| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08286259B2 |
Network projector including a display signal control unit, and projector system including the network projector
The present invention aims to provide a network projector which has a simple security function via a network. The network projector comprises a power source unit which supplies power to the network projector and a display signal control unit which, when confirming that a connection confirmation signal which is transmitted at a fixed period from a host computer via a network is not inputted for more than a predetermined time, outputs a supply stop signal to the power source unit indicating that the supply of power should be stopped. |
| US08286256B2 |
Method and system for restricted biometric access to content of packaged media
A system, method, and user device for restricting access to the content of media over a network. Biometric information is collected and compared against pre-stored biometric information of a user to authenticate the identity of the user. The user then requests access to the content of a medium. Access is permitted to the requested content if the content is identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server. Access is denied to the requested content if the content is not identified as content, or indicia identifying the content, that the user previously uploaded to the server. |
| US08286255B2 |
Computer file control through file tagging
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for providing data protection through the detection of tags associated with data or a file. In embodiments the present invention may provide for a step A, where data may be scanned that is intended to be communicated from the client computing facility. In response to step A, at step B, restricted data may be identified by identifying an absence of a tag associated with the data. And finally, in response to step B, at step C, an interruption to the intended communication may be caused. |
| US08286254B2 |
Behavioral learning for interactive user security
A system for automatically handling requests to grant or deny access to resources in a network or computer system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a “learning mode” can be designated so that whenever a permission query is detected the system automatically supplies an answer to the query without requiring the user to make a response or take other action. The automated answer can be set so that the permission is always granted or other criteria can be used for the automated answer such as by categorizing the type of access permission and using a default response according to the category. |
| US08286253B1 |
Data leakage prevention for resource limited device
When a resource-limited device (such as a mobile telephone) joins a network associated with an enterprise, the agent in the device generates digital signatures for all the files in the device and sends them to an enterprise controller. The controller compares them to the global signature database; it filters out the sensitive digital signatures and feeds them back to the agent in the device. The agent receives the feedback of digital signatures and consolidates them into its own local signature database. The agent analyzes each file that is attempting to be output from the device according to the local signature database and DLP policy. If the signature of the file is present in the local database then the action to output file is blocked. If a new file is created on the device, the agent generates and sends its digital signature to the controller for inspection. If the signature is sensitive, this new digital signature will be placed into the local signature database. If the DLP controller updates the global signature database, the device will send its signatures once again for comparison. |
| US08286251B2 |
Obfuscating computer program code
A computer-implemented method of tamper-protecting a computer program, the method comprising: processing an input representation of the computer program to identify a function call for causing a data processing system to continue execution of the computer program at a predetermined entry point memory address when said computer program is executed by a data processing system; replacing the identified function call with a modified function call, wherein the modified function call includes an algebraic expression for causing the data processing system to compute the entry point memory address when said computer program is executed by the data processing system. |
| US08286250B1 |
Browser extension control flow graph construction for determining sensitive paths
A computer-implemented method, a system and a computer program product for determining whether a browser extension leaks information over a network, is provided. A control flow graph (CFG) is generated from a source code included in the browser extension. The CFG is particular to the programming language included in the source code. A sensitive path in the CFG is determined. The sensitive path begins at a sensitive source node and ends at a sensitive end node. A set of tainted variables in the CFG are identified, where each tainted variable stores sensitive or personal information. A subset of tainted variables is generated where each tainted variable in the subset is included in the sensitive path. When a tainted variable in the subset is included in the sensitive end node, the browser extension is determined to leak information over the network. |
| US08286247B2 |
Method and system for carrying out maintenance or service operations on machines
A method for carrying out maintenance or service operations on machines, includes transmitting data for a maintenance or service requirement by the computer of the machine over a publicly accessible communications network to a management computer. The management computer checks the status of the machine through the computer of the machine for permissible authorizations. The corresponding service or maintenance operations are carried out on the basis of the authorization of the machine detected by the management computer. The service or maintenance requirement can also be reported by the computer of the machine over the publicly accessible communications network to the management computer, and the management computer can create a checklist for processing the required service and maintenance measures, on the basis of at least one error message received, and can transmit it to the computer of the machine. A system is also provided for carrying out the method. |
| US08286245B2 |
Virus protection in an internet environment
A method of scanning data for viruses in a computer device, the device having a browser for rendering the data for use. The method comprises storing the data in a buffer memory accessible to said browser and creating an instance of a browser plugin, said plugin providing a virus scanning function or providing a route to a virus scanning function. The data is scanned for viruses using the instance of the plugin and, if no viruses are detected in the data, it is returned to the browser for rendering. If a virus is detected in the data, rendering of the data is inhibited. |
| US08286243B2 |
Blocking intrusion attacks at an offending host
A method, apparatus, and program product are provided for protecting a network from intrusions. An offending packet communicated by an offending host coupled to a protected network is detected. In response to the detection, a blocking instruction is returned to the offending host to initiate an intrusion protection operation on the offending host, where the blocking instruction inhibits further transmission of offending packets by the offending host. At the offending host, a blocking instruction is received with a portion of an offending packet. The offending host verifies that the offending packet originated from the host. In response to the verification of the offending packet originating from the host, an intrusion protection operation is initiated on the host thereby inhibiting transmission of a subsequent outbound offending packet by the host. |
| US08286242B2 |
System and method for providing network security
A method includes receiving an indication of at least one detected security issue at a network device. The indication is received from a security agent at a security manager processor. The method includes polling, via the security manager processor, at least one other network device in response to the indication in order to retrieve additional information when the security manager processor determines that the additional information is needed. The method includes selecting, via the security manager processor, at least one executable security object responsive to the indication and the additional information. The method also includes initiating communication of the at least one executable security object to the network device via the security manager processor. |
| US08286238B2 |
Method and apparatus for run-time in-memory patching of code from a service processor
Methods and apparatuses enable in-memory patching of a program loaded in volatile memory. A service processor identifies a program to be patched and an associated patch for the program. The patch is loaded into memory, including applying relocation fix-ups to the patch. The service processor directs the program to the patch in place of the segment of the program to be patched. The program implements the patch while maintaining program state, and without suspending execution of the program. |
| US08286237B2 |
Method and apparatus to detect unauthorized information disclosure via content anomaly detection
Method and apparatus to monitor and detect anomalies of information content flows, the method comprising the steps of capturing information access packets, filtering packets to extract information, decoding packets to determine information content, deriving content signatures, trending prototypical behavior, and detecting anomalies of information access, and said apparatus comprising a computing device comprising a network based device that captures the information and produces anomaly information. |
| US08286232B2 |
System and method for transparent cloud access
System and method for transparent cloud access are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises an enterprise computing environment maintained by an enterprise and a cloud computing environment maintained by a cloud provider; and a secure bridge mechanism for interconnecting the enterprise computing environment and the cloud computing environment. The secure bridge mechanism comprises a first secure bridge portion associated with the enterprise and a second secure bridge portion associated with the cloud computing environment. The first and second secure bridge portions interoperate to provide transparent and secure access by resources of one of the computing environments to those of the other computing environment. |
| US08286226B2 |
Password protection system
A password registering method used in an electronic device includes displaying one visual dial on a touch screen of the electronic device; recording rotation parameters of the visual dial rotated by a user, and generating input information according to the rotation parameters; and registering the password according to the generated input information the user's confirming the rotation operation. |
| US08286218B2 |
Systems and methods of customized television programming over the internet
A production facility receives program content from a plurality of broadcast feeds over the Internet. In an embodiment, the production facility comprises server on a computer network, such as the Internet. The server comprises computer programs configured to manipulate the audio and video data of the multiple program contents. At the production facility, the program content can be manipulated to produce a production. Program manipulation can comprise at least one of green screen technology, music, graphics, Foley, sound effects, voice over, advertising, or the like. The production is broadcast over the computer network to viewers, where the viewers receive the production. In an embodiment, the production is customized based on the viewers' input received while broadcasting. In other words, the production is customized in real time based at least in part on the interaction of the production with the viewers. In another embodiment, the viewers can further manipulate the program content of the production to create a new production, which can be broadcast over the customized programming system. |
| US08286216B2 |
Method and system for transmitting data between a central radio station and at least one transmitter
First data is transmitted between a central radio station and at least one transmitter, where the first data is in first data fields of data packets and useful data is in second data fields of the data packets. The first data fields in this context are pre-reserved by the central radio station for the transmission of second data between the transmitter(s) and the receivers. |
| US08286209B2 |
Multi-port entry adapter, hub and method for interfacing a CATV network and a MoCA network
A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals are bypassed around the CATV communication paths within the entry adapter to maintain adequate signal strength and to allow a passive port of the entry adapter to be used as part of the MoCA network. MoCA signals are suppressed from exiting the CATV entry adapter onto the CATV network. |
| US08286205B2 |
Terminal and method for providing broadcast information
A terminal displays a broadcast program from a first provider, and displays one or more identifiers from additional broadcast providers. Upon selection of one of the identifiers of the additional providers, additional information of broadcasts from the additional provider is also displayed thereby enabling a user to decide whether to continue to display the broadcast program from the first provider or to display a broadcast program from the additional provider. |
| US08286202B2 |
Systems and methods for memorializing a viewers viewing experience with captured viewer images
Systems and methods of memorializing a viewer's viewing experience are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment presents a movie to the viewer, detects an occurrence of one of a plurality of event capture triggers, captures at least one image of the viewer in response to detecting the event capture trigger, and stores the image of the viewer. |
| US08286200B2 |
Disk drive apparatus and electronic appliance
A disk drive apparatus includes: a disk table on which a disk recording medium inserted into a disk insertion port for loading is mounted; an eject lever rotatably supported by a chassis, and having a disk holding part that holds the inserted medium; and a support lever rotatably supported by the chassis and having a disk holding part, wherein these levers are rotated between a waiting position at which the disk holding part waits for the inserted medium and a drawing position at which the medium held by the disk holding part is drawn, wherein when the eject lever and the support lever are at the waiting positions, the disk holding parts are each positioned at a position which is located more on the disk insertion port side than a centering projecting part of the disk table and is not overlapped with the insertion direction of the medium. |
| US08286199B1 |
Automated method for creating a graphical user interface for a document management system that is visually integrated with an application having limited native GUI-integration capabilities
An add-on application, running on a computer, allows a user to store, in a repository, information such as (for example) document images, and to associate particular information with specified states of a host application such as the QUICKBOOKS® accounting software. When the add-on application determines, for example, that a bill is being displayed (or is about to be displayed) on the screen by the host application, the add-on application automatically obtains, and displays on the screen, information associated with the bill, such as a list or count of one or more electronic documents that are associated with the bill. In our particular embodiment, the auxiliary window is a toolbar or sidebar window located within the host application window itself. The foregoing is achieved utilizing standard host-application SDK and operating-platform API functionality, thus reducing the risk of degrading the host application's performance. |
| US08286195B2 |
Controlling hardware across two or more simultaneously running operating systems
A computing device has two or more software stacks, each stack simultaneously running a different operating system. Only one enabled operating system at a time has control of hardware resources of the computing device. Each disabled operating system has its device drivers disabled. The drivers may be disabled by stopping device driver messages to devices at a firmware layer unassociated with any operating system. The drivers may be disabled by having their associated operating system dynamically unload them when the operating system is disabled. In some instances, the drivers may be modified to include a “stop” control that tells the driver to stop communicating with its associated device, and a “resume” control that tells the driver to resume communication. When an operating system is disabled, the operating system may send a “stop” message to its device drivers. Drivers associated with messages passed between operating systems may remain enabled. |
| US08286193B2 |
Processing received data
A computer system comprising hardware including a data interface for interfacing between the computer system and a data source; a memory; a first operating system capable of communicating with the hardware; and a second operating system capable of supporting a user-level application and being configured to communicate with the hardware via the first operating system, the second operating system being capable of allocating a region of the memory for use as a buffer by such a user-level application. The data interface is configurable to associate a predetermined data format with a region of the memory that has been allocated for use as a buffer by a user-level application supported by the second operating system and to, on receiving from the data source a data message of that format, automatically store data of that message in that region of the memory without it passing via the first or second operating systems. |
| US08286192B2 |
Kernel subsystem for handling performance counters and events
A system for handling performance counters and events includes an operating system that receives a request of a first application for performance data associated with a type of event to be performed by a second application, causes a hardware counter pertaining to the event type to be activated, and provides a file descriptor corresponding to the hardware counter to the first application. The operating system then receives a second request of the first application for a value of the hardware counter, where the second request includes the file descriptor, and provides the value of the hardware counter to the first application. |
| US08286187B2 |
Resource management system and method
Resource management system is provided, implemented between a service bundle developer and provider and a service bundle user. A resource requirement determining device determines a system resource requirement for a service bundle provided by the service bundle developer and provider, and generates resource requirement information corresponding to the service bundle. A processor receives information of system resource utilization status from the service bundle user, determines whether available resource of the service bundle user is sufficient for the resource requirement of the service bundle, when the available resource of the service bundle user is insufficient, the processor generates a waiting queue, and adds the service bundle into the waiting queue. When available resource of the service bundle user is sufficient, the processor installs the service bundle specified in the waiting queue in the service user. A storage device stores the waiting queue and corresponding resource requirement information. |
| US08286182B2 |
Method and system for deadlock detection in a distributed environment
A method of deadlock detection is disclosed which adjusts the detection technique based on statistics maintained for tracking the number of actual deadlocks that are detected in a distributed system, and for which types of locks are most frequently involved in deadlocks. When deadlocks occur rarely, the deadlock detection may be tuned down, for example, by reducing a threshold value which determines timeouts for waiting lock requests. When it is determined that actual deadlocks are detected frequently, the processing time for deadlock detection may be reduced, for example, by using parallel forward or backward search operations and/or by according higher priority in deadlock detection processing to locks which are more likely to involve deadlocks. |
| US08286181B2 |
Supporting administration of a multi-application landscape
A computer-implemented method for supporting administration of a multi-application landscape includes initiating, in a multi-application computer system, a business process that involves executing multiple applications and uses run control statements associated with process steps of the business process where a business process state is subject to change. The run control statements are executed as part of performing the business process. For each run control statement being executed, at least one of multiple state indicators associated with the run control statement is selected, the state indicator representing run-state information of the business process. A representation of the business process state is generated and stored in a repository, the representation comprising (i) each state indicator selected in executing the run control statements, and (ii) an identifier for the process step where the business process state changed. |
| US08286179B2 |
System and method for management of jobs in a cluster environment
A system and method for management of jobs in the clustered environment is provided. Each node in the cluster executes a job manager that interfaces with a replicated database to enable cluster wide management of jobs within the cluster. Jobs are queued in the replicated database and retrieved by a job manager for execution. Each job manager ensures that jobs are processed through completion or, failing that, are re-queued on another storage system for execution. |
| US08286178B2 |
Allocation and regulation of CPU entitlement for virtual processors in logical partitioned platform
A system, method, and computer program product for managing processor entitlement of virtual processors in logical partitioned data processing system. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of managing processing resources in a data processing system. The method involves creating a resource set comprising a grouping of virtual processors, and allocating a processing resource entitlement the resource set. The method also includes assigning the resource set to a workload, receiving a request by the workload for utilization of processing resources, and in response to receiving the workload request dispatching the assigned resource set. The method further includes determining whether the dispatched virtual processors of the resource set have exceeded the assigned processing resource entitlement, and in response to determining that the processing resource entitlement has been exceeded, undispatching the resource set. |
| US08286176B1 |
Optimizing resource configurations
Systems and methods for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance metric information associated with processing a request corresponding to a set of resources. The processing device uses the processed performance metric information to determine a resource configuration to be associated with the set of resources. In some embodiments, in making such a determination, the processing device assesses performance metric information collected and associated with subsequent requests corresponding to the content associated with the set of resources and using each of a variety of alternative resource configurations. The processing device may also consider a number of factors, including performance selection criteria obtained from an original content provider. Aspects of systems and methods for generating recommendations to use a particular resource configuration to process a subsequent request corresponding to the content associated with the set of resources are also provided. |
| US08286175B2 |
Method and apparatus for capacity optimization and planning in an on-demand computing environment
A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the best cluster of computing resources to handle each of a plurality of workloads by optimally grouping multiple workloads and determining the best resource cluster to handle each group. |
| US08286173B2 |
Methods and apparatus for window-based fair priority scheduling
A system provides a task scheduler to define a priority queue with at least one window and a queue-window key. Each window is an ordered collection of tasks in a task pool of the priority queue and is identified by the queue-window key. The task scheduler sets a task-window key equal to a user-window key when the user-window key is greater than the minimum queue-window key. The task scheduler can further set the task-window key equal to the minimum queue-window key when the user-window key is less than the minimum queue-window key. A maximum task limit per user for each window and a priority increment for the user-window key are further applied to ensure fair scheduling. |
| US08286172B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing best-effort parallel computing frameworks
Implementations of the present principles include Best-effort computing systems and methods. In accordance with various exemplary aspects of the present principles, a application computation requests directed to a processing platform may be intercepted and classified as either guaranteed computations or best-effort computations. Best-effort computations may be dropped to improve processing performance while minimally affecting the end result of application computations. In addition, interdependencies between best-effort computations may be relaxed to improve parallelism and processing speed while maintaining accuracy of computation results. |
| US08286170B2 |
System and method for processor thread allocation using delay-costs
A computer system includes a plurality of multi-threaded processors, and a scheduler. The multi-threaded processors each have a set of hardware threads forming a pool of hardware threads. The scheduler allocates hardware threads of the pool of hardware threads to one or more guest operating systems based on priorities of the guest operating systems. The priorities of the guest operating systems are based on logical processors requested by the guest operating systems. |
| US08286168B2 |
Infrastructure auto discovery from business process models via batch processing flows
A method for infrastructure automatic discovery from business process models through batch processing flows is provided. Data flow in an IT infrastructure is monitored to observe batch processing flows. An information model is formed based on the observed batch processing flows. |
| US08286167B2 |
Image processing apparatus, job management method, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus where a job is implemented by one or more constituent functions is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a control unit configured to display states of the job and the constituent functions, to allow a user to select one of the constituent functions and add a subsequent function after the selected one of the constituent functions, and to receive a request to execute the job. |
| US08286162B2 |
Delivering interrupts directly to a virtual processor
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for delivering an interrupt to a virtual processor are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface to receive an interrupt request, delivery logic, and exit logic. The delivery logic is to determine, based on an attribute of the interrupt request, whether the interrupt request is to be delivered to the virtual processor. The exit logic is to transfer control to a host if the delivery logic determines that the interrupt request is not to be delivered to the virtual processor. |
| US08286160B2 |
Method of installing application programs and computer accessible recording medium storing installation program
There is provided a method of installing an application program to an information processing device which is connected with a network to which an information processing server storing various pieces information are stored. The method includes the step of making the information processing device acquire setting information from the information server, the setting information being the information input through the information processing device when the application program was previously installed, the information processing device having the information processing server store the information, and the step of installing the application program based on the setting information which is acquired by having the information processing device acquire from the information processing server. |
| US08286157B2 |
Method, system and program product for managing applications in a shared computer infrastructure
Under the present invention, when an application is deployed, certain information corresponding thereto will be stored in an Enterprise Application Directory (EAD). Thereafter, when an instance of the application is requested (e.g., by a requestor), the information is retrieved from the EAD. In addition, the instance is registered with an Application Access Registry (AAR). Registering the instance involves creating a record in the AAR, generating a unique application access key for the instance, and storing the access key with the information in the record. The access key (and optionally the information) is then returned to the requestor, which can then issue service requests to one or more grid services in the shared computer infrastructure. The service request will include the access key so that the grid service can identify the application by searching for the record in the registry using the access key. |
| US08286155B1 |
Methods and systems for transferring data over a network
A method of distributing a software upgrade to user computer systems having a software application installed thereon is disclosed. A determination is made as whether the software upgrade is to be a forced upgrade or a recommended upgrade for a first user based on a parameter related to the first user or the software upgrade. A determination is made as to whether a software upgrade file is to be downloaded to a user computer using a trickle mode or a burst mode. |
| US08286154B2 |
Apparatus and method for live loading of version upgrades in a process control environment
A method includes comparing a first layout of data elements associated with a first version of a class and a second layout of data elements associated with a second version of the class. The first and second versions of the class are associated respectively with first and second versions of assembly code. The method also includes updating method information in an existing object instance associated with the first version of the class if the first and second layouts are identical. In addition, the method includes creating a new object instance associated with the second version of the class and transferring one or more values of one or more data elements from the existing object instance to the new object instance when the first and second layouts are not identical. |
| US08286149B2 |
Apparatus for and method of implementing feedback directed dependency analysis of software applications
A novel and useful mechanism for optimizing the detection of dependencies in a software system via feedback between static and dynamic engines. The present invention enables dynamic analysis to be more effective by using the results of static analysis to identify sections that need to be traced during dynamic analysis. The method also increases the accuracy of static analysis by using dynamic values as inputs to static analysis. Dynamic values used as inputs for static analysis are a result of dynamic analysis. The mechanism first executes a static analysis, then executes a dynamic analysis targeting the sections identified by the static analysis and finally executes a static analysis using the dynamic values identified during the dynamic analysis in order to detect dependencies. The present invention also provides a mechanism to analyze a specific section of a software system by first executing a dynamic analysis targeting the specific section and then executing a static analysis using the dynamic values identified during the dynamic analysis. |
| US08286147B2 |
Simplifying the deployment and serviceability of commercial software environments
An information processing system includes a preparation machine with an installed image; an execution machine on which the installed image is virtually installed; and a virtualizer for virtualizing the installed image on the execution machine to produce a virtually installed image by using a hierarchy of selective virtualizers, wherein the virtualizing is selective such that not all operations of the executing software of the installed image at any particular level are virtualized. |
| US08286144B2 |
Administering a process filesystem with respect to program code conversion
A technique is provided for administering references to a subject process filesystem during translation of subject code into target code in a dynamic binary translator. The subject code for execution on a subject processor is received by a translator, and corresponding target code for execution on the target processor is generated. The translator is arranged to establish, populate and maintain a process data structure, so that code can be generated by the translator in which subject references to the subject process filesystem are handled effectively. |
| US08286136B2 |
Testing internationalized software using test resource file and test font
An efficient testing method is provided for internationalized software executed in a plurality of language environments. The method includes mock-translating an externalized resource file written in a first language of the internationalized software by converting characters of the first language to characters of a second language based on a conversion table; and displaying output information from the internationalized software that performs processing by referring to the mock-translated test resource file using one of a plurality of fonts prepared for respective test categories. |
| US08286130B2 |
Methods and systems for using type models to generate an implementation of a type
A method for using type analysis to generate an implementation of a type includes the step of identifying a request to generate a first implementation of a type. A type model associated with the type is received. A second implementation of the type model is identified as suitable for a high-performance implementation. The second implementation is generated on a target processor. The second implementation is represented as the first implementation. |
| US08286125B2 |
Model for a hardware device-independent method of defining embedded firmware for programmable systems
A processing device programming system automatically provides a user interface comprising a selectable list of one or more processing devices based on a system level solution, automatically generates an embedded programmable system solution from the system level solution and a processing device selected from the selectable list of one or more processing devices, and automatically programs the processing device according to the embedded programmable system solution. |
| US08286123B1 |
Method and apparatus to use physical design information to detect IR drop prone test patterns
A method is provided to evaluate whether one or more test patterns is power safe for use during manufacturing testing of an integrated circuit that includes a nonuniform power grid and that includes a scan chain, the method comprising: assigning respective toggle count thresholds for respective power grid regions of the non-uniform power grid; and determining whether respective numbers of toggles by scan elements of the scan chain within one or more respective power grid regions meet respective toggle count thresholds for the one or more respective regions during at least one scan-shift cycle in the course of scan-in of a test pattern to the scan chain. |
| US08286120B2 |
Non-invasive leakage power device characterization of integrated circuits using device grouping and compressive sensing
Techniques are generally described for non-invasive, post-silicon characterization of—leakage power for devices of an integrated circuit (IC). A system of sparse leakage power equations may be developed for the devices (e.g. gates) within the IC to be solved using compressive sensing (CS) techniques. Input Vectors (IV) may be applied at input terminal of the IC, and power of the IC may be measured. The measurements may be used in conjunction with the set of sparse equations to determine leakage power values for individual devices, not directly accessible. Pre-processing and post-processing techniques may be employed to make the system of equations more sparse and further improve the efficiency of applying CS techniques to solve the equation. Example processing may include variable splitting, device grouping, IV and equation selection, measurement under elevated IC temperature, and bootstrapping. Other aspects may be disclosed and claimed. |
| US08286119B2 |
Systematic method for variable layout shrink
A method for integrated circuit design includes providing a layout of an integrated circuit; determining key parameters of the integrated circuit; determining target values of the key parameters; and performing a first shrinkage of the layout using a first shrink percentage to generate a shrunk layout. The shrunk layout is evaluated by generating values of the key parameters from the shrunk layout. A portion of the values of the key parameters failing to meet respective ones of the target values is found. Guidelines for tuning manufacturing processes of the shrunk layout are provided, so that the portion of the values of the key parameters can meet the respective ones of the target values. |
| US08286113B1 |
Verification of logic core implementation
A system and method are provided for verifying implementation of a logic core in a complete bitstream. A logic core bitstream is extracted from the complete bitstream. The logic core bitstream is compared to a reference bitstream of the logic core for a target device. In response to no discrepancy in the comparison of the logic core bitstream and the reference bitstream, a data value is stored indicating that the logic core implementation contained in the complete bitstream is verified. |
| US08286107B2 |
Methods and systems for process compensation technique acceleration
Selected cells in a semiconductor chip layout are replaced with corresponding PCT pre-processed cells. Each PCT pre-processed cell represents a particular selected cell having been previously subjected to a cell-level-PCT-processing operation so as to include PCT-based cell layout adjustments. Following replacement of the selected cells in the semiconductor chip layout with corresponding PCT pre-processed cells, a chip-wide PCT processing operation is performed on the semiconductor chip layout for a given chip level. The presence of the PCT pre-processed cells in the semiconductor chip layout serves to accelerate the chip-wide PCT processing of the semiconductor chip layout. The chip-wide PCT processed semiconductor layout for the given chip level is recorded on a persistent storage medium. |
| US08286104B1 |
Input method application for a touch-sensitive user interface
In an aspect, a method includes the actions of displaying, at a touch-sensitive display, a plurality of characters that each represent a distinct consonant included in a language script; receiving, at the touch-sensitive display, a touch selection of a first character from the plurality of characters, the touch selection being received at a location on the touch-sensitive display at which the first character is displayed; and in response to receiving the touch selection: detecting a gesture input, selecting a vowel marker based at least in part on an association of the gesture input with one or more vowel markers; and displaying, at the touch-sensitive display, an updated representation of the first character based at least in part on the selected vowel marker. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer programs, configured to perform the actions of the methods, encoded on computer storage devices. |
| US08286103B2 |
Unlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image
A device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device. The device displays one or more unlock images with respect to which the predefined gesture is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The performance of the predefined gesture with respect to the unlock image may include moving the unlock image to a predefined location and/or moving the unlock image along a predefined path. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on the touch screen to remind a user of the gesture. |
| US08286100B2 |
Linking graphical elements of data visualizations
Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention provide for representing data values of a dataset as a plurality of graphical elements in a data visualization. A data table of the dataset may be linked with web-accessible information using a first content identifier. The first content identifier includes a first substring. The data visualization for the dataset is generated based on a first configuration. A selection of a graphical element of the plurality of graphical elements in the data visualization is received through a first user interface. The first substring is substituted with an identifier of the selected graphical element, generating a second content identifier. The requested web-accessible information based on the second content identifier is rendered. |
| US08286098B2 |
Mobile terminal for displaying executable functions on a touch screen display and display method thereof
A mobile terminal and a method for displaying executable functions are disclosed. A plurality of rotatable three-dimensional polyhedral icons is displayed on a touch screen display. Executable functions are assigned to the faces of the three-dimensional polyhedral icons, and at least two faces are visible. A polyhedral icon may be selected and continuously rotated about its horizontal and vertical axes to display other faces, and the executable function on the face parallel to the plane of the display may be executed, thereby providing a convenient way to access executable functions of a mobile terminal. |
| US08286097B2 |
Image processing apparatus for executing a process flow, method of controlling the same and storage medium
An image processing apparatus which is capable of executing a processing flow without changing the contents thereof even when the processing flow includes a process that cannot be executed by itself. When a processing flow includes an unexecutable process, the apparatus transmits a request for confirming whether or not the processing flow is executable, to other image processing apparatuses, and receives a response indicating that the processing flow is executable, from any of the other apparatuses. The apparatus determines a transfer destination of the processing flow from the other image processing apparatuses. The apparatus generate from the processing flow a first cooperation processing flow including executable processes and a second cooperation processing flow including at least one unexecutable process, and transfers the second cooperation processing flow to the determined transfer destination. The apparatus displays an execution button for executing the first cooperation processing flow. |
| US08286096B2 |
Display apparatus and computer readable medium
The display apparatus is provided with a generating unit that generates a menu image in which selection items of a menu are geometrically arranged; and a controller that makes the menu image displayed on a screen of a display and that makes positions of the selection items in the menu image dynamically changed. |
| US08286095B2 |
Multidimensional volume and vibration controls for a handheld electronic device
A system and method for adjusting a notification setting of a handheld electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving a request to adjust a notification setting which causes the electronic device to display a notification module on a display of the electronic device. The notification module includes a plurality of control portions each corresponding to a notification setting which can be adjusted within the corresponding control portion. The method further includes detecting a selection proximate to a control portion and inputting a notification setting change based upon a selection executed within one of the control portions. The notification setting is adjusted in response to the notification setting change. |
| US08286090B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying and visualizing information
Certain embodiments of the present technology provide a method of displaying and visualizing information in accordance with the amount of screen space available. Other embodiments provide a system for displaying and visualizing information in accordance with the amount of screen space available. Yet other embodiments provide a computer-readable medium having a set of instructions for execution by a computer, the set of instruction capable of displaying and visualizing information in accordance with the amount of screen space available. |
| US08286089B2 |
Representing new messages on a communication device
There is provided a method of representing new email messages on a communication device having a display. This method comprises setting a new message flag when an email message is received by the device; and displaying a new message indicator on the display when the new message flag is set. The new message indicator can be displayed on a home screen on the display. The new message flag can be unset when a messages screen is selected on the device. A computer readable memory having recorded thereon instructions to carry out this method is also provided, as well as a device comprising such memory. |
| US08286085B1 |
Attachment suggestion technology
Techniques are described for providing attachment suggestions for electronic communications. For instance, text entered in an interface defining an outgoing communication is compared with file storage information. Based on the comparison, an attachment suggestion is determined for the outgoing communication and a representation of the determined attachment suggestion is displayed. The attachment suggestion may include a suggested folder location from which to attach a file and/or a suggested file to attach. |
| US08286084B2 |
Methods and apparatus for remote interaction using a partitioned display
In some embodiments, a processor-readable medium includes code representing instructions to cause a processor to perform a process. The code stored by the processor-readable medium includes code to cause the processor to allocate a portion of a display screen of a first device to be uniquely associated with a second device and to send to the second device a directive representing a symbol appearing on the display screen when a user-selected indicator is received. The user-selected indicator is associated with the portion of the display screen of the first device. The first device is mutually exclusive from the second device. |
| US08286083B2 |
Copying documents from electronic displays
A system including a Multi Function Printer/Product/Peripheral (MFP) and a portable computing device adapted to allow automatic copying of documents by the MFP from the portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a display, a plurality of sensors for detecting light, a light detection module and a page changing module. The sensors are positioned to detect light from the MFP and trigger a page change automatically. The MFP in accordance with the present invention includes a scanner with a platen, a page change detection module, an image processing module, a device identification module, and a document matching & retrieval module. The page change detection module is adapted to receive the images presented by the portable computing device on the platen of the scanner for copying. The page change detection module detects changes and causes the MFP to scan and output a copy. |
| US08286082B2 |
Methods and systems for providing, by a remote machine, access to a desk band associated with a resource executing on a local machine
A method for providing, by a remote machine, access to a desk band associated with a resource on a local machine includes receiving, by a first agent on the remote machine, an identification of a desk band associated with a resource on a local machine. The first agent, in communication with a shell on the remote machine, maintains a taskbar window in a remote desktop environment. The taskbar window includes at least one window associated with a resource provided by the remote machine and a window region representing the desk band by using graphical data stored on the remote machine. The first agent transmits, to a second agent on the local machine, window attribute data and output data associated with the taskbar window in the remote desktop environment. The second agent displays at least a portion of the received output data in a local window on a local desktop environment. |
| US08286081B2 |
Editing and saving key-indexed geometries in media editing applications
Some embodiment provide media editing applications that include libraries that (i) provide presets (i.e., predefined operations and/or predefined attribute values) for modifying key indices and interpolation between the key indices, and/or (ii) provide storage for storing presets defined by a user of the media editing application. Some embodiments display the presets as thumbnails, thumbnails with text descriptions, and/or text-defined operations. In addition, some embodiments provide user-interface tools that allow the user of the media editing application to augment the preset libraries by storing a selected part of one key-indexed geometry or parts of multiple different geometries as a user-defined preset. |
| US08286079B2 |
Context aware user interface for medical diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound imaging
User interaction is provided for a medical imaging system. The user interacts with the display rather than programmed buttons. The context between the user input and the display, such as identifying user selection of a bottom edge of a displayed image, is determined. The imaging system is controlled based on the context, such as altering the depth of imaging as the user drags the selected bottom edge up or down on the screen. |
| US08286076B1 |
Rendering approximate webpage screenshot client-side
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for rendering an approximate webpage screenshot client-side are disclosed. A system may receive an indication to render a screenshot of a webpage presented on the client device, and create a canvas at the client device. The system may traverse a document object model (DOM) of the webpage, whereby for each of one or more nodes in the DOM, the system may identify a property of a respective node and render data in the respective node on the canvas based on the property. |
| US08286064B2 |
Transmission device
Provided is a transmission device which improves the error rate characteristic upon decoding when performing error correction encoding by using a self-orthogonal code or an LDPC-CC in a communication system using a communication path having a fading fluctuation, multi-value modulation, or MIMO transmission. In the transmission device, the self-orthogonal encoding unit (110) encodes a self-orthogonal code having a constriction length K and an interleave unit (130) rearranges a code word sequence so that the same modulation symbol includes an information bit of a moment i and a non-correlated bit of the information bit of the moment i in a multi-value modulation unit (150). |
| US08286061B2 |
Error detection using parity compensation in binary coded decimal and densely packed decimal conversions
Error detection using parity compensation in binary coded decimal (BCD) and densely packed decimal (DPD) conversions, including a computer program product having a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes receiving formatted decimal data in a first format, the formatted decimal data consisting of a DPD format data or a BCD format data. One or more first parity bits are generated by converting the received data into a second format of the formatted decimal data, and by determining the parity of the data in the second format. One or more second parity bits are generated directly from the received data. An error flag is set to indicate an error in the data in the second format in response to the first parity bits not being equal to the second parity bits. |
| US08286054B2 |
Semiconductor memory, operating method of semiconductor memory, and system
In a write operation, an error of regular data read from a regular memory cell is detected and corrected using parity data. A part of the corrected regular data is replaced with write data, to thereby generate new parity data. When write commands are supplied, the parity data starts to be read from a parity memory cell after the read of the regular data is started and while the regular data is read. Further, while the new parity data is supplied to the parity memory cell, the regular data starts to be read from the regular memory cell in response to a following write command. Accordingly, an access cycle time of a semiconductor memory can be reduced. |
| US08286053B2 |
Method and apparatus for reading data
A reading apparatus reads data from a storage device based on which an error correcting code is to be generated. An error determining unit reads the data from the storage device, and determines whether a read error has occurred in the data. A reading unit re-reads, when the error determining unit determines that a read error has occurred in the data, the same data from the storage device. |
| US08286051B2 |
Method and apparatus for burst error detection and digital communication device
A digital communication device is provided for decoding a data stream to generate a receiver output. In the digital communication device, a burst error detector determines burst noise locations corresponding to the data stream according to an error-check equation and accordingly generates a burst error indicator. Thereafter, an inner decoder decodes the data stream to generate an inner decoded stream, comprising an erasure marker for performing an erasure marking process on the inner decoded stream based on the burst error indicator to generate an erasure indicator corresponding to the inner decoded stream. An outer decoder then decodes the inner decoded stream with reference to the erasure indicator to generate the receiver output. |
| US08286050B2 |
Decoding method, decoding device, interleaving method, and transmitter
A decoding device allowing a high-speed decoding operation. In a decoding section (215), if a degree of a check equation by a check matrix is D and the relationship between the check equation of the j+first row of the check matrix and the check equation of the jth row is shifted by n-bit, row processing operation sections (405#1 to 405#3) and column processing operation sections (410#1 to 410#3) perform the operation of a protograph in which the columns of the check matrix are delimited for each “(D+1)×N (N: natural number),” and the rows of the check matrix are delimited for each “(D+1)×N/n,” and formed as the processing unit of the row processing operation and column processing operation. |
| US08286047B2 |
Soft buffer memory configuration in a communication system
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, comprising a processor configured to determine a total number of soft channel bits, a first number associated with hybrid automatic retransmit request processes and a second number associated with hybrid automatic retransmit request processes; and the processor further configured to select a size of a soft buffer memory partition based at least in part on the total number of soft channel bits, the first number associated with hybrid automatic retransmit request processes and the second number associated with hybrid automatic retransmit request processes, is disclosed. |
| US08286046B2 |
Integrated circuit testing module including signal shaping interface
Systems and methods of testing integrated circuits are disclosed. The systems include a test module configured to operate between automated testing equipment and an integrated circuit to be tested. The testing interface is configured to test the integrated circuit at a higher slew rate than the slew rate at which signals are received from the automated testing equipment. In order to do so, the testing interface includes components configured for generating addresses, commands, and test data to be conveyed to the integrated circuit. A variety of test data patterns can be produced and the test data can be address dependent. The systems are optionally configured to include a test plan memory component configured to store one or more test plans. A test plan may include a sequence of test patterns and/or conditional branches whereby the tests to be performed next are dependent on the results of the preceding tests. The test plan memory is, optionally, be detachable from the test module. |
| US08286045B2 |
Test apparatus and test method
A test apparatus testing a device under test includes a main pattern generating section that generates a main pattern, a plurality of sub-pattern generating sections each of which generates a sub-pattern corresponding to a different one of segment cycles based on a main pattern, the segment cycles formed by dividing a test cycle period, a test signal supplying section that supplies, to the device under test, a multiplexed test pattern formed by switching sub-patterns generated by the plurality of sub-pattern generating sections at each of the segment cycles, and a plurality of delay selecting sections each of which selects one of a main pattern that is from the main pattern generating section and a delayed main pattern that is formed by delaying the main pattern from the main pattern generating section by a test cycle, to supply the selected one to the corresponding sub-pattern generating section. |
| US08286043B2 |
System, computer program product and method for testing a logic circuit
A system for testing a logic circuit which has two or more test routine modules. Each module contains a set of instructions which is executable by (a part of) the logic circuit. The set forms a test routine for performing a self-test by the part of the logic circuit. The self-test includes the part of the logic circuit testing itself for faulty behavior, and the part of the logic circuit determining a self-test result of the testing. The system includes a test module which can execute a test application which subjects the logic circuit to a test by performing the self-test on at least a part of the logic circuit by causes the part of the logic circuit to execute a selected test routine, and determining, by the test module, an overall test result at least based on a performed self-tests. The test module includes a control output interface for activates the execution of the a selected test routine. A second test module input interface can receive the self-test result from a selected test routine. At a test module output interface the overall test result may be outputted. The test routine includes instructions for outputting, by the part of the logic circuit, data to a test routine output interface which is not connected to the second test module input interface, for outputting information about the self-test result by the test routines without passing the information through the test module. |
| US08286042B2 |
On-chip seed generation using boolean functions for LFSR re-seeding based logic BIST techniques for low cost field testability
This invention generates the random seed patterns using simple, low-area overhead digital circuitry on-chip. This circuit is implemented as a finite state machine whose states are the seeds as contrasted to storing the seeds in the prior art. These seeds are used to control pseudo-random pattern generation for built-in self-tests. This invention provides a large reduction in chip area in comparison with storing seeds on-chip or off-chip. |
| US08286038B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing disc defects using updateable DMA, and disc thereof
A reproducing apparatus is provided. The reproducing apparatus includes a recording/reading unit that records data on or reads data from a disc including a defect management area in which defect information regarding data recorded in a data area of the disc and defect management information for managing the defect information are repeatedly recorded, and a controller that controls the recording/reading unit to read the defect information and the defect management information from the defect management area, and read data from the disc using the defect information. First defect information, which is repeatedly recorded, includes second defect information which is recorded in a predetermined area and defect information regarding a defective block occurring after the second defect information is recorded. The defect management information includes location information of the defect information. |
| US08286034B2 |
Accurate fault status tracking of variable access sensors
A method for accurately tracking fault status in a computer system. The method includes storing a prior state for a sensor associated with a component of the computer system and receiving a sensor reading. When the prior state indicates the sensor was unavailable or unreadable such as when the component was removed, the method includes resending or re-emitting a faulty event to the fault diagnosing module, e.g., after reinsertion of the component in the computer system while it is still faulty. The method may include, prior to the triggering of the resending of the faulty event, determining that the sensor is in a non-nominal state. The method may also include storing in the data storage a definition of a nominal state for the sensor such that the determining the sensor is in the non-nominal state includes comparing one or more sensor readings with the nominal state definition. |
| US08286033B2 |
Network hang recovery
A method of detecting a network hang and restoring an application that communicates on a connection giving rise to the network hang. A user experience may be improved by providing the user with an option to restore the hung application without losing unsaved data or state information. The network hang may be detected when the user tries to terminate the application. The method may include determining whether the network hang is recoverable, which may involve diagnosing a type of the hang. If recoverable, a network connection reset mechanism may be triggered by instructing a network stack of the computer to terminate the network connection. |
| US08286032B2 |
Trace messaging device and methods thereof
A method of generating timestamped trace messages includes generating a trace message in response to an event at an instruction pipeline of a data processing device. If timestamping is enabled, timestamps are only included in the trace message only if a programmable condition is detected. For example, a timestamp can be included in the trace message if the amount of space used to store messages at a trace message buffer exceeds a watermark value. The condition that results in a timestamped trace message is programmable, and can be selected via a debug interface. Because timestamps are only included in trace messages when the programmable condition is satisfied, some trace messages will not include a timestamp, thereby reducing the amount of buffer space needed to store the trace messages. |
| US08286031B2 |
Highly reliable storage system and internal network thereof
The disk controller has a plurality of channel control units, a plurality of cache memories, a plurality of disk control units, and a plurality of internal switch units. Each channel control unit or disk control unit sends to one of the cache memory units a request packet requesting execution of processing. The cache memory unit sends a response packet in response to the received request packet. Each internal switch unit monitors the request packet sent from the channel control unit or disk control unit, and judges whether or not the response packet to the request packet has passed through the internal switch unit within a first given time period since the passage of the request packet. In the case where the response packet has not passed through the internal switch unit within the first given time period, the internal switch unit sends a failure notification. |
| US08286026B2 |
Fault-tolerance and fault-containment models for zoning clustered application silos into continuous availability and high availability zones in clustered systems during recovery and maintenance
A cluster recovery and maintenance technique for a server cluster having plural nodes implementing a server tier in a client-server computing architecture. A first group of N active nodes each run a software stack comprising a cluster management tier and a cluster application tier that actively provides services on behalf of one or more client applications running in a client application tier on the clients. A second group of M spare nodes each run a software stack comprising a cluster management tier and a cluster application tier that does not actively provide client application services. First and second zones in the cluster are determined in response to an active node membership change involving one or more active nodes departing from or being added to the first group as a result of an active node failing or becoming unreachable or as a result of a maintenance operation involving an active node. |
| US08286021B2 |
Flash memory devices with high data transmission rates and memory systems including such flash memory devices
A flash memory device includes a memory cell array, a clock signal input, an input for receiving a signal designating a writing operating mode, a plurality of data input/output pads, and a data input/output buffer circuit that is electrically connected to the clock signal input and to the plurality of data input/output pads. The data input/output buffer circuit is configured to receive data that is to be written to the memory cell array through the data input/output pads in synchronization with a clock signal that is applied to the clock signal input in response to activation of the signal designating the writing operating mode. |
| US08286020B2 |
Power supply and protection method thereof
A power supply includes a power supply module, a microcontroller, a setting unit, a number of switch units, a number of current detection units, and a number of output connectors. Each switch unit is connected to one output connector via one current detection unit. The power supply module converts an alternating current (AC) voltage into a direct current (DC) to power electronic devices connected to each output connector by the corresponding switch unit, and the corresponding current detection unit. Each current detection unit detects a current passing through the output connector. The microcontroller calculates a total power of the power supply module according the detected currents and the DC voltage, and turns off all the switch units when the total power is greater than a predetermined current according to a protection mode set in the setting unit. |
| US08286019B2 |
Power efficient data storage with data de-duplication
A storage system includes a first de-duplication scope comprising a first volume, a first table of hash values corresponding to first chunks of data stored on the first volume, and a first table of logical block addresses of where the chunks of data are stored on the first volume. A second de-duplication scope includes similar information for a second volume. The first scope is used for de-duplicating and storing first data from a first data source and the second scope is used for de-duplicating and storing second data from a second data source. First storage mediums that make up the first volume remain powered off while de-duplication and storage of the second data on the second volume takes place, and second storage mediums that make up the second volume remain powered off while de-duplication and storage of the first data takes place, thereby enabling data de-duplication while saving power. |
| US08286016B2 |
Microarchitecture controller for thin-film thermoelectric cooling
A device having multiple cores executes an algorithm to control Thin-Film Thermoelectric Coolers (TFTEC) that employ the Peltier effect to remove heat from the various cores of the multi-core processor. The algorithms may combine Thread Migration (TM) and Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to provide Dynamic Thermal Management (DTM) and TFTEC control. |
| US08286013B2 |
Portable communication device with multi-tiered power save operation
A system and method for providing multi-tiered power save operation in a portable communication device. A portable communication device may be operated in a first power-save mode. A power-save module of the portable communication device may, for example, provide for operation in such a first power-save mode. It may be determined to operate the portable communication device in a second power-save mode that is different than the first power-save mode. A power-save management module may, for example, make such a determination. The portable communication device may then be operated in the second power-save mode. The power-save module may, for example, provide for operation in such a second power-save mode. |
| US08286010B2 |
Voltage sensor for high-current junction
A system includes a high-current junction, a voltage sensor, and a controller. Power connectors of two components are electrically connected at the high-current junction, where a high current passes between the two components at the high-current junction. The voltage sensor detects a voltage at the high-current junction. The controller performs a predetermined action in response to the voltage sensor detecting the voltage at the high-current junction being greater than a predetermined threshold voltage. The system may be a data center rack. The high-current junction may be the junction at which an alternating current (AC) input receives AC power from AC mains. The high-current junction may alternatively be the junction at which a power supply receives the AC power from the AC input to generate direct current (DC) power to provide to data center rack components insertable within the data center rack. |
| US08286007B2 |
Hybrid technique in energy efficient ethernet physical layer devices
A hybrid technique in energy efficient Ethernet (EEE) physical layer devices (PHYs). A hybrid approach is defined that combines multiple low power modes. In one embodiment, the hybrid approach uses low power idle (LPI) and subset PHY techniques that can be selectively activated. |
| US08286000B2 |
Techniques for dynamic generation and management of password dictionaries
Techniques for dynamic generation and management of password dictionaries are presented. Passwords are parsed for recognizable terms. The terms are housed in dictionaries or databases. Statistics associated with the terms are maintained and managed. The statistics are used to provide strength values to the passwords and determine when passwords are acceptable and unacceptable. |
| US08285997B2 |
Backup apparatus with higher security and lower network bandwidth consumption
A system for more secure, more efficient, more widely applicable backup, retention, and retrieval of data. An apparatus comprising improved means for de-duplication of data and securely storing data remotely with efficient retention and recovery. A method comprising disassembling data objects, efficiently de-duplicating, securely storing and retrieving backups in shared servers on a public network, and controlling retention. |
| US08285995B2 |
System and method for digitally marking a file with a removable mark
A system enables encoding of a removable mark into digital data, and decoding of the mark from the digital data. The system comprises an encoder and a decoder. The encoder includes a target area locator for locating in digital data a predetermined pattern of values that represents a flat area, and a marker for modifying values in the flat area to encode a mark into the flat area. The decoder attempts to extract the mark from the digital data. The decoder includes a mark area locator for locating a predetermined pattern of values in digital data, and an unmarker coupled to the mark area locator for examining the values to determine the state of each value and extract an embedded mark from the predetermined pattern of values. |
| US08285994B2 |
Two-way authentication between two communication endpoints using a one-way out-of-band (OOB) channel
Techniques for two-way authentication between two communication endpoints (e.g., two devices) using a one-way out-of-band (OOB) channel are presented. Here, in embodiments, both communication endpoints may be securely authenticated as long as the one-way OOB channel is tamper-proof. Embodiments of the invention do not require the one-way OOB channel to be private to ensure that both endpoints are securely authenticated. Since providing a two-way or private OOB channel adds to the cost of a platform, embodiments of the invention provide for a simple and secure method for two-way authentication that uses only a non-private one-way OOB channel and thus helping to reduce platform cost. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08285990B2 |
Method and system for authentication confirmation using extensible authentication protocol
A method for secure and reliable authentication in a communication system. In an embodiment, the authentication method includes performing authentication of a user utilizing Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), and transmitting a result indication message to the user. The result indication message can include additional information for security and reliability. The method also includes receiving an acknowledgement message from the user. The acknowledgement message is sent by the user for confirming the reception of the result indication. In an embodiment, the method also includes retransmitting the result indication message if the acknowledgement message is not received within a predetermined time. The additional information for security and reliability can include Message Authentication Code (MAC) and time interval information. The additional information for security and reliability can also include a security/reliability flag. |
| US08285989B2 |
Establishing a secured communication session
The present invention relates to a method for establishing a secured communication session in a communication system between a user using an untrusted device and a server. According to the present invention the user first obtains an authentication algorithm and an encryption algorithm and then creates a session key. Next the user obtains a public key of the server and sends a personal identity number to the server for authentication by using the authentication algorithm, the personal identity number being encrypted by using the encryption algorithm and the public key of the server. The user also sends the session key to the server for encrypting purpose between the user and the server, the session key being encrypted by using the encryption algorithm and the public key of the server. |
| US08285986B2 |
Apparatus and method for data packet security in a wireless sensor network
An apparatus and method for providing data packet security in a wireless sensor network including a plurality of sensor nodes. The apparatus includes a memory unit for storing a plurality of node characteristic information and a plurality of settable security status information, each of the node characteristic information corresponding to at least one of the settable security status information; and a control unit for examining the node characteristic information of the control unit, if a data packet generation request is made, detecting the security status information corresponding to the examined node characteristic information from the memory unit, and generating data packets including the detected security status information. |
| US08285981B2 |
Remote network device provisioning
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to remote network device provisioning. A method is disclosed, the method comprising discovering a network address associated with a device on a network based on a discovery response received in response to a discovery request provided to the device. One or more configurable boot options associated with the device may be determined based at least in part on the discovery response. One or more of the configurable boot options may be configured on the device, wherein, upon reboot of the device using the configured boot options, a software image is provided to the device. |
| US08285978B2 |
Storage medium storing master boot record, computer system having the same and booting method of the computer system
A storage medium storing a master boot record, a computer system having the same, and a booting method of the computer system, the storage medium including: a first sector to store a first master boot record including an execution code for grasping command information and implementing a preset control according to the command information; a first data storage region to store a first data file for booting; a second sector to store a second master boot record to implement booting based on the first data file; a second data storage region to store a second data file for booting; and a third sector to store a third master boot record to implement booting based on the second data file. |
| US08285975B2 |
Register file with separate registers for compiler code and low level code
A processor core comprising an execution unit and a register file, said register file comprising a first plurality of registers accessible to a compiler generated code and a second plurality of registers which can not be accessed by a compiler generated code, whereby the registers of said second plurality of registers are accessible to a low level code. |
| US08285968B2 |
Performing memory accesses while omitting unnecessary address translations
In computing environments that use virtual addresses (or other indirectly usable addresses) to access memory, the virtual addresses are translated to absolute addresses (or other directly usable addresses) prior to accessing memory. To facilitate memory access, however, address translation is omitted in certain circumstances, including when the data to be accessed is within the same unit of memory as the instruction accessing the data. In this case, the absolute address of the data is derived from the absolute address of the instruction, thus avoiding address translation for the data. Further, in some circumstances, access checking for the data is also omitted. |
| US08285966B2 |
Autonomic self-tuning of database management system in dynamic logical partitioning environment
An automated monitor monitors one or more resource parameters in a logical partition running a database application in a logically partitioned data processing host. The monitor initiates dynamic logical partition reconfiguration in the event that the parameters vary from predetermined parameter values. In particular, the monitor can initiate removal of resources if one of the resource parameters is being underutilized and initiate addition of resources if one of the resource parameters is being overutilized. The monitor can also calculate an amount of resources to be removed or added. The monitor can interact directly with a dynamic logical partition reconfiguration function of the data processing host or it can utilize an intelligent intermediary that listens for a partition reconfiguration suggestion from the monitor. In the latter configuration, the listener can determine where available resources are located and attempt to fully or partially satisfy the resource needs suggested by the monitor. |
| US08285965B2 |
Aligning data storage device partition to boundary of physical data sector
A method of aligning a partition of a data storage device to a boundary of a physical data sector is disclosed. The data storage device comprises a non-volatile memory comprising a plurality of physical data sectors, wherein each physical data sector comprises a plurality of logical data sectors. A partition map is read from the non-volatile memory, wherein the partition map identifies a partition comprising a number of logical data sectors. A number of logical data sectors in each physical data sector is determined. Whether at least part of the partition aligns with a boundary of a physical data sector is determined. When at least part of the partition does not align with a boundary of a physical data sector, at least part of the partition is moved to align at least part of the partition to a boundary of a physical data sector. |
| US08285963B2 |
Method for controlling data write to virtual logical volume conforming to thin provisioning, and storage apparatus
The virtual volume is a virtual logical volume that conforms to Thin Provisioning, and is a logical volume configured from a plurality of virtual areas and used by a plurality of applications. In a case where the storage apparatus receives a write request comprising write-destination information for identifying a write-destination virtual area in the virtual volume, and, in addition, the write-destination virtual area is an unallocated virtual area, the storage apparatus selects a medium, which corresponds to the write to the write-destination virtual area and/or the identification information of the source of this write, from a plurality of media, which have different performances and which are each configured from two or more real areas, and allocates a real area from the selected medium to the write-destination virtual area. |
| US08285960B2 |
Independent link and bank selection
Provided is a memory system that has a plurality of memory banks and a plurality of link controllers. For each memory bank, there is first switching logic for receiving output for each link controller, and for passing on the output of only one of the link controllers to the memory bank. For each link controller, there is second switching logic for receiving an output of each memory bank, and for passing on the output of only one of the memory banks to the link controller. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is switch controller logic for controlling operation of both the first switching logic and the second switching logic to prevent simultaneous or overlapping access by multiple link controllers to the same memory bank, and for preventing simultaneous or overlapping access to multiple banks by the same link controller. |
| US08285958B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for copying a modified page table entry to a translation look aside buffer
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for copying a modified page table entry to a translation look aside buffer. In use, a page table entry corresponding to an original page associated with original code is identified. In addition, a page mapping in a translation look aside buffer is invalidated by calling a processor instruction that invalidates the page mapping. Further, the page table entry is modified to correspond to a different page associated with different code. Still yet, an instruction of the different code is accessed for prompting a processor to copy the modified page table entry to the translation look aside buffer. Moreover, the modified page table entry is restored to correspond to the original page associated with the original code. |
| US08285954B2 |
Memory system managing a plurality of logs
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory including a plurality of blocks, a volatile memory storing management information including a storage position of data stored in the nonvolatile memory, a management information writing unit, and a management information storing unit. The management information writing unit is configured to update, when the storage position of data is changed in the nonvolatile memory, the management information stored in the volatile memory. The management information storing unit is configured to, before writing data to the nonvolatile memory, store a first log including an update schedule of the management information in the nonvolatile memory and, after writing data to the nonvolatile memory, store a second log including an update result of the management information in the nonvolatile memory, wherein the management information storing unit is configured to store the first log and the second log in the same-numbered page of the different two blocks. |
| US08285952B2 |
Method and apparatus to utilize large capacity disk drives
A method of utilizing storage in a storage system comprises prioritizing a plurality of storage areas in the storage system for data recovery with different priorities; and performing data recovery of the storage system at an occurrence of a failure involving one or more of the storage areas in the storage system based on the priorities. Data recovery for one storage area having a higher priority is to occur before data recovery for another storage area having a lower priority in the storage system. In various embodiments, the prioritization is achieved by monitoring the access characteristics, or the priority is specified by the host or management computer based on the usage and/or importance of data stored in the storage system, or the priority is determined by the storage system based on the area assignment/release (i.e., usage) of thin provisioned volumes. |
| US08285950B2 |
SMT/ECO mode based on cache miss rate
A computer implemented method for managing an execution mode for a parallel processor is provided. A monitor identifies a first efficiency rate for a first contested resource of the parallel processor operating in a first operating mode. Responsive to identifying the first efficiency rate for the first contested resource, the monitor identifies whether the first efficiency rate for the contested resource of the parallel processor operating in the first operating mode exceeds a threshold. Responsive to identifying that the efficiency rate for the contested resource exceeds the threshold, an operation of the parallel processor is changed to a second operating mode. |
| US08285949B2 |
Secure software installation
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for securely installing software on a computing device, such as a mobile device. In one embodiment, the device executes an installer that securely installs the software. In order to perform installations securely, the installer configures one or more secure containers for the software and installs the software exclusively in these containers. In some embodiments, the installer randomly determines the identifiers for the containers. These identifiers remain unknown to the software to be installed. Instead, an installation framework maintains the correspondence between an application and its container. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08285946B2 |
Reducing access contention in flash-based memory systems
Exemplary embodiments include a method for reducing access contention in a flash-based memory system, the method including selecting a chip stripe in a free state, from a memory device having a plurality of channels and a plurality of memory blocks, wherein the chip stripe includes a plurality of pages, setting the ship stripe to a write state, setting a write queue head in each of the plurality of channels, for each of the plurality of channels in the flash stripe, setting a write queue head to a first free page in a chip belonging to the channel from the chip stripe, allocating write requests according to a write allocation scheduler among the channels, generating a page write and in response to the page write, incrementing the write queue head, and setting the chip stripe into an on-line state when it is full. |
| US08285938B2 |
Processing unit and method of memory management in processing systems with limited resources
The present invention is related with the management of memory in environments of limited resources, such as those found for example in a smart card. In a more particular manner, the invention relates to a method of managing the data storage resources of volatile memory, the object of which is to reduce the size of volatile memory necessary to implement the stack of the system, and thereby to reserve more volatile memory available for other needs or procedures of the system or of other applications When the stack grows and comes close to its established limit, the system carries out a transfer of a stack block located in the volatile memory to an area of non-volatile memory, hence this transfer allows a compression of the stack increasing its size in a virtual manner. |
| US08285937B2 |
Fused store exclusive/memory barrier operation
In an embodiment, a processor may be configured to detect a store exclusive operation followed by a memory barrier operation in a speculative instruction stream being executed by the processor. The processor may fuse the store exclusive operation and the memory barrier operation, creating a fused operation. The fused operation may be transmitted and globally ordered, and the processor may complete both the store exclusive operation and the memory barrier operation in response to the fused operation. As the fused operation progresses through the processor and one or more other components (e.g. caches in the cache hierarchy) to the ordering point in the system, the fused operation may push previous memory operations to effect the memory barrier operation. In some embodiments, the latency for completing the store exclusive operation and the subsequent data memory barrier operation may be reduced if the store exclusive operation is successful at the ordering point. |
| US08285934B2 |
Redundancy array of inexpensive disks configuration using simple network management protocol
A method of configuring a storage device is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) receiving a single data unit over a communication network, the data unit (i) being transferred via the communication network using a standard communication protocol, (ii) defining both (a) a plurality of new configuration items that define a new configuration of the storage device and (b) a command to be performed by the storage device and (iii) having a standard markup language format, (B) calculating at least one configuration change from a plurality of current configuration items to the new configuration items, the current configuration items defining a current configuration of the storage device, (C) adjusting the storage device into the new configuration based on the at least one configuration change and (D) performing a requested operation with the storage device in the new configuration in response to the command. |
| US08285933B2 |
Avoiding use of an inter-unit network in a storage system having multiple storage control units
A storage system provides virtual ports, and is able to transfer the virtual ports among physical ports located on multiple storage control units making up the storage system. The storage system is able to manage logical volumes and/or virtual volumes and virtual ports as a group when considering whether to move logical/virtual volumes and/or virtual ports to another storage control unit in the storage system. When the storage system is instructed to transfer volumes, virtual ports, or a group of volumes and virtual ports among the storage control units, the storage system determines whether an inter-unit network will be required to be used following the transfer. When the storage system determines that the inter-unit network will be required if the transfer takes place, the storage system determines and presents an alternate storage control unit for the transfer to avoid use of the inter-unit network, thereby avoiding degraded performance. |
| US08285930B2 |
Methods for adapting performance sensitive operations to various levels of machine loads
For each of a plurality of memory access routines having different access timing characteristic, a redundant array of independent disk (RAID) stack executes the memory access routine to load predetermined data from a main memory to a register of a processor of a data processing system. The RAID stack determines an amount of cache misses for the execution of the memory access routine. The RAID stack selects one of the plurality of memory access routines that has the least amount of cache misses for further memory accesses for the purpose of parity calculations of RAID data. |
| US08285928B2 |
Storage control apparatus and storage control method for recovering data in a failed storage device of a RAID sysytem
This storage control apparatus 100 is able sufficiently to manifest the merits of economization of electrical power. The storage control apparatus 100 includes one or more additional storage units 150 which are adapted for the supply of power to them to be turned ON and OFF individually. Each of these additional storage units 150 includes a plurality of storage devices 154 (for example, a plurality of HDDs). When a user actuates a management device 106, and causes one or more RAID groups and a spare HDD for each of these RAID groups to be set within the storage control apparatus 100, an MPU 140 of the storage control apparatus 100 controls the management device 106 to make the user set each RAID group and the spare HDD for it within the same additional storage unit 150. |
| US08285926B2 |
Cache access filtering for processors without secondary miss detection
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that filters duplicate requests from an L1 cache for a cache line. During operation, the system receives at an L2 cache a first request and a second request for the same cache line, and stores identifying information for these requests. The system then performs a cache array look-up for the first request that, in the process of creating a load fill packet for the first request, loads the cache line into a fill buffer. After sending the load fill packet for the first request to the L1 cache, the system uses the cache line data still stored in the fill buffer and stored identifying information for the second fill request to send a subsequent load fill packet for the second request to the L1 cache without performing an additional cache array look-up. |
| US08285924B1 |
Cache control system
A cache control system is disclosed for use with data storage apparatus having a movably mounted storage element, such as a magnetic or optical disk and solid-state cache memory, in which the storage element is not at operating speed when data access has not occurred during a predetermined time period, comprising means arranged to access data stored on the storage element if a read or write request cannot be satisfied via access to the cache memory and a cache replacement mechanism for transferring data between the cache memory and the storage element to maintain consistency of data therebetween. The system is characterized in that the cache replacement mechanism performs data transfers between the cache memory and the storage element only while the storage element is at operating speed after a read or write request has given rise to an access to the storage element. |
| US08285913B2 |
Storage apparatus and interface expansion authentication method therefor
Degradation of data transfer performance is restrained during data transfer for mirroring between first and second controllers.The first and second controllers are connected with a first path for connecting a second port of a first switch unit on the first controller to a second port of a first switch unit on the second controller, and with a second path independent of the first path, for connecting a second port of a second switch unit on the first controller to a second port of a second switch unit on the second controller. |
| US08285911B2 |
Computer apparatus, computer system and adapter carry-over method
To obtain a computer that can change over from the active system to the standby system without reconnecting the I/O adapters. The computer according to the present invention carries over the identifiers logically identifying connection paths between computer modules and I/O adapters from active computers to standby computers. |
| US08285907B2 |
Packet processing in switched fabric networks
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for forming an Advanced Switching (AS) packet by applying AS path binding information to a packet received over a Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express (PCIe) fabric according to a downstream port identifier associated with the packet, and sending the AS packet to an AS fabric. Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for processing an AS packet received over an AS fabric by comparing an AS payload of the AS packet with one or more memory spaces associated with port identifiers, determining whether the AS payload comprises a base packet to be transmitted to the PCIe fabric based on the comparison, and if so, removing an AS header from the AS packet to reveal the base packet. |
| US08285897B2 |
Synchronized multichannel universal serial bus
The invention provides a method and apparatus for providing a synchronized multichannel universal serial bus, the method in one aspect comprising supplementing the signal channels in the USB specification to provide synchronization information from an external source, and in another aspect comprising observing USB traffic and locking a local clock signal of a USB device to a periodic signal contained in USB data traffic, wherein the locking is in respect of phase and/or frequency. |
| US08285893B2 |
System and method for adaptively setting connections to input/output hubs within an information handling system
A system and method is disclosed in which a switch is located between the I/O hubs of the computer system. The I/O hubs are coupled to I/O devices of the computer system. The I/O hubs are also coupled to one or more processors via direct point-to-point communication links. The I/O hub provides a connection point between various I/O devices and processors. The switch includes a set of internal communications pathways that can be set according to the communication status of links between the processors and I/O hubs of the system. When the communication links of the system are operational, the switch allocates all of I/O hub transmission bandwidth to I/O devices. When the communication links are determined to be not operational, the switch allocates some of I/O hub transmission bandwidth to establish a communication link between the I/O hubs of the computer system, while the remaining I/O hub transmission bandwidth is allocated to I/O devices. |
| US08285892B2 |
Quantum burst arbiter and memory controller
An apparatus comprising an arbiter circuit, a protocol engine circuit and a channel router circuit. The arbiter circuit may be configured to determine a winning channel from a plurality of channel requests based on a first criteria. Each of the plurality of channel requests may represent a burst of data having a fixed length aligned to an address boundary of a memory. The protocol engine circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the arbiter circuit indicating the winning channel. The protocol engine circuit may also be configured to perform a memory protocol at a granularity equal to the burst of data. The channel router circuit may be configured to present the plurality of channel requests to the arbiter circuit and the protocol engine circuit. |
| US08285890B2 |
Host device, a point of deployment (POD), and a method of identifying an operation mode
A host device, a point of deployment (POD), and a method for recognizing an operation mode are disclosed. The host device interfaces with a point of deployment (POD), and includes an interface unit and a controller. The interface unit includes CD1#, CD2#, VS1#, VS2#, VPP1, VPP2, and IPDET ports. The controller outputs a mode confirmation signal to the POD via the IPDET port, and identifies that the POD supports an Internet Protocol (IP) Card M-Mode when the mode confirmation signal has been applied to the VS1# and VS2# ports. |
| US08285889B2 |
DMA transfer control device
A DMA transfer control device comprises: a DMA arbiter that performs DMA transfer for each DMA channel formed by a combination of a memory and a plurality of input/output devices and DMA controller circuits that control the DMA arbiter; a judgment unit and a transfer time calculation unit that calculates a next DMA transfer scheduled time based on the DMA transfer size for a DMA transfer request and a judgment time. A timer counter that times the judgment time at a unit time interval, and a comparator that compares the judgment time at which a DMA transfer request arrives with the DMA transfer scheduled time are also provided, and the judgment unit sends the DMA transfer permission to the DMA arbiter when an output of the comparator indicates that the judgment time is not earlier than the DMA transfer scheduled time. The efficiency of data transfer by dynamically controlling DMA transfer is performed. |
| US08285886B1 |
Live media playback adaptive buffer control
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for live media playback adaptive buffer control. For example, when media accumulated in the live buffer exceeds a user-configured threshold, media can be played out faster. In this manner, the media player is configured not to discard media packets, but rather to render the buffered media faster to slowly eliminate accumulated backlog. Preventing unbounded buffer accumulation may be desirable in applications like video surveillance, live video broadcast, webcast, and the like. |
| US08285883B2 |
Software settings for network devices determined by geophysical location
A network-connected device may receive specific software configuration settings based on geophysical location information known about the device. The geophysical location information may come from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or any other mechanism for determining a location for the device. The software settings may be stored in a volatile memory so that when the device is disconnected from a power source, it does not contain the specific settings required for the device to operate. In another embodiment, localization settings to meet regulatory requirements or other local configuration may be downloaded to the device based on the geophysical location information. |
| US08285881B2 |
System and method for load balancing and fail over
Systems and methods for load balancing and/or fail over are provided. In one embodiment, a server system may include, for example, one or more of the following: a first network interface card (NIC); a second NIC having same layer-3 (L3) address as the first NIC; a first network switch coupled to the first NIC, the first network switch receiving an incoming traffic flow destined for the second NIC; and a second network switch coupled to the second NIC and coupled to the first network switch. The first network switch may determine, for example, whether the incoming traffic flow is destined for the first NIC or is destined for the second network switch. |
| US08285879B2 |
Communications system recovery system
A communications system for a network of stations, is provided where stations identify themselves upon being informed of the desires of an inquisitor station. Additionally, techniques for “plug and play”, self-healing and homogenizing the heterogeneous parts of a network, are provided. |
| US08285878B2 |
Block based access to a dispersed data storage network
A block-based interface to a dispersed data storage network is disclosed. The disclosed interface accepts read and write commands from a file system resident on a user's computer and generates network commands that are forwarded to slice servers that form the storage component of the dispersed data storage network. The slice servers then fulfill the read and write commands. |
| US08285877B1 |
Intelligent background data conversion
A method and system for performing intelligent background data conversion are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method that includes the steps of generating a task list associated with a source data and, according to the task list, converting the source data to target data as specified in a predetermined profile at any time a processing unit inactive state is detected. |
| US08285875B2 |
Synchronizing resource bindings within computer network
In general, techniques are described for synchronizing resource bindings within computer networks. An intermediate network device comprising an interface card and a control unit may implement these techniques. The interface card receives a message from a server that allocates a network address for use by a client device identified by a unique identifier. The control unit stores data defining a binding between the unique identifier and the network address. The control unit includes a binding synchronization module that determines, based on a determination to release the binding, whether the binding release occurs in response to receiving a release message from the client device, and automatically generates a release message on behalf of the client device upon determining that the binding release did not occur in response to receiving a release message. The binding synchronization module outputs the automatically generated release message to the server that reserved the L3 network address. |
| US08285872B2 |
Affinity-based transaction processing
A router receives a transaction message. The router determines whether the transaction message may include an affinity indicating a preference regarding processing of the transaction message. The transaction message may be modified to include an identification of a server system to process the modified transaction message based on the determination of the affinity. The router may route the modified transaction message to a coupling facility. A notification message may be received from the coupling facility, where the notification message requests a server associated with or including the router to send a bid to process the modified transaction message. The router may send the bid to process the modified transaction message to the coupling facility. An authorization message, to process the modified transaction message, may be received from the coupling facility based on a timestamp of the bid. |
| US08285866B2 |
System and method for streaming content
A system and method for streaming content. An application server is located on a local network and connected to a first network. A SIP based message including a request for streaming content from a local device located on the local network is received from a first device located on the first network. A SIP based message comprising a list of content available on the local network is sent to the first device A SIP based message is received from the first device for launching the streaming of at least one content from the list of content to at least one receiver located in a third network A SIP based message is sent to an application receiving module located in the third network to invite the at least one receiver to receive the at least one content. |
| US08285863B2 |
Access control device, access control method, and access control program
An access control device which controls access to a server from a plurality of terminal devices includes a receiving section which receives requests from the terminal devices to access the server, a lottery section which conducts a lottery for the terminal devices making the access requests from among the access requests received by the receiving section, and a lottery result transmitting section which transmits connection destination information which is used to access the server to the terminal devices which were successful in the lottery conducted by the lottery section. |
| US08285861B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating IP-CAN session
A method and an apparatus for creating an Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network, IP-CAN, session are disclosed herein. The method includes: creating, by a First Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFa entity, a session with a Policy and Charging Rules Function entity, PCRF entity; performing, by the PCEFa entity, mobility registration with a second Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFb entity; creating, by the PCEFb entity, a session with the PCRF entity; and sending, by the PCRF entity, a session information to the PCEFa entity and the PCEFb entity. mobility The apparatus includes: a PCEFa entity, a PCEFb entity, and a PCRF entity. The method and the apparatus for creating an IP-CAN session under the present invention accomplish the purpose of creating an IP-CAN session in the new PCC architecture. |
| US08285857B2 |
Saving a layout of display(s) of a remote computer
To control a display layout of at least display associated with a remote computer, a client computer receives at least one user setting for the display layout of the at least one display associated with the remote computer. The client computer obtains, from the remote computer, information relating to properties of the display layout of the at least one display. The client computer sends information relating to the layout to a remote server for storage at the remote server for later retrieval. |
| US08285852B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying an IMS service
An apparatus and method for indicating the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services to which a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message relates. One or more communication service identifiers are added to the SIP message as a Feature Tag. |
| US08285849B2 |
Storage and service provisioning for virtualized and geographically dispersed data centers
Geographically dispersed data centers each include servers and storage systems and are in communication with each other. An application is installed on a guest operating system on a virtual machine set up on a server at a first data center. The application accesses a logical unit on a storage system at the first data center. When migration of the application is initiated, the process determines whether any of the data centers has server resources and storage resources required to receive migration of the application. A destination data center is selected from candidate data centers meeting requirements for migration of the application. The application and guest operating system are migrated from the first data center to a second virtual machine set up on a second server at the destination data center. If a replica of the LU is not already present at the destination data center, the LU is also replicated. |
| US08285843B2 |
Remote monitoring system
A first relay (30) and a plurality of second relays (40) are interposed between a data collection device (10) and a plurality of monitoring terminals (20). The first relay (30) is connected to the data collection device (10). The plurality of the second relays (40) is connected to the first relay (30). Each of the second relays (40) is connected to a plurality of the monitoring terminals (20). The data collection device (10) and the first relay (30) are communicated with each other according to a main protocol as in the past. The second relay (40) and the monitoring terminal (20) are communicated with each other according to the main protocol. By contrast, the first relay (30) and the second relay (40) are communicated with each other according to an auxiliary protocol different from the main protocol. |
| US08285842B1 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically specifying location collection and computation logic
The invention pertains to dynamic specification of location collection and computation logic. First, a request for location data from an end device is received. The location data is loaded from at least one electronic database. It is then determined whether an algorithm version number is indicated in the request and whether the algorithm version number indicated in the request equals a latest algorithm version number. The location data and an algorithm for location collection and computation is embedded in a stream, if it is determined that the algorithm version number is not indicated in the request or that the algorithm version number indicated in the request is not equal to the latest algorithm version number. Only the location data is embedded in the stream, if it is determined that the algorithm version number is indicated in the request and that the algorithm version number indicated in the request is equal to the latest algorithm version number. The stream is then streamed to the end device. |
| US08285841B2 |
Service quality evaluator having adaptive evaluation criteria
An improved method is provided for evaluating service quality of a software application residing in a computing environment. The method includes: monitoring first and second metrics indicative of performance of the software application; evaluating the first metric in relation to a first evaluation criterion; evaluating the second metric in relation to a second evaluation criterion different than the first evaluation criterion; and determining the state of service for the software application based in part on the evaluation of the second metric. Over time, the second evaluation criterion is adapted based on the outcome of the evaluation of the first metric. |
| US08285840B2 |
Using social networking to help users purchase mobile applications and devices
A social network helps mobile device users purchase applications for their devices and to purchase new mobile devices. The network utilizes information from a user's friends to effectively “recommend” applications and mobile devices, and in particular recommend mobile devices based on the applications recommended. The phone numbers of a user's contact list may be scanned by the system to identify friends of the user. A friend network database stores the user's information and friends' information throughout the network and supplies the information to an application store where users may download applications or purchase mobile devices. The information supplied by the database includes the applications and the mobile devices of friends or friends of friends. In response to a user inquiry, the store displays the amount and/or identities of friends and/or friends of friends who have downloaded a particular application or own a particular device. |
| US08285838B2 |
Hierarchical management of realtime edge processor
A hierarchical network infrastructure includes an interface that allows a user to define a management hierarchy between a plurality of edge processors. Input is received via the interface designating a management node and a first set of relationships between the management mode and at least one edge processor. A management hierarchy between the management node and the at least one edge processor is generated based on the first set of relationships. Using the management hierarchy, telemetry information can be relayed, hosts can be managed, and the software running on then, and information can be configured to trickled up the chain. Each sub tree of the management hierarchy may have different Access Control for local administrators. |
| US08285836B2 |
Policy creation support method, policy creation support system, and program therefor
A policy creation support system is provided, which is capable of reducing cost for creation of an effective autonomic control policy. The policy creation support system measures information indicating performance of a monitoring target system, with regard to a monitoring item of a designated type, for each resource amount of an expandable resource, and selects one representative measurement value from among measurement values on a resource-amount basis. Then, the policy creation support system outputs the monitoring item, the resource amount serving as the monitoring item, and a range of the measurement value corresponding to the resource amount, as a countermeasure decision condition within a policy, by setting a range including the selected representative measurement value as the range of the measurement value. |
| US08285830B1 |
System and method for combating cybersquatting
A computer-implemented method for combating cybersquatting is provided. The method may comprise receiving a trademark to be monitored for potential typosquatting and generating a list of one or more typo domains for the trademark. The method then collects data associated with the one or more typo domains and prepares a document that includes a subset of the domains with their associated collected data for submission to an administrative agency handling domain disputes. |
| US08285829B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing peer selection in a network
A method and apparatus for providing peer selection in a network are disclosed. For example, the method requests peer information from an application server supporting a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) service, and receives the peer information comprising a plurality of peer endpoint devices. The method then selects a peer endpoint device from the plurality of peer endpoint devices based on at least one preference. |
| US08285824B2 |
Storage system and data replication method that refuses one or more requests for changing the first logical configuration information until the first storage apparatus and second storage apparatus are synchronized
A storage system has two storage apparatuses. Those storage apparatuses include a logical configuration information of a data storage area, an identification unit that identifies one or more requests for changing the logical configuration information from among one or more requests sent from the host system and a transmission unit. When the identification unit identifies to change data, a first storage apparatus updates its own configuration information and the transmission unit sends each of the one or more requests for changing the first logical configuration information to a second storage apparatus. When the second storage apparatus receives the requests, the second storage apparatus updates its own logical configuration information based on the one or more requests for changing. |
| US08285821B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system of forward caching for a managed client
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed of forward caching for a managed client. A storage module stores a software image on a storage device of a backend server. The backend server provides virtual disk storage on the storage device through a first intermediate network point for a plurality of diskless data processing devices. Each diskless data processing device communicates directly with the first intermediate network point. The storage module caches an image instance of the software image at the first intermediate network point. A tracking module detects an update to the software image on the storage device. The storage module copies the updated software image to the first intermediate network point as an updated image instance. |
| US08285814B2 |
Generation of data concerning reception of media content at a communication device
A method of providing data associated with reception of media content is presented. In the method, a communication device receives media content from a media content receiver via a communication network. The received media content is output to a user of the communication device. Data is then generated in the communication device which includes information identifying a channel selected by the user over which the media content receiver receives the media content. The data further includes information identifying a time period during which the communication device receives the media content. The data is transferred via the communication network to a communication node. |
| US08285810B2 |
Aggregating media collections between participants of a sharing network utilizing bridging
Systems and methods are provided for aggregating a local media collection of a user with one or more shared media collections shared with the user to provide an aggregate media collection for the user. In general, one or more shared media collections shared with the user are first discovered. Optionally, the user may select one or more of the shared media collections for aggregation with the local media collection of the user. The shared media collections selected by the user, or alternatively all of the shared media collections, are then aggregated with the local media collection of the user to provide an aggregate media collection for the user. In one embodiment, bridging of users is provided to expand the sharing of media collections beyond those having direct relationships with the sharing user. |
| US08285807B2 |
Method and system for remote industrial factory automation control of a local system
A computer implemented system comprises a remote industrial factory automation control system tool stored in a non-transitory computer readable media that, when executed by a processor, configures the processor to modify a web browser to include a control object; request industrial factory automation control system data from a local control system; receive the industrial factory automation control system data; display, by the web browser, the industrial factory automation control system data; and send control instructions to the local control system. |
| US08285796B2 |
System and method for circumventing instant messaging do-not-disturb
A system and method for circumventing a do-not-disturb status of an instant messaging user including defining requesting, from one or more do not disturb circumvention mediators, do-not-disturb status circumvention of an instant messaging user. Circumvention permission for the do-not-disturb status of the instant messaging user is received. The do-not-disturb status of the instant messaging user is circumvented based upon, at least in part, the circumvention permission. |
| US08285795B2 |
Managing urgency indicators in electronic messaging
A rating is applied in connection with a sender of an electronic message and a use of an urgency indicator for the electronic message. A different electronic message is received from the sender, and an urgency indicator established for the different electronic message is modified responsive to the applied rating. |
| US08285793B1 |
Methods and systems for developing an instant messaging network
An instant messaging (IM) system has an IM server connected to a communication network, and logic operable on the IM server enabling a first user to browse contacts associated with a second user. In some cases the first user can add and list contacts accessed by browsing the contacts associated with the second user. |
| US08285789B2 |
Flattened butterfly processor interconnect network
A multiprocessor computer system comprises a folded butterfly processor interconnect network, the folded butterfly interconnect network comprising a traditional butterfly interconnect network derived from a butterfly network by flattening routers in each row into a single router for each row, and eliminating channels entirely local to the single row. |
| US08285786B2 |
Confidential presentations in virtual world infrastructure
Methods and apparatus for forming and presenting confidential presentations within a computing environment associated with a virtual application are presented. For example, a method for forming a confidential presentation includes obtaining a correspondence indicator from an asset server, obtaining a first texture from the asset server, and overlaying the first texture onto a first object. The correspondence indicator indicates the first texture corresponds to the first object. The first object is within the computing environment associated with the virtual application. The first texture and the asset server are inaccessible by the computing environment associated with the virtual application. The confidential presentation comprises the first texture. |
| US08285778B2 |
Protecting web application data
A method, system and an article of manufacture tangibly embodying a computer readable program for protecting Web application data between a server and a client. A response created by the Web application for the client is backed up and modified by adding capturing code for capturing a user action, user data of the client, or combination thereof. The modified response is sent to the client and a request submitted by the client and the user action and/or user data captured by the capturing code is received. A verifying request is generated according to the received user action and/user data captured by the capturing code and the backup of the response. The request submitted by the client is verified according to the verifying request and the verified request is sent to the Web application of the server. |
| US08285777B2 |
Manufacturing method and software product for optimizing information flow
A manufacturing method, software product, system for optimizing information flow within a manufacturing facility based upon the use of a network, a structured data exchange, and a browser allowing access to a plurality of servers, themselves containing software data, thereby presenting an uniform look and feel for the interface serving that information to each employee. Administrators grant employees access to data according to predefined constellations of roles within the manufacturing facility. |
| US08285776B2 |
System and method for processing a received media item recommendation message comprising recommender presence information
A system and method for processing a received media item recommendation message is disclosed. A recipient receives the media item recommendation message which includes a media item identifier of a media item and presence information of a recommender of the media item in association with the media item identifier. The presence information may be in the form of metadata. The recipient may render the presence information and/or store or download the presence information to a media item playlist, to another device, or to a storage medium for subsequent rendering. The media item recommendation message also may include a media item annotation. The media item annotation may also be in the form of metadata and may be rendered and/or stored or downloaded to a media item playlist, to another device, or to a storage medium for subsequent rendering. |
| US08285773B2 |
Signal separating device, signal separating method, information recording medium, and program
A signal separating device includes an iterative estimator, a repeating calculator, a result output unit, and a repetition controller. The repeating calculator repeatedly causes the iterative estimator to iteratively perform independent component analysis on an observed signal matrix, and to further perform independent component analysis on the source signal matrix obtained as a result. The result output unit outputs the product of the respective mixing matrices obtained during each repetition as a mixing matrix with respect to the observed signal matrix, while also outputting the source signal matrix obtained during the final repetition as a source signal matrix with respect to the observed signal matrix. The repetition controller causes the repeating calculator to repeat the calculation control until all mixing matrices and all source signal matrices satisfy a convergence condition. The iterative estimator may perform a fixed number of iterations, or perform iterations until convergence is obtained. |
| US08285771B2 |
Partially complex modulated filter bank
An apparatus for processing a plurality of real-valued subband signals using a first real-valued subband signal and a second real-valued subband signal to provide at least a complex-valued subband signal comprises a multiband filter for providing an intermediate real-valued subband signal and a calculator for providing the complex-valued subband signal by combining a real-valued subband signal from the plurality of real-valued subband signals and the intermediate subband signal. |
| US08285765B2 |
System and method for implementing simplified arithmetic logic unit processing of value-based control dependence sequences
A system and method for implementing arithmetic logic unit (ALU) support for value-based control dependence sequences. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an ALU generates a carry-out signal designating one of a first and second value as a larger value. In response to the carry-out signal, the ALU updates a storage location with a third value, which is the larger value. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, an ALU generates a carry-out signal designating one of a first and second value as a larger value. In response to the carry-out signal, the ALU updates a storage location with a third value. The third value is a fourth value, if the carry-out signal designates the first value as the larger value or the third value is a fifth value, if the carry-out signal designates the second value as the larger value. |
| US08285763B2 |
File identification and retrieval in directories for categorized files
A system and program code are provided for marking a file. Responsive to a file being received, the file is stored in a directory in a file system. An indicia is associated with the file and the directory. The file is displayed using the indicia as a marked file and the directory is displayed using the indicia as a marked directory. |
| US08285761B2 |
Aggregation of metadata associated with digital media files
Systems and methods for aggregating user feedback associated with digital media files is provided. User feedback is received from a user that includes metadata which may correspond to a digital media file. A batch of such user feedback is received and may be filtered to discard any low quality user feedback entries. It then may be determined whether a user feedback entry corresponds to an existing metadata record stored as aggregated feedback. If not, the new user feedback entry is added to the aggregated feedback. If there is an existing metadata record which corresponds to the user feedback entry, the metadata contained in the entry may be used to edit the existing metadata record. |
| US08285757B2 |
File system for a storage device, methods of allocating storage, searching data and optimising performance of a storage device file system
A file system for a storage device including a storage region, capable of storing one or more blocks of data; and a first data structure representing free space in the storage region, the first data structure comprising a location and a length of a block of free space in the storage region is disclosed. Methods of allocating storage, searching data and optimizing performance of the storage device file system are also disclosed. |
| US08285756B2 |
Operation support program
An operation support program is stored in a storage medium. The operation support program includes a support database or a plurality of support program components for supporting a plurality of tasks that are different from one another and are carried out as a result of execution of a plurality of device control programs that are different from one another. The operation support program causes a computer to function as constituent sections including: an update data acquiring section; an updating section; and a graphical user interface configuring section. |
| US08285753B2 |
Change approvals for computing systems
A proxy directory server discovers the topology of distributed directory server immediately after starting up and before accepting client requests. Immediately after starting up, the proxy server executes queries to extract the structured data corresponding to directory distribution information from the distributed directory servers. Dynamic topology reconfiguration of the distributed directory is achieved by any dynamic configuration changes made to the topology information directly at the proxy during operation being propagated by means of directory update operations to the distributed directory servers. |
| US08285746B2 |
Securing data from a shared device
A method for securing the use of data on a first device where the data is sent from a second device, the method including registering at least a first application on the first device, starting the at least first application on the first device, transmitting data from the second device to the first device, determining whether the at least first application is registered, determining whether the at least first application is active, granting, based on the determination whether the at least first application is registered and whether the at least first application is active, the at least first application access to the data transmitted from the second device. |
| US08285743B2 |
Scheduling viewing of web pages in a data processing system
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for scheduling viewing of a plurality of selected Web pages. A respective periodicity for viewing each respective Web page of a plurality of selected Web pages is scheduled. Upon retrieval of a respective Web page at a specified periodicity, a determination is made as to whether the respective Web page has changed in which the respective Web page is a retrieved Web page. The retrieved Web page is placed in a queue of unviewed Web pages for later viewing by a user in response to the Web page having changed. |
| US08285741B1 |
Technical order data type 1 dataset Builder
A method and system for building a relational database is disclosed. An input file is converted to obtain a converted file comprising a plurality of data element types, and the data element types are formatted and concatenated to obtain formatted data comprising a tag associated with each of the data element types. The formatted data within an identified structure is filtered by the tag to identify an identified data element type form the plurality of data element types. At least one relational identifier is correlated to the identified data element type to obtain a relational dataset, and the relational dataset is stored in a table corresponding to the identified data element type to build a task information relational database for the identified structure. |
| US08285740B2 |
Database queries within a gaming machine
Methods and devices are provided for querying databases maintained by electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”). The databases preferably follow a predetermined naming convention. In some such implementations, a query is written in a predetermined message field. For example, the query string may be written in a predetermined extension of the Gaming Standards Association's G2S Message Protocol. An EGM (or other device) receiving a message containing such a query may extract the query from the predetermined field, parse the query, determine the requested data and return a responsive message that includes the requested data. |
| US08285739B2 |
System and method for identifying qualifying data records from underlying databases
A method, system and article of manufacture for creating queries against databases and, more particularly, for creating queries that are suitable to identify relevant information from one or more underlying databases. One embodiment provides a method of composing a query against data in a database. The method comprises receiving a query having one or more result fields and a plurality of query conditions. Each query condition defines selection criteria for selection of data records from the database. Each selected data record has data that satisfies at least one of the plurality of query conditions. Each of the plurality of query conditions has an associated weight. The method further comprises receiving an accuracy threshold for qualifying data records. The accuracy threshold defines a requested minimum accuracy of each selected data record defining a qualifying data record forming part of a valid result set returned for the query. For each selected data record, it is determined whether the accuracy threshold is satisfied with respect to a cumulative weight of those weighted query conditions that are satisfied. |
| US08285736B2 |
Disabling query conditions in an abstract query environment
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for temporarily disabling conditions in abstract queries. In one embodiment, a query interface is configured to present an abstract query, and to allow a user to select conditions of the abstract query to be temporarily disabled. By executing an abstract query having disabled conditions, the user may be able to determine the effect of individual changes to the abstract query without having to re-compose the abstract query after each change. The conditions to be disabled may be selected individually, by field, or by value. Each disabled element may be displayed with a visual indicator communicating that it is disabled. The user may then select specific disabled conditions to be re-enabled. |
| US08285734B2 |
Comparison of documents based on similarity measures
Techniques for comparing a first document to one or more second documents are provided. At least one weight is assigned to one or more elements in the first document. A weighted document is generated in accordance with the at least one assigned weight. One or more comparison scores are computed by comparing each of the one or more elements in the first document to each of one or more elements in a given second document in accordance with one or more comparison rules. The one or more comparison rules determine if a given element in the first document and a given element in the given second document are compared using one or more language hierarchies and/or one or more similarity ranges. A similarity score is generated in accordance with the generated weighted document and the one or more computed comparison scores. The one or more second documents are retrieved in accordance with the generated similarity score. |
| US08285733B2 |
Systems and methods for creating a broadcasted multimedia file
“Call casting” is the ability to create a broadcasted multimedia file from a telephonic device. A content originator selects an option to create a call cast from the telephonic device, and a processing unit receives a communication utilized in creating an episode file. The episode file is associated with a feed file, which is accessed by an audience. The feed file may be accessible from a user website. Additionally, the communication received by the processing unit may originate from the telephonic device or a voicemail server. The processing unit may comprise a voicemail server. The content originator may be provided with one or more options that affect the creation of the episode file or the association of the episode file to the feed file. These options may be provided over the telephonic device, or through use of an administrative website. |
| US08285731B2 |
Smart road-toll-system
A road pricing smart client and method for a road pricing system enabling the removal of information from the positioning data describing the itinerary which suggest private data such as travelling speed and itinerary of the originator of the data. Accordingly, the smart client and method is configured to re-sample the original positioning points of the route into equidistant sections, remove timing information from the positioning data, slice the re-sampled route into slices shaped as those provided by other road users by employing a common “virtual grid”. By transmitting the slices in randomized order with an arbitrary delay, coherence of slices corresponding to formerly neighboring portions of the itinerary, are not correlated anymore. However, there is still enough information provided to the toll system to send an excerpt of the fee database allowing the smart pricing client or method to calculate the occurred fees.The main advantage of the smart client and method is that it delegates in a secure and privacy-preserving way the costly operations to the external toll server proxy. Thus, storage of digital maps in the client is not required, and tariff updates are only transmitted when necessary in a way that preserves privacy. Finally the data transmitted by the smart client can be preprocessed and compressed in order to remove all unnecessary personal information, thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements on the telecommunication network. Further, the proposed solution enables to raise statistics on road usage, i.e. traffic appearance by road-section without endangering privacy of the individual road users. |
| US08285724B2 |
System and program for handling anchor text
Disclosed is a system and program for processing anchor text for information retrieval. A set of anchors that point to a target document is formed. Anchors with same anchor text are grouped together. Information is computed for each group. Context information is generated for the target document based on the computed information. |
| US08285721B2 |
Mapping item records to product records
An item record in an item database contains an item description generated by a seller of an item. A server machine is configured to access the item database, analyze the item description, and extract descriptive information by inferring an attribute and a corresponding attribute value from the item description. The attribute and its attribute value constitute an attribute-value pair. The server machine uses the attribute-value pair to map the item record to a product record stored in a product database. The mapping of the item record to the product record is based on comparing the attribute-value pair of the item record to a reference attribute-value pair in the product record to identify the product record. The mapping is performed upon detection of a match between the attribute-value pairs. |
| US08285719B1 |
System and method for probabilistic relational clustering
Relational clustering has attracted more and more attention due to its phenomenal impact in various important applications which involve multi-type interrelated data objects, such as Web mining, search marketing, bioinformatics, citation analysis, and epidemiology. A probabilistic model is presented for relational clustering, which also provides a principal framework to unify various important clustering tasks including traditional attributes-based clustering, semi-supervised clustering, co-clustering and graph clustering. The model seeks to identify cluster structures for each type of data objects and interaction patterns between different types of objects. Under this model, parametric hard and soft relational clustering algorithms are provided under a large number of exponential family distributions. The algorithms are applicable to relational data of various structures and at the same time unify a number of state-of-the-art clustering algorithms: co-clustering algorithms, the k-partite graph clustering, and semi-supervised clustering based on hidden Markov random fields. |
| US08285717B2 |
Storage of advertisements in a personal account at an online service
A system for use in storage of advertisements in a personal account at an online service is provided. The online service may be configured to serve data to a client device to cause the client device to display a graphical user interface. The system may include a search interface to receive a search query input by a user and to display search results and one or more advertisements generated from a search engine of the online service in response to the search query, a selector configured to receive a user command to save a selected advertisement in the personal account for later viewing and/or traversal of a hyperlink embedded in the advertisement, and a personal account interface to display a saved advertisement in the personal account. |
| US08285710B2 |
Automated query path reporting in distributed databases
A database query comprising a logical table definition and at least one route tracing indicator is forwarded to at least one distributed database node within a distributed network of databases. At least one query response is received including distributed route tracing information associated with each distributed database node that processed the database query along a path associated with the at least one query response. The received distributed route tracing information is processed to characterize query route propagation within the distributed network of databases. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08285703B1 |
Document crawling systems and methods
Systems and methods are provided for crawling and indexing documents stored in a data storage system. A crawler system processes multiple jobs that each correspond to crawling documents in the data storage system. Each job includes priority data and crawling instructions. The crawler system stores each job in a priority queue in a sequence based on the priority data. The crawler system assigns each job in the priority queue to a next available processing module for processing based on the stored sequence. Before processing each job, the crawler system determines whether to segment the job into smaller steps based on the corresponding crawling instructions. If the job is segmented, one of smaller steps is processed to crawl a group of the documents in the data storage system. The remaining steps are stored in the priority queue to wait for processing. |
| US08285701B2 |
Video and digital multimedia aggregator remote content crawler
A remote content crawler continually crawls a digital communication network looking for content to provide to a content aggregator. The content provided to the aggregator may be stored in a form of an entire content file. The content may include an entire movie, television program or electronic book. Alternatively, the content provided to the aggregator may be a reference to a content file that is stored at, or that will be available at one of the remote locations. The content may be a reference to a future, scheduled live sports event that will be made available to system users. The sports event may be provided for a one time fee, as part of a sports package, for which a fee is collected, or as a free event. |
| US08285700B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for a brand affinity engine using positive and negative mentions and indexing
An apparatus, system and method of implementing a computerized brand affinity engine. The apparatus, system and method include at least a plurality of computerized access points having accessible thereto a plurality of sites mentioning at least one sponsor, a categorized, hierarchical database of keywords, wherein at least the keywords falling in at least one category of the hierarchy correspond to a sponsor category of the at least one sponsor, and a tracker, wherein the tracker tracks positive ones of the mentions of the at least one sponsor on ones of the plurality of sites and negative ones of the mentions of the at least one sponsor on ones of the plurality of sites, in accordance with positive and negative keywords of the categorized, hierarchical database in the sponsor category, and wherein the tracker issues an rating with regard to the at least one sponsor in accordance with the positive ones and the negative ones of the mentions. An assessment of optimal sponsors for particular markets and/or in particular geographies that additionally increases sponsorship opportunities in particular markets and/or in particular geographies is thereby provided. |
| US08285697B1 |
Feedback enhanced attribute extraction
A data object submitted for storage is analyzed, and a set of values is extracted from the data object that can correspond to a set of attributes. The analysis of the data object can also identify possible new ontology terms. One or more extracted values are presented to the entity which submitted the data object for approval and feedback. This feedback can be used to characterize the data object with appropriate terms, train the extraction process for future extractions, and/or expand the set of known ontology terms. |
| US08285696B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing route-based advertising and vendor-reported business information over a network
A method of providing information about vendors to a user includes receiving from the user a query identifying a contemplated route, providing a computer database of self-reported business information from the vendors, each vendor having an identified geographic location, and providing to the user, via a server accessible over a network, information from the database concerning the business information of a set of vendors extracted from the database on the basis of geographic proximity to the route identified by the user. |
| US08285684B2 |
Systems and methods for performing data replication
Performing data management operations on replicated data in a computer network. Log entries are generated for data management operations of an application executing on a source system. Consistency point entries are used to indicate a time of a known good, or recoverable, state of the application. A destination system is configured to process a copy of the log and consistency point entries to replicate data in a replication volume, the replicated data being a copy of the application data on the source system. When the replicated data represents a known good state of the application, as determined by the consistency point entries, the destination system(s) may perform a storage operation (e.g., snapshot, backup) to copy the replicated data and to logically associate the copied data with a time information (e.g., time stamp) indicative of the source system time when the application was in the known good state. |
| US08285681B2 |
Data object store and server for a cloud storage environment, including data deduplication and data management across multiple cloud storage sites
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing data storage operations, including content-indexing, containerized deduplication, and policy-driven storage, within a cloud environment. The systems support a variety of clients and cloud storage sites that may connect to the system in a cloud environment that requires data transfer over wide area networks, such as the Internet, which may have appreciable latency and/or packet loss, using various network protocols, including HTTP and FTP. Methods are disclosed for content indexing data stored within a cloud environment to facilitate later searching, including collaborative searching. Methods are also disclosed for performing containerized deduplication to reduce the strain on a system namespace, effectuate cost savings, etc. Methods are disclosed for identifying suitable storage locations, including suitable cloud storage sites, for data files subject to a storage policy. Further, systems and methods for providing a cloud gateway and a scalable data object store within a cloud environment are disclosed, along with other features. |
| US08285679B2 |
Creating a buffer point-in-time copy relationship for a point-in-time copy function executed to create a point-in-time copy relationship
Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for creating a buffer point-in-time copy relationship for a point-in-time copy function executed to create a point-in-time copy relationship. A point-in-time copy function is initiated to create a new point-in-time copy relationship from a source volume comprising a first volume to a target volume comprising a second volume. Detection is made that the target volume of the new point-in-time copy relationship is a source volume of a first pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship having as a target volume a third volume. Detection is also made that the target volume of the first pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship is a source volume of a second pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship having as a target volume a fourth volume. A buffer point-in-time copy relationship having a source volume comprising the target volume of the first pre-existing relationship and a target volume comprising a fifth volume is created in response to detecting that the target volume of the new point-in-time copy relationship is the source volume of the first pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship and the detected that the target volume of the first pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship is the source volume of the second pre-existing point-in-time copy relationship. |
| US08285678B2 |
Continuous integration of business intelligence software
A method for providing automatic version control to a business intelligence system includes receiving business metric data from a business intelligence system, creating an initial version of a business intelligence artifact derived from the received business metric data, automatically storing the initial version of the business intelligence artifact with a source control system, detecting a request to the business intelligence system to modify the initial version of the business intelligence artifact, creating a subsequent version of the business intelligence artifact that includes the requested modification, and automatically storing the subsequent version of the business intelligence artifact with the source control system. |
| US08285675B2 |
Electronic device and method for managing storage of data
A method of managing storage of data at an electronic device includes provisioning a new PIM service account including address book functionality on the electronic device, and updating address book data records stored on the electronic device and not associated with another PIM service account to associate the address book data records with the new PIM service account provisioned on the electronic device. |
| US08285673B1 |
Methods and apparatus for processing partitioned changes
In a storage area network, agents provide transactions of data sets containing updates to manageable entities in a SAN. A SAN server avoids intermittent dissemination of events pertaining to a single transaction by storing events in a cache until completion of all subtransactions in the transaction, and then disseminating all events pertaining to the transaction. Transactions are broken down into update sections, each containing one or more subtransactions collectively defining the entire transaction. Update sections corresponding to the transaction are tagged with a section ID. Events indicating completion of processing of the update section are identified by the section ID, and suppressed temporarily by storing them in the event cache pending completion of the transaction. Other events not matching a tagged section ID are allowed to disseminate. Upon completion of the transaction, events for all section IDs corresponding to the transaction are disseminated from the cache. |
| US08285672B2 |
Declarative federation of registries
A registry helper is configured to facilitate the declarative federation of registries. The registry helper includes a reader module configured to read a declarative description for a target registry to obtain parameters pertaining to mirroring of the target registry in a federated registry. The registry helper also includes a listener registering module configured to register a listener for the target registry that enables external monitoring of the target registry based on the declarative description parameters and a change detecting module configured to detect a modification to the target registry via the listener. The registry helper further includes an updating module configured to update the federated registry in accordance with the detected modification to the target registry such that the federated registry mirrors the services of the target registry. |
| US08285671B2 |
System and method for performing integrated storage operations
The present invention relates to a method for performing integrated storage operations on an information store. The present invention comprises identifying a plurality disparate types of storage operations stored in a policy option table. A first storage operation is performed according to a first set of storage criteria stored in the policy option table and a second operation, disparate from the first storage operation, is performed according to a second set of storage criteria stored in the policy option table. |
| US08285669B2 |
Subscription-based services
The present invention provides a virtual network, sitting “above” the physical connectivity and thereby providing the administrative controls necessary to link various communication devices via an Access-Method-Independent Exchange. In this sense, the Access-Method-Independent Exchange can be viewed as providing the logical connectivity required. In accordance with the present invention, connectivity is provided by a series of communication primitives designed to work with each of the specific communication devices in use. As new communication devices are developed, primitives can be added to the Access-Method-Independent Exchange to support these new devices without changing the application source code. A Thread Communication Service is provided, along with a Binding Service to link Communication Points. A Thread Directory Service is available, as well as a Broker Service and a Thread Communication Switching Service. Intraprocess, as well as Interprocess, services are available. Dynamic Configuration Management and a Configurable Application Program Service provide software which can be commoditized, as well as upgraded while in operation. |
| US08285666B2 |
Phenotype prediction method
The present invention relates to methods and systems for predicting the phenotype conferred by a protein. Such methods and systems facilitate the design, optimization, and assessment of the efficiency of a therapeutic regimen based on the genotype of the disease affecting the patient. |
| US08285660B2 |
Semi-automatic evaluation and prioritization of architectural alternatives for data integration
Evaluating and prioritizing architectural design pattern alternatives for data integration is provided. A set of decision factors is derived from requirements for a system to be integrated. A default score is assigned to each decision factor based on historical data integration knowledge, and the default scores are weighted. A priority score is also assigned to each decision factor based on collected inputs from system metadata and subject matter experts in the enterprise system. Next, an individual consolidated score for each decision factor is calculated using the default score, the weighted score, and the priority score, and a total consolidated score is calculated from the individual consolidated scores for the architecture design pattern. The total consolidated score for the architecture design pattern may be compared against total consolidated scores for other architecture design patterns to determine a suitable candidate architecture design pattern for data integration. |
| US08285655B1 |
Method for object recongnition using multi-layered swarm sweep algorithms
Described is a system for multi-layered object detection which presents a unified way of processing an entire field-of-view (FOV) using cognitive swarms of software agents and classifier cascades by partitioning the FOV into layers and processing the closest layer first. A plurality of software agents operate as a cooperative swarm to search the first layer of the field-of-view to locate an objective function optima according to particle swarm optimization dynamics, wherein the objective function optima corresponds to a location of an object in the image in a layer of the field-of-view. The other layers are then sequentially swept to detect other objects in the FOV. In another aspect, the layers correspond to layers of increasing resolution in a hierarchical image pyramid. By using the cooperative swarm to search the coarser resolution layers first, objects can be detected more rapidly. A method and computer program product are also described. |
| US08285654B2 |
Method and system of providing a personalized performance
A computer for use with a system capable of providing a personalized performance of a story having a predefined timeline and a method of operating the system. The method comprises receiving inputs from users; analyzing at least said received inputs in order to recognize actual input components; matching said actual input components to a set of predefined input components; modifying the story timeline in accordance with results of said matching; and generating the performance in accordance with the modified story timeline. The technique may be used, for example, for personalized presentation; message positioning and persuasion application; simulated teacher performance application; performance and business indicators analysis application; simulated tour guide application; simulated hostess application; self-introduction related application; dating services related application; blog service and navigation application; social and networking service application; public relations and promotional services application; entertainment application; medical and health care services application; customer support services application, etc. |
| US08285651B1 |
High speed printing
A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes client server that forms and prints a reduced Information-Based Indicia (RIBI) on each piece of mail. The client server provides funds to the system server and reports the RIBI usage to the system server. The system server issues tokens to the client server that allow the client server to the print RIBI indicia for a certain value of postage. |
| US08285649B2 |
Heuristic cross shipping of disaster relief supplies at points of distribution
Distributing disaster relief supplies, in one aspect, may include determining cross shipping of disaster relief supplies between points of distribution using one or more combinations of information. The information may include one or more of on-hand inventory of each point of distribution, in-transit inventory to each point of distribution, demand queue of disaster victims at each point of distribution, traveling time between supply staging area and points of distribution, traveling time between points of distribution, number of transportation vehicles available for cross shipping, minimum batch size for cross shipping, frequency of cross shipping, and point of distribution activation status, or combinations thereof. |
| US08285648B2 |
System and method for verifying a user's identity in electronic transactions
In an electronic transaction, the invention provides a process and system for blocking a user's account until a verifier verifies the identity of the user. The process comprises pre-enrolling the user and the user's personal communication device. Optionally, one or more of the user's accounts are enrolled.At the time a transaction is initiated, the verifier sends an identification verification request to the portable communication device of the person initiating the electronic-transaction. The person then verifies his/her identity as the user. Optionally, the user authorizes the amount of the transaction.Optionally, the verifier issues to the user a proxy transaction card which the user uses to initiate electronic transactions that will be billed to one of the user's pre-enrolled accounts. Using information obtained from the user's proxy transaction card, the retailer/merchant's bank opens a communications link to the verifier, and the verifier then verifies the user's identity. |
| US08285644B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method therefor, and computer-readable storage medium
An image processing apparatus which is capable of easily determining, when a user causes the apparatus to scan a sheet original to carry out predetermined processing, whether or not the sheet original has been modified or edited from a document file as the source of the sheet original. A scanner section not only reads an original and generates original image data, but also recognizes information embedded in the original. Rights information concerning the original is acquired based on the information embedded in the original. A controller unit determines whether or not the original has been edited, and performs control based on contents of the rights information and a result of the determination, such that execution of processing, which is designated by a user, on the original image data is permitted or restricted. |
| US08285643B2 |
System and method for processing gift cards
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for enabling gift card recipients to redeem gift card amounts using existing accounts such as a credit/debit card. A system practicing the method identifies a giver and recipient of a gift card amount and associated accounts. A policy is established which governs how the gift card is redeemed, such as a specific merchant or item. When the recipient makes a purchase using an existing credit/debit card according to the policy, the gift card amount is applied to the transaction. No special codes, separate physical gift cards, or printable coupons are necessary for redemption. The recipient makes purchases using their normal purchasing credit/debit card via a qualifying purchase according to the policy, and the gift card is applied automatically. The recipient credit/debit card becomes a combination of an open-looped card and a closed-loop card. Thus, no money is wasted or lost. |
| US08285638B2 |
Attribute enhancement in virtual world environments
A method and system provides arrangements creating a relationship between a real-world entity and a virtual world environment. A virtual world patron can participate in various virtual world activities including transactions to acquire virtual products, virtual services, and/or virtual items of value. Feedback may be provided and records kept regarding the virtual world activities and transactions. The virtual world patron may also have an opportunity of engaging in related real-world activities and transactions. Designated virtual objects with special distinguishable attributes may be sponsored by a real-world entity. Some virtual world communication techniques may be used to help establish a recognizable association between the real-world entity and the designated virtual objects. |
| US08285637B2 |
Authorization request for financial transactions
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system, and computer program product for authorizing a financial transaction. A financial institution can identify financial risk associated with the financial transaction based on product details. The product details are sent to the financial institution by a merchant along with the authorization request. The financial institution, then, notifies the merchant regarding authorization of the financial transaction based on the risk assessment. Finally, the merchant fulfills or terminates the financial transaction based on the notification received regarding authorization request. |
| US08285628B1 |
Securitized pool of personal-small-aircraft mortgages system
Illustratively, there can be a securitization system that is comprised of a computer or computers using a network, and a process, for the conversion of assets into marketable securities. In one embodiment, the securitization system includes a distribution system to distribute at least some of the marketable securities generated by the securitization system to one or more buyers. The process may utilize a new definition of securitization that expands the universe of securitizable assets, the universe of asset securitization methodologies, and the universe of securities that can be designed and generated thereby. |
| US08285627B2 |
Platform for customizing a derivative portfolio trading strategy
The inventor discovered a method for exploiting asymmetrical market return patterns that involves the steps of identifying seasons during which equities have historically done poorly, entering a short sell position on a portfolio of call options at or near the beginning of that season, and closing out the short sell position at or before the end of the season. The inventor has also developed an options trading strategy platform to help potential subscribers or clients to implement this options trading strategy. |
| US08285625B2 |
Synthetic funds having structured notes
The present invention relates to synthetic funds for purchase by investors. A structured note is structured to provide customized equity returns/exposure. Terms of each structured note may be specified by the purchaser and the structured notes may be unsecured liabilities of the obligor, e.g., there are no underlying assets upon which the structure note is based. Thus, there will be no limits on the use of structured note proceeds and management of assets and liabilities will be left entirely to the obligor's discretion. Structured note payment obligations may be related to the performance of an objective valuation, but structured note holders will depend on the good credit of the obligor for payment. |
| US08285624B2 |
System, method, and program product for managing a collective investment vehicle including a true-up operation
A method for managing redemptions, the method comprising: receiving, a request to redeem shares of a fund for a given market participant (MP), comprising a number of shares to redeem or a value-specifying parameter; communicating before a strike time an identification of a set of assets to distribute including a number of each one of the assets, to a MP representative, which MP representative is restricted from liquidating and disclosing the set of assets; calculating, a true-up amount, based on a monetary value at the strike time of the set of assets and either the monetary value as of the strike time of the number of shares requested to be redeemed, or the monetary value as of the strike time comprising a number of shares approximated by the value-specifying parameter, causing a transfer of all or a portion of the set of assets to the MP representative. |
| US08285618B1 |
System, program product and method for segmenting and underwriting using voting status
A system, method and computer program product for utilizing a person's voting status as a factor in segmenting a population, and in various aspects of selling, underwriting, or rating insurance. In defining voting status, recent voting, voting frequency, or other voting history may optionally take into account the type of election or the turnout for the election, or both. Voting status may be used together with other factors such as age, gender, driving distance to place of employment, or residence location. A risk model for insurance purposes is provided, including segmentation of a population into groups based factors including voting status; and determining risk parameters of each group. A rate structure corresponding to the segmented groups may be calculated, and insurance coverage limits and a premium proposed to a customer based on a group assignment. Persons to receive insurance sales solicitations may be identified based on voting status. |
| US08285617B1 |
Pub/Sub engine for automated processing of FIX messages
A computer implemented method for automated content-based processing of FIX messages to facilitate the selective delivery of Financial Information eXchange (FIX) messages, includes: receiving a FIX message; for each of a plurality of subscription filters received from a client computer, calculating a True/False (T/F) value indicating whether the FIX message satisfies the subscription filter, where each subscription filter indicates FIX message content of interest; storing the T/F values for the plurality of subscription filters in a T/F array; and returning the T/F array to the client computer. The T/F array is an array of elements, where each element corresponds to a subscription filter. Once the client computer receives the T/F array, the client computer uses the array to determine to which subscribers the FIX message is to be sent. In this manner, the method facilitates the selective delivery of FIX messages by the client computer. |
| US08285616B2 |
Method and system for dynamically producing detailed trade payment experience for enhancing credit evaluation
A computer implemented method and system for providing a credit evaluation report, the method comprising: searching a reference file of entities; identifying an entity of interest; determining user specified rules or criteria; selecting at least one relevant trade experience from a database of trade experiences for the entity of interest based upon the user specified rules or criteria, records for comparison to the relevant trade experience, and/or peer groups; and generating the credit evaluation report of the entity of interest based upon the relevant trade experience. |
| US08285613B1 |
System and method for managing consumer information
Method and system of recommending an action to a consumer is provided. The method includes, applying selection criteria to credit data to determine recommended actions for the consumer; determining if any of the recommended actions are frivolous; determining if any of the recommended actions are valid; and comparing the recommended actions to pre-set parameters set by the consumer to determine if the consumer should be notified of any of the recommended actions, if at least one recommended action is non-frivolous and valid. The system includes a processing module for processing user action requests, received from a user, in a batch; and a communications module for sending the user action requests from a system provider to a database; wherein the communications module sends an indication of results or a notice of a lack of results to the user. |
| US08285612B2 |
Systems and methods for data processing
Systems and methods are provided for data processing. In one implementation, a data processing system includes storage means for storing sets of account identifiers, each of the sets of account identifiers being assigned a set of control parameters. The data processing system may also include an account management system that stores account data of accounts that are identified by the account identifiers, interface means coupled to the account management system, and one or more sets of application programs that are adapted to process account data of accounts identified by at least one of the one or more sets of account identifiers using the set of control parameters assigned to the at least one of the one or more sets of account identifiers. The interface means may obtain the account data from the account management system on request of one of the application programs. |
| US08285609B2 |
Systems and methods to outsource service and support operations
Systems and methods to outsource service and support operations are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein includes electronically maintaining an inventory at an outsourced service and support partner (OSSP) without intervention by a separate manufacturing entity by ordering inventory items from a supplier separate from the manufacturing entity and the OSSP at a cost determined based on an amount of similar or substantially identical inventory items obtained separately by the manufacturing entity for manufacturing units, and using the inventory to at least one of service a unit returned to the OSSP by a customer or ship an inventory item from the OSSP to the customer in response to receiving an order notification from the manufacturing entity at the OSSP. |
| US08285608B2 |
Inventory filtering system, method, and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product for inventory filtering includes filtering one or more inventory items offered for sale. A primary list of the inventory items from a primary logistics information database may be obtained. A first restriction requirement based on the primary list may be generated. A second list may be generated pertaining to the inventory items and may include a list of one or more internally generated second restriction parameters different than any parameters used to establish the first restriction requirement. A second restriction requirement may be generated based on the second list. A combined restriction requirement may be generated based on any combination of the first restriction requirement and the second restriction requirement. The sale of the item may be restricted based on the combined restriction requirement. |
| US08285603B2 |
Method and system for providing recommendations as part of a home energy audit
A dynamic, fully-integrated computer-server-based platform (platform) provides users with tools for making informed decisions about available energy upgrades and for implementing desired home energy upgrades. In various embodiments, the platform provides various combinations of: (i) a variety of educational and assessment tools, including a Virtual Home Energy Audit (VHEA), which provides users with a customized home energy-savings plan detailing the financial and/or environmental impact of each upgrade alternative on a relative and absolute basis, (ii) product selection and purchase, (iii) access to arrangement and scheduling of in-home services through a network of professionals, (iv) financing solutions, and (v) a data registry that verifies completed upgrades and associated savings. The platform takes a holistic view of energy solutions, and provides tools across a broad spectrum of energy-related products and/or services. |
| US08285597B1 |
Haggling in an electronic commerce system
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs that facilitate haggling in an electronic commerce system. An average spread of a user is calculated, which is the average difference between an initial list price and a final transaction price among transactions in a transaction history. A rounds score is also calculated, which is based on the number of counteroffers extended by a user in the transaction history. A volume score is calculated and based on the volume of transactions a user has consummated in the transaction history. An abandonment score is calculated and based on the percentage of transactions the user has abandoned. A haggling rating is calculated and based on a combination of the average spread, the rounds score, the volume score, and the abandonment score, and represents an effectiveness of the user in haggling and completing transactions with other users. |
| US08285589B2 |
Referring-site based recommendations
Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing actions performed by users referred to a target site from particular referring sites or groups thereof, and for using the results of such analyses to select particular items to recommend to users. The referring sites may, for example, be affiliate sites that refer users to a merchant site in accordance with an affiliate marketing program. |
| US08285588B2 |
Method and system for providing rewards to a portable computing device at the point of sale
Providing rewards to a user by storing a user profile in memory of a computing device, the user profile including profile data including prior purchase history by the user including details of a plurality of transactions that have been previously executed by the user. The profile data is analyzed in accordance with a scoring algorithm to provide a score that is indicative of the relative value of the user, and the user is provided with a reward in accordance with the user's score as indicated by the scoring algorithm. The reward provided to the user may be a coupon, a rebate, a discount or reward points. |
| US08285584B2 |
System and method for performing assortment planning
A system, method and program product are provided for defining an assortment for use in an operative execution system. The method includes assigning a plurality of articles to the assortment for one or more article validity periods, assigning a plurality of stores to the assortment for one or more store validity periods, and releasing the assortment to the operative execution system. Once released to the operative execution system, the articles and the stores are automatically added to and dropped from the assortment based on the validity periods. |
| US08285577B1 |
Method for optimizing net present value of a cross-selling marketing campaign
The present invention applies a novel iterative algorithm to the problem of multidimensional optimization by supplying a strict, nonlinear mathematical solution to what has traditionally been treated as a linear multidimensional problem. The process consists of randomly selecting a statistically significant sample of a prospect list, calculating the value of the utility function for each pair of an offer and selected prospects, reducing the original linear multidimensional problem to a non-linear problem with a feasible number of dimensions, solving the non-linear problem for the selected sample numerically with the desired tolerance using an iterative algorithm, and using the results to calculate an optimal set of offers in one pass for the full prospect list. |
| US08285576B2 |
Automated derivation, design and execution of industry-specific information environment
A computer-implemented method, system and program product for creating a physical information environment for a specific industry type are presented. A candidate industry type is selected to describe a customer's operations. A set of information environment components, which is modeled and simulated in software and is specific for the candidate industry type, is selected. Inherent constraints, from the candidate industry type and the set of information environment components, are identified. The set of information environment components are then recursively optimized in order to comply with the inherent constraints and to meet the specific information environment requirements. Based on optimized information environment components, construction of a information environment is simulated in order to define an architecture of a simulated information environment for the candidate industry type. A physical information environment that comports with the architecture of the optimally simulated information environment is then constructed and deployed. |
| US08285573B1 |
Prioritizing orders/receipt of items between users
In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method operating at a server system is disclosed. The server hosts and electronic procurement system. A first user purchase request to purchase an item is received, and a second user purchase request to purchase the same item is received. A determination is made if there is sufficient stock of the item available to fulfill both user purchase requests. The first and second user purchase requests are prioritized, if there is insufficient stock of the item available to fulfill both purchase requests. A purchase order is generated for at least one of the first and second user purchase requests in accordance with the prioritizing. Related methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08285572B2 |
System and method for solution ordering by federation of order management systems and use of solution records
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art with respect to solution order processing and provide a novel and non-obvious method, computer system and computer program product for processing solution orders using solution records. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for solution ordering across disparate order and contract management systems in a manufacturing environment can be provided. The method can include receiving a request for a solution from a customer, identifying a solution that satisfies the request for a solution, determining a solution order for the identified solution, generating a solution record for the solution order and assigning a solution record number to the solution record. The method can further include populating the solution record with product identification numbers received from multiple product lines in the manufacturing environment. |
| US08285571B2 |
Rideshare system and associated methodology
A rideshare system and associated methodology for recommending rideshares to prospective riders and drivers uses itineraries and personal affinities to make the recommendations. The rideshare system computes a cost value by comparing the search criteria submitted by a user to stored user profiles. Results of the comparison are displayed in order of highest match to lowest match, according to the cost values computed. Further, the system also adaptively updates the stored profiles according to rideshare history. Lastly, the system includes a real-time user localization unit to locate prospective riders and drivers in real time, making just in time or unplanned rideshares possible. |
| US08285570B2 |
Matching system for ride reservation platforms
The invention relates to a system capable of electronically matching transportation reservations with existing, new, or potential reservations, so that the orders can be combined, the reservation shared between requesting parties, utilization and management of transportation provider inventory and costs can be optimized, and savings opportunities for customers may be provided. Costs may also be divided proportionally based on a combination of distance and/or time traveled, or other cost accrual methods per riding party, and split/billed electronically via the reservation system. The system can operate as a standalone reservation repository or in concert with one or many existing reservation providers. |
| US08285568B1 |
Home resale price protection plan
A Home Resale Price Protection Plan provides a payment to a homeowner should the homeowner have to sell his or her house at a loss. In exchange for an upfront fee, the homeowner would receive a payment for the lesser of their actual loss or the loss calculated by multiplying their original purchase price by the proportional drop in an appropriate housing price index. |
| US08285562B2 |
System and method for early identification of safety concerns of new drugs
A computer-implemented system and method for administering a drug registry database generates a display of a plurality of new drug/comparator drug pairings, wherein each new drug is added to the database when a threshold number of healthcare claims for the new drug have been received. Upon receiving a selection of a new drug/comparator drug pairing, and filter parameters input by a user, an analysis engine searches the healthcare claims stored in the database to identify a first and second group of patients satisfying the filter parameters input by the user; wherein the first group includes patients with claim data indicating use of the new drug and the second group includes patients with claim data indicating use of the comparator drug. The analysis engine further identifies a comparative occurrence of one or more existing medical conditions or new medical conditions in the first and second groups of patients and calculates a probability value indicating a relative likelihood that a patient taking the new drug will have each of the one or more new or existing medical conditions in comparison to a likelihood that a patient taking the comparator drug will have each of the one or more new or existing medical conditions. A user interface displays each new or existing medical condition and the probability value for the new drug and the comparator drug in accordance with one or more report parameters entered by the user. |
| US08285558B2 |
Method and system for reduction of quantization-induced block-discontinuities and general purpose audio codec
Systems and methods are provided for ultra-low latency decompression for a general-purpose audio input signal. In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes decoding, by a processor, an input bit stream into quantization indices and residue quantization indices; applying an inverse quantization algorithm to the quantization indices to generate signal coefficients; applying an inverse transform to the signal coefficients to generate a time-domain reconstructed signal waveform; applying a stochastic noise synthesis algorithm to the residue quantization indices to generate a time-domain reconstructed residue waveform; combining, by the processor, the reconstructed signal waveform and the reconstructed residue waveform as a reconstructed signal waveform block; and generating an output signal by applying a boundary synthesis algorithm to the reconstructed signal waveform blocks. |
| US08285557B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for buffering audio data to allow low power states in a processing system during audio playback
An audio data stream from a processing system may be buffered to allow low power states in the processing system during audio playback. An audio buffer may be provided external to the processing system and between the processing system and an audio codec. The audio buffer may also shift to an alternate audio data interface mode when the processing system is in the low power state. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment. |
| US08285556B2 |
Apparatus and method for encoding/decoding signal
An encoding method and apparatus and a decoding method and apparatus are provided. The decoding method includes extracting a three-dimensional (3D) down-mix signal and spatial information from an input bitstream, removing 3D effects from the 3D down-mix signal by performing a 3D rendering operation on the 3D down-mix signal, and generating a multi-channel signal using the spatial information and a down-mix signal obtained by the removal. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently encode multi-channel signals with 3D effects and to adaptively restore and reproduce audio signals with optimum sound quality according to the characteristics of a reproduction environment. |
| US08285554B2 |
Method and system for dynamic aliasing suppression
A method of for aliasing suppression in a sub-band speaker-phone system, comprising receiving an analog audio signal from a near end analog audio input interface, converting said analog audio signal into a near end digital audio signal using an A2D; receiving N≧2 sub-bands decoded digital audio data from a far-end, merging said N≧2 sub-bands decoded digital audio data into a wideband (WB) decoded digital audio data to be converted by D2A unit and provided to analog audio output interface; splitting said near-end digital audio signal into N≧2 near-end sub-bands digital audio signals; subtracting a simulated digital signal from said sub-band digital audio signal, wherein said simulated digital signal is created by an echo cancelling unit; and applying dynamic anti aliasing suppression (DAAS) with varying aggressiveness on each of said N≧2 near-end sub-band digital audio signals. |
| US08285552B2 |
System and method for simulating expression of message
A system and a method for simulating expression of a message are provided. The system comprises a network platform end and at least one user end. The network platform end comprises a message capturing module for capturing a user message; a feature analyzing module for performing a characteristic analysis on content of the user message, so as to mark at least one simulation action tag on the message content; and a simulation message generating module for acquiring simulation instructions corresponding to the at least one simulation action tag and combining the same with the message content to generate a simulation message. The user end comprises a user device for receiving the simulation message and outputting the message content and simulation instructions contained in the simulation message to a simulation device; and the simulation device for playing the received message content and executing corresponding simulation instructions. |
| US08285550B2 |
Method and system for generating dialogue managers with diversified dialogue acts
A method to generate dialogue manager (DM) is provided, in which a plurality DMs with the same purpose but having different dialogue acts is automatically generated according to a DM designed by a designer. An automatic aiding tool facilitates the design of a dialogue flow and the adjustment of DM rules, and also helps a system designer to find out potential problems in the original DM. The method adopts the current DM combined with a user simulation technique and further employs a specially designed scoring function, so as to automatically generate a plurality of new DMs. The new DMs achieve the same dialogue purpose as the original DM, but differ from the original DM in system acts and responses during the dialogue process. The dialogue flow of the dialogue system is enhanced, and meanwhile, the design and improvement of the DM are also accelerated. |
| US08285546B2 |
Method and system for identifying and correcting accent-induced speech recognition difficulties
A system for use in speech recognition includes an acoustic module accessing a plurality of distinct-language acoustic models, each based upon a different language; a lexicon module accessing at least one lexicon model; and a speech recognition output module. The speech recognition output module generates a first speech recognition output using a first model combination that combines one of the plurality of distinct-language acoustic models with the at least one lexicon model. In response to a threshold determination, the speech recognition output module generates a second speech recognition output using a second model combination that combines a different one of the plurality of distinct-language acoustic models with the at least one distinct-language lexicon model. |
| US08285533B2 |
Directed energy weapon deployment simulation
Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for designing an effective and efficient directed energy weapon system. A method for designing a directed energy weapons system may include modeling an environment and postulating a directed energy weapons system deployment. The capability of the postulated directed energy weapon system deployment to defend a target aircraft against a missile threat within the environment may then be simulated. The postulated directed energy weapon system deployment may be iteratively improved based on simulation results. |
| US08285532B2 |
Providing a simplified subterranean model
To provide a simplified subterranean model of a subterranean structure, a first grid size for the simplified subterranean model is selected, where the first grid size is coarser than a second grid size associated with a detailed subterranean model. The simplified subterranean model is populated with subterranean properties according to the selected first grid size, where multiple realizations of the simplified subterranean model are provided for different sets of values of the subterranean properties. The realizations of the simplified subterranean model are ranked based on comparing outputs of simulations of the realizations with measured data associated with the subterranean structure. |
| US08285525B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing decision support
A method for providing decision support includes using a programmed computer to input a regression model specification, and to repeat the input a plurality of times to obtain and store a plurality of regression model specifications. The method further includes using the programmed computer to analyze selected regression model specifications to determine at least one of common variables and functions of common variables, to thereby determine a reduced-redundancy request for input of variables, when a plurality of the stored regression model specifications are selected for use. |
| US08285523B2 |
Electronic system for modeling chemical reactions and biochemical processes
A system for modeling chemical reactions using analog or hybrid-analog-digital electronic circuits. The system exploits similarities between the kinetic rates of chemical reaction and the rates governing current flow in electronic devices such as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) operating at subthreshold conditions. These devices, which accurately model the stochastics of chemical processes, can be networked into large arrays to model chemical reaction networks, including biochemical reactions and genetic processes such as activation, induction, transcription, and translation. |
| US08285522B1 |
Materials-based failure analysis in design of electronic devices
The technology includes methods, a system, and a computer readable medium for predicting the failure of an electronic device during design of the device, by receiving data associated with the device, the data including data indicative of a device response to a specific load on the system while the device is in operation, and predicting potential failure of the device using a probabilistic model and the data, wherein the probabilistic model utilizes at least one of fast probability methods and simulation techniques. |
| US08285521B1 |
Certification controls for a structure design, analysis, and implementation system
A computer-implemented subsystem and method is disclosed for receiving user qualification data, comparing that data to certification criteria, and providing user certification according thereto, in the context of a system for designing a structure. A variety of users may be certified, including architects, designers, component and service providers, permitting authorities, builders, financers, future tenants, etc. A wide variety of certifications may be provided including by trade, by attributes of the structure, by intended use of the design system, etc. Certification may be based on general experience, references, time spent with the design system, training completed, examination passed, other certifications, etc. Certification may be stand-alone or may be part of an ongoing continuing education process. The design system may limit actions a user may perform on a design based on certification and certification level. Certified users may be connected with clients and other opportunities through the design system or otherwise. |
| US08285514B2 |
Sensor fault detection systems and methods thereof
A method, computer readable medium and system for detecting a sensor fault includes identifying one or more of a plurality of tools to use with at least one of a plurality of data acquisition systems based on data obtained from and at least one characteristic of the at least one of the data acquisition systems. The identified one or more tools are utilized on the obtained data to determine at least one confidence rating. An operational status for the at least one of the data acquisition systems is determined and provided based on at least the one determined confidence rating. |
| US08285511B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating temperature of test point in space with air conditioner
A method and an apparatus for estimating temperature are provided for estimating a temperature of a test point in a space with an air conditioner. In the method, a first and a second sensor device are deployed in the space, wherein the second sensor device is deployed at the test point. Then, state parameters and temperature transformation functions are defined according to temperatures detected by the first and the second sensor devices and a state of the air conditioner during a predetermined time period. After the second sensor device is removed, a current state of the air conditioner is determined by reference temperatures detected by the first sensor device and the state parameters. One of the temperature transformation functions is selected according to the current state, and a current temperature of the test point is estimated by using the selected temperature transformation function and the reference temperatures. |
| US08285508B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method
An apparatus includes a test signal generation unit supplying test signals to an orthogonal modulator and a control unit that based on a result of decision by comparison and decision of detection results of a detector detecting envelopes of modulated signals output from the orthogonal modulator responsive to the test signals, derives adjustment values and a compensation value. An estimation means estimates a DC offset and an IQ mismatch of the orthogonal modulator, based on the derived compensation value. The test signals includes a first set including a first test signal (I1, Q1) and a second test signal (I2, Q2) having a predetermined relationship with the first test signal, and a second set of which in-phase and quadrature components have predetermined relationships respectively with in-phase and quadrature components of the first set. |
| US08285502B2 |
Digital compensator for power supply applications
An inductor current estimator for a switching power supply includes a first sensing and averaging component that generates an average of a switch voltage and a second sensing and averaging component that generates an average of an output voltage of the switching power supply. A first subtraction component receives the average of the switch voltage and the average of the output voltage. A first multiplying component receives an output of the first subtraction component and multiplies the output of the first subtraction component by a first model parameter. A second multiplying component multiplies an input to the second multiplying component by a second model parameter. An adding component adds an output of the first multiplying component and an output of the second multiplying component. A delay component receives an output of the adding component and provides an output to an input of the second multiplying component. |
| US08285497B2 |
Method for gravimetric volume determination
A method of gravimetric volume determination is described in which a load cell can be calibrated either outside of an analytic analyzer for gravimetric calibration of the analyzer, or in a fully automated manner inside the analyzer. |
| US08285486B2 |
Methods of determining relative genetic likelihoods of an individual matching a population
Provided are methods of determining an individual's relative likelihood of having a genetic match with one or more local populations as compared to a generic index population. Also provided are systems, apparatuses, kits, and machine-readable medium relating to such methods. The methods may be used for example, to identify an individual's or individual's ancestor's most likely geographic origin, or to identify the breed, species, kingdom, etc. of an organism. |
| US08285484B1 |
Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
Improved methods and systems for position acquisition and/or monitoring are disclosed. The position acquisition and/or monitoring can be performed with improved intelligence so that data acquisition, transmission and/or processing is reduced. As a result, the position acquisition and/or monitoring is able to be performed in a power efficient manner. |
| US08285483B2 |
Constructing travel itineraries from tagged geo-temporal photographs
One embodiment accesses two or more photos taken by one or more travelers at one or more destinations and one or more points-of-interest located within the destinations; constructs one or more photo streams for each unique traveler-destination combination, wherein each one of the photo streams comprises two or more of the photos taken by the corresponding traveler at the corresponding destination; maps each one of the photos to one of the points-of-interest; constructs one or more timed paths for each unique traveler-destination combination based on the photo streams and the mapping between the photos and the points-of-interest, wherein each one of the timed paths comprises one or more of the points-of-interest located within the corresponding destination and visited by the corresponding travel; and constructs an itinerary based on a start point-of-interest, an end point-of-interest, a time constraint, and the timed paths. |
| US08285481B2 |
Method and apparatus for associating brand icon with POI location for navigation system
A method and apparatus for a navigation system automatically assigns or allows a user to assign a brand icon to a particular location. The navigation system displays the assigned brand icon as well as generic icons on a map image. Thus, the navigation system enables the user to quickly distinguish a particular place such as a point of interest (POI) from other similar type of POIs on a map image. The user can identify a particular chain restaurant from other restaurant by the brand icon unique to the particular chain restaurant on the map image so that the user can easily specify the favorite restaurant as a destination. |
| US08285480B2 |
System and method for navigating a mobile device user interface with a directional sensing device
An electronic mobile device includes a display for displaying a graphical element. A tilt sensor is configured to sense first and second tilt angles of the mobile device. A processor is coupled to the display and the tilt sensor and configured to move the graphical element relative to the display in a first direction based on the first tilt angle, and to move the graphical element relative to the display in a second direction based on the second tilt angle. |
| US08285478B2 |
Method for optimizing the display of data relating to the risks presented by obstacles
The invention relates to a method for optimizing the display of data relating to the risks associated with obstacles. The method includes extracting from an obstacle database, a list of obstacles included in the geographic zone defined by the range, the orientation and the position of the aircraft. Obstacle related information and warning lists are received. The obstacle list is regrouped by applying to the obstacles criteria relating to the proximity of the obstacles relative to the aircraft; to the proximity of the obstacles to one another; and to their warning level. The symbology adapted to the obstacle display is generated. In particular, the invention applies to optimizing the display of warnings relating to the risks of collision with point-like or linear obstacles. |
| US08285476B2 |
Vehicle position calculating device and vehicle position calculating method
A vehicle position calculating apparatus and vehicle position calculating method which can accurately calculate a current position of a vehicle regardless of the orientation of the vehicle at the time when acquiring positional information.An advancing direction detecting section in a vehicle position calculating ECU detects an advancing direction of a vehicle in a receiving area according to receiving area form information issued from a receiving area form acquiring section, moving distance information issued from a moving distance calculating section, and course change information issued from a course changing action detecting section. A vehicle position calculating section sets a reference position according to reference positional information issued from a reference position acquiring section, and calculates the current vehicle position by taking account of the advancing direction in addition to a relative change based on relative change information issued from the relative position change detecting section. |
| US08285475B2 |
Combined beacon and scene navigation system
A controller and navigation system to implement beacon-based navigation and scene-based navigation is described. The navigation system may generate position data for the controller to compensate for a misalignment of the controller relative to the coordinate system of the navigation system. The navigation system may also distinguish between a beacon light source and a non-beacon light source. |
| US08285471B2 |
Data storage device
Data indicating a sudden change in a bulk modulus of fuel and data indicating a usage state and a usage environment of an injector as of occurrence of an injection abnormality are stored in EEPROM mounted in the injector. Thus, it can be analyzed whether a cause of a defect such as the injection abnormality is use of inferior fuel based on the data related to the bulk modulus. In addition, it can be analyzed whether the cause of the defect such as the injection abnormality is a severe usage state and a severe usage environment based on the data related to the usage state and the usage environment. Thus, the data useful for analyzing the cause of the defect related to the fuel injection can be provided. |
| US08285470B2 |
Engine transient mitigation for hybrid vehicles
A method and system for limiting a fast transient in an engine in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The predicted fuel loss percentage is calculated from an inferred air-fuel ratio (inferred lambda). The rate limit term is calculated from a measured air-fuel ratio (measured lambda) and an engine torque command change rate. The predicted fuel loss percentage and the rate limit term are inputs into a calibration table to determine an engine power rate limit and an engine torque rate limit. An engine torque command is limited using the engine torque rate limit to control a fast engine torque transient for an engine. An engine power command is limited using the engine power rate limit to control the fast engine power transient for the engine. |
| US08285469B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine including variable valve operating mechanism
The present invention has its object to provide a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a variable valve operating mechanism which is capable of accurately and effectively identifying an abnormality-occurring cylinder during operation while preventing the deterioration of a catalyst. A fuel injection valve which is capable of injecting fuel for each cylinder is provided. Variable valve operating mechanisms which are capable of halting the operation of the intake and exhaust valves in the closed state for each cylinder are provided. An abnormality evaluation index value is acquired during the operation of the internal combustion engine and, based on the abnormality evaluation index value, an abnormality which has occurred in at least one cylinder in the internal combustion engine is detected. When the abnormality is detected, a cylinder halting to perform the halting of fuel supply and the halting of the valve operation in the closed state is executed with a first partial cylinder made up of at least two cylinders as the target. After the cylinder halting, with the cylinder to be halted being changed, a cylinder halting is executed with a second partial cylinder made up of at least one cylinder as the target. Based on the change in the abnormality evaluation index value associated with the changing of the cylinder to be halted, the abnormality-occurring cylinder is identified. |
| US08285466B2 |
Airbrake reservoir lock system
An airbrake reservoir lock system for an airbrake system of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an electronic control module. The airbrake reservoir lock system comprises a primary air reservoir, and a first airbrake reservoir lock. The primary air reservoir has an input port and an output port. The primary air reservoir stores an amount of pressurized air. The first airbrake reservoir lock is disposed in fluid communication with the output port of the primary air reservoir. The first airbrake reservoir lock has a valve portion and an electrical actuator. The valve portion has an open position and a closed position. The electrical actuator positions the valve portion of the first airbrake reservoir lock between the open position and the closed position based upon an output of the electronic control module. |
| US08285464B2 |
Half-clutch state decision device
The half-clutch state decision device of the present invention extracts a high-frequency component and a low-frequency component of an engine rotation speed through filtering when the engine rotation speed has dropped while a vehicle is stopped, and calculates a locus length of the high-frequency component and a locus length of the low-frequency component through accumulation thereof. Furthermore, it is decided whether a half-clutch state exists from a relationship between the calculated locus lengths of the high-frequency and low-frequency components. Specifically, it uses a two-dimensional map (FIG. 5) having the locus length of the high-frequency component and the locus length of the low-frequency component as parameters and wherein a half-clutch decision region is set, plots the locus length of each component on that two-dimensional map, and decides whether a half-clutch state exists based on whether that plot point is inside the half-clutch decision region. |
| US08285460B2 |
Varying irrigation scheduling based on height of vegetation
A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation. |
| US08285457B1 |
Automatically adjusting side mirror assembly for a vehicle
An automatically adjusting side mirror assembly for a vehicle having an eye gaze detection system has a mirror subassembly, a support bracket, an actuator mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The mirror subassembly has a first and second position. The second position aligns the mirror subassembly generally parallel to the vehicle in order to provide better aerodynamics. The support bracket connects to the vehicle. The mirror subassembly is connected to the support bracket. The actuator mechanism and the biasing mechanism each connects to the mirror subassembly. The actuator mechanism has a first and second position corresponding to the first and second position of the mirror subassembly. The actuator mechanism is in electrical communication with the eye gaze detection system to position the mirror subassembly to the first position in response to an output of the eye gaze detection system. The biasing mechanism biases the mirror subassembly to the first position. |
| US08285456B2 |
System for controlling a multimachine caravan
A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices. |
| US08285455B2 |
Seat belt warning device
A seat belt warning device includes a seat belt restraining and releasing a passenger seated on a seat for a vehicle, a load detecting device including two load sensors that are provided at a rear portion of the seat, a warning member warning a passenger to fasten the seat belt, and a controlling portion determining one of an unoccupied-seat recognition mode, a passenger seating recognition mode, and a luggage recognition mode. The controlling portion performs a first transition process in which the unoccupied-seat recognition mode is shifted to the luggage recognition mode and in which the luggage recognition mode is shifted to the unoccupied-seat recognition mode. The controlling portion performs a second transition process in which the unoccupied-seat recognition mode is shifted to the passenger seating recognition mode and in which the passenger seating recognition mode is shifted to the unoccupied-seat recognition mode. |
| US08285442B2 |
Driving recorder
This invention intends to provide a vehicle-mounted driving recorder that can obtain necessary situation data only surely and accurately and that can contribute to effective use of a memory and to facilitation of an after-the-fact analysis of the situation data. The vehicle-mounted driving recorder comprises a situation data receiving section that receives situation data as being data indicating behavior, a surrounding situation and an operation situation of a vehicle and that temporarily stores the situation data in a temporary data storage section specified in a predetermined area of a memory, and a data administration section, in case that a plurality of contents indicated by the received situation data satisfy a previously specified given condition, that transfers a part or all of the situation data during a certain period before and after a time when the condition is satisfied from the temporary data storage section to the situation data storage section specified in a predetermined area of the memory. |
| US08285438B2 |
Methods systems and apparatus for analyzing complex systems via prognostic reasoning
Methods and apparatus are provided for analyzing a complex system that includes a number of subsystems. Each subsystem comprises at least one sensor designed to generate sensor data. Sensor data from at least one of the sensors is processed to generate binary evidence of a sensed event, and complex evidence of a sensed event. The complex evidence has more sophisticated mathematical properties than the binary evidence. The complex evidence comprises one or more of: a condition indicator (CI), a health indicator (HI), and a prognostic indicator (PI). A system fault model (SFM) is provided that defines statistical relationships between binary evidence, complex evidence, and an underlying failure mode (FM) that is occurring in the complex system. The binary evidence and the complex evidence are processed to identify failure modes taking place within one or more of the subsystems. Based on the binary evidence and the complex evidence and the SFM, diagnostic conclusions can be generated regarding adverse events that are taking place within the complex system, and prognostic conclusions can be generated regarding adverse events that are predicted to take place within the complex system. |
| US08285436B2 |
Vehicle state judging apparatus and vehicle state judging method
A vehicle state judging apparatus includes a wheel speed sensor provided on a vehicle detecting a wheel speed, a shift position sensor detecting a position of a shift lever, an acceleration sensor detecting acceleration acting on the vehicle, and a judging unit judging a vehicle state from detection values of the wheel speed sensor, the shift position sensor and the acceleration sensor. The judging unit judges that a travel direction of the vehicle is switched when the judging unit detects that the shift lever is switched from a position other than forward movement to a position of the forward movement or switched from a position other than backward movement to a position of the backward movement, detects that the wheel speed is not lower than a first reference speed, and further detects that the wheel speed becomes not higher than a second reference speed before the moment of detection. |
| US08285435B2 |
Lawn mower
A lawn mower comprising: a frame (10); wheels and motors (20a;20b) for moving the frame (10) relative to a work surface (L); one or more blades (30) for cutting the grass on the work surface (L); a plurality of sensors (S1, S2) for generating detection signals (SR) representative of a distance of a mass (M) relative to the frame (10); a control unit (40) for determining, as a function of the detection signals (SR), whether the mass (M) is at a distance from the frame (10) within a predetermined value range, and to adjust the operating conditions of the lawn mower (1) as a function of the detection signals (SR); a selection circuit (50) interposed between the control unit (40) and sensors (S1, S2) for selectively enabling a connection between each of the sensors (S1, S2) and an input of the control unit (40). |
| US08285433B2 |
Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, and recording medium having program recorded thereon
A vehicle control method having an HV driving mode in which operation of an internal combustion engine is permitted and an EV driving mode in which a vehicle is driven by using a motor with the internal combustion engine stopped includes the steps of: setting a destination; setting a driving route from a starting point to the destination; dividing the driving route and associating any of the driving modes with each section of the divided driving route; fixing the division of the driving route and the driving mode associated with each section based on an instruction from an operator; and causing the vehicle to travel each section in the associated driving mode. |
| US08285430B2 |
Controlling device for railway electric car
Provided is a controlling device for a railway electric car, the controlling device being able to detect a slipping/sliding phenomenon during, in particular, high-speed travel and to exercise slipping/sliding control in an appropriate manner. A slip controlling unit 1 includes a first adhesion level index generating unit and a second adhesion level index generating unit. In a normal slipping state in which an acceleration changes instantaneously, torque control is exercised by using a first adhesion level index generated by the first adhesion level index generating unit based on an acceleration deviation and a speed deviation. In a slipping state during high-speed travel, because the acceleration deviation and the speed deviation are small, torque control is exercised by using a second adhesion level index generated by multiplying the first adhesion level index by a gain equal to or smaller than 1 generated by the second adhesion level index generating unit. |
| US08285429B2 |
Automatic estimation of train characteristics
A system is provided for controlling a series of vehicles. In certain embodiments, the system includes a self-analysis/estimation system configured to control a first parameter of the series of vehicles to impart a resulting changing in a second parameter of the series of vehicles. The self-analysis/estimation system is configured to estimate a third parameter based on the first and second parameters, wherein the third parameter comprises weight, weight distribution, tractive effort, grade, or a combination thereof, associated with the series of vehicles. |
| US08285426B2 |
Method and system for limiting an aircraft control surface steering angle
The disclosed embodiments concerns a process for limiting the control surface steering angle of an aircraft, including operations to: determine the maximum permissible steering angle in function of the speed of the aircraft, detect a yaw configuration of the aircraft following a first order for control surface deflection at a maximum steering angle and a first direction, apply a limit to the maximum permissible steering angle. The disclosed embodiments also concern a system for implementing the process. |
| US08285419B2 |
Thermostat load reduction based on percentage change in energy price
A thermostat capable of receiving signals transmitted by a utility provider communicating a usage rate schedule or a request for a load curtailment period, and controlling one or more systems based on the information communicated by the utility. The thermostat changes the set point for each system to the stored predetermined control set point corresponding to the current usage rate schedule period or the curtailment mode period when requested. The thermostat is further capable of discontinuing operation of one or more systems for a minimum predetermined time period following a request for a load curtailment period. |
| US08285418B2 |
Dual scanning stage
A profilometer having a guide beam for providing translational movement of substrates in a Y axis relative to a stylus. A first stage receives a first substrate, where the first stage is slidably mounted to the guide beam. The first stage is associated with a first motor for providing independent translational movement for the first stage in an X axis relative to the stylus. A second stage receives a second substrate, where the second stage is slidably mounted to the guide beam. The second stage is associated with a second motor for providing independent translational movement for the second stage in the X axis relative to the stylus, where the first stage and the second stage move together in the Y axis as the guide beam moves in the Y axis, and move independently of one another in the X axis. A robot loads the substrates onto and unloads the substrates off of the first stage and the second stage. A controller directs the robot to load the second substrate onto the second stage, while simultaneously directing the first stage and the guide beam to scan the first substrate on the first stage in the X and Y axes under the stylus, thereby generating profile readings of the first substrate on the first stage. |
| US08285415B2 |
Targeted product distribution system and method
A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process. |
| US08285412B2 |
Semiconductor device production control method
A semiconductor device production control method includes monitoring, after a production process of a semiconductor device, a process result at a predetermined position of a pattern to which the process is applied, to obtain a deviation with respect to a predetermined target result, quantitatively obtaining a degree of influence on an operation of a semiconductor device from the deviation of the process result, and comparing the degree of influence that is quantitatively obtained with a predetermined allowable margin for operation specifications of the semiconductor device. |
| US08285410B2 |
Method for modeling and executing a production rule in a discrete manufacturing scenario
A method for modeling and executing a production rule of a production phase in a discrete manufacturing scenario, whereby the production rule is associated to a process element and contains predefined production steps and predefined dependencies between the production steps, contains the steps of loading a production rule into a production order manager, parsing the production rule, and retrieving the predefined production steps and the predefined dependencies. Optionally user-defined parameters for the predefined production steps and the predefined dependencies are input. A state machine is created and contains the production steps labeled each as a predefined state, and further contains the dependencies labeled each as a predefined transition between two predefined states. The state machine is then forwarded to a process controller. |
| US08285409B2 |
Effective cycle time management employing a multi-horizon model
Cycle time and throughput of a manufacturing facility is effectively manages by a control system that employs a combination of a long-term horizon model and at least one short-term horizon model to generate control signals for a set of machines in a manufacturing facility. The long-term horizon model determines long-term average time allocation percentage for each machine for a given set of throughput targets and cycle time targets for products to be manufactured. Each of the at least one short-term horizon model determines queues for immediate use at processing tools, while the queues are subjected to a secondary adjustment based on the time allocation constraints generated by the long-term horizon model. The combination of the long-term and the at least one short-term horizon models provides a stable long-term proactive WIP bubble-management as well as short-term WIP bubble management. |
| US08285407B2 |
Method and apparatus for composite part data extraction
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for providing ply lay-up data for a composite part. A designation of a location is received for the composite part in a three dimensional object from a requester. A three dimensional model is opened in which the composite part is located. The ply lay-up data is extracted for a section within the composite part within the three dimensional model to form extracted ply lay-up data for the section. An output file is created containing a drawing of the composite part overlaid with a grid containing the section with the ply lay-up data identifying a ply stacking sequence, an orientation of each ply in the ply stacking sequence, and a material for the each ply in the ply stacking sequence. The output file is returned to the requester. |
| US08285406B2 |
Audio processor
An audio processor is provided which includes a digital signal processor for processing a digital audio data in an inputted digital audio file and a digital analog converter for converting the digital audio data processed by the digital signal processor into an analog audio data in accordance with a sampling frequency of the digital audio data. The digital signal processor adds a silent data of predetermined amount of time which is the same or longer as time for completing a setting of the sampling frequency in a beginning of the digital audio data in the inputted digital audio file. |
| US08285405B2 |
Methods and an apparatus for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device
There is provided an apparatus and methods for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device. The apparatus may be functionally connected to the digital handheld device, and for allowing placement of the digital handheld device at a receptor. Correspondingly, the methods for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device preferably entail a usage of the aforementioned apparatus. |
| US08285404B1 |
Slightly varying shuffling of content items in playlists
A media player provides a shuffle controller that slightly varies a play order of a playlist. The media player receives a playlist the defines a first play order of content items. The first play order is indicated by respective positions of content items identified in the playlist. The media player swaps respective positions of at least two content items identified in the playlist to define a second play order for the content items. In one configuration the media player determines a swap condition that may or may not result in the swapping of two adjacently identified content items in the play list. After iterating over the playlist, the media player provides the playlist defining the second play order of content items. This shuffled playlist can be played back or saved. |
| US08285401B2 |
Discrete fourier transform (DFT) analysis for applications using iterative transform methods
According to various embodiments, a method is provided for determining aberration data for an optical system. The method comprises collecting a data signal, and generating a pre-transformation algorithm. The data is pre-transformed by multiplying the data with the pre-transformation algorithm. A discrete Fourier transform of the pre-transformed data is performed in an iterative loop. The method further comprises back-transforming the data to generate aberration data. |
| US08285399B2 |
Present invention is directed to a feeding tube in particular for total parental nutrition and/or medicine dosing
The present application is directed to a feeding tube in particular for total parental nutrition and/or medicine dosing. The feeding tube functionality is combined with internal monitoring of vital functions, such as ECG, PH, etc. The position of the electrodes is essential for measuring the optimal signal. In the present application the optimal position is determined by measuring the inversion point of the ECG signal. During insertion of the catheter or modified feeding tube the ECG signal is continuously monitored. Via an acoustic signal the strength of the signal is notable. This enables the nursing staff a simple control of the insertion process. |
| US08285397B2 |
System and method for lead fixation
A medical lead includes a pitted, grooved or threaded electrode array tip and a flexible tube or sheath encompassing the electrode array located near the lead tip. In some embodiments, the electrode array adheres to tissue, the tube or sheath adheres to the electrode array at the distal end of the electrode array or the tube or sheath adheres to tissue at the proximal end of the tube or sheath. Embodiments of the tube or sheath may be made from biodegradable material and can include electrode windows spaced along the tube or sheath corresponding to placement of electrode contacts of the electrode array. |
| US08285392B2 |
Leakage-resistant tissue treatment apparatus and methods of using such tissue treatment apparatus
Apparatus and methods for treating skin conditions that deliver high frequency energy to a patient's tissue. The apparatus has a treatment tip configured to be removably connected with a handpiece, a conduit inside the handpiece, and a flow control valve inside the handpiece. The treatment tip has an electrode configured to deliver the high frequency energy to a region of the tissue. A lumen of the conduit is configured to transfer a heat transfer fluid from the handpiece to a flow passageway in the treatment tip. When the treatment tip is removed from the handpiece, the flow control valve is configured to occlude the lumen of the conduit for reducing leakage of the heat transfer fluid from the handpiece. |
| US08285389B2 |
Automatic neural stimulation modulation based on motion and physiological activity
An embodiment of a method uses an implantable device to deliver a heart failure therapy to a patient. The device is used to sense unintended motion of the patient caused by the neural stimulation and identify a sensed motion level for the sensed unintended motion, and to sense physiological activity of the patient, different than the sensed motion, and identify a sensed physiological activity level. Delivering the heart failure therapy includes delivering neural stimulation through an electrode to a neural target in an autonomic nervous system of the patient using the implantable device. The sensed motion level, the sensed physiological activity level, and the programmed mapping are used to determine the neural stimulation intensity level of the neural stimulation to be delivered for the motion level. |
| US08285387B2 |
Wireless communication with a medical implant
An apparatus for providing transdermal wireless communication includes medical implant circuitry; a transceiver coupled to the medical implant circuitry; a first metal surface having an end portion and a base portion; a second metal surface parallel to the first metal surface and connected to the first metal surface by a conductor, the second metal surface being separated from the first metal surface by a dielectric layer; a first radiating element tuned to a first frequency and disposed within the dielectric layer between the first metal surface and second metal surface; and a feed structure in electrical communication with the transceiver and the first radiating strip. The first radiating element has a first reactive portion at a first end thereof, a second reactive portion at a second end thereof, and a first radiating strip extending between the first reactive portion and the second reactive portion. |
| US08285384B2 |
Implantable medical devices with multiple transducers
Devices with both electrical and mechanical signal transducers can be used for improving sound perception by individuals with severe to profound hearing loss or tinnitus. |
| US08285383B2 |
Directional sound processing in a cochlear implant
A cochlear implant implementing a directional sound processing system is provided. Specifically, the cochlear implants implementing the present invention comprise a plurality of audio sensors arranged in at least one external component of the cochlear implant to spatially receive ambient sound. At least one audio sensor is located in one of the external components of the cochlear implant, while one other audio sensor is located elsewhere, such as in a component other than the first component. The cochlear implant includes an directional sound processor comprising an array processor and a sound processor to convert the received sounds into a cochlea stimulation instruction signal. |
| US08285381B2 |
Systems and methods for automated muscle stimulation
The invention provides systems and methods for neuromuscular electrical stimulation to muscle tissue. Stimulation electrodes and sensors may be provided, such that signals provided by the sensors may affect the signals provided to the stimulation electrodes, thus providing a feedback. Stimulation electrodes may be provided on a stimulation pad and sensors may be provided on a sensing pad, which may be designed to conform to an anatomical feature. A system for neuromuscular electrical stimulation may also include temperature sensitive elements that may help prevent burns, especially for comatose, sedated, or patients in critical condition. The system may also include a cooling assembly for a stimulation pad. |
| US08285378B1 |
System and method for determining patient-specific implantable medical device programming parameters
A system and method for determining patient-specific implantable medical device programming parameters are presented. A set of physiological measures collected through a plurality of sensors monitoring physiological functions in a patient are assimilated. The physiological measures set are analyzed to identify physiological idiosyncrasies specific to the patient and to optimize the therapy to be delivered through an implantable medical device. A patient profile is formed including a plurality of programming parameters and the patient profile is preprogrammed into the implantable medical device prior to implantation in the patient. |
| US08285377B2 |
Pacing, sensing and other parameter maps based on localization system data
An exemplary method generates a map of a pacing parameter, a sensing parameter or one or more other parameters based in part on location information acquired using a localization system configured to locate electrodes in vivo (i.e., within a patient's body). Various examples map capture thresholds, qualification criteria for algorithms, undesirable conditions and sensing capabilities. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08285376B2 |
Ventricular pacing
A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a condition of a patient's heart includes placing a first electrode and/or a second electrode in a right ventricle of the heart. In one example, a reference electrode is placed within the patient and internal or external to the heart. A pacing signal is generated including a first signal component, a second signal component and a reference component with the first and second signal components having opposite polarity and with both of the first and second components having a potential relative to the reference component. The pacing signal and the placement of the electrodes are selected to alter a contraction of a left ventricle of the heart. |
| US08285374B2 |
Methods and systems for treating ventricular arrhythmias
The disclosure includes methods and systems for treating ventricular arrhythmias. Embodiments include an implantable cardiac device or system including a determining module that determines a value of a parameter indicative of a rate of an intrinsic pacemaker of a heart of a patient experiencing fast ventricular arrhythmia (FVA) and a delivery module, programmed to deliver therapy for ventricular arrhythmias to a patient. Some methods include determining a value of a parameter indicative of a rate of an intrinsic pacemaker of a heart of a patient experiencing an FVA; if the value indicates the rate is about equal to or higher than a threshold, delivering a first therapy to the patient for terminating the FVA, and if the value indicates the rate is lower than the threshold, delivering a second therapy, different from the first therapy, to the patient for terminating the FVA. |
| US08285370B2 |
Microcontrolled electrocardiographic monitoring circuit with feedback control
A microcontrolled electrocardiographic monitoring circuit with feedback control is provided. An input signal path includes an electrode, a low pass filter, and an amplifier connected in-line. The electrode senses an input signal and the amplifier outputs a filtered amplified output signal. A microcontroller circuit includes an input codec, analog-to-digital converter, and feedback generation module. The analog-to-digital converter converts the filtered amplified output signal into a data stream of discrete digital values. The feedback module identifies a pairing of drive resistor settings matched to each discrete digital value, which are output as a digital feedback signal. The output signal path includes an electrode and a buffer connected in-line. A pair of drive resistors is connected in parallel to an input terminal of the buffer and to the output terminals of the feedback module. Each drive resistor is adjusted according to the digital feedback signal, and the electrode provides an output signal. |
| US08285366B2 |
Vasculature and lymphatic system imaging and ablation associated with a local bypass
Devices, methods, and systems related to imaging and ablation are disclosed. Devices methods, and systems are disclosed herein that include a local bypass, one or more first energy sources configured to function in, or proximal to, a lumen of the local bypass and to provide energy configured to elicit one or more image responses associated with the local bypass lumen; one or more sensors configured to capture the one or more image responses, control circuitry coupled to the one or more sensors, one or more second energy source responsive to the control circuitry, and configured to provide ablation energy to a target area in the local bypass lumen during the expected transit time of the one or more targets through the target area. |
| US08285358B2 |
Detection and diagnostic system and method
An apparatus for detecting the presence of substances, compositions, constituents, proportionalities, of examined objects, and abnormalities and diseases associated with human tissue responsive to detected amplitudes and/or frequencies, such as resonant frequencies from the object/body being examined. Data in a database is utilized to identify the unbalanced condition, the foreign, toxic or harmful substance. The identified condition/substance may be used as an aid to select an appropriate treatment or corrective action. |
| US08285350B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device including spaced apart elongate members for reducing SAR and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing and wireless transceiver circuitry carried by the portable housing. The mobile wireless communications device may also include an antenna carried by the portable housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver circuitry, and a light source carried by the portable housing. The device may further include a keyboard assembly carried by the portable housing including a light guide coupled to the light source and having input key receiving openings therein, and a mask carried by the light guide and having input key receiving openings. The mask may include spaced apart electrically conductive elongate members positioned relative to the antenna to reduce a Specific Absorption Rate value for the mobile wireless communications device. |
| US08285349B2 |
Sliding portable terminal
It is aimed to attain compatibility between a size reduction, a thickness reduction of a portable terminal and the ensuring of an energizing force is attained. An upper case 2 is coupled with a connecting portion 4 to proceed in a predetermined direction with respect to a lower case 3. Two cases 2, 3 have a close state in which they are overlapped mutually and an open state in which the upper case 2 is extended by moving in a predetermined direction. One end of a coil portion 33A is fixed to a second hole 46 and the other end of the coil portion 33A is fixed to a third hole 50, and the connecting portion 4 has a torsion coil spring 33 that applies an energizing force to two cases 2, 3 such that the cases 2, 3 are brought into the close state or the open state. The coil portion 33A is arranged in a clearance 56 that is formed by a part of two cases 2, 3 when the two cases oppose to each other in the moving direction, and the clearance 56 is arranged in a vicinity on a predetermined direction with respect to the third hole 50 in the close state. |
| US08285348B2 |
Hand portable electronic device having a plurality of modes of operation
A hand portable electronic device having a plurality of modes of operation including a communications mode and an application mode, and having a first component and a second component, wherein the first component is movable relative to the second component between a first position and a second position and wherein movement of the first component to the first position causes the device to operate in the communications mode and movement of the first component to the second position causes the device to operate in the application mode. |
| US08285344B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting audio for a user environment
The method defines a user environment based on detected motion data and/or ambient noise data. The user environment is then used to apply an appropriate audio adjustment mode. In one embodiment, the user environment definition further includes location data. In one embodiment, the location data is obtained from one of: a global positioning system (GPS), and network triangulation. |
| US08285341B2 |
Process for transmitting phone book data from a mobile telephone to an external device and an external device
A process is provided for transmitting phone book data from a mobile telephone to an external device, wherein a Bluetooth communication channel is established between the mobile telephone and the external device. Based on the Bluetooth communication channel, as the first Bluetooth service, a Bluetooth telephony service is established. A transmission of phone book data from the mobile phone to the external device is initiated based on one of at least two predetermined manners of access. |
| US08285340B2 |
Providing a user with feedback regarding power consumption in battery-operated electronic devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a user with feedback regarding power consumption in a battery-operated electronic device. In one aspect, a method performed by data processing apparatus includes identifying, using the data processing apparatus, usage of a hardware component of a battery-operated electronic device that includes the data processing apparatus, attributing the usage of the hardware component to the hardware component or to a software application that uses the hardware component, recording, using the data processing apparatus, a power consumption resulting from the usage, and presenting power consumption feedback to a user using the data processing apparatus. The power consumption feedback identifies the hardware component or the software application of the electronic device and the power consumption resulting from the usage. |
| US08285336B2 |
Wireless device for voice communication
A wireless handset for use in a peer-to-peer voice communications system comprising: a display; a keyboard comprising multifunctional keys capable of entering numeric or alphabetic characters depending on a number of key presses, said keyboard being arranged to enter contact information into a user interface displayed on said display, select contacts on the user interface, and initiate a packet data voice call with a contact; a microprocessor arranged to execute embedded client software, wherein the client software is arranged to establish a packet data voice call over the network and encode speech information as individually addressed packets; and a radio communication device arranged to transmit said individually addressed packets as radio signals from said wireless handset to a network. |
| US08285334B2 |
Mobile communications terminal for broadcast reception
A mobile communication terminal including a controller configured to access a web page for receiving a broadcast when the terminal enters a broadcast mode for receiving the broadcast, a display configured to display the accessed web page, and a receiving unit configured to receive channel information related to the broadcast and linked to a specific information entity selected on the web page. |
| US08285331B2 |
System and method for base station initiated call setup
A system and method for performing base station initiated call setup is provided. A base station initiated call setup may be utilized to establish a test call, to deliver a packet data services call to a subscriber unit, or to reactivate a dormant packet call. The base station transmits a BS Service Request message to the mobile switching center, requesting initiation of the call. The mobile switching center will authorize the call if the call to be set up is directed to a subscriber unit located within the service area of the base station and if the service option to be used is authorized for the particular subscriber unit. The mobile switching center will allow or disallow the call depending on the state of the subscriber unit. The mobile switching center transmits a BS Service Response message to the base station, conveying the result of processing the BS Service Request message. If the base station initiated call setup is authorized and allowed, the call will generally proceed in the same manner as a subscriber terminated call. |
| US08285330B2 |
HARQ reordering method for WCDMA enhanced uplink dedicated channel
A method for HARQ reordering in Enhanced Uplink Dedicated Channel of WCDMA system includes following steps: locating the soft combination buffer in the Node B and the reordering buffer in the SRNC; locating the HARQ entity in the Node B; locating the reordering queue distribution entity, the reordering entity and the disassembly entity in the SRNC. This invention adopts the separation technology of the soft combination buffer and the reordering buffer, the separation model can not only ensure the diversity gain, but also reduce the receiving delay and save the buffer space. Three mechanisms (timer mechanism, window mechanism and SBI mechanism) are proposed to prevent the blocking of the reordering buffer, which degrades the blocking to the least level, improves the receiving efficiency and the system performance. Aiming at the SBI mechanism, the invention proposes the new DCH data frame structure on the Iub interface and the Iur interface. |
| US08285327B2 |
Interface and communication protocol for a mobile communication device with a smart battery
Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor. |
| US08285322B2 |
Minimizing inter-femtocell downlink interference
A system and method for minimizing interference for mobile devices operating in a communication network that includes a centralized controller and a number of femtocells, each femtocell including a base station. The method calculates a power assignment priority for each femtocell, and determines a priority order of the femtocells, the priority order based on the power assignment priority calculated for each femtocell. The method calculates a power to assign to the base station for each femtocell based on the priority order. The method allocates a first portion of the power assigned to the base station for each femtocell as required for real-time traffic, and a second portion of the power assigned to the base station for each femtocell as required for non-real-time traffic. |
| US08285317B2 |
Proactive application communications
A device may include a contact information database and a processor. The processor may interact with a participant in a session with an application, obtain information that is associated with the session, generate a message based on the obtained information after the session terminates, obtain a list of contacts that includes at least one of the participant and members in the contact information database, and send the message to a first one of the contacts, the message providing information to motivate one of the contacts to join a future session with the application. |
| US08285315B1 |
Methods for user-interface over SMS messages based on a rolling sequence model
Configurations providing a rolling sequence model for a user interface over SMS for an interactive system are described. An SMS server can implement the rolling sequence model in which a number from a sequence of numbers (e.g., a block of numbers) is assigned to a user session. A subsequent number from the sequence of numbers is assigned for each session turn-around. Upon receipt of an SMS message from a user to initiate a session, the SMS server assigns a first number from the sequence of numbers to a user session. The SMS server then assigns the next phone number to the user session after receiving a subsequent SMS message from the user. In the event that the last number from the sequence of numbers is assigned, the SMS can cycle through the sequence of numbers by assigning the first number to the user session. |
| US08285312B2 |
Method and apparatus for deriving presence information using message traffic analysis
A method and apparatus for deriving presence information of a mobile device at a presence node in a wireless system, the method having the steps of: analyzing a message received from the mobile device to determine a message type; and allocating a state for the mobile device depending on the message type found in the analyzing step. The apparatus is a presence node for deriving and maintaining presence information of a mobile device in a wireless system, the mobile device communicating with a network node, the presence node having: a communication system for communicating with the network node; a processor; and an application running on the processor, the application having means for analyzing a message received from the mobile device at the network node to determine a message type; and allocating a state for the mobile device depending on the message type found in the analyzing step. |
| US08285311B2 |
System and method for communicating over a data network or the PSTN using a hybrid cordless telephone device
A hybrid cordless telephone system allows a user to place or receive a call over either a data network or a PSTN network. In one aspect, a system router and PSTN unit are coupled with a communications manager to avoid extensive redesign of router components and PSTN components while providing a wireless user with data network and PSTN connectivity. In another aspect, the system router of the hybrid cordless telephone system includes a communications manager configured to provide termination of data network calls or PSTN calls at the system router. Accordingly, a plurality of handsets can each access the system router to place or receive calls from the data or PSTN networks. |
| US08285309B2 |
System for the wireless transmission of information to a mobile appliance of a user of a means of transport
A system for wirelessly transmitting information to a mobile appliance of a user of a means of transport. The system can include a first database containing journey-related information and a second database containing a profile for the user. The system can further include a first device configured to identify the mobile appliance of the user when the mobile appliance enters a range of a wireless local area network in the means of transport, a second device configured to select information from the first database based on the profile stored in the second database, and a third device configured to transmit the selected information to the mobile appliance of the user. |
| US08285308B1 |
Disseminating targeted location-based content to mobile device users
A trusted third party information arbiter for facilitating third party information sources, such as advertisers or data processing services, to accurately target communications to mobile device users. Illustratively, the mobile device users can control target communications through the utilization of discretion requests/permissions processed by the third party information arbiter. Furthermore, the mobile device users may further interact with the trusted third party information arbiter to provide/release additional personal information. For example, a mobile device user may be provided an increasingly rich rewards or payments that may be provisioned by discount, coupons or offers associated with existing or new product advertisements or promotional information messages. |
| US08285305B2 |
Notifying a user of an event
Devices, methods, and systems for notifying a user of an event are described herein. One or more embodiments include a computing device for notifying a user of an event. The computing device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine a location of a user based on location information received from a personal device of the user, receive information regarding a predicted path or range of an event, determine, based on the location of the user and the information regarding the predicted path or range of the event, if the user is located within the predicted path or range of the event, and send a notification of the event to the user if the user is located within the predicted path or range of the event. |
| US08285301B2 |
Communication terminal, method for allowing communication terminal to obtain position information, and program product for controlling communication terminal
A communication terminal capable of obtaining assist data without making a configuration of an information providing device for transmitting the assist data complicated is provided. Processing performed by a communication terminal includes the steps of: storing an obtained identifier in a buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained and a buffer area for a standby base station; obtaining an identifier of a wireless base station from a received signal and storing the identifier in a RAM; storing an identifier of a wireless base station after change in the buffer area for a standby base station; and storing the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained when the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station is not stored in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained. |
| US08285290B2 |
Optimized resource allocation for wireless device in packet transfer mode
A system and method allows a network, in response to a cell reselection notice, to serve a wireless, wireless device sufficient data to complete a pending data transfer instead of performing the immediate cell change. Appropriate allocation of radio resources to the wireless device in the current serving cell and before cell change allows reduced packet data transfer latencies for small data sessions, better load balancing and traffic resourcing between cells, appropriate allocation of uplink resources in the new target cell, and enhanced control over network congestion. |
| US08285289B2 |
Method for triggering inter-RAT idle handoff
A method for inter-RAT idle handoff is provided by transmitting a handoff initiation signal from a cell associated with a carrier for a first Radio Access Technology (RAT) area, the cell being located in an overlap coverage area with a second RAT area and adjacent to the second RAT area. Spatial hysteresis is provided by the new triggering method to eliminate the ping-pong issue when a mobile move along the border area. The invention also reduces network resource consumption due to ping-ponging. |
| US08285285B2 |
Intra-frequency cell reselection restriction in wireless communications
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate utilizing reselection indicators in reselecting access points in wireless communications. In particular, an indicator can be provided relating to a restricted association access point that specifies whether intra-frequency reselection is allowed. If so, a mobile device receiving the indicator can reselect to other access points, to which it has access, operating in a similar frequency. If not, the mobile device can evaluate access points in other frequencies so as not to cause substantial interference to the restricted association access point. In addition, a predicted level of interference caused by communicating with an intra-frequency access point can be computed and evaluated to override the reselection indicator, in some cases. Thus, a restricted association access point can control reselection for some devices to mitigate interference while allowing the devices to override prohibitive restricted access points. |
| US08285284B2 |
Method for handover between different radio access schemes and wireless communication system
In a wireless communication system including a plurality of base stations each supporting at least one of two or more radio access schemes and at least one mobile station capable of performing communication by using the two or more radio access schemes, before the mobile station moves from a source base station to a target base station, the target base station notifies the mobile station, via the source base station, of a transparent container containing uplink radio access information that specifies a radio access scheme enabling at least an initial connection to be made. Thus, the mobile station identifies the radio access scheme supported by the target base station from the transparent container before moving from the source base station to the target base station. |
| US08285275B2 |
Communication terminal device and communication method
It is considered that a user selects a communication channel in accordance with a communication object when performing communication via a second base station (femto cell base station). Accordingly, it is desirable that a communication terminal device which can perform communication via a second base station have a function for selecting a communication path. Provided is a communication terminal device which can be used for communication via a second base station by selecting and transmitting request information for using a mobile telephone network connection with an Internet service. |
| US08285274B2 |
Mobile phone and method for adjusting suspension of communication time of mobile phone
A method for adjusting a suspension of communication time of a mobile phone is provided. Wherein the mobile phone receives wireless signals from a base station and transmits signals to the base station. The wireless signals include the suspension of communication time. The method includes decoding the received wireless signal and determining whether there are too many failed attempts to decode wireless signals in a first predetermined time, further determining the mobile phone enters a dead zone of a network, and determining size of dead zone and sensing movement speed of the phone to determine when the mobile phone will leave the dead zone. If the mobile phone will leave the dead zone soon, maintaining the connection with the network, otherwise hanging up the call. |
| US08285268B2 |
System and method for delta-based over-the-air software upgrades for a wireless mobile station
A mobile station capable of being upgraded by a delta file received from a software upgrade server via a wireless network. The mobile station comprises: 1) a memory for storing an original image file and the delta file, wherein the delta file is suitable for upgrading the original image file; and 2) a controller for modifying the original image file according to instructions stored in the delta file to thereby generate an upgraded image file. |
| US08285263B2 |
Call intercept methods, such as for customer self-support on a mobile device
A method for intercepting calls from a remote or mobile device for customer self-support detects when users or subscribers dial one or more predetermined numbers. If the number corresponds to one of the predetermined numbers (such as a customer support number), the phone may intercept the call and display a list of potential solutions to the subscriber's problems. Various other features and embodiments art disclosed. |
| US08285262B2 |
System for providing application and management service and modifying user interface and method thereof
Disclosed is a system for downloading an application from a server and providing the same to a client by using a short message or a subscriber interface module (SIM) card. The system modifies a function key for each application according to a client's selection, and randomly modifies a user interface used for selecting an application. The system extends a usage range of the SIM card. The system periodically checks and analyzes the client' use log for a predetermined time, presents at least one application to the client according to the analysis result on the use log, provides a single application selected by the client to the client, and updates at least one application stored in the client mobile terminal according to the analysis result on the use log. Therefore, the system increases service satisfaction for the client. |
| US08285257B2 |
Emotion recognition message system, mobile communication terminal therefor and message storage server therefor
A message storage server stores a message by speech or video transmitted from a mobile communication terminal and performs emotion recognition on the message to generate emotion data. A mobile communication terminal, upon receiving a confirmation request from the message storage server of a message which the mobile communication terminal has transmitted as a message for another mobile communication terminal, displays the emotion data assigned to the transmitted message on its display. |
| US08285256B2 |
System and method for projecting information from a wireless device
A system and method for projecting information from a wireless messaging device. User preferences are received for projecting the information. An event is detected. Information regarding the event is projected onto a surface in response to detecting the event. |
| US08285241B2 |
Receiver apparatus having filters implemented using frequency translation techniques
A method and apparatus is disclosed to effectively frequency translate a filter characterized as a low quality factor (Q) filter corresponding to a baseband frequency of approximately zero Hertz or to an intermediate frequency (IF) to a filter characterized as a high Q filter at frequencies greater than the baseband frequency or the IF. A downconversion mixer is used to frequency translate a communication signal to the baseband frequency or the IF using a first local oscillator signal to provide a downconverted communication signal. A filter characterized as the low Q filter corresponding to the baseband frequency or the IF filters the downconverted communication signal to provide a filtered communication signal. An upconversion mixer is used to frequency translate a communication signal using a second local oscillator signal, the second local oscillator signal being substantially similar in frequency of the first local oscillator signal. The frequency translation by the upconversion mixer, in effect, translates the filter characterization from the low Q filter to the high Q filter at frequencies greater than the baseband frequency or the IF. |
| US08285240B2 |
Harmonic reject receiver architecture and mixer
Receiver architectures and methods of processing harmonic rich input signals employing harmonic suppression mixers are disclosed herein. The disclosed receivers, mixers, and methods enable a receiver to achieve the advantages of switching mixers while greatly reducing the mixer response to the undesired harmonics. A harmonic mixer can include a plurality of mixers coupled to an input signal. A plurality of phases of a local oscillator signal can be generated from a single local oscillator output. Each of the phases can be used to drive an input of one of the mixers. The mixer outputs can be combined to generate a frequency converted output that has harmonic rejection. |
| US08285239B2 |
Receiver second order intermodulation correction system and method
A system for correcting a second order intermodulation product in a direct conversion receiver is provided. The system includes a cross-covariance system receiving a data signal and a second order intermodulation estimate signal and generating a cross-covariance value. An auto-covariance system receives the second order intermodulation estimate signal and generates an auto covariance value. A buffer system stores a second order intermodulation product correction factor. A divider receives the cross-covariance value, the auto-covariance value and the second order intermodulation product correction factor and generates a running average second order intermodulation product correction factor. |
| US08285237B2 |
Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus comprising: a frequency-fluctuation-detection unit to detect a frequency difference between a received and desired signals; a first-undesired-level-detection unit to output as a first-undesired level an amplitude-level-difference between the signals having passed through first-and-second-band-pass filters in the received signals; one or a plurality of second-undesired-level-detection units to output amplitude levels of signals having passed through third-and-fourth-band-pass filters in the received signals as second-and-third-undesired levels, respectively, and output a sum of the second-and-third-undesired levels as a fourth-undesired level; and a determination unit to determine whether an undesired state, where an adjacent-undesired signal is present, occurs according to the fourth-undesired level if an absolute value of the frequency difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined-reference value, and select any one of the first-to-third-undesired levels to be outputted according to at least one of the frequency difference and the fourth-undesired level if determining that the undesired state occurs. |
| US08285235B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication apparatus includes: an antenna; a communication unit for receiving a radio signal via the antenna; a tuning unit for tuning an impedance of the antenna; an impedance controller for controlling the tuning unit to match the impedance of the antenna with an impedance of the communication unit; and a halting unit for halting controlling the impedance of the antenna in accordance with an intensity of the received radio signal. |
| US08285234B2 |
Mobile station apparatus
A mobile station apparatus is provided which is capable of obtaining a diversity effect and preventing an increase in noise even if an antenna phase difference containing an error is detected. The mobile station apparatus includes a closed-loop transmit diversity control section for exerting, when the quality of the component from the second antenna is lower than a predetermined quality value based on the quality measured by the common pilot channel quality measurement section, control to cause the feedback information generation section not to use the detection result at the antenna phase difference detection section, and to continue to use the immediately preceding feedback information, control to cause the antenna verification section not to operate, and control to cause the first channel inference section to operate and the second channel inference section not to operate. |
| US08285224B2 |
Transmitter/receiver for radio communication, RFID system and receiving method for transmitter/receiver for radio communication
A transmitter/receiver for radio communication according to an embodiment of the present invention has: a transmission circuit for generating a transmission signal; a demodulation circuit for demodulating a receive signal; an antenna circuit for transmitting the transmission signal from the transmission circuit and receiving the receive signal and guiding the receive signal to the demodulation circuit; a phase shift circuit which is connected between the transmission circuit and the antenna circuit; and a switching circuit which switches between outputting a superimposed signal of the transmission signal and the receive signal between the phase shift circuit and the antenna circuit to the demodulation circuit, and outputting a superimposed signal of the transmission signal and the receive signal between the transmission circuit and the phase shift circuit to the demodulation circuit. |
| US08285219B2 |
Apparatus and method for searching for wireless station locations
A technique is offered which is adapted for optimization computations and which makes it possible to carry out an estimation of the state of propagation of radio waves quickly and accurately during a search for the locations of wireless stations. During the optimization computations, sending points and receiving points are set using a parameter search technique. Propagation paths are computed using a far-field approximation technique for Maxwell's equations. A propagation path leading to a local area where the accuracy is low with the far-field approximation technique is extracted from the computed paths. The state of scattering previously calculated using a numerical analysis technique for Maxwell's equations is reflected in the extracted path to modify the propagation path. The communication characteristics of the modified path are evaluated. The steps S101-S105 are performed repeatedly a given number of times. A sending point and a receiving point producing optimum communication characteristics are output. |
| US08285217B1 |
Circulator-enabled signal suppressor (CENSOR) for reducing co-site transmission interference
A circulator-enabled signals suppressor (CENSOR) for reducing co-site interference comprising: a first circulator comprising first, second, and third ports, wherein the first port is disposed to receive an incoming signal from an antenna, wherein the incoming signal comprises a desired signal and an interference signal; a first reflective, tunable bandpass filter-bank operatively coupled to the second port, disposed to reflect a reflected signal back into the second port and also to produce a filtered signal, wherein the reflected signal comprises the desired signal and a reflected portion of the interference signal, and the filtered signal comprises a majority portion of the interference signal; and a receiver operatively coupled to the third port and disposed to receive the reflected signal. |
| US08285213B2 |
Profile and capability of WAP-terminal with external devices connected
Data communication system and a method in a data communication system comprising a terminal, e.g. a mobile phone, adapted to communicate with an application server using a wireless transmission protocol, preferably WAP, including a terminal profile. The wireless transmission protocol also includes an attached device's profile that is dynamically updated with data related to a device attached to the terminal. |
| US08285210B2 |
Mobile terminal device and method and computer program product for establishing wireless connection
A mobile terminal device establishes a wireless connection by a first communication unit with an information processing apparatus, and establishes a wireless communication by a second communication unit that is capable of enabling a wireless communication in a wider range based on communication setting information received through the first communication unit. A setting-item acquiring unit receives a setting item for an information processing performed by the information processing apparatus through the second communication unit. A setting-screen display unit displays a setting screen with which a value of the setting item can be selected. |
| US08285206B2 |
Proximity-dependent events
A calendar application for use with a first portable electronic device includes time-dependent events having a start time and an end time and proximity-dependent events having a specified device ID that corresponds to a second portable electronic device. Both the time-dependent events and the proximity-dependent events are stored in the calendar application and the proximity-dependent event is convertible into a time-dependent event. A proximity reminder is generated when the second portable electronic device is in short range radio frequency communication range of the first portable electronic device. |
| US08285205B2 |
Method and system for a single chip integrated Bluetooth and FM transceiver and baseband processor
A method and system for a single chip integrated Bluetooth and FM transceiver and baseband processor are provided. The single chip may comprise a Bluetooth radio, an FM radio, a processor system, and a peripheral transport unit (PTU). FM data may be received and/or transmitted via the FM radio and Bluetooth data may be received and/or transmitted via the Bluetooth radio. The FM radio may receive radio data system (RDS) data. The PTU may support digital and analog interfaces. A processor in the processor system may time-multiplex processing of FM data and processing of Bluetooth data. The single chip may operate in an FM-only, a Bluetooth-only, and an FM-Bluetooth mode. The single chip may reduce power consumption by disabling portions of the Bluetooth radio during FM-only mode and/or disabling analog circuitry when performing digital processing. Communication between Bluetooth and FM channels may be enabled via the single chip. |
| US08285200B2 |
Maintaining an IP connection in a mobile network
A method for IP [=Internet Protocol] communication between a mobile terminal and its correspondent node in a mobile radio network. The method comprises establishing (2-2) an IP connection between the mobile terminal and its correspondent node. After detecting a period of inactivity in the IP connection, (2-4) keep-alive messages are sent via the IP connection at predetermined intervals, which are varied. The method comprises monitoring (2-6) the lengths of several periods of inactivity at which the mobile radio network disconnects the IP connection. Based on the monitored lengths of periods of inactivity, a maximum interval (TINT) between keep-alive messages is determined (2-8) such that the maximum interval meets a predetermined criterion of statistical confidence, and the interval between keep-alive messages is set (2-1) to the maximum interval (TINT). |
| US08285199B2 |
Auto-deploying an application from a mobile device to a host in a pervasive computing environment
Disclosed is a technique for auto-deploying an application from a mobile communication device to a host in a pervasive computing environment. The technique can detect and can select an available host around the mobile communication device. The technique can determine if the mobile communication device issues a request of auto-deploying a selected application into the available host. In response to the issued auto-deploying request, the selected application can be auto-deployed into the available host for execution. |
| US08285195B2 |
System of reward-based education
A system and method for rewarding educational accomplishment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing rewards to a user, such as a child, for achievement of one or more goals within an educational activity. The rewards are preferably credit in a form that is widely accepted by merchants and other entities for items, such as goods and services, that they offer. Preferably, information associating the user and items the user purchases with the credit is used to create a purchase history file for each user. |
| US08285190B2 |
Paper edge-beveling method, and an image forming device including the same
Fuser roller edgewear is reduced by a prior beveling of the inboard edge, the outboard edge, or both, of paper sheets that are to be provided to the fuser. |
| US08285189B2 |
Cleaning device, developing device, cartridge, cleaning blade securing method, and developing blade securing method
A cleaning device includes a cleaning blade for removing toner remaining on a surface of an image bearing member for carrying a toner image; a supporting member for supporting the cleaning blade; a mounting hole provided in one of the cleaning blade and the supporting member; a projection which is provided on the other of the cleaning blade and the supporting member and which is inserted in the mounting hole; and a recess provided in the projection and extended from a free end portion of the projection toward a base portion of the projection, wherein the cleaning blade and the supporting member are secured to each other by the projection deformed such that the recess expands outwardly of the mounting hole by resin material in the recess. |
| US08285186B2 |
Laser fixing device and image forming apparatus
A laser fixing device includes: a laser beam irradiating device which irradiates a recording medium that is conveyed while carrying an unfixed toner image, with a laser beam; and a laser beam absorbing member which is disposed in an optical path of the laser beam that is emitted to a back side of a position where the recording medium is conveyed, and which absorbs the laser beam. |
| US08285184B2 |
Nanocomposites with fluoropolymers and fluorinated carbon nanotubes
In accordance with the invention, there are printing apparatuses, fuser members, and methods of making fuser members. The printing apparatus can include a fuser member, the fuser member including a substrate. The fuser member can also include one or more functional layers disposed over the substrate and a top coat layer including a fluorinated nanocomposite disposed over the one or more functional layers, wherein the fluorinated nanocomposite includes a plurality of fluorinated carbon nanotubes dispersed in one or more fluoropolymers. |
| US08285183B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus forms an unfixed toner image on a sheet and includes a fixing unit including a fixing roller, a back-up member forming a nip with the fixing roller, and a rotatable heater contactable to and heating the fixing roller. The sheet is output from the apparatus after the unfixed toner image is fixed on the sheet. In a cleaning mode for cleaning the fixing unit, a predetermined unfixed toner image is formed on the sheet, the sheet is fed to the fixing unit, the toner is transferred from the sheet onto the fixing roller in the fixing nip, the toner transferred onto the fixing roller is brought into contact to the heating member, and thereafter, the toner on the fixing roller is transferred onto the sheet in the fixing nip. |
| US08285181B2 |
Image forming apparatus having less decrease in primary transfer efficiency of toner image
The decrease of the transfer efficiency of transferring a toner image from a photosensitive drum onto an intermediate transfer belt is suppressed by the structure of an image forming apparatus including: a photosensitive drum holding member that pivotally supports the photosensitive drum at both ends thereof; a transfer roller holding member that pivotally supports a primary transfer roller at both ends thereof; and a transfer roller holding unit that determines a relative position between the photosensitive drum holding member and the transfer roller holding member by guiding the transfer roller holding member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a running surface of the belt and abutting an opposing part of the photosensitive drum holding member and an opposing part of the transfer roller holding member with each other, the opposing parts opposing each other. |
| US08285178B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A developing device conveys a two-component developer on a first route of circulation and a second route of circulation, and includes a guide plate and an electromagnet that are used for choosing, in accordance with toner densities detected by two toner density detecting sensors respectively provided in the two routes, whether toner supplied from a toner supply device is guided into the first or second route of circulation. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus that, even in cases where a large amount of toner is consumed at one end of a developing roller along the axial direction in a developing device provided with one toner supply opening, can form an image free from nonuniformity in image density or photographic fogs that are caused by nonuniformity in toner density of a two-component developer. |
| US08285176B2 |
Apparatus and spacer for use therein
A spacer configured to minimize movement of a transfer unit (for example, a belt unit) is described. An apparatus may include a main body and a transfer unit disposed in the main body. The spacer may include various contact portions that contact a portion of the transfer unit and a portion of the main body to minimize relative movement of the transfer unit. |
| US08285175B2 |
Image forming apparatus and transfer device thereof
An image forming apparatus and a transfer device disclosed herein are configured to move positions of transfer rollers to perform different modes of printing operation, such as black-and-white and color printing. The image forming apparatus may include a plurality of photosensitive bodies, on each of which an image may be formed, and a plurality of transfer units. Each transfer unit includes a transfer roller arranged to correspond to an associated one of the photosensitive bodies and an elastic member configured to press the transfer roller to the corresponding photosensitive body. The image forming apparatus further includes a slider configured to move along a linear direction. The slider is configured to cause at least one of the transfer rollers of the transfer units move away from the corresponding photosensitive body. The slider may be driven by a drive unit. |
| US08285173B2 |
Process cartridge with engaging, urging, and abutting portions for engagement of the process cartridge to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, and a developing roller for developing a latent image. A development coupling portion is provided adjacent to one axial end of the developing roller, with the development coupling portion including an engaging portion configured and positioned (a) to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller, and (b) to be movable in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller relative to the developing roller. The cartridge also includes an urging portion configured and positioned to urge the engaging portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller. Also, an abutting portion is configured and positioned so that movement of the engaging portion can be prevented when the engagement portion has not established engagement with a development coupling member of the main assembly. |
| US08285171B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a dust proofing member for an exposure device
An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, an exposure device to expose the photoconductor, a dustproofing member arranged more upstream than an exposure position of the exposure device in a moving direction of the photoconductor, and a cover which supports the exposure device and dustproofing member. The cover opens around a pivot shaft which is arranged more upstream than the exposure device in the moving direction of the photoconductor. |
| US08285163B2 |
High-voltage power supply for an image forming device
A high-voltage power supply for applying a developing bias to a developing roller of an image forming apparatus is provided. The high-voltage power supply includes: a developing bias application unit that applies a developing bias to the developing roller in accordance with a control voltage that is input therein; a developing bias detection unit that detects the developing bias applied to the developing roller; a control voltage adjustment unit that adjusts the control voltage input to the developing bias application unit such that the developing bias detected by the developing bias detection unit approaches a predetermined target value; and a condensation determination unit that determines condensation of the developing bias application unit based on the control voltage. |
| US08285160B2 |
Image forming apparatus utilizing a concenteration ratio of colors
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can achieve reduction in printing time, suppression of developer consumption, and implementation of silence. An image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image on an image carrier with use of developers of a plurality of different developing colors, including a plurality of developing devices respectively housing the developers of different colors, and a control section for controlling operation of the developing devices based on inputted image data, wherein the control section includes a concentration ratio recognition section for recognizing a concentration ratio of the respective colors for image data of every sheet from the image data, and controls so as to spare at least one color developer among the developers in response to the concentration ratio of respective colors recognized by the concentration ratio recognition section. |
| US08285156B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining toner age in a printing apparatus
An apparatus and method that determines toner age in a printing apparatus. The method can include placing an imaging surface cleaner in contact with an imaging surface. The method can include placing a toner patch on the imaging surface. The method can include rotating the imaging surface in a process direction. The method can include measuring a frictional interaction between the imaging surface cleaner and the imaging surface as the toner patch passes the imaging surface cleaner. The method can include determining whether toner should be purged based on the measured frictional interaction. The method can include purging the toner if the toner should be purged. |
| US08285143B2 |
Method of allocating bandwidth of passive optical network
In a method of allocating a bandwidth of a passive optical network, downward data are transmitted by varying a wavelength based on a wavelength division method and upward data are transmitted using a time division method. Thereby, by efficiently allocating a network bandwidth, data can be transmitted and by realizing statistical multiplexing, transmission efficiency can be improved. |
| US08285139B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for managing alarms in long-reach passive optical network system
A method, system and apparatus for managing alarms in a Long Reach Passive Optical Network (LR-PON) system are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining a PON signal from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) or an Optical Network Unit (ONU) on one side; checking whether the obtained PON signal fails; and notifying the ONU or the OLT on the other side if the PON signal fails. The method, system and apparatus under the present invention monitor the LR-PON transmission quality and process various alarm indications raised in the LR-PON signal monitoring. |
| US08285137B2 |
Digital camera system for simultaneous printing and magnetic recording
A digital camera system includes a print medium having a first surface delimiting an area in which images are printed, and a second surface pre-treated to be magnetically sensitive; a photo-width printhead integrated with a digital camera, the photo-width printhead for printing digital images on the first surface of the print medium; and a magnetic recorder for recording information associated with said digital images on the second surface of the print medium at the same time the printhead prints the digital images onto the printing area. |
| US08285134B2 |
Wide dynamic range hardware apparatus and photographing apparatus including the same
A wide dynamic range (WDR) hardware apparatus and a photographing apparatus including the WDR hardware apparatus are provided where the WDR unit applies weight coefficients to a luminance signal of a small size image having a first exposure time and a luminance signal of a small size image having a second exposure time longer than the first exposure time. The system combines the luminance signals applied weight coefficients, applies weight coefficients to a luminance signal of an original size image having the first exposure time and a luminance signal of an original size image having the second exposure time, and combines the luminance signals applied weight coefficients. |
| US08285130B1 |
Photography studio with turntable driving mechanism
A photography studio with a turntable driving mechanism is provided. The turntable is driven to start or brake by at least two timing pulleys contacting with the side of the turntable, and the timing pulleys were driven synchronously by another motorized timing pulley through a timing belt. Therefore, at least two indirect contact points are formed between the motorized timing pulley and the turntable to increase the contact friction to avoid sliding when the rotation of the turntable starts or brakes. In addition, a multilayer platform for shooting shadow-free images is proposed, which comprises a thicker transparent glass plate or plastic plate covered with a thinner curved translucent plastic plate and a group of lamps disposed under or behind the multilayer platform. |
| US08285129B2 |
Hot water supply system for constantly maintaining temperature of hot water
In a hot water supply system, a heat exchanger transfers heat from a heating device to inflow water to supply the inflow water at a user-set temperature. A flow sensor measures a flow rate of inflow water. A water tank stores outflow water discharged from the heat exchanger. A first temperature sensor, installed on an inlet pipe through which the inflow water flows, measures a temperature of the inflow water. A second temperature sensor, installed on an outlet pipe through which the outflow water flows, measures a temperature of the outflow water discharged from the heat exchanger. A controller includes an input unit to receive input from a user, wherein the controller controls an operation of the heating device based on at least one of: (1) comparison between the user-set temperature and the temperature of the outflow water; (2) variation in the flow rate; or (3) any combination thereof. |
| US08285127B2 |
In-line duct supplemental heating and cooling device and method
An inline duct supplemental heating and cooling device provides heated and/or cooled air to a room in a building to supplement the heating provided by the existing furnace or the cooling provided by the existing cooling unit in the building. The device includes an electric heater and fan that are activated and deactivated individually by a controller, which receives room temperature data from a thermostat. The device may include one or more separate safety devices to prevent overheating of heater air or of the device itself. Optionally, a vibration-insulating sleeve may be used to couple the device to an existing ventilation duct of the building. |
| US08285125B2 |
Optical disc, recording apparatus, reproducing apparatus, program, computer-readable recording medium, recording method and reproducing method
A recording apparatus for an optical disc is provided which stores a VOB, the recording apparatus performing: receiving, from an operator, an operation to specify a preceding reproduction section and a subsequent reproduction section from the VOB through an interactive screen; duplicating an end vicinity including an end point of the beginning vicinity, and a beginning vicinity including a starting point of the subsequent reproduction section; connecting the duplicated parts to yield a connected part; and writing the connected part to the optical disc in correspondence with Temp_Cell information, the reproduction sections being specified by Cell information which includes Temp_Cell_FLAG, the Temp_Cell_FLAG, 1) if set to be off, indicating a sequential reproduction of the preceding and subsequent reproduction sections, and 2) if set to be on, indicating a reproduction of the connected part between the reproduction of the preceding and subsequent reproduction sections. |
| US08285121B2 |
Digital network-based video tagging system
A system for handling video tags. The tags are displayed synchronized to a video. A controller manages and modifies tag data that can be created by one or more users. The controller identifies a tag dataset for use with a video and provides information for synchronization and display of the tags. In a particular embodiment, features of a social-network website implementation are disclosed whereby a user community can post, filter, rate and display tags. |
| US08285120B2 |
Video material management apparatus and method, recording medium as well as program
The apparatus displays a GUI screen that includes an image display section, and a time-position information display section for displaying time-position information on a video material. A preview operation unit is used to preview the video material. Scene setting operation units are used for setting a certain range of the video material as a scene; wherein based on the setting of a scene by the scene setting operation units with respect to the material displayed in the image display section, ranges of scenes are displayed discriminatively in the time-position information display section. An input section for the input of a comment on the scene that is set in the scene setting operation units is displayed, and the comment input into this input section is stored. |
| US08285117B2 |
Information processing apparatus, disk, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes a data processing unit that verifies data recorded on a disk and reproduces content recorded on the disk if a verification condition is satisfied. The data processing unit verifies the validity of an ID inserter that has recorded, on the disk, an ID corresponding to the disk. The data processing unit acquires an ID inserter certificate containing an apparatus ID of the ID inserter that has recorded the ID corresponding to the disk on the disk and an ID inserter blacklist having apparatus IDs of invoked ID inserters registered therein, determines whether the apparatus ID contained in the ID inserter certificate is registered in the ID inserter blacklist so as to verify the validity of the ID inserter that has recorded the ID corresponding to the disk, and stops reproduction of the content if it is determined that the ID inserter is not valid. |
| US08285113B2 |
Method for generating additional information for guaranteeing seamless playback between data streams, recording medium storing the information, and recording, editing and/or playback apparatus using the same
A method for generating additional information for guaranteeing seamless playback of data streams, a recording medium for storing the information, and recording, editing and/or playback apparatus using the same are provided. The method generates additional information for guaranteeing seamless playback. The method includes a step of generating data stream information for each of two or more data streams, which includes packet data to which information on an arrival time of the respective packet data is added. The data stream information includes seamless playback information, which indicates whether a corresponding data stream is to be seamlessly reproduced after playback of a preceding data stream, and/or seamless time control information for controlling an output time of the corresponding data stream to be seamlessly reproduced. Therefore, data streams can be seamlessly reproduced without interruption between the data streams, by using data stream information which includes seamless information and/or seamless time control information including reference time, an offset value and/or a gap length value. Especially, by using the information structure, even if data streams are edited, the data streams can be seamlessly reproduced in such a simple manner of just modifying data stream information, instead of directly rewriting or modifying arrival time information which is added to packet data. |
| US08285111B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating an enhanced photo digital video disc
A method and apparatus for creating an enhanced photo digital video disc (DVD) communicates with connected sources such as a digital camera, PC, or memory card where information such as digital photo, movie and music files are downloaded, as selected by the user, and stored on a storage device. The user creates slide shows of photos stored on the storage device that show each photo and/or movie in sequence or with transition special effects between photos. The invention extracts photo metadata from the photo image file and stores the information on the storage device along with the photos and Includes any audio annotation(s) associated with the downloaded photos and downloaded audio files that the user can attach to a photo in the slide show. When the user wants to save slide show(s) to a DVD the invention constructs an MPEG stream containing the photos, movies, and audio annotations. Photo metadata are encoded onto the DVD as closed captioning and/or subpictures, selectable for display at viewing time. The invention creates index tables for each slide show MPEG stream on the DVD that point to key locations in an MPEG program stream. Metadata for slide shows can also be stored onto a DVD that allow the user to add more detailed notes as to the description of a particular slide show. |
| US08285107B2 |
Packet sequence restoring controller and method thereof
A packet sequence restoring controller includes a recording device, a memory interface unit and a playback device. The recording device includes a first packet detector, a time stamp inserting unit and a first counting module. The playback device includes a second packet detector, a comparing unit, a time stamp deleting unit and a second counting module. Through the memory interface unit, the recording device and the playback device perform data access with an external memory. By recording arrival time of each packet, a live packet sequence is simulated and restored to optimize play quality of a recorded program. |
| US08285105B2 |
Optical fiber coupler module
A glass-fiber coupler module includes a cassette mount, a mounting panel pivotally coupled to the cassette mount, a front panel coupled to the cassette mount, and a splitter coupled to the second side of the cassette mount. A first side of the cassette mount defines a storage area configured to receive spare lengths of glass fibers. The mounting panel is configured to support a first plurality of couplings. The front panel is configured to support a second plurality of couplings. The splitter is configured to receive glass fibers routed from the second end of at least one of the couplings of the first plurality, the splitter also configured to output at least two glass fibers to the first ends of at least two of the couplings of the second plurality. |
| US08285104B2 |
Clip for securing a fiber optic cable assembly and associated assemblies
A clip for securing one or more fiber optic cable assemblies having respective furcation bodies is disclosed along with related assemblies. The clip includes one or more attachment features disposed on a bottom surface for mounting the clip. The bottom surface of the clip provides an anti-rotation feature for the clip and the fiber optic cable assembly by abutting with the complementary mounting surface. In one embodiment, the clip has a cover that attaches to a portion of the clip for securing a portion of the furcation plug within a cavity of the clip. |
| US08285100B2 |
Ultra high numerical aperture optical fibers
Various embodiments described include optical fiber designs and fabrication processes for ultra high numerical aperture optical fibers (UHNAF) having a numerical aperture (NA) of about 1. Various embodiments of UHNAF may have an NA greater than about 0.7, greater than about 0.8, greater than about 0.9, or greater than about 0.95. Embodiments of UHNAF may have a small core diameter and may have low transmission loss. Embodiments of UHNAF having a sufficiently small core diameter provide single mode operation. Some embodiments have a low V number, for example, less than 2.4 and large dispersion. Some embodiments of UHNAF have extremely large negative dispersion, for example, less than about −300 ps/nm/km in some embodiments. Systems and apparatus using UHNAF are also disclosed. |
| US08285098B2 |
Wide bandwidth, low loss photonic bandgap fibers
Various embodiments include photonic bandgap fibers (PBGF). Some PBGF embodiments have a hollow core (HC) and may have a square lattice (SQL). In various embodiments, SQL PBGF can have a cladding region including 2-10 layers of air-holes. In various embodiments, an HC SQL PBGF can be configured to provide a relative wavelength transmission window Δλ/λc larger than about 0.35 and a minimum transmission loss in a range from about 70 dB/km to about 0.1 dB/km. In some embodiments, the HC SQL PBGF can be a polarization maintaining fiber. Methods of fabricating PBGF are also disclosed along with some examples of fabricated fibers. Various applications of PBGF are also described. |
| US08285097B2 |
Annular side fire optical device for laterally redirecting electromagnetic radiation
An annular side fire optical device for laterally redirecting electromagnetic radiation comprises a tapered section of silica, a conical section of silica adjoining the tapered section and an annular beveled end surface. The tapered section of silica has a diameter that increases with distance along a longitudinal axis in a direction toward a transmitting end. The conical section of silica comprises a wall of silica surrounding a conical bore. The conical bore has a diameter that increases with distance along the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the transmitting end. The annular beveled end surface is formed in the wall of silica at the transmitting end and is angled relative the longitudinal axis such that electromagnetic radiation propagating along the longitudinal axis through the conical section is reflected by the beveled end surface at an angle that is transverse to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08285096B2 |
Fiber optic cable assemblies and securing methods
Fiber optic cable assemblies and related components, securing methods, and fiber optic cable preparation methods for securing of a fiber optic cable to a retention body and/or fiber optic connector are disclosed. An end portion of the fiber optic cable is prepared and inserted into a retention body or the like for securing the cable to the same. In one embodiment, a partially exposed portion of a strength component and a portion of a cable jacket are secured to a retention body while another portion of the strength component remains secured to the cable jacket. In this manner, the fiber optic cable is secured to the retention body while the strength component and the cable jacket also remain secured to each other for providing strain relief. |
| US08285094B2 |
Multicore fiber
The multicore fiber comprises 7 or more cores, wherein diameters of the adjacent cores differ from one another, wherein each of the cores performs single-mode propagation, wherein a relative refractive index difference of each of the cores is less than 1.4%, wherein a distance between the adjacent cores is less than 50 μm, wherein, in a case where a transmission wavelength of each of the cores is λ, the distance between the adjacent cores is , a mode field diameter of each of the cores is MFD, and a theoretical cutoff wavelength of each of the cores is λc, (/MFD)·(2λc/(λc+λ))≧3.95 is satisfied, and wherein a distance between the outer circumference of the coreand an outer circumference of the clad is 2.5 or higher times as long as the mode field diameter of each of the cores. |
| US08285090B2 |
Serial optical data transmission system with displaceable optical pathway
A serial optical data transmission system is provided. The serial optical data transmission system includes a displaceable optical pathway disposed adjacent to a slot configured to receive a first monitoring and/or control module. The optical pathway is biased towards a serial optical data bus position for transmission of optical data to or from at least one second monitoring and/or control module when the first monitoring and/or control module is removed from the slot. Further, the optical pathway is displaced from the serial optical data bus position when the first monitoring and/or control module is in the slot. |
| US08285085B2 |
Software and system for customizing a presentation of digital images
A method for customizing a presentation of a set of digital images provided by a user is disclosed, comprising the steps of selecting an initial presentation format criteria for the set of digital images by the user; analyzing the digital images for additional information; providing to the user a first portable electronic storage medium having the set of digital images stored thereon, the images capable of being presented to the user on a display device in accordance with a first presentation format based upon the initial selected presentation format criteria and the analysis of the additional information; and providing a software program to the user enabling the user to select additional presentation format criteria. |
| US08285083B2 |
System for remotely generating and distributing DICOM-compliant media volumes
A system for generating digital image media volumes includes a digital image terminal for receiving, processing, and transmitting digital image data, and being adapted for processing the digital image data into one or more discrete DICOM-standard data objects. The system further includes a media volume production facility remotely located from the digital image terminal, and communicatively coupled to the digital image terminal via a server-operated computer network. |
| US08285078B2 |
Image processing system
An image processing system capable of checking whether or not an image is correctly read, and of easily correcting an image which is not correctly read is provided. The image processing system includes: an image processing apparatus A which has a reading section 105, an image processing section 110 for performing image processing of a read image, and a metadata generating section 106 for generating metadata for an abnormal image; a storage server B which stores the image and the metadata outputted from the image processing apparatus A; and an image checking apparatus C which checks whether or not the metadata is included in the image acquired from the storage server B, and which when the metadata is included in the acquired image, displays the image on the basis of the metadata, and corrects the acquired image. The image processing system is capable of correcting only the abnormal image, without re-reading all the images. |
| US08285077B2 |
Automatic correction of digital image distortion
A method of de-skewing a digital image is described. An input camera image is initially received, and text within the input camera image is identified. A text direction of the identified text is determined to determine text lines within the camera image. A three-dimensional de-skewing transformation is determined of the text lines to make the text lines horizontal. Then the de-skewing transformation is applied to the input camera image to form a de-skewed output image. An unwarping transformation may also be applied to the input camera image for straightening text lines that are curved. |
| US08285076B2 |
Methods and apparatus for visual sub-band decomposition of signals
Methods and apparatus for image processing include performing visual sub-band decomposition of an image using human visual system characteristics to generate a plurality of sub-band decomposed images, independently processing the plurality of sub-band decomposed images with at least one application, and fusing the independently processed sub-band decomposed images to reconstruct an output image. |
| US08285075B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a pre-combination processing unit configured to perform a pre-combination process so that a plurality of frames of image data having continuity in time are used as combination-use image data to be combined, an operation detection unit configured to detect operation input information used for a combination process, and a combination processing unit configured to perform a combination process on the combination-use image data of the plurality of frames obtained in the pre-combination process according to the operation input information detected by the operation detection unit so as to generate combined-image data representing a still image. |
| US08285074B2 |
Finding low variance regions in document images for generating image anchor templates for content anchoring, data extraction, and document classification
Methods of generating image anchor templates from low variance regions of document images of a first class are provided. The methods select a document image from the document images of the first class and align the other document images of the first class to the selected document image. Low variance regions are then determined by comparing the aligned document images and the selected document image and used to generate image anchor templates. |
| US08285072B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving brightness uniformity in an image
In a method and apparatus for improving the brightness uniformity in an image, signals are acquired using a radio frequency receiving coil, and noise in the acquired signals is normalized so as to produce an image, then the brightness of various pixels in the image is determined according to the sensitivity of the radio frequency receiving coil. The brightness of the image is then made uniform by compensating the brightness of the various pixels in the image. |
| US08285067B2 |
Method of notifying users regarding motion artifacts based on image analysis
A digital image acquisition system includes a portable apparatus for capturing digital images and a digital processing component for detecting, analyzing and informing the photographer regarding motion blur, and for reducing camera motion blur in an image captured by the apparatus. The digital processing component operates by comparing the image with at least one other image, for example a preview image, of nominally the same scene taken outside the exposure period of the main image. In one embodiment the digital processing component determines the degree of artifacts and whether to inform the user that the image is blurred by identifying at least one feature in a single preview image which is relatively less blurred than the corresponding feature in the main image. In another embodiment, the digital processing component calculates a trajectory of at least one feature in a plurality of preview images, extrapolates such feature on to the main image, calculates a PSF in respect of the feature, and informs the user based on the calculated PSF. In another embodiment the digital processing unit after determining the degree of blur notifies the photographer of the existing blur or automatically invokes consecutive captures. In another embodiment, the digital processing unit determines whether the image quality is acceptable from real time analysis of the captured image and provides this information to the user. Such real time analysis may use the auto focusing mechanism to qualitatively determine the PSF. |
| US08285065B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product for image processing
To improve modification result where areas targeted for modification overlap, an image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus has a modification area establishing unit capable to establish a plurality of modification areas on a target image by analyzing the target image; an overlap detecting unit that detects overlapping of the plurality of modification areas; and a modification processing unit that modifies an image within a partial area including an overlapping portion of the plurality of modification areas in a reduced modification level in the case that the overlapping is detected by the overlap detecting unit, the reduced modification level being smaller than a modification level used in the case that the overlapping is not detected, the partial area belonging to at least one of the plurality of modification areas. |
| US08285063B2 |
Multi-mode vector-based image processing
A block (300) of image elements (310) is compressed by identifying a base vector (460) based on normalized feature vectors (312) of the block (300). If a position-determining coordinate (420) of the base vector (460) is present inside a defined selection section (530) of feature vector space (500), the block (300) is compressed according to a default mode and an auxiliary mode to get a default and auxiliary compressed block (600), respectively. The compressed block (600) resulting in smallest compression error is selected. If the auxiliary mode is selected, the position-determining coordinate (420) is mapped to get a mapped coordinate (425) present outside the representable normalization portion (510) of vector space (500). The auxiliary compressed block (600) comprises a representation of this mapped coordinate (425). If the default mode is selected no such coordinate mapping is performed and the default compressed block (600) instead comprises a representation of the non-mirrored coordinate (420). |
| US08285062B2 |
Method for improving the performance of embedded graphics coding
Embedded Graphics Coding (EGC) is used to encode images with sparse histograms. In EGC, an image is divided into blocks of pixels. For each block, the pixels are converted into binary representations. For each block, the pixels are scanned and encoded bit-plane by bit-plane from the most significant bit-plane (MSB) to the least significant bit-plane (LSB). The pixels in the block are partitioned into groups. Each group contains pixels with the same value. From the MSB to the LSB, the groups in the current bit plane are processed. During the processing, a group is split into two, if pixels in the group have different bit values in the bit-plane being encoded. Then, the encoder sends the refinement bit for each pixel in the group and the encoder splits the original group into two. A method is described herein to compress the refinement bits which employs context-adaptive prediction and binary run-length coding. |
| US08285056B2 |
Method and apparatus for computing degree of matching
A matching degree computing apparatus is provided for comparing an input image and an object template image and computing a matching degree between an input image and an object template image based on the compared result. The computing apparatus includes a transforming unit for transforming the input image so as to be matched to the template object region and a computing unit for computing a matching degree between the transformed input image and the template image. The transforming unit provides a shaping unit for shaping a non-background region to the form of the template object region in the object corresponding region of the input image and a processing unit for arranging the non-background region contacting with the template object corresponding region so that the non-background region has no substantial impact on the matching degree in the object non-corresponding region of the input image. |
| US08285050B2 |
House change judging method and device using color gradation and altitude values of image polygon data
A house change judging method is provided for judging a change of a house in a data acquisition region based on new and old data concerning two periods, which have been aerially acquired, including: extracting as a judgment target region a predetermined region in the new data by trimming with house polygon data corresponding to a predetermined region prepared in advance; computing, after the extraction, as evaluation values, two kinds of new and old difference values between the two periods with respect to a gradation value of color image data and an altitude value of altitude data across the entire judgment target region; and judging, after the computation, based on the evaluation values, whether a house change has occurred in the judgment target region by referring to a judging table including combinations of two kinds of preset evaluation criterion values. |
| US08285042B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining sexual content in moving image content
A method and an apparatus for determining sexual content in moving image content are provided. The method includes: detecting a motion area from a plurality of moving image frames forming the moving image content; detecting skin estimation areas that are estimated to show a person's skin, based on brightness values of pixels included in each of the plurality of moving image frames; and determining whether each of the plurality of moving image frames contains sexual content, based on a ratio of the skin estimation areas to the entire motion area. |
| US08285040B1 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive contrast enhancement of image data
Adaptive contrast enhancement of image data is provided. In one embodiment a method for adaptive contrast enhancement includes receiving image data for a first frame, determining a pixel distribution for at least one color space component of the first frame based on luminance values of the pixels in the at least one color space and calculating an average picture level in the at least one color space based on the pixel distribution. The method additionally includes adjusting a look-up table (LUT) associated with the pixel distribution based on the average picture level, converting luminance values of the pixels in the first frame in the at least one color space based on the LUT to generate an enhanced image frame and outputting the enhanced image frame. |
| US08285038B2 |
White balance adjustment
A portable electronic communication device includes an image memory that stores an image in its original colors; a display that presents the image, in its original colors, when received from the image memory, based on an instruction, received from a user of the portable electronic communication device, to present the image without adjustment to the original colors; and a white balance adjustment device including multiple image signal adjusters that adjust signal levels of image signals corresponding to particular colors, where, when another instruction is received from the user to adjust the original colors, the white balance adjustment device controls the multiple image signal adjusters, based on user input, to select color adjustments and apply the color adjustments to create a color-adjusted image. The portable electronic device also includes another memory that stores the color-adjusted image, where the display is configured to present the color-adjusted image when received from the other memory. |
| US08285037B2 |
Compression format and apparatus using the new compression format for temporarily storing image data in a frame memory
Display driver (40) with a frame memory (43) for temporarily storing image data representing a color image and a data bus for feeding RGB-formatted image data to said display driver (40). The display driver (2) comprises means for performing an encoding decision process (42) that is based on an analysis of the nature of a pixel cluster of said image data. The means for performing a decision process (42) allow the display driver (43) to decide whether a first compression format or a second compression format is to be applied for compression of said pixel cluster. The first compression means (33.1) perform a compression of said pixel cluster into said first compression format (quantized RGB), and the second compression means (33.2) perform a compression of said pixel cluster into said second compression format (color compressed). The pixel clusters and related compression format code are stored after compression in an available storage area of the frame memory (24) such that parts of said image data can be stored in said storage area in the first compression format and another part of said image data can be stored in said storage area in the second compression format. Said compression format code is used to perform a decision process allowing the display driver (20) to decide whether a first decompression format or a second decompression format is to be applied for decompression of said pixel cluster. |
| US08285036B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
A method is provided for extracting an edge included in a color image formed of first pixels expressed by color component values of three colors. The method includes: calculating a lightness value of the first pixel based on the color component values; determining which one of the low, medium, and high lightness regions, the calculate lightness value belongs to; generating an extraction image formed of second pixels corresponding to the first pixels; and extracting an edge based on the pixel value of the extraction image thus generated. For a first pixel whose lightness value belongs to the medium lightness region and the low or high lightness region, a pixel value is calculated from the color component values of three colors, and from the color component values excluding at least one color, respectively. Then, the edge is extracted based on the calculated pixel value of the extraction image. |
| US08285034B2 |
Apparatus, method and article for evaluating a stack of objects in an image
An object evaluation system may determine a value for a stack of objects that appear in a pixelated color image. To determine the value of the stack of objects, the evaluation system preprocess at least a portion of the pixelated color image to produce a set of two color contour data, processes the two color contour data to identify a location of a top and a bottom of the stack (if any), and locates, for each of the objects in the stack, a respective set of color pixels from the pixelated color image corresponding to each object based on the identified locations of the top and bottom of the stack. Each of the objects in the stack are then classified into a color classification based on the object's respective set of color pixels, and the value of the object is determined based on a known correspondence between the color classification and a value. The cumulative value of the stack is determined by summing the determined values for each of the objects in the stack. |
| US08285032B2 |
Inspection system and inspection method
The inspection system arbitrarily selects from among a plurality of optical conditions to change a distribution of reflected or diffracted light component from an object being inspected. The inspection system has a one- or two-dimensional optoelectric conversion image sensor, optically acquires an image of the object by scanning a stage on which the object is mounted or scanning the image sensor, and processes the image to check for defects in the object. Under each optical condition (illumination optical system, detection optical system, scan direction, etc.) the object being inspected is imaged and, based on the brightness distribution and contrast in the detection field of the image sensor, image sensor output correction data is generated to correct the output of the image sensor. |
| US08285031B2 |
Pattern inspection apparatus and method
A pattern inspection apparatus is used for inspecting a fine pattern, such as a semiconductor integrated circuit (LSI), a liquid crystal panel, and a photomask (reticle) for the semiconductor or the liquid crystal panel, which are fabricated based on data for fabricating the fine pattern such as design data. The pattern inspection apparatus includes a reference pattern generation device configured to generate a reference pattern represented by one or more lines, comprising one of a line segment and a curve, from the data, an image generation device configured to generate the image of the pattern to-be-inspected, a detecting device configured to detect an edge of the image of the pattern to-be-inspected, and an inspection device configured to inspect the pattern to-be-inspected by comparing the edge of the image of the pattern to-be-inspected with the one or more lines of the reference pattern. |
| US08285028B2 |
Inspection apparatus and inspection method
Aims to provide an inspection apparatus which precisely detects an amount of misalignment of a component mounted on a panel through an adhesive which contains conductive particles. The inspection apparatus includes: an infrared-light illuminator (305) which is provided on a bottom-surface side of the panel and illuminates with light a panel recognition mark formed on the panel and a component recognition mark formed on the component; an IR camera (307) which is provided opposite to the illuminator (305) and captures images of the light-illuminated recognition marks; and an amount-of-misalignment calculation unit (446) which calculates, using the images captured by the camera (307), an amount of misalignment of the recognition marks as an amount of misalignment in mounting position, wherein the illuminator (305) emits light in an amount which causes halation, the light having a wavelength that allows the light to pass through the panel and the component but does not allow or does not easily allow the light to pass through the conductive particles. |
| US08285027B2 |
High-resolution large-field scanning inspection system for extruded ceramic honeycomb structures
A high-resolution, large-field scanning inspection system for inspecting extruded ceramic honeycomb structures is disclosed. The system allows for inspecting cells at an endface of a cellular ceramic substrate by capturing, along an optical axis, line images of illuminated cells as a line illumination scans over at least a portion of the plurality of cells. The inspection method includes centering the line illumination on the optical axis to make the line illumination normally incident upon the endface. The inspection method also includes forming from the line images a composite image of the cells, and determining from the composite image at least one parameter of at least one cell. |
| US08285023B2 |
Radiation image processing apparatus and method thereof
A radiation image processing apparatus which processes non-spiral projection data obtained by radiation imaging performed by rotating a radiation generator and a two-dimensional radiation detector relative to a subject reconstructs the non-spiral projection data into first volume data subjected to an averaging process in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotation and second volume data not subjected to the averaging process. The radiation image processing apparatus performs planar reconstruction calculation using the first volume data to generate a cross section image in a first plane perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis and performs planar reconstruction calculation using the second volume data to generate a cross section image in a second plane parallel to the direction of the rotation axis. The resulting cross section images are displayed on a display apparatus. |
| US08285021B2 |
Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the left atrium and pulmonary veins
A method for centering a left atrium and pulmonary veins at an isocenter of an imaging device is provided. The method includes positioning an injection catheter at a bifurcation of a pulmonary artery; obtaining an anterior or posterior flouroscopic image of area including and/or surrounding the left atrium and pulmonary veins; and moving the imaging device, patient support, or the combination thereof, such that the injection catheter and a spine of a patient are displayed in the fluoroscopic image. |
| US08285019B2 |
Breast tissue density measure
A method of processing a mammogram image to derive a value for a parameter useful in detecting differences in breast tissue in subsequent images of the same breast or relative to a control group of such images, said derived parameter being an aggregate probability score reflecting the probability of the image being a member of a predefined class of mammogram images, comprises computing for each of a multitude of pixels within a large region of interest within the image a pixel probability score assigned by a trained statistical classifier according to the probability of said pixel belonging to an image belonging to said class, said pixel probability being calculated on the basis of a selected plurality of features of said pixels, and computing said parameter by aggregating the pixel probability scores over said region of interest. Saud features may include the 3-jet of said pixels. |
| US08285017B2 |
Methods for interactive labeling of tubular structures in medical imaging
System and method for labeling a tubular structure. A tubular structure is first displayed on a display screen. A representation of the tubular structure can be obtained. A user draws a curve on the display screen using an electronic pen that is associated with a label. Based on the user drawn curve, one or more segments of the tubular structure that corresponds to the drawn curve are identified based on the representation of the segmented tubular structure. The label is then assigned to such identified one or more segments of the tubular structure. |
| US08285014B2 |
Measuring blood volume with C-arm computed tomography
A system and method of obtaining perfusion data for cerebral tissue is described. The system includes a C-arm X-ray device and a computing system configured to obtain sets of rotational projection X-ray data suitable for reconstructing 3D voxel data sets. A first data set is obtained of the patient, and then contrast material is injected into the vascular system to obtain a second 1 data set. A first voxel data set is subtracted from the second voxel data set, and the resultant data set is processed so as to segment the contrast-enhanced vasculature from the remaining data. The segmented voxels are subtracted from the resultant voxel data set, so as to yield a functional data set representing the difference between the attenuation of the tissues after administering contrast agent and the tissues prior to administering the contrast agent, without the contrast enhanced vasculature. The attenuation of the functional data set represents the perfusion or cerebral blood volume (CBV). |
| US08285013B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting abnormal patterns within diagnosis target image utilizing the past positions of abnormal patterns
An image processing apparatus having improved detection performance for detecting an abnormal shadow, such as a tumor, and reducing a burden on the user is disclosed. In the image processing apparatus, an aligning unit aligns a previous image and a current diagnosis image with each other, and a corresponding position calculating unit calculates a position on a subject in the current diagnosis image corresponding to the position of an abnormal shadow on the subject in the previous image based on positional information of the abnormal shadow on the subject in the previous image and alignment information. A current diagnosis image abnormal shadow detecting unit detects the abnormal shadow in the current diagnosis image from the vicinity of the corresponding position in the current diagnosis image. |
| US08285009B2 |
Fingerprint input apparatus
A fingerprint input apparatus for providing a plurality of inputs while moving a finger to acquire a fingerprint image, the fingerprint input apparatus determining an intersection of the plurality of input partial fingerprint images to calculate a relative location between the plurality of partial fingerprint images on the basis of the intersection and outputting the calculated relative location with the plurality of partial fingerprint images to an external device. The intersection of the plurality of partial fingerprint images is obtained, for example, on the basis of a density distribution of dots constituting each of the image. The relative location is at least one of the moving direction, the moving distance, and the angle of rotation. Thereby, there is no movable part and thus it eliminates a need for providing the external device with software processing for calculating the relative location of the partial fingerprint images, thereby achieving downsizing and power saving of the apparatus. |
| US08285008B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method and program for facilitating retrieval of an individual group using a list of groups, a list of selected group members and a list of members of the groups excluding the selected group members
The image processing apparatus displays a list of individual information from which individual information selected by the individual information selecting unit and individual information lapped over the individual information included in the retrieved individual groups are excluded from individual information included in individual groups retrieved by the individual group retrieval unit, and the individual group retrieval unit narrows down individual groups to be retrieved by adding on individual information designated from the individual information displayed in the list. |
| US08285003B2 |
Personal authentication method and personal authentication device utilizing ocular fundus blood flow measurement by laser light
A personal authentication method comprising imaging, on an image sensor as a laser speckle using an optical system, light reflected from retinal blood vessels of the ocular fundus and a blood vessel layer in ocular fundus internal tissue when a laser beam is expanded and made to irradiate the ocular fundus, calculating a quantity that represents the rate of change with respect to time of the amount of light received for each pixel of the laser speckle, obtaining an ocular fundus blood flow map as a two-dimensional map of the numerical values of the quantity, and comparison-checking against pre-registered personal data utilizing at least one, observed in the blood flow map, of blood flow distribution data, a pattern reflecting the course of retinal blood vessels, a pattern reflecting the course of blood vessels in ocular fundus internal tissue observed superimposed thereon, and data on changes thereof over time, and a device therefor. In accordance with the method and device of the present invention utilizing the ocular fundus blood flow rate map, a personal authentication method and device can be obtained that have remarkably higher accuracy than conventional methods and devices. |
| US08284993B2 |
Decentralized tracking of packages on a conveyor
A decentralized tracking system is discussed herein. The decentralized tracking system can be comprised of two or more tracking elements and be used to track packages moving on a conveyor system. Each tracking element can operate independently, despite being highly sophisticated and dynamically coordinated with one or more other tracking elements. The conveyor system can be a modular and/or accumulation conveyor system that has sorting functionality. The decentralized tracking system can be used to divert packages for sortation by, for example, embedding a destination zone into the package's tracking data and/or preprogramming conveyor zones to sort specific packages based on a package identifier. |
| US08284992B2 |
Monitoring system, monitoring method and program
In order to appropriately detect abnormalities for the purpose of surveillance with it being possible to prevent an unnecessary increase in data amount of the monitoring images, a monitoring system includes an image capturing section that captures a moving image of a monitored area, a variation reduced image generating section that generates a variation reduced image by reducing a temporal variation in an image, based on a plurality of moving-image making-up images included in the moving image captured by the image capturing section, a condition storing section that stores thereon a condition which is required to be satisfied by a variation reduced image which is generated by using a plurality of moving-image making-up images included in a moving image which is judged to show an abnormality, a satisfaction judging section that judges whether the variation reduced image generated by the variation reduced image generating section satisfies the condition, an output moving image generating section that, when the satisfaction judging section judges negatively, generates an output moving image which has a lower image quality than when the satisfaction judging section judges positively, based on the moving image captured by the image capturing section, and an output section that outputs the output moving image generated by the output moving image generating section. |
| US08284991B2 |
Apparatus and method for counting number of objects
An image processing apparatus includes a first detecting unit configured to detect an object based on an upper body of a person and a second detecting unit configured to detect an object based on a face of a person. The image processing apparatus determines a level of congestion of objects contained in an input image, selects the first detecting unit when the level of congestion is low, and selects the second detecting unit when the level of congestion is high. The image processing apparatus counts the number of objects detected by the selected first or second detecting unit from the image. Thus, the image processing apparatus can detect an object and count the number of objects with high precision even when the level of congestion is high and the objects tend to overlap one another. |
| US08284987B2 |
Payload recovery systems and methods
A payload recovery system includes a reference halftone image of a data-bearing halftone image and a reference map of the data-bearing halftone image. The system further includes a cell alignment system for receiving a scanned image of a hard copy of the data-bearing halftone image and for generating an aligned scan of the scanned image using the reference halftone image and the reference map. A raw payload recovery system determines possible shift positions of each carrier cell of the aligned scan using a shift rule and the reference map; and a reconstructed data-bearing halftone image is generated by the raw payload recovery system using the possible shift positions and the reference halftone. The system also includes a recovered raw payload generated by the raw payload recovery system using the shift rule and the reference map. |
| US08284984B2 |
Method and system for image registration
Methods and systems for image registration are described. An area of an image may be selected. A length of at least one encoded wavelength for the area may be accessed. One or more candidate wavelengths may be identified in the area in at least one direction that includes at least one large peak. The length of the at least one encoded wavelength may be compared to the length of at least one of the one or more candidate wavelengths to calculate an alteration ratio. The alteration ratio may identify at least one of a scale or a rotation of the image. |
| US08284969B2 |
Hearing aid having an operating device
A hearing aid has an operating device with an operating element for activating a first operating function and a second operating function of the hearing aid. The operating device is configured to cause an execution of an operating function of the hearing aid by activating the corresponding operating function via the operating element. The operating device suppresses the execution of the first operating function by activating the first operating function via the operating element if the second operating function is activated via the operating element. |
| US08284966B2 |
Elastomeric shield for miniature microphones
An elastic shield comprising an acoustic channel having a sound inlet and a sound outlet, and a hollow portion being adapted to at least partly surround a miniature microphone, or alternatively, arranged to follow an outer contour of a miniature microphone. The present invention further relates to a miniature microphone assembly comprising a miniature microphone having a sound inlet, and an elastic shield comprising an acoustic channel having a sound inlet and a sound outlet, the elastic shield further comprising a hollow portion housing at least part of the miniature microphone in a manner so that the sound outlet of the acoustic channel is aligned with the sound inlet of the miniature microphone. |
| US08284965B2 |
Thermoacoustic device with flexible fastener and loudspeaker using the same
A thermoacoustic device includes a base, a plurality of first fasteners, at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode and a sound wave generator. Each of the first fasteners includes a body engaging with the base and a flexible element extending from the body. The at least one first electrode has a first end and a second end. The first end engages with the flexible element of the plurality of first fasteners, and the second end is secured on the base. The at least one second electrode has a third end and a fourth end. The third end engages with the flexible element of the plurality of first fasteners, and the fourth end is secured on the base. The sound wave generator is electrically connected to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. |
| US08284964B2 |
Compound membrane, method of manufacturing the same, and acoustic device
A compound membrane (100) for an acoustic device (200), the compound membrane (100) comprising a first layer (101) and a second layer (102), wherein a value of Young's modulus of the second layer (102) does not vary more than essentially 30% in a temperature range between essentially −20° C. and essentially +85° C. |
| US08284963B2 |
Method and apparatus for diminishing mismatch effects between switched signals
A circuit for diminishing mismatch effects between at least two switched signals includes at least three processing circuits configured to receive at least two switched signals such that each of the switched signals is associated with one of the processing circuits leaving at least one unassociated processing circuit. A controller circuit is configured to switch one of the switched signals to be associated with one of the unassociated processing circuit(s) upon at least one specified interval such as, for example, at a transition of the switched signal. The circuit may be incorporated into an audio amplifier configured to provide information carried on the switched signals to one or more speakers that provide an audio output. A one-processor circuit approach includes switching frames of a switched signal between positive and negative inputs of a processor circuit to average out errors introduced by the processor circuit. |
| US08284962B2 |
Electronic bass instrument tube preamplifier
An Electronic bass register musical instrument tube preamplifier includes an in line signal pre-amplification device in a Class A audio amplifier configuration. The pre-amplification device includes one or more modern thin film capacitors coupled to the output of the preamplifier circuit from the anode of half of a dual triode 12AX7 electron tube and one or more “paper in oil” capacitors. The one or more “paper in oil” capacitors are coupled to bypass and decouple to ground at the anode of half of the dual triode 12AX7 electron tube. |
| US08284958B2 |
Increased dynamic range microphone
Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and computer program product whereby a device receives an acoustic signal, where the acoustic signal has a variable sound pressure level. A device outputs an electrical signal from an input audio transducer, where the input audio transducer is connected to a supply voltage. The device determines a distortion level of the electrical signal; and increases or decreases the supply voltage based on the distortion level. |
| US08284953B2 |
Circuit and method of reducing pop-up noise in a digital amplifier
A circuit of reducing a pop-up noise in a digital amplifier includes a switch unit and a switch signal generator. The switch unit is coupled in parallel to an output load between an output node of the digital amplifier and a reference node. The switch unit controls a current flowing through the output load by forming a conduction path between the output node and the reference node in response to a switch signal. The switch signal generator generates the switch signal in response to a switch control signal indicating a power-on or a power-off. The pop-up noise is reduced by the conduction path that is formed when the digital amplifier is powered on or off. |
| US08284943B2 |
IP encryption over resilient BGP/MPLS IP VPN
Encryption of Internet Protocol (IP) traffic using IP Security (IPSec) at the edge of the enterprise network, in such a way as to support resilient BGP/MPLS IP VPN network designs. The IP traffic is securely tunneled within IPSec tunnels from the edge to the edge of the enterprise network. The IPSec traffic is also tunneled within MPLS tunnels from the edge to the edge of the service provider network. The enterprise network thus manages its own IPSec site-to-site VPN. The service provider thus independently manages its own MPLS network. The result provides an IP VPN or Layer 3 MPLS VPN to the enterprise; the enterprise IPSec network can thus be considered as an overlay to the MPLS service provider network. |
| US08284942B2 |
Persisting private/public key pairs in password-encrypted files for transportation to local cryptographic store
Systems and methods for using private keys in software development that minimizes the risks of the private key being lost or stolen. A strong name consists of the assembly's identity, e.g., its simple text name, version number, and culture information (if provided), plus a public key and a digital signature. It is generated from an assembly file using the corresponding private key. The private/public key pair is persisting in a password-encrypted file using a standard encryption format that can be made available to everyone. The first time any subsystem of the development environment requires use of the private key contained in an encrypted file format, the developer is prompted to provide the password to decrypt the key. The user supplies the password and the public/private key is imported into a non-exportable key container in the local cryptographic store. |
| US08284939B2 |
Systems and methods for preventing transmitted cryptographic parameters from compromising privacy
A method for secure cryptographic communication comprises transmitting information that identifies a group key from a first device to a second device. The method further comprises, in the first device, using the group key to encrypt an input vector, transmitting the encrypted input vector, encrypting privacy-sensitive information using a device key, an encryption algorithm, and the input vector, and transmitting the encrypted privacy-sensitive information to the second device. |
| US08284937B2 |
Method for synchronization in encrypted communications using shared key
The disclosed is a method for synchronization of the running key that is generated from a shared key and that is used for encryption and decryption in communications encrypted with the shared key using a multi-valued signal. In the method for synchronization, the transmitting node transmits a signal that is formed of a multi-valued signal and that has a predetermined fixed pattern before transmitting data encrypted with the shared key. The receiving node generates a bit discrimination threshold signal that allows for bit discrimination and that has a fixed length, shifts bit by bit the phase of the bit discrimination threshold signal while monitoring bit discrimination with respect to a fixed pattern signal that is to be received, and sets the phase of the bit discrimination threshold signal when the phase of the fixed pattern signal matches the phase of the bit discrimination threshold signal. Then, synchronization of the running key is performed in accordance with the phase that has been set between the transmitting node and the receiving node. |
| US08284928B2 |
Guide device for sliding unit in mobile terminal
A guide device for a sliding unit in a mobile terminal is provided. The guide device includes a lower slide including latch portions formed to open outwards, guide rails manufactured independently to be assembled with the latch portions, wherein the guide rails are disposed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the lower slide, and a guide plate comprising rack portions coupled with the guide rails, wherein the guide plate is disposed to face the lower slide. |
| US08284927B1 |
Telephone using an external media device to provide on-hold information
A telephone is provided with a port for disconnectably connecting an external information source, such as an MP3 player, to the telephone, and an on-hold function that operates while a call of the telephone is on hold and either presents to the telephone's user the information from the external source if the external source is connected, or presents to the user on-hold information from a telephone network if the external source is not connected, or presents silence at the user's option, irrespective of whether or not the external source is connected. |
| US08284926B2 |
Enterprise-distributed noise management
A method is disclosed that enables the managing of the overall sound level in an enterprise environment where telephones are used. A data-processing system such as a private branch exchange monitors whether one or more telephones are in use. Based on detecting when a first endpoint is in use and, therefore, when the endpoint's user is present, the private branch exchange controls one or more characteristics of the loudspeaker volume at a second endpoint. By accounting for other considerations such as the spatial closeness between the endpoints, which can be determined from office dimensions stored in a database, the private branch exchange of the illustrative embodiment is able to determine the degree of sound that is coupling over from one endpoint location to another. On a larger scale, the exchange is able to control the loudspeaker volumes of all of the endpoints in the workplace area. In doing so, the exchange manages the overall acoustic noise present. |
| US08284924B2 |
Method and structure for automated crediting to customers for waiting
A method and structure for reducing customer dissatisfaction for waiting includes a queue monitoring subsystem which detects an entry of a customer into a waiting queue. A reward computing subsystem calculates a reward for the customer for being in the waiting queue, and a communication subsystem communicates the reward to the customer. At least one of subsystems is automated. |
| US08284922B2 |
Methods and systems for changing a communication quality of a communication session based on a meaning of speech data
Methods and systems are described for changing a communication quality of a communication session based on a meaning of speech data. Speech data exchanged between clients participating in a communication session is parsed. A meaning of the parsed speech data is determined. An action is performed to change a communication quality of the communication session based on the meaning of the parsed speech data. |
| US08284919B2 |
Network system and communication device
A network system may include a first communication device, a second communication device composed separately from the first communication device and an address database. The first communication device may include a first access device. The first access device may be capable of accessing a network address. The address database may store the network address accessed by the first access device. The second communication device may include a telephone device, an address acquisition device and a second access device. The address acquisition device may acquire the network address from the address database in a case where the telephone device receives an incoming call. The second access device may be capable of accessing the network address acquired by the address acquisition device. |
| US08284918B2 |
Media specific feature invocation signaling in enhanced communication systems
Subscribers of an enhanced communication system are enabled to indicate invocation or clearing of media specific features such as music-on-hold or video-on-hold. The invocation or clearing is transmitted to participating end points as a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) re-INVITE message with Session Description Protocol (SDP) attribute descriptions identifying the feature, applicable media channels and whether the message is for invocation or clearing of the feature. |
| US08284916B2 |
Conference-call participant-information processing
In one embodiment, a telecommunication device for Internet-based conference calling with one or more similar telecommunication devices. The telecommunication device is used by a plurality of co-located participants, each participant having an individually identifiable microphone. The telecommunication device accesses a database correlating each individually identifiable microphone to participant ID and information. During the conference-call setup, the similar telecommunication devices exchange participant IDs and corresponding information. The conference-call audio content is then exchanged using RTP packets, where the telecommunication devices generate RTP packets containing the participant IDs of participants contributing to the content of each RTP packet. Receiving telecommunication devices then display corresponding participant information when playing the audio content of received RTP packets to identify current speakers. Individual, identifiable microphones improve the audio quality received by remote participants and permit the automatic exchange and display of the current participants and the current speakers. |
| US08284914B2 |
System and method for determining a telecommunications address
Disclosed is a method and system for determining a telecommunications address of a location. A telephone call from a caller located at the location is received. Location data associated with the received telephone call is then obtained. The telecommunications address can then be determined from the location data. |
| US08284910B2 |
Acceptance of inputs from various interfaces to a telephony system
A telephony system that accepts inputs, such as account codes, from a variety of devices and interfaces. The system includes a server with a telephony management software (TMS) unit, a telephony application programming interface (TAPI) unit, and an application unit. The application unit includes a control module, a call status module, an endpoint interface module, a storage interface module, a call transfer module, a TAPI interface module, a configuration module, and an extension library module. A server is capable of prompting several devices for an input and then accepting an input from any of the devices. Thus, a server enables a user to initiate a phone call on one device and then input information using a different device. |
| US08284903B2 |
Filter and X-ray imaging system
A filter capable of adjusting spectrum in multiple stages and that capable of attaining the reduction of size, as well as an X-ray imaging system having such a filter, are provided. The filter, which is for adjusting the spectrum of passing radiation, comprises a support plate having an aperture for passage therethrough of radiation, plural filter plates supported by the filter plate and having mutually different filter characteristics, and moving device for moving the plural filter plates selectively to a position to close the aperture and a position to open the aperture. |
| US08284902B2 |
Radiographic apparatus
In a radiographic apparatus, positions of a radiation grid and a radiation detector are determined such that, when a radiation source and the radiation detector are in a standard position, an arrangement pitch of shadows of absorbing foil strips appearing on a detecting plane of the radiation detector as a result of a radiation beam being emitted from the radiation source and blocked by the radiation grid is an integral multiple of an arrangement pitch in a transverse direction of radiation detecting elements. Further, the shadows of the absorbing foil strips appear without covering transversely adjacent pairs of the detecting elements. |
| US08284899B2 |
X-ray tube having a focal spot proximate the tube end
An x-ray tube having a reduced spacing between the focal spot of an anode and an adjacent end wall of an evacuated enclosure is disclosed. This in turn positions the tube relatively closer to the chest wall of a patient during mammography procedures. In one embodiment, the x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure having first and second ends interconnected by a cylindrical side wall. The evacuated enclosure includes a rotor assembly having a bearing assembly and a stem. An anode is rotatably supported by the stem of the rotor assembly and includes a target surface and an opposite second surface. The target surface is positioned to face the bearing assembly, while the second surface is positioned to face the first end of the evacuated enclosure, with no intervening structure interposed therebetween. A cathode is included to emit electrons for impingement on a focal spot of the focal track. |
| US08284895B1 |
One dimensional linescan X-ray detector
The present invention relates to an x-ray detector configured to generate one-dimensional x-ray density profiles. In exemplary embodiments the x-ray detector is used for the purpose of detecting inclusions in agricultural commodities. |
| US08284894B2 |
Fast tomosynthesis scanner apparatus and CT-based method based on rotational step-and-shoot image acquistion without focal spot motion during continuous tube movement for use in cone-beam volume CT mammography imaging
The present invention generally refers to computed tomography (CT) based imaging systems and, more particularly, to a fast 3D tomosynthesis scanner apparatus and CT-based method without focal spot motion during continuous tube movement around an object of interest (O) or tissue region (M) to be examined (herein also referred to as “object”), which may advantageously be used in cone-beam volume CT mammography imaging so as to avoid motion artifacts and blurring effects. |
| US08284877B2 |
Noise filtering inverse transformation
A method, system and apparatus for noise filtering inverse transformation (NFIT), recovering phases and amplitudes of singular cycles of data carrying tones or sub-bands from a composite signal such as OFDM, is presented herein. Such NFIT comprises adaptive inverse transformation of non-linear channel transform function and instant accommodation of time variant quickly changing characteristics of transmission channel caused by interferences including line loads, cross-talk or predictable noise. |
| US08284875B2 |
Methods and systems for frequency domain gain control in OFDM MIMO systems
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for frequency-domain gain control in system utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multiple input multiple output (MIMO). The proposed method reduces the complexity of the system while maximizing the internal accuracy of the OFDM MIMO decoder and preserving the performance of the system. |
| US08284874B2 |
Soft decision processing
A method of producing soft decisions for a signal, wherein a model provides an expression for an LLR for the signal, the LLR expression is dependent on noise power in the signal and can be rendered in a form independent of the noise power, wherein the method comprises evaluating the noise power independent expression using values from the signal to produce soft decisions, calculating a weight expressing the noise power affecting a soft decision relative to the noise power affecting at least one other soft decision and applying the weight to its respective soft decision. |
| US08284869B2 |
QAM demodulation
A method of demodulating a signal on which is modulated, using a quadrature amplitude modulation scheme, a plurality of information symbols, the method including: determining at least one QAM detection threshold corresponding to one or more of said information symbols; and demodulating each information symbol on the basis of at least one respective QAM detection threshold. |
| US08284867B2 |
Mixed mode preamble for MIMO wireless communications
A preamble of a frame for a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication for a first transmit antenna of the MIMO communication includes a legacy preamble portion in accordance with a legacy wireless communication protocol. The preamble of the frame for the MIMO wireless communication for the first transmit antenna also includes a current protocol preamble portion in accordance with a protocol of the MIMO wireless communication. The preamble of a frame for at least a second antenna of the MIMO communication includes a cyclically shifted legacy preamble portion for the frame. The preamble of the frame for the MIMO wireless communication for the second transmit antenna also includes a second current protocol preamble portion in accordance with a protocol of the MIMO wireless communication. |
| US08284866B2 |
OFDM transmission signal generation apparatus and method, and OFDM reception data generation apparatus and method
A MIMO-OFDM transmission and reception apparatus is provided which allows high accuracy estimation of frequency offset, high accuracy estimation of a transmission path fluctuation and high accuracy synchronization/signal detection. A mapping section generates a plurality of OFDM signals. In these OFDM signals, some pilot carriers are assigned to the same carrier position and orthogonal sequences are assigned to the same time slot in the same carrier position. |
| US08284864B2 |
Signal emission by plural antennas
A radio communication emitter includes at least two antennas for emitting a signal including encoded bits that are converted into symbols distributed on subcarriers and in time intervals. The emitter includes a signal divider for distributing the set of the signal symbols into as many disjoined subsets of signal symbols as the antennas that the emitter comprises. Each subset is dedicated to one of the antennas. The union of the subsets is the set of the signal symbols. Symbols are distributed in at least two subsets for at least one time interval or for at least one subcarrier of the signal. The antennas synchronously emit the symbol subsets. The symbol subsets can comprise a substantially identical number of symbols to reduce a deviation between the power peaks and the average power of the signal emitted by each antenna. |
| US08284862B2 |
Method for encoding data symbols with implicitly embedded pilot symbols in resource blocks for wireless networks
A set of data symbols is selected from a set of modulation constellation, and a sample-mean of the set of data symbols is determined. Each data symbol is first shifted by the sample-mean to obtain a shifted data symbol, and then the shifted symbol is multiplied by a first constant to obtain a scaled data symbol. A second constant is added to the scaled data symbol to obtain a mapped data symbol. The sample-mean is multiplied by a third constant to obtain a sample-mean mapped symbol. The set of mapped data symbols and the sample-mean mapped symbol are then transmitted as a resource block. |
| US08284860B2 |
Error signal processing systems for generating a digital error signal from an analog error signal
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for controlling the output of a transmitter using a digital error signal. A method comprises generating a digital reference signal based on a baseband input signal and converting the digital reference signal to an analog reference signal. The method further comprises generating an analog error signal in response to a difference between the analog reference signal and an analog output signal. The method further comprises generating a digital error signal from the analog error signal, and generating an input signal for the transmitter based on the baseband input signal and the digital error signal. |
| US08284858B2 |
Radiofrequency transmission system
The invention relates to a radiofrequency transmission system comprising: means of producing at least one digital signal quantized on N bits; for each of said at least one digital signal, digital processing means including: Sigma-delta filters capable of producing, on the basis of a digital input signal quantized on N bits, a digital output signal quantized on M bits, where M is less than N; downstream from sigma-delta filters, means of repetition over-sampling; and downstream from over-sampling means, convolution means; digital-to-analogue conversion means capable of converting a digital output signal into an analogue signal; and analogue filtering means capable of filtering said analogue signal so as to select a narrow frequency band which includes the second frequency. |
| US08284857B2 |
Communication system, transmitter and receiver
A communication system comprises a transmitter configured to binary data and a receiver configured to the data transmitted from the transmitter. The transmitter counts the number of bits of any one of binary value of a data section of the transmission data, and determines whether or not inversion processing should be performed in accordance with the counted number. When performing the inversion processing, the transmitter reverses each bit of the data section of the transmission data, adds inversion information showing that the bits have been reversed, and transmits the transmission data. The receiver receives the transmission data and determines whether or not inversion processing should be performed for the reception data, on the basis of the inversion information of the reception data. When performing the inversion processing, the receiver reverses each bit of the data section of the reception data. |
| US08284854B2 |
Groupwise successive interference cancellation for block transmission with reception diversity
A plurality of data signals are received over an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements. The data signals are transmitted over a shared spectrum in a wireless communication system. A signal having each of the data signals is received over each antenna element. The plurality of data signals are grouped into a plurality of groups. The received signals of the antenna elements are matched filtered for a first group of the plurality of groups, producing a matched filtered result. Data is jointly detected of the first group using the matched filtered result. An interference correction signal is constructed using the detected data for each antenna element. The interference cancelled result is subtracted from the received signal of each antenna element, producing an interference cancelled result for each antenna element. Data is successively detected for remaining groups using the interference cancelled result for each antenna element. |
| US08284852B2 |
Multi-user MIMO systems and methods
A method and system are provided for scheduling data transmission in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) system. The MIMO system may comprise at least one MIMO transmitter and at least one MIMO receiver. Feedback from one or more receivers may be used by a transmitter to improve quality, capacity, and scheduling in MIMO communication systems. The method may include generating or receiving information pertaining to a MIMO channel metric and information pertaining to a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) in respect of a transmitted signal; and sending a next transmission to a receiver using a MIMO mode selected in accordance with the information pertaining to the MIMO channel metric, and an adaptive coding and modulation selected in accordance with the information pertaining to the CQI. |
| US08284851B2 |
Transmission apparatus, reception apparatus, communication system, transmission method and reception method
Data errors are sufficiently corrected and desired transmission quality is obtained even when the time variation of fading is large in a multicarrier transmission scheme communication system to which HARQ is applied. A transmission apparatus 100 is applied to a communication system in which the transmission apparatus and a reception apparatus perform automatic repeat request control therebetween, and has a subcarrier spacing setting section 111 that sets the subcarrier spacing used in transmitting a retransmission signal to be larger than the subcarrier spacing used in transmitting a first transmission signal, an IFFT section 112 that performs IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) on an input signal based on the subcarrier spacing set in the subcarrier spacing setting section 111, and a transmission section 102 that transmits the first transmission signal and at least one retransmission signal. |
| US08284850B2 |
OFDM reception apparatus
In an OFDM reception apparatus, a Fourier transform unit segments a time-domain signal in an OFDM signal in accordance with a segmenting window signal and converts the time-domain signal into a frequency-domain signal. A first signal extraction unit extracts pilot signals periodically arranged in a frequency direction and in a time direction from an output from the Fourier transform unit. A second signal extraction unit extracts differential reference signals from an output from the Fourier transform unit. A delay profile detection unit performs delay profile detection using the output from the second signal extraction unit, and performs delay profile detection on the output from the first signal extraction unit within a range limited on the basis of a result of the detection. A synchronous reproduction unit generates the segmenting window signal using an output from the delay profile detection unit. |
| US08284848B2 |
Differential data transferring system and method using three level voltages
A differential data transferring system and method uses three level voltages to simultaneously transfer three signals (for example, two data signals and one clock signal) across two transfer line sets (i.e., four transfer lines). Therefore, the differential data transferring method increases transferring efficiency by using fewer transfer lines. Also, according to the differential data transferring system and method, one of two transfer lines forming a transfer line set is controlled to a middle voltage level, while the other transfer line is controlled to either a high voltage or a low voltage. Accordingly, the voltage difference between the two transfer lines may be maintained at a constant amplitude. Additionally, the difference between first and second dividing voltages DC1 and DC2, which are used for generating a reference output data, is controlled to maintain a constant amplitude. Therefore, the differential data transferring system and method may provide improved operation reliability. |
| US08284843B2 |
Information encoding apparatus and method, information searching apparatus and method, information searching system and method, and program therefor
An information searching system includes an encoding apparatus and a searching apparatus. The encoding apparatus inputs information to be stored, encodes the input information in layers, and then stores the resulting per-layer encoding information in a database. The searching apparatus acquires information that has been thus encoded in layers in order from the upper layers thereof, compares the encoded information for an acquired search query to the encoded information for potential matches on a per-layer basis, decodes the information for the potential matches that resemble the search query on the basis of the comparison results, and then outputs the decoded information for the potential matches that resemble the search query. In so doing, searches are conducted rapidly and with reduced computational load. |
| US08284841B2 |
Variable length coding method and variable length decoding method
A variable length coding method is comprised of: a coefficient value scanning step in which an RL sequence generation unit 203, a reordering unit 202, and a binarization unit 203 scan coefficient values within a block in a predetermined scanning order starting at a higher-frequency component toward a lower-frequency component; and an arithmetic coding step in which an arithmetic coding unit 205 and a table storage unit 204 perform arithmetic coding on the absolute values of the coefficient values according to the scanning order used in the coefficient value scanning step, by switching between probability tables 1˜4 for use, wherein, in the arithmetic coding step, a probability table to be used is switched to another probability table in one direction, when the arithmetic-coded absolute values of the coefficient values include an absolute value exceeding a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08284837B2 |
Video codec with weighted prediction utilizing local brightness variation
There are provided video encoders, video decoders, and corresponding encoding and decoding methods for video data for a picture, wherein the video data has local brightness variation. The video encoder includes an encoder for inter-coding the video data using a localized weighted function to determine weights for the local brightness variation. The weights for the localized weighted function are derived without explicit coding. |
| US08284836B2 |
Motion compensation method and apparatus to perform parallel processing on macroblocks in a video decoding system
Provided is a motion compensation method and apparatus. The motion compensation method includes performing register setting for motion compensation of an mth macroblock of a current image, performing prediction for the mth macroblock simultaneously with performing register setting for motion compensation of an (m+1)th macroblock, and performing reconstruction for the mth macroblock based on a prediction result simultaneously with performing prediction for the (m+1)th macroblock. By parallely processing motion compensation on macroblocks, the amount of time required for motion compensation of the macroblocks can be reduced. |
| US08284833B2 |
Serial concatenation of interleaved convolutional codes forming turbo-like codes
A serial concatenated coder includes an outer coder and an inner coder. The outer coder irregularly repeats bits in a data block according to a degree profile and scrambles the repeated bits. The scrambled and repeated bits are input to an inner coder, which has a rate substantially close to one. |
| US08284831B2 |
Pulse shaping method
Provided is a pulse shaping method. A time interval is predefined so as to shape a pulse used for a transmit pulse and a receive filter response, a parameter is generated by using a weight coefficient and a plurality of cosine functions that are multiplied and added to be output during the predetermined time interval, and 0 is output during another interval, thereby shaping the pulse. The weight coefficient is updated by using the normalized MSE so as to shape the pulse to be optimized for the predetermined time interval. |
| US08284830B2 |
Pulse edge demodulation
Systems and methods for the demodulation of pulse edge modulated signals for communications systems which are useful in body implanted electronics. A pulse edge modulated signal is generated by retarding or advancing each pulse edge of a carrier to be modulated relative to its original position in time, depending on the state of the digital bit to be modulated on that edge. Each modulated edge of a pulse edge modulated signal is demodulated by determining the position in time of the modulated edge relative to the original respective position of the modulated edge prior to modulation. |
| US08284822B2 |
Method and system for utilizing direct digital frequency synthesis to process signals in multi-band applications
Aspects of a method and system for utilizing direct digital frequency synthesis in multi-band applications are provided. A direct digital frequency synthesizer integrated in a multiband wireless receiver chip may be enabled to generate one or more reference signals that may be utilized to down-convert VHF, UHF and L-band signals to baseband signals. The direct digital frequency synthesizer may further generate one or more reference signals, which may be utilized to calibrate one or more circuits that process received VHF, UHF, and L-band signals. In this regard, the signals generated by the direct digital frequency synthesizer may be utilized to calibrate one or more LNAs in a receive processing chain of the chip and/or one or more filters that may be utilized to process baseband signals. |
| US08284819B2 |
Method and system for interference suppression in WCDMA systems
Aspects of a method and system for interference suppression in WCDMA systems may include one or more circuits that are operable to receive a plurality of multipath signals via one or more receiving antennas. A plurality of weighting factor values may be computed based on the received multipath signals. Estimated signals may be based on the weighting factor values. Residual signals may be generated based on received signals and the estimated signals. Addback signals may be generated based on the estimated signals and the residual signals. Updated estimated signals may be generated based on the addback signals and the weighting factor values. Incremental signals may be generated based on the updated estimated signals and addback signals. Updated residual signals may be generated based on the incremental signals and previous residual signals. The interference suppressed signals may be generated based on the updated residual signals and updated estimated signals. |
| US08284818B2 |
Spread spectrum transmission systems
A code phase signalling module arranged to provide code phase signalling to assist in signal acquisition of direct sequence spread spectrum signalling received by a receiver module from a transmitter module. The code phase signalling is arranged to be used by the receiver module to synchronise the phase of a synchronisation code provided from within the receiver module with the phase of a modulation code of the direct spread spectrum sequence signalling received by the receiver module. The synchronisation code sequence corresponds to the modulation code sequence. The code phase signaling module is arranged to provide code phase time signaling representing the offset time of the synchronisation code from a reference time. The reference time is associated with the time of transmission of a particular reference portion of the modulation code of the direct spread spectrum signaling. |
| US08284811B2 |
Gallium nitride-based semiconductor laser diode
Provided is a III-nitride semiconductor laser diode capable of lasing to emit light of not less than 500 nm with use of a semipolar plane. Since an active layer 29 is provided so as to generate light at the wavelength of not less than 500 nm, the wavelength of light to be confined into a core semiconductor region 19 is a long wavelength. A first optical guide layer 27 is provided with a two-layer structure, and a second optical guide layer 31 is provided with a two-layer structure. A material of a cladding layer 21 comprised of at least either of AlGaN and InAlGaN is different from the III-nitride semiconductor, and the thickness D15 of a first epitaxial semiconductor region 15 is larger than the thickness D19 of the core semiconductor region 19; however, the misfit dislocation densities at first to third interfaces J1, J2 and J3 are not more than 1×106 cm−1, thereby preventing lattice relaxation from occurring in the semiconductor layers at these interfaces J1, J2 and J3 because of the c-plane that acts as a slip plane. |
| US08284810B1 |
Solid state laser device using a selected crystal orientation in non-polar or semi-polar GaN containing materials and methods
An edge emitting solid state laser and method. The laser comprises at least one AlInGaN active layer on a bulk GaN substrate with a non-polar or semi-polar orientation. The edges of the laser comprise {1 1 −2 ±6} facets. The laser has high gain, low threshold currents, capability for extended operation at high current densities, and can be manufactured with improved yield. The laser is useful for optical data storage, projection displays, and as a source for general illumination. |
| US08284809B2 |
Laser bandwidth interlock capable of single pulse detection and rejection
A pulse of laser light is switched out of a pulse train and spatially dispersed into its constituent wavelengths. The pulse is collimated to a suitable size and then diffracted by high groove density multilayer dielectric gratings. This imparts a different angle to each individual wavelength so that, when brought to the far field with a lens, the colors have spread out in a linear arrangement. The distance between wavelengths (resolution) can be tailored for the specific laser and application by altering the number of times the beam strikes the diffraction gratings, the groove density of the gratings and the focal length of the lens. End portions of the linear arrangement are each directed to a respective detector, which converts the signal to a 1 if the level meets a set-point, and a 0 if the level does not. If both detectors produces a 1, then the pulse train is allowed to propagate into an optical system. |
| US08284804B2 |
PCR clock recovery in an IP network
An IP network includes a central entity and at least one customer premises equipment (CPE) device. The central entity generates a program clock reference (PCR) clock and provides audio-visual packets to a CPE based on the PCR clock. The CPE sets a first clock based on the PCR clock for decoding operations. The CPE sets a second clock that is independent from the first clock for audio and video output operations. For example, the CPE can process the audio-visual packets using the second clock. |
| US08284801B1 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an operating mode for an embedded Ethernet media access controller
Method and apparatus for controlling an operating mode of an Ethernet media access controller (MAC) embedded in a programmable device is described. In some examples, a configuration circuit is configured to receive a configuration signal from configuration memory of the programmable device and a host signal from a host bus of the programmable device, and configured to output a control length check disable signal the value of which depends on the value of at least one of the configuration signal or the host signal. A parameter check circuit is configured to receive a control signal derived from at least one of the control length check disable signal or the configuration signal, and configured to selectively disable checking a length of each control frame in frames received by the Ethernet MAC based on a value of the control signal. |
| US08284800B2 |
OFDM communications using bit allocation tables
Messages transmitted between a receiver and a transmitter are used to maximize a communication data rate. In particular, a multicarrier modulation system uses messages that are sent from the receiver to the transmitter to exchange one or more sets of optimized communication parameters. The transmitter then stores these communication parameters and when transmitting to that particular receiver, the transmitter utilizes the stored parameters in an effort to maximize the data rate to that receiver. Likewise, when the receiver receives packets from that particular transmitter, the receiver can utilize the stored communication parameters for reception. |
| US08284789B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing dynamic data flow queues
A network system and method capable of creating separate output queues on demand to improve overall network routing performance are disclosed. The network system, in one embodiment, includes a classifier, an egress queuing device and a processor. The classifier provides a result of classification for an incoming data flow in accordance with a set of predefined application policies. The egress queuing device is an egress per flow queue (“PFQ”) wherein a separately dedicated queue can be dynamically allocated within the egress PFQ in accordance with the result of classification. The processor is configured to establish a temporary circuit connection between the classifier and the egress queuing device for facilitating routing process. |
| US08284787B2 |
Dynamic tree bitmap for IP lookup and update
The subject invention provides a data structure and method for IP lookups, insertions, and deletions using a dynamic tree bitmap structure (DTBM) that utilizes an array of child pointers for each node instead of the typical TBM approach using one pointer to an array of children. |
| US08284783B1 |
System and method for avoiding neighbor cache pollution
A method of avoiding cache corruption when establishing a network connection includes the steps of transmitting a request to a computing device, where the request includes a masquerade layer-3 address, and receiving a reply transmitted by the computing device in response to the request, where the reply includes a MAC address associated with the computing device. Since the masquerade layer-3 address is unique relative to the computer network, computing devices within the network do no overwrite existing layer-3-to-MAC relationships in their respective caches with the layer-3-to-MAC relationship reflected in the request. Thus, the method enables a network connection to be initiated between two computing devices in the same computer network while avoiding neighbor cache pollution on other computing devices in that network. |
| US08284779B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus used in a network where data communication is performed includes a priority data information holding section that holds, in advance, QoS setting information corresponding to domain names, where the QoS setting information is necessary to perform QoS settings for data communicated in the network. A control packet snooping section snoops on a DNS packet received from a DNS server, and obtains a domain name contained in the DNS packet. A priority control setting section, when QoS setting information corresponding to the obtained domain name is contained in the QoS setting information held in the priority data information holding section, performs, based on the QoS setting information, a QoS setting for data communication performed by a communication apparatus which is the transmission source of the DNS packet. |
| US08284777B2 |
Uplink cell changes in a mobile communication network
A method in a user equipment (UE) includes transmitting, to a first radio base station, one or more protocol data units (PDUs) that are each associated with a respective Internet Protocol (IP) packet. The method also includes receiving one or more feedback indications from the first radio base station, each indicating whether a corresponding PDU was successfully received, and transmitting a retransmission of at least one PDU based on the feedback indications. Additionally, the method includes determining a time point for performing a cell change based on whether the first radio base station has not successfully received all of the PDUs associated with IP packets for which a complete IP packet has been transmitted and performing the cell change at the determined time point. |
| US08284769B2 |
Method and system for a range reduction scheme for user selection in a multiuser MIMO downlink transmission
Various aspects of a method and a system for a range reduction scheme for user selection in a multiuser MIMO downlink transmission are presented. Aspects of a system for range reduction may comprise a range reduction processor that determines a plurality of channel measurements corresponding to a plurality of signals. The range reduction processor may compute a plurality of channel capacities based on the channel measurements corresponding to a subset of the plurality of signals having channel gain that is greater than a remaining portion of the plurality of signals. Aspects of a method may comprise determining a plurality of channel measurements corresponding to a plurality of signals, and computing a plurality of channel capacities based on said channel measurements corresponding to a subset of the plurality of signals having a channel gain that is greater than a remaining portion of the plurality of signals. |
| US08284767B2 |
Call processing method, system and equipment of same number service
A call processing method, a call processing system and call processing equipment of a same number service are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a call which is initiated by a calling client and carries an initial called number, and sending a message of the called number with a same number service characteristic to first switching equipment in an IP network when the initial called number is a number of the same number service; and receiving a call request initiated by the first switching equipment, starting same number service processing of the initial called number according to the message carried in the call request, and calling a same number terminal corresponding to the initial called number. The embodiment of the invention helps realize the same number service between a SIP intelligent terminal in the IP network and ordinary terminals in other communication networks. |
| US08284766B2 |
Multi-core processor and method of communicating across a die
A multi-core die is provided that allows packets to be communicated across the die using resources of a packet switched network and a circuit switched network. |
| US08284765B1 |
System and method of providing communication service using a private packet network backbone exchange
Systems and methods for providing communication service using a private packet network backbone exchange (PPNBE) are disclosed. The private packet network backbone exchange may include a logical call control entity, a logical routing database, one or more PPNBE gateways, and a private packet network. The PPNBE may provide “one-hop” call connection between a call-originating entity and a call-terminating entity without traversal of any other exchanges. The PPNBE may simultaneously support both one-hop local and long distance calls. The PPNBE architecture is easily scalable and incorporated into existing communication networks for on-net and off-net service. Methods and systems for providing access tandem communication service using a PPNBE are also disclosed. |
| US08284761B2 |
System and method for responsive loss compensation in a voice over internet protocol communication environment
A system and method for implementing dynamic end-to-end loss compensation in a VoIP communication system is provided. The invention utilizes standard signaling protocol to accommodate for the characteristics of various call endpoints, and in particular, provides for an SDP parameter that conveys terminal characteristics between endpoints of a VoIP connection. |
| US08284758B2 |
Path diversity index for use in route selection
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a network device information on paths to a destination node, determining a number of common nodes or links between at least two of the paths, calculating a path diversity index based on the number of common nodes or links, and selecting a route to the destination node based on the path diversity index. An apparatus for calculating path diversity index for use in route selection is also disclosed. |
| US08284754B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining time to response of retransmission in a multihop relay wireless communication system
A multihop relay wireless communication system is provided. A Base Station (BS) includes a calculator for calculating an ACKnowledge (ACK)/Non ACK (NACK) transmission time of at least one Relay Station (RS) using retransmission parameter values, and a transmitter for transmitting the ACK/NACK transmission time information to the at least one RS. |
| US08284752B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for medium access control
Embodiments addressing MAC processing for efficient use of high throughput systems are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a first layer for receiving one or more packets from one or more data flows and for generating one or more first layer Protocol Data Units (PDUs) from the one or more packets. In another aspect, a second layer is deployed for generating one or more MAC frames based on the one or more MAC layer PDUs. In another aspect, a MAC frame is deployed for transmitting one or more MAC layer PDUs. The MAC frame may comprise a control channel for transmitting one or more allocations. The MAC frame may comprise one or more traffic segments in accordance with allocations. |
| US08284749B2 |
Time slot synchronized, flexible bandwidth communication system
One or more frame slots to each transceiver are allocated for communication within each message cycle. The number of frame slots allocated can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate variable traffic loads per transceiver, and an offset of the frame slots within the message cycle is preferably predefined to provide a uniform distribution among the transceivers. The design of the transceiver is independent of the particular application, having at least one programmable parameter that controls the number of frame slots allocated within the message cycle. By controlling the number of frame slots allocated to a transceiver, the amount of inactive time, and hence battery life, can be controlled. When a conflict occurs among multiple transceivers having pending messages at the same frame slot, the allocation of the frame slot to a transceiver is based at least in part on the resultant lag time to each transceiver. |
| US08284748B2 |
Ad hoc formation and tracking of location-sharing groups
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for forming and tracking a location-sharing group are disclosed. The location-sharing group can be performed ad hoc without the assistance of a central server. A geofence can be defined that encloses the current locations of the participating devices in the location-sharing group. The geographic location of the location-sharing group as a whole can be tracked and provided to the participating devices in the location-sharing group. Group-level location-sharing can be enabled. Departure of a participating device from the location-sharing group can be detected based on the current location and the coverage radius of each device in the location-sharing group. Entry of points of interest into the geofence of the location-sharing group can be detected and notified to the participating devices in the location-sharing group. |