on the circuit layout to generate an analysis result of the circuit layout. The reserving module correspondingly disposes a plurality of blockages in the circuit layout according to the analysis result, so that a first space with the blockages and a second space are formed in the circuit layout. After the placing module places the electrical devices in the second space, the placing module removes the blockages from the first space, and redistributes the electrical devices in the first space and the second space according to a redistribution rule. |
| US08250510B2 |
Jitter amount estimating method, method for calculating correlation between amount of simultaneously operating signal noise and jitter amount, and recording medium
An SSO noise calculating unit estimates the amount of simultaneously operating signal noise caused by simultaneous operations of input/output pins peripheral to a power supply voltage pin as a center. A PLL jitter calculating unit estimates the amount of jitter occurring at the power supply voltage pin by using as an input the estimated amount of simultaneously operating signal noise, and by referencing a correlation between the amount of simultaneously operating signal noise and the amount of jitter, which indicates a correlation calculated beforehand between the amount of simultaneously operating signal noise and the amount of jitter. |
| US08250509B2 |
Slack-based timing budget apportionment
A slack-based timing budget apportionment methodology relies not only upon timing analysis-based determinations of slack in the units in an integrated circuit design, but also potential performance optimization opportunities in the logic used to implement such circuits. Logic in various units of an integrated circuit design that is amenable to being replaced with comparatively faster logic may be identified during timing budget apportionment, such that the magnitude of the slack reported for those units can be adjusted to account for such potential performance improvements. Then, when timing budgets are reapportioned using the slack calculated for each unit, additional slack is available to be reapportioned to those units needing larger timing budgets. |
| US08250507B1 |
Distributing computations in a parallel processing environment
A system comprises a plurality of computation units interconnected by an interconnection network. A method for configuring the system comprises accepting a set of instructions corresponding to a portion of a program that performs a computation repeatedly; identifying subsets of the instructions; and associating each subset with a different one of the computation units to form a specification of the set of instructions such that execution according to the specification forms a pipeline among at least some of the computation units. |
| US08250505B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing incremental compilation using top-down and bottom-up design approaches
A method for designing a system on a target device includes merging a netlist for a first partition of the system generated from a bottom-up design flow with a netlist for a second partition of the system from a top-down design flow to form a combined netlist, and performing fitting on the combined netlist. |
| US08250501B2 |
Dynamic reconfiguration computer product, apparatus, and method
A computer-readable recording medium stores therein a dynamic reconfiguration program that switches process by process, execution of a series of processes for which reconfiguration is to be performed, from execution by software over to execution by hardware. The dynamic reconfiguration program causes a computer to execute detecting in an order reverse to that in which the series of processes is executed, a process that is among the series of processes and under execution by the software; building on the hardware, a logic circuit realizing a function of the detected process; and switching execution of the process from execution by the software over to execution by the built logic circuit. |
| US08250498B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating a photolithography process model by using a process window parameter
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system that calibrates a photolithography process model. During operation, the system receives a process model which models a photolithography process. The system further receives measured critical dimension (CD) values for a first set of features that were printed by applying the photolithography process to a layout. The system then calibrates the process model using the measured CD values so that CD values predicted by the process model substantially match the measured CD values, and depth of focus (DOF) values predicted by the process model for a second set of features are substantially maximized. |
| US08250495B2 |
Mask decomposition for double dipole lithography
Method and apparatus for generating a pair of layouts suitable for forming exposure mask to use in a double dipole lithographic process are disclosed. With some implementations, a y-dipole layout and an x-dipole layout are generated by decomposing a target layout. Subsequently, an optical proximity correction process is implemented on the y-dipole layout and the x-dipole layout. The decomposition may designate ones of the edge segments in the target layout at major edge segments and other ones of the edge segments as minor edge segments. A higher feedback value may then be assigned to the minor edges than the major edges. Subsequently, a few iterations of an optical proximity correction process that utilizes a smaller than intended mask rule constraint value and the assigned feedback values is implemented on the target layout. The minor edges separated by a distance of less than the intended mask rule constraint distance are then collapsed. After which, a few iterations of the optical proximity correction process are allowed to iterate. In further implementations, once the y-dipole and x-dipole layouts have been generated. An additional optical proximity correction process is implemented on the layouts. During this optical proximity correction process, a higher feedback values is again assigned to the minor edge segments. At a point during the optical proximity correction process, minor edges within portions of the layouts that have a bias value larger than a predetermined value are expanded back from their collapsed position. |
| US08250494B2 |
User interface with parallax animation
User interface animation techniques are described. In an implementation, an input having a velocity is detected that is directed to one or more objects in a user interface. A visual presentation is generated that is animated so a first object in the user interface moves in parallax with respect to a second object. The presentation is displayed so the first object appears to moves at a rate that corresponds to the velocity. |
| US08250488B2 |
Method for controlling position indicator of curved slider
The presently disclosed technology provides curved slider GUIs with user interface sensitivity independent from a distance between a cursor and a radial center of the curved slider on a display. An area of operation is defined by an area between parallel bounds oriented equidistant from a radial center of a curved slider and extending from the outermost limits of the curved slider in both directions. Because of the geometry of the area of operation, a distance required to operate an entire range of the curved slider is independent from a distance between the cursor and the radial center of the curved slider. Since a distance that the cursor moves on the display often directly corresponds to movement of a physical input device, the presently disclosed technology results in a more intuitive operation of curved slider because the physical input motions more directly correlate to movements of the curved slider. |
| US08250487B2 |
Key input method and device thereof
A key input device includes: a display unit configured to display a keypad including one or more keys, the one or more keys having a plurality of characters and sequentially displaying the characters according to a rotation of the one or more keys; and a controller configured to display a selected one of characters displayed according to the rotation of the one or more keys on the display unit. Characters can be quickly and easily input via a touch screen. |
| US08250486B2 |
Computer controlled user interactive display interface for accessing graphic tools with a minimum of display pointer movement
A computer controlled graphical user interface implementation comprising displaying a set of graphic tools in a primary container location on the display in combination with an implement for using a selected tool to create a graphic object at a selected display location that is changeable as the object is being created in which there are provided functions responsive to the creation of the graphic object for displaying a secondary container containing a duplicate of the selected tool proximate the location of the graphic object, the secondary container being dynamically moveable responsive to the graphics object creation. |
| US08250484B2 |
Computer and method for generatiing edge detection commands of objects
A computer and a method for generation commands include loading a data exchange format (DXF) image, and selecting a measurement tool and selecting a DXF feature of the DXF image. The generation commands method further includes generating an edge detection command of the selected DXF feature according to the measurement tool when the size of the selected DXF feature is not larger than the size of an image area. And an edge detection command corresponding to each of the reselected measurement tools is generated when the size of the selected DXF feature is larger than the size of the image area. |
| US08250482B2 |
Linking and managing mathematical objects
A method for relating at least two mathematical objects in a computing apparatus having a graphical user interface is described. The method comprises receiving instructions via the graphical user interface to relate a first mathematical object with a second mathematical object; updating the second mathematical object using data of the first mathematical object; linking the first mathematical object to the second mathematical object; and creating a visual link between the first mathematical object and the second mathematical object. |
| US08250477B1 |
Mobile client application for managing user interface components
A mobile client application for managing user interface components. Mobile device screen user interface components are defined using XML documents stored at a server. Each user interface component has associated actions including draw when displayed and drawing aspect when selected. A main canvas is initialized to manage all images, text, and widgets. An XML parser pushes the user interface components to the main canvas as they are parsed and retrieved from the server. Drawing occurs after all components have been parsed and created in the main canvas. The entire canvas is drawn but only a portion of the canvas is displayed at any time. Scrolling of user interface component elements is managed by tracking selected items on the screen, and offsetting the main canvas by the number of pixels required to draw the selected element on the screen. |
| US08250476B2 |
Asynchronous immersive communications in a virtual universe
The present invention provides asynchronous immersive communication in a virtual universe. In one embodiment, there is a method for transmitting an asynchronous immersive communication in a virtual universe. The method includes receiving an asynchronous immersive communication created by a resident of a virtual universe, transmitting the asynchronous immersive communication to a recipient and enabling the recipient to access the asynchronous immersive communication. |
| US08250474B2 |
Chronology display and feature for online presentations and web pages
A chronology display is generated for use with a web presentation or other form of network presentation. The chronology display may include a plurality of intervals, with each interval representative of a period of time. In an embodiment, some of the intervals may indicate a number of content items provided on the network presentation during the time period that corresponds to each particular interval. The indication may be provided by a characteristic, such as for example, a color or shading that represents the number of content items provided on the network presentation. |
| US08250472B2 |
Documentation system
A first application executes in an identified state. The first application broadcasts the identified state. The broadcasted identified state of the first application is received by a second application. The second application determines contextual content based on the received identified state of the first application. The contextual content is displayed. |
| US08250470B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program
A template to be estimated is selected from a template list containing a plurality of types of templates for which usage conditions for layout control of content data in a page are respectively set. The usage condition of the selected template is estimated. A template used for layout control of the data in the page is decided from the template list on the basis of the estimation result. Layout control of the content data in the page is executed using the template. |
| US08250469B2 |
Document layout extraction
Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for document layout extraction are described. In embodiments, textual data in an electronic format is received and the textual data is converted from the electronic format to an independent interface format, the independent interface format including coordinates to one or more structural elements of the textual data. Further, in embodiments, a structure and layout analysis of the textual data is performed to generate a set of structure and layout information. Still further, in embodiments, the textual data and the set of structure and layout information is stored in an enriched interface format, the enriched interface format providing for search and navigation of the textual data. |
| US08250458B2 |
Method, system, and software tool for emulating a portal application
A method, system and software tool for emulating a portal application in a rich client application are provided. The rich client application is executable on a client platform capable of displaying views contributed by plug-in components registered with the client platform. The method comprises providing a user interface for eliciting user inputs for creating a new portal application on the client platform, detecting user selection of a portal page layout, and one or more views for each cell of the page layout, and generating a description of a client page representing the portal application. When the rich client application is run on the client platform it is directed to build a client page representing the portal application using the generated description. |
| US08250454B2 |
Client-side composing/weighting of ads
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates displaying relevant advertisements to a user. A display engine can browse a portion of image data during a browsing session. An evaluator can identify a context related to two or more concurrent and on-going browsing sessions. An ad selector can locate an ad from a data store based on the identified context and seamlessly incorporate and display the ad into at least one of the browsing sessions. |
| US08250450B2 |
Method and system for using redundancy to exchange data in a multicast or one way environment
A system for use in one-way communications takes data from a source and parses it into work units. The work units may have a fixed size. The data of the work units is given to a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) library. The RAID library applies parity to the data and produces a number of output streams. Each stream includes data from the work units and redundant data from the parity application. The streams are combined and sent over a network. The inverse parity is applied on the receiving side to recreate the data. The redundant data is used in place of any data having an error condition, such as being lost or corrupted. The data is reconstructed on the receiving end without the need to resend data. |
| US08250449B2 |
Decoding method for LDPC code based on BP arithmetic
A decoding method for LDPC codes based on BP algorithm, includes initializing LLR (qmm) with the received LDPC bit stream; updating the check node LLR (rmm) and variable node LLR (qmm): after updating the LLR (rmm) corresponding to nonzero elements in each row in check matrix H in each iteration; immediately updating the LLR (qmm) corresponding to all the nonzero elements in the column which has a nonzero element in the row, and repeating the updating row by row; updating LLR (qn) on the basis of LLR (rm); terminating decoding process if maximum number of allowed iterations is reached or the correct result obtained and outputting the final decoding result xn; The method of the present invention may accelerate the decoding convergence, and reduce the number of iterations to increase the throughput, further reduce the power consumption and silicon area of decoding apparatus possible if LLR (qmm) is properly approximated. |
| US08250445B2 |
Decoding method and error correction method of a cyclic code decoder
A decoding method of a cyclic code decoder includes the machine-implemented steps of: establishing a lookup table; receiving a codeword; computing a syndrome and a Hamming weight; if the Hamming weight is not equal to zero and not greater than an error correcting capability value, performing a first error correcting operation; if the Hamming weight is greater than the error correcting capability value, and if the syndrome has a matching syndrome pattern in the lookup table, performing a second error correcting operation; if a second Hamming weight corresponding to a syndrome difference is smaller than a check value, performing a third error correcting operation, otherwise performing a fourth error correcting operation; and if a counter value is greater than zero, performing a fifth error correcting operation before decoding a corrected codeword. |
| US08250436B2 |
Memory-module controller, memory controller and corresponding memory arrangement and also method for error correction
A memory arrangement comprises a first memory module and a second memory module. An item of information to be written to the memory arrangement is written with a first address both to the first memory module and to the second memory module. When reading, the item of information is read either from the first memory module by means of the first address or from the second memory module by means of a second address differing from the first address. Subsequently a check is made as to whether the item of information is defective. If this is the case, the item of information is read from the respective other memory module. |
| US08250432B2 |
Variable modulation with LDPC (low density parity check) coding
Variable modulation within combined LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) coding and modulation coding systems. Variable modulation encoding of LDPC coded symbols is presented. In addition, LDPC encoding, that generates an LDPC variable code rate signal, may also be performed as well. The encoding can generate an LDPC variable code rate and/or modulation signal whose code rate and/or modulation may vary as frequently as on a symbol by symbol basis. Some embodiments employ a common constellation shape for all of the symbols of the signal sequence, yet individual symbols may be mapped according different mappings of the commonly shaped constellation; such an embodiment may be viewed as generating a LDPC variable mapped signal. In general, any one or more of the code rate, constellation shape, or mapping of the individual symbols of a signal sequence may vary as frequently as on a symbol by symbol basis. |
| US08250430B2 |
Coding system, encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus, with information and parity storage units
An encoding apparatus includes a systematic encoder that generates information bits and parity bits, both of which are transmitted selectively to a decoding apparatus. At certain points, sufficient bit data are transmitted to identify the state of the systematic encoder. The decoding apparatus partitions the received bits at these identifiable points, and processes each partition separately by predicting the information bits, modifying the predicted information bits according to the received information bits, and using the parity bits to correct errors in the resulting information bits. In video coding, this partitioning scheme can deal flexibly with multiple image formats without requiring extra decoding circuitry. With a parallel decoding apparatus, the number of decoding units operating concurrently can be changed flexibly. The error correcting capability of the decoding apparatus is also improved. |
| US08250421B2 |
Clock controller for JTAG interface
An optimized JTAG interface is used to access JTAG Tap Domains within an integrated circuit. The interface requires fewer pins than the conventional JTAG interface and is thus more applicable than conventional JTAG interfaces on an integrated circuit where the availability of pins is limited. The interface may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related integrated circuit test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations. |
| US08250413B2 |
Connection broker assignment status reporting
In one embodiment a computing system comprises one or more processors, a display device coupled to the computing system, and a memory module communicatively connected to the one or more processors. The memory module comprises logic to receive, in a connection server, a service request from a user via a remote connection client; in response to the service request, instantiate a remote computing protocol in a computing resource, monitor a connection state between the remote connection client and the computing resource; and in response to a change in the connection state between the remote connection client and the computing resource, generate a connection state message, and transfer the connection state message to the remote connection client. |
| US08250412B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring and resetting a co-processor
A circuit monitors and resets a co-processor. The circuit includes a hang detector module for detecting a hang in co-processor. The circuit also includes a selective processor reset module for resetting the co-processor without resetting a processor in response to detecting a hang in the co-processor. |
| US08250406B2 |
Operational state preservation in the absence of AC power
A system is provided with the ability to intervene, when a suspend process is initiated in response to an AC failure condition to place the system in a suspended to memory state, to save a persistent copy of an operational state of the system, before allowing the suspend process to complete. |
| US08250405B2 |
Accelerating recovery in MPI environments
A method and system for accelerating recovery in an MPI environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A first portion of a distributed application executes using a first processor and a second portion using a second processor in a distributed computing environment. After a failure of operation of the first portion, the first portion is restored to a checkpoint. A first part of the first portion is distributed to a third processor and a second part to a fourth processor. A computation of the first portion is performed using the first and the second parts in parallel. A first message is computed in the first portion and sent to the second portion, the message having been initially computed after a time of the checkpoint. A second message is replayed from the second portion without computing the second message in the second portion. |
| US08250404B2 |
Process integrity of work items in a multiple processor system
Disclosed are a method, a system and a computer program product of operating a data processing system that can include or be coupled to multiple processor cores. In one or more embodiments, an error can be determined while two or more processor cores are processing a first group of two or more work items, and the error can be signaled to an application. The application can determine a state of progress of processing the two or more work items and at least one dependency from the state of progress. In one or more embodiments, a second group of two or more work items that are scheduled for processing can be unscheduled, in response to determining the error. In one or more embodiments, the application can process at least one work item that caused the error, and the second group of two or more work items can be rescheduled for processing. |
| US08250401B2 |
Storage device realignment
Realigning storage devices arranged as storage arrays when one of the storage arrays enters a critical state after failure of a storage device is disclosed. The method is particularly useful for RAID groups of storage devices. The method may be used with hard disk drives, solid-state drives, and other storage devices arranged as groups. The method includes identifying that a storage array of a plurality of storage arrays is in a critical condition. A critical condition storage array and a healthy storage array are identified. Both the critical condition storage array and the healthy storage array are rebuilt. The rebuilding includes configuring the critical condition storage array to include a storage device from the healthy storage array and configuring the healthy storage array to function with one less storage device. The method may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. |
| US08250399B1 |
Method and apparatus for clock wander compensation
Aspects of the disclosure provide a network device. The network device includes a first port coupled to a first device to communicate with the first device, and a clock wander compensation module. The first port recovers a first clock based on first signals received from the first device. The clock wander compensation module includes a global counter configured to count system clock cycles based on a system clock of the network device, and a first port counter configured to count first clock cycles based on the recovered first clock. Further, the first port transmits a first pause frame to the first device based on the global counter and the first port counter. |
| US08250395B2 |
Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) control for simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) processors
A mechanism is provided for controlling operational parameters associated with a plurality of processors. A control system in the data processing system determines a utilization slack value of the data processing system. The utilization slack value is determined using one or more active core count values and one or more slack core count values. The control system computes a new utilization metric to be a difference between a full utilization value and the utilization slack value. The control system determines whether the new utilization metric is below a predetermined utilization threshold. Responsive to the new utilization metric being below the predetermined utilization threshold, the control system decreases a frequency of the plurality of processors. |
| US08250387B2 |
Computers having a biometric authentication device
A portable computer having a biometric authentication device is disclosed. The portable computer also includes a processor, a power supply unit having a first power system and a second power system, a power control circuit for controlling the power supply unit, and a start-up button for generating a startup signal for starting the portable computer. The biometric authentication device sends a power request signal to the power control circuit to activate the second power system upon a detection of a human user in a state where the second power system is deactivated and electric power is being supplied by the first power system. The biometric authentication device can perform an authentication operation while receiving electric power from the second power system, and the power control circuit causes the portable computer to transition to a power-on state in response to an authentication success by the biometric authentication device. |
| US08250385B2 |
Method and system of dissipating power from a power supply
Dissipating power from a power supply. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are motherboards including a printed circuit board configured to couple to a main processor (and the printed circuit board configured to couple to a main power signal and an auxiliary power signal of a power supply), and a power dissipation circuit on the printed circuit board. The power dissipation circuit is configured to detect that the main power signal has powered-off, and responsive to the detection dissipate power from the auxiliary power signal for a predetermined amount of time less than an amount of time needed to fully discharge the auxiliary power signal in the absence of alternating current (AC) power to the power supply. |
| US08250384B2 |
Optimizer mechanism to increase battery length for mobile devices
An optimizer mechanism to increase battery length for mobile devices is provided. An operational state of a data processing system, e.g., a mobile device, is adjusted so as to achieve a target time period of operation when the data processing system is using a depleting power supply. A predicted power consumption of individual processes executing on the data processing system is determined and a remaining amount of power that the depleting power supply can provide is also determined. A subset of processes whose execution can be suspended is determined so that the data processing system can operate for the target period of time based on the predicted power consumption of the individual processes and the amount of power that the depleting power supply can provide. The identified subset of processes are placed in a suspended execution state. |
| US08250382B2 |
Power control of servers using advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) states
A method of managing power consumption by a plurality of blade servers within a processing system. The speed of at least one of the plurality of blade servers is reduced in response to the processing system reaching a power or thermal threshold. At least one of the plurality of blade servers is identified as not being critical to maintain in a working state and the critical blade server is put in a sleep state. A satellite management controller may control blade server power consumption and heat generation in various ways that combine processor speed-stepping and control of processor sleep states. Known sleep states save more power than speed-stepping by turning off the processor and/or volatile memory. The processor speed and sleep-states of at least one non-critical blade server, and optionally the processor speed of a critical processor, may be changed in order to control the power consumption below a power threshold or control the temperature below a thermal threshold. |
| US08250380B2 |
Implementing secure erase for solid state drives
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing secure erase for solid state drives (SSDs). An encryption key is used to encrypt data being written to SSD. A controller identifies a key storage option, and responsive to the identified key storage option, stores a key for data encryption and decryption. The controller deletes the key within the SSD responsive to the identified key storage option, ensuring that once the key is deleted, the key is not recoverable and data is effectively erased. |
| US08250377B2 |
Software copyright protection and licensing system using RFID
The present invention provides a software copyright protection and licensing system (200) using RFID. A RFID tag (110) is supplied with a software package (100). During installation of the software package in a computer, a RFID reader (158) interrogates the RFID tag (110) for a product installation and licensing key (114). During installation of the software, an installation signature (TSig) is generated and stored in the RFID tag and computer, operation of the software is allowed if the installation signatures tally, otherwise permission is denied. Further, the system (200) allows reinstallation (process C) of the software and/or re-generation (process D) of a new installation signature under certain situations. |
| US08250376B2 |
Method and apparatus for cryptographic conversion in a data storage system
When data is encrypted and stored for a long time, encryption key(s) and/or algorithm(s) should be updated so as not to be compromised due to malicious attack. To that end, stored encrypted data is converted in the storage system with new set of cryptographic criteria. During this process, read and write requests can be serviced. |
| US08250374B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying authenticity of initial boot code
Described herein is an alteration of the normal reset sequence of a programmable microprocessor to perform a cryptographic verification of a block of memory before executing any instructions from the memory. A programmable processor initializes its state, then computes and verifies a hash of a boot code region of memory before executing any user instructions in the memory. Systems using similar processors, and software to control such a processor's operation, are also described and claimed. |
| US08250372B1 |
Gaming security system
Verification of software to be run in a secure environment is performed by comparing a critical portion of the executable boot program code in an EPROM with code stored in a logic circuit. The comparison may be performed before the code to be verified is run or while it is running. in the event that the validation fails certain critical functions of the platform are inhibited to prevent fraudulent operation of the platform. The system is particularly applicable to gaming machines to avoid cheating. |
| US08250370B1 |
MACSec implementation
A media access control (MAC) security apparatus including an encryption/decryption engine and an authentication engine. The encryption/decryption engine is configured to generate encrypted data based on received packets. The authentication engine is configured to perform authentication in response to the encrypted data. The encryption/decryption engine includes an advanced encryption standard (AES) engine configured to form cryptographic primitives. The AES engine is configured to enter a reduced power consumption state for part of a period during which the encryption/decryption engine is generating encrypted data based on the received packets. |
| US08250368B2 |
Content delivery network encryption
A system and method for delivering content to end users encrypted within a content delivery network (CDN) for content originators is disclosed. CDNs transport content for content originators to end user systems in a largely opaque manner. Caches and origin servers in the CDN are used to store content. Some or all of the content is encrypted within the CDN. When universal resource indicators (URIs) are received from an end user system, the CDN can determine the key used to decrypt the content object within the CDN before delivery. Where there is a cache miss, an origin server can be queried for the content object, which is encrypted in the CDN. |
| US08250366B2 |
Method and system for electronic vehicle document display
A method and system for automatically displaying electronic documents on a vehicle display screen, is provided. One implementation involves transferring an encrypted digital certificate to a control module in a vehicle, the vehicle including a display screen embedded in a window area of the vehicle, wherein the control module is configured for connection to the display screen; storing the digital certificate in a memory unit of the control module; automatically displaying information on the display screen by: retrieving the digital certificate from the memory unit of the control module; and upon validating the digital certificate in the control module, displaying said information associated with the digital certificate on the display screen. |
| US08250358B2 |
Data diode system
A data diode system enables one-way data flow from an unsecured device to a secured device is disclosed. The data diode system includes at least one data diode that convert a communication received from an unsecured device to a secured communication for transmission to the secured device. The data diode system includes a voltage converter that receives a negative voltage from a serial data port connection of the secured device. The voltage converter converts the negative voltage into a positive voltage in order to power the data diode. |
| US08250353B2 |
Firmware exclusive access of a peripheral storage device
A method includes searching a peripheral storage device for a key during a firmware boot process of a computer system. Operating system access to the peripheral storage device is disabled if the key exists. Another method includes disabling operating system access to a peripheral storage device coupled to a pre-determined attachment point of a computer system during a firmware boot process of the computer system. |
| US08250349B2 |
Branch prediction control device having return address stack and method of branch prediction
A branch prediction control device, in an information processing unit which performs a pipeline process, generates a branch prediction address used for verification of an instruction being speculatively executed. The branch prediction control device includes a first return address storage unit storing the prediction return address, a second return address storage unit storing a return address to be generated depending on an execution result of the call instruction, and a branch prediction address storage unit sending a stored prediction return address as a branch prediction address and storing the sent branch prediction address. When the branch prediction address differs from a return address, which is generated after executing a branch instruction or a return instruction, contents stored in the second return address storage unit are copied to the first return address storage unit. |
| US08250341B2 |
Pipeline accelerator having multiple pipeline units and related computing machine and method
A pipeline accelerator includes a bus and a plurality of pipeline units, each unit coupled to the bus and including at least one respective hardwired-pipeline circuit. By including a plurality of pipeline units in the pipeline accelerator, one can increase the accelerator's data-processing performance as compared to a single-pipeline-unit accelerator. Furthermore, by designing the pipeline units so that they communicate via a common bus, one can alter the number of pipeline units, and thus alter the configuration and functionality of the accelerator, by merely coupling or uncoupling pipeline units to or from the bus. This eliminates the need to design or redesign the pipeline-unit interfaces each time one alters one of the pipeline units or alters the number of pipeline units within the accelerator. |
| US08250340B2 |
Processor for executing highly efficient VLIW
A 32-bit instruction 50 is composed of a 4-bit format field 51, a 4-bit operation field 52, and two 12-bit operation fields 59 and 60. The 4-bit operation field 52 can only include (1) an operation code “cc” that indicates a branch operation which uses a stored value of the implicitly indicated constant register 36 as the branch address, or (2) a constant “const”. The content of the 4-bit operation field 52 is specified by a format code provided in the format field 51. |
| US08250337B2 |
Array processor with two parallel processing paths of multipliers and ALUs with idle operation capability controlled by portions of opcode including indication of valid output
General purpose array processing techniques including processing methods and apparatus. Processors may include parallel processing paths designed with reusable computational components such as multipliers, multiplexers, and ALUs. Flow of data through the paths and operations performed may be controlled based on opcodes. Processors may be shared, scalable, and configured to perform matrix operations. In particular, such operation may be useful for physical sections of MIMO-OFDM communication systems. |
| US08250336B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for storing external device result data
A method, system, and computer program product for storing result data from an external device. The method includes receiving the result data from the external device, the receiving at a system. The result data is stored into a store data buffer. The store data buffer is utilized by the system to contain store data normally generated by the system. A special store instruction is executed to store the result data into a memory on the system. The special store instruction includes a store address. The executing includes performing an address calculation of the store address based on provided instruction information, and updating a memory location at the store address with contents of the store data buffer utilizing a data path utilized by the system to store data normally generated by the system. |
| US08250334B2 |
Providing metadata in a translation lookaside buffer (TLB)
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) to store entries each having a translation portion to store a virtual address (VA)-to-physical address (PA) translation and a second portion to store bits for a memory page associated with the VA-to-PA translation, where the bits indicate attributes of information in the memory page. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08250332B2 |
Partitioned replacement for cache memory
In a particular embodiment, a circuit device includes a translation look-aside buffer (TLB) configured to receive a virtual address and to translate the virtual address to a physical address of a cache having at least two partitions. The circuit device also includes a control logic circuit adapted to identify a partition replacement policy associated with the identified one of the at least two partitions based on a partition indicator. The control logic circuit controls replacement of data within the cache according to the identified partition replacement policy in response to a cache miss event. |
| US08250331B2 |
Operating system virtual memory management for hardware transactional memory
Operating system virtual memory management for hardware transactional memory. A method may be performed in a computing environment where an application running on a first hardware thread has been in a hardware transaction, with transactional memory hardware state in cache entries correlated by memory hardware when data is read from or written to data cache entries. The data cache entries are correlated to physical addresses in a first physical page mapped from a first virtual page in a virtual memory page table. The method includes an operating system deciding to unmap the first virtual page. As a result, the operating system removes the mapping of the first virtual page to the first physical page from the virtual memory page table. As a result, the operating system performs an action to discard transactional memory hardware state for at least the first physical page. Embodiments may further suspend hardware transactions in kernel mode. Embodiments may further perform soft page fault handling without aborting a hardware transaction, resuming the hardware transaction upon return to user mode, and even successfully committing the hardware transaction. |
| US08250330B2 |
Memory controller having tables mapping memory addresses to memory modules
A memory controller includes ports and corresponding tables. Each port is receptive to one or more memory modules. Each table includes entries mapping memory addresses to the memory modules. Each entry corresponds to no more than one of the memory modules. The tables support asymmetric population of the memory modules within the ports; each port is capable of having a different number of memory modules relative to the other ports. The tables impose no restrictions on where the memory modules are to be inserted within the ports, both number-wise and position-wise. The tables are independently configurable; the configuration of each table is modifiable independently of the configurations of the other tables. Each table is dynamically configurable. The entries of a table are modifiable to reflect changes in the number and type of the memory modules connected, without restarting or temporarily halting the computer system containing the memory controller. |
| US08250327B2 |
Storage apparatus and its control method
In a storage apparatus and its control method including multiple first virtual volumes to be provided to a host system and multiple pools each having a memory capacity, and equipped with a function of dynamically allocating a storage area to the first virtual volumes from the pools associated with the first virtual volumes in accordance with the usage status of the first virtual volumes, the unused capacity in each of the pools is managed, and, when the unused capacity of one of the pools falls below a predetermined threshold value, a part of the unused capacity of the other pools is allocated to the one pool. It is thereby possible to realize a highly reliable storage apparatus and its control method. |
| US08250322B2 |
Command reordering based on command priority
A control system for memory access includes a system memory access command buffer, a memory access command parallel processor, a DRAM command controller and a read data buffer. The system memory access command buffer stores plural system memory access commands. The memory access command parallel processor is connected to the system memory access command buffer for fetching and decoding the system memory access commands to plural DRAM access commands, storing the DRAM access commands in DRAM bank command FIFOs, and performing priority setting according to a DRAM bank priority table. The DRAM command controller is connected to the memory access command parallel processor and a DRAM for receiving the DRAM access commands, and sending control commands to the DRAM. The read data buffer is connected to the DRAM command controller and the system bus for storing the read data and rearranging a sequence of the read data. |
| US08250317B2 |
Storage system managing information in accordance with changes in the storage system configuration
A storage system capable of managing information in accordance with system configuration changes is provided.When sub-storage systems 20A, 20B are connected to each other, a storage system 100 is managed in such a manner that the sub-storage systems 20A and 20B are connected to each other via a connection cable 44 to constitute modules 20A and 20B respectively, pieces of coupling control information of the respective modules 20A, 20B are coupled together, and the modules 20A, 20B are recognized as a single access target for data input/output requests from a host 51A. |
| US08250311B2 |
Satisfying memory ordering requirements between partial reads and non-snoop accesses
A method and apparatus for preserving memory ordering in a cache coherent link based interconnect in light of partial and non-coherent memory accesses is herein described. In one embodiment, partial memory accesses, such as a partial read, is implemented utilizing a Read Invalidate and/or Snoop Invalidate message. When a peer node receives a Snoop Invalidate message referencing data from a requesting node, the peer node is to invalidate a cache line associated with the data and is not to directly forward the data to the requesting node. In one embodiment, when the peer node holds the referenced cache line in a Modified coherency state, in response to receiving the Snoop Invalidate message, the peer node is to writeback the data to a home node associated with the data. |
| US08250308B2 |
Cache coherency protocol with built in avoidance for conflicting responses
The method includes initiating a processor request to a cache in a requesting node and broadcasting the processor request to remote nodes when the processor request encounters a local cache miss, performing a directory search of each remote cache to determine a state of a target line's address and an ownership state of a specified address, returning the state of the target line to the requesting node and forming a combined response, and broadcasting the combined response to each remote node. During a fetch operation, when the directory search indicates an IM or a Target Memory node on a remote node, data is sourced from the respective remote cache and forwarded to the requesting node while protecting the data, and during a store operation, the data is sourced from the requesting node and protected while being forwarded to the IM or the Target Memory node after coherency has been established. |
| US08250303B2 |
Adaptive linesize in a cache
A mechanism is provided in a cache for emulating larger linesize in a substrate with smaller linesize using gang fetching and gang replacement. Gang fetching fetches multiple lines on a cache miss to ensure that all smaller lines that make up the larger line are resident in cache at the same time. Gang replacement evicts all smaller lines in cache that would have been evicted had the cache linesize been larger. The mechanism provides adaptive linesize using set dueling by dynamically selecting between multiple linsizes depending on which linesize performs the best at runtime. Set dueling dedicates a portion of sets of the cache to always use smaller linesize and dedicates one or more portions of the sets of cache to always emulate larger linesizes. One or more counters keep track of which linesize has the best performance. The cache uses that linesize for the remainder of the sets. |
| US08250301B2 |
Systems and methods of marking large objects as non-cacheable
A device that implements a method for performing integrated caching in a data communication network. The device is configured to receive a packet from a client over the data communication network, wherein the packet includes a request for an object. At the operating system/kernel level of the device, one or more of decryption processing of the packet, authentication and/or authorization of the client, and decompression of the request occurs prior to and integrated with caching operations. The caching operations include determining if the object resides within a cache, serving the request from the cache in response to a determination that the object is stored within the cache, and sending the request to a server in response to a determination that the object is not stored within the cache. |
| US08250299B2 |
Multi-host concurrent writing to magnetic tape
According to one embodiment, a method for storing data on a magnetic tape comprises receiving data from two different hosts and simultaneously writing the data from the hosts to the magnetic tape using multiple transducers. In another approach, a method for storing data on a magnetic tape comprises receiving requests to establish a concurrent reservation from multiple hosts and allocating a unique stripe in a wrap to each of the hosts that sent the requests, wherein the wrap is a collection of data tracks to be written simultaneously in one direction of tape movement by multiple transducers of a tape head, and the wrap is logically divided into the stripes. Also, the method includes receiving data from the hosts and simultaneously writing the data from the hosts to the magnetic tape using the multiple transducers. Other systems and methods concerning storing data on magnetic tapes are described as well. |
| US08250297B2 |
High bandwidth memory interface
This invention describes an improved high bandwidth chip-to-chip interface for memory devices, which is capable of operating at higher speeds, while maintaining error free data transmission, consuming lower power, and supporting more load. Accordingly, the invention provides a memory subsystem comprising at least two semiconductor devices; a main bus containing a plurality of bus lines for carrying substantially all data and command information needed by the devices, the semiconductor devices including at least one memory device connected in parallel to the bus; the bus lines including respective row command lines and column command lines; a clock generator for coupling to a clock line, the devices including clock inputs for coupling to the clock line; and the devices including programmable delay elements coupled to the clock inputs to delay the clock edges for setting an input data sampling time of the memory device. |
| US08250290B2 |
System and method for managing files in flash memory
A system and method for managing files in a flash memory. The flash memory has a first storage area and a second storage area for storing files. Each of the files has a file header and a data block. The method includes writing the file header of each of the files into the first storage area and setting the first storage area as a first mode, writing the data block of each of the files into the second storage area and setting the second area as a second mode. Responding to the data block of one of the files being completely written into the second storage area, a memory address of the data block stored in the second storage area is written to a corresponding file header. |
| US08250285B2 |
Non-volatile dual memory die for data storage devices
OTP Data storage die and device consisting of novel OTP (One-Time-Programming) NVM (Non-Volatile-Memory) die is disclosed. The OTP Data storage device can be used in typical host applications with standard interface protocols and file system. The novel OTP memory is a dual memory with both RAM (random access memory) capability and NAND Flash like interface. These features enable to achieve efficient management capabilities and dense array for the OTP data storage device. |
| US08250284B2 |
Adaptive memory allocation of a second data storage volume based on an updated history of capacity of a first data volume
An object of the present invention is to properly estimate a storage capacity or the performance of a storage device to be prepared in a remote site.In an information system 1, a first storage device 100 stores data of a first host computer 200 in a first virtual volume provided by thin provisioning using a first volume as a resource, and a second storage device 100 stores data of a second host computer 200 in a second virtual volume provided by thin provisioning using a second volume as a resource. An information apparatus (management device 400) in the information system 1 acquires the history of data writing in the new data area of the first volume on the basis of the base volume and the differential volume, then generates a transition of an allocation capacity of a storage area of the first volume on the basis of the acquired history of data writing in a new data area of the first volume. The information apparatus then finds, on the basis of the generated transition, a capacity of the second volume to be required after a predetermined period of time. |
| US08250282B2 |
PCM memories for storage bus interfaces
A memory controller for a phase change memory (PCM) that can be used on a storage bus interface is described. In one example, the memory controller includes an external bus interface coupled to an external bus to communicate read and write instructions with an external device, a memory array interface coupled to a memory array to perform reads and writes on a memory array, and an overwrite module to write a desired value to a desired address of the memory array. |
| US08250278B2 |
Dock-specific display modes
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A mobile computing device is determined to have electrically coupled by physical contact with a docking system that is adapted to supply electrical power for charging the mobile computing device. The docking system is determined to be a first type of docking system from a plurality of types of docking systems. A first user interface profile that corresponds to the first type of docking system is selected from among a plurality of user interface profiles. Each of the plurality of user interface profiles corresponds to a respective type of docking system from the plurality of types of docking systems. The first user interface profile is presented by the mobile computing device in response to selection of the first user interface profile. |
| US08250277B2 |
Dock-specific display modes
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A mobile computing device is determined to have electrically coupled by physical contact with a docking system that is adapted to supply electrical power for charging the mobile computing device. The docking system is determined to be a first type of docking system from a plurality of types of docking systems. A first user interface profile that corresponds to the first type of docking system is selected from among a plurality of user interface profiles. Each of the plurality of user interface profiles corresponds to a respective type of docking system from the plurality of types of docking systems. The first user interface profile is presented by the mobile computing device in response to selection of the first user interface profile. |
| US08250276B2 |
Online deletion of devices
An I/O adapter is installed in a slot in a computer system. Online deletion of the I/O adapter is achieved by a three step process, in which a device driver that controls the adapter first attempts to quiesce the adapter, the slot is then powered off, if it is possible to do so, and finally, if the quiesce operation was successful or the slot is powered off, the driver completes the delete operation by unmapping buffers and cleaning up datastructures associated with the device driver. |
| US08250268B2 |
Display data channel interface circuit
A DDC interface circuit includes a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor. The gates of the first and the second NMOS transistors are all connected to a 3.3V system power via a first resistor. The source of the first NMOS transistor is connected to a DDC_CLK pin of a north bridge. The drain of the first NMOS transistor is connected to a 5V system power via a second resistor, and also connected to an SCL pin of a VGA interface via a third resistor to receive an ACK signal. The source of the second NMOS transistor is connected to a DDC_DATA pin of the north bridge. The drain of the second NMOS transistor is connected to the 5V system power via a fourth resistor, and also connected to an SDA pin of the VGA interface via a fifth resistor. |
| US08250266B2 |
Data storage device compatible with multiple interconnect standards
A data storage device comprises a data storage medium and a connector that provides an interface between the data storage medium and a host device. The connector has a shape that substantially conforms to an internal storage interconnect standard. The connector comprises a first set of electrical contacts that substantially conform to the internal storage interconnect standard, and a second set of contacts configured to provide connectivity with the host device in accordance with an external storage interconnect standard. Also described are cables for connecting the data storage device to a host via the external storage interconnect standard as well as an interconnect detector. |
| US08250264B2 |
Storage and method for performing data backup using the storage
A method for performing data backup using a storage device starts a backup battery when an electronic device is powered off, reads data from a memory of the electronic device by a system on chip (SoC) of the storage device, and writes the data into a field programmable gate array (FPGA) of the storage device. The method further encodes the data by the FPGA, and stores the encoded data into a flash memory of the storage device. |
| US08250263B2 |
Apparatus and method for securing data of USB devices
Security for a USB device is conducted in a protection mode for USB data by hooking an import table of a USB bus class driver, identifying a target IRP, into which the USB data to be protected is inputted, during the hooking routine, and intercepting a real USB data from the IRP. Therefore, input/output data of every USB devices, including a USB keyboard, can be protected in a USB bus class driver level to which a USB input/output request packet is transferred for the first time, thereby protecting the input/output data of the USB devices more safely and basically. |
| US08250261B2 |
Application method for universal serial bus file transfer device
The present invention discloses an application method for universal serial bus (USB) file transfer device. When USB file transfer device is connected between two computers loaded with operating such systems as Window, Mac, Linux, etc., that support Mass Storage Class standard while the USB file transfer device also supports Mass Storage Class, either computer can access system information provided in the USB file transfer device. Since the application program is stored in the USB file transfer device and the USB file transfer device is simulated as an auto-run storage device, such as a floppy disc drive, a hard disc drive or a CD-ROM drive, etc., the USB file transfer device in the present invention is capable of carrying out file transfers automatically without having to install drivers and programs. To users, the application method for USB file transfer device offers plug and play capabilities as file transfers can be performed automatically between two computers without having to install drivers and programs in either computer. |
| US08250251B2 |
Flexible DMA descriptor support
A method of processing DMA operations includes providing a DMA descriptor, with the DMA descriptor including a reload field therein. The DMA descriptor is then processed, and a location of a next DMA descriptor is identified based upon a condition of the reload field. |
| US08250248B2 |
Wake-ahead based on patterns
A method may include detecting an event, determining whether the event correlates to a hard disk access, requesting a wake-ahead of a hard disk drive if it is determined that the event correlates to a hard disk access, weighing a performance improvement of the hard disk drive if the wake ahead request is granted against a life of the hard disk drive if the wake ahead request is not granted, and waking ahead the hard disk drive if the performance improvement outweighs the life of the hard disk drive. |
| US08250247B2 |
Storage device for mounting to a host
A storage device comprising a non-volatile memory for storing data, and an input device that is operative to select an operating mode of the storage device prior to mounting the storage device, such that each operating mode represents a different type of storage device. A controller interfaces with the input device to establish the selected operating mode of the storage device once the storage device is mounted. |
| US08250246B2 |
Loading and executing firmware module without resetting operation
A host communicates a firmware module to an electronic device utilizing a data communication interface (e.g., I2C). The host may also communicate a set of values representing information associated with execution of the firmware module to the electronic device. The host may utilize commands and/or flags to execute the firmware module at the electronic device. The electronic device executes the firmware module without resetting/suspending an ongoing execution of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device collects data upon execution of the firmware module. The collected data may be stored to a particular location of the electronic device and retrieved later by the host, or returned directly to the host. |
| US08250239B2 |
Network server, media format conversion method and media format conversion system
An network server includes a receiving unit that receives content from a client apparatus connected via a network, a conversion determining unit that obtains metadata of the content to determine whether to convert the media format of the content according to the metadata, and selects the media format after conversion according to the metadata, and a format converting unit that converts the media format of the content into the media format selected by the conversion determining unit. |
| US08250238B2 |
Network device, address change notification method, and address change notification program
A network device includes a storage unit configured to store an IP address assigned to the network device as an address to be sent to a plurality of domain name servers in which an address-domain mapping relationship between the IP address and a domain name of the network device is to be registered, a server searching unit configured to search for an in-operation domain name server among the plurality of domain name servers, the in-operation domain name server being a domain name server that is currently operating, a software holding unit configured to hold a plurality of unique communication program modules, each corresponding to one of the plurality of domain name servers, and an address notifying unit configured to notify the in-operation domain name server of the IP address through a corresponding one of the communication program modules to register the address-domain mapping relationship in the in-operation domain name server. |
| US08250233B2 |
Pseudo-interactive input processing in wireless environments
An electronic communication device includes a buffer and a controller. The buffer stores characters as they are being input by a user. The controller transmits the stored characters over a network when the number of characters stored exceeds a threshold. The controller also dynamically adjusts the threshold time period. |
| US08250232B2 |
Intelligent content stream bandwidth determination
A system and method for delivering content objects over the Internet to an end user system with a content delivery network (CDN) is disclosed that allows for intelligent bandwidth determination for content streams. A content object is delivered with the CDN using the Internet. When a content object is requested by an end user media player, characteristics of the access network, the content object and/or the CDN are used to choose an suitable algorithm. The algorithm then determines a bitrate for delivery of the content object to the end user media player. Ultimately, the content object is transmitted at the bitrate to the end user media player. |
| US08250227B2 |
Providing different rates to different users of a download service
A system, computer program and method for transmitting requested data from a data source in response to data transmission requests from at least one electronic device according to differential rates of throughput. Data transmission requests are classified into one of a plurality of throughput classes, with each throughput class having an assigned rate of throughput. A proportion of data transmission requests to be processed from each throughput class is selected such that each data transmission request has a rate of throughput approximating the assigned rate of throughput of its class. The requested data is then sent from the data source to the electronic device. |
| US08250222B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrating communication sessions supporting audio and video between entities
A session integration method is provided for integrating a first session between a first entity and a third entity and a second session between a second entity and the third entity in a session-based service environment. The first entity receives a REFER message including dialog information from the second entity, and sends a response message to the received REFER message to the second entity. When header information included in the received REFER message indicates an INVITE message and the dialog information is related to the first entity, the first entity generates a Re-INVITE message and sends the generated Re-INVITE message to an address of a target which is subject to session integration. The address is included in the header information and corresponds to the third entity. The first entity updates the first session into an integrated session with the third entity. |
| US08250218B2 |
Wireless communication system, and wireless communication device and control method for establishing a one-to-one relationship between wireless communication devices
This invention has as its object to set a one-to-one relationship upon establishing a wireless communication channel between a wireless communication device on the information transmitting side and a wireless communication device that receives and processes the information even in an environment including a plurality of wireless communication devices, and to assure simple user's operations at least until the communication channel is established. To this end, when the user inputs a wireless communication channel establishment instruction to both a digital camera and printer having wireless communication functions, these devices execute wireless communication establishment processes within an allowable time period which is specified by a time set in a timer and a retry count. When the devices can seize each other within that time period, the communication channel is established. After that, the digital camera sends a sensed image to the printer, which prints the sensed image. |
| US08250216B2 |
Method and apparatus for programming session initiation protocol back-to-back user agents
In one embodiment, the present disclosure is a method and apparatus for programming session initiation protocol back-to-back user agents. In one embodiment, a method for programming a telecommunication feature as a session initiation protocol back-to-back user agent includes receiving source code defining the feature, the source code using at least one abstraction that hides session initiation protocol signaling details required by the feature and generating executable code that causes a session initiation protocol server to execute the feature, in accordance with the abstractions. |
| US08250211B2 |
Automatic migration of data via a distributed computer network
A method and apparatus for the automatic migration of data via a distributed computer network allows a customer to select content files that are to be transferred to a group of edge servers. Origin sites store all of a customer's available content files. An edge server maintains a dynamic number of popular files in its memory for the customer. The files are ranked from most popular to least popular and when a file has been requested from an edge server a sufficient number of times to become more popular than the lowest popular stored file, the file is obtained from an origin site. The edge servers are grouped into two service levels: regional and global. The customer is charged a higher fee to store its popular files on the global edge servers compared to a regional set of edge servers because of greater coverage. |
| US08250210B2 |
Balancing user registration lifetimes in a network
A method of balancing user registration lifetimes in a network is disclosed for smoothing the load of the registration server. The method of balancing user registration lifetimes in a network includes providing an initial registration lifetime for a registration request that is calculated using the time of the request and the previous history of registration requests, and in a particular embodiment, using the cumulative distribution function of the history of registration requests. The method of balancing user registration lifetimes in a network is particularly useful for handling spikes in registration traffic, and can accommodate user-specified variable lifetimes, as well dynamic user arrivals and departures. It provides effective load balancing over time for a single server, at the expense of a constant factor additive load per user, which can be amortized to near zero over the long run. |
| US08250205B2 |
Business process management system, method thereof, process management computer and program thereof
A business process management computer, when the load of a service execution computer etc. is increased, determines the condition of a service call step which is calling a service execution unit, etc. of said service execution computer, etc. If said condition is the bottleneck condition, it determines the condition of the service call step in other process which is calling said service execution unit, etc. If there is no condition other than the bottleneck in that condition, the addition of the resource for said service execution computer, etc. is determined and if there is a condition in which the throughput can be limited, it is determined that the throughput should be limited. In a process which is configured with a plurality of service call steps, when the resource insufficiency has occurred, a means to make the adequate addition of the resource possible can be provided. |
| US08250204B2 |
Method and apparatus for geographic-based communications service
A geographic-based communications service system has a mobile unit for transmitting/receiving information, and access points connected to a network. The access points are arranged in a known geographic locations and transmit and receive information from the mobile unit. When one of the access points detects the presence of the mobile unit, it sends a signal to the network indicating the location of the mobile unit and the information requested by the mobile unit. Based on the signal received from the access point, the network communicates with information providers connected to the network and provides data to the mobile unit through the access point corresponding to the location of the mobile unit. |
| US08250203B1 |
Method and system for network traffic monitoring
Method and system for collecting diagnostic information for network communication is provided. The method includes configuring a host bus adapter (HBA) to operate as a standard HBA while collecting diagnostic information in a diagnostic mode after a trigger condition occurs; storing the diagnostic information in a first memory for the HBA; transferring the diagnostic information from the first memory to a second memory in a host system that is operationally coupled to the HBA; and formatting the diagnostic information for presentation to a user. |
| US08250201B2 |
Servlet monitoring tool
Server performance is monitored by inserting code into servlets running on the server. Code is inserted at the servlet beginning to record start time, servlet name and input parameters in a table in memory on the server. Code is also inserted at the exit and exception points of the servlet to record stop time in the table and to determine whether to add this information in the table to an array in a web page a log file. The web page or log file is then examined to determine server performance. |
| US08250195B2 |
Leveraging synchronous communication protocols to enable asynchronous application and line-of-business behaviors
Methods and systems of leveraging synchronous communication protocols to enable asynchronous application and line of business behaviors. An application platform may be provided and configured to provide a pending state for any synchronous operation. The pending state may indicate that the operation has not been completed yet. For an application which may know how to track an operation that has a pending state, the application may control when the operation enters and exits the pending state. The application may communicate to the application platform to hold off on other operations dependent upon the pending operation when the pending operation is not complete. For an application which does not know how to track an operation that has a pending state, the application platform may ignore the pending state of the operation and proceed to other operations. Accordingly, the synchronous user experience is preserved where a straightforward, down-level user interface and experience is appropriate. The user interface and experience is also extended when an application knows how to interpret and present the asynchronous nature of various underlying systems. |
| US08250192B2 |
Data server administration using a chatbot
Provided are techniques for data server administration. Under control of a chatbot in real time, a command is received from a user for administering a data server in a natural language format. It is determined whether the data server is to be contacted to process the command. In response to determining that the data server is to be contacted, session information is retrieved to identify the data server to be contacted, the command in the natural language format is converted into one or more data server administration Application Programming Interface (API) calls, the one or more data server administration API calls to the data server are issued, and information about processing of the command is provided to the user. |
| US08250189B1 |
Employing IP version fields to determine data-link layer addresses
Computer systems, computer-readable media, and computerized methods for determining a media access (MAC) address that corresponds with a network identifier in a wireless or wired network are provided. A dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is employed to allocate a set of fractional IP addresses that include a common IPv4 address paired with a value of an IP version field, where none of the values overlap. When assigned to a client device, the fractional IP address uniquely identifies the client device within the network. A host device within the network is configured to broadcast an address resolution protocol (ARP) request to other devices within the network, such as the DHCP server, where the ARP request includes a fractional IP address associated with intended recipient(s) of communications from the host device. In response to the ARP request, the appropriate device or DHCP server returns a MAC address of the intended recipient(s). |
| US08250178B2 |
Protecting client-side code
Protecting client-side code is disclosed. In some embodiments, when a request for a page is received from a client, an initial definition of the page is provided to the client wherein the initial definition includes a reference to a piece of client-side code not included in the initial definition and a code retrieval logic which, when executed at the client, results in the piece of client-side code being obtained dynamically from an associated server at runtime when the piece of client-side code is desired to be executed at the client. A client receives such an initial definition of a requested page from an associated server of the page. When an indication that the piece of client-side code is desired to be executed is received, the code retrieval logic is executed to obtain the piece of client-side code dynamically from the associated server. |
| US08250173B2 |
System and method for creating and navigating a linear hypermedia resource program
A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program. |
| US08250172B2 |
Method and apparatus for transferring digital content from a computer to a mobile device
A system for synchronizing digital content stored on a user's mobile device with digital content stored on the user's computer is disclosed. |
| US08250171B2 |
Content delivery apparatus, content delivery method, and content delivery program
In a content delivery method in a P2P network, a node managing a content causes a downstream node to manage a volume of a divided content; this volume is according to a situation of the downstream node (for example, a line speed to which a node is connected). A node managing a content holds, as management information, partial information of the divided content managed by its own node, and location information indicative of a location at which a content itself is presented. Next, when a content transfer request is sent to a node managing a content, the node accesses a content holding node in accordance with the held location information, downloads a volume of a divided content indicated by the partial information, and uploads the volume of the divided content to a node that sends the content transfer request. |
| US08250169B2 |
Business context data companion tool
Methods and apparatuses enable rendering business context data in a desktop widget. The business context data describes a resource, a view, and actionable context data that relate to a business scenario. The business context data is processed to determine a UI component to generate to represent the business context data. The component is then generated and rendered in a desktop widget to provide access to the actionable context data on a client device via the desktop widget. An active business client receives and processes the business context data. The active business client can operate as a widget engine for the business context data to enable the rendering of the business context data on the client device. |
| US08250168B2 |
Methods for accessing published contents from a mobile device
Methods for accessing published content from a mobile device are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an example of a process includes receiving a first message received from a mobile device over a network for accessing a destination, where the first message includes an identification associated with a destination and a predetermined indicator. In response to the first message, returning a second message to the mobile device, the second message including a link linking with a network-based resource associated with the destination. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08250165B2 |
Method and system for communicating between memory regions
A method and system are provided for transferring data in a networked system between a local memory in a local system and a remote memory in a remote system. A RDMA request is received and a first buffer region is associated with a first transfer operation. The system determines whether a size of the first buffer region exceeds a maximum transfer size of the networked system. Portions of the second buffer region may be associated with the first transfer operation based on the determination of the size of the first buffer region. The system subsequently performs the first transfer operation. |
| US08250162B2 |
System and method for message processing and routing
A message routing system that allows applications at either end of the system to run as-is without modification. The system functions in a multithreaded environment and is capable of handling complex routing rules and message transformation. It is also capable of learning and executing new routing rules and message transformations in formats previously unrecognized by the system. The system enables precise and reliable logging of messages throughout processing and supports publication of enterprise-wide broadcast messages. The system further preferably employs cooperating inbound and outbound transport processes for consuming, routing, processing, safely storing and publishing messages in batches of logical units of work to ensure that the logical units of work are not lost in system transactions. The system also preferably utilizes a replay server for preserving and replaying messages that might otherwise fail to reach their intended destinations. |
| US08250160B2 |
Checking destination email addresses against historical address information
An email is created that includes one or more destination email addresses, plus historical information regarding previously exchanged emails. Before sending this email, each of the destination email addresses is checked against the email addresses in the historical information and, if a destination email address (or the domain name of that destination address) is not found in the historical information, then a warning is displayed to alert the user to the fact that this historical information may be sent to an unintended recipient. In response to this warning, which may include a list of unapproved destination email address, the user may approve a previously unapproved destination email address, change the unapproved destination email address to one that has been previously approved, or enter a new distribution email to be substituted for the unapproved one. When creating the email, the user may also specify other approved email addresses. |
| US08250158B2 |
Electronic message filter
A method includes: applying an unsent electronic message to an electronic screening tool programmed to identify content that is potentially not authorized by a business or potentially harmful to the business; generating, based on an application of the unsent electronic message to the electronic screening tool, a risk assessment score for the unsent electronic message; determining that a value of the risk assessment score exceeds a threshold value; and following a determination that the value of the risk assessment score exceeds the threshold value: generating an electronic alert message for a sender that indicates that the unsent electronic message comprises content that may be objectionable. |
| US08250157B2 |
Presence mapping
Systems, methods, and associated software for detecting presence are described with respect to a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, presence information can be displayed on a floor plan, according to the teachings herein. In one implementation, a method for monitoring the presence of a person is described in which the name of a person of interest is received from a requestor. The requestor and the person of interest are both associated with an organization. The method also includes retrieving information regarding a first work area associated with the person of interest and reproducing a section of a floor plan containing at least the first work area. Furthermore, the method includes sending the section of the floor plan to the requestor. The method also includes retrieving information regarding the person of interest associated with the first work area. A name field, which includes the name and the presence status of the person of interest, is sent to the requestor. |
| US08250154B2 |
Structured archiving and retrieval of linked messages in a synchronous collaborative environment
A method, system, and computer program product enables manipulation of a message thread created by linking two or more messages within a messaging interface of a synchronous, collaborative messaging application. The message thread is first generated by linking the plurality of messages within the messaging interface. Then manipulation of the message thread is enabled in a separate window from the messaging interface. |
| US08250152B2 |
E-mail delivery options usability tool
Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for facilitating user-specified delivery options for e-mail messages are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include receiving by an e-mail client an indication of contents of an e-mail message and a plurality of intended recipients of the e-mail message and generating the e-mail message based on the received indication. Embodiments may also include receiving an indication of user-specified delivery options for each intended recipient of the message, generating meta-data based on the user-specified delivery options, and adding an indication of the meta-data to the message, such as in the data area of the e-mail message. Embodiments may also include transmitting the e-mail message to a mail server. The user-specified delivery options may include one or more of attachment delivery options, signed copy recipient options, signature options, message importance options, return receipt options, delivery priority options, prevent copy recipient options, or message formatting options. |
| US08250149B2 |
Method and system for accelerating receipt of data in a client to client network
A method and system for accelerating receipt of data in a client to client network. The method includes the steps of intercepting queries and responses, storing the intercepted queries and responses in an acceleration server and transmitting the intercepted responses to clients submitting intercepted queries. The system includes at least one acceleration server designed and configured to perform the steps included in the method. |
| US08250143B2 |
Network driven actuator mapping agent and bus and method of use
A system and method for a network driven actuator mapping agent and bus. The system includes at least one sensor configured to sense an event in a first environment. The system also includes an actuator configured to perform an action in a second environment. Moreover, the system further includes a mapping manager configured to map the sensed event to the actuator to provide a custom interaction throughout a plurality of second environments. |
| US08250142B2 |
Internet video conferencing on a home television
A home network integrates a television to enable a user to use the television to conduct an Internet video conference by leveraging the Internet video conferencing functionality provided by a home computer connected to the Internet. The television is connected to the home network via a TV client module, and a video camera co-located with the television is also connected to the TV client. The TV client presents on the television an Internet conferencing option selectable by a user to invoke the video conferencing functionality of the personal computer. During the video conference, video and audio data captured by the video camera are transmitted by the TV client over the home network to the personal computer for forwarding onto the conferencing parties on the Internet, and user interface data representing video/audio streams received from the Internet are transmitted by the personal computer to the TV client for display on the television. |
| US08250140B2 |
Enabling connections for use with a network
An apparatus for enabling connections for use with a network comprising at least one vertex, the apparatus comprising: a receiver, for receiving a first message associated with the first vertex, wherein the first message comprises an indication that the first vertex wishes to join the network; a generator, responsive to receipt of the first message, for generating a second message associated with the at least one vertex, wherein the second message comprising an indication that the at least one vertex is operable to connect to the first vertex; and a probabilistic component for determining a first time value associated with transmission of the second message to the first vertex in accordance with probabilistic data. |
| US08250136B2 |
Server, electronic apparatus, external apparatus, and information processing system using them, and electronic apparatus setting and status acquisition method
An information processing system includes an electronic apparatus, a server, and an external apparatus. The electronic apparatus acquires operation information for the electronic apparatus from the server, and directs the electronic apparatus to operate according to the operation information. The server receives an external apparatus identifier, electronic apparatus identifier, and operation information, from the external apparatus, and accumulates the information. The external apparatus accepts input of the electronic apparatus identifier and the operation information, and transmits the external apparatus identifier and the operation information to the server. Such an information processing system enables operation information for an electronic apparatus to be set and acquired, without directly accessing an electronic apparatus from an external apparatus, improving security. |
| US08250131B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing a distributed computing environment
Method and system for managing a distributed computing environment. The methods and systems include handling multiple heterogeneous dispatch systems, preventing deadlock in single threaded servers, optimizing distributed activities, homogeneous identification of heterogeneous resources and automatically distributing failed tasks within a distributed system. |
| US08250129B2 |
Cryptographic random number generator using finite field operations
An apparatus and method are provided in various illustrative embodiments for an integrated circuit chip that provides a fast, compact, and cryptographically strong random number generator. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an initial random source, and a post-processing block in communicative connection with the initial random source. The post-processing block is configured to receive signals from the initial random source, to apply one or more finite field operations to the signals to generate an output, and to provide an output signal based on the output via an output channel, in this illustrative embodiment. |
| US08250128B2 |
Apparatus and methods for autonomous testing of random number generators
Apparatus for testing a random number generator includes a random number generating unit that generates and outputs random numbers, and a switching unit that receives the random numbers from the random number generating unit and selectively transmits the random numbers in response to a switching control signal. A test unit performs a basic test on the random numbers to determine whether the transmitted random numbers are within a statistical range, controls the generation of random numbers according to a result of the basic test, and outputs the switching control signal based on whether a test suite is finished. Methods include performing a basic test on generated random numbers to determine whether the random numbers are within a statistical range, controlling the generation of random numbers in response to a result of the basic test and whether the basic test is finished, determining upon completion of the basic test if a test suite is finished, and if the test suite is finished, outputting the random numbers as final random numbers. |
| US08250125B2 |
Multihierarchy control
The invention relates to a system and a method for easily switching between a number of sets (1) of objects (2) each mapped by means of a hierarchical structure. In this case the interrelationships of the objects (2) are typically presented in a tree structure. A transition point (3) can be used to switch between the individual different trees which represent the different interrelationships of the objects (2). |
| US08250123B2 |
Contactless IC memory on removeable media
Method, system, and computer program product embodiments for recording data on a contactless integrated circuit (IC) memory associated with a data storage cartridge are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, an index of a plurality of files to be recorded on a storage media of the data storage cartridge is parsed with a table of contents (TOC) profile file to build a table of contents (TOC) specific to an owning application of the plurality of files. The TOC is written to the contactless IC memory. |
| US08250121B2 |
Zero-copy maturing of large objects in generational heap with copying collection
A method for performing garbage collection promotion, comprising determining that an age of a large young object is greater than a predetermined tenuring threshold, wherein the predetermined tenuring threshold specifies an age beyond which objects are promoted, setting a plurality of types of a plurality of large memory regions from young to old to promote the large young object to a large old object, wherein the plurality of large memory regions host the large young object, scavenging references of the large old object, wherein the large old object is a large promoted object, scanning a large young object list to identify a plurality of unvisited large young objects, wherein a plurality of visited bits of the plurality of unvisited large young objects are unset, and releasing a plurality of unvisited large memory regions, wherein the unvisited large memory regions host the plurality of unvisited large young objects. |
| US08250120B2 |
Methods and systems for merging media files from multiple media devices
A method for merging media includes the steps of obtaining a first input from a first media device, the first input comprising first data corresponding to properties of one or more first media files, obtaining a second input from a second media device, the second input comprising second data corresponding to properties of one or more second media files, generating a merged list comprising one or more first selected media files of the first media files sharing a common property with at least one of the second media files and second selected media files of the second media files sharing the common property, and causing execution of one of the first selected media files, one of the second selected media files, or both. |
| US08250118B2 |
Systems, methods, and software for presenting legal case histories
Systems and methods for automatically processing a textual document by identifying occurrences of a piece of text having a predetermined format in the textual document; determining a depth-of-treatment value for each piece of formatted text in the textual document, the depth-of-treatment value indicating a depth of treatment in the textual document afforded to the particular piece of formatted text; associating an abstract with each piece of formatted text in the textual document; and generating a data record containing each identified piece of formatted text from the textual document, the depth-of-treatment value and the abstract associated with each piece of formatted text in the textual document. |
| US08250108B1 |
Method for transferring data into database systems
A method, computer program, and computer network are disclosed for transferring data to a database system. The method includes preparing a plurality of input records, each including a plurality of fields and a selector configurable to represent a plurality of states. For each input record of the plurality of input records, the following steps are performed. A state represented by the selector for an input record is read. Based on the state represented by the selector, a subset of the fields for the input record is transferred to the database system. |
| US08250103B2 |
Image log management device, image log management method, image log management program
An image log management device that includes a correspondence relationship information storing component, an image log data storage component, an input component and a deletion component is provided. The correspondence relationship information storing component stores correspondence relationship information between an identifier of an input document subject to image forming processing, an identifier of an output document resulting from the image forming processing of the input document, and an identifier of image log data of the output document. The image log data storage component stores the image log data of the output document. The input component inputs document disposal information including an identifier of a disposal document that has been disposed of The deletion component, based on the document disposal information and based on the correspondence relationship information, selects the image log data requiring deletion and executes deletion processing thereon. |
| US08250102B2 |
Remote storage and management of binary object data
Embodiments described herein are directed to the accessing remotely stored binary object data in a binary object store. In one embodiment, a computer system receives a request for a portion of binary object data, sends a query to a database server requesting access to the binary object data, and receives a binary object reference. The binary object reference includes binary object identification data and use characteristics specific to the binary object store. The computer system sends a binary object data access request based on the binary object reference to the binary object store using a binary object store interface, and receives the binary object data corresponding to the binary object data access request. The binary object data comprises a portion of data files. The computer system also sends the received binary object data to the user. |
| US08250101B2 |
Ontology guided reference data discovery
Mapping and translating reference data from multiple databases using an enterprise ontology. This is achieved by various means, including mapping values of a first database to corresponding fields within the ontology, mapping values of a second database to corresponding fields within the ontology, and determining relationships between the values of the first database and the values of the second database based on their respective mappings to common fields within the ontology. |
| US08250098B2 |
User preference information structure having multiple hierarchical structure and method for providing multimedia information using the same
A user preference information structure having a multiple hierarchical structure in which an information is provided to a user according to a user preference in a multi-media environment consisting of an information provider and an information user, comprising user use information by using information desired by the user; user preference information of information desired by the user; and individual user preference information that is differently set depending on situations in which the user is put and positioned in a sub-tree of the user preference information. The hierarchical data structure is able to provide the user preference for providing information desired by the user is provided depending on the environment, based on which various information can be provided. The hierarchical data structure constructing the user preference makes it possible for the user to receive information fitting the situation in which he or she is put by using a proper individual user preference information, automatically or according to user's selection. |
| US08250097B2 |
Online identity management and identity verification
A user identity verification apparatus and method comprising, via one or more processors, collecting in a computer database consolidated user data comprising information about a method user from a plurality of sources comprising credit bureau information, information from data vendors, and public information, generating a profile of the method user comprising a plurality of subsets of the consolidated user data corresponding to a plurality of access levels, receiving a validation request from a third party source at an unknown user's request; assigning an access level to the validation request; requesting information from the unknown user, matching returned information from the unknown user to that in the subset of the consolidated user data corresponding to the assigned access level, and verifying to the third party source that the unknown user is the method user. |
| US08250096B2 |
Access to trusted user-generated content using social networks
A method to access trusted user generated content (UGC) is provided. User registration information containing one or more identities is obtained. Each identity corresponds to an internet social network that is facilitated by one of a plurality of social network sites. The social relationships are collected using the provided user identities at the different social network sites and user extended social networks are created for each user by joining the social relationships collected. Then, UGC is collected from the plurality of social network sites and the collected UGC is correlated with the extended social networks. The correlated UGC is filtered according to the user configuration of a user making a request, and then the results are presented to the requesting user. A search function is provided to obtain information on demand, or alternatively, a user receives feeds of information according to configured information regarding the user's extended social network. |
| US08250093B2 |
Method and system for utilizing a cache for path-level access control to structured documents stored in a database
An improved method and system for performing path-level access control evaluation for a structured document in a collection, where the structured document includes a plurality of nodes and each of the nodes is described by a path, is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cache for temporarily storing a cache entry for a path associated with a node of the plurality of nodes, receiving a query that includes a request to access the node, checking the cache entry for the path associated with the node, and determining whether to grant access to the node based on the cache entry. |
| US08250092B2 |
Search result diversification
Methods, apparatus, and systems directed to receiving search queries, retrieving documents, computing the number of categories to present for a given query, computing the number of results to show in each category, computing an ordering of categories, and for all the result pages beyond the first page employing user interface elements that optionally allow the user to quickly zoom in on a specific category and get more results belonging to that category. |
| US08250091B2 |
Access request management
A method for managing an request on a communication resource for a user terminal. In the method for an access request access request settings that comprise a user-specific set of one or more selection criteria for determining applicability of a communication resource for the re-quested access are determined. Communication resources are queried from a group of access nodes; and the determined access request settings are in selecting the communication resource for the access. |
| US08250090B2 |
Method for performing message-based distributed computing, involves executing expression of matched message response on members identified by set instance definition using dimension values derived from message
Systems and methods are provided for message-based distributed computing systems and execution of message-based distributed applications on such systems. The present invention provides a Distributed Application Platform (DAP). The DAP architecture is “distributed” because functions of an application may be performed by processes within a single node, spread across nodes in a network, or spread across processor cores within CPUs. Some embodiments of the DAP provide efficient programming constructs, called sets. A set is a data structure describing an N-dimensional space. Each spatial location is either empty or holds a member. The set construct allows automatic extraction and processing of members with a single query, and makes programming an application for a distributed, parallel, or single computer environment easier for a user. In some embodiments, the DAP may be a message-based distributed computing system. The system receives instructions, builds and initiates an application, and may create a set in memory. |
| US08250083B2 |
Support for international search terms—translate as you crawl
A search engine server supports delivery of search results to a web browser of a client device. The client device is communicatively coupled to the search engine server via the Internet. The system identifies new web pages in a source language during crawling, translates them into a plurality of destination languages, creates reverse indexes in respective languages, and stores both reverse indexes and cache web pages in a database. Upon the entry of search strings by a user using a web browser, the search engine server responds by delivering links of web pages in the user-desired language (the language of the search string or a language chosen by the user) as well as web pages translated from a plurality of destination languages, ranked based upon popularity or other means. The search engine server contains a plurality of translators that translate new web pages, links that are obtained during crawling, in to a plurality of destination languages. |
| US08250079B2 |
System and method for near and exact de-duplication of documents
A system, method and computer program product for identifying near and exact-duplicate documents in a document collection, including for each document in the collection, reading textual content from the document; filtering the textual content based on user settings; determining N most frequent words from the filtered textual content of the document; performing a quorum search of the N most frequent words in the document with a threshold M; and sorting results from the quorum search based on relevancy. Based on the values of N and M near and exact-duplicate documents are identified in the document collection. |
| US08250078B2 |
Statistical record linkage calibration for interdependent fields without the need for human interaction
Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. The system and method take into consideration interdependent fields, e.g., fields whose constituent field values may be positively or negatively correlated. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions. |
| US08250076B2 |
Bit string 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 arranged in adjacent storage areas. The branch node includes a discrimination bit position of the search key and the first position information of a primary node, one node of a node pair of a link target. The leaf node includes the second position information of the storage area holding an index key that is the target of a search. According to a bit value of the search key of a discrimination bit position in the branch node, repeated linking to a primary node of a node pair of the link target or a node at a position in a memory area adjacent thereto until a leaf node is reached. |
| US08250073B2 |
Preparing and presenting content
Systems and techniques to prepare and present content. In general, in one implementation, a technique includes receiving information identifying a first streaming content element describing a first scope of material, receiving information identifying a second streaming content element describing a second scope of material, and describing a presentation including the first streaming content element and the second streaming content element in a parent/child relationship. The second scope of material can be more detailed than the first scope and included in the first scope. |
| US08250069B2 |
Green's function formulations for pagerank algorithm using helmholtz wave equation representations of internet interactions
A novel approach to determining PageRank for web pages views the problem as being comparable to solving for an electromagnetic field problem. This view of ranking web pages enables appropriate entries for a matrix G of the web (or a subset), so that fast-solver techniques can be employed to iterate G, solving for ranks, or a dominant eigenstructure, achieving an O(N log N) performance in time and memory requirements. The specific solver technique that is used can be, for example, a fast multi-pole method (FMM), or a multilevel low-rank compression method. Once the problem is correctly formulated, it is not necessary to create the matrix G. Local information can be queried on demand by the solver. This approach can also be used to determine different scores of web pages, such as TrustRank, which is indicative of their trustworthiness. |
| US08250064B1 |
Caching execution plans for queries that use timestamps
A computer system programmed as a database receives a query Q1. Q1 includes a predicate. The predicate includes a reference to a current timestamp of time TT1. The database has R data structures. The computer system creates a plan, Plan 1, to execute Q1. Plan 1 includes the identification of a first set of data structures, P1, to be accessed in executing Plan 1, at the current timestamp of time TT1. The number of data structures in P1 is less than R. The computer system determines that Plan 1 is valid for a period of time. The computer system stores in a cache Plan 1 and an indication that Plan 1 is valid for the period of time. |
| US08250056B2 |
Web-based decision matrix display
A tool, using an expressly programmed computer which is programmed with executable instructions, that utilizes data mined from web queries to populate a decision matrix for finding an outcome to a query. The decision matrix is a displayed spreadsheet having rows representing fields that are typical for the query. The web yields data that is extracted and stored in the fields for a plurality of such sites. Calculators or operator methods are used for displaying a desired outcome using the fields. The field data may be entered manually when not found on websites. Data may be changed from actual data to represent hypothetical situation or a data field may be deleted. Columnar data is operated upon to determine different outcomes for comparison. |
| US08250055B2 |
Non-linear dynamical search engine
A dynamical search engine for searching a database is also provided. The dynamical search engine includes an array of nonlinear dynamical elements. The nonlinear dynamical element information items in a manner that confines the state of each element on a fixed point and uniquely encodes the information items. The dynamical search engine also includes a controller for controlling electrical signals supplied to elements of the array in a predetermined sequence. One supplied signal increases a state value of each element of the array by a quantity defining a search key that corresponds to a searched-for information item. A subsequently supplied signal updates the state value of each element of the array by performing a nonlinear folding of each state value based on a predetermined pivot. |
| US08250050B2 |
Systems and methods for managing database authentication and sessions
Systems and methods enable remote (or “off-campus”) users complete authorized access to full-record content of 3rd-party databases subscribed to by the user's institution. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system that acts as a transparent conduit between the user and a remote database, managing relevant session/context information without the user's awareness and without the need for users to install plug-ins or configure browser proxies. |
| US08250045B2 |
Non-invasive usage tracking, access control, policy enforcement, audit logging, and user action automation on software applications
The present system, software, and methods relate to computer system security, particularly to tracking and controlling electronic access to legacy applications and data records without modifying the legacy applications or records. The present system, software, and methods allow for implementation of complex access audit and control rules even when the continued use of legacy application and data are required. |
| US08250044B2 |
Byte-code representations of actual data to reduce network traffic in database transactions
Methods, articles of manufacture, and systems for reducing network traffic for database transactions between a requesting client and a database server are provided. For some embodiments, the client may access statistical information regarding the data, such as that commonly contained in indexes (e.g., encoded vector indexes), conventionally generated for use by a query optimizer. For some embodiments, based on the statistical information regarding the data, the client may request that the server send small byte-code representations of data from the database, rather than the actual data. The small byte-code representations may be significantly smaller than the actual represented data, thus reducing network traffic between the client and server. The client may then retrieve the actual represented data from a corresponding data representation record. |
| US08250043B2 |
System and method for compression of partially ordered data sets
A system and method for compression of partially ordered data sets is provided. A first record of the data set is compressed by encoding the record using a Fibonacci encoding technique. Thereafter, for each subsequent record N, the N−1st record is subtracted from the Nth record before encoding the result, thereby allowing each subsequent record to store the difference (or delta) from the previous record. |
| US08250042B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method with conversion of error information
A data processing apparatus executes, in response to a processing execution instruction transmitted from an information terminal connected to the data processing apparatus via a network, processing in accordance with the processing execution instruction. The data processing apparatus includes a protocol determining unit configured to determine a protocol used in transmission of the processing execution instruction when an error is caused during execution of the processing, a converting unit configured to convert information on the error in accordance with the protocol determined by the protocol determining unit so that the information is compliant with the protocol, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the information on the error converted by the converting unit to the information terminal that has transmitted the processing execution instruction using the protocol used in transmission of the processing execution instruction. |
| US08250040B2 |
Storage or removal actions based on priority
Techniques for providing content management services are described. Managing content services includes determining a value of content and determining storage actions of the content based on the value. The value of the content is determined by weighting factors, such as access frequency, a rating, a size of the content, a type of the content, and a security level of the content. Based on the value of the content, one or more storage actions may be determined for the content to optimize storage. The storage actions may include identifying a version of the content to be saved, compressing the content, determining a back up of the content to store, identifying a location to store the content, performing erasure encoding of the content, and/or removing the content. |
| US08250039B2 |
Information processing method
Method for generating information processing Systems wherein informative Containers and Contents are created, identified, stored, modeled, communicated, modified and deleted by creating, modifying or deleting Links. The whole information entered by the users and the information for describing the System takes the form of Links having identical sizes and stored by a Links Base. The Links can be provided with attributes, notably time attributes. |
| US08250037B2 |
Shared drive data collection tool for an electronic discovery system
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for improved electronic discovery. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for an enterprise wide electronic management server that provides for data to be identified, located, retrieved, preserved, searched, reviewed and produced in an efficient and cost-effective manner across the entire enterprise system. In addition, by structuring management of e-discovery based on case/matter, custodian and data and providing for linkage between the same, further efficiencies are realized in terms of identifying, locating and retrieving data and leveraging results of previous e-discoveries with current requests. |
| US08250035B1 |
Methods and apparatus for creating a branch file in a file system
Embodiments of the invention relate to maintaining reference counts in a file system to track when a block is available to be freed. When a snapshot copy of a file is created, rather than copying all the blocks of the file for the snapshot copy, the snapshot inode is given pointers to the blocks of the file. Rather than updating the reference counts for all these blocks to indicate that they are now in use by more than one file, the update of reference counts for at least some of these blocks may be deferred until a later time. |
| US08250034B2 |
Method and apparatus to provide visual editing
A method to display a series of media objects containing one or more media objects is described. The method includes receiving a request to edit a media object, creating a new copy of the media object in response to the request, and applying the edit to the new copy of the media object. The method further includes for providing images associated with each of a series of edits applied to a media object. |
| US08250027B2 |
Computer system, database access method, application server, and program
In a computer system, an SQL as a content of data processing request by a database independent protocol (protocol connected to a DBMS) that is issued by an application 3110 is converted from an SQL for an old DB before a migration to an SQL for a new DBMS 3200, then converted into a protocol that depends on a new DBMS 3210, and then provided to the new DBMS 3210. This operation is realized by an extension DB connection middleware 3120 that is obtained by extending a DB connection middleware that does not depend on the DBMS or an application. |
| US08250024B2 |
Search relevance in business intelligence systems through networked ranking
Method and system for optimizing search results in a business intelligence system. An member is selected in the business intelligence system having a user space, a content space, a data space, a master-data space and a metadata space. A relationship is determined between the member and a plurality of objects in the user space, the content space, the data space, the master-data space, or the metadata space. A ranking of the member is calculated based on the relationship. A relevance of the member in the business intelligence system is calculated using the ranking, thereby optimizing search results of the business intelligence system using the relevance of the object. |
| US08250023B2 |
Window processing system comprising a cleaning station with multiple cutting surfaces
A window processing system is disclosed for fabricating window frames. A welding station has welding heads to weld or fuse vinyl frame parts together. The frames are taken to a cleaning station having a number of cleaning heads that are independently actuated to move into a position relative selected portions of the window frame to clean off burrs, weld beads etc from the welded window frame. The cleaning process involves both training of a controller to recognize certain frame profiles and a compensation process for adjusting the cleaning process for individual variations in the frame that occur during fabrication. Real-time cleaning involves coupling a visual sensor to a moving support that also supports a cleaning tool. |
| US08250022B1 |
Type 5 knowledge amplification by structured expert randomization (KASER)
A new production generation method comprising: a.) storing a list of productions on a memory store on a computer, wherein each production comprises a context and a consequent, each context and consequent comprising at least one feature; b.) searching the production list for productions with contexts that match a user-provided context; and c.) if no context-matching production is found, i.) randomly selecting a sub-set of features from the user-provided context, ii.) selecting from the production list by uniform chance a first production with a context that matches the selected feature sub-set, iii.) substituting the feature or feature sub-set with the consequent of the first production to create a first feature set, iv.) replacing features in the first feature set as specified by predefined rules to create a new feature set, and v.) displaying a new production consisting of the user-provided context and the new feature set. |
| US08250021B2 |
Methods, storage mediums, and systems for configuring classification regions within a classification matrix of an analysis system and for classifying particles of an assay
Methods and systems are provided which include configurations for the reassigning unit locations of a classification matrix at which two or more classification regions overlap as non-classification regions. In addition, methods and systems are provided which include configurations for mathematically creating classification regions which may be characterized by values which more accurately correspond to measured values of particles. Other embodiments of methods and systems include configurations for acquiring data corresponding to measurable parameters of a particle and identifying a location within a classification matrix to which at least some of the data corresponds. Such methods and systems further include configurations for translating either the data corresponding to the identified unit location or a target space located at known locations within the classification matrix a preset number of predetermined coordinate paths until a conclusion that the particle may be classified to particular particle category or a reject class is attained. |
| US08250020B2 |
Method and system for automated analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectra
A fully automatic, parameter free MR interpretation system is based on human logic emulation. Information is derived mainly from an MR spectrum with maximum confidence and in a similar way as a human expert. This is achieved by the combination of different expert systems that interpret certain MR spectral features as well as features from a proposed structure. The expert systems are dynamically linked to each other and the analysis is performed iteratively in all directions in a way that the expert systems can utilize all of the interpretations of all expert systems at all times. The expert system may generate not just a single result but rather lists of probability weighted hypotheses. |
| US08250019B2 |
System and method for interactive knowledge visualization
A system and method for interactive knowledge visualization are provided. In some embodiments, a method for interactive knowledge visualization includes receiving, at a knowledge visualization server, a request for one or more visualizations; retrieving data associated with the one or more visualizations from one or more databases; converting the data associated with the one or more visualizations into visualization data, the visualization data being operable to be converted by a client into the one or more visualizations; transmitting, to a first client and a second client, the visualization data; receiving, at the knowledge visualization server, a modification request from the first client, the modification request indicating a desired modification to at least one of the one or more visualizations; modifying, in response to the modification request, the visualization data associated with the one or more visualizations; and transmitting, to the first client and second client, the modified visualization data. |
| US08250015B2 |
Generating implicit labels and training a tagging model using such labels
A training module is described for training a conditional random field (CRF) tagging model. The training module trains the tagging model based on an explicitly-labeled training set and an implicitly-labeled training set. The explicitly-labeled training set includes explicit labels that are manually selected via human annotation, while the implicitly-labeled training set includes implicit labels that are generated in an unsupervised manner. In one approach, the training module can train the tagging model by treating the implicit labels as non-binding evidence that has a bearing on values of hidden state sequence variables. In another approach, the training module can treat the implicit labels as binding or hard evidence. A labeling system is also described for providing the implicit labels. |
| US08250014B2 |
Method for the computer-aided learning of a control or adjustment of a technical system using a quality function and training data
A method for the computer-aided learning of a control of a technical system is provided. An operation of the technical system is characterized by states which the technical system can assume during operation. Actions are executed during the operation and convert a relevant state into a subsequent state. The method is characterized in that, when learning the control, suitable consideration is given to the statistical uncertainty of the training data. This is achieved in that the statistical uncertainty of a quality function which models an optimal operation of the technical system is specified by an uncertainty propagation and is incorporated into an action selection rule when learning. By a correspondingly selectable certainty parameter, the learning method can be adapted to different application scenarios which vary in statistical requirements. The method can be used for learning the control of an operation of a turbine, in particular a gas turbine. |
| US08250008B1 |
Decision tree refinement
A model refinement system refines initial split rules that define an initial decision tree to generate final split-rules. The model refinement refines the initial split rules by removing clauses that are satisfied by match scores that are less than a threshold match score to generate initial trimmed rules. Using the initial trimmed rules, the model refinement system classifies an initial training set and filters the initial training set to remove negative training pairs that are classified as duplicate pairs resulting in a filtered training set. An intermediate decision tree defined by intermediate split-rules is generated based on the filtered training set. Final split-rules are generated based on the intermediate split rules and input pairs of data records are classified as duplicate pairs based on attribute values of the input pairs and the final split-rules. |
| US08250007B2 |
Method of generating precedence-preserving crossover and mutation operations in genetic algorithms
A method for generating precedence-preserving crossover and mutations operations for genetic algorithms is provided. The method is based on the determination of activities' Forward Free Float (FFF) and Backward Free Float (BFF) values, utilizing these float values in randomly selected forward and backward paths, respectively. The method may be applied to the finance-based scheduling domain using large scale projects, with the chromosomes of the genetic algorithm encoding activities' start times in a resource-constrained scheduling problem. |
| US08250001B2 |
Increasing user input accuracy on a multifunctional electronic device
An electronic device and a method of dynamically adapting a sensitivity of at least one user interface component on the electronic device. A device context corresponding to the electronic device can be identified and processed in real time to identify a potential user intent and to determine a probability that the potential user intent corresponds to an actual user intent. A user input sensitivity parameter can be selected based on the potential user intent and the determined probability. The sensitivity of the at least one user interface component can be adapted to correspond to the user input sensitivity parameter. |
| US08250000B2 |
System and method for high-speed postage application management
A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes a conveyor system for transferring mail pieces among two or more mail processing components and a controller for directing the operations of the components. A postage computing device calculates the postage value due for each mail piece. A postage application printer prints postage information, such as Information-Based Indicia (IBI), on the mail pieces that are being moved by the conveyor system. A computer processing system stores information related to the processing of each mail piece and provides the controller with the processing information. |
| US08249997B2 |
Method and system for integrated pallet and sort scheme maintenance
A computer coupled to a mail processing device enables sort schemes having associated sort parameters, particularly mail item sort schemes and an associated pallet scheme providing pallet location designations for mail items sorted in accord with one or more of the sort schemes. A mailing job to be run by the mail processing device as well as an execution or dispatch date of the mailing job are selected or otherwise identified. Based on mailing criteria corresponding to the mailing job, a server or other computer associated within the mail processing device retrieves a pallet scheme and a one or more mail sort schemes. One or more pallet location designations associated with the sort scheme(s) are updated, based on the pallet scheme. The mail processing device is run on the mailing job, based on said one or more enabled sort schemes. |
| US08249996B1 |
Artificial intelligence for social media
Apparatus and methods for evaluating the likelihood that a candidate will match an employment requirement. The apparatus and methods may be used for electronically accessing a plurality of text strings. A computation machine may score the text string using an objective function module. The objective function module may generate an output score that corresponds to the likelihood of a match between the text string and an employment requirement. Based on the score, the candidate may be invited to participate in an electronic dialog, such as a chat session or electronic message exchange, with a recruiting agent. The computation machine may be used to generate supplemental scores based on the chat session or subsequent chat sessions. The scores may be used to evaluate the likelihood of the match. |
| US08249990B2 |
Multi currency exchanges between participants of a networked-based transaction facility
A method and apparatus for facilitating online payment transactions in multiple currencies between participants of a network-based transaction facility are described. In one embodiment, a set of balances in different currencies within a user account of a user is presented. An indication from the user to transfer funds between two balances of the set of balances in the user account is received. A current exchange rate for conversion between currencies of the two balances is provided. An approval from the user to perform the transfer of funds between the two balances is received. In response, the transfer of funds between the two balances is performed. |
| US08249985B2 |
Sub-account mechanism
A system and method for controlling a monetary account with one or more sub-accounts is described. A monetary account with an entity is established and an account user associated with the monetary account is identified. A sub-account with the entity is established, where the sub-account is associated with the monetary account and includes monetary funds transferred from the monetary account. At least one sub-account user associated with the sub-account is identified, where the at least one sub-account user is different from the account user. One or more controls, placed by the account user, are established on at least one of the sub-account and the at least one sub-account user. The at least one sub-account user is restricted from accessing monetary funds in the monetary account and the account user is permitted to access the sub-account. |
| US08249982B1 |
Electronic payment method for making payments using a mobile identifier
A method for providing an electronic payment system includes receiving, in conjunction with a purchase by a buyer using a personal computing device in the purchase of content, a mobile telephone number of the buyer. The electronic payment system transmits, to a mobile communications device of the buyer, information to which the buyer must respond to authorize the purchase. The electronic payment system causes, following receipt of a reply to the information sent to the buyer's mobile communications device, a monetary amount corresponding to the price to be paid for the content to be charged to a mobile subscriber account corresponding to the mobile telephone number of the buyer. Methods further include processing a payment for a purchase at a POS terminal at a retail location based upon entry of the mobile telephone number of the buyer into the POS terminal. |
| US08249980B2 |
Implied order quality
Certain embodiments of the present inventions provide implied order quality. The quality may be viewed as an indication of how much an implied order and/or an aggregate quality for implied orders may be relied upon. Certain embodiments utilize various techniques for determining a quality for an implied order. Certain embodiments utilize various techniques for determining an aggregate quality for implied orders. Certain embodiments provide an indicator of the quality for an implied order and/or of the aggregate quality for implied orders. Certain embodiments filter an implied order based on a determined quality value and/or determined aggregate quality. |
| US08249976B1 |
System and method for optimizing order placement in an order queue in an electronic trading environment
Systems and methods for optimizing order placement in an electronic trading environment are provided. Global queue holder orders are placed in a tradeable object to reserve quantity for traders. Traders may submit order requests for quantity at price levels at which a global queue holder order is holding quantity. When a trader submits an order for a quantity at a price level at which quantity is being held, a gateway compares the order to the global queue holder order information stored in a database. If the trader's order coincides with a price level at which quantity is held, then the gateway virtually transfers ownership of that quantity to the trader, who then assumes the advantageous queue position. When the quantity associated with the order is filled, the fill information is sent to the gateway, which to the database to determine which trader is associated with the filled order quantity. |
| US08249975B1 |
Automated first look at market events
Trading processes interact with each other through a market process. The trading processes and the market process all operate on a platform. When the market process determines that one of the trading processes is satisfying a condition, such as providing a best price for a side of the market, then the market process automatically notifies the trading process of a new contra-side best market price in advance of providing such notification to other trading processes. |
| US08249963B1 |
Method for providing comprehensive ACH vendor services
A method for providing a set of automated financial services to a set of clients. The set of automated financial services including payroll processing, trust fund management, investment of funds and ACH transactions processing. The system reduces financial risk for an administration by providing incoming transactions verification and risk management. |
| US08249962B1 |
Method and system for determining, contracting to exchange, and accounting for matched sets of offsetting cash flows
Among other embodiments, methods and systems are disclosed for determining one or more sets of structured cash flows corresponding to a graph having one or more nodes corresponding to one or more exchange definitions or swap transactions. The net present value of a structured cash flow may be substantially zero, and may correspond to a maximum notional amount, a maximum flow, or a minimum cut. |
| US08249958B2 |
Allergen-free food expense tracking system
A website with secure user access enables a registered user to obtain a dashboard report (YTD, or for other customized date ranges) on incremental spending relating to the user's food allergies and/or food intolerances. |
| US08249957B2 |
System and method for data completion including push identifier
A system and method for processing push transactions. A payor may initiate a transaction without input from the payee. A system can determine who the payee is from partial information provided by the payor, and direct the transaction to the proper party. |
| US08249956B1 |
Inventory variance detection modeling
A system of inventory variance detection modeling is described. The system comprises a server computer, a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives a report associating electronic serial numbers of devices with a plurality of instances of inventory shrinkage. The system also assembles a list of electronic serial numbers of devices associated with instances of a first type of inventory shrinkage. The system also receives a report of the processing history of the devices associated with the electronic serial numbers contained in the list in a plurality of non-logistics and non-warehousing systems. The system also determines the statistical correlation of electronic serial numbers contained in the list with each of a plurality of exceptions processed by at least one of the non-logistics and non-warehousing systems. |
| US08249944B2 |
Method for dynamic ordering and material usage and labor pricing
A system and method for calculating graphite material usage and labor pricing including the following parameters: category, material, class, dimensions, and quantity. The information is used for improved efficiency via web-based graphite purchasing. The method takes into consideration the additional labor cost when very small dimensions are entered which require special work holding containment. The process requires that the user make a selection for each of the parameters so a validation step can occur ensuring the desired product can be manufactured and an accurate labor charge or quote can be provided. During the calculation step, the labor surface area is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area which is derived from a second degree equation derived by a linear regression curve that is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area. After the calculation step the price each and total quantity price is returned. |
| US08249939B2 |
Custom stores
A custom store web page uses an external administrator to provide configuration data for a custom store web page. The configuration data can include virtual bundles of products for sale. |
| US08249936B1 |
Point of tax reporting and automatic collection system with tax register
A point of sale tax reporting and automatic collection system including a smart tax register located at a retailer location. The retailer smart register processes consumer transactions and calculates the amount of sales tax due the retailer by the consumer for each transaction. Following the transaction, the consumer requests and is give a tax paid receipt. After the sales tax is paid to the retailer by the consumer, the register either immediately or periodically forwards the amount of the transaction and the amount of sales tax collected by the retailer to a computer and memory located at a remote location (e.g. state government taxing authority). The computer and memory receive and store the retailer's transaction and sales tax information, and report same to the Internal Revenue Service at least once a year. After receiving the retailer's sales tax information, the computer accesses and debits an account belonging to the retailer, the amount debited corresponding to the amount of sales tax collected by the retailer. In sum, the system automatically reports all retailer transactions and sales tax collected by retailers from consumers to local and federal government authorities and then automatically collects the sales tax amounts from retailer accounts so as to prevent retailers from turning over the collected sales tax. A tax paid receipt is given to each consumer as evidence that the tax paid will be turned over to the proper authorities. |
| US08249934B2 |
IMS network providing purchasing sessions to mobile devices that are located proximate to a business
IMS networks and methods are disclosed for providing purchasing sessions to mobile devices that are located proximate to a business. IMS network includes an application server that provides advertisements for the business to mobile devices that are located proximate to the business (i.e., the advertisements are pushed to the mobile devices). Responsive to an advertisement, the user of a mobile device may contact the application server through the mobile device to purchase one or more items from the business. The application server responds to the mobile device with receipt information for the purchase. The user may then request delivery of the purchased item through the mobile device by transmitting some or all of the receipt information to the application server. The application server may then schedule delivery of the item to the user of the mobile device. |
| US08249933B2 |
Charging system of electric powered vehicle
An electric storage device of an electric powered vehicle is configured to be chargeable by a charging facility. At the time of external charge by the charging facility, a management server selects advertising information based on information stored inside the electric powered vehicle to be charged and/or information of the charging facility performing the external charge to the electric powered vehicle including a mechanism capable of reproducing the advertising information from an advertising provider, and transmits the selected advertising information. The management server performs billing so that in exchange for the transmission of the advertising information, at least part of a charging power fee is caused to be borne by the advertising provider side to thereby discount an amount borne by an electric powered vehicle user. |
| US08249932B1 |
Targeted advertising in a situational network
A method of presenting targeted advertising in a situational network includes receiving a plurality of advertisements from at least one advertising entity. An indication of an occurrence of a situation is obtained. Devices corresponding to a plurality of individuals are automatically connected to a situational network established in response to the situation. At least one of the advertisements is provided to at least one of the individuals based on determining an affiliation of the individual to the situation. |
| US08249926B2 |
Method for using environmental classification to assist in financial management and services
Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information. |
| US08249919B2 |
Computer-readable medium product label apparatus and method
A user-computer-readable medium provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded in the medium embodied in a tag or other product labeling structure, in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of products, information, or registration templates. As a result, purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or interface brokers for the foregoing, if organically installed already on a workstation of a purchaser. In certain embodiments, entertainment, games, skill tests, and the like, recorded in the medium as a product tag or label may execute to engage a purchaser and provide purchaser profiling information. |
| US08249911B2 |
Workflow system, information processor, and method and program for workflow management
A workflow system is provided in which one person in charge efficiently processes each activity assigned to successive nodes. When a client request management program execution unit 330 of a workflow server 30 receives a request to terminate processing for a node from a user's computer terminal for operation 20, a definition for the node is referred to by a project management program execution unit 310. If processing of a process management program execution unit 320 is completed within a consecutive processing standby time t1 defined for the node, and it is determined that a next node can be processed by the user, a client request management program execution unit 330 requests a computer terminal for operation 20 to start processing of a next node. |
| US08249910B2 |
Fleet management system
Systems of hardware and software are provided for enabling mobile assets to communicate across a wireless network environment. Systems, computer-implemented methods and computer program products are also provided for leveraging wireless communication and/or processing capabilities of mobile assets against a robust software solution to implement enterprise wide asset management functions, to integrate mobile asset data into existing enterprise workflows and/or to enable trusted third party integration into the enterprise for enhanced asset and/or workflow management. |
| US08249909B2 |
System and method for visualizing the construction progress of scaffolding utilizing 3D CAD models
A construction progress visualization system, having a scaffolding model creating-unit for creating an area and a form of scaffolding required for a construction operation based on a 3D CAD model and a construction schedule data; a scaffolding schedule extracting-unit for extracting scaffolding schedule data regarding the scaffolding from the construction schedule data; a scaffolding display form determining-unit for determining a completion rate of the scaffolding on a visualization-target date based on a relationship between the visualization-target date and the scaffolding schedule data, and obtaining a display form of the scaffolding; and a display process unit for displaying, concurrently with the CAD model, the scaffolding area based on the obtained display form of the scaffolding. |
| US08249906B2 |
Interactive graphics-based planning systems
This invention relates to providing a system for project planning and scheduling which supports simplified, interactive, graphics-based project planning and scheduling using new planning concepts, new scheduling concepts and new graphics-based software systems. Further, this invention permits an inexperienced user to simultaneously plan and schedule a project including establishing appropriate relationship (or dependency) links between activities, also commonly referred to as tasks, and between activities and milestones. This invention offers the simplest possible scheme of thought that can tie together activities, relationships and milestones, with or without deadlines, to yield a complete, correct network project schedule in the shortest possible time. |
| US08249902B2 |
Methods of processing information in solar energy system
A sales method provides for the demonstration, performance forecasting, financing, leasing, renting, power purchase agreement, tax-advantages, and group benefits of complete renewable energy systems. Even before a sales call is attempted, a system integrator has arranged a special group of lenders and investors that will fund any project initiated, has engaged credit services to check consumer credit files, has collected operational data from a number of its own systems, has created forecast models of performance, and arranged open-membership groups to which a new user can join immediately to share in collective bargaining with utilities, spread down-time risk and expense, utilize tax incentives, etc. |
| US08249900B2 |
System and method for termination of pension plan through mutual annuitization
Disclosed herein is a system and method for terminating a pension plan through mutual annuitization. A mutual annuitization involves the formation of a new and dedicated mutual insurance company that issues group or individual annuity contracts to plan participants in a private pension plan. The plan sponsor would neither own any stock in the mutual insurance company, nor would it have voting or control rights or any right whatsoever to participate in the profits of the mutual insurance company. As a mutual insurance company, there are no shareholders as such. Instead mutuals have members, and it is the members who enjoy governance rights and participation rights in the company's profits, such as through policy dividend payments. In the mutual insurance company of the present invention, the pension plan participants are the mutual insurance company's sole members. The pension plan terminates following payment of a premium by the pension plan to the mutual insurance company for the issuance of the annuities, and the subsequent issuance of annuity contracts by the mutual insurance company to the plan participants. The premium is calculated based on a reduced cost of capital requirement over the life of the policy due to a reduction in the C4 component to zero after the first year of the program. The capital required to cover the C4 charge in the first year may be provided by a third party according to a surplus note or surplus maintenance agreement. |
| US08249899B1 |
Systems and methods for accident notification
The described embodiments contemplate a system, method and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for accident notification. The novel system includes subsystems for testing an automobile, or a part of an automobile, and comparing the result of the test with a baseline result. The test may use various detectors, including radio frequency identification tags embedded in the paint of an automobile, magnetic variances caused by metal deformation, or electrical changes in a circuit. The test may be used for various purposes, including determining that an accident has occurred, verifying the authenticity of a repair part, or for processing an insurance claim. |
| US08249897B2 |
Maintaining patient medication lists
Systems, methods and devices for managing patient medication data which include, in one implementation, receiving medication data for a patient from multiple sources; reconciling the medication data from multiple sources to generate a reconciled list of medications for the patient; presenting the reconciled list to the patient in a user-interface; identifying a potential cost savings change for a prescribed medication on the list; presenting an indication of the cost savings change to the patient in the user-interface; receiving a selection of the potential cost savings for the prescribed medication from the patient; in response to receiving the selection, transmitting via a network a request for the cost savings change to a health-care professional; receiving an approval of the cost savings; and presenting to the patient an updated medication list, the updated the medication list updated according to the approval. |
| US08249896B1 |
Method or secure diagnostic screening, servicing, treatment, and compliance monitoring for sleep apnea for oil and gas offshore workers, construction workers and heavy equipment workers
A secure method for delivering sleep apnea diagnostic services on an at least one operator of heavy equipment to a company. The sleep apnea diagnostic services are delivered by a general coordinator. The system includes at least one processor connected to an input device, an output device, and a data storage. The data storage includes a plurality of secure computer instruction. The processor is in encrypted communication with a network which is in encrypted communication with at least one company device. |
| US08249895B2 |
Electronic health record system utilizing disparate record sources
A system for facilitating patient ownership of his or her medical data through the use of third-party health repositories that preserves the maximum information content of the medical records by displaying information relevant to the authority of the medical data as reflected by its source and types of modification as it has moved between institutions, as well as the data itself. In this way, improved use of this data is made possible. |
| US08249889B2 |
Providing information regarding a product
Interactive information regarding a product in a package is provided. A unique identifier is received. The unique identifier identifies a package containing a product. Use information is generated based at least partially on stored user information regarding past use of the product. |
| US08249885B2 |
Knowledge-based e-catalog procurement system and method
A flexible, intelligent electronic procurement method and system that emulates and learns from the adaptive behavior of a user trying to find a product in an electronic catalog. In contrast to existing methods and systems, the invention allows for searching heterogeneous catalogs in virtually any format, and does not require pre-defined hierarchies, nor the pre-loading of vendor catalog contents, nor the scrubbing of vendor data. It does not impose fixed structures on the user, it does not require the user to start ‘from scratch’ when looking for a new item, and it does not force the user to think like someone else. Instead, the invention allows the user to choose his own way to navigate catalogs of items, and then, by remembering successful search scenarios, and storing that knowledge in a dynamic, growing database (or ‘forest’) of collected search paths, or ‘find-trees’, the invention grows and improves, that is, it evolves organically over time. As the collection of find-trees can be accessed by other users, the utility of the invention increases over time once implemented in a given environment. Further, the invention is able to do this in a time- and space-efficient manner (that is, without the forest growing too tangled, dense or large) not only because of its method and architecture, but also through the use of autonomous background processes that continually prune and update the tree structures for optimum storage and navigation. |
| US08249882B2 |
Decoding apparatus and decoding method
A decoding apparatus that decodes a first encoded data that is encoded into a first time range from a low-frequency component of an audio signal, and a second encoded data that is used when creating a high-frequency component of the audio signal from the low-frequency component and encoded into a second time range, into the audio signal. In the decoding apparatus, a high-frequency component compensating unit that compensates the high-frequency component created from the second encoded data based on the first time range. A decoding unit that decodes into the audio signal by synthesizing the high-frequency component compensated by the high-frequency component compensating unit, and the low-frequency component decoded from the first encoded data. |
| US08249878B2 |
Distributed speech recognition using one way communication
A speech recognition client sends a speech stream and control stream in parallel to a server-side speech recognizer over a network. The network may be an unreliable, low-latency network. The server-side speech recognizer recognizes a first portion of the speech stream and, if a predetermined criterion is satisfied by the speech recognition result, waits until the speech recognizer has been reconfigured before recognizing a second portion of the speech stream. The speech recognition client receives recognition results from the server-side recognizer in response to requests from the client. The client may remotely reconfigure the state of the server-side recognizer during recognition. |
| US08249865B2 |
Adaptive data transmission for a digital in-band modem operating over a voice channel
In one example, a mobile device encodes a digital bitstream using a particular set of modulation parameters to generate an audio signal that has different audio tones selected to pass through a vocoder of the mobile device. The particular set of modulation parameters is optimized for a subset of a plurality of vocoding modes without a priori knowledge of which one of the vocoding modes is currently operated by the vocoder. The mobile device conducts transmissions over the wireless telecommunications network through the vocoder using the particular set of modulation parameters, and monitors these transmissions for errors. If the errors reach a threshold, then the vocoder may be using one of the vocoding modes that are not included in the subset for which the particular set of modulation parameters is optimized, and accordingly, the modulation device switches from the particular set of modulation parameters to a different set of modulation parameters. |
| US08249862B1 |
Audio processing apparatuses
An audio processing apparatus is provided. A beamformer receives input signals and processes the input signals to generate a first processed signal. The input signals include at least one of a source signal and interference. A blocking matrix receives the input signals and operates to cancel the source signal from the input signals to generate a second processed signal. A first adaptive filter has adaptable first filter coefficients, generates a first filtered signal approximating the interference according to the first and second processed signals and continuously adapts the first filter coefficients according to the first filtered signal and the first processed signal. A second adaptive filter has adaptable second filter coefficients, generates a second filtered signal approximating the interference according to the first and second processed signals and selectively adapts the second filter coefficients according to the first filter coefficients and an output signal. |
| US08249860B2 |
Adaptive sound source vector quantization unit and adaptive sound source vector quantization method
Disclosed is an adaptive sound source vector quantization device capable of reducing deviation of the quantization accuracy of the adaptive sound source vector quantization of each sub-frame when performing an adaptive sound source vector quantization in a sub-frame unit by using a greater information amount in a first sub-frame than in a second sub-frame. In this device: when the device performs the adaptive sound source vector quantization of the first sub-frame, an adaptive sound source vector generation unit (104) cuts out an adaptive sound source vector of length r (r, n, m are integers satisfying the relationship: m < r=n: n is a frame length, m is a sub-frame length) from an adaptive sound source codebook (103); a synthesis filter (105) generates an impulse response matrix of r r by using a linear prediction coefficient of the first sub-frame inputted; a search target vector generation unit (106) generates a search target vector by using a target vector of the sub-frame unit; and an evaluation scale calculation unit (107) calculates the evaluation scale of the adaptive sound source vector quantization. |
| US08249859B2 |
Technology for selecting texts suitable as processing objects
There is a system for selecting a text for output from among multiple texts according to whether or not a phrase is included in the multiple texts. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not each of predetermined multiple phrases is included in each of the multiple texts; an index calculation unit that, with respect to each of the multiple phrases, calculates a larger index for a text having the highest of priorities preset among texts including the phrase, then indexes for other texts; and an output unit that selects texts each having a larger sum of sums of the calculated index for each text and outputs a group of the selected texts. |
| US08249858B2 |
Multilingual administration of enterprise data with default target languages
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for multilingual administration of enterprise data. Embodiments include retrieving enterprise data; extracting text from the enterprise data for rendering from digital media file, the extracted text being in a source language; identifying that the source language is not a predetermined default target language for rendering the enterprise data; translating the extracted text in the source language to translated text in the default target language; converting the translated text to synthesized speech in the default target language; and storing the synthesized speech in the default target language in a digital media file. |
| US08249857B2 |
Multilingual administration of enterprise data with user selected target language translation
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided multilingual administration of enterprise data. Embodiments include retrieving enterprise data; extracting text from the enterprise data for rendering from a digital media file, the extracted text being in a source language; prompting a user to select a target language; receiving from the user a selection of a target language; translating the extracted text in the source language to translated text in the target language; converting the translated text to synthesized speech in the target language; and recording the synthesized speech in the target language in a digital media file. |
| US08249854B2 |
Integrated native language translation
A method and apparatus provide for performing language translation by obtaining a selection of a language preference for presentation of text and/or speech on an electronic device. When data is received that includes content in a language other than the preferred language, a decision whether translation is required may be reached by analyzing the context of the language or metadata associated with the language, such as. HTML tags, or language data included in a particular protocol, e.g. HTTP headers. A selection may be made of billing level, determined at least in part by the languages involved, desired accuracy, latency and volume of translation. If necessary, the data may be routed to a translation host or service before final presentation. |
| US08249849B2 |
Power source network analyzing apparatus, power source network analyzing method, and power source network analyzing program
An area partitioning processing unit equally partitions a power source network analysis object area of an LSI according to the number or size of partitioned areas specified by a user or partitions the power source network analysis object area according to the user's specification. A border processing unit extracts and adds a range-of-influence part of the power source network that can electrically influence a border between the partitioned area partitioned by the area partitioning processing unit and an adjacent power source network area. A modeling processing unit performs processing of resistance modeling of the partitioned area or a correction spot with the range-of-influence part added thereto by the border processing unit. A power source network analyzing processing unit analyzes a resistance model modeled by the modeling processing unit and calculates potential of each via as a current source to a load element. |
| US08249846B2 |
Automated simulation fabric discovery and configuration
A configuration manager identifies a first device and a second device within a simulated system. Each device within the simulated system includes an inbound port and an outbound port. Next, the configuration manager injects a simulation only packet on the first device's outbound port and detects that the second device's inbound port receives the simulation only packet. As a result, the configuration manager determines that a direct connection exists between the first device's outbound port and the second device's inbound port. In turn, the configuration manager configures one or more first device configuration registers and one or more second device configuration registers that correspond to the first device and the second device, respectively. |
| US08249845B1 |
Electro-mechanical system simulator arrangement and method
Arrangement and method for simulating electro-mechanical systems includes a simulator for simulating an operating environment of a plurality of different electro-mechanical systems, a first interface unit for enabling the simulator to interface with a host computer and input/output devices, and a second interface unit for enabling the simulator to be reprogrammed and re-configured to enable simulation of the operating environment of the different electro-mechanical systems. The simulator may include a user-programmable field programmable gate array and a digital signal processing unit coupled to the field programmable gate array. |
| US08249841B1 |
Computerized tool for assessing conditions in a room
A computerized tool for assessing conditions in a room includes a data extraction module for at least one of modeling and extracting environmental condition data of a room and a layout module for calculating a layout of the room from the environmental condition data. The computerized tool may also include a temperature module for at least one of modeling and extracting temperature data in the room and a thermal profile module for calculating a thermal profile of the room from the temperature data. The thermal profile may be overlayed on the calculated layout to thus enable the relationship between the thermal profile and the room layout to be visualized. |
| US08249836B2 |
Simulation system for FACTS connected online to SCADA system
An online simulation system for a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) which is capable of analyzing operation control effect of the FACTS in advance through an online data connection with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system used for operating an electric power system. |
| US08249831B2 |
Pressure sensing systems for sports, and associated methods
A system determines athletic performance. A pressure sensor senses change in elevation. A microprocessor processes signals from the pressure sensor to determine speed corresponding to the change in elevation. A display reports the speed to a user. |
| US08249830B2 |
Method and system for automatically diagnosing faults in rendering devices
A method and system for automatically determining an optimal re-training interval for a fault diagnoser based on online monitoring of the performance of a classifier are disclosed. The classifier generates a soft measure of membership in association with a class based on a training data. The output of the classifier can be utilized to assign a label to new data and then the members associated with each class can be clustered into one or more core members and potential outliers. A statistical measure can be utilized to determine if the distribution of the outliers is sufficiently different than the core members after enough outliers have been accumulated. If the outliers are different with respect to the core members, then the diagnoser can be re-trained; otherwise, the output of the classifier can be fed to the fault diagnoser. |
| US08249828B2 |
Defect analyzer
The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for analyzing defects in an object such as a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment, it provides a method of characterizing defects in semiconductor wafers during fabrication in a semiconductor fabrication facility. This method comprises the following actions. The semiconductor wafers are inspected to locate defects. Locations corresponding to the located defects are then stored in a defect file. A dual charged-particle beam system is automatically navigated to the vicinity defect location using information from the defect file. The defect is automatically identified and a charged particle beam image of the defect is then obtained. The charged particle beam image is then analyzed to characterize the defect. A recipe is then determined for further analysis of the defect. The recipe is then automatically executed to cut a portion of the defect using a charged particle beam. The position of the cut is based upon the analysis of the charged particle beam image. Ultimately, a surface exposed by the charged particle beam cut is imaged to obtain additional information about the defect. |
| US08249827B2 |
Method and system for heater signature detection diagnostics of a particulate matter sensor
A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected, and then cooling the substrate back down and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected. If resistance varies as expected during both heating and cooling, then a validation is diagnosed that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate. If resistance does not vary as expected, then a failure condition is diagnosed. |
| US08249826B1 |
Determination and control of wellbore fluid level, output flow, and desired pump operating speed, using a control system for a centrifugal pump disposed within the wellbore
A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump. |
| US08249825B2 |
System and method for predicting cooling performance of arrangements of equipment in a data center
A system and method for evaluating equipment in an improper cluster in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks, and at least one cooling provider. In one aspect, the method includes receiving data regarding each of the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, the data including a layout of the improper cluster of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, storing the received data, identifying at least one gap in the layout, determining cooling performance of at least one of the plurality of equipment racks based, at least in part, on characteristics of the at least one gap, and displaying the layout of the data center, wherein the layout includes an indication of the cooling performance of the at least one of the plurality of equipment racks. |
| US08249821B2 |
Testing system and method for fan module
A testing method for a fan module is provided. When the fan module is tested, a testing computer sends a testing command to a testing device first. Then, the testing device responds to the testing command and controls the fan module to work in a plurality of rotational speed modes in sequence. The testing device reads an actual rotational speed when the fan module works in one of the rotational speed modes and sends the actual rotational speed back to the testing computer. The testing computer compares the actual rotational speed with a corresponding reference rotational speed value stored in the testing computer, and determines the testing result. Finally, the testing result is shown. |
| US08249820B2 |
Detector assembly for use in environments containing background magnetic noise and method thereof
A method and system for detecting a signal source at a specified frequency in the presence of background noise includes a processor; a first sensor mounted at a first location operatively connected to the processor; a second sensor mounted at a second location operatively connected to the processor; the processor operating to compute the amplitudes of the first and second Fourier transforms of the outputs of the first and second sensors, respectively, the difference in the amplitudes of the first and second Fourier transforms being determinative of the existence of a signal being generated at the predetermined frequency. |
| US08249817B2 |
Chromatograph analyzing device
A chromatograph analyzing device for automatically executing a base line setting process on an unseparated peak using preset base line conditions. The chromatograph analyzing device includes a separation unit for separating a component included in a sample, and a data processing device for identifying the component of the sample and the quantity of the component in the sample by using a chromatogram obtained from the separation. |
| US08249815B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and information regarding a physiological condition of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to receive input from a user regarding a plan of treatment, modify the physiological condition of the patient based on the received input, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified physiological condition of the patient. |
| US08249804B2 |
Systems and methods for smart city search
A method, machine-readable medium, and system involve receiving user input with a navigation device regarding a desired city name. A determination is made regarding whether the user input matches city names in a Last Used City List (LUCL). A Global City List (GCL) is consulted when the user input does not match the city names in the LUCL. A matching city name is selected as a best candidate. |
| US08249798B2 |
Vehicle pre-impact sensing system having signal modulation
A vehicle pre-impact sensing system is provided that includes an array of energy signal transmitters mounted on a vehicle for transmitting signals within multiple transmit zones spaced from the vehicle and an array of receiver elements mounted on the vehicle for receiving signals reflected from an object located in one or more multiple receive zones indicative of the object being in certain one or more zones. A processor processes the received reflected signals and determines range, location, speed and direction of the object, determines whether the object is expected to impact the vehicle as a function of the determined range, location, speed and direction of the object, and generates an output signal indicative of a pre-impact event. The system may detect one or more features of a target object, such as a front end of a vehicle. Additionally, the system may modulate the transmit beams. Further, the system may perform a terrain normalization to remove stationary items. |
| US08249797B2 |
Positioning system and control method thereof
A positioning system includes a positioning module, an application program, a control program, a first transmission interface, a second transmission interface and a switch module. The positioning module is for providing positioning information. The application program is for controlling the positioning module to receive the positioning information from the positioning module. The control program is for controlling the positioning module to receive the positioning information from the positioning module when the application program is shutdown. The application program receives the positioning information through the first transmission interface. The control program receives the positioning information through the second transmission interface. The switch module can be selectively switched to decide whether the positioning module is controlled by the application program or the control program to receive the positioning information. |
| US08249796B2 |
Engine control with valve operation monitoring using camshaft position sensing
A system or method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine operable in a reduced displacement mode with at least one valve or cylinder selectively deactivated include monitoring valve operation by analyzing camshaft position to detect valve operation inconsistent with a current cylinder state (activated or deactivated) and controlling the engine in response to detecting the inconsistent operation. The camshaft position may be used to produce a surrogate signal indicative of intake/exhaust valve lift generated using camshaft sensor tooth deviation relative to an expected or reference tooth position for a corresponding crankshaft position and compared to a corresponding threshold. The surrogate signal indicative of valve lift may also be generated by pattern matching or correlation of one or more reference tooth position patterns to a measured or inferred tooth position pattern. |
| US08249786B2 |
Control apparatus and method for automatic transmission
A control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes a shift control section configured to perform a shift of the automatic transmission; and a judder judging section. The shift control section is configured to judge whether or not a progress of the shift is during an inertia phase. The judder judging section calculates a characteristic-gradient index value which is a value obtained by quantifying a phenomenon that appears as a relative rotational speed between input and output of the first friction-engagement element becomes reduced with a progress of the inertia phase. The phenomenon appears in a different way in dependence upon whether a relational characteristic of a friction coefficient of the first friction-engagement element with respect to the relative rotational speed is a positive-gradient characteristic or a negative-gradient characteristic. The judder judging section determines that the judder has occurred based on the characteristic-gradient index value. |
| US08249781B2 |
Vehicle seat control system and method
In a vehicle seat control system (10), before a vehicle (60) turns a curve ahead of the vehicle (60), a control circuit (28) determines lateral acceleration that is expected to occur to the vehicle (60) while the vehicle (60) is turning the curve, and in addition, determines whether a braking operation is performed by a driver before the vehicle (60) turns the curve. When the control circuit (28) determines that an estimation value of the lateral acceleration is greater than a reference value, and that a braking operation has been performed by the driver before the vehicle (60) turns the curve, movable side support portions (26) in a vehicle seat (12) are pivoted in the closing or bending direction. |
| US08249777B2 |
Determining a target steering torque in a steering device
In order to achieve a steering feel for SbW systems and EPS systems having a control design for controlling the steering torque by generating a target steering torque (torTB) that can be adapted to various steering systems, vehicle types, or requirements, in which the resulting steering feel is a steering feel, in all driving conditions and driving situations, which is equivalent to, or better than, hydraulic and electromechanical steering systems available on the market today, according to the invention: a base steering torque (torB) is determined as a function of an externally acting force (torR) and a vehicle speed (velV); a damping torque (torD) is determined as a function of a steering speed (anvSW) and the vehicle speed (velV); a hysteresis torque (torF) is determined as a function of the steering speed (anvSW) and the vehicle speed (velV); a centering torque (torCF; torC) in the direction of the straight-ahead position is determined as a function of a steering wheel angle (angSW) and the vehicle speed (velV); and the base steering torque (torB), the damping torque (torD), the hysteresis torque (torF) and the centering torque (torCF; torC) form individual components, as a function of which the target steering torque (torTB) is determined. |
| US08249771B2 |
Method for detecting an error in a component assembly
The invention relates to a method for detecting an error in a component assembly of a motor vehicle, the component assembly having a functional control unit and at least one function module to be controlled by the functional control unit as components. According to the method, a check is made by the functional control unit to determine whether a combination of individual errors is present for at least one component of the component assembly. When the combination of individual errors is thereby present, an occurrence of the error is verified by the functional control unit and a signal for implementing an emergency functional strategy is transmitted by said control unit to an engine control unit. |
| US08249769B2 |
Vehicle and control method thereof
In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is lower than the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control prohibits the operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to keep the warm-up control of the battery and to output the torque demand to the driveshaft. |
| US08249764B2 |
Motorized watercraft with a control device
The invention relates to a motorized watercraft with a control device (1) and with a drive unit (30) having a water propeller that is driven by an electric motor (31). The electric motor (31), an operating unit (10), a motor controller (20), a battery controller (50) and a battery (60) are placed in a vehicle hull, and the water propeller is mounted in a flow channel in the vehicle hull. In order to connect the controlling components and the components to be controlled by means of a system architecture, a system bus and of a man-machine interface, the invention provides that the operating unit (10), the motor controller (20), and the battery controller (50) are data-connected by means of a communications device controlled by the control device (1). This enables an, in particular, fail-safe transmission of data, a constant monitoring of the system components, and when required, an emergency shut-down. |
| US08249761B2 |
Method and a calculating unit for calculation of a recovery flight path
The invention relates to a method for calculating a flight path avoiding a collision with the ground when an aircraft dives towards the ground. The method includes receiving signals including information of a dive angle of the aircraft in relation to the imaginary ground plane, and a present roll angle of the aircraft, and calculating a flight path that avoids collision with the ground on the basis of the information. The calculation includes calculating a need for rolling the aircraft based on the present roll angle, and calculating a need for changing the direction of the velocity vector of the aircraft so that the change has a component in an upward direction in relation to the reference frame of the aircraft. The calculation of the need for rolling the aircraft is also based on the dive angle so that the calculated flight path turns sideways when the dive angle surpasses a specified dive angle and when the present roll angle is larger than zero degrees, and so that the flight path continues in a forward direction when the dive angle is below the specified dive angle. The invention also relates to a ground collision calculating unit, a computer program, and a computer readable medium. |
| US08249757B2 |
Method and system for detection of standby status in linear and non-linear charges connected to the electricity mains and automatic disconnection thereof
A method is provided that permits the detection of ‘standby’ state’ in linear and non-linear loads connected to the power grid and their automatic disconnection. The method includes five main stages: a) detecting the normal operating state of at least one load by a detection device, b) obtaining the maximum value of the current in the operating state, c) detecting entry into ‘standby’ mode’ by the load by establishing the ‘standby’ state’ when the current value measured at a specific time in each load is less than a percentage P of the maximum value of the current of each load in normal operating state, d) evaluating the value for each load for a predetermined time T, and e) disconnecting the load and the detection device when value T of time is reached without the load having returned to the normal operating state. A system is also provided. |
| US08249753B2 |
Method for operating a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines
A method and a device for operating a wind farm with a plurality of wind turbines are provided. According to the method, operating parameters of the wind turbines of the wind farm are adjusted according to an optimization goal, the optimization goal being the maximum value of the total output of the wind farm produced from the sum of all individual outputs of the wind turbines. The optimization goal differs from conventional optimization goals where the respective individual outputs of the wind turbines are optimized without taking the overall output into consideration. |
| US08249751B2 |
Power saving air-conditioning system
Control units for three indoor units of air conditioners installed in a same indoor space are connected by a communication line. Each of the control units can grasp the detection information of the human detection sensor, preset temperature information of the remote controller, inlet temperature information of the inlet temperature sensor of all of the other air conditioners in the same space. On the basis of the above-mentioned information, each of the control units calculates an air-conditioning load of each of the air-conditioning target spaces and the air-conditioning load of an entire air-conditioning space on the basis of these air-conditioning target spaces in the same manner. A compressor is driven and controlled on the basis of a calculation result thereof to perform a power-saving operation of the entire air-conditioning space. |
| US08249749B2 |
Climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption of a vehicle
A climate control system includes a control head having a warmer/cooler temperature control for providing relative thermal comfort. A thermal comfort rating (TCR) corresponding to a range of passenger cabin temperatures is determined based upon a comfort level selection by an occupant using the control head. A control strategy employs look-up tables corresponding to the TCR to determine the speed of an electric compressor and the position of a temperature control blend door. The strategy provides for a relatively fast ramp down to a minimum compressor speed to improve fuel economy while maintaining a relative level of thermal comfort. |
| US08249747B2 |
Robot safety system and a method
A robot safety system configured to protect humans in the vicinity of a working robot (1, 11, 21, 31) against harmful impacts by said robot (1, 11, 21, 31), said safety system comprising a sensor system (3, 13, 23) and a safety controller (4, 14, 24) configured to establish an impact risk profile of the robot (1, 11, 21, 31) and deliver an operating signal to a robot controller (2, 12, 22) based on said impact risk profile, wherein the safety controller (4, 14, 24) is configured to establish the impact risk profile based on stored data and input signals, and that the stored data and input signals comprise stored impact data, stored data related to the path of the robot (1, 11, 21, 31), and signals from the sensor system of events in the vicinity of the robot (1, 11, 21, 31), such as a detected human (P1, P11, P21, P22, P31, P32) in the vicinity of the robot (1, 11, 21, 31). |
| US08249740B2 |
Computer-implemented method and system for determining a material utilization for part assemblies
Various embodiments may include determining a material utilization for one or more assemblies having a plurality of parts. Offal data for one or more parts comprising one or more part assemblies and a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more part assemblies may be received. The blank material utilization status for the one or more part assemblies may be based on a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more parts. The offal data may be standardized to obtain standardized offal data. One or more offal utilization assignments for the part assemblies having a plurality of parts may be determined based on the standardized offal data and the blank material utilization status for the part assemblies. The offal utilization assignments may then be transmitted for assignment to the one or more part assemblies. |
| US08249737B2 |
Rapid thermal annealing method for a semiconductor device
The present invention discloses a rapid thermal annealing method for a semiconductor device, which includes the steps of: establishing a ternary correspondence relationship among a device electrical parameter, an annealing temperature, and an STI distribution density; deriving an STI distribution density in a specific area of the semiconductor device and a target STI distribution density; determining whether the STI distribution density in the specific area is larger than the target STI distribution density; if the STI distribution density in the specific area is larger than the target STI distribution density, adding a virtual structure in the specific area to make the STI distribution density in the specific area equal to the target STI distribution density; and deriving from the ternary correspondence relationship a target annealing temperature corresponding to the target STI distribution density and performing an annealing process with the annealing temperature on the semiconductor device to achieve a target electrical parameter. The method can alleviate the phenomenon of temperature non-uniformity of a rapid thermal annealing process so as to avoid any influence thereof upon the electrical performance of the semiconductor device. |
| US08249735B2 |
Method and system for automatically identifying an existing workflow to manufacture a given product type
A method and system for automatically identifying an existing workflow to manufacture a given product type. A workflow description of a workflow can be transformed into a product type description utilizing particular facts associated with the workflow. An inferred product type description can then be at least one product type among a group of product type descriptions representing known product types. A mapping can then be derived of the workflow with respect to product types, in response to comparing the inferred product type description to the product type description(s) among product type descriptions representing known product types. The workflow description can be converted into the product type description utilizing a rule-based expert system. The particular facts can be one or more of the following: processing steps, sequences of processing steps, types of operations to be performed, and outputs produced. |
| US08249732B2 |
System and method for developing automated templates for knowledge capture
A system, method, and computer program product for automated development of templates for knowledge capture for use in computer aided design and manufacturing. A method includes receiving a user selection of one of a plurality of parts to be developed into a product template. The method also includes receiving data about the selected part, the data including a plurality of part components. The method further includes displaying parametric data relating to the part components and connections between the part components. The method still further includes receiving customizations to the parametric data from the user. The method also includes developing program code based on the customizations to the parametric data. The method also includes publishing the program code and the customized parametric data as the product template. |
| US08249731B2 |
Smart air ventilation system
A system to control energy consumption in a building having a plurality of rooms with a wireless data transceiver; an occupancy sensor; a temperature sensor; a processor coupled to the wireless data transceiver, the occupancy sensor and the temperature sensor; and an air register including a motor coupled to the processor, the motor opening or closing one or more air vents in response to sensed motion or room temperature. |
| US08249725B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for multiple stimulation from a single stimulator
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided to stimulate multiple sites in a heart. A controller senses electrical activity associated with sinus rhythm of the heart. A signal generator is configured to generate an electrical signal for stimulating the heart. Based on the electrical signal, a distributor circuit then distributes the stimulating signals, such as pacing pulses, to a heart. The distributor circuit may vary the delay time between stimulating signals, inhibit a stimulating signal, trigger application of a stimulating signal, or vary the characteristics, such as the pulse width and amplitude, of a stimulating signal. |
| US08249724B2 |
Elongate implantable carrier member having an embedded stiffener
An apparatus including a flexible elongate carrier member configured to introduce a therapeutic element into the recipient and a stiffening member, permanently embedded in and longitudinally extending through at least a first region of said carrier member, configured to decrease said flexibility of said carrier member region so as to prevent deformation of said first region during implantation into the recipient. |
| US08249723B2 |
Apparatus and method for treating obstructive sleep apnea
The present invention describes an apparatus, a system and a method for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment involves monitoring the position of the tongue and/or the force exerted by the tongue and electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue into an anterior position or to maintain the tongue in an anterior position. |
| US08249722B2 |
Active fixation element
A helical fixation element of an implantable medical lead. The fixation element has at least one blood drainage channel running along at least a tissue-penetrating portion of the helix windings of the fixation element. The channel guides, during penetration and anchoring of the fixation element and the lead in a tissue, blood leaking from the tissue away from the vicinity of the fixation element, thereby reducing the size of a fibrin clot formed around the fixation element. The capture threshold for stimulating the tissue is therefore reduced. |
| US08249719B2 |
Lead stabilizer with retention features
An anchoring device for anchoring a medical lead implanted in a patient includes a substantially elongate, hollow, tubular, and elastically compressible body. The body has a longitudinal axis, a groove formed circumferentially about the body for receiving a suture and an inner bore forming a recessed portion. The anchoring device also has a surrounding portion adjacent the recessed portion, where the recessed portion has increased retention characteristics on a medical lead relative to the surrounding portion of the inner bore. |
| US08249716B2 |
Sight regeneration assisting device
A sight regeneration assisting device for regenerating the sight of a patient comprises a plurality of needlelike electrodes each having a pointed distal end and being to be inserted in an optic papilla of a patient's eye in use; and a signal generator connected with the electrodes through a conductive wire to generate an electric stimulus pulse signal to be outputted from the electrodes, each of the electrodes, excepting a predetermined portion including the distal end, being coated with a coating layer made of resin exhibiting good biocompatibility and insulation, and the coating layer being formed with a turn-back retaining portion for retaining the electrode. |
| US08249712B2 |
Treatment and warning of recurring therapy and other events using an implantable device
An implantable neurostimulator system is capable of responsively treating epileptiform activity with electrical stimulation and other therapies and is further configured to detect periods of increased susceptibility to clinical seizures. The event densities of therapy applications (or detections or other events) in time are observed and calculated, and if high enough, measures are taken to warn the patient or provide additional therapy. |
| US08249711B2 |
Systems and methods for avoiding neural stimulation habituation
An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter. |
| US08249709B2 |
Methods and apparatus for automatically tracking heart failure status
Assessing symptomatic and asymptomatic physiologic changes due to chronic heart failure involves apparatus and methods for gauging degradation and possible improvement using automated measurement of inter-ventricular conduction time, both alone and in combination with other automated physiologic tests. Conduction times increase due to the greater distance a wavefront must traverse as a heart enlarges. Analysis of conduction time can be used to verify the occurrence of cardiac remodeling due to heart failure as well as beneficial reverse remodeling due to successful heart failure therapy delivery. Patient activity level(s) and presence/increase in pulmonary fluids can also be used to automatically determine changes in heart failure status and/or predict hospitalization. Conduction time is monitored between electrodes positioned in the left and right ventricles of the heart via endocardial or epicardial electrodes. |
| US08249702B2 |
Method for adapting charge initiation for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Adaptive methods for initiating charging of the high power capacitors of an implantable medical device for therapy delivery after the patient experiences a non-sustained arrhythmia. The adaptive methods adjust persistence criteria used to analyze an arrhythmia prior to initiating a charging sequence to deliver therapy. |
| US08249698B2 |
General diagnostic and real-time applications of discrete hermite functions to digital data
General diagnostic and real-time application of digital Hermite functions allows features to be extracted from a measured signal through expansion of the measured signal. Specifically, the digital Hermite functions represent the shape of the measured signal in a set of vectors derived from a symmetrical tridiagonal matrix. This allows for efficient computation of the Hermite expansion coefficients, in real-time, to represent the expanded signal. The signal expansion also allows any artifacts, such as noise, to be isolated and removed, allowing the underlying signal of interest to be revealed. |
| US08249697B2 |
Cardiac output monitor with compensation for tissue perfusion
A non-invasive system and method for determination of cardiac output and blood volume of a patient includes compensating for a change in the fluorescence of an indicator circulating in the bloodstream of a tissue or organ that is caused by a variation of the blood content at the site of the measurement. |
| US08249696B2 |
Smart pedicle tool
Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light. |
| US08249692B2 |
Method and device for image optimization in ultrasound recordings
A device for positioning at least one ultrasound probe of an ultrasound apparatus can include a recording device for recording an object and an evaluating unit that evaluates data corresponding to the object obtained from the recording device. A computational unit can generate positional data for the at least one ultrasound probe of the ultrasound apparatus. The device can be used for setting at least one parameter of the ultrasound apparatus based on data obtained by the recording device. |
| US08249691B2 |
Global motion invariant signatures for fast and accurate motion tracking in a digital image-based elasto-tomography system
A method for converting digital images of an actuated breast into an accurate description of breast surface motion from a digital image-based elasto-tomography system comprises the steps of artificially placing a high density of fiducial markers on the breast surface, whereby the fiducial markers have different qualities and are placed in different proportions according to their quality; utilizing motion invariant properties of the fiducial markers to form a global motion invariant signature; tracking the markers on the actuated breast surface from image to image in each digital camera using the global motion invariant signature; and using the cameras calibration to measure the breast surface motion. |
| US08249690B2 |
Brain stimulation electrode line and insertion device for brain stimulation electrode lines
The invention relates to a brain stimulation electrode line (10) for electric stimulation of the brain areas with an elongated flexible electrode line body (12) having on or near its distal end at least one stimulation electrode (18) designed for delivering electric pulses to surrounding body tissue in the event of use. The brain stimulation electrode line (10) is characterized in that the electrode line body has on its distal end at least one ultrasonic transducer (20), which is arranged so that it can detect reflected ultrasound in a detection range aligned distally along the longitudinal direction of the electrode line body (12). |
| US08249686B2 |
Adherent device for sleep disordered breathing
An adherent device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient with an adherent patch, for example breathable tape, coupled to at least four electrodes. The device comprises impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes and configured to measure respiration of the patient to detect sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. The impedance circuitry may be used to measure hydration of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adherent patch such that the accelerometer can be coupled to and move with the skin of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry to generate an electrocardiogram signal may be coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to detect the sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. |
| US08249684B2 |
Calibration techniques for a continuous analyte sensor
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for calibrating a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes one or more electrodes to measure an additional analyte. Such measurements may provide a baseline or sensitivity measurement for use in calibrating the sensor. Furthermore, baseline and/or sensitivity measurements may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data. |
| US08249683B2 |
Real-time self-calibrating sensor system and method
A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop. |
| US08249682B2 |
Device for measuring concentrations of constituents of tear sample
A medical diagnostic method utilizes a surface plasmon resonance apparatus provided with a sensing surface. A tear sample from an eye of a patient is placed into contact with the sensing surface. The surface plasmon resonance apparatus is then operated to determine concentrations of solutes such as salt and antigenic analytes in the tear sample. |
| US08249680B2 |
Rotating mechanism and electronic device using same
A rotating mechanism comprises a retaining plate, a rotating plate, a rotation enabling member and a biasing member. The rotation enabling member comprising a rail, a track, a guiding post and a guiding groove. The biasing member comprising a first biasing member end and a second biasing member end. The first biasing member end is retained on the retaining plate and the second biasing member end is retained on the rail. When the rotating plate rotates from a first state to an intermediate state, the biasing member is compressed by the rail to exert a force on the rotating plate and the retaining plate causing the rotating plate to automatically rotate toward an third state once the rotating plate passes the intermediate state. |
| US08249675B2 |
Slide type electronic device
A slide type electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a base; a sliding member slidably connected to the base; a release assisting mechanism includes an angled groove and a resilient member, the angled groove includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove and the second groove extend to form an angle and meet at an intersection, the resilient member includes a protrusion received in the angled groove; when the sliding member slides relative to the base, the resilient member moves with the sliding member and the protrusion is guided to move along the angled groove, which causes the resilient member to bend elastically; after the protrusion passes the intersection, the protrusion engages one of the first groove and the second groove, which facilitates the sliding of the sliding member via the restoration of the resilient member. |
| US08249670B2 |
Mast-based detachable controller device
A self-contained controller device for electronic devices is described herein. The controller device includes a fixed central mast that extends into the controller and acts as the core structural component for the controller. The controller's user movable casing is pivotally mounted about the mast with a pivot point where the user movable casing and the mast meet that is located at or above the surface of the electronic device. The internal components of the controller device include movement detection and measurement circuitry, a self-centering mechanism attached to the fixed central mast, and wires connecting the movement detection and measurement circuitry through the mast to device connection point(s) on the electronic device. |
| US08249669B2 |
Slide module and portable terminal having the same
A portable terminal having a slide module, comprising: first and second slide members coupled to first and second bodies, respectively, and connected to each other so as to perform a sliding motion with respect to each other; and an elastic force providing unit for providing an elastic force to one of the first and second slide members, wherein the elastic force providing unit comprises: first and second arm members each having one end coupled to the first or second slide member, and another ends coupled to each other so as to perform a relative motion with respect to each other; and an elastic unit configured to generate the elastic force by a relative motion of the first and second arm members. |
| US08249668B2 |
Communication device and power saving method thereof
A communication device and a power saving method include setting a power saving mode to control power to a keyboard and a display of the communication device. The communication device and the power saving method further include detecting if a microphone of the communication device receives sound signals in response to invocation of the phone communication feature under the power saving mode, and switching off the power to the keyboard and the display in response to the microphone receiving sound signals. |
| US08249664B1 |
Providing interactive alert information
In some implementations, a computer-implemented method of displaying alert information with a mobile communication device includes displaying device status indicators to a user of a mobile device in a status area; receiving information from an application to display an alert in the status area; displaying in the status area a first level of information for the alert and a user-selectable control; and displaying, in response to a selection of the user-selectable control, a second level of information for the alert that provides greater detail than the first level of information. |
| US08249663B2 |
Method and device for file viewing using a mobile device
A method including loading a data file into a memory of a mobile computing device, displaying a portion of the data file on a display of the mobile computing device, detecting user motion data corresponding to a motion of the mobile computing device by a user, the motion being indicative of the user's desire to view a further portion of the data file, and displaying the further portion of the data file on the display as a function of the user motion data. |
| US08249660B2 |
System and method for display timeout on mobile communication devices
A mobile communication device includes executable instructions for carrying out a method including setting a time duration for an application, receiving a first input, receiving a second input, determining the elapsed time between the first and second inputs, modifying the time duration based upon the elapsed time, and dimming a screen of the mobile device when the elapsed time exceeds the time duration. |
| US08249655B2 |
Universal serial bus based subscriber identity module
A USB based USIM or SIM device is disclosed. For example, the device comprises a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) module, a SIM to Universal Serial Bus (USB) conversion module coupled to said SIM module, and a USB interface module coupled to said SIM to USB conversion module for engaging a computing device. |
| US08249654B1 |
Dynamic smart card application loading
A system is provided for smart card application loading. The system includes a mobile device comprising an electronic wallet and a smart card, with the smart card including resident smart card application. The mobile device authenticates a request to load selected smart card application on the mobile device and provides loading approval. The mobile device saves some information for the resident smart card application, and loads the selected smart card application to the smart card in response to the loading approval. |
| US08249653B2 |
Wireless printer configuration module
A printer comprises a print mechanism and a wireless communication module including a wireless transceiver and a configuration module. The configuration module is adapted to electronically query at least one available wireless device to determine at least one wireless security parameter of the at least one available wireless device and to receive a response from the queried at least one available wireless device, via the wireless transceiver, for configuring the printer for wireless association in a wireless computing network including the at least one available wireless device. |
| US08249650B2 |
Method and system for bluetooth, near field communication and simultaneous FM transmission and reception functions
A method for wireless communication may include, in an RF chip including transmit and receive functions, performing generating a first signal to enable transmission and/or reception of Bluetooth signals. The first signal may be input to a plurality of direct digital frequency synthesizers (DDFSs). The plurality of DDFSs may be clocked via the generated first signal to enable simultaneous transmission and reception of frequency modulated (FM) signals, and to enable transmission and/or reception of near field communication (NFC) signals. The first signal may be generated via a local oscillator generator (LOGEN) to enable the transmission and/or reception of the Bluetooth signals. The first signal may be generated via a phase locked loop (PLL) to enable the transmission and/or reception of the Bluetooth signals. |
| US08249643B1 |
Dual-mode capacity reallocation
Using a first station, a wireless device is communicated with via a first type of wireless service. Resources associated with the wireless device are determined they should be re-allocated. A command and an indicator that result in the wireless device scanning for a second type of wireless service are sent to the wireless device. |
| US08249642B2 |
Using the repetition of an erasure indicator bit to enhance a power control command during handoff
A wireless communication network (20) includes a power control technique that includes repeating an erasure indicator bit in a transmission from a mobile station (22) to a base station (24, 30, 36). The repeated erasure indicator bit is transmitted on the uplink to each base station. The base station then uses the majority rule of those repeated erasure indicator bits to adjust its transmit power. It results in a desired power control command corresponding to the quality of a downlink between a base station (24, 30, 36) and the mobile station (22). A disclosed example includes using the repeated error indicator bit for deciding whether a recent frame should be considered an erasure. If so, the base station increases power on the downlink forward channel. If not, the base station decreases the transmit power on the downlink forward channel. A disclosed example includes alternative power control adjustment techniques, depending on the recent history of the quality of the downlink. |
| US08249641B1 |
Method and system for selecting control parameters based on a receiver sensitivity of a mobile station
During a communication session, a first BTS transmits a first forward link signal that is received by a first mobile station, a second BTS transmits a second forward link signal that is received by a second mobile station, the first mobile station transmits a first reverse link signal that is received by the first BTS, and the second mobile station transmits a second reverse link signal that is received by the second BTS. One or more control parameters for the forward and/or reverse link signals are selected based on a receiver sensitivity of the first mobile station and/or second mobile station. In one example, a target error rate of the first reverse link signal and a maximum transmit power level of the second forward link signal are selected based on the receiver sensitivity of the second mobile station. |
| US08249638B2 |
Device and method for participating in a peer-to-peer network
A device for participating in a distributed peer-to-peer communications network has a distributed network application that includes a capability-routing entity having capability information for a group of associated peers participating in the network. A method for establishing peer-to-peer communication in the network including determining which of the group of associated peers can fulfil the requested connection based in the capability information and referring the request to the peer that can fulfil the connection. |
| US08249637B2 |
Wireless communication device and communication method of wireless communication device
An object of the present invention is to provide means for eliminating a transmission delay when transmitting emergency information for the sake of relief, security, or the like in a wireless device in conformity with the wireless LAN standard in which if radio waves transmitted from peripheral devices are detected, transmission has to be stopped. In a multimode wireless communication scheme having two or more communication schemes, priorities of the communication schemes are set. A high priority or low priority regarding to a message is described in a “message type” data field of a frame of a controlling channel output from the access point side to the terminal side. When the frame of the controlling channel is decrypted on the terminal side, the message type is confirmed, so that the type of a service channel used thereafter is confirmed and the channel is coupled. |
| US08249633B2 |
Radio communication system, radio communication method and base station
A base station 100 includes: a specifying unit 125 configured to specify a decrease target TTI that indicates the TTI in which a sum of already assigned transmission rates is larger than an allowable receiving transmission rate; a selecting unit 126 configured to select, as a decrease target radio terminal, the radio terminal to which the TTI in the decrease TTI is assigned; and a scheduling unit 120a configured to transmit, to the decrease target radio terminal, transmission rate decrease data that is the transmission rate control data (AG or RG) for instructing a decrease of the transmission rate. |
| US08249627B2 |
“I am driving/busy” automatic response system for mobile phones
A cell phone which has been modified by the addition of software which responds to the press of one or more Busy keys by automatically sending a pre-typed text message to the sender of the latest text message just received or automatically answering an incoming call immediately upon pressing the Busy key and playing a pre-recorded audio message. The outgoing text or audio message can inform the sender of the incoming text or the caller that the user is driving or otherwise engaged and cannot respond immediately. In some embodiments, one or more Busy keys can be added keys or one or more existing keys on the cell phone or on the keypad of the cell phone or on a touchscreen or a visual depiction of a keypad on a touchscreen of the cell phone. |
| US08249625B1 |
Method and system for routing position-determining requests
A method and system for routing position-determining requests to position-determining platforms. The method includes receiving into a position-determining system a position-determining request specifying a given processing-duration within a given range. The processing-duration defines a maximum amount of time that the system should spend determining position and thereby defines a corresponding granularity of position-determination by the system. All processing-durations in the given range, although different from each other, define the same corresponding granularity of position-determination by the system. The method further includes the system selecting, based on which processing-duration of the range the given processing-duration is, a position-determining platform of the plurality to process the received position-determining request. The method then includes routing the received position-determining request to the selected position-determining platform for processing. |
| US08249622B2 |
System and method for multiple range estimation location
A system and method of determining the location of a mobile station by determining the time of transmission of a signal by a mobile station and determining range rings at a plurality of reference stations receiving the transmitted signal, where the range rings represent the distance of the mobile station from the plurality of reference stations. |
| US08249615B2 |
Delivery of network services
A network includes user information comprising terminal capabilities and readiness information for a terminal device. A network element receives the terminal capabilities and readiness information from the terminal device and communicates the terminal capabilities and readiness information such that it is received and stored. The information is accessed to set media delivery parameters for the terminal device. |
| US08249614B2 |
Cellular communications system with mobile cellular device battery saving features based upon quality of service and access denial and related methods
A cellular communications system may include at least one base station selectively denying attempts to establish wireless communications links therewith, and wirelessly transmitting denial messages for denied attempts. The system may further include at least one mobile cellular communications device including a wireless transceiver and a controller cooperating therewith for attempting to establish a wireless communications link with the at least one base station having a quality of service (QoS) level associated therewith. If a denial message is received, the controller continues to attempt to establish the wireless communications link at a first attempt rate. Yet, if the wireless communications link cannot be established with the desired QoS level, and if no denial message is received, then the controller continues to attempt to establish the wireless communications link at a second attempt rate different than the first attempt rate. |
| US08249613B2 |
Method and apparatus of data processing in MIMO system
A method of data processing includes the steps of: dividing user terminals into groups based on channel attributes and service requirements of the user terminals and setting a precoding code word and a cyclic delay for each of the groups; and determining which group a user terminal corresponding to the data to be processed belongs to and processing the data to be processed by the Cyclic Delay Diversity (CDD) precoding based on the precoding code word and the cyclic delay of the group. A data processing apparatus includes a grouping module and a CDD preceding module. By the method and apparatus above, the signal quality in the MIMO system can be improved. |
| US08249611B1 |
Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting an access search window
Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting the size of an access search window are provided. In an embodiment a base station uses an access search window size, which is initially set to a default value, to determine whether to accept access requests from access terminals (ATs). The base station operates to accept access requests from ATs when the ATs are within the distance defined by the value of the access search window. The base station further operates to measure an amount of traffic for a sector of a wireless coverage area and change the value of the access search window size based on the amount of traffic on the sector. |
| US08249608B2 |
Apparatus and method for allocating resources in a mobile communication system
A resource allocation method and apparatus for downlink transmission of a base station in a mobile communication system. The base station compares the number Ntx of data transmissions with the number Nper of available persistent resource allocations, and allocates resources by at least one of a persistent resource allocation scheme and a dynamic resource allocation scheme according to the comparison result. |
| US08249606B1 |
Frequency planning optimization for mobile communications
Technologies for optimizing frequency allocations in mobile communication systems can include a probabilistic model that can consider interference quality, coverage quality, frequency hop set length, service type, environment, and mobile radio speed. A frame erasure rate (FER) objective for call quality may be used as a key performance metric as FER performance can be closely related to voice quality. Mobile allocation list (MAL) length selection during the optimization can attempt to optimize the MAL length at the sector level. Choosing a MAL length per cell can provide an additional degree of freedom during the optimization process. The model can consider signal quality of neighbor cells in handover areas. The model can trade off co-channel and adjacent channel interference. Co-channel interference can be reduced at the expense of adjacent channel interference. |
| US08249603B2 |
Methods and apparatus for line selection in a communication device
Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for selecting a communication line from two or more lines on a communication device are described herein. The communication device comprises a display module, an input module, a line selection module, and a communication module for making a call over a network to a target recipient. In one broad aspect, a determination of which of the communication lines is a communication line associated with the one of two or more message addresses at which a message is received is made in the selection of a communication line accessible at the communication device on which an outgoing call may be placed. |
| US08249599B2 |
Terminal, random access signal transmission method, and base station
A hand-over request reception unit receives a hand-over request from a hand-over source base station. When the hand-over request is received, a terminal count acquisition unit obtains the number of terminals each sending a random access signal. A transmission power offset value calculation unit calculates a transmission power offset value of a random access signal to be sent from a terminal performing a hand-over to the base station, in accordance with the number of terminals obtained by the terminal count acquisition unit. A transmission power offset value transmission unit sends the transmission power offset value through the hand-over source base station to the terminal. |
| US08249593B2 |
Electronic message exchange over multiple wireless communication networks with a single device
Electronic messages such as pages are exchanged between a user device and a message service using one of multiple wireless communication networks. The wireless communication networks may include mobile and/or fixed wireless networks. The user device registers with the message service through at least one of the wireless communications networks. The user device may register through multiple wireless communication devices when available. The user device sends messages through the wireless network through which registration has been established and may apply rules to choose when registration has occurred via multiple wireless networks. |
| US08249587B2 |
Roaming service method in a mobile broadcasting system, and system thereof
A roaming service method in a mobile broadcasting system and a system thereof are provided. A terminal receives a service guide from a corresponding visited service provider (Visited SP) when the terminal moves to a roaming area. The terminal transmits a roaming request message for requesting a purchase item allowable for individual services to a home service provider (Home SP) based on the received service guide. Upon receipt of the roaming request message, the Home SP negotiates roaming availability and allowable scope for each individual service with the Visited SP where the terminal is located, based on the roaming request message. The Home SP transmits the roaming availability and allowable scope for the individual service, negotiated with the Visited SP, to the terminal. |
| US08249582B1 |
Self-care client integration with diagnostic client
A processor-implemented method is provided comprising a portable electronic device receiving a first message that a key sequence was entered into the device wherein the key sequence is associated with sending of an outgoing transmission that was not connected. The method also comprises the device performing a first test comprising confirming at least one of the mobile directory number (MDN) and the network access identifier (NAI) of the device. The method also comprises the device performing a second test comprising requesting a first server to transmit a short message service (SMS) message to the device. The method also comprises performing a third test comprising transmitting a hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to a second server. Based on the results of at least one of the tests, the device at least one of displays a first visual message and plays a second audible message advising at least one corrective action step. |
| US08249581B2 |
Method for testing working states of mobile phone
A method for testing working states of a mobile phone. The mobile phone is switched from a first working state to a second working state automatically by a switch module. In the first working state, a non-emergency phone number with a subscriber identity module card can be connected. The non-emergency phone number is dialed to test the working state of the mobile phone. The mobile phone is switched from the second working state to the first working state automatically by a switch module. The non-emergency phone number is dialed to test the working state of the mobile phone. |
| US08249580B2 |
Method of measurement reporting, method of handling measurement reports, cellular radio terminal and cellular radio network unit
A method of measurement reporting, a method of handling measurement reports, a cellular radio terminal and a cellular radio network unit are provided. A method of measurement reporting comprises sending a first measurement report and sending a second measurement report after the sending a first measurement report, the second measurement report comprising an indication that the first measurement report is not valid anymore. A method of handling measurement reports comprises receiving such first and second measurement reports, discarding the first measurement report and processing the second measurement report. A cellular radio terminal is configured to carry out the method of measurement reporting. A cellular radio network unit is configured to carry out the method of handling measurement reports. |
| US08249578B2 |
Radio communication control device, radio communication control system, and radio communication control method
A radio communication control device includes a radio parameter update determination portion, a transmission power value change portion and a radio parameter update portion. The radio parameter update determination portion determines whether or not to update a radio parameter relating to at least one of a communication frequency and transmission power to a new radio parameter. The transmission power value change portion performs a transmission power change process to change a transmission power value during data transmission to a radio communication station to a smaller value in stages at predetermined intervals when the radio parameter update determination portion determines to update the radio parameter to the new radio parameter. A radio parameter update portion updates the radio parameter to the new radio parameter when the transmission power value change portion changes the transmission power value to a preset lower limit or less. |
| US08249577B2 |
Method and apparatus for network initiated uninstallation of application program over wireless network
Network-initiated uninstallation of programs on remote modules, such as wireless telephones, is performed over a wireless network to recall programs stored on the wireless telephone that are faulty or harmful to the wireless telephone, the wireless network, or a user of the wireless telephone. If one or more recall criteria are met for uninstallation of a targeted application program, a recall command source constructs a recall command. A program manager, using a database containing information about each program downloaded onto each wireless telephone in the network, identifies, for the recall command source, which wireless telephones carry the targeted application program. The recall command includes a unique application identification for the targeted application program and an instruction to the wireless telephone to uninstall the targeted application program. The recall command is broadcast over the wireless network to the wireless telephones. In response to the recall command, the wireless telephone automatically uninstalls the targeted application program by executing a recall program on the wireless telephone. |
| US08249564B2 |
Mobile device providing cancellation of call-waiting and method thereof
A mobile device includes a display module, an option module, a determination module, and a control module. The option module is operable to offer an answer option, a first rejection option, and a second rejection option to display on the display module. The determination module is operable to determine whether the answer option, the first rejection option, and the second rejection option are selected. The first rejection option is operable to operate a first incoming call during a current active call. If the first rejection option is selected, the control module rejects the first incoming call. If the second rejection option is selected, the control module rejects incoming calls after the first incoming call and ignores incoming call information indicating the incoming calls occurring after the first incoming call during the current active call. |
| US08249563B1 |
Location specific content for mobile communication devices
Embodiments disclosed herein allow a mobile communication device to incorporate location specific content into media for presentation to a user based on the location of the mobile communication device. In a particular embodiment, a mobile communication device wirelessly receives a plurality of media and stores the plurality of media in the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device also determines its location. The mobile communication device receives a user selection indicating a selection of the plurality of media for presentation. In response to the user selection, the mobile communication device determines location specific content for the selected media based on the location of the mobile communication device. After location specific content has been determined, the mobile communication device incorporates the location specific content into the media selection for presentation to a user. |
| US08249556B2 |
Securing a mobile computing device
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for unlocking certain functionality of a mobile computing device upon wirelessly detecting that an external device is in relatively close proximity to the mobile computing device. One example method comprises: providing a phone application and a second, different application; initiating a first mode of operation when the mobile computing device becomes locked; prohibiting user access to the second application during the first mode of operation when the mobile computing device fails to wirelessly detect a presence of an external device; and initiating a second mode of operation when the mobile computing device wirelessly detects the presence of the external device and when the mobile computing device has received user input specifying an access password, wherein the mobile computing device allows complete user access to both the phone application and the second application during the second mode of operation. |
| US08249554B2 |
Methods for provisioning mobile stations and wireless communications with mobile stations located within femtocells
A method for wireless communications with mobile stations located within a femtocell is described. The method includes registering a femtocell with an IMS core network to receive IMS services for one or more mobile stations located within the femtocell, and separately registering the mobile station with an application server to provide additional services to the mobile station located within the femtocell. The additional services may be CDMA services. Also, registering the femtocell with the IMS core network may include transmitting femtocell registration information that does not include information regarding the mobile station to the IMS core network to request IMS services for the mobile station. |
| US08249550B2 |
Method and apparatus for achieving good usability for networked applications in multi mode mobile terminals
A method (and corresponding equipment) for use by a device (10) in establishing a network connection on behalf of an application (14a-d) hosted by the device (10), including: a step (23b) of obtaining information about currently active cellular network systems, which may include information about connections currently in use; and a step (24) of deciding whether to allow establishing the connection based on factors including the information about currently active cellular network systems. The information about connections currently in use may include identifiers for applications using the connections currently in use. The factors can also include the identity of the application making the request and the identities of the applications using connections currently in use, so as to make the decision as to whether or not to allow establishing the connection after taking into account the importance and type of the different applications contending for the network resources (connections). |
| US08249545B2 |
Emergency broadcast message receiver
A method (200) and an apparatus (106) for a communication device for conveying information contained in an emergency broadcast message to an external device (110) are provided. The communication device (106) monitors (204) incoming broadcast messages in at least one of a broadcast mode and a multicast mode of a Multimedia Broadcast and Multimedia Service, and determines (206) whether the incoming broadcast messages include the emergency broadcast message. If the emergency broadcast message is included, then the communication device (106) receives (208) the emergency broadcast message, transmits (210) an acknowledgment of receiving the emergency broadcast message, and transmits (212) the information (108) contained in the emergency broadcast message to the external device (110). |
| US08249540B1 |
Two stage radio frequency interference cancellation system and method
A radio frequency receiver subject to a large in-band interferor employs active cancellation with coarse and fine cancellation signals, each with a respective radio frequency combiner, in order to increase the effective dynamic range of the receiver for weak signals of interest. One or both can be digitally synthesized. This is particularly applicable for co-site interference, whereby the interfering transmit signal is directly accessible. A similar system and method may also be applied to external interferors such as those produced by deliberate or unintentional jamming signals, or by strong multipath signals. An adaptive algorithm may be used for dynamic delay and gain matching. In a preferred embodiment, a hybrid technology hybrid temperature system incorporates both superconducting and semiconducting components to achieve enhanced broadband performance. |
| US08249539B2 |
Device and method for DC offset cancellation
A device and method for DC offset cancellation device are disclosed. The method includes keeping a high pass module at off state, converting an analog radio frequency signal to a digital baseband signal by a direct down conversion receiving module, detecting a DC offset value during the conversion by an offset compensation module so as to provide an offset compensation signal corresponding to the DC offset value to the direct down conversion receiving module, and determining whether a control condition is reached by a control module so as to timely switch on the high pass module for canceling the residual DC offset in the direct down conversion receiving module. In the present invention, the offset compensation module provides preliminary offset compensation signals and then the high pass module accurately cancels residual DC offset, thereby significantly reducing the reaction time for DC offset cancellation. |
| US08249535B2 |
Radio receivers
A radio receiver comprises an input (14) for a modulated radio frequency signal, a frequency down converter (16) coupled to the input, the frequency down converter including quadrature mixers (32,34) for demodulating a received modulated radio frequency signal using a local oscillator signal. An analogue-to-digital converter (54, 56) is coupled to receive demodulated signals from the mixing means. The analogue-to-digital converter, which may comprise a continuous time sigma delta converter, has an input for a sampling clock frequency (f s). A voltage controlled oscillator (38) provides the local oscillator signal and supplies a frequency divider (60, 94) used to provide the sampling clock frequency. The dividing ratio (1/A) of the frequency divider is variable in response to variations in the strength of an 15 output signal from the digital-to-frequency converter and the variations in the frequency of the sampling clock frequency vary the gain of the analogue-to-frequency converter thereby providing automatic gain control. |
| US08249532B2 |
Radio communication apparatus
The present invention provides a radio communication apparatus for use with a host system. The host system includes an electromagnetic body which acts as a ground plane or counterpoise for the radio communication apparatus. The apparatus comprises an electronics system coupled to the host system, a radio module including a radio electromagnetic body and optionally a radio electronics system, a signal pathway operatively coupling the electronics system with the radio module, and a conductive enclosure. The conductive enclosure provides electromagnetic isolation of the signal pathway. The conductive enclosure is further configured, by inclusion of a wave trap, to impede electromagnetic coupling between the radio electromagnetic body and the host electromagnetic body via the conductive enclosure. |
| US08249531B2 |
Transmit power measurement and control methods and apparatus
Embodiments include methods and apparatus for performing transmit power control. A gain application element receives a sequence of digital input samples and a digital gain signal, and combines the digital gain signal with the digital input samples to generate a sequence of gain-compensated digital samples. A power amplifier receives and amplifies an analog version of the gain-compensated digital samples in order to generate an antenna output signal. A feedback path generates an analog feedback signal from the antenna output signal, produces a sequence of digital feedback samples from the analog feedback signal, and generates difference values based on the digital feedback samples. When a specified type of constant modulus symbol is represented in the antenna output symbol, the feedback path accumulates the difference values into an accumulated error value, and produces the digital gain signal from the accumulated error value. |
| US08249530B2 |
Apparatus and method for power amplification in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for power amplification in a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes an envelope generator for generating an envelope signal from a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, a switching controller for generating a first switching control signal by delta-sigma modulating the envelope signal, and for generating a second switching control signal by amplifying an error signal obtained from a difference between an envelope signal restored by filtering the modulated envelope signal and an original envelope signal and an amplifier for outputting a first output signal by amplifying a phase signal according to the first switching control signal, for outputting a second output signal by amplifying the phase signal according to the second switching control signal, and for combining the first output signal and the second output signal. Thus, high efficiency and high linearity can be accomplished in the power amplification. |
| US08249527B2 |
Multimedia client/server system, client module, multimedia server, radio receiver and methods for use therewith
A radio receiver includes a first receiver module for converting a first radio frequency (RF) signal at a first carrier frequency into a first baseband signal. A second receiver module converts a second RF signal at a second carrier frequency into a second baseband signal. A recombination module combines the first baseband signal and the second baseband signal into an output signal. |
| US08249525B2 |
Mobile electronic device and method for locating the mobile electronic device
A mobile electronic device stores a standard voice command and a voice command identification standard. When an incoming call is regarded as a missed call and a voice command is detected, the mobile electronic device compares characteristics of the voice command with characteristics of the standard voice command, so as to determine if the voice command satisfies the voice command identification standard. The mobile electronic device further activates a ringing circuit to play a predetermined ring tone in response that the voice command satisfies the voice command identification standard, so as to help a user locate the mobile electronic device even if the mobile electronic device is in a silent mode. |
| US08249518B2 |
Network controlled feedback for MIMO systems
In a selective MIMO system, the mobile station provides channel quality feedback for one or more possible transmission mode. The mobile station provides channel quality feedback for a first mode regardless of channel conditions and determines whether to provide feedback for one or more additional modes based on current channel conditions. |
| US08249516B2 |
Apparatus for automatically separating and detecting noise radio waves
An output signal SHS is secondarily amplified by a high-frequency amplifier AMP3 and an output signal SHR is secondarily amplified by an AMP4 for which high-frequency side amplitude reducing means is taken. In this case, the AMP4 has small gain of a high-frequency region and its output SHR-2 is reduced in amplitude. However, a high-frequency noise has a frequency higher than that of a carrier wave SH and the amplitude of a noise NzB becomes smaller. The other output signal SHS is directly amplified by the wideband amplifier AMP3. The width of an SHS-2 and the width of the SHR-2 are adjusted by amplitude adjusting means throughout the whole region and then mutually added by both signals addition amplifying means again so that the amplitude of the output signal SHS is adjusted to the SHR-2, and a predetermined threshold value is set to extract the noises. |
| US08249515B2 |
Mobile communication device with rotating earpiece
A mobile communication device includes a main body, a communication unit, an earpiece, a mouthpiece, a comparison unit and a first driver. The communication unit generates a starting signal when the communication device and another communication device establish a connection. The earpiece rotates with respect to the main body. The mouthpiece receives ambient sound and determines an ambient noise level according to the collected ambient sound in response to the starting signal. The comparison unit determines whether the ambient noise level is equal to a predetermined value, and generates a first driving signal when the ambient noise level is not equal to the predetermined value. The first driver drives the earpiece to rotate toward an ear of a user of the mobile communication device in response to the first driving signal. |
| US08249513B2 |
System and method for training different types of directional antennas that adapts the training sequence length to the number of antennas
A system and method of training antennas for two devices having different types of directional antennas in a wireless network is disclosed. The method includes transmitting a plurality of estimation training sequences from a transmit directional antenna to a receive directional antenna. The length of at least one of the plurality of training sequences is adapted to a number of antenna elements at one of the transmit and receive directional antennas. The method further includes transmitting data to the receiver via the transmit directional antenna tuned with an antenna parameter that is selected based at least in part on the plurality of estimation sequences. |
| US08249510B2 |
Method and systems to facilitate reducing interference between RF signals
A method for reducing interference between radio frequency (RF) signals includes initiating a first communication session from a control system to a remote RF device using a first RF signal to transmit a first outgoing message, wherein the first RF signal within a first RF range, and detecting a second communication session transmitted from a system RF device to the control system using a second RF signal. The second communication session includes an incoming message, and the second RF signal is within a second RF range at least partially overlapping the first RF range. The method includes, when the second communication session is detected, interrupting the first communication session for a time period, receiving the second communication session during the time period to receive the incoming message, and, after the time period expires, resuming the first communication session with the remote RF device. |
| US08249509B2 |
Dynamic channel estimation based on channel conditions
A dynamically adaptive channel estimation process is provided for use in a wireless communication device. At a first device, a wireless transmission is received from a second device. The transmission comprises a plurality of successive symbols each of which comprises a plurality of subcarriers. The first device is configured to compute channel characterizing information for a wireless channel between the first device and the second device based on the received values at subcarriers of the successive symbols. The first device is configured to select one of a plurality of channel estimation schemes based on the channel characterizing information, and to compute an estimate of channel information for the wireless channel using the selected one of the plurality of channel estimation schemes. |
| US08249500B2 |
Tuneable NFC device
An NFC device configured at least in part as an integrated circuit, the integrated circuit including a controller and a plurality of capacitors. The controller is operable to control one or more of the plurality of capacitors to vary an operating parameter of the NFC device. |
| US08249497B2 |
Seamless switching between radio and local media
Systems and methods are provided for seamlessly switching media playback between a media broadcast, such as a radio broadcast, and media from a local media library. When an electronic device determines that an upcoming media item in a media broadcast is not of interest to a user, the electronic device can switch playback from the media stream to a media item from the electronic device local library. The selected local media item can be related to a previously broadcast media item to ensure continuity in the user's listening or viewing experience. The electronic device can switch away from the local media item and return to the media stream when the media stream again broadcasts media items or segments of interest to the user. |
| US08249493B2 |
Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a light irradiation unit and a reflector. The light irradiation unit irradiates a recording medium conveyed in a conveying direction with laser light along a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. The reflector reflects first to fourth angular components of a part of the laser light reflected at an irradiation position at which the recording medium is irradiated, such that a first intersection point between the first and third angular components after the reflection and a second intersection point between the second and fourth angular components after the reflection as seen in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction and the first direction are at different positions in a direction of displacement of the recording medium, the direction of displacement crossing the conveying direction. A developing agent on the recording medium is melted by the laser light. |
| US08249492B2 |
Fixing belt, fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus
Provided is a fixing belt wherein the surface roughness of the inner peripheral surface of the fixing belt is designed with consideration given not only to the height of the protruding section and the depth of the recessed section but also to the expansion of the protruding section and recessed section in the lateral direction so that the contact resistance, hence, the sliding resistance can be reduced, and stable holding of the lubricant can be ensured. A fixing belt used in an image forming apparatus to fix a toner image on a recording material; wherein a wavy pattern which has a height of 3 to 5 μm at a pitch of 4 to 5 mm is formed on an inner peripheral surface, and a roughened structure which has a height of 3 to 4 μm at a pitch 0.1 mm is formed. |
| US08249491B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device includes a heater, a rotary fixing member, and a rotary pressing member pressing against the rotary fixing member to form a nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image passes to fix the toner image thereon. The fixing device includes an air supply tube disposed downstream from the nip in the direction of conveyance of the recording medium and connected to an air source of an image forming apparatus, to supply compressed air to a plurality of nozzles disposed on the air supply tube along a long axis of the nip perpendicular to the direction of conveyance and inject pulsed compressed air against the recording medium passing through the nip. The air supply tube includes an exhaust opening disposed at an extreme upstream end of the flow of the compressed air outside the recording medium passing area near the air source. |
| US08249481B2 |
Developing device, image forming apparatus including the same and developing method
The change in an output voltage when a control voltage is changed is calculated, and the change in the control voltage divided by the calculated change in the output voltage is defined as a sensitivity coefficient. The sensitivity coefficient is recalculated for each predetermined time interval or whenever a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the control voltage is corrected based on the recalculated sensitivity coefficient. Example of the predetermined condition include the time of start-up of the apparatus, the time at which the accumulated number of printed sheets reaches a predetermined number, and the time of carrying out process control. |
| US08249480B2 |
Fusing apparatus for high speed electrophotography system
A fuser and receiver release system and method are provided for improving the release of receivers in high speed of printing systems. This system controls the release of a receiver in conjunction with a fuser in a printing system, and specifically the efficiency and accuracy of the release system. One embodiment of this method includes a belt fuser that allows the separating of the heat transfer and release functions of the fuser such that fuser roller could be made of hard metal core that can be heated to high temperatures without the fear of delaminating elastomeric coatings which are common in roller fusing. |
| US08249479B2 |
Apparatus and method of controlling an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is controlled such that the amount of heat supplied to an outer surface recording sheet to be placed onto an outer surface of a book document for fixing a toner image thereon is greater than an amount of heat supplied to each of the other recording sheets to be placed onto an inner side of the book document for fixing a toner image thereon. |
| US08249473B2 |
Image forming apparatus with reduced deterioration of the carrier carrying developer
An image forming apparatus includes: a carrier configured to carry developer; a voltage applying unit configured to apply a voltage to the carrier so that a carrier current flows from the voltage applying unit through the carrier; and a current detecting unit configured to detect the carrier current. The current detecting unit detects the carrier current at an uncharged portion of the carrier. |
| US08249471B2 |
Image forming apparatus having waste toner detecting mechanism
A first moving member is provided in conjunction with a toner container collecting toner not transferred on the recording medium and moves in accordance with the movement of a toner conveying unit. A second moving member is provided in conjunction with the toner container and moves in accordance with an amount of the toner accumulated in the toner container. The toner conveying unit conveys the toner toward the second moving member. A detecting unit outputs a detection signal that changes depending on the movements of the first moving member and the second moving member. A determining unit determines, based on the detection signal, whether or not at least one of the driving force supplying unit and the toner conveying unit is in an abnormal condition and whether or not the amount of the toner accumulated in the toner container has reached a predetermined accumulation level. |
| US08249467B2 |
Self test of a dual polarization transmitter
A method of testing a dual-polarization optical transmitter comprising a pair of polarization transmitters for respectively generating first and second polarization signals, and a polarization combiner for generating an optical signal composed of the first and second polarization signals with respective orthogonal polarization vectors. Each of the polarization transmitters is controlled to transmit respective polarization optical signals having predetermined characteristics. An output of the dual-polarization optical transmitter is tapped to obtain a first tap signal representative of the first polarization signal, and a second tap signal representative of the second polarization signal. A relative angle between respective polarization vectors of the tap signals is controlled, and the first and second tap signals combined to generate a combined light. A power level of the combined light is detected, and processed to obtain information about the performance of the dual polarization transmitter. |
| US08249465B2 |
Light transmitting apparatus and method for controlling the same
A light transmitting apparatus of the invention includes: a light transmitting section having a light source and an EA modulator, and a control section that controls the optical output power of the light transmitting section to be constant, based on a monitor value of EA photoelectric current. The control section uses a reference value corresponding to a wavelength of the light source, from amongst reference values of the EA photoelectric current that are different for each wavelength, and feedback controls the light transmitting section depending on a difference between the reference value and the monitor value. As a result it is possible to reliably suppress fluctuations in the optical output power due to changes in the wavelength of the light source. |
| US08249460B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating an RF signal
An apparatus for generating an RF signal is provided includes a driver configured to generate a timing control for two optical signals. The apparatus further includes at least one optical pulse source configured to generate the two optical signals based on the timing control. In addition, the apparatus includes a photodetector configured to receive the two optical signals as input and further configured to generate an RF signal based on the two optical signals. A method for generating an RF signal is also provided. |
| US08249459B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating time-division multiplexed encoded transmission signal
The present invention provides a method of generating time-division multiplexed encoded transmission signals, including encoding optical pulse signals for each of a plural multiplexed channels and generating a transmission signal for each channel, performing time division multiplexing on first and second transmission signals and generating a 2-channel multiplexed signal modulating the multiplexed signal with a modulation signal having a frequency of (F−Δf) Hz, detecting a strength of a Δf Hz frequency component of the multiplexed signal changing a time delay amount of the second transmission signal with respect to the first transmission signal, and determining a time delay amount at which a strength of the Δf Hz frequency component is minimized and adjusting the transmission signals of the individual channels such that they are arranged at equidistant intervals on a time axis. |
| US08249456B2 |
Optical ring network architecture
An optical ring network architecture including a number (N) of multi-add/drop filters, such as filters formed using symmetrical pairs of frequency routers. Each multi-add/drop filter is coupled to two other multi-add/drop filters. using N−2 transmission media, such as optical fibers, to form a ring. The network also includes a number (N) of terminal stations associated with the multi-add/drop filters. A terminal station (p) is coupled with, and receives information from, its associated multi-add/drop filter (p) through a single optical fiber. In addition, the terminal station p is coupled with, and transmits information in a first direction around the ring to, a multi-add/drop filter p+1 through a single optical fiber. Communications from terminal station p to each other terminal station in the first direction are assigned one of N−1 wavelengths such that no two wavelengths on a given optical fiber are associated with communications between terminal stations in the same direction. Moreover, all wavelengths on a given optical fiber may be associated with a communication between terminal stations in either the first or second direction. As a result, each terminal station can communicate with each other terminal station simultaneously using wavelength division multiplexing and N−1 wavelengths. The network may also be bi-directional such that each terminal station p is coupled with, and transmits information in a second direction opposite the first direction to, a multi-add/drop filter p−1 through a single optical fiber. |
| US08249454B2 |
Optical communication system and optical line terminating apparatus
There is provided an abnormal light cut-off system in which even when a high power light is inputted from an optical fiber connected to a user side apparatus by a malicious user or an accident, a trouble rate is low, the abnormal light is cut off at high sensitivity, and security is high. In a network system in which an optical line terminating apparatus and plural optical network apparatuses are connected together via plural optical connection sections and an optical branching section, the optical branching section includes one optical line terminating apparatus side port and plural optical network apparatus side branch ports, an optical line terminating apparatus side optical fiber connects the optical line terminating apparatus and the one optical line terminating apparatus side port, an optical branching section side optical fiber connects the optical network apparatus side branch port and a light cut-off section, and an optical network apparatus side optical fiber connects the light cut-off section and the optical network apparatus. When an abnormal light is inputted from the optical network apparatus side, it is cut off by the light cut-off section. |
| US08249443B2 |
Image pickup apparatus with back focus adjustment mechanism
An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus body including an image sensor built therein, and a lens unit, the apparatus body is provided with a back focus adjustment mechanism and a sliding member which is slidable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the image sensor, the sliding member is provided with an infrared blocking filter and a dummy glass plate arranged next to each other, the apparatus is capable of switching modes between a day photographing mode in which the infrared blocking filter is positioned on the optical axis of the image sensor and a night photographing mode in which the dummy glass plate is positioned on the optical axis of the image sensor, and the dummy glass plate has a thickness greater than a thickness with which optical path length extension equivalent to that with the infrared blocking filter is obtained. |
| US08249440B2 |
Multi-drive mechanism lens actuator
Subject matter disclosed herein may relate to lens actuators used, for example, in auto-focus and/or vibration compensation systems of digital cameras. |
| US08249436B2 |
System for non radial temperature control for rotating substrates
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and method for reducing non uniformity during thermal processing. One embodiment provides an apparatus for processing a substrate comprising a chamber body defining a processing volume, a substrate support disposed in the processing volume, wherein the substrate support is configured to rotate the substrate, a sensor assembly configured to measure temperature of the substrate at a plurality of locations, and one or more pulse heating elements configured to provide pulsed energy towards the processing volume. |
| US08249434B2 |
Contents playing method and apparatus with play starting position control
Play start position information updater stores play position information in play start position information storage unit based on the stoppage of play of a content. Play start position information exchanger transmits and receives play position information to and from other content playing apparatuses, and stores the received play position information in play start position information storage means. Play start position checker refers to the play position information and determines a play start position. |
| US08249430B2 |
Digital broadcast receiving apparatus and method for displaying images with programming information
The present invention provides a digital broadcast receiving apparatus and a digital broadcast receiving method for retrieving a favorite program based on places where a user frequently visits and showing a program related to the places where the user frequently visits. In the digital broadcast receiving apparatus and the digital broadcast receiving method, based on GPS information included in a still picture captured by a digital camera and position information included in EPG information, whether a program is related to a favorite place of the user or not is determined, and the program related to a favorite place of the user is provided as a recommended program to the user. |
| US08249428B2 |
Content management device and content management method for controlling transfer of content having copy control information
The present invention provides a content management device that enables to reproduce a content with original quality even after the content has been converted to have lower quality to be moved, and further enables to notify a user of information regarding the moved content. The content management device includes: a communication unit connected to a communication pathway and configured to output a copy of recorded content received via a communication pathway for storing on an external medium; a content control unit configured to control the output of the recorded content and disable the reproduction of the recorded content when the copy is output; and a content information output unit configured to output externally attribute information comprising at least reproduction status information. |
| US08249427B2 |
Content playing device, content playing method, program, and content playing system
A content playing device includes: an identifying unit to identify, with regard to subsidiary contents created by secondarily using contents as editing material and having playback control information instructing playback of actual content data of source editing material contents which are primary contents serving as source editing material, lacking primary contents which are the source editing material contents that are not included in held primary contents deemed to be held by a user; a sample content obtaining unit to externally obtain sample contents corresponding to the lacking primary contents; and a playback processing unit to execute, at the time of playing subsidiary contents following playback control information, playback signal processing for actual content data of held source editing material contents currently existing as the held primary contents regarding held source editing material contents, and playback signal processing for actual content data of corresponding sample contents regarding the lacking primary contents. |
| US08249423B2 |
Electronic devices and methods that insert addressable chapter marks relative to advertising content in video streams
Various embodiments provide an electronic device that includes video storage memory, a video signal receiver, and a video storage controller. The video signal receiver is configured to receive a video stream containing advertising content and program/movie content from a broadcast source. The video storage controller is configured to identify locations of advertising content interspersed among program/movie content in the received video stream, and to record addressable chapter marks for the identified locations of the advertising content and a video stream that is based on the received video stream into the memory. The addressable chapter marks may be displayed on a display and used by a viewer to jump playback of the video stream between the chapter marks. |
| US08249421B2 |
Recording medium, apparatus and method related to information representing tunes
An information recording medium includes a recording area for an auxiliary signal, and a recording area for a main signal. The auxiliary-signal recording area and the main-signal recording area are successively arranged. The main-signal recording area stores first information, second information, and third information. The first information represents plural tunes. The second information includes playback control information for separating the tunes into groups and implementing playback of the tunes group by group. The third information includes interactive data for permitting an access to the first information of the tunes group by group. |
| US08249420B2 |
Reproducing device
A reproducing device for playing back data from a recording medium, including: play back circuits for reading first stream data, which includes first video data, first audio data, and first subpicture data, from a recording medium; download data storage circuits for storing second stream data, which includes at least one of second video data, second audio data and second subpicture data downloaded via a network; and selection circuits for conducting at least one of: switching from said first video data to said second video data; switching from said first audio data to said second audio data, and switching from said first subpicture data to said second subpicture data; wherein data which is newly switched by said selection circuits and data which is not switched by said selection circuits are synchronously superimposed and outputted. |
| US08249418B2 |
Recording medium capable of interactive reproducing and reproduction system for the same
On an optical disk, video object sets (VTST_VOBS) to be reproduced and video title set information (VTSI) serving as management information on the video object sets have been stored. In each video object set (VTST_VOBS), many data cells, each containing video, audio, and sub-picture data, are arranged. Management information on programs chains, which are combinations of programs to be reproduced one after another, has been written in a video title set PGC table (VTS_PGCIT). By referring to the program chain table (VTS_PGCIT) according to the user's input, the playback order of program chains can be changed, enabling the program chains to be reproduced one after another in various modes. |
| US08249416B2 |
Recording medium, program, and reproduction method
A BD-ROM 100 and a local storage 200 contain dynamic scenarios (programs) such as a Java application and a Movie Object. A dynamic scenario reads profile information from PSR 31 of the playback apparatus and judges whether or not the playback apparatus is an audio-only type. If it is judged that the playback apparatus is not the audio-only type, an interactive screen is displayed to perform a control to play back a digital stream according to an operation made onto the interactive screen. If it is judged that the playback apparatus is the audio-only type, a control is performed to play back a digital stream according to an operation that is made without use of the interactive screen. |
| US08249415B2 |
Information recording medium, data discrimination device, and data reproduction device
The present invention provides an information recording medium in which an access unit including basic data and extension data is recorded, so as to allow a decoder that decodes only basic data to process the access unit which includes the basic data and the extension data for the next generation.The information recording medium is an information recording medium on which a stream is recorded, the stream having plural access units and including at least one of video and audio, wherein each of the access units has a first packet which includes basic data and a second packet which includes extension data related to the basic data; the basic data is data that can be decoded into a completed state without requiring the extension data, and the extension data is data for improving the quality of data generated from the basic data; and a size of the first packet is less than or equal to a predetermined size. |
| US08249414B2 |
System and method of presenting synchronous picture-in-picture for consumer video players
A media playback device capable of displaying multiple streams simultaneously and with expanded picture-in-picture capabilities is provided. The placement, size, aspect ratio, cropping, scale, transparency, tint, contrast, and cropping of the media can be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Furthermore, the audio may be mixed between separate tracks accompanying the video streams and may also be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Each variable can be dynamically changed during playback through either automated or user-initiated means. A system and method are provided for simultaneously displaying a first video stream and at least a second video stream on a display comprising the steps of feeding the video streams into a video player; providing control of the display of the video streams; displaying a first video stream substantially across the display; and displaying the other video streams in a secondary display. |
| US08249411B2 |
Portable optical fiber distribution enclosure
An underground utility enclosure assembly with a sealed fiber distribution enclosure includes a grade level box and a removable cover that mounts to the box. The cover includes a removable plug that provides access to the interior of the box. A removed plug area in the cover allows access to utility cables contained in the box and access to the interior of the sealed fiber distribution enclosure mounted to the open plug area. The bottom of the enclosure includes a rigid lower base frame assembly that removably attaches to the open plug area, and an above-ground fiber distribution base structure affixed to a cable opening passing through the base frame assembly. The sealed fiber distribution enclosure can be removed as a unit from the cover on the grade level box, with active cables undisturbed, and moved to a remote site for making above-ground fiber optic cable splices. The sealed fiber distribution enclosure then can be re-installed in the cover plate, with the active cables undisturbed. |
| US08249408B2 |
Method of manufacturing an optical composite
Embodiments of this invention include composite articles having specific optical properties. In one embodiment of this invention, a composite comprises high and low refractive index light transmitting material and surface relief features. In further embodiments, the composite comprises volumetric dispersed phase domains that may be asymmetric in shape. In one embodiment of this invention, the composite is an optical film providing light collimating features along two orthogonal planes perpendicular to the surface of the film. In another embodiment, the composite has improved optical, thermal, mechanical, or environmental properties. In further embodiments of this invention, the composite is manufactured by optically coupling or extruding two or more light transmitting materials, and forming inverted light collimating surface relief features or light collimating surface relief features. In further embodiments of this invention, a method of manufacturing a composite comprises forming one or more surface relief features on a component and injection molding or otherwise optically coupling two or more materials to the component. In one or more embodiments of this invention a light source is optically coupled to the composite or used in a light emitting device. |
| US08249400B2 |
Optical structure on an optical fiber and method of fabrication
An optical structure on an optical fiber and a method of fabrication is provided. The optical structure includes an end of an optical fiber and a layer formed on the end of the optical fiber. The layer comprises one or more first portions having a first optical pathlength in a direction perpendicular to the layer and one or more second portions having a second optical pathlength in the direction perpendicular to the layer, the second optical pathlength different from the first optical pathlength. |
| US08249398B2 |
Image retrieval system and method
An image retrieval method applies an application server, one or more calculating servers, and a sorting server to perform image retrieval. The application server extracts visual features of an exemplary image. The one or more calculating servers calculate similarities of available images according to the visual features of the exemplary image. The sorting server sorts the available images according to the similarities so as to obtain images similar to the exemplary image. |
| US08249397B2 |
Playback of digital images
A method of displaying digital images is described in which a display length indicator is received and digital images are accessed. A set of digital images are selected from the accessed digital images in accordance with the display length indicator and displayed in a predetermined order. The method may be performed by a computer program, which may be embodied on a computer readable medium. |
| US08249394B2 |
Method and system for shift-map image editing
Natural looking output images are computed from input images based on given user constraints. Pixels in the output images are assigned a shift such that the respective output pixel value is derived from the value of the input pixel whose location is related to that of the output pixel by the shift, at least one shift being non-zero. The shift is determined by an optimization process adapted to minimize a cost function that includes a data term on the shifts of single pixels and a smoothness term on the shifts of pixel pairs. The output image is computed by applying the optimized shift-map between the input and output pixels. The data term can include shift constraints that limit the location in the output images of selected input pixels, and saliency constraints, indicating a preference that selected pixels in the input images will or will not appear in the output image. |
| US08249393B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An index detection unit (1040) detects the coordinate values of indices in a sensed image sensed by an image sensing device (1020) attached with an orientation sensor (1010). A contribution degree calculation unit (1070) acquires contribution degrees according to a frequency at which the image sensing device (1020) is located to have an orientation indicated by orientation information included in the position and orientation information of the image sensing device (1020) at the time of image sensing. A data management unit (1060) generates sets of the coordinate values and orientation information measured by the orientation sensor (1010) at the time of sensing of the sensed image for respective indices. A calibration information calculation unit (1090) calculates an orientation of the orientation sensor (1010) with respect to the image sensing device (1020) using the position and orientation information, parameter values, and the sets generated for the respective indices. |
| US08249389B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and imaging apparatus
A composite image is generated by a method including: detecting at least one in a captured image; judging arrangement of the at least one subject by an arithmetic operation; selecting at least one composition-purpose image at random in accordance with the arrangement of the at least one subject; determining arrangement of the selected at least one composition-purpose image at random so that the at least one composition-purpose image does not overlap with one another and does not overlap with the detected at least one subject; and generating a composite image by combining the captured image with the at least one composition-purpose image. |
| US08249385B2 |
Migration for old image database
Techniques are described for causing digital image data to be interpreted according to a particular technique of a plurality of techniques. According to an embodiment, digital sensor data is received, and user input is received that specifies which technique of a plurality of techniques to use to generate a display that depicts an unmodified image from the sensor data, wherein each technique of the plurality of techniques generates a display from the sensor data in a different manner than each other technique of the plurality of techniques. |
| US08249383B2 |
System and method for transforming dispersed data patterns into moving objects
A motion-based method and system for rapidly identifying the presence of spatially dispersed or interwoven patterns in data and their deviation from a test model for the pattern includes transforming dispersed patterns into one concentrated moving objects, for which there is a characteristic, identifiable motion signature. The method may be used with data sets containing sharp peaks, such as frequency spectra, and other data sets. A roadmap of basic motion signatures is provided for reference, including multiple harmonic series, separation of odd and even harmonics, missing modes, sidebands and inharmonic patterns. The system and method may also be used with data stored in arrays and volumes. It remaps such data to show both high-resolution information and long range trends simultaneously for applications in nanoscale imaging. |
| US08249379B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method and image display apparatus
A first intermediate image generating means (1) generates an intermediate image (D1) by extracting a component of an input image DIN in a particular frequency band; a second intermediate image generating means (2) generates an intermediate image D2 having a frequency component higher than the intermediate image (D1); a first intermediate image processing means (3M) generates an intermediate image (D3M) by amplifying the pixel values in the intermediate image (D1); a second intermediate image processing means (3H) generates an intermediate image (D3H) by amplifying the pixel values in the intermediate image (D2); and an adding means (4) adds the input image (DIN) and the intermediate image (D3M) and the intermediate image (D3H) together to obtain an output image (DOUT). A first amplification factor (D3MA) and a second amplification factor (D3HA) are determined according to pixel values in the input image (DIN). Even if the input image includes a fold-over component on the high-frequency side or does not include an adequate high-frequency component, an enhanced image can be provided without causing overshoot. |
| US08249377B1 |
Blurred digital image deblurring
A deblurred digital image is generated from a blurred digital image. The blurred digital image is received. The blurred digital image has a number of objects and a number of edges. Each edge demarcates boundaries of two of the objects. One or more selected edges within the blurred digital image are identified. The selected edges are blurry within the blurred digital image but were originally sharp edges. A blur kernel is determined based on the identified selected edges. The blur kernel denotes how the blurred digital image is blurry. The blur kernel is applied to the blurred digital image to generate the deblurred digital image. The deblurred digital image is output. |
| US08249370B2 |
Image processing method, image recording method, image processing device and image file format
A recording process records low-resolution video data while obtaining a high-resolution image in a window region being a portion of an entire image. Then, the process learns, as a resolution conversion rule, a resolution increasing parameter by using the high-resolution image. In a resolution increasing process, the resolution of the recorded low-resolution video data is increased by using the resolution increasing parameter learned in the recording process. |
| US08249362B1 |
Method for fast, robust, multi-dimensional pattern recognition
Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurali of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image. |
| US08249359B2 |
Detector for detecting a predetermined image in an input image, and detection method and integrated circuit for performing the same
A detector detects a specified image in an input image. The detector includes an area determination unit for determining, in the input image, a detection target area in which the specified image potentially exists, a setting unit for setting positions of a plurality of matching target ranges substantially in the detection target area, each of the matching target ranges being a predetermined size, so that the matching target ranges cover the detection target area, and each matching target range overlaps a neighboring matching target range by a predetermined overlap width, and a matching unit for detecting the specified image by matching a portion of the input image encompassed by each matching target range set by the setting unit and a template image for detecting the specified image. |
| US08249358B2 |
Image quality evaluation method, image quality evaluation system and image quality evaluation program
Provided is an image quality evaluation method for evaluating image qualities of a second image by using a difference from a first image. In the image quality evaluation method, a representative pixel component value indicating a pixel component value that represents pixels in the image frame of one of the images, and pixel position information indicating a pixel position where the representative pixel component value appears are extracted as a feature quantity. By using the representative pixel component value and the pixel position information, which are the image feature quantity, and based on a difference between a pixel component value at the pixel position indicated by the pixel position information in the image frame of the other image and the representative pixel component value, a difference of the entire second image from the first image is estimated. |
| US08249349B2 |
Labeling image elements
An image processing system is described which automatically labels image elements of a digital image. In an embodiment an energy function describing the quality of possible labelings of an image is globally optimized to find an output labeled image. In the embodiment, the energy function comprises terms that depend on at least one non-local parameter. For example, the non-local parameter describes characteristics of image elements having the same label. In an embodiment the global optimization is achieved in a practical, efficient manner by using a tree structure to represent candidate values of the non-local parameter and by using a branch and bound process. In some embodiments, the branch and bound process comprises evaluating a lower bound of the energy function by using a min-cut process. For example, the min-cut process enables the lower bound to be evaluated efficiently using a graphical data structure to represent the lower bound. |
| US08249347B1 |
Method and system for searching for information on a network in response to an image query sent by a user from a mobile communications device
Present invention relates to a method and system for automatic searching for information on a network in response to an image query sent by a user. The image query includes an image that is captured by using a mobile communications device with a camera. The image is processed to detect the text present in it. The detected text is then recognized using an OCR. Subsequently, the text is searched for matches in the corresponding domain database, selected from the various domain databases present in the network. Thereafter, selected matches and additional related information is sent to the user. |
| US08249346B2 |
Three dimensional imaging method and apparatus
Three-dimensional imaging techniques are used for a visualization method and apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, terrain data is displayed as a series of pixels—areas of terrain elevation data. Individual pixels are analyzed to determine whether they are locally smooth or “warpable” relative to their surrounding neighbor pixels. Those pixels that are locally relatively “smooth,” i.e., those satisfying a given set of criteria, are joined with adjacent neighbor pixels by a process referred to herein as “warping” to create “smooth,” gap-free surfaces. A preferred embodiment includes drawing or generating lines between the centers of two pairs of adjacent pixels to determine a slopes m1 and m2 respectively. The slopes m1 and m2 are then analyzed using the following equations/determinations: |m1∥≦mmax; |m2∥≦mmax; and |m1−m2|≦Δmax; i.e., the slopes m1 and m2 must each be less than or equal to a predetermined threshold mmax and the difference between the slopes must be less than or equal to a predetermined difference Δmax. |
| US08249344B2 |
Grammatical parsing of document visual structures
A two-dimensional representation of a document is leveraged to extract a hierarchical structure that facilitates recognition of the document. The visual structure is grammatically parsed utilizing two-dimensional adaptations of statistical parsing algorithms. This allows recognition of layout structures (e.g., columns, authors, titles, footnotes, etc.) and the like such that structural components of the document can be accurately interpreted. Additional techniques can also be employed to facilitate document layout recognition. For example, grammatical parsing techniques that utilize machine learning, parse scoring based on image representations, boosting techniques, and/or “fast features” and the like can be employed to facilitate in document recognition. |
| US08249343B2 |
Representing documents with runlength histograms
An apparatus and method are provided for generating a representation of an image which may be used in tasks such as classification, clustering, or similarity determination. An image, such as a scanned document, in which the pixel colorant values are quantized into a plurality of colorant quantization levels, is partitioned into regions, optionally at a plurality of different scales. For each region, a runlength histogram is computed, which may be a combination of sub-histograms for each of the colorant quantization levels and optionally each of plural directions. The runlength histograms, optionally normalized, can then be combined to generate a representation of the document image. |
| US08249340B2 |
Dimensionality reduction method and system for efficient color profile compression
A dimensionality reduction method and system for efficient color transform compression is disclosed. A multi-dimensional color transform with an n-dimensional input color space can be received. A projection operator can be derived and applied to the n-dimensional input color space to form a k-dimensional input color space. A functional approximation can be designed to the n-dimensional input color space and can be evaluated on the k-dimensional input color space to form an m-dimensional output color space. The projection operator and the approximation function can be combined to form a compressed transform by mapping the n-dimensional input color space to m-dimensional output color space. Such an approach provides a significant reduction in size of the color profile with respect to storage and speeds-up real-time computation. |
| US08249339B2 |
Image processing device and electronic camera
An image processing device includes an interpolation color processing circuit receiving images of continuous frames to perform interpolation and color processing thereon, a storage part cyclically storing a plurality of frames of images being processed and having been processed by the interpolation color processing circuit, a plurality of image compression processing circuits reading the images of frames processed by the interpolation color processing circuit to perform image compression processing on the images and being cyclically started up for each of frames to perform parallel processing, and a compression data storage part storing compression data processed by the image compression processing circuit. The image processing device can solve a problem of a prior art in that long processing time is required because image compression processing is heavier than interpolation processing and color processing. |
| US08249337B2 |
Methods and systems for converting images from low dynamic range to high dynamic range
Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data. |
| US08249336B2 |
Learning string transformations from examples
Techniques are described to leverage a set of sample or example matched pairs of strings to learn string transformation rules, which may be used to match data records that are semantically equivalent. In one embodiment, matched pairs of input strings are accessed. For a set of matched pairs, a set of one or more string transformation rules are learned. A transformation rule may include two strings determined to be semantically equivalent. The transformation rules are used to determine whether a first and second string match each other. |
| US08249333B2 |
Segmenting image elements
A method of segmenting image elements into a foreground and background is described, such that only the foreground elements are part of a volume of interest for stereo matching. This reduces computational burden as compared with computing stereo matching over the whole image. An energy function is defined using a probabilistic framework and that energy function approximated to require computation only over foreground disparities. An optimization algorithm is used on the energy function to perform the segmentation. |
| US08249330B2 |
System and method for testing a liquid crystal panel
A method for testing a liquid crystal panel is provided. The method simulates an outside force endured by the liquid crystal panel when the liquid crystal panel is assembled as a finished product, so that unqualified liquid crystal panels can be detected before the finished product is put into use. |
| US08249327B2 |
Method for detecting monetary banknote
A method for detecting an image corresponding to at least a monetary banknote is provided. The method includes selecting a detection procedure from a plurality of different detection procedures, and verifying the image according to the selected detection procedure. |
| US08249324B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing program, storage medium, and ultra-sonic diagnostic apparatus
A computer 12 of an image processing apparatus 11 acquires a moving image including a minor axis cross section of a carotid artery and a cross section of surrounding tissues around the carotid artery and estimates, from images of two temporally different frames of the acquired moving image, an optical flow of each point included in an area corresponding to a carotid artery wall and an optical flow of each point included in an area corresponding to the surrounding tissues. Based on the estimated optical flow of each point, the computer 12 calculates an amount of displacement of the carotid artery and the surrounding tissues with respect to a radial direction of the carotid artery depending on a change in internal pressure of the carotid artery. The computer 12 also calculates an amount of displacement of the carotid artery and the surrounding tissues with respect to the radial direction of the carotid artery depending on a change in the internal pressure of the carotid artery based on a theoretical expression obtained by modeling the carotid artery and the surrounding tissues with a two-layer cylinder. The computer 12 calculates the elastic modulus of the carotid artery wall and the elastic modulus of the surrounding tissues so as to minimize a square error between the two calculated amounts of displacement. |
| US08249319B2 |
Nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus and diagnostic system used thereto
The function of an accumulated amount deriving part 14 can obtain the variation with time of the accumulated amount in the subject based on the radiopharmaceutical in a condition being separated for each radiopharmaceutical, that is, the second variation with time that is a function of the accumulated amount using the first variation with time that is a variation with time of a projection data measured by the projection data deriving part 10. The accumulated image acquisition part 15 acquires the accumulated image of each radiopharmaceutical to be provided for nuclear medicine diagnosis based on the second variations with time separated in this way, enabling the nuclear medicine diagnosis in administration of a variety of radiopharmaceuticals. |
| US08249317B2 |
Methods and systems for compensating for changes in anatomy of radiotherapy patients
Portal images are combined with 3D ultrasound to determine adjustments to patient treatment parameters. The images are acquired while the patient is in an initial position, and the images are registered to a treatment coordinate system. The images are combined and outlines of anatomical structures are superimposed on the portal images, resulting in new portal images that incorporate the anatomy extracted from the ultrasound. The enhanced portal images are used to identify modifications to the treatment parameters. |
| US08249308B2 |
Portable intelligent fluorescence and transmittance imaging spectroscopy system
A portable fluorescence and transmittance imaging spectroscopy system for use in diagnosing plant health. The system has a primary LED light source array with spectral wavelengths in the 400-600 nm range, a focus cone that collects the LED light source output and focuses it, a controller that controls the primary LED array to turn it on and off, or certain of the spectral wavelengths on and off such that the primary LED array controllably emits light of a desired wavelength in the range, the light irradiating the plant through the focus cone, a digital imaging device that both spatially and temporally captures a fluorescence image comprising chlorophyll fluorescence emitted by the plant due to the emitted light from the LED array, a leaf holder located proximate to the output of the focus cone to maintain a consistent position and distance between the digital imaging device, the LED light source and the leaf and providing for fixed position and non-destructive leaf imaging and testing, a secondary light source for providing broad-band transmissive light through the leaf, a lens for focusing onto the imaging device the light emitted from the secondary light source, and one or more memory devices that store the fluorescence image and the transmitted light data received by the digital imaging device and store a library of plant fluorescence-intensity data indicative of both healthy plants and stressed or diseased plants, and plant light transmittance data indicative of certain plant conditions. |
| US08249307B2 |
Evaluation of meat tenderness
The method and apparatus for estimating the tenderness of meat comprises scanning a sample of meat through an x-ray beam; detecting or measuring the transmitted x-ray radiation through the meat sample; relating the transmitted x-ray radiation to a characteristic of the shear force of the meat sample; and assessing the tenderness of the meat sample from the characteristic of the shear force. |
| US08249306B2 |
Virtual white lines for delimiting planned excavation sites
A method may include sending an aerial image to a user via a network; receiving a marked-up version of the aerial image from the user via the network that includes one or more virtual white lines added to the aerial image that delimit a dig area in which excavation is planned; and providing the marked-up version of the aerial image, via one of an electronic or tangible delivery system, to another entity. |
| US08249300B2 |
Image capturing device and method with object tracking
A method for dynamically tracking a specific object in a monitored area obtains an image of the monitored area by one of a plurality of image capturing devices in the monitored area, and detects the specific object in the obtained image. The method further determines adjacent image capturing devices in the monitored area according to the path table upon the condition that the specific object is detected, and adjusts a detection sensitivity of each of the adjacent image capturing devices. |
| US08249298B2 |
Ultrasonic camera tracking system and associated methods
A camera tracking system includes a controllable camera, an array of microphones, and a controller. The microphones are positioned adjacent the controllable camera and are at least responsive to ultrasound emitted from a source. The microphones may additionally be capable of responding to sound in the audible spectrum. The controller receives ultrasound signals communicated from the microphones in response to ultrasound emitted from the source and processes the ultrasound signals to determine an at least approximate location of the source. Then, the controller sends one or more command signals to the controllable camera to direct at least approximately at the determined location of the source. The camera tracking system tracks the source as it moves and continues to emit ultrasound. The source can be an emitter pack having one or more ultrasonic transducers that produce tones that sweep form about 24-kHz to about 40-kHz. |
| US08249294B2 |
Driving system, electro-optic device, and electronic device
A driving system that drives an electro-optic device including a plurality of pixel electrodes, a counter electrode, a plurality of storage capacitor elements, and an electro-optic material is provided. The driving system includes a supply circuit that selectively supplies voltage to first and second ends of capacitor elements corresponding to a first horizontal line. A switching circuit is also provided that switches, in sequence every predetermined period, each of the voltages to be supplied to the second end of the capacitor elements from a first voltage to a second voltage or from the second voltage to the first voltage. A control circuit electrically connects the second end of the first storage capacitor elements and to each other before the voltage switched by the switching circuit is supplied to the second end of at least one of the storage capacitor elements. |
| US08249292B1 |
Mechanically adjustable variable flux speaker
The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and apparatus for a variable flux speaker subassembly for a loudspeaker. The variable flux speaker subassembly may contain at least one repositionable structure that is repositionable from at least a first position to a second position. The magnetic flux through a voice coil structure of the speaker subassembly is altered when the repositionable structure is moved from the first position to the second position. |
| US08249291B2 |
Extended multiple gap motors for electromagnetic transducers
An electromagnetic transducer includes an electromagnetic dual-coil or multi-coil driver having at least one spacer member placed between at least two permanent magnets. The inclusion of at least one spacer member increases the axial dimension of the magnetic assembly of the driver so that the magnetic gaps in a dual-coil or multi-coil driver are moved farther apart than would occur with a corresponding electromagnetic driver using a permanent magnet instead of two permanent magnets separated by a spacer member. |
| US08249290B2 |
Speaker
The frame of a speaker is divided into a first frame part and a second frame part. The outer circumferential edge of the suspension holder is sandwiched between the surfaces of the first and second frame parts. This structure can reduce rolling of the diaphragm and harmonic distortion of the speaker. |
| US08249287B2 |
Earpiece positioning and retaining
A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a users ear and retains the earpiece in its position. |
| US08249285B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing non linear sound attenuation
Certain embodiments of the present technology provide a sound attenuator for reducing high level sounds within the ear canal while maintaining high audibility for lower level sounds. The sound attenuator comprises a housing with a passageway for passing external sound, a damping member to restore resonance within a plugged ear, and a disc interposed across the passageway. The disc comprises a cavity, at least one hole through said disc and a flexible diaphragm positioned across the cavity. At a sound pressure level less than that of a predetermined value the flexible diaphragm expands upon an increase in the external sound pressure level maintaining a near constant level of attenuation. For sound pressure levels at or greater than that of the predetermined value the diaphragm contacts the interior surface of the cavity, thereby limiting the flexibility of the diaphragm and increasing the level of attenuation provided by the attenuator. |
| US08249283B2 |
Three-dimensional acoustic panning device
[Problems]To provide a three-dimensional acoustic panning device enabling a three-dimensional-panning of a sound source as a sound image panning.[Means for Solving the Problems]The three-dimensional acoustic panning device 1 includes a sound source acoustic signal acquiring means 11 for acquiring a sound source acoustic signal s(t) radiated from at least one sound source C, a panning information input means 12 for inputting an panning information Ip to pan the sound source C, an sound image forming acoustic signal output means 13 for outputting sound image forming acoustic signals q(t) to form at least one sound image at the position where the sound source C is positioned, an arrangement information storage means 14 for storing an arrangement information Is of the sound image forming acoustic signal output means 13, and a sound image forming acoustic signal generating means 15 for generating sound image forming acoustic signals q(t) using the sound source acoustic signals s(t), the panning information Ip and the arrangement information Is. |
| US08249282B2 |
Speaker assembly
A speaker assembly includes a speaker housing with a closed top wall, an opposed open end and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls extending downwardly from the closed top wall. The closed top wall is substantially planar and forms a support surface. First and second midrange drivers and first and second high frequency drivers are mounted within the housing, wherein the first midrange driver and the first tweeter are mirror images of second midrange driver and the second tweeter. A first support bracket supports the first midrange driver and first tweeter along a first side of the closed top wall adjacent the first sidewall of the speaker housing. The first support bracket includes a planar support surface which is obliquely oriented relative to a plane in which the closed top wall lies. A second support bracket supports the second midrange driver and the second tweeter along a second side of the closed top wall adjacent the third sidewall of the speaker housing. The first support bracket includes a planar support surface which is obliquely oriented relative to the plane in which the closed top wall lies. |
| US08249280B2 |
Thermoacoustic device
A thermoacoustic device includes a sound wave generator, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a first network and a second network. The sound wave generator includes a first surface and a second surface. The plurality of first electrodes are disposed on the first surface. The plurality of second electrodes are disposed on the second surface. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged. Each of the first network and the second network includes a plurality of conducting wires. The plurality of first electrodes are connected together by the plurality of conducting wires in the first network. The plurality of second electrodes are connected together by the plurality of conducting wires in the second network. |
| US08249274B2 |
Audio amplifier with timing circuit to power down bias control and amplifying circuits in sequence
An audio amplifier includes a timing control circuit, an amplifying circuit, and a bias control circuit. The timing control circuit generates a first power down signal and a second power down signal, in which the first power down signal is asserted before the second power down signal is asserted. The amplifying circuit receives a bias voltage to amplify an audio signal and is deactivated when the first power down signal is asserted. The bias control circuit provides the bias voltage for the amplifying circuit and is deactivated when the second power down signal is asserted. |
| US08249272B2 |
Audio playback apparatus
An audio playback apparatus is disclosed. The audio playback apparatus processes an audio signal and provides at least one output signal to at least one speaker or an earphone connected to a phone-jack. The audio playback apparatus comprises a clock generating module, a processing module, an amplifier module, and a detecting module. The processing module is connected to the clock generating module and processes the audio signal to generate a processed signal according to a clock signal generated by the clock generating module. The amplifier module amplifies the processed signal to generate an output signal. The detecting module detects whether the earphone is plugged in the phone-jack. If the earphone is plugged in the phone-jack, the amplifier module provides the output signal to the earphone. If not, the amplifier module provides the output signal to the speaker. |
| US08249271B2 |
Noise analysis and extraction systems and methods
Systems and methods are described which facilitate quick and accurate extraction of the true noise level from a noise signal that includes additional signals, such as speech, in a cost effective implementation. Aspects of the invention allow the use of one microphone to simultaneously detect background noise as well as speech, while avoiding problems associated with artificially high background noise indication due to inclusion of the speech component in the noise determination. Additionally, systems and methods are described for altering system gain based on accurate noise level determinations. |
| US08249270B2 |
Sound signal correcting method, sound signal correcting apparatus and computer program
A sound signal correcting apparatus converts an acquired sound signal into a phase spectrum and an amplitude spectrum by an FFT process, compares the amplitude spectrum of the obtained sound signal with a noise model so that a correction coefficient used for correcting the amplitude spectrum of the sound signal is derived, smoothes waveform of the amplitude spectrum of the sound signal using the derived correction coefficient, and converts the sound signal into a sound signal where the amplitude spectrum is corrected by performing an inverse FFT process on the phase spectrum and the smoothed amplitude spectrum. |
| US08249266B2 |
Filter system for hearing protection device for continuous noise exposure monitoring
A hearing protection device to be worn at either a primary position or a secondary position, comprising a hearing protection component and a noise measurement component, and an attachment mechanism to securely attach the noise measurement component to the hearing protection component, wherein at the primary position the noise measurement component detects a protected noise exposure and at the secondary position it detects an unprotected exposure, the noise measurement component comprises a microphone, a compartment that encloses the microphone and at least one filter, and the filter reduces resonance of said compartment incident upon said microphone. |
| US08249261B2 |
Method for three-dimensional presentation of a hearing apparatus on a head and corresponding graphics facility
A method and a graphics facility are provided to allow a choice of hearing apparatus to be made easier for a user via a three-dimensional presentation of a hearing apparatus on a head of a user. A 3D model of the hearing apparatus is provided as a virtual hearing apparatus and a 3D model of the head of the user or of a part thereof is obtained as a virtual head. The virtual hearing apparatus is subsequently aligned to the virtual head so that the virtual head can be presented graphically in three dimensions along with the fitted virtual hearing apparatus. This especially allows different types and colors of hearing apparatus to be represented in an animation on the user's head. |
| US08249260B2 |
Method and apparatus for audio path filter tuning
Methods and apparatus for tuning the audio path response of an audio device are described herein. The audio output of an audio device is captured and monitored over a predetermined frequency band. The frequency response of the captured audio output can be compared to one or more predetermined limits defining an acceptable frequency response. One or more dynamically configurable bands can be defined, and one or more parameters affecting the response within each configurable band can be adjusted. A simulated frequency response is produced and filter coefficients for a corresponding filter within the audio path are determined. The filter coefficients can be loaded to a digital filter within the audio path to modify the actual frequency response produced by the audio device. |
| US08249258B2 |
Communication method and communication system using decentralized key management scheme
A decentralized key management scheme that implements key management of a tree structure comprised of only group members without using a key management server is proposed, and communication method and system that can contribute to secure group communications is provided. Each member constituting a group updates tree structure data of the entire group when a new member joins, respectively 70, and selects a captain in each subtree 71. Rather than the key management server, the captain generates a new key and shares it with other captains or the joining member 72, and distributes the new key to the members of the subtree 73, thereby enabling all the group members to update to the new key. A captain is also selected when a member leaves, and sharing and distribution of a new key by the captain is performed. |
| US08249257B2 |
Virtual TPM keys rooted in a hardware TPM
The present subject matter related to trusted computing, and more particularly, to virtual trusted platform module keys rooted in a hardware trusted platform module. Some embodiments include a trusted platform virtualization module operable to capture virtual machine trusted platform module calls and operates to generate, maintain, and utilize hardware trusted platform module keys on behalf of the one or more virtual machines. Some embodiments include virtual trusted platform module keys having a public portion on top of an private portion including an encrypted hardware trusted platform module key. |
| US08249251B2 |
Security system and method
A device for generating a seedless pseudo-random number, according to one embodiment, includes a first register containing a secret code; a second register containing a first random number generated locally and a second random number generated at a remote device; and an exclusive OR (XOR) circuit receiving output from the first and second registers and applying an XOR function to the outputs, a result of the XOR function being fed into the second register in a subsequent cycle. |
| US08249249B2 |
System and method for text-based encryption
A system, method, and computer program for text-based encryption, involves accessing a text file with a plurality of lines of text characters; re-sequencing each of the text characters in the plurality of lines; translating a base representation for each of the text characters by an offset of a base value so that a resulting translated character is printable; inserting a plurality of other characters between each of the translated text characters on each of the lines to form a random character string; inserting a plurality of random numbers of random characters before and after the random character string to output to a resultant file; and including a translated seed with the resultant file. |
| US08249246B1 |
Method and apparatus for changing a telephone number after entry
A method and related system and computerized instruction for assisting a user with placing a telephonic call, comprising: a user specifying an originally-specified telephone number to place an intended telephonic call, which telephone number, as originally-specified, for at least one particular reason, cannot be used to successfully complete the intended telephonic call; the user, after specifying the originally-specified telephone number, later specifying later-specified telephone number elements; and causing the telephonic call to be successfully signaled using the originally-specified telephone number in combination with the later-specified telephone number elements, without the user having to re-specify the originally-specified telephone number. |
| US08249243B2 |
Method of remotely operating contact center systems
A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a server of a contact center system having a plurality of automatic contact centers. The method includes the steps of providing an audible menu to a supervisor of the contact center system having the plurality of automatic contact distributors, receiving an instruction from the supervisor and executing the received instruction within the server. |
| US08249234B2 |
Dynamic configuration of conference calls
A conferencing system that can be configured by a host, and then reconfigured on the fly, in real time. The host initially provides configuration information to the system to define the initial operation of the conference call. The host can then update this information during the conference call to reconfigure the conference call. For instance, the information may include a question set. The initial question set is presented to participants as they enter the conference call. When the configuration information is changed by providing a new question, the new question is then presented to the participants in the conference call. |
| US08249233B2 |
Apparatus and system for representation of voices of participants to a conference call
A system for facilitating to an end-user the recognition of other participants attending a conference call, comprising means attached to the end-user's telephone for receiving signals from the telephone line, means for analyzing the telephone line signals and associating a unique caller identification to each new participant joining the conference call, means for associating with each such caller identification, a unique position in a representation of the conference call, and means for representing to the end-user such unique position for all participants in the conference call. |
| US08249231B2 |
System and computer program product for predicting churners in a telecommunications network
Data pertaining to interactions between a plurality of customers is obtained. A graph is formed, having a plurality of nodes representing the customers and a plurality of edges representing interactions between the customers. A sub-set of the customers are denoted as previously churned customers. A spreading activation model is applied to the graph to identify, based on the graph and the previously churned customers, the potential churning customers. |
| US08249228B2 |
Document transmission and routing with recipient control useful for facsimile document transmission and routing
Techniques for transmitting information to a recipient under their control are described. In some situations, the techniques are used in conjunction with a fax delivery system to, as part of a connection established to perform a fax transmission, provide a variety of functionalities to a human recipient that is participating as part of the connection, such as when the human recipient is contacted in error. In addition, in some situations an interactive voice response system is used to receive and interpret input from a human recipient, such as in response to one or more control selections or options provided to the human recipient. |
| US08249223B2 |
Relay apparatus and memory product
If a call session has been established between terminal apparatuses on the sending side and receiving side when a voice packet is received from the terminal apparatus on the receiving side, a firewall apparatus sends the received voice packet to the terminal apparatus on the sending side. On the other hand, if a call session has not been established when a voice packet is received, the firewall apparatus starts buffering received voice packets. When a call session is established, the firewall apparatus sends the buffered voice packets to the terminal apparatus on the sending side. |
| US08249221B2 |
Access apparatus and method for digital subscriber line test
The invention discloses an access apparatus and method for digital subscriber line test. The apparatus includes: one or more distributed access matrix control modules, one or more distributed access matrixes; and a power converter module. The distributed access matrix control module is connected to a test module and at least one of the one or more distributed access matrixes which is under the control of the distributed access matrix control module, and is configured to send a test task initiated by the test module to the at least one distributed access matrix and report a message from the at least one distributed access matrix to the test module. The distributed access matrix is configured to connect a tested subscriber in accordance with the test task and report an access success message to the distributed access matrix control module. |
| US08249220B2 |
Multiconfiguration X-ray optical system
An x-ray optical system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays, a first optical element which conditions the x-rays to form two beams and at least a second optical element which further conditions at least one of the two beams from the first optical element. |
| US08249219B2 |
X-ray tube rotating anode
An x-ray tube rotating anode. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube rotating anode includes a hub configured to attach to a bearing assembly, rings positioned radially outward from the hub, bridges connecting the rings together, annular ring fins each attached to one of the rings, a focal track positioned radially outward from the annular ring fins, and annular focal track fins attached to the focal track. |
| US08249218B2 |
Diagnostic delivery service
Systems, methods, and other modalities are described for (a) obtaining an indication relating to an emission module (which may be dangerous, e.g.) or its user (who may be untrained, e.g.) and for (b) configuring the module or causing an irradiation (for imaging, e.g.) in response to the indication. |
| US08249215B2 |
Mixed-energy intensity-modulated radiation therapy
A system includes determination of a plurality of radiation beams for a radiation treatment fraction, each of the plurality of beams associated with a respective intensity, beam aperture and beam energy, and at least two of the plurality of beams respectively associated with two different beam energies, and determination of a forward dose associated with the plurality of input beams. If it is determined that the forward dose does not conform to a dose prescription, a beam weight is determined for each of the plurality of input beams based on the forward dose and the dose prescription using Gaussian elimination, and a second forward dose associated with the plurality of input beams and their respective beam weights is determined. |
| US08249212B2 |
Method to apply a clamp to a core spray sparger T-box
A method for attaching a core spray sparger T-box clamp for a sparger T-box in a shroud of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel assembling the anchor plate, bearing plate and saddle bracket; positioning the assembly of the anchor plate, bearing plate and saddle bracket in front of the T-box such that the saddle bracket is below a sidewall of the T-box; elevating the assembly to seat the saddle bracket against a lower surface of the sidewall and sliding a locating pin on the saddle bracket into an aperture in the sidewall; lowering a carrier plate onto an upper surface of the sidewall and attaching the carrier plate to the anchor plate, wherein a locating pin on the carrier plate slides into an aperture on the upper surface, and advancing the bearing plate to the T-box to bias a bearing plate against a cover plate of the T-box. |
| US08249207B1 |
Clock and data recovery sampler calibration
Methods and apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving clock and data recovery sampler calibration. One such method includes receiving an electronic data stream by a clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit comprising a data sampler and an edge sampler. The data stream includes data portions and transitioning portions. The method further includes conducting calibration of the CDR circuit. The calibration includes acquiring samples from the transitioning portions of the data stream using the data sampler; and calibrating the data sampler based at least partially on the samples acquired using the data sampler. The method allows one not only to improve performance, but also to improve yield and reduce testing and screening requirements without requiring any additional circuitry to detect the offsets and works with regular input signals. |
| US08249206B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel estimation in communication systems, and related computer program product
A method of channel estimation in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing communication employing three or more subcarriers, wherein frequency correlation exists between the subcarriers. The method includes: calculating a coarse channel estimate for each of the subcarriers, and calculating from the coarse channel estimates refined channel estimates for each of the subcarriers, wherein calculation of the refined channel estimates includes calculating the parameters of a Wiener Filter having a length of 2 L+1, where L is a positive integer, and filtering the coarse channel estimates with the Wiener Filter. |
| US08249205B2 |
HD radio diversity receiver with shared processing paths
A receiver including a plurality of antennas for receiving at least one radio signal, an analog processing path in signal communication with at least one of the antennas, a digital processing path in signal communication with at least one of the antennas, and a processor for controlling a processing of the at least one radio signal, wherein the at least one radio signal is processed by at least one of the analog processing path and the digital processing path. |
| US08249203B2 |
Truncation of noisy taps in channel estimation
Methods and systems are described for processing a signal in wireless communications. The signal may have synchronization information. A method of processing a signal having synchronization information may include receiving the signal, and determining a truncation region of the time domain estimated channel, the estimated channel having taps. The method further includes processing the channel taps within the truncation region. |
| US08249201B2 |
Methods and systems for MIMO preamble detection
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure allow for detection of a transmitted preamble sequence by processing a correlation of a received signal and a preamble hypothesis in a way that exploits the good correlation properties of the known set of preamble sequences. For certain embodiments, the highest peaks of the correlation output may be compared across all preamble hypotheses to decide which preamble sequence is transmitted. |
| US08249197B2 |
Decision directed timing recovery using multi-phase detection
A set of one or more samples is received. Using a first signal processor associated with a first phase offset, a first decision and a first error value are generated using the set of samples. Using a second signal processor associated with a second phase offset, a second decision and a second error value are generated using the set of samples. This includes interpolating the set of samples to obtain a set of interpolated samples at the second phase offset and generating the second decision and the second error value using the set of interpolated samples at the second phase offset. A selection associated with the first decision and the second decision is made based at least in part on the first error value and the second error value. |
| US08249195B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus with a plurality of antenna elements
A wireless communication apparatus comprising a memory for storing a group of coefficient values to be applied to processing of orthogonal modulation signals received by a plurality of antenna elements, a coefficient generation unit for detecting a phase shift value of reception timing of specific received signals on the basis of a desired signal and the coefficient values read out from the memory, compensating the group of coefficient values according to the detected phase shift value, and storing the compensated coefficient values in the memory, and a signal processing unit for processing the received signals by applying the compensated coefficient values. |
| US08249194B2 |
Apparatus and method for canceling direct current (DC) offset in broadband wireless access communication system
An apparatus and method for canceling a Direct Current (DC) offset in a Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) communication system are provided. The method includes canceling a DC offset by performing self-calibration in a modulator/demodulator (modem), attempting initial synchronization acquisition in the modem, and if the initial synchronization acquisition succeeds, canceling a DC offset by performing DC offset trace and cancellation. |
| US08249193B2 |
Reference signal sequence representation in wireless communication device
A wireless communication device including a controller communicably coupled to a transceiver. In one embodiment, the controller generates a QPSK sequence having multiple elements wherein each element includes real and imaginary parts. In another embodiment, the sequence is selected from a groups of sequences stored on a user terminal. Thereafter, the controller generates a reference signal based on the information representative of the selected QPSK sequence. |