| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08281729B1 |
Livewell drainage system with integrated retractable hose assembly
A drainage system is provided for a livewell compartment within a fishing boat. A flexible and reinforced hose is coupled on a first end to a pump assembly associated with the livewell and extends through an aperture in the boat hull to a second end. A seal interfaces the hose and the hull in association with the aperture. Fluid is delivered from the livewell through the hose to the exterior of the boat through the second end of the hose. The hose includes a compression or tension spring which applies a first longitudinal force with respect to the second end of the hose. The hose is effective to extract from the hull in response to a second longitudinal force applied to the hose and greater than the first force, and is retractable toward the hull in the absence of the second force. |
| US08281728B2 |
Steering apparatus for outboard motor
A case of a helm device is provided with a steering shaft. A rotation of the steering shaft is detected by a helm sensor. A friction generating mechanism is disposed in the case. The friction generating mechanism includes a rotor disposed on the steering shaft, an inner disk configured to rotate together with the rotor, an outer disk opposed to the inner disk, an electromagnetic actuator, and an armature configured to be driven by the electromagnetic actuator. An assist spring is disposed in the case. The assist spring urges the armature in such a direction as to press the disks against each other. |
| US08281715B2 |
Printer pallet assembly for use in printing multiple articles of manufacture
A pallet assembly for use in simultaneously printing multiple articles of manufacture. The assembly includes a pallet having a support surface, a carrier mountable onto the pallet and conforming with the pallet surface features (e.g., individual article of manufacture platforms) such that individual articles of manufacture may be place on the support surface(s) of the pallet yet the carrier substantially covers the remaining areas of the top surface of the pallet to protect the pallet from unintentional application of ink by the printer. The carrier also includes supports which allow a carrier loaded with articles of manufacture to be lifted off of the pallet and carried away for further processing. The assembly may also include a positioner which is mountable over the carrier on the pallet. The positioner operates as a jig for aligning each of the articles of manufacture in proper position on the support surface of the pallet. |
| US08281714B2 |
Fume disposal process and fume disposal system
For collecting fine particles from fume generated in the process of thermal cutting or welding of a metal material and solidifying them, a fume disposal system comprises a fume introducing chamber 25 which is connected to a cutting machine body through a suction duct 2 and into which suctioned fume is introduced; a bug filter 24 for separating and collecting fine particles from the fume introduced into the fume introducing chamber 25; a hopper 22 for storing the separated, collected fine particles; a screw conveyor for conveying the fine particles stored in the hopper 22 to a molding chamber; and a pressurizing device 38 for pressurizing the fine particles fed into the molding chamber to reduce the volume thereof. |
| US08281710B2 |
Tunnel pasteuriser
A tunnel pasteuriser comprises forward movement means (2) for moving products (3) to be pasteurised forward on a forward movement path along which there is a heating zone (4), a heat treatment zone (5) and a cooling zone (6). Each of said zones is divided into two or more sub-zones equipped with spraying means (10) for spraying a treatment liquid (11) onto the products (3) in transit in the sub-zone, and at least one tank (12) for collecting the liquid (11) that was sprayed on the products (3). In each heat treatment sub-zone (9) there are also means (20) for collecting the liquid (11) which wet the products (3) being treated. The collecting means (20) can be switched between a first operating condition in which they direct the liquid (11) collected towards the collection tank (12) of the relative heat treatment sub-zone (9), and a second operating condition in which they prevent the liquid (11) collected from reaching the tank (12) of the relative heat treatment sub-zone (9). |
| US08281708B2 |
Sip and dip cookie apparatus
A sip and cookie dipper apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus is made up of a straw holder, a detachable cookie holder, and a cookie holder attachment mechanism. The straw holder defines a through bore with open opposite ends. At least one straw stabilizing member is located inside the through-bore. The cookie holder attachment mechanism is attached to the bottom end of the straw holder and is used to reversibly attach the detachable cookie holder to the straw holder. In one embodiment, the detachable cookie holder includes first and second outer slots and a central slot, wherein removable side-inserts fit into the first and second outer slots. Optional images of interest are disposed on the side-inserts. In another embodiment, detachable cookie holder is a one-piece detachable cookie holder lacking first and second outer slots and the central slot, and has permanent sides in place of removable side-inserts. |
| US08281706B2 |
Sealing device
A sealing device for a swivel motor includes an outer part and an inner part as well as at least one working chamber located between them. The sealing device seals the working chamber and comprises at least two rectangular sealing elements housed in a groove enclosed in the outer and/or inner part running essentially parallel to the swivel axis of the swivel motor. Each of the sealing elements comprises at least one rectangular sealing part and at least one gasket. |
| US08281701B2 |
Method of providing a defense against a shaped charge
A method of providing a defense against a shaped charge uses an outer and an inner armor layer provided with a medial space between these outer and inner armor layers. One or more defensive shaped charges are positioned in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is attacked by ordnance having an offensive shaped charge, one or more of the defensive shaped charges positioned in the medial space is detonated so as to degrade the effectiveness of the offensive shaped charge and prevent penetration of the inner armor layer. |
| US08281700B2 |
Composite armor plate and ceramic bodies for use therein
The invention provides a composite armor plate for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high-velocity projectiles, the plate comprising a single internal layer of pellets which are bound and retained in plate form by an elastic material, substantially internally within the elastic material, such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of spaced-apart rows and columns, the pellets being made of ceramic material, and the pellets being substantially fully embedded in the elastic material so that the pellets form an internal layer, wherein the solidified material and the plate are elastic, and wherein a majority of each of the pellets is in direct contact with six adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral confinement therebetween, each of the pellets being characterized by a body having a substantially regular geometric cross-sectional area and first and second end faces, each of the end faces projecting from the body and having an outwardly decreasing cross-sectional area wherein the height of the end face disposed substantially opposite to an outer impact receiving major surface of the plate is less than 15% of the length of the diameter of the pellet body from which it projects. |
| US08281697B2 |
Method for launching naval mines
An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times. Methods for employing an aircraft equipped with a vertical (or near-vertical launcher) and one or more of the proposed egress assurance mechanisms in offensive ground attack missions, mine laying, and satellite launch missions are also proposed. |
| US08281694B2 |
Method and device for adjusting heights of slitter blade
A method for adjusting a height of a circular slitter blade includes rotating the slitter blade and the receiving roll such that an outer circumferential surface of the slitter blade and the receiving roll move in the same direction as the traveling direction of the corrugated board web; emitting a light beam in a width direction of the corrugated board web to pass through a contact point of the outer circumferential surface of the receiving roll with the corrugated board web; determining a height of the slitter blade at which the circular outer edge of the slitter blade intercepts the light beam while moving the slitter blade toward the receiving roll; and setting the height of the slitter blade to the determined height as a slitting position. |
| US08281692B2 |
Wrench
A wrench includes a hollow handle, a driver, a battery base, an alert device, a switch and a force applying device. The driver includes a drive shaft and a drive head. The drive shaft is received in the hollow handle and pivotally connected to the inner wall of the hollow handle. The drive head is connected to the drive shaft and protrudes from the hollow handle. The switch electrically connects the battery base and the alert device. The switch includes a first contact and a second contact. The first contact is located on the drive shaft. The second contact is located on the inner wall of the hollow handle. The force applying device applies a predetermined force to the drive shaft to separate the first contact and the second contact. |
| US08281691B2 |
Tong assembly
A tong assembly includes a case assembly having an enclosure defining an interior. A bearing assembly is disposed in the interior of the enclosure. The bearing assembly includes a first bearing member defining a first cavity and a second bearing member defining a first cavity. A tong head assembly is disposed in the interior of the enclosure of the case assembly. The tong head assembly includes a tong head engaged with an outer ring gear. The outer ring gear includes a first axial end portion, an oppositely disposed second axial end portion and a central portion. The first axial end portion is disposed in the first cavity of the first bearing member. The second axial end portion is disposed in the first cavity of the second bearing member. |
| US08281690B2 |
Indexable offset adaptor
An adaptor for a power drill includes an offset drive and means to adjust the rotated position of said offset drive with respect to the chuck of the drill. |
| US08281677B2 |
Electromotive linear drive
An electromotive linear drive with a drive unit having a drive motor and a spindle driven by the drive unit. The drive includes a spindle nut disposed on the spindle. The spindle nut is movable longitudinally on the spindle. A lifting tube is operatively connected to the spindle nut so that the spindle nut moves together with the lifting tube. A connecting part is disposed on a free end of the lifting tube. A braking assembly is disposed in the lifting tube and is operatively connected to the spindle nut via an adjustable, frictional connection. The braking assembly is manipulable. During operation of the drive motor, the spindle nut frictionally engages the braking assembly, preventing rotation of the spindle nut. The frictional connection may be adjusted to permit the spindle nut to rotate with respect to the spindle, thereby manipulating a linear speed component of the lifting tube. |
| US08281676B1 |
Transmission utilizing hypocycloid motion
A transmission system for transmitting a rotary motion input to a rotary motion output utilizing hypocycloid motion multiplication is disclosed. The system comprises an input mechanism, at least one hydraulic transmission means, an output mechanism and an output bladder linkage. The input mechanism includes a plurality of rollers that each capture at least one arcuate linkage against an inside surface of a cylindrical hub, causing the linkage to rotate as the roller traverses thereacross and compress one of a plurality of input bladders. The compressed input bladders cause an output bladder to expand to drive the output mechanism in reciprocal linear motion, which the output mechanism converts to rotational motion at the rotary motion output. The output mechanism can be located proximate to, or distal from, the input mechanism. |
| US08281674B2 |
Wafer inspection system and a method for translating wafers [PD]
A method for inspecting a wafer and a system. The system includes: a chuck; and a robot that includes a movable element connected to a detachable adaptor selected from a group of diced wafer detachable adaptors and non-diced wafer detachable adaptors; wherein a diced wafer detachable adaptor is shaped such to partially surround the diced wafer and comprises at least one vacuum groove adapted to apply vacuum on a tape that supports the diced wafer; and wherein the robot is adapted to fetch the wafer from a cassette and to place the wafer on the chuck. |
| US08281673B2 |
Permeable-wall sample holder and related methods
A permeable-wall sample holder provides ventilation of vapor-phase entities between the sample and the exterior of the holder through its wall. The vapor-phase transport across the holder wall supports equilibrium of the sample with the analysis environment. |
| US08281670B2 |
Modular force sensor
A modular force sensor apparatus, method, and system are provided to improve force and torque sensing and feedback to the surgeon performing a telerobotic surgery. In one embodiment, a modular force sensor includes a tube portion including a plurality of strain gauges, a proximal tube portion for operably coupling to a shaft of a surgical instrument that may be operably coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal tube portion for proximally coupling to a wrist joint coupled to an end portion. |
| US08281668B2 |
Brace bar with a partial bond
A partially bonded brace bar assembly is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. A vibrating element adapted to vibrate about a bending axis (W, W′) is provided. The vibrating element has a high stress region (412). A brace bar (201 204) is bonded to the vibrating element using a partial bond (420). The partial bond (420) is formed only in the high stress region (412). |
| US08281666B2 |
Test apparatus and method
The present invention relates to a Test apparatus (10) for testing the interaction between through-thickness compression and shear in a test piece (16). The apparatus comprises first and second chocks (12, 14) arranged in use to securely retain a test piece, and first and second races (18, 20) which can be controllably urged towards each other to transmit a known force to the first and second chocks. The first and second chocks and the test piece together form a substantially cylindrical body of a first diameter and. The first and second races define therebetween a substantially cylindrical space of a second diameter for accommodating the chocks, and wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. |
| US08281665B2 |
Pressure sensor assembly
A pressure sensor assembly having a pressure tube, in which a diaphragm is situated as a pressure pickup, and having means for detecting the diaphragm deformations, which allow a spatial separation between the measuring medium acting on the diaphragm and the means for detecting the diaphragm deformations. The diaphragm of this pressure sensor assembly includes at least two diaphragm sections oriented at an angle to one another. A first diaphragm section is situated as a partition diaphragm in the cross-section of the pressure tube, while at least one second diaphragm section forms an area of the wall of the pressure tube as a side wall diaphragm. The means for detecting diaphragm deformations are situated on the outer side of the pressure tube on the side wall diaphragm. |
| US08281664B2 |
Measuring arrangement in an injection-moulding system
A measuring arrangement for measuring one or more pressures and/or temperatures in an injection-molding system includes a base plate and at least one mould insert with at least part of a cavity. The base plate and the mould insert rest against one another in a releasable manner on at least one common separating surface. The mould insert includes at least one sensor for detecting pressures and/or temperatures as well as a transmitter module on the separating surface, which transmitter module is electrically connected to the sensor. The base plate includes a receiving module on the separating surface opposite the transmitter module, wherein measurement data can be transmitted from the transmitter module to the receiving module. The transmitter module and the receiving module on the separating surface are essentially planar and can be separated without force. |
| US08281661B2 |
Ultrasonic acoustic emissions to detect substrate fracture
A method of detecting a fracture as it occurs in a component during a manufacturing process includes positioning an acoustic sensor in acoustic communication with the component. A manufacturing process is performed while the acoustic sensor remains in acoustic communication with the component. A signal indicative of acoustic emissions from the component during the manufacturing process is provided to a controller where it is determined whether the component has fractured based on the signal. |
| US08281660B2 |
Integrated torsional-microbalance device in MEMS technology and fabrication process thereof
A MEMS microbalance that includes a substrate made of semiconductor material with a cavity, and a resonator, which is suspended above the cavity of the substrate and is formed by a mobile body, by at least one first arm connected between the substrate and the mobile body, which has a first thickness and which enables oscillations of the mobile body with respect to the substrate, by an actuation transducer connected to the mobile body for generating the oscillations at a resonance frequency, and by a detection transducer for detecting a variation of the resonance frequency, wherein the mobile body possesses at least one thin portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness of the first arm. |
| US08281659B2 |
Methods and apparatus for vibration testing using multiple sine sweep excitation
A multi-sine vibration testing method includes coupling a vibratory excitation source and a sensor to a test structure, then providing a reference signal to the excitation source, wherein the reference signal comprises a first sinusoidal waveform having a first frequency and a second sinusoidal waveform having a second frequency different from the first frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency each sweep between a corresponding start value and a corresponding end value, and the frequency response is measured from each of the sensors while providing the reference signal. |
| US08281656B2 |
Cartridge with fill level detection
A cartridge (2) with a fill level detection system (10, 10′, 10″), the cartridge comprising a substantially rigid containing wall (4) having a tubular wall portion (12) surrounding a chamber (18) for receiving liquid therein, a plunger or piston (8) mounted inside the chamber and configured to seal one side of the chamber, the plunger or piston being displaceable in the chamber towards an outlet end (14) of the cartridge, characterized in that the fill level detection system comprises a plurality of discrete fixed electrodes (24, 24′) positioned along the tubular wall portion in a juxtaposed manner in a direction of displacement D of the plunger or piston (8), and a mobile electrode member (28) fixed to the plunger or piston and displaceable therewith. |
| US08281654B2 |
Plastic water meter with metal threads
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to flow meters and more particularly to improved plastic water flow meters for commercial or residential use. In various embodiments, a plastic water meter is provided that may include metal threads for connecting the water meter to a water system. In particular, the plastic water meter may include at least one spud that is shaped to receive and engage a plastic spud insert, in which the plastic spud insert may include a metal ring with a threaded outer surface. The plastic spud insert may include an annular lip portion extending outwardly to discourage removal of the metal ring when the spud insert is engaged with the water meter. Furthermore, the plastic spud insert and the inner surface of the metal ring may have complementary circumferential profiles to discourage relative rotation between the metal ring and the spud insert. |
| US08281645B2 |
Leak detection apparatus
An apparatus and method for liquid leak detection includes first and second flexible members each constructed of an electrically conductive material that is in a normally open circuit state. Also included is a liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall that is positioned adjacent to the first and second flexible members, the liquid permeable surrounding sidewall is constructed of a non electrically conductive material. Operationally, the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall becomes electrically conductive when a liquid is present in the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall, facilitating the first and second flexible members to move to a closed circuit state that results in a perceptible output. Additionally, included is a liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element that is oriented adjacent to the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall wherein the liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element is oppositely disposed of the first and second flexible members. |
| US08281643B2 |
Cetane number determination apparatus for fuel of diesel engine and method of determining cetane number of fuel of diesel engine
A minute amount of fuel is injected into a combustion chamber during fuel cut, and a cylinder pressure is detected when the minute amount of fuel is being combusted. Then a combustion ratio is calculated based on the detected cylinder pressure, and a determination crank angle, which is used for determining a cetane number based on the combustion ratio, is determined. The cetane number is determined based on the determination crank angle. |
| US08281641B1 |
Testing system for self-contained breathing apparatus regulator
A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) regulator is tested using a breath simulator having (i) a cup-shaped housing defining an interior volume and an open end, and (ii) an empty syringe with a plunger disposed therein and terminating in a dispensing tip coupled to the housing for sealed fluid communication with the interior volume thereof. |
| US08281638B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing a planar implant for a human or animal body
The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a planar implant (I) for a human or animal body, which planar implant (I) is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape. The method comprises the following steps: making available a blank of the planar implant; making available a preforming device (V) that comprises a plurality of discrete adjustable support elements (STE) for adjusting an associated plurality of support points in accordance with the desired anatomical shape; defining the desired anatomical shape and determining corresponding settings for the support elements; adjusting the support elements in accordance with the settings determined for the desired anatomical shape; and producing the preformed implant by bending the blank onto the adjusted support elements. |
| US08281636B2 |
Heading device
In a heading device for elongate workpieces having a hydraulic chucking unit and an shaping ram, which is movable axially from a retracted idle position against the workpiece, the chucking unit comprises a housing having a sliding body which is hydraulically displaceable in the axial direction of the workpiece from a starting position into a clamping position (and vice versa), in which at least two chucking segments which are situated uniformly around the workpiece are inserted, which, on their side facing toward the shaping ram, press against a locking plate which is inserted into the housing and can be fixed therein, are movable radially against the workpiece by a displacement of the sliding body in its clamping position, and each receive at least one clamping jaw, which can be pressed by the chucking segment holding it radially against the workpiece for its clamping. The shaping ram carries a forming tool for upsetting the workpiece on the extension side, using which it can be pressed against the head of the workpiece protruding axially from the clamping jaws upon extension through an opening provided in the locking plate, and is moved completely out of the opening in the locking plate with its forming tool in its retracted idle position. |
| US08281633B2 |
Active transfer apparatus for hot strip mill coilbox
An apparatus for actively transferring a coil of hot metal within a coilbox in hot strip mill. The apparatus is located downstream of the initial coilbox uncoiling station and includes at least one singly pivoting coil cradle. Such a coil cradle has a first support roller with a fixed rotational axis, a swing-frame mounted to pivot about that axis, and a second support roller mounted to the swing-frame, able to pivot about the fixed rotational axis of the first support roller to permit the coil of hot metal to be passed from the coil cradle. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a plurality of such singly pivoting coil cradles. The apparatus may also include at least one dually pivoting coil cradle. |
| US08281632B2 |
Device and method for cooling rollers used for rolling in a highly turbulent environment
(EN) The present invention relates to a device for cooling a working roll (1, 2) belonging to a rolling stand used for rolling a long or flat product (3), characterized in that it comprises a cooling head in the form of a box section (6A, 6B) that is sealed except along a front face (42) lying a short distance from said roll (1, 2), and in which face a plurality of nozzles (41) has been machined or positioned in a determined pattern, said box section (6A, 6B) being concave and cylindrical at its front face (42). The box section (6A, 6B) is also fitted with transverse (5, 7) and lateral (8) plates which collaborate with the front face (42) of the box section so as to control the flow of cooling liquid and confine said liquid in the form of a highly turbulent flow. This then yields optimal cooling of the roll both in terms of the uniformity of the cooling across the surface thereof and in terms of the reduction in temperature as a result of the turbulent effect created. |
| US08281631B1 |
Corrugated metal sheet member fabrication system
A corrugated metal sheet member fabrication system formed of a material feeder, a roller-ramming unit, a cutting unit, a conveyer, and a finished product receiving rack is disclosed. When the reciprocating cutting-off device is moved forwards or backwards, the belt frame of the conveyer is synchronously moved to carry the movable frames forwards or backwards, and therefore the front driven roller and the rear driven roller with the conveying belt are moved with the movable frames forwards to the extended position or backwards to the retrieved position. After the movable frames has been moved forwards, the front side of the conveying belt is kept spaced above the base for receiving finished products from the reciprocating cutting-off device of the cutting unit and delivering collected finished products to the finished product receiving rack. Therefore, the invention automatically and accurately conveys finished products from the reciprocating cutting-off device of the cutting unit to the finished product receiving rack. |
| US08281625B2 |
Locking skewer for securing bikes to a rack
A skewer assembly for a rack mount having a cam disposed against a cam follower actuable from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the skewer assembly further having a lock assembly integrated with the cam follower and a locking member located within a radial contact surface perimeter of the cam. The skewer further having a tightening assembly with a ratcheting nut which is incapable of being loosened when the skewer is placed in tension. Moreover, the skewer assembly covers the access holes to the internal hardware of the rack mount when inserted therein. |
| US08281622B2 |
Drum washing machine and washing method thereof
A drum washing machine and a washing method of the drum washing machine wash clothes to be dry-cleaned, without water, using microfiber. The drum washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably provided in the tub; and a cleaning member contacting laundry in the drum to perform the dry-cleaning of the laundry. The drum washing machine washes clothes to be dry-cleaned, without water, using a cleaning member made of microfiber, thereby minimizing the deformation or shrinkage of the clothes. |
| US08281620B1 |
Apparatus for manufacturing vitreous silica crucible
During fabrication of a vitreous silica crucible, contamination of the vitreous silica crucible due to wear particles and debris of components of an apparatus for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible is reduced by preventing damage and wear of the components of the apparatus due to silica fume. The apparatus for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible is divided into a lower section for accommodating a mold and a mold driving system and an upper section for accommodating an arc electrode driving system, wherein a sectioning member including one or more communication paths for allowing penetration of arc electrodes, thereby the air flow is controlled so as to reduce exchange between gas in the upper section and gas in the lower section. |
| US08281617B2 |
Coated article with low-E coating having zinc stannate based layer between IR reflecting layers for reduced mottling and corresponding method
A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) and/or heat bent in certain example instances. In certain example embodiments, a zinc stannate based layer is provided between a tin oxide based layer and a silicon nitride based layer, and this has been found to significantly reduce undesirable mottling damage upon heat treatment/bending. This results in significantly improved bendability of the coated article in applications such as vehicle windshields and the like. |
| US08281610B2 |
Ice-making device for refrigerator
An ice-making device for a refrigerator includes an ice maker for making ice, which is provided on a backside of a door of the refrigerator; and an ice maker cover for selectively opening or closing the ice maker. Fixing recesses are formed to be open downwardly on outsides of both sides of the ice maker cover, and receive fixing protrusions provided at corresponding positions on opposite sides of a pair of support steps that protrude rearward from both side ends of the backside of the door by a predetermined length and are formed to be elongated in an up and down direction. Play prevention steps are provided at lower ends of both sides of the ice maker cover and are seated on play prevention ribs provided to be elongated in a horizontal direction at corresponding positions of the opposite sides of the support steps below the fixing protrusions. |
| US08281607B2 |
Electronic block valve
An electrically controlled expansion valve package (10) comprises an expansion valve (30), sensors (32, 33, 36) and control electronics (35) all included in a monolithic package that greatly simplifies installation, while also enabling performance enhancements. The expansion valve is controlled by control electronics that, among other things, determines from pressure and temperature sensors the type or nature of the refrigerant being used in the refrigeration system for adapting control of the expansion valve to the refrigerant. |
| US08281606B2 |
Refrigerator vacuum storage system
A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure. |
| US08281601B2 |
Systems and methods for reintroducing gas turbine combustion bypass flow
A system and method for reintroducing gas turbine combustion bypass flow. The system may include a combustor body, wherein the combustor body includes a reaction zone for primary combustion of fuel and air, and a casing enclosing the combustor body and defining an annular passageway for carrying compressor discharge air into the combustor body at one end. The system further may include a reintroduction manifold for receiving combustor bypass air extracted from the compressor discharge air in the annular passageway, and one or more reintroduction slots in communication with the reintroduction manifold for injecting the combustor bypass air into the combustor body downstream of the reaction zone. The method may include extracting combustor bypass air from the annular passageway, transporting the combustor bypass air to a reintroduction manifold, and reintroducing the combustor bypass air into the combustor body through one or more reintroduction slots in communication with the reintroduction manifold. |
| US08281600B2 |
Thimble, sleeve, and method for cooling a combustor assembly
A method for cooling a combustor assembly having a cooling passage. The method includes providing at least one thimble including an inner surface that defines a first opening, a second opening that is downstream from the first opening, and a flow channel that extends between the first opening and the second opening. The flow channel has a converging portion and a recovery portion that is downstream from the converging portion. The method also includes inserting the at least one thimble into at least one inlet that is defined in at least one sleeve such that cooling air is discharged from the flow channel into the cooling passage. |
| US08281597B2 |
Cooled flameholder swirl cup
A combustor swirl cup includes coaxial inner and outer swirlers separated by a tubular centerbody. The centerbody includes a bypass inlet surrounding the inner swirler and diverges aft along a perforate inner nozzle to terminate at an annular flameholder. An impingement ring is spaced forward from the flameholder in flow communication with the bypass inlet for receiving cooling air therefrom to impingement cool the flameholder. |
| US08281587B2 |
Supercharged boost-assist engine brake
A control system for engine braking for a vehicle powered by a turbocharged engine uses a supercharger to assist a turbocharger compressor to boost turbocharger air flow into the engine cylinders. An engine driven air pumping device draws ambient air, or alternately exhaust gas through the pump inlet, compresses the air, and delivers the compressed air through the pump outlet to the turbocharger compressor inlet or alternately the turbocharger compressor outlet. The increased air flow into the cylinders and out of the cylinder exhaust valves increases retarding power of the vehicle. |
| US08281583B2 |
Hydraulic control assembly
A hydraulic control assembly, in particular for controlling hydraulic consumers of a mobile machine, includes a load reporting line (26) that can be subjected to the highest load pressure of a plurality of hydraulic consumers, triggered simultaneously each via a respective main control valve (38, 57), and that is connectable by an end portion (26a) to a pump regulator (25). A pressure limiting valve (50) limits the control pressure in the end portion (26a) of the load reporting line (26). The pressure limiting valve (50) is adjustable as a function of the magnitude of a pilot control signal serving to trigger a main control valve (38, 57). |
| US08281582B2 |
Method for supplying a fluid to a transmission component
A method for supplying fluid to a transmission component such as a transmission control unit, a transmission lubricating system, and/or a transmission cooling system. The transmission is an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a hydraulic actuating system. A hydraulic medium is drawn from a region within the interior of a transmission case by a positive displacement pump, and the region of the transmission case from which the positive displacement pump draws the hydraulic medium is subjected to an overpressure that is somewhat greater than the ambient pressure around the transmission case. |
| US08281581B2 |
Construction for an exhaust after treatment device
An exhaust aftertreatment device has a unitary cast inlet that is configurable to have a 90° or 180° entry of combustion gasses relative to flow through tubular elements housing a diesel oxidization catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. The cast component provides the primary structural support for a tubular element connected to the casting element. |
| US08281579B2 |
Exhaust system having thermophoretic particulate agglomerator
An exhaust system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may have a passage connected to receive exhaust from the combustion engine, and a cooling device located external to the passage to create a thermal gradient across a flow area of the passage that causes particulates within the exhaust to agglomerate on a wall of the passage. The exhaust system may also have a filtration device located to separate agglomerated particulates from the exhaust. |
| US08281578B2 |
Method for correcting an estimate of NH3 stored within a selective catalyst reduction system
A method for correcting an estimated amount of NH3 store within a SCR is described. In one example, SCR efficiency is determined from a NOx sensor output and the estimated amount of NH3 is corrected based on the SCR efficiency. Engine emissions may be reduced via improving the estimated NH3 storage level, at least during some conditions. |
| US08281574B2 |
Exhaust-gas processing device for a diesel engine
The present invention has an object to provide an exhaust-gas processing device for a diesel engine, able to inhibit the deterioration of the fuel-consumption and the output reduction.In order to accomplish the above object, the device is provided with a DPF, a means for presuming the amount of PM to be deposited on the DPF, a DPF-regeneration means, a DPF-regeneration control means, a storing means, a means for sending message to demand an accelerated regeneration, and an operation means for starting the accelerated regeneration. While a normal regeneration processing is being continued (S6) since it has started (S2), the time when a term (T1) for reserving judgment as to the demand for accelerated regeneration has elapsed is taken as the judging time (T3). At this judging time (T3), if the assumed value of the PM deposed amount exceeds a value (J2) for judgment as to the demand for accelerated regeneration, the accelerated regeneration is deemed to be demanded. Then the DPF-regeneration control means allows the means for sending message to demand the accelerated regeneration to start (S8) sending the message to demand the accelerated regeneration. |
| US08281573B2 |
Evaporation unit for producing gaseous ammonia and device and motor vehicle having an evaporation unit
An evaporation unit for producing a gas flow including ammonia, in particular in connection with an SCR system in motor vehicles, includes at least a housing, at least one meandering flow channel delimited by a closed wall and having an inlet and an outlet and at least one heat conductor disposed in a first evaporation section of the at least one flow channel coaxially between the housing and the wall. A device and a motor vehicle having the evaporation unit are also provided. |
| US08281571B2 |
Method for three zone diesel oxidation catalyst light off control system
A method to regenerate a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system with a fuel doser for normal and transient vehicle travel. The vehicle may be equipped with an electronically controlled compression ignition engine with an electronic control unit having memory and capable of receiving data signals from remote senor indicative of vehicle operating conditions. |
| US08281568B2 |
Cartridge-loaded rocket motor with castellated grain segments
A solid fuel rocket motor, a castellated propellant cartridge and a method of controlling a pressure differential in a cartridge-loaded rocket motor are disclosed. The rocket motor may include a housing having an inside surface, a plurality of propellant cartridges disposed within the housing, an igniter disposed to ignite propellant material within the propellant cartridges, and a nozzle disposed to exhaust combustion gases out of the housing. At least some of the propellant cartridges may be castellated propellant cartridges. |
| US08281564B2 |
Heat transfer tubes having dimples arranged between adjacent fins
A combined cycle power plant includes a first generator driven by a gas turbine for generating electricity. The combined cycle power plant further includes a heat recovery steam generator disposed to receive exhaust gas from the gas turbine. The heat recovery steam generator includes an evaporator having tubes receptive to water flow therethrough. The tubes are disposed to be exposed to the exhaust gas, such that a flow of the exhaust gas passes around the tubes transfers heat from the exhaust gas to the tubes and thereby the water flowing through the tubes sufficient for the water to evaporate into steam. The tubes each having an outer surface with a plurality of deformations formed therein sufficient to introduce turbulence in the flow of the exhaust gas for enhancing heat transfer from the exhaust gas to the tubes. |
| US08281554B2 |
Machine for wrapping sticks of food products
In a machine for wrapping sticks of chewing gum, sticks of substantially rectangular outline and relatively small thickness advance singly and in succession on a conveyor, arranged flat and spaced apart at a predetermined first pitch, toward a position where they are transferred to a spacing roller revolving tangentially to the conveyor and presenting peripheral seats spaced apart at a pitch greater than the first pitch; the sticks are taken up at the transfer position by a pick-up and transfer mechanism operating between the conveyor and the seats of the spacing roller, describing a trajectory that includes a movement perpendicular to the plane occupied by the sticks and producing a minimal displacement equating approximately to the thickness of a single stick. |
| US08281553B2 |
Automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system
Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock. |
| US08281549B2 |
Floor panel, flooring system and method for laying flooring system
A floor panel comprises a protrusion end face having a protrusion and a recess end face having a recess. The profiles of the protrusion and the recess are allowed to be installed in the following manner: placing the protrusion nearby the recess of an already installed floor panel, and then applying a pressure to introduce the protrusion in the recess. A flooring system allows use of said method to install more than one floor panel. According to the solution of the present invention, the installation and pave of the floor panels is very simple and the installed floor panels do not easily separate. |
| US08281548B1 |
Method and apparatus for installing a rigid panel while maintaining a ventilation gap
A method and a device for installing a rigid panel parallel to a flat building structure and between rafters while providing a ventilation gap between the rigid panel and the flat building structure. |
| US08281545B2 |
Method for retrofitting reinforced concrete column using multi-layered steel plates, and retrofitting structure of reinforced concrete column using the same
A method for retrofitting a reinforced concrete column by compressing a reinforcing plate including a steel plate using an external pressure is provided. The reinforcing plate is compressed to double-layer or more, that is, multi-layer in due order, on the reinforced concrete column. Accordingly, since a workability of the retrofit is excellent and since the reinforcing plate is easily compressed on the surface of the reinforced concrete column by a small lateral pressure, sufficiently the reinforced concrete column could be reinforced. Besides, a compressive strength of the reinforced concrete column could be increased. In addition, the flexibility of the reinforcing plate and the energy absorption force of the reinforcing plate could be increased. |
| US08281544B2 |
Method of using a clip framing system
A method of using a framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip. |
| US08281538B2 |
Wallboard repair system and method
The present invention provides a wallboard patching and repair system and method that are quick and easy to install and provides a stronger wall repair than available systems. The system allows a wall to be repaired with or without the use of mechanical fasteners. The invention comprises a system comprising, patch support members that are placed behind the edges of a damaged opening in wallboard and where a portion of each member is placed behind the wallboard at the edge of the opening and the remaining portion extends into the opening to support a wallboard patch. In one embodiment the invention is a kit comprising system components. |
| US08281536B2 |
Wall fixture
A wall fixture positionable between interior and exterior walls of a structure and including a first member having a flange extending from a web, the flange including mounting locations spaced along a length of the flange for supporting fasteners securable at a plurality of locations spaced along the interior wall and a second member having a flange extending from a web. The second member can be adjustably securable to the first member such that a distance between exterior sides of the flanges is variable. The flange of the second member can include mounting locations spaced along the flange for supporting fasteners securable at a plurality of locations spaced along the exterior wall. The web of one of the first and second members can define apertures sized to receive at least one of plumbing, conduit and wires. |
| US08281527B2 |
Ribbed tube continuous flexible spacer assembly
A spacer assembly is disclosed having a spacer with a cross-section varying in a repeating manner along a longitudinal axis and an adhesive sealant at least partially encapsulating the spacer. Also, a moisture vapor barrier may be provided as well as a desiccated topcoat. |
| US08281526B2 |
Stairway tread and riser assembly
A stairway assembly includes a tread and riser panel attached together by a uniquely designed gusset to form a tread and riser assembly that can be integrally installed on the stringers. In one embodiment, a first portion of the gusset includes a first attachment structure connected to the lower surface of the tread, and a second portion of the gusset has a second attachment structure connected to the lower surface of the riser. The first portion of the gusset extends at an angle from the second portion, with the side edge of the riser overlapping and facing the upper surface of the tread, and said tread side edge faces said gusset. The gusset may include an elongated slot that forms a line of weakening in the gusset. The gusset may be bent about the line of weakening to move the tread and riser into the final position in which the tread is perpendicular to the riser. |
| US08281523B2 |
Solar roof tile with solar and photovoltaic production of hot water and electrical energy
Object of the invention is a system composed of a special Tile, adequate to cover the whole roof, thermally insulating, ventilated, with no environmental impact, producing solar and photovoltaic energy, adequate for the production of hot water and/or electrical energy. The two functions, thermal and photovoltaic, are meant to be operated in synergy, obtaining the best result, or independently. For instance, the photovoltaic can help the thermal system, in case the covered surfaces are too small for the heating needs of the building, or in non-ideal climates, sending part of the electrical energy to electrical water heaters positioned in the boiler, to complement hot water production during low irradiation seasons. The roof thus obtained is optimal in any climate; in areas subject to snowfall the snow will melt on the tiles that anyway develop heat; in hot areas during the summer very high temperatures will be achieved, thus it will be possible to transform with heat exchangers the heat produced in cooling, obtaining air conditioning or cold water below the floor. Also, it will be possible to obtain heated water for pools from the excess of hot water both in the summer and in the winter. |
| US08281519B2 |
Sliding door or window
A sliding door or window (1) comprises: a fixed frame (2); a sash (3) which slides horizontally and which has a perimeter groove (C); a pair of carriages (4, 4a) on which the sash (3) slides and which rest on a track (5); a controlling member (6) mounted on the sash (3), connected to operating means (7) which, when actuated by the controlling member (6), lift the sash (3) from the carriages (4, 4a) so that it can be slid open, and then lower the sash (3) when the sash (3) is returned to the closed position; a first slider (8) slidably fitted in the groove (C) made in an upper horizontal member (9) of the sash (3) and connected to the operating means (7); a first contact element (10) located in the proximity of the first slider (8) and rotatable between a lowered, non-operating position and a raised operating position; drive means (11) acting between the first slider (8) and the first contact element (10) and designed to allow a first position of lifting and stable positioning of the first contact element (10) when the sash (3) moves from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration in such a way as to prevent the sash (3) from being lifted off the fixed frame (2). |
| US08281513B2 |
Fishing rod
A fishing rod, and a method of manufacturing a tubular structure such as a fishing rod. The fishing rod extends within a plane (210). At least a portion of the rod (202) has a flexural rigidity in a first direction (B) within the plane different from the flexural rigidity in the opposite direction (A) within the plane. The difference in flexural rigidity between said directions is at least 5% of the value of the flexural rigidity in the first direction. |
| US08281511B1 |
Stand for a loaded firearm
A stand secures a loaded firearm in an inoperable condition for quick release to an authorized user in the event of an emergency. A housing serves as a base for the stand. A mechanism fixed to the housing prevents the firearm from firing. For example, a rod fixed to the housing is inserted through the muzzle and into the bore until it extends into an empty chamber of a revolver or into the receiver of an automatic pistol. Another mechanism mounted on the housing is operable between a first position in which it permits engagement of the firearm on and disengagement of the firearm from the rod and a second position in which it prevents disengagement of the firearm from the rod. The operating mechanism may be actuated manually by a key or electronically by a key pad, a fingerprint recognition pad or the like. |
| US08281505B2 |
Wear part for a bucket to a loading or digging machine, fastening unit therefore and wear part system, bucket and loading or digging machine
A wear part for a bucket to a loading or digging machine, which bucket has at least one front edge plate with a forwardly directed engagement edge, and the wear part has a forward direction and a rearward direction and is provided with a hook portion for fixing of the wear part to the bucket, and the fastening portion has a spanning surface portion for co-operating in a contact surface area with a clamping surface portion on a fastening unit which is positionable through a hole in the front edge plate. The spanning surface portion extends at an angle against the forward direction such that, in use, when tightening the fastening unit, a force effecting the wear part in the rearward direction will occur. A fastening unit for the wear part and a wear part system, a bucket and a loading or digging machine are also provided. |
| US08281502B2 |
Watertight footwear comprising an elastic connecting strip
Shoe upper having a lower end of the upper, an outer material with a lower end (19) of the outer material, a waterproof functional layer (16), which has a lower end region of the functional layer with a functional layer zone (20) not covered by outer material, and a connecting band (17), which extends in the direction of the periphery of the upper, has a upper longitudinal side (23) of the connecting band, joined to the end (19) of the outer material, and a lower longitudinal side (25) of the connecting band, at least partially overlaps the functional layer zone (20) and consists of liquefiable sealing material or of material through which liquid sealing material (37; 41) can flow, the connecting band (17) having at points of curvature of the lower end (19) of the outer material an arcuate shape corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with different degrees of curvature of the two longitudinal sides (23, 25) of the connecting band, in such a way that, for an arc sector lying in the respective curvature, with a predetermined unitary sector angle, the arc lengths belonging to this arc sector of the two longitudinal sides (23) of the connecting band differ from each other all the more the greater the curvature in the arc sector respectively being considered. |
| US08281501B2 |
Vapor-permeable and waterproof sole for shoes, shoe manufactured with the sole, and method for manufacturing the sole and the shoe
A vapor-permeable and waterproof sole for shoes, including at least one first load-bearing component, including at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion, including a vapor-permeable or perforated filler, at least one second component, predominantly arranged below the first component with a tread provided thereon. The second component includes through perforations at the vapor-permeable or perforated portion of the first component. Below the vapor-permeable or perforated portion and above the tread a membrane water impermeable and of water vapor permeable material is provided. The first component is constituted by a plastic midsole. The midsole is rigidly coupled to the membrane and to the filler by molding before providing the tread. A single peripheral seal is provided on the membrane formed by the molding of the midsole; the midsole surrounds peripherally the membrane. |
| US08281498B2 |
Evaporator, evaporation method and substrate processing apparatus
Disclosed are an evaporator, an evaporation method, and a substrate processing apparatus, which can increase the concentration of generated vapor of an organic solvent and efficiently heat the organic solvent. The evaporator includes a fluid tube, a liquid organic solvent supply device for supplying the organic solvent liquid to one end of the fluid tube, and heating units for heating the fluid tube. The fluid tube has a cross section that increases from the one end to the other end. When the organic solvent liquid supplied to one end of the fluid tube is heated, the organic solvent vapor is discharged from the other end of the fluid tube. The substrate processing apparatus includes the above-described evaporator. |
| US08281496B1 |
Multi-function electrician level
The present invention relates to a multi-function electrician level. In one embodiment, the body has a first face enabling the tool to level either a switch or a dual three-prong outlet. A second face can be used to level a rectangular outlet, such as a GFCI outlet. In this regard, the second face can have depressions providing clearance to reset buttons. Both faces have walls that mate with the respective type of outlet. The tool can also be used as a traditional level. Levels are provided on two perpendicular surfaces, and are observable through both faces. A laser projector can be provided for fanning a leveling line outward from the tool. A light such as a LED light can also be provided for use as a flashlight. The light can also illuminate the levels. |
| US08281494B2 |
Surgical blade
A surgical blade adapted to be typically used in medical procedures is disclosed. The blade is provided with markings located near the cutting edge. The markings are configured to be indicative of the depth of the blade and/or of the cutting edge during the incision of an organic tissue. The markings are configured to substantially follow the shape of the cutting edge such as to indicate the depth of the blade substantially independently of the orientation thereof. |
| US08281493B2 |
Rotary knife with blade bushing
A powered rotary knife includes a handle, a blade housing, an annular blade, and a blade bushing for rotatably mounting the blade within the housing. The blade housing includes an inner groove that is operable to receive the blade bushing therein. The blade housing and blade bushing are split in order to expand and receive the blade. The blade includes an outer groove that is also operable to receive the blade bushing. Thus, the blade bushing is spaced between the blade housing and blade and rotatably secures the blade within the blade housing. |
| US08281487B2 |
Control of case wall growth during repair and method
A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes identifying a distorted feature located in a first portion of the component, identifying a second portion of the component that behaves as at least one of a heat sink or a stiffener, removing the second portion of the component from the first portion, cold working the first portion of the component to repair the distorted feature, heat treating the first portion of the component, and metallurgically joining the first portion of the component to the second portion of the component. |
| US08281485B2 |
Method of producing a circuit board layer
A method for producing a circuit board layer, in particular for a multilayer circuit board, a ceramic foil upon which a carrier foil is disposed being used, the carrier foil being perforated by laser to form at least one circuit trace, and/or the carrier foil and the ceramic foil being perforated together by laser to form at least one feedthrough, the circuit trace and/or the feedthrough subsequently being created by printing, the carrier foil constituting a printing screen, and the carrier foil subsequently being removed from the ceramic foil. |
| US08281484B2 |
Pick-up jig
A pick-up jig is adapted to be dismountably mounted to an electronic component which has two buckling blocks. The pick-up jig includes a pick-up board and two buckling arms. The pick-up board is against a top of the electronic component. The pick-up board has a flat top surface for the convenience of the pick-up jig being picked up by a SMT machine. The two buckling arms perpendicularly extend downward from two opposite ends of a bottom surface of the pick-up board. An inside of each of the buckling arms protrude inward to form two blocking pillars spaced from each other to define a fastening groove therebetween. A buckling hook is protruded at a bottom of the buckling arm. The buckling blocks slide over the corresponding buckling hooks to be buckled in the corresponding fastening grooves and the buckling hook grappling a bottom of the corresponding buckling block. |
| US08281483B2 |
Fixture for aligning an electronic component
An align fixture for aligning an electronic component having a receptacle adapted to receive the electronic component, the receptacle having a first abutting section and a second abutting section, the align fixture further having an elastic unit, one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section is flexibly mounted via the elastic unit, and the other one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section is fixedly mounted; the first abutting section and the second abutting section each form a stiff member and are adapted to engage the electronic component, the elastic unit is adapted to exert two force components on one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section, the force components being angled relatively to one another. |
| US08281481B2 |
Method for loading stator windings into a stator core
A method of loading stator windings into a stator core includes guiding a first stator winding including a plurality of slot segment portions along at least one guide track towards an arbor member having a plurality of slots, inserting one of the plurality of slot segment portions of the first stator winding into one of the plurality of slots, and guiding a second stator winding including a plurality of slot segment portions along the at least one guide track towards the arbor member. The method also includes indexing one of the at least one guide track and the arbor member to position another of the plurality of slots adjacent the at least one guide track, inserting one of the plurality of slot segment portions of the second stator winding into another of the plurality of slots, rotating the arbor member, and feeding a plurality of slot segment portions into remaining ones of the plurality of slots. |
| US08281478B2 |
In-situ molded fastener
A method forming a fastener in-situ for fastening two parts at abutting surfaces. A through hole may be formed on each of the first and second parts such that the diameters of the through holes at the abutting surfaces are smaller than the diameters at opposing surfaces. The first and second parts are abutted with the through hole on the first part in fluid communication with the through hole on the second part. A flowable and hardenable material is injected into the first through hole while closing flow out of the second through hole. The flowable and hardenable material contained within the through holes is allowed to harden, thus forming a unitary fastener that fastens the parts. |
| US08281475B2 |
Sheet metal joint
The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another. |
| US08281467B2 |
Method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator
A piezoelectric vibration element that includes a piezoelectric substrate formed of a thickness shear based piezoelectric material and a metal layer formed on a surface of the piezoelectric substrate. In the piezoelectric vibration element, a surface of the metal layer is covered by a layer formed by chemical absorption with a material having a nonbonding electron pair. |
| US08281465B1 |
Adaptable/adjustable jewelry container
A three part adaptable/adjustable jewelry container is presented for saving and preserving a small sample of ashes or other form of DNA material from either human or animals. The container may vary in size and shape to modify and enhance another separate piece of jewelry and may be attached by means of soldering the container, once completed, to the front, back, top, bottom or sides of the charm, bracelet, necklace, or ring, or other style of jewelry accompanying the container. The container can also be adjusted in height which will reduce the cavity where the ashes or DNA are kept, before the bottom cap is secured, to provide an air and water tight seal to insure the safety and integrity of the enclosed material. This will allow the completed container to accent and blend better with its other jewelry component, or in the case of standing alone as an independent piece of jewelry, the ability to lay flatter to the wearer. |
| US08281464B2 |
Buckle
A buckle includes a first fastener and a second fastener. The second fastener has two hooks. The first fastener includes a socket, a locking piece disposed in the socket, and two first locking portions formed on the socket for mating with the hooks. The locking piece is slidingly connected in the socket to cooperate with the second fastener. When the first fastener is engaged with the second fastener, the locking piece enters the second fastener to restrict the movement of the second fastener, so that the second fastener cannot be released unless the locking piece is removed from the second fastener and the hooks of the second fastener are pressed. Thus, the second fastener can be released only when the locking piece is moved, thereby preventing a problem that the second fastener may be separated from the first fastener when the hooks of the second fastener are incautiously pressed. A user has to move the locking piece with one hand and presses the hooks with another hand. Thus, such an action performed by two hands is uneasy for a child, thereby generating a safety effect. |
| US08281458B2 |
Hinge for doors, windows, or the like
A hinge for doors, windows, or the like, comprising, a first hinge element and a second hinge element, which have, respectively, a first cylindrical articulation portion and a second cylindrical articulation portion, wherein the first articulation portion has an external diameter smaller than the external diameter of the second articulation portion; a hingepin, which defines a hinge axis; an adjustment device, which is associated to one of said articulation portions and can be actuated for displacing said hinge elements with respect to one another in a direction substantially transverse to said hinge axis; and a covering sleeve, provided externally to the first articulation portion and having an external diameter equal to the external diameter of said second articulation portion, wherein the covering sleeve is mounted so that it can turn with respect to the first articulation portion about an axis that is eccentric with respect to said hinge axis and can be displaced with respect to the first articulation portion in a direction substantially transverse to the hinge axis, the covering sleeve and the first hinge element being provided with toothings kept elastically in a condition of mutual engagement. |
| US08281457B2 |
Grommet for through body pipe mounting in a vehicle
A grommet assembly for installation in an opening of a vehicle body component is provided. The opening is dimensioned to receive a pipe therethrough. The grommet assembly comprises a first relatively stiff component and a second relatively flexible component. The first component has retention elements formed therewith to secure the pipe to the grommet assembly. The second component is sized to be securely mounted in the body component opening. The second component is at least partially overmolded onto the first component. The grommet assembly is pre-mounted on the pipe and is configured to keep the pipe generally centered in the body component opening. |
| US08281456B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes an upper body with a handle, a base unit and a carriage configured to move the base unit on the surface. The carriage includes a wheel disposed in a rear portion of the base unit. A motor-fan unit is disposed in the base unit and configured to create a partial vacuum at the surface. A tilting joint provides for relative tilting between the upper body and the base unit. The tilting joint has a pivot axis extending in a horizontal direction when the vacuum cleaner is in a position of use. The wheel is mounted on a pivotable carrier member, which has a pivot axle that is spaced apart from a rotatable axle of the wheel. A pivoting mechanism is disposed on the tilting joint in a vicinity of the carrier member and is configured to pivot the carrier member and the wheel during a pivoting movement of the upper body relative to the base unit. |
| US08281451B2 |
Cleaning sheets
Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use. |
| US08281450B2 |
Powder applicator
A powder applicator includes first and second sheets of flexible material, each sheet having a circular configuration with an external perimeter and having a porous section. The powder applicator also includes an absorbent disc having a predetermined amount of powder. The first sheet external perimeter is coupled to the second sheet external perimeter and the absorbent disc is sandwiched between the first and second sheets. |
| US08281446B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement including a handle and a head with a tongue cleanser. The tongue cleanser has at least one ridge which is at least as wide as it is high. In one preferred construction, the ridges are shaped so as to define a concave surface facing generally toward the handle. The ridges also preferably include aligned segments from front to back that are oriented at different angular positions. |
| US08281435B2 |
Reversible head-support and bottle-support baby pillow
A compact, pre-formed, reversible wedge-shaped pillow for supporting the head of a baby or, interchangeably, for supporting a bottle for a baby, is provided. The pillow includes a contoured, wedge-shaped body comprising a first longitudinal side, a second longitudinal side, a third longitudinal side, and two opposing angular ends. The first longitudinal side is configured with a head-receiving contour for isolating and supporting the baby's head during sleeping, feeding, or traveling in a car seat—thus reducing flat head syndrome. The third longitudinal side is configured with a bottle-receiving contour. If used in combination with a second pillow of the present invention, the head of the baby can rest within the head-receiving contour of the first pillow, while the bottle to feed the baby can rest within the bottle-receiving contour of the second pillow; thus assisting with proper digestion during feeding by elevating the head above the stomach level. |
| US08281434B2 |
Localized patient support
A localized patient support comprises a base, an annular ring supported above the base and defining a cavity, and a gel pad having a plurality of sections located in the cavity. In some embodiments, the localized patient support includes a plurality of inflatable bladders located in the cavity between the base and the gel pad. At least some of the sections of the gel pad are vertically movable substantially independently of adjacent sections of the gel pad due to inflation or deflation of at least one of a corresponding bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders. In some embodiments, the base and the annular ring comprise foam elements. In some embodiments, a cover is provided and has a stretchable anti-shear portion over situated above the gel pad. |
| US08281431B2 |
Play yard with centerline-mounted oval changing table
A changing table is mounted on the vertical frame members of a play yard by mounting members located along the transverse centerline of the changing table. The frame of the changing table is formed in an oval shape to eliminate any portion thereof that would be oriented generally parallel to the upper frame members of the play yard. The vertical frame member is formed with a linear upper portion and a curved lower portion. The linear upper portions enable the mounting members to be telescopically received for height adjustment of the changing table. The curved lower portions positions the foot members at the lower ends of the vertical frame members outboard of the upper ends on which the changing table is mounted to enhance stability. |
| US08281427B2 |
Safety swimming pool drain apparatus that prevents the entrapment of a person
The drain apparatus of the present invention is designed and configured to prevent the entrapment of a person by the suction or vacuum forces of a drain in a swimming pool, spa, or any other large body of water with a recirculation system. The drain apparatus of the present invention has a spring biased plunger that immediately closes the drain of a swimming pool, spa, or any other large body of water when a substantial portion of the drain cover is blocked or restricted. By closing the drain, the drain apparatus of the present invention eliminates any vacuum or suction pressure at or underneath the drain cover that entraps a person thus allowing the person to break free easily and immediately without any time delays. |
| US08281426B2 |
Adapter for existing above ground pool return
Disclosed herein is an adapter for allowing add-on devices to be attached to an above ground pool. The adapter includes a housing having a first opening for allowing water in, defining an inlet. The housing having a second opening adapted for compatible connection with an existing above ground pool return fitting. The second opening defining an outlet from which the water flows into the return fitting after traveling through the housing. The housing having an open end and the open end being adapted for receiving a device module. The housing including a means for detecting water flow through the housing, the water detection means physically moving in response to the flow of water; and the device module connectable with the housing and including activation means for activating the device in response to the flow of water. |
| US08281425B2 |
Load sensor safety vacuum release system
A motor with associated load sensor is connected to a circulation pump of a swimming pool circulation system. The load sensor performs the function of a safety vacuum release system by detecting underload of the motor. Underload is now discovered to be reliably indicative of blockage on the intake side of a circulation pump. A switch controlled by the load sensor shuts off the motor in response to a suitable underload. Vacuum on the intake side of the circulation pump neutralizes, thereby freeing a person or object blocking the suction line. |
| US08281424B2 |
Flush toilet
A flush toilet for prevention of reverse flow and uses a reduced number of parts. The flush toilet includes a toilet body having a bowl, a rim water outlet, a jet water outlet, and a discharge water trap piping; a water storage tank. A flush water supply mechanism is provided for supplying flush water to the rim water outlet and the water storage tank and a pressurizing pump pressurizes the flush water in the water storage tank. A jet-side water supply path supplies the pressurized flush water to the jet water outlet. An overflow path is provided having a lower end connected to the downstream side of the highest position of the jet-side water supply path and an upper end opened in the upper part in the water storage tank with a flapper valve provided in the overflow path. |
| US08281422B2 |
Hidden sensing device and its urinal
A hidden sensing device and its urinal are disclosed. The hidden sensing device, which is attached on some sanitary installations, comprises a conductivity sensor for detecting urine and a Micro-programmed Control Unit (MCU) for processing signals, wherein said conductivity sensor has electrodes extending into urine. The device further includes a microwave sensor controlled by the MCU to detect human's movements. When the conductivity sensor has detected urine, the MCU will turn on the microwave sensor to detect the human's presence or departure. |
| US08281420B2 |
Hinge assembly for a toilet seat
A hinge assembly for a toilet seat, the hinge assembly comprising a hinge post for pivotally supporting the toilet seat on a toilet bowl, and a bolt embedded in the hinge post and configured to extend through an opening in the toilet bowl, the bolt having thereon a plurality of projections extending into the hinge post to distribute to the hinge post forces applied to the bolt. |
| US08281419B2 |
Adjustable neck, back and shoulder protective apparatus
An orthopedic protective assembly is disclosed. The orthopedic protective apparatus includes a foam shaped collar to conform to a user's neck area. The foam shaped collar comprises a multi-layer polymer material having a pliable outermost protective layer to absorb initial impact energy and additional layer(s). The additional layer(s) require(s) greater impact energy to deform than those of the pliable outermost protective layer. In one embodiment, shim extension(s) customize(s) impact energy absorption properties of the foam shaped collar by filling a gap between an underside of the foam shaped collar and a shoulder region of a user. |
| US08281415B2 |
Sport glove closure system
A glove closure system having an opening dividing the glove into a lateral portion (thumb side) and a medial portion (pinky side). The opening allows for easy access of the user's hand. The system consists of a rectangular or oval flap attached to the lateral portion and pulled over the access opening. A push button is mounted on the flap and movably connected to a slide bar attached to the medial portion. The slide bar includes a notched surface for engaging and stationing the button at any point along the bar. The button includes a release tab which when depressed allows the button to move along the slide bar therein allowing for the closure to either be tightened or loosened. The further the button moves toward the lateral portion the tighter the closure. When the button is engaged and locked, a simple press on the release tab disengages to allow the glove to be opened. |
| US08281414B2 |
Garment having improved contact areas
An athletic padding arrangement includes a garment made of a fabric and a plurality of resilient bulge shaped gripping members disposed on the fabric. The gripping members provide at least one high friction area on the garment, each of the gripping members is uniform in composition. At least one protective pad is releasably positioned on the garment with and underside of the protective pad in contact with the at least one high friction area. The gripping members exert a frictional force on the underside of the protective pad that is greater than the frictional force exerted by the fabric on the protective pad. The garment may be, for example, a shirt or a pant comprised of a compression fabric with moisture wicking properties. |
| US08286260B2 |
Protein microscope
A system and method for analyzing and imaging a sample containing molecules of interest combines modified MALDI mass spectrometer and SNOM devices and techniques and includes: (A) an atmospheric pressure or near-atmospheric pressure ionization region; (B) a sample holder for holding the sample; (C) a laser for illuminating said sample; (D) a mass spectrometer having at least one evacuated chamber; (E) an atmospheric pressure interface for connecting said ionization region and said mass spectrometer; (F) a scanning near-field optical microscopy instrument; (G) a recording device for recording topography and mass spectrum measurements made during scanning of the sample with the near-field probe; (H) a plotting device for plotting said topography and mass spectrum measurements as separate x-y mappings; and (I) an imaging device for providing images of the x-y mappings. |
| US08286257B2 |
Enabling synchronous and asynchronous collaboration for software applications
A method for collaborating a first computer with a second computer. The method includes sending an invitation from the first computer to the second computer, and sending a list of permissions from the first computer to the second computer upon acceptance of the invitation. The list of permissions allows the second computer to access a limited portion of one or more data on the first computer. The method further includes performing an analysis on the limited portion of the data stored on the first computer by the second computer, and sending a notification from the second computer to the first computer, wherein the notification indicates that the analysis has been performed on the limited portion of the data. |
| US08286252B2 |
Rights object moving method, content player, and semiconductor device
A method of moving a rights object according to the present invention includes the following steps. First, a rights object in the memory card is disabled. Then, the rights object is copied from the memory card in response to a retrieval request and installed to a content player. After the installation, a removal request is transmitted to the memory card and the rights object in the memory card is removed (deleted). After transmitting the removal request, second state information is generated and held in the content player to indicate that the removal of the rights object in the memory card has not yet been completed and that the rights object installed in the content player is conditionally enabled. When the memory card receives the removal request, the memory card removes the rights object from the memory card and transmits a removal response for notifying completion of the removal to the content player. |
| US08286249B2 |
Attack correlation using marked information
Techniques are described for providing security to a protected network. Techniques are described for thwarting attempted network attacks using marked information. The attack correlation system provides marked information to computing devices that probe for sensitive information, and monitors subsequent communications for use of the marked information. In one example, the attack correlation system reroutes communications containing the marked information to a dedicated vulnerable device that logs the communications to monitor the attackers' methods. The attack correlation system may also include functionality to exchange information regarding attempted attacks with other attack correlation systems to gain broader knowledge of attacks throughout one or more networks. |
| US08286244B2 |
Method and system for protecting a computer network against packet floods
A method of controlling protection of a computing device or computer network. The method comprises directing incoming data packets to the computing device or computer network via a rate limiting system that is adapted to parse the data packets, providing the computing device or computer network with at least one threshold parameter for identifying a data flood condition, the threshold parameter being a function of one or more available computing resources of the computing device or computer network; the computing device or computer network responding to incoming data packets received via the rate limiting system that cause the at least one threshold parameter to be breached by generating event data; generating feedback data based on the event data; transmitting the feedback data to the rate limiting system; and the rate limiting system modifying its behavour according to the feedback data. |
| US08286241B1 |
Identifying legitimate content using user-agent-based white listing
Known legitimate applications are analyzed to establish a list of trusted user-agent strings used by the applications to download content from a network. Traffic interception modules connected to the network examine traffic exchanged between clients and servers on the network, recognize traffic associated with downloads of content from the network, and create content download descriptions describing the downloads. The content download descriptions are analyzed to identify content downloads using the trusted user-agent strings. Identifiers of the content downloaded using the trusted user-agent strings are added to a white list of legitimate content. Access to the white list is provided to clients and the clients use the white list to identify legitimate content. |
| US08286240B2 |
Method and system for content categorization
The invention discloses a method and system for content categorization, which aims at reducing the processing burthen of the content categorization as well as the network transmission traffic. The method comprises: transmitting, by a content categorization requester, a content digest of a content to be categorized to a content categorization provider; and performing, by the content categorization provider, content categorization according to the content digest. The device for requesting content categorization comprises: a digest operation determination component, adapted to determine whether it is necessary to obtain a content digest of a content to be categorized; a digest obtaining component, adapted to obtain the content digest of the content to be categorized when the digest operation determination component determines it necessary to obtain the content digest of the content to be categorized; and a first transmit component, adapted to transmit the content digest obtained by the digest obtaining component. |
| US08286236B2 |
Manufacturing control system
Methods and systems for a manufacturing control system include but are not limited to identifying at least one object data file configured to produce an object by a manufacturing machine; confirming that an authorization code is associated with the object data file, the authorization code configured to be received by the manufacturing machine, the manufacturing machine adapted to receive the authorization code; and enabling the manufacturing machine to interface with the object data file only if the authorization code meets one or more predetermined conditions. |
| US08286235B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing rights object
An apparatus and method for managing a rights object by backing up and restoring the rights object between a host device and a multimedia card are provided. The apparatus includes an input unit that receives an order signal from a user, a rights-object-managing unit that determines whether the rights object can be backed up and restored based on rights object information when the order signal is input, and backs up and restores the rights object according to a result of the determination, and an information-managing unit that manages information related to movement and removal of the rights object and information on the backed up and restored rights object. |
| US08286234B2 |
Image processing apparatus, screen selection method, and screen selection program embodied on computer readable medium
In order to improve operability by decreasing the number of times of switching between screens, an MFP includes an authentication portion which authenticates a user using authentication information input into one of first to third user I/Fs, a process executing portion which executes processes according to settings input, a first association data storing portion which stores first association data associating input data with the authenticated user, a second association data storing portion which stores second association data associating processes executed for the input data with the respective user I/Fs, and a determining portion which determines, in response to authentication by the authentication portion, a screen for the process associated by the second association data with one of the first to third user I/Fs that accepted the authentication information used for the authentication, if data associated with the authenticated user by the first association data is stored. |
| US08286233B1 |
Apparatus and method for preventing eavesdropping
A method and apparatus prevent eavesdropping via a computer by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized driver is controlling a interface circuit that is providing audio or video input information. Further, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized application programming interface is receiving audio or video input information from an authorized driver. Also, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting if more than one authorized software application is receiving audio or video input information from an authorized driver. In addition, prevention is performed by detecting and alerting upon first receipt of audio or visual information by an authorized software application via an authorized application programming interface and authorized driver. |
| US08286229B2 |
Token-based content subscription
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for token-based content subscription. Embodiments include receiving a request for content subscription; receiving from a user a subscription token; and delivering content to a device associated with the subscription token. |
| US08286225B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting cyber threats
A method and apparatus for detecting cyber threats using reinforced cookies, which include HTTP cookies, history cookies, cache cookies and/or other types. A history cookie comprises an entry for a particular web page in a browser's navigation history. A cache cookie comprises an entry for a particular object (e.g., an image file) within a browser's cache. Upon a client's first visit to a web server, an identifier record is generated comprising data such as a user ID, a client device ID, an age (e.g., a counter), a cookie type, an authentication field, etc. From the unique identifier, one or more types of reinforced cookies are generated and stored with the client browser. On a subsequent visit, the client's cookie configuration is examined to determine whether the client may be the perpetrator or victim of a cyber attack. Cookies may be updated or replaced on some or all visits. |
| US08286224B2 |
Authentication device and network authentication system, method for authenticating terminal device and program storage medium
When an authentication identifier is contained in a first message required for receiving authentication with respect to IEEE 802.1x from a terminal device, the authentication is assumed to be successful and then a data link is established with the terminal device, and a filtering unit is set so as to pass a first packet which should be passed for receiving authentication with respect to a higher layer protocol from among packets sent from the terminal device through the data link and to block a second packet different from the first packet. If a second message required for receiving authentication with respect to the higher layer protocol from the terminal device is received through the filtering unit, the authentication with respect to the higher layer protocol is performed. When the authentication is successful, the filtering unit is set so as to pass the second packet. |
| US08286222B2 |
Authentication method for pharmaceutical products having coded packaging
A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is arranged in accordance with at least one layout having n-fold rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about a centre of rotation. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from each other sub-layout |
| US08286221B2 |
Security architecture
A device for communicating with other devices to allow them to access applications, comprises: at least a first application; authentication means for authenticating a communicating device; and access control means accessible by a communicating device requesting access to the first application without the communicating device having been authenticated by the authentication means. The device is further arranged to arbitrate whether access of the communicating device to the first application is granted or refused wherein if the arbitration requires an authentication of the communicating device, the access control means instructs the authentication means to authenticate the communicating device. |
| US08286220B2 |
Browser access control
Systems, methods and apparatus for a distributed security that monitors communications to manage client browser network access based upon the browser configuration of the client browser by use of a configuration script executed in the browser environment. Such management can reduce the exposure of potentially vulnerable client browsers to domains associated with malicious activity. |
| US08286211B1 |
Wireless audio and video signal transmitting and receiving system
A wireless audio and video signal transmitting and receiving system includes a transmitting assembly including having a first logic circuit, an input for receiving a plurality of channel signals electrically coupled to the first logic circuit and at least one signal transmitter electrically coupled to the first logic circuit. The signal transmitter transmits all of the channel signals on a discrete channel frequency. Each of a plurality of receiving assemblies includes a second logic circuit and signal receiver electrically coupled to the second logic circuit. The signal receiver receives the channel signals from the at least one signal transmitter. An output electrically coupled to the second logic circuit is electrically couplable to a monitoring device to monitor the channel signals received by the signal receiver. |
| US08286210B2 |
HDMI switching technology for the coupling of consumer electronic control and/or non-consumer electronic control devices in an audio/visual environment
A switching module, system and method facilitate communications between one or more non-CEC enabled devices and a television of an audio/visual (A/V) system. The switching module is able to accommodate both Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) enabled and non-CEC enabled devices for communication with the television. In response to user control of a user interface of the switching module, when a non-CEC enabled device is coupled to the switching module, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) input port of the HDMI switching module is selected and a default HDMI device type and corresponding HDMI logic address is set for the non-CEC enabled device. This information is displayed for the user by the television. |
| US08286207B1 |
System for processing programs and system timing information derived from multiple broadcast sources
A system for initiating scheduled program processing functions such as program display, recording or playback, derives a time clock based on a current time reference indication produced by a particular broadcast source. The derived time clock is used in initiating scheduled processing functions for programs derived from the particular broadcast source and time clocks derived from sources other than the particular broadcast source are disregarded. The system displays a second time clock different to the derived time clock. In addition, the system forms a composite program guide from data from multiple broadcast sources to associate current time reference indications with their corresponding broadcast sources. |
| US08286206B1 |
Automatic rating optimization
Automatic rating optimization is described. In an embodiment, ratings of a program can be received from one or more rating sources. Based on these ratings, a representation of a content selection mechanism can be sent to potential consumers of the content. Access events for the content can be counted over a duration of time so a determination can be made regarding how the ratings provided by each of the rating sources affect popularity of the content. A weight accorded to ratings received from each of the rating sources can be adjusted based on the determination. Profiles can be established for consumers and/or rating sources. |
| US08286204B2 |
Data communication system, apparatus and control method therefor
A control system includes a control apparatus and a controlled apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is remotely controlled by a remote controller. The controlled apparatus transmits a control panel to the control apparatus. The control panel includes icons used to control the controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes (a) a communication unit which receives, from the control apparatus, remote control information including information about operation keys included in the remote controller, the remote control information being received before the controlled apparatus transmits the control panel to the control apparatus, and (b) a modifying unit which modifies a position of the icons included in the control panel according to the remote control information. The communication unit transmits the control panel to the control apparatus after the modifying unit modifies the position of the icons included in the control panel according to the remote control information. |
| US08286203B2 |
System and method for enhanced hot key delivery
According to one embodiment, a service provider determines whether to inform one or more users of an interactive television service of available content. Responsive to determining to inform the one or more users of the available content, a hot key signal is generated. The hot key signal is sent to the users via a side channel out-of-band with one or more channels for content. The hot key signal from the out-of band side channel is received by a terminal device. The terminal device determines whether the hot key signal is relevant to a user currently viewing content from the service provider. Responsive to determining the hot key signal is relevant to the user, an indication that the hot key signal has been received is displayed. Responsive to receiving an indication that the hot key is accepted, the user is directed to the available content indicated by the hot key signal. |
| US08286201B2 |
Digital broadcasting receiver and a data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A data processing method of a digital broadcasting receiver comprises receiving a mobile/handheld (MH) broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data; generating a RS (Reed-Solomon) frame from the received MH broadcasting signal; extracting control data from the RS frame, the control data including charge adjustment information required to use a service provided by at least one service provider, the service being encrypted; determining whether the service is available, by comparing the extracted charge adjustment information with balance information written in the smart card; controlling the second RS frame using the control data so that an encrypted service of the second RS frame is decrypted, if the service is available; and mapping the extracted charge adjustment information with a corresponding service provider and storing the information. |
| US08286198B2 |
Application programming interfaces for data parallel computing on multiple processors
A method and an apparatus for a parallel computing program calling APIs (application programming interfaces) in a host processor to perform a data processing task in parallel among compute units are described. The compute units are coupled to the host processor including central processing units (CPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs). A program object corresponding to a source code for the data processing task is generated in a memory coupled to the host processor according to the API calls. Executable codes for the compute units are generated from the program object according to the API calls to be loaded for concurrent execution among the compute units to perform the data processing task. |
| US08286196B2 |
Parallel runtime execution on multiple processors
A method and an apparatus that schedule a plurality of executables in a schedule queue for execution in one or more physical compute devices such as CPUs or GPUs concurrently are described. One or more executables are compiled online from a source having an existing executable for a type of physical compute devices different from the one or more physical compute devices. Dependency relations among elements corresponding to scheduled executables are determined to select an executable to be executed by a plurality of threads concurrently in more than one of the physical compute devices. A thread initialized for executing an executable in a GPU of the physical compute devices are initialized for execution in another CPU of the physical compute devices if the GPU is busy with graphics processing threads. Sources and existing executables for an API function are stored in an API library to execute a plurality of executables in a plurality of physical compute devices, including the existing executables and online compiled executables from the sources. |
| US08286194B2 |
Coupling state aware systems
A method of coupling asynchronous process interaction between computer systems integrated within an overall system of interconnected systems includes receiving a set of information describing an invocation call for execution of a first process on a first system integrated within the overall system; correlating a first callback argument received upon completion of the first process that includes a first unique identifier for the first process generated by the first system with the set of information according to the first unique identifier for the first process; and sending a notification message to a callback endpoint in a second process implemented to receive notification upon completion of the first process by the first system indicating completion of the first process. The second process executing on a second system integrated within the overall system makes the invocation call. The set of information specifies the first unique identifier and the callback endpoint. |
| US08286188B1 |
Method and apparatus for advanced interprocess communication
An interprocess memory controller is described that may be used to provide multiple processes within a multi-process device with access to a shared physical memory. The described interprocess memory controller may enforce access rights to shared memory that has been allocated to the respective processes, thereby guarding the multi-process device from instability due to the unauthorized overwriting and/or unauthorized freeing of allocated memory. The described interprocess memory controller approach may streamline interprocess communication by allowing data associated with an interprocess communication to be passed from a first process to a second process by passing a pointer as well as access rights to a buffer in shared memory that contains the message data. In this manner, the described interprocess memory controller approach may avoid the inefficiency of interprocess communication approaches that copy message data from a shared memory controlled by a first process to a shared memory controlled by a second process. |
| US08286186B2 |
System and method for extensible data interface for shared service module
A system and associated method for interfacing between caller applications and a shared service module. Upon receiving a request for a transaction, the shared service module creates a separate data structure per request from a caller application and configures a caller identifier to uniquely identify the caller application. The separate data structure per request can be extended by the shared service module with additional attributes that may be used, without impacting the service application data model, in the request to support servicing the request. The shared service module generates a generic service document to return the result after servicing the request to the caller application. |
| US08286183B2 |
Techniques for task management using presence
Techniques for scheduling a task include receiving task data and quorum data. Task data describes tasks to be performed by one or more participants. Quorum data indicates a participant set of one or more participants to perform each task. Current user data may also be received. Current user data describes a current task set of one or more tasks currently being performed by a particular participant. Either or both of the task data and the current user data describe interruptibility through a particular medium of a plurality of communications media. A particular time interval to schedule a particular task is determined based at least in part on the interruptibility of the task or the particular participant. These techniques allow either or both unscheduled tasks and previously scheduled tasks to be moved to time intervals that overlap other scheduled tasks, including tasks currently being performed by a participant. |
| US08286180B2 |
Synchronisation of execution threads on a multi-threaded processor
Method and apparatus are provided for a synchronizing execution of a plurality of threads on a multi-threaded processor. Each thread is provided with a number of synchronization points corresponding to points where it is advantageous or preferable that execution should be synchronized with another thread. Execution of a thread is paused when it reaches a synchronization point until at least one other thread with which it is intended to be synchronized reaches a corresponding synchronization point. Execution is subsequently resumed. Where an executing thread branches over a section of code which included a synchronization point then execution is paused at the end of the branch until the at least one other thread reaches the synchronization point of the end of the corresponding branch. |
| US08286166B2 |
Interruptible thread synchronization method and apparatus
An interruptible thread synchronization method and apparatus are provided. The interruptible thread synchronization method includes controlling mutually exclusive access to an object by one or more threads using a monitor, and interrupting a first thread that is on standby for the monitor. The interruptible thread synchronization method and apparatus allows for access and control of an object by one or more threads. |
| US08286164B2 |
Secure recursive virtualization
A mechanism is provided for performing secure recursive virtualization of a computer system. A portion of memory is allocated by a virtual machine monitor (VMM) or an operating system (OS) to a new domain. An initial program for the new domain is loaded into the portion of memory. Secure recursive virtualization firmware (SVF) in the data processing system is called to request that the new domain be generated. A determination is made as to whether the call is from a privileged domain or a non-privileged domain. Responsive to the request being from a privileged domain, all access to the new domain is removed from any other domain in the data processing system. Responsive to receiving an indication that the new domain has been generated, an execution of the initial program is scheduled. |
| US08286163B2 |
Coupling between server and storage apparatus using detected I/O adaptor and allowing application execution based on access group and port connection group in virtualized environment
The management computer creates a connection between a virtual computer and a logical volume of a storage apparatus based on the application management information that stores a connection relationship between an application program and an I/O adapter, before a server computer provided with a hypervisor that logically divides the computer resources that include a CPU, a memory, and an I/O adapter and that operates them as an independent virtual computer starts an application program that has been stored into the storage apparatus on the virtual computer. |
| US08286153B2 |
Systems and methods for optimal component composition in a stream processing system
A system and method are provided for optimizing component composition in a distributed stream-processing environment having a plurality of nodes capable of being associated with one or more of a plurality of stream processing components. The system includes an adaptive composition probing (ACP) module and a hierarchical state manager. The ACP module probes a subset of the plurality of stream processing components to determine the optimal component composition in response to a stream processing request. The hierarchical state manager manages local and global information for use by said ACP module in determining the optimal component composition. |
| US08286151B2 |
Overlay instruction accessing unit and overlay instruction accessing method
The present invention provides an overlay instruction accessing unit and method, and a method and apparatus for compressing and storing a program. The overlay instruction accessing unit is used to execute a program stored in a memory in the form of a plurality of compressed program segments, and compresses: a buffer; a processing unit for issuing an instruction reading request, reading an instruction from the buffer, and executing the instruction; and a decompressing unit for reading a requested compressed instruction segment from the memory in response to the instruction reading request of the processing unit, decompressing the compressed instruction segment, and storing the decompressed instruction segment in the buffer, wherein while the processing unit is executing the instruction segment, the decompressing unit reads, according to a storage address of a compressed program segment to be invoked in a header corresponding to the instruction segment, a corresponding compressed instruction segment from the memory, decompresses the compressed instruction segment, and stores the decompressed instruction segment in the buffer for later use by the processing unit. |
| US08286150B2 |
Module generating apparatus, module generating method, and computer product
A computer is caused to function as a parsing unit, a macroblocking analyzing unit, a junction-node restructuring unit, an identical portion merging/restructuring unit, a similar portion merging/restructuring unit, and an intermediate language restructuring unit. The parsing unit performs syntax analysis of a source code. The macroblocking analyzing unit segments the program written in the source code into blocks and appends a virtual portion representing a unique number in a statement, to a number for identifying a variable for the statement in each block to virtualize a calculation pattern. The junction-node restructuring unit extracts a node directly related to a subroutine block. The identical portion merging/restructuring unit merges pre-processing together and post-processing together for a subroutine called up at a multiple portions in the program. The similar portion merging/restructuring unit integrates subroutines having similar structures into a related subroutine. |
| US08286146B2 |
Method for automatic generation of schema mapping application code
A method for automatic generation of schema mapping application code. The method includes loading a code generation tool with source and target schemas. The method further includes defining the mapping specification between the source and the target. The method proceeds by triggering the code generation tool. Afterwards, the method proceeds by compiling the generated code. Furthermore, the method includes executing the generated code to transform input data files. |
| US08286143B2 |
Method and system for monitoring code change impact on software performance
Method and system for detection and notification of performance changes in program code. In one aspect, stored previous routine test results and current routine test results are accessed, indicating a previous and current time of execution of the program code, the current routine test performed later than the previous routine test. The previous and current times of execution are automatically compared and a change in performance of the program code is determined. Users are notified of the change in performance, where each user is notified after the change in performance is determined to be significant enough to the particular user according to associated predetermined criteria. |
| US08286142B2 |
Method and system for providing a visual debugger for an interpreted statistical language
Methods and systems for visual debugging of an interpreted language in, for example, an Interactive Development Environment are provide. Example embodiments provide an S-PLUS Visual Debugging System (“SPVDS”), which includes an S-PLUS Workbench Debugger (“SPWD”) that provides “step-based” visual debugging, enabling programmers to step through execution of expressions by setting and otherwise managing breakpoints, examining variables and expressions, and controlling execution such as by step, step-in, step-out, step-over, continue, stop commands. In addition, the SPWD provides a profiler which tracks the number and duration of calls to functions and the amount of memory allocated to variables. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08286131B2 |
Environment definition files for an environment definition system
An Environment Management System (EMS) provides on-demand instances of environments for testing hardware and/or software configurations. In various embodiments, the EMS includes a processing engine that handles parsing and execution of commands in a definition file that express the lifecycle of a testing environment. Accordingly, the EMS provides flexibility to end users in the way that environments are configured and deployed. An environment definition file is provided that may contain a standard set of scripts for implementing the lifecycle of the environment, along with any custom logic specific to a user or customer. |
| US08286127B2 |
Mirrored file system
Mounting and populating a mirrored version of at least a portion of a file system of a recruiter machine at a volunteer machine performing one or more data processing tasks for the recruiter machine is disclosed. In some embodiments, an input stored in such a dedicated file system for the recruiter machine at the volunteer machine may be locally retrieved and reused, if still consistent with a corresponding input stored in a file system at the recruiter machine, when performing a data processing task for the recruiter machine at the volunteer machine. In some embodiments, if an input required by the volunteer machine to perform a data processing task for the recruiter machine is not cached in such a dedicated file system for the recruiter machine at the volunteer machine in a state that is consistent with a corresponding input stored in a file system at the recruiter machine, the input is obtained from the recruiter machine. |
| US08286122B2 |
Method, system, and computer product for forming a graph structure that describes free and occupied areas
A graph structure is generated to describe an area with a free area and an occupied area. In this case a topological graph structure for the free area is determined. A point of the topological graph structure is selected and for this a nearest adjacent occupied area point is determined. For this nearest adjacent occupied area point location information is determined. The graph structure is formed from at least the selected point of the topological graph structure and from the associated location information of the nearest adjacent occupied area point. |
| US08286121B2 |
Preconditioning for EDA cell library
A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes one or more mathematical models for each cell, and one or more preconditioning functions (and/or inverse preconditioning functions) for each mathematical model. Each mathematical model represents a performance parameter (e.g., delay, power consumption, noise) or a preconditioned performance parameter of the cell. The preconditioning functions convert an operating parameter (e.g., input slew, output capacitance) associated with the performance parameter into a preconditioned input variable for the mathematical models. In doing so, the preconditioning functions allow for more accurate modeling of complex data relationships without increasing the complexity (e.g., order and number of coefficients) of the mathematical models. Also, because the cell library can be substantially similar to conventional polynomial-based cell libraries except for the inclusion of preconditioning functions, preconditioning does not significantly increase storage requirements and conventional EDA tools can be readily adapted to use the preconditioned cell library. |
| US08286112B2 |
Methods for characterization of electronic circuits under process variability effects
A method for determining an estimate of statistical properties of an electronic system comprising individual components subject to manufacturing process variability is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises obtaining statistical properties of the performance of individual components of the electronic system, obtaining information about execution of an application on the system, simulating execution of the application based on the obtained information about execution of the application on the system for a simulated electronic system realization constructed by selecting individual components with the obtained statistical properties determining the delay and energy of the electronic system, and determining the statistical properties of the delay and energy of the electronic system. |
| US08286109B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing incremental delay annotation
A method for designing a system on a target device includes identifying components and routing connections impacted by incremental design changes made to a system design. New information is computed to annotate delays for the components and routing connections identified. Delays previously computed for components and routing connections are utilized to annotate delays for components and routing connections that have not been impacted by the changes made to the system design. |
| US08286108B2 |
System and method for synthesis reuse
A method of synthesis of multiple implementations of a design is provided comprising: translating a model of the design to a first output model compliant with first constraints; and translating the model of the design to a second output model compliant with second constraints. |
| US08286102B1 |
System and method for image processing using multi-touch gestures
Various embodiments of a system and methods for processing digital images using multi-touch gestures are described. A multi-touch gestural input set which comprises a plurality of touch gestures may be applied to a display of an image. The gestural input set may include different gesture types, such as mobile and stationary gestures. Each gesture type may indicate a different image processing constraint that may be applied to modify the digital image. Stationary gestures may indicate constrained regions of the image that are not subject to modification. Mobile gestures may indicate regions of the image which may be subject to modification. Characteristics of the mobile gestures, such as velocity and/or pressure, may also indicate an amount by which an image may be modified over the region indicated by the mobile gesture. Image masks, which separate foreground and background regions of an image, may also be specified by the gestural input set. |
| US08286101B2 |
Manipulating an on-screen object using zones surrounding the object
A user interface for manipulating objects of various types in a consistent manner. Each on-screen object is surrounded by a control region including a number of zones for performing various control operations on the object. Multiple input modes are available for interacting with the zones, allowing object manipulation commands to be initiated in several different ways, such as via stroke input, pressing a mouse button, double-clicking, menu selection, voice input, and the like. The user interface is operable using any of several different types of input devices. |
| US08286092B2 |
Goal based user interface for managing business solutions in an on demand environment
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a goal-based graphical user interface for managing business solutions and more particularly, a user interface that helps a user manage and achieve the user's goals across multiple platforms for the solutions utilized by the goals. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention provide a system for managing goals that allows a user to create/customize specific user goals and/or modify existing goals to meet the user's needs. |
| US08286091B2 |
Image display controlling apparatus, image display controlling method, and program
An image display controlling apparatus, including an image-data maintaining section for maintaining a plurality of image data, a link management section for managing a link representing a parent-child relationship of parent image data and child image data between two image data in the plurality of image data, an operation receiving section for receiving operation input relating to a display of the plurality of image data, and a display controlling section for controlling such that switching is performed between a whole display in which all of the plurality of image data is subject to be displayed and a digest display in which image data other than those which are the child image data by the link, out of the plurality of image data, are subject to be displayed in response to the operation input. |
| US08286087B1 |
Active route validation in workflow process authoring
Various embodiments include at least one of systems, methods, software, and data structures for active route validation in workflow process authoring in workflow processing applications. Some embodiments include evaluating a route as a user attempts to add or modify the route in a modeled workflow process. The evaluation is performed in some such embodiments through evaluation of a route restriction rule based on a first workflow element the route is from and a second workflow element the route is to. When the route restriction is violated, the user is prevented from adding or modifying the route. |
| US08286080B2 |
User navigation via vectors dynamically mapped to distinct media attributes
In one embodiment, a method comprises generating and displaying to a user a user selection interface, the user selection interface representing a plurality of content selection vectors extending from its origin and mapped to respectively distinct media attributes within a prescribed attribute type; detecting a user input that extends from the origin toward at least one of the content selection vectors and that identifies a selected position within the user selection interface; displaying to the user an updated user selection interface representing a corresponding updated origin at the selected position and representing a plurality of updated content selection vectors having a determined relation to the at least one content selection vector; and selecting and displaying at least one identifier for a corresponding video content element having the corresponding media attribute having a highest correlation with the at least one content selection vector relative to the selected position from the origin. |
| US08286078B2 |
Apparatus and method for efficiently displaying web contents
A method for displaying web content on a mobile communication terminal is provided. When a touch input is received from a user for web content displayed on the mobile communication terminal having a touch screen, a process for selecting an area to be enlarged at a position where the touch input is generated and overlapping, enlarging, and displaying the selected area on the entire screen is performed. When the selected area is enlarged, rendering performance can be improved and a dynamic view can be provided to the user. |
| US08286070B2 |
Enhanced capture, management and distribution of live presentations
Techniques are provided for converting live presentations into electronic media and managing captured media assets for distribution. An exemplary system includes capture devices that capture media assets of live presentations comprising a session, including image data of sequentially presented visual aids accompanying the live presentations and audio data. Each capture device has an interface for real-time image data marking of the image data for identification of individual images and session marking of the image data for demarcation of individual presentations of the session. A centralized device processes the captured media assets and automatically divides the captured media assets into discrete files associated with the individual presentations based on the session markings. An administrative tool manages the processed media assets to produce modified presentations and enables modification of the visual aid images identified by the image data markings. A production device formats the modified presentations for distribution on distribution media. |
| US08286068B2 |
Linking digital and paper documents
Various embodiments facilitate linking physical documents to digital documents. Links link physical documents to digital documents. Using a sensor, the physical documents are automatically detected and identified on a digital workspace. A computer is capable of displaying graphics, and user interaction with displayed graphics can be detected. The digital workspace displays a GUI component having one or more controls, and the GUI component is displayed at a location relative to a physical document on the digital workspace. User interaction with the control is detected and either a link between the physical document and one of the digital documents is edited, or an existing link between the physical document and a digital document is used to perform an operation on the digital document. Alternatively or additionally, links may be automatically generated digital documents determined to be implicitly related to the physical document. |
| US08286063B2 |
Decoding method and device for Reed-Solomon code
The present invention provides a decoding method and device for Reed-Solomon (RS) codes. The method includes the following steps: A: filling data to be decoded in a byte interleaver by column in turn; B: performing cyclic shift to data in a check region of the byte interleaver by row and/or by column, so as to make the data of each row in the check region become check data in sequence of data of corresponding row in an information region of the byte interleaver; C: performing RS decoding by row method, and writing information data of each row obtained after decoding into the corresponding row in the information region of the byte interleaver in turn; and D: reading business data of the decoded information data from the information region of the byte interleaver by column. The method and device of the present invention achieve the best interleaving effect. |
| US08286062B2 |
Method and apparatus of encoding and decoding data using low density parity check code in a wireless communication system
A method of encoding data using low density parity check (LDPC) code defined by a m×n parity check matrix is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes encoding input source data using the parity check matrix, wherein the parity check matrix comprises a plurality of z×z sub-matrices of which row weights and column weights are ‘0’ or ‘1’. |
| US08286059B1 |
Word-serial cyclic code encoder
A cyclic code encoding device or encoder that contains word registers rather than single bit registers, and can process input bits and parity bits as input words and parity words. The cyclic code encoder can add input words to output register words, generating a feedback word, which can be supplied through a feedback loop that selectively transmits feedback words through weight arrays and intra-register adders, to the input of word registers. A controller can operate the cyclic code encoder in either an input mode or an output mode during which feedback words can be sequentially transmitted on the feedback loop and the states of the word registers can be updated and the final states of the word registers can be sequentially shifted out of the output word register as parity words, respectively. |
| US08286052B2 |
Wireless communication method and apparatus for detecting and decoding enhanced dedicated channel hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel transmissions
A wireless communication method and apparatus for detecting and decoding enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) indicator channel (E-HICH) transmissions are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives E-HICH transmissions and detects an H-ARQ indicator transmitted via the E-HICH by performing a binary hypothesis test. The WTRU then generates an acknowledgement (ACK) message or a non-acknowledgement (NACK) message based on the detected H-ARQ indicator. A reliability test may be further performed to improve performance, whereby the binary hypothesis test may be performed only if the reliability test is passed. |
| US08286049B1 |
Configurable transmitter including flexible block coder
A configurable transmitter for a wireless communication system may include a flexible block coder, an IFFT block, an analog and RF block, and an antenna coupled in series. The flexible block coder may advantageously perform forward error correction and mapping of a data stream to generate a processed data vector. To perform these functions, the flexible block coder may include a data formatter and a multiplier. The data formatter may format the data stream into an output vector, whereas the multiplier may multiply the output vector by a configurable channel coding matrix to generate the processed data vector. The size of the output vector may be a reflection legacy compatibility and data rate. The size of the processed data vector is equal to a product of the output vector and an inverse of a coding rate. The channel coding matrix may be compressed. |
| US08286048B1 |
Dynamically scaled LLR for an LDPC decoder
A method for decoding an LDPC (low-density parity check) code word. The method includes receiving a plurality of LLR (log likelihood ratio) terms from a demodulation unit of a receiver and generating a scaling factor in accordance with at least one parameter descriptive of communication channel conditions for the receiver. The scaling factor is applied to each of the plurality of LLR terms to compute a corresponding plurality of scaled LLR terms. An iterative layered belief propagation algorithm is then executed by using the plurality of scaled LLR terms to generate decoded information. |
| US08286044B2 |
Dynamic random access memory having internal built-in self-test with initialization
A method for self-contained testing within a DRAM comprises the DRAM receiving an instruction from an external processor to test a memory core on the DRAM, and the DRAM self-testing the memory core with one or more BIST pattern stored in a multipurpose register on the DRAM. Optionally, the step of self-testing may include writing the BIST pattern into all locations of the memory core, reading each location of the memory core, and comparing the content read from each location of the memory core with the BIST pattern, wherein a negative comparison indicates a failure has occurred. In a further option, the method may further comprise, after testing the DRAM, initializing the DRAM with an INIT pattern stored in the multipurpose register on the DRAM. |
| US08286040B2 |
Device and method for testing a circuit
A device having testing capabilities, the device includes: a tested circuit that includes multiple scan chains; a compactor adapted to compress scan chain test responses; a mask unit, connected between the multiple scan chains and the compactor, wherein the mask unit is adapted to mask scan chain test responses outputted by the multiple scan chains during a masking period; and an mask prevention unit, adapted to prevent masking of scan chain test responses during a mask prevention period that at least partially overlaps a mask unit configuration period. |
| US08286037B2 |
Method and device for adjusting communications power
A method and device for adjusting communications power are used for detecting a communications condition between a connection port and a connection target, and a communications-supporting power of the connection port that includes at least one of a transmitting power and a receiving power is adjusted according to a detected communications condition. Therefore, accuracy of data transmission and reception is ensured, and power used for data transmission and reception is reduced. |
| US08286036B2 |
Objective assessment of application crashes from a customer environment
A computerized method for collecting error data and providing error reports relating to occurrences of errors of software applications installed on one or more computing devices is disclosed. Data for describing software applications and identifying software application errors is collected from the computing devices and stored in a catalog. Data associated with error occurrences is obtained and combined with related data being stored in the catalog. A report is generated based on the error occurrences and related catalog data. |
| US08286035B2 |
Operations management apparatus, operations management system, data processing method, and operations management program
An operations management apparatus which acquires performance information for each of a plurality of performance items from a plurality of controlled units and manages operation of the controlled units includes a correlation model generation unit which derives a correlation function between a first series of performance information that indicates time series variation about a first element and a second series of performance information that indicates time series variation about a second element, generates a correlation model between the first element and the second element based on the correlation function, and obtains the correlation model for each element pair of the performance information, and a correlation change analysis unit which analyzes a change in the correlation model based on the performance information acquired newly which has not been used for generation of the correlation model. |
| US08286029B2 |
Systems and methods for managing unavailable storage devices
In some embodiments, storage devices, such as a storage drive or a storage node, in an array of storage devices may be reintroduced into the array of storage devices after a period of temporary unavailability without fully rebuilding the entire previously unavailable storage device. |
| US08286025B1 |
Selection of port adapters for clock crossing boundaries
Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing efficient clock domain crossing management in programmable chip systems. Components associated with different clock domains can be analyzed. Clock domain crossing components are automatically selected from a library of clock domain crossing components to allow connection between disparate clock domains. Clock domain crossing components can be shared, chained, and intelligently selected for increased efficiency. |
| US08286018B2 |
Power management in data storage device determining utilization of a control circuit by its rate of command processing
A power management circuit is provided for a data storage device that is adapted for communicating with a host via an interface circuit. The power management circuit is responsive to a utilization of a control circuit of the data storage device, determined independently of the communication between the data storage device and the host, in providing a supply power to the data storage device. A method is provided comprising connecting a data storage device with a host via an interface circuit; sending data transfer commands from the host to the interface circuit; and monitoring the utilization of a control circuit of the data storage device in terms of the rate at which commands are processed by the control circuit for use in selectively providing a supply power to the data storage device. |
| US08286015B2 |
Storage array power management using lifecycle information
A multi-device storage system can be arranged into power saving systems by placing one or more storage devices into a reduced power consuming state when the storage activity associated with the system is sufficiently reduced that an attendant decrease in throughput will not materially affect users of the storage system. Where data redundancy is provided for, a redundant storage device can be placed into the reduced power consuming state and its redundancy responsibilities can be transitioned to a partition of a larger storage device. Such transitions can be based on specific parameters, such as write cycles or latency, crossing thresholds, including upper and lower thresholds, they can also be based on pre-set times, or a combination thereof. Lifecycle information, including lifecycle information collected in real-time by storage devices on a block-by-block basis, can be utilized to obtain historical empirical data from which to select the pre-set times. |
| US08286012B2 |
Architecture incorporating configurable controller for reducing on chip power leakage
The present invention provides a method and system for controlling leakage power consumption at a System on Chip (SoC) level during a normal run or a boot-up mode. The leakage power reduction is achieved by incorporating a central programmable controller in the SoC architecture and test structures of idle SoC peripherals to place them into an Absolute Minimum Power consumption state with respect to static and dynamic power. |
| US08286011B2 |
Method of waking processor from sleep mode
A method and apparatus for storing and classifying packets transmitted over a network to a processor in a low power mode. The processor receives and classifies the packets as interesting or not interesting. Uninteresting packets are discarded while interesting packets are stored in memory. For the first interesting packet received, a receive timer is activated and for every interesting packet received a counter is incremented. A transmit timer is activated when the processor enters the low power mode. When either the receive timer expires, the transmit timer expires or the counter reaches a threshold value then a wake-up interrupt is asserted. |
| US08286009B2 |
Computer including a carrier board and methods of assembly
A method is provided for assembling a computer that includes a carrier board having a board management controller (BMC), a power supply, and a carrier bus. The method includes coupling a module to the carrier board, determining, by the carrier board, a type of the module, and providing power to the module based on the module type such that a voltage component of the power is one of a first voltage and a second voltage that is different than the first voltage. |
| US08286004B2 |
Saving encryption keys in one-time programmable memory
Described embodiments provide encryption/decryption of data transferred between a media controller and a storage device. The media controller provides encryption/decryption based on a root key (RK). Storage in a one-time programmable (OTP) memory is provided as a plurality of un-burned slots. The OTP memory is initially provided without the RK, which is generated with a random number generator. A control module performs the steps of i) burning the RK to an initial slot of the OTP memory, and ii) validating the burned RK (bRK) stored at the initial slot based on a comparison of the RK and the burned RK. If the control module validates the burned RK, the burned RK is employed by the media controller. Otherwise, one or more subsequent slots of the OTP memory are burned with the RK until the control module validates the corresponding burned RK. |
| US08286002B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing secure remote access to enterprise networks
The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing secure remote access to enterprise networks. An apparatus includes a network interface module adapted for maintaining a secure network connection with a network device independent of a power state of a host computer associated with the apparatus a storage module for storing information associated with the secure connection, and a processor coupled to the network interface and the memory where the processor is adapted for automatically initiating the secure connection without user interaction. |
| US08285996B2 |
Verification of identity based signatures
A database management system (1) comprises up to fifty or more workstations (2), each for a user. The environment may, for example, be a hospital and the system manages medical records in a secure manner. Each user has a private key issued by a KGC (5). A database controller (3) updates a secure database (3) with data and associated signatures generated by the user workstations (2). Thus every record of the secure database (3) has a signature to provide full traceability and non-repudiation of data edits/updates. It is important for the system (1) that the signatures are verified on a regular basis, say every hour. Such a task would be extremely processor-intensive if the database (3) is large. However this is performed by a verification processor (4) of the system (1) in a much shorter time than heretofore, t1+n(&Dgr;), where t1 is the time for one verification, n is the number of signatures, and &Dgr; is a time value which is a very small proportion of t1 (less than 1%). |
| US08285992B2 |
Method and apparatuses for secure, anonymous wireless LAN (WLAN) access
A method and system for providing secure, anonymous access to a wireless local area network, including configuring an access point to drop packets except packets exhibiting an URL access protocol like HTTP and HTTPS, intercepting a URL access request by an access point from a mobile device via a web browser, re-directing the URL access request to a web server by the access point generating a security key by one of the access points and the web server, communicating the generated security key to the said web server securely by the access point or vice versa and setting the security key by the access point is described. A mobile device including means for forwarding a request for secure access to a wireless local area network via a URL access request, means for receiving a mobile code or a signal for displaying a security key and means for setting the security key is also described. |
| US08285987B1 |
Emulation-based software protection
A method of emulation-based page granularity code signing comprising the steps of: copying guest operating system instructions and associated hash message authentication codes and/or digital signatures of each guest operating instruction from an untrusted guest operating system memory into a trusted host operating system memory; recomputing the hash message authentication codes using a secret key in the trusted host operating system memory; maintaining the secret key in the trusted host operating system memory and inaccessible by the untrusted guest operating system instructions; translating each guest operating system instruction that has a valid hash message authentication code to a set of host operating system instructions; executing the decrypted guest operating system instructions in the trusted host operating system; and modifying the guest operating system memory and registers when the set of translated host operating instructions executes in the trusted host operating system, such that it appears as if the original guest operating system instructions had been executed in the untrusted guest operating system. |
| US08285985B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting exposure of private keys
A system and method can include comparing entities associated with public certificates and private keys in a keystore to detect compromised private keys. This increases security of systems implementing public key cryptography over a network. The comparison can be triggered by a trigger event in one embodiment. If a private key belonging to a certificate authority is detected, a notification can be generated. Alternatively or in addition, a revocation request can be generated for public certificates corresponding to the compromised private key. |
| US08285984B2 |
Secure network extension device and method
A network extension device comprising a CPU, memory, protected I/O connectable to local controls and peripherals, external communications port, a trusted device connected to the CPU such that it can provide attestation of the network extension device's trusted operation to a connected known external network, and a protected interface connected to at least one network extension module that includes a local network communications port. Optionally, a traffic encryption module may be provided, and the trusted device's attestation may include a check of its operation. Also, a method comprising connecting the network extension device to an external network, performing an operating mode check, causing the network extension device to operate in a mode and perform a security check that correspond to the result, causing the trusted device to attest trusted operation to the external network and thereafter causing the CPU to function fully and permitting access to the external network. |
| US08285983B2 |
Method and apparatuses for establishing a secure channel between a user terminal and a SIP server
A method of establishing a secure communication channel between a user terminal (2) and a SIP server (14) for the purpose of controlling a service such as an IPTV service. The method comprises sending from the user terminal (2) to the SIP server (14) a session initiation request, via an IP Multimedia Subsystem network, where the IP Multimedia Subsystem network incorporates into the request a P-Asserted-Identity. At the SIP server (14), access to the service is authorized on the basis of said P-Asserted-Identity and, upon successful authorization, a security token is sent to the user terminal (2), via the IP Multimedia Subsystem network. The SIP server (14) and the user terminal (2) use said security token to establish a secure communication channel between each other. |
| US08285982B2 |
System and method for customizing electronic messages
A plug-in is provided to existing electronic message programs, such as electronic mail message programs, to provide a virtual toolbar therein. The virtual toolbar includes one or more virtual buttons that allow a user to select multimedia content to be added to an electronic message. The multimedia content may include, without limitation, any one or more of: graphics, audio, animation, video and text selections. The multimedia content may further include customizable templates in which business messages may be generated. The virtual buttons may be each be assigned to one category of related content, such as: Backgrounds for providing graphic backgrounds to a message, Holiday Themes for providing multimedia content associated with particular holidays, Animations for including FLASH animations or the like to a message, and Text for including pre-formatted text to a message. The content, appearance and number of virtual buttons may automatically be changed or updated by a content provider from time to time when the installed plug-in accesses a content server over a computer network, such as the Internet. |
| US08285977B2 |
System and method for extension of the BIOS boot specification
A system and method is disclosed for extending the BIOS Boot Specification. The specification is extended to accommodate the identification of a greater number of bootable devices. The specification is also extended so that the identifier for each bootable device identifies the default boot order of the device. The specification is also extended to provide additional information about the type of each bootable device and whether each bootable device is an onboard or add-in device. The extension of the BIOS Boot Specification also allows for the designation of certain entries as placeholders for devices that that are supported by the computer system, but not present in the computer system. |
| US08285976B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting branches using a meta predictor
A branch predicting apparatus is disclosed that reduces branch mispredictions in a processor. The branch prediction apparatus includes a base misprediction history register. The branch prediction apparatus includes a meta predictor that receives an index value and a branch prediction to generate a misprediction value in accordance with the base misprediction history register. The branch prediction apparatus also includes a logic gate that receives the branch prediction and the misprediction value to generate a final prediction. The final prediction may be used to predict whether a branch is taken or not taken. |
| US08285974B2 |
Age matrix for queue entries dispatch order
An apparatus for queue allocation. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a dispatch order data structure, a bit vector, and a queue controller. The dispatch order data structure corresponds to a queue. The dispatch order data structure stores a plurality of dispatch indicators associated with a plurality of pairs of entries of the queue to indicate a write order of the entries in the queue. The bit vector stores a plurality of mask values corresponding to the dispatch indicators of the dispatch order data structure. The queue controller interfaces with the queue and the dispatch order data structure. The queue controller excludes at least some of the entries from a queue operation based on the mask values of the bit vector. |
| US08285970B2 |
Method for managing a memory apparatus, and associated memory apparatus thereof
A method for managing a memory apparatus including at least one non-volatile (NV) memory element includes: providing at least one block of the memory apparatus with at least one local page address linking table within the memory apparatus, wherein the local page address linking table comprises linking relationships between physical page addresses and logical page addresses of a plurality of pages; and building a global page address linking table of the memory apparatus according to the local page address linking table. |
| US08285967B1 |
Method for on-demand block map generation for direct mapped LUN
This invention is a system and a method for operating a storage server in a data network using a new architecture. The method of creating the partial block map allows the snapshot writes on a direct mapped file. The method of reading data or writing data to the file created in direct mapping state and later converted to partial mapping state responsive to a copy on first write request by a client allocates new indirect block when needed to store the reference to newly allocated data block. The method of reading data from or writing data to the file in partial mapping state involves checking the mapping bit to find if the indirect block is in direct mapping state. |
| US08285962B2 |
Defragmentation method for a machine-readable storage device
A defragmentation method includes the steps of: a) configuring a processor to determine a type of a target machine-readable storage device coupled electrically to the processor; b) configuring the processor to select, from among a plurality of pre-established defragmentation algorithms respectively for performing defragmentation on different types of machine-readable storage devices, a defragmentation algorithm that corresponds to the type of the target machine-readable storage device as determined in step a); and c) configuring the processor to perform defragmentation on the target machine-readable storage device according to the defragmentation algorithm as selected in step b). |
| US08285961B2 |
Dynamic performance virtualization for disk access
A storage control system includes performance monitor logic configured to track performance parameters for different volumes in a storage array. Service level enforcement logic is configured to assign target performance parameters to the different volumes and generate metrics for each of the different volumes identifying how much the performance parameters change for the different volumes responsive to changes in the amounts of tiering media allocated to the different volumes. Resource allocation logic is configured to allocate the tiering media to the different volumes according to the performance parameters, target performance parameters, and metrics for the different volumes. |
| US08285959B2 |
Method for placement of virtual volume hot-spots in storage pools using ongoing load measurements and ranking
The present invention is directed to a method for providing data element placement in a storage system via a Dynamic Storage Tiering (DST) mechanism, such that improved system efficiency is promoted. For example, the DST mechanism may implement an algorithm for providing data element placement. The data elements (ex.—virtual volume hot-spots) may be placed into storage pools, such that usage of higher performing storage pools is maximized. Hot-spots may be detected by dynamically measuring load on LBA ranges. Performance of the storage pools may be measured on an ongoing basis. Further, the hot-spots may be ranked according to load, while storage pools may be ranked according to measured performance. If a hot-spot's load decreases, the hot-spot may be moved to a lower performing storage pool. If a hot-spot's load increases, the hot-spot may be moved to a higher performing storage pool. |
| US08285955B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic solid state drive performance recovery
A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic solid state drive performance recovery. A detection module detects a first SSD exceeding a fragmentation threshold. A plurality of drives comprises the first SSD and stores a data copy of data stored on the first SSD. An erase module erases a mapping table for the first SSD. The mapping table maps Logical Block Addresses LBA to physical addresses for the first SSD. A rebuild module rebuilds the data and the mapping table on the first SSD from the data copy. |
| US08285953B2 |
Storage system group
There is a journal area and one or more logical volumes comprising a first logical volume. The journal area is a storage area in which is stored a journal data element, which is a data element that is stored in any storage area of a plurality of storage areas configuring a logical volume, or a data element that is written to the storage area. A controller has a size receiver that receives a write unit size, which is the size of a write data element received from a computer, and a size setting unit that sets the received write unit size in a memory for one or more logical volumes. The size of a journal data element stored in a journal area based on the set write unit size is the write unit size. |
| US08285947B2 |
Store hit load predictor
In one embodiment, a processor implements a store hit load predictor. The store hit load predictor is configured to monitor fetched ops in the processor, and is configured to detect stores that may have previously caused store hit load events. The store hit load predictor is configured to predict that the store will cause a store hit load event again, and is further configured to monitor subsequent fetched ops for the load. The store hit load predictor may locate the load using, e.g., an offset from the store to the load in the code sequence. In response to locating the load, the store hit load predictor may create a dependency of the load on the store, preventing the load from executing out of order with respect to the store. A store hit load event may be avoided in this fashion, at least in some cases. |
| US08285945B2 |
Memories for electronic systems
A switch 100 includes a plurality of ports 101 for exchanging data. A shared memory 102 enables the exchange of data between first and second ones of the ports 101 and includes an array 202 of memory cells arranged as a plurality of rows and a single column having width equal to a predetermined word-width and circuitry 202, 204, 206, 208 for writing selected data presented at the first one of the ports 101 to a selected row in the array as a word of the predetermined word-width during a first time period and for reading the selected data from the selected row as a word of the predetermined wordwidth during a second time period for output at a second one of the ports 101. |
| US08285944B1 |
Read-write control of a FIFO memory with packet discard
A write controller controls writing of packet data to a memory, and a read controller controls reading of packet data from the memory. The write controller signals the read controller if a packet is to be discarded. In response to a discard signal from the write controller, the read controller checks whether it is in the midst of processing the packet to be discarded. If the read controller has yet to process the packet to be discarded, then no corrective action is required. However, if the read controller is in the midst of processing the packet to be discarded, then the read controller adjusts its memory read pointer to point to the position in the memory at which it began reading the packet to be discarded. |
| US08285943B2 |
Storage control apparatus and method of controlling storage control apparatus
The storage control apparatus arranges, in microprocessor packages, management information relating to logical volumes managed by the microprocessor packages. In a predetermined case, each of the management information is rearranged in appropriate places. The management information can be moved, taking into account the difference in the technical properties between a mainframe and an open system host. |
| US08285942B2 |
Region coherence array having hint bits for a clustered shared-memory multiprocessor system
A system and method for a multilevel region coherence protocol for use in Region Coherence Arrays (RCAs) deployed in clustered shared-memory multiprocessor systems which optimize cache-to-cache transfers (interventions) by using region hint bits in each RCA to allow memory requests for lines of a region of the memory to be optimally sent to only a determined portion of the clustered shared-memory multiprocessor system without broadcasting the requests to all processors in the system. A sufficient number of region hint bits are used to uniquely identify each level of the system's interconnect hierarchy to optimally predict which level of the system likely includes a processor that has cached copies of lines of data from the region. |
| US08285941B2 |
Enhancing timeliness of cache prefetching
A system, method, and computer program product for enhancing timeliness of cache memory prefetching in a processing system are provided. The system includes a stride pattern detector to detect a stride pattern for a stride size in an amount of bytes as a difference between successive cache accesses. The system also includes a confidence counter. The system further includes eager prefetching control logic for performing a method when the stride size is less than a cache line size. The method includes adjusting the confidence counter in response to the stride pattern detector detecting the stride pattern, comparing the confidence counter to a confidence threshold, and requesting a cache prefetch in response to the confidence counter reaching the confidence threshold. The system may also include selection logic to select between the eager prefetching control logic and standard stride prefetching control logic. |
| US08285940B2 |
Method and apparatus for high speed cache flushing in a non-volatile memory
An invention is provided for performing flush cache in a non-volatile memory. The invention includes maintaining a plurality of free memory blocks within a non-volatile memory. When a flush cache command is issued, a flush cache map is examined to obtain a memory address of a memory block in the plurality of free memory blocks within the non-volatile memory. The flush cache map includes a plurality of entries, each entry indicating a memory block of the plurality of free memory blocks. Then, a cache block is written to a memory block at the obtained memory address within the non-volatile memory. In this manner, when a flush cache command is received, the flush cache map allows cache blocks to be written to free memory blocks in the non-volatile memory without requiring a non-volatile memory search for free blocks or requiring erasing of memory blocks storing old data. |
| US08285939B2 |
Lateral castout target selection
In response to a data request of a first processing unit among a plurality of processing units, the first processing unit selects a victim cache line to be castout from the lower level cache of the first processing unit and selects the lower level cache of a second of the plurality of processing units as an intended destination of a lateral castout (LCO) command by randomized round-robin selection. The first processing unit issues on the interconnect fabric an LCO command identifying the victim cache line and the intended destination. In response to a coherence response to the LCO command indicating success of the LCO command, the first processing unit removes the victim cache line from its lower level cache, and the victim cache line is held in the lower level cache of one of the plurality of processing units other than the first processing unit. |
| US08285935B2 |
Cache control apparatus and method
A cache control apparatus is provided in a computer system including an access source and a storage apparatus. This device, based on I/O status information, which is information denoting the I/O status in accordance with an I/O command from the access source, determines whether or not the I/O performance from the access source drops. In a case where the result of this determination is affirmative, the cache control apparatus changes a cache utilization status specified from cache utilization status information, which is information denoting the cache utilization status related to a cache area, to a cache utilization status that improves I/O performance. |
| US08285929B2 |
Management computer
The management computer allocates a volume of an external storage device to a host so as to satisfy performance requirements specified from the host. The management computer selects a path that is formed including a first port of the storage device and a second port of the external storage device and that satisfies the performance requirements from the host, and then sets the priority. The management computer sets to the host the use authorization of a primary port and a secondary port that constitute a selected path and the use authorization of a second logical volume. |
| US08285925B1 |
Management of object mapping information corresponding to a distributed storage system
Systems and methods for managing mapping information for objects maintained in a distributed storage system are provided. The distributed storage system can include a keymap subsystem that manages the mapping information according to object keys. Requests for specific object mapping information are directed to specific keymap coordinators within the keymap subsystem. Each keymap coordinator can maintain a cache for caching mapping information maintained at various information sources. To manage the cache, the keymap system can utilize information placeholders that replace previously cached keymap information while a request to modify keymap information is being processed by the information sources. Each keymap coordinator can process subsequently received keymap information read requests in the event an information placeholder is cached as the current cached keymap information. |
| US08285920B2 |
Memory device with dynamic controllable physical logical mapping table loading
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory that includes computer program code. The memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus at least to send information from a host device to a mass storage memory device that is connected with the host device, the information including an indication of at least one default logical address range for a mass memory of the mass storage memory device. The memory and the computer program code are further configured, with the processor, to cause the apparatus, during operation of the host device with the mass storage memory device, and in response to at least one trigger condition being satisfied, to initiate a load of a portion of a logical-physical address conversion table that is stored in a memory of the mass storage memory device to another memory of the mass storage memory device as a local logical-physical address conversion table, where the portion corresponds to the at least one default logical address range. Also disclosed are corresponding methods and computer-readable storage medium, as well as a mass memory device or module that operates and is constructed in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention. |
| US08285919B2 |
SSD with improved bad block management
In some embodiments, a memory controller includes a plurality of processors of a first type and a processor of a second type coupled to the processors of the first type. Each of the plurality of processors of the first type is configured to determine a bad block rate of a memory channel of a solid state memory device to which it is configured to be coupled. The processor of the second type is configured to receive the bad block data rates from each of the plurality of processors of the first type and to report one of a total capacity or a bad block rate of the solid state memory device to a host device. The total capacity and the bad block rate of the solid state memory device are based on the bad block rates received from each of the plurality of processors of the first type. |
| US08285918B2 |
Flash memory cache for data storage device
A storage device made up of multiple storage media is configured such that one such media serves as a cache for data stored on another of such media. The device includes a controller configured to manage the cache by consolidating information concerning obsolete data stored in the cache with information concerning data no longer desired to be stored in the cache, and erase segments of the cache containing one or more of the blocks of obsolete data and the blocks of data that are no longer desired to be stored in the cache to produce reclaimed segments of the cache. |
| US08285916B2 |
Storage device
A storage device, enabling elimination of redundant write operations of non-selected data and enabling optimization of arrangement of pages to a state efficient for rewriting, having two flash memories which can be accessed in parallel, a page register for acquiring data in parallel from the flash memories and temporarily storing the same, and a control circuit having a built-in RAM in which is constructed an address conversion table for managing correspondence between logical addresses and physical addresses in units of data stored in parallel in the page register, wherein data is rewritten by updating of the address conversion table and additional writing into a storage medium. |
| US08285915B2 |
Relocating page tables and data amongst memory modules in a virtualized environment
Relocating data in a virtualized environment maintained by a hypervisor administering access to memory with a Cache Page Table (‘CPT’) and a Physical Page Table (‘PPT’), the CPT and PPT including virtual to physical mappings. Relocating data includes converting the virtual to physical mappings of the CPT to virtual to logical mappings; establishing a Logical Memory Block (‘LMB’) relocation tracker that includes logical addresses of an LMB, source physical addresses of the LMB, target physical addresses of the LMB, a translation block indicator for each relocation granule, and a pin count associated with each relocation granule; establishing a PPT entry tracker including PPT entries corresponding to the LMB to be relocated; relocating the LMB in a number of relocation granules including blocking translations to the relocation granules during relocation; and removing the logical addresses from the LMB relocation tracker. |
| US08285912B2 |
Communication infrastructure for a data processing apparatus and a method of operation of such a communication infrastructure
A communication infrastructure for a data processing apparatus, and a method of operation of such a communication infrastructure are provided. The communication infrastructure provides first and second switching circuits interconnected via a bidirectional link. Both of the switching circuits employ a multi-channel communication protocol, such that for each transaction a communication path is established from an initiating master interface to a target slave interface, with that communication path comprising m channels. The m channels comprise one or more forward channels from the initiating master interface to the target slave interface and one or more reverse channels from the target slave interface to the initiating master interface, and handshaking signals are associated with each of the m channels. The bidirectional link comprises n connection lines, where n is less than m, the bidirectional link supporting a first communication path from the first switching circuit to the second switching circuit and a second communication path in an opposite direction from the second switching circuit to the first switching circuit. Control circuitry is used to multiplex at least one forward channel of the first communication path and at least one reverse channel of the second communication path, with the multiplexing being performed in dependence on the handshaking signals associated with the channels to be multiplexed. This allows the 2m channels formed by the first and second communication paths to be provided by the n connection lines of the bidirectional link. |
| US08285905B2 |
Redundancy configuration and replacement method in a system including a master main unit and slave main units
A single main unit manages information on hardware resources and the like of all main units connected to a network in an integrated fashion. A slot management module, a slot control module, and a physical slot/managed slot comparison table are provided between an input/output control module and a slot interface subordinate thereto. The input/output control module accesses the slot interface by using virtual slot identification information. The slot management module refers to the physical slot/managed slot comparison table, converts the virtual slot identification information into physical slot identification information, and accesses a slot control module corresponding to the physical slot identification information obtained by the conversion, thereby realizing a physical access of the input/output control module to the slot interface. |
| US08285904B2 |
Flexible notification mechanism for user-level interrupts
A method includes delivering a user-level interrupt message indicative of a user-level interrupt to one or more recipients according to a user-level interrupt delivery configuration selected from a plurality of user-level interrupt delivery configurations. The one or more recipients correspond to one or more application threads executing on one or more processor cores of a plurality of processor cores in a multi-core system. A method includes generating an indicator of a user-level interrupt being undeliverable to one or more intended recipients of a user-level interrupt message according to a failed delivery notification mode configuration. The user-level interrupt may be issued by an application thread executing on a first processor core of a plurality of processor cores in a multi-core system. |
| US08285902B2 |
Data transfer apparatus and data transfer method
A data transfer apparatus performing data communication by transmitting a bus use request to an arbiter between a plurality of nodes coupled in a tree shape through a bus is provided. The data transfer apparatus includes a request generation circuit which generates a highest priority request indicating that a priority level for using the bus is the highest, a determination circuit which determines the priority level of the highest priority request, and a priority level setting circuit which determines the highest priority request which takes priority based on a result of the determination circuit when a plurality of highest priority requests conflicts in a node. |
| US08285900B2 |
Method and apparatus for congestion-aware routing in a computer interconnection network
The present disclosure relates to an example of a method for a first router to adaptively determine status within a network. The network may include the first router, a second router and a third router. The method for the first router may comprise determining status information regarding the second router located in the network, and transmitting the status information to the third router located in the network. The second router and the third router may be indirectly coupled to one another. |
| US08285898B2 |
Method and system for compression of files for storage and operation on compressed files
Methods and systems for creating, reading, and writing compressed data for use with a block mode access storage. The compressed data are packed into a plurality of compressed units and stored in a storage logical unit (LU). One or more corresponding compressed units may be read and/or updated with no need of restoring the entire storage logical unit while maintaining a de-fragmented structure of the LU. |
| US08285896B2 |
Data conversion system
A data conversion system for converting data outputted from an information processor into data in a different format in real time while preventing any defect of an image such as frame missing or frame repetition of moving image data by synchronizing data transfer with converted data output. One of first and second nodes on an IEEE1394 bus functions as a cycle master, and first data is transferred from the first node to the second node in synchronism with a cycle start packet outputted from the cycle master. Second data generated by converting the first data by the second node is outputted in synchronism with a reference signal inputted from outside. The system comprises an external synchronizing signal receiving section provided at least in one of the first and second nodes and adapted to receive the reference signal inputted from outside and a synchronism control section for synchronizing the frequency of a cycle start packet outputted from the cycle master with the reference signal received by the external synchronizing signal receiving section. |
| US08285891B2 |
Host device, a point of deployment (POD), and a method of identifying an operation mode
A host device, POD (point of deployment) and a method of identifying an operation mode are disclosed, by which data received via internet can be processed. The present invention includes an interface unit including CD#1, CD#2 , VS1#, VS2#, VPP1, VPP2 and IPDET ports and a controller controlling a mode confirmation signal to be outputted to the POD via the IPDET port, the controller recognizing that the POD supports an IP (internet protocol) card M-mode if the outputted mode confirmation signal is inputted to the VS1# port. |
| US08285887B2 |
Link state detection system for network cable
A link detection system for a network cable is applicable for detecting a connection state of the network cable. If the network cable is connected to the link detection system, the network state detection unit sends a voltage level of a first signal, so as to turn on the power supply of the LAN controller. If the network cable is unplugged, the LAN controller sends a second signal, so as to turn off the power supply of the LAN controller. Alternatively, if the network cable is linked to the network interface in an idle contact state, the network state detection unit sends another voltage level of the first signal, so as to not turn on the power supply of the LAN controller, thereby reducing the power consumption of the personal computer. |
| US08285884B1 |
Data aggregation system and method for deskewing data at selectable data rates
A deskew module of a receiver includes deskew units, each of which includes a data aggregation module for selecting a data rate for receiving symbols of a corresponding data stream. The deskew unit includes a data aggregation module that aggregates a predetermined number of the symbols in one or more clock cycles of a clock signal based on the data rate. The predetermined number of symbols is the same for each data rate selectable by the data aggregation module. The data aggregation module outputs the aggregated symbols to a deskew buffer of the deskew unit in a clock cycle of a clock signal. The deskew buffer deskews symbols received from the data aggregation module and outputs the deskewed symbols. |
| US08285871B2 |
Route calculation system, network management device, route calculation engine, route calculation method and program product
A network management device includes a topology information generation unit which generates topology information of multi-layer network, a link identification information setting unit which sets identification information to identify links of the multi-layer network, a topology information transmission unit which transmits, to a route calculation engine, the topology information of the multi-layer network generated by the topology information generation unit, a shortest route calculation request transmission unit which transmits, to the route calculation engine, a calculation request of a shortest route, a multi-layer restriction checking unit which checks a restriction condition to the shortest route information received from the route calculation engine, based on the identification information of each link set by the link identification information setting unit, and an exception link selection unit which selects an exception link when the shortest route information transmitted from the route calculation engine does not satisfy the restriction condition of the multi-layer, wherein when the shortest route information received from the route calculation engine does not satisfy the restriction condition of the multi-layer, the network management device repeats setting the exception link and transmitting a re-calculation request of the shortest route, until the restriction condition of the multi-layer is satisfied. |
| US08285870B2 |
Systems and methods for statistical resolution of domain name service (DNS) requests
Systems and methods are provided for resolving domain name services (DNS) queries for address information about hosts on a network. The queries are posited from remote users across a satellite or other remote link to a network, and are monitored as they pass through a central node logically present between the remote link and the network. A list of statistically significant hosts on the network is maintained and transmitted from the central node to the plurality of remote users across the remote link. By providing the remote nodes with a current list of popular hosts and associated address information, subsequent domain name services queries placed for the statistically significant hosts may be resolved without communicating across the remote link. |
| US08285868B2 |
Session initiation protocol (SIP) overload protection
A device receives a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) response that includes a load header associated with a downstream Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. The device also determines an amount of traffic to send to the downstream Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device based on the load header. The device further sends the determined amount of traffic to the downstream Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. |
| US08285865B2 |
Method for transmitting ACARS messages over IP
A method for transmitting ACARS messages over IP, between a transmitter and a receiver, includes dividing an ACARS message of a first application into a plurality of blocks. For each block of the message, except for the last, a dummy acknowledgment of receipt of the block is locally sent back at the transmitter to the application. When the transmitter receives from the receiver a message indicating proper reception of the plurality of transmitted blocks, the method further includes generating an acknowledgment of receipt of the last block before sending the acknowledgement of receipt back to the application. |
| US08285862B2 |
Multi-protocol network registration and address resolution
The functionality of communications standards and protocols that are application-layer specific are overlaid on an IP-based infrastructure, by employing an IP DNS server as the registration host for IP and other communications standards based and protocol based communications. Communication can occur at either the IP layer or the communications standards or protocol application layer. At the IP layer, a host application can interrogate network nodes. To extend this service to other communications standards or protocol communications, device registration and resolve services are implemented on the DNS server. Similar to the manner in which an IP-based service uses a native, IP-based DNS resolve request, a host can utilize a resolution request against the communications standards and protocol-enabled DNS server for standards and protocol application-layer interrogation of endpoints. |
| US08285860B2 |
Efficient service discovery for peer-to-peer networking devices
Techniques for discovering and/or advertising services are described herein. A first bitmask is received from a remote device over a wireless network, the first bitmask having one or more bits that have a predetermined logical value. Each bit represents a particular service provided by the remote device. A logical operation is performed between the first bitmask and a second bitmask locally generated within a local device, where the second bitmask represents a service being searched by the local device. It is determined whether the remote device is potentially capable of providing the service being searched by the local device based on a result of the logical operation. |
| US08285854B2 |
System and method for establishing and maintaining a voice over internet protocol connection between wireless devices
A system and method for establishing and maintaining a voice over internet protocol connection between wireless devices, in one example embodiment, may comprise a receiving module to receive a communication device identifier, and a request to establish a communication data link to another communication device. The communication device identifier may initially be received by a terminal from the communication device over a wireless data link connecting the communication device and the terminal. Subsequently, the terminal network address may be associated with the terminal, which received the communication device identifier. A processing module may be utilized to determine whether another communication device is reachable over a wireless data link to another terminal based on information stored in a register. Further, a communication module may be utilized to establish the communication data link between one communication device and another communication device subsequent to determining that another communication device is reachable by a terminal over the wireless data link. |
| US08285853B2 |
Message and system for implementing the inter-access of stack members
The present invention discloses a method and system for implementing the inter-access of stack members. Wherein, the method includes: a stack control module assigning stack device numbers and fixed IP addresses for stack members; after a user logs on a stack member, performing a session command for accessing a destination stack member, and initiating an access request to the destination stack member based on the stack device number of the destination stack member; the stack member on which the user logs obtaining the IP address of the destination stack member based on the stack device number in the session command, and forwarding the access request to the destination stack member in the TELNET manner based on the IP address of the destination stack member; after receiving the access request, the destination stack member, as a TELNET server end, assigning a terminal number for the stack member on which the user logs, and informing an operation and maintenance management module of the destination stack member; the operation and maintenance management module sending operation echo information of the destination stack member back to the stack member on which the user logs. |
| US08285851B2 |
Pairing a media server and a media client
A system for use in presenting media content includes a media server configured to provide media content and a media client configured to obtain the media content from the media server and to present the media content on a device. The media client is configured to generate a first code and to transmit information to the media server. The information identifies the media client and the information indicates that the media client is available for pairing. The media server is configured to reply to the information with a second code that corresponds to the first code in order to enable pairing between the media server and the media client. |
| US08285850B1 |
Configuration and dynamic detection of connection-based backup policies
A system and method for managing data transfers between client computers and a computer network. Each client comprises a data transfer controller and at least two data transfer rules. The data transfer controller associates each of at least two connection states with one of the data transfer rules. The data transfer controller also detects a connection state of a client device, applies a first data transfer rule to the client device in response to detecting a first connection state, and applies a second data transfer rule to the client device in response to detecting a second connection state. In a further embodiment, the data transfer controller associates a data transfer policy with attributes of a connection between the client device and the computer network, wherein a connection state comprises a set of values of the attributes of the connection. |
| US08285847B1 |
Method, system, and storage medium for collecting SNMP bandwidth data
A method, system, and storage medium for collecting bandwidth data is provided. The method includes producing master and slave text files in response to simultaneous collection of data samples from a network device by servers. The method also includes generating a clean data file by sorting data in the master and slave text files by the network device port, sorting data samples for the port by collection time, and for each of the samples: adding a designated interval of time to a time on the network device resulting in a target network device time whereby the time on the network device corresponds to a time the data sample was collected, examining data samples in the master and slave text files corresponding to the time the respective data samples were collected, selecting from one of the master and slave text files the sample with a collection time most closely matching the target network device time, and storing the selected sample in the clean data file. |
| US08285846B2 |
System, apparatus and method for associating an anticipated success indication with data delivery
Systems, apparatuses and methods for determining success rates for the transfer and/or utilization of transmitted applications or other communicated services. An intermediary device specifies one or more device attributes of a target device, which are received at a server. The server determines an anticipated success rate for successfully transferring the requested content to the device and/or utilizing the content at the target device, and transfers an indication of the anticipated success rate to the intermediary device. The anticipated success rate indication is received at the intermediary device, which then determines whether the received anticipated success rate indication meets threshold criteria. If so, the intermediary device notifies the server to initiate the transfer of the content from the server to the target device if the threshold criteria is met. |
| US08285845B2 |
Distributed user validation and profile management system
A distributed user validation and profile management system operates to automatically validate and update user profiles, such as those stored within an organizational security database, to properly reflect the actual positions and rights of various users within the organization to the various organizational assets, such as computer implemented applications. The user validation and profile management system periodically sends validation e-mails to various users within the organization to initiate the process of updating and verifying user profile information. The individual users may respond to the validation e-mails to verify their position and status within the organization as well as the position or status of one or more closely associated users, such as a manager or a subordinate. Failure of the user to respond to the validation e-mail causes the user validation and profile management system to determine that the user profile is invalid when the user attempts to access an application. |
| US08285834B2 |
Packet sniffer
A method for sniffing packets communicated over a network includes identifying an active protocol stack. Upon identifying an active protocol stack, a packet intercept is enabled for the identified active protocol stack. Using the packet intercept, data is then collected about the packets communicated over the network. |
| US08285833B2 |
Packet data recording method and system
A data recording system that includes a plurality of network interface cards that may be employed within a single recording device. Each card may be provided with a plurality of network connecting ports to receive packetized data, such as real-time protocol (RTP) streams. For each RTP packet stream being recorded, the system may note the sequence number for the most recently accepted packet and any packet received with a lower sequence number can be readily discarded. The system then may record payload associated with the RTP streams into an audio file saved on a storage device. |
| US08285832B2 |
Method for secure transactions utilizing physically separated computers
A secure transaction method involves establishing an electronically accessible verification site authorized by the holder of a credit or debit card, and accessing the verification site by a merchant to determine whether a request for goods or services is authorized. The request for goods or services is based upon the use of the credit or debit card, but the card is not physically presented. The verification site is an electronic mail account which may be established by the merchant, card holder or other authorized person or entity. An authorization message is preferably sent from the site to the merchant in response to the step of accessing the verification site by the merchant. The verification site may also be wirelessly accessible, enabling an authorization message to be delivered through a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or other mobile device. |
| US08285828B2 |
Method and system for platform level data model for indications based event control and data transfer
For a platform level data model for indications based event control and data transfer, a management controller may enable performing indications based management operations that may be based on a management service utilizing CIM Indications model. The management controller may enable communication of indications based messaging and/or data. The indications may be triggered based on events generated and/or triggered in a plurality of managed entities. The events generation may be performed dynamically within the plurality of managed entities, or may be initiated via the management controller. The management controller may enable processing of partially generated indications, via the plurality of managed entities, and/or as pass-through router for full indications processed via the plurality of managed entities. The indications based management operations may also comprise subscription related operations wherein the management controller may enable performing processing of subscription requests, modifications, and/or deletions to facilitate external access via the device. |
| US08285827B1 |
Method and apparatus for resource management with a model-based architecture
A method, and apparatus for software and resource management with a model-based architecture. |
| US08285826B2 |
Grid computing on radiology network
A grid computing system and method is provided for medical data processing. The grid computing system comprises a software infrastructure, and an imaging device capable of interfacing with the software infrastructure over a distributed electronic network. Also included is a plurality of CPUs capable of interfacing with the software infrastructure over the network. The performance of the plurality of CPUs is dependent on balancing load. A large medical dataset is split onto several processing nodes of the plurality of CPUs, respectively, such that performance and power is increased. In the grid computing method, a grid is limited to a nuclear medicine or radiology network. A tight and easy configuration management of computing nodes, and a tight load balancing between standardized nodes are provided. An existing network of CPUs is utilized, such that the greatest benefit is provided at the lowest cost. |
| US08285820B2 |
Dynamic content for online transactions
In one example, a method of providing dynamic content includes providing a client device with access to an online marketplace over a network. The method also includes facilitating transmission of a user identifier stored by the client device to a payment service provider. The method further includes receiving dynamic content from the payment service provider in response to the user identifier. In addition, the method includes serving the dynamic content to the client device over the network. |
| US08285819B2 |
Live media captioning subscription framework for mobile devices
A subscription-based system provides transcribed audio information to one or more mobile devices. Some techniques feature a system for providing subscription services for currently-generated (e.g., not stored) information (e.g., caption information, transcribed audio) for one or more mobile devices for a live/current audio event. There can be a communication network for communicating to the one or more mobile devices, a transcriber configured for transcribing the event to generate information (e.g., caption information, transcribed audio). Caption data includes transcribed data and control code data. The system includes a subscription gateway configured for live/current transfer of the transcribed data to the one or more mobile devices. The subscription gateway is configured to provide access for the transcribed data to the one or more mobile devices. User preferences for subscribers can be set and/or updated by mobile device users and/or GPS-capable mobile devices to receive feeds for the live/current audio event. |
| US08285818B2 |
System and method of recording and accessing multimedia data
The disclosure is directed to a system and method for recording and accessing multimedia data. In a particular embodiment, a method includes determining a first number of requests to record specific multimedia content at a first server supporting a multimedia content distribution service. The first server may be configured to transmit multimedia data to multiple customer premises equipment (CPE). The method may also include recording the specific multimedia content at a second server when the first number of requests is greater than or equal to a threshold. The second server may be configured to transmit the multimedia data to the first server. |
| US08285817B1 |
Migration engine for use in a logical namespace of a storage system environment
A migration engine is provided for use in a logical namespace of a storage system environment. A remote agent of an integrated management framework is installed on a host machine of the storage system environment and includes a pre-installed migration plug-in module that configures the agent as a migration engine adapted to provide a data migration capability. That is, the migration plug-in has the intelligence to configure the remote agent as a migration engine adapted to perform data migration from a source location to a destination location in the storage system environment. |
| US08285806B2 |
Methods and systems for analyzing email messages
Methods and systems for analyzing email messages are provided. In an embodiment, a method includes determining whether a received email message is considered to be the same as one or more prior email messages already classified into one of a plurality of different categories. If the received message is not considered to be the same as one of the prior email messages already classified into one of the categories, then the received message is classified into one of the categories by performing a set of computations. If the received message is considered to be the same as one of the prior email messages already classified into one of the categories, then the received message is classified into one of the categories without performing the computations, by classifying the received message into the same category as a prior email message that the received message is considered to be the same as. |
| US08285804B2 |
Declassifying of suspicious messages
Handling a message comprises: classifying an incoming message for a recipient, storing the classified message and providing a notification to the recipient, wherein the notification includes summary information about the classified message and an interface that allows the recipient to operate on the classified message. |
| US08285803B2 |
Sorting electronic messages using attributes of the sender address
Systems and methods for sorting electronic messages using attributes of senders or of sender addresses. An electronic messaging server sorts electronic messages using attributes associated with the senders or sender addresses of the electronic messages. The sender addresses and associated attributes are stored in an accept list. A sorting module uses the accept list to sort the electronic messages into various folders. The sorting module can also access other data sources, such as a contact list, to assist in sorting the electronic messages. The attributes can be determined independently of the user or can be set directly by the user. The attributes can also identify a status of a sender such as whether the sender is authorized, unauthorized, or unconfirmed. |
| US08285802B2 |
Internet-phone or smart phone with applications for managing and playing digital content, and a mobile device operating system supporting application programming interface
An Internet-Phone as a smart phone may include a touch sensitive screen, an operating system, a graphical user interface, an image acquisition application, a messaging application, a document application, an e-mail application, an Internet browsing application, and an application for playing audio content. The Internet-Phone may provide an application programming interface (API) to support applications. A user of the Internet-Phone can install additional applications. The Internet-Phone may further include one or more wireless communication units with a radio frequency controller compatible to IEEE802.11 and Bluetooth® standards. In some examples, the Internet- Phone may include wireless synchronization of data or software with other wireless devices on a common network. In other examples, the Internet-Phone may include streaming or transferring of digital content to a wireless controller box, a wireless TV, or a wireless printer over the air. Still other examples include connecting the Internet-Phone to a Bluetooth® or IEEE802.11 audio output device. |
| US08285801B2 |
Compressible display of E-mail message string to facilitate readability
A displayed string of emails is effectively compressed for improved readability by deleting some or all headers and/or by skipping the cursor from one message body to another in response to “hot” key actuation(s) by a user. |
| US08285800B2 |
Service model creation using monitored data of the performance management tool
An automated method is provided for constructing or updating a service model that defines the entities in an enterprise's computing environment. The method includes: defining a group of templates for updating the service model, where the group of templates identify different types of entities which comprise the service model and relationships between the types of entities including an entity that links software applications to respective computing infrastructure that supports the software applications; monitoring messages received from monitoring tools residing in the computing environment; and updating a service model in accordance with the group of templates using data encapsulated in the messages. |
| US08285799B2 |
Quota-based archiving
A determination of whether to archive email messages in a user mailbox is made each time an email message is received at a server computer. A storage quota, a first threshold and a second threshold are obtained for the user mailbox. The first threshold is a first percentage of the storage quota. The second threshold is a second percentage of the storage quota. When it is determined that the size of the received email message plus the current size of the user mailbox exceeds the first threshold for the user mailbox, one or more email messages in the user mailbox are archived. The archiving of the one or more email messages reduces the current size of the user mailbox such that the current size of the user mailbox becomes less than the number of bytes corresponding to the second threshold for the user mailbox. |
| US08285798B2 |
System and method for the management of message policy
A highly advantageous message policy management system and method are disclosed for managing email message flow with a sender set of policies which recommend actions to be taken by receivers based on characteristics of the email message. |
| US08285797B2 |
Technique for controlling device management response messages
A device for use in a communication system and a method for its operation are provided. The method of operating a Device Management (DM) client of a device in a communication system includes receiving an out-of-band DM message from a DM server, determining if out-of-band message response (OOBMsgResponse) reporting is inhibited based on an OOBMsgResponse node in a Management Object (MO), and if it is determined that OOBMsgResponse reporting is not inhibited, sending a response message in response to the out-of-band DM message received from the DM server. |
| US08285794B2 |
Signature e-mail attachment printing
A method and system for organizing printed documents associated with an e-mail message wherein each of the printed documents may be separated by a printer header page reflecting some or all of the signature information included with the e-mail message from which the printed documents originate. |
| US08285791B2 |
Method and apparatus for sharing information using a handheld device
A method and apparatus for sending information to a data processing apparatus for identifying a document to share with a recipient. A handheld device is capable of communicating with the data processing apparatus. Information is captured from the document and stored in the handheld device as document data. A communications path is established between the handheld device and the data processing apparatus. The document data is sent to the data processing apparatus through the communications path. Reference documents are provided. Each reference document has reference data stored in a memory. At least a portion of the received document data is extracted as scanning data. The reference data is retrieved from the memory. The scanning data is compared with the reference data. When the scanning data matches at least a portion of the reference data of one of the reference documents, the one reference document is selected as the identified document for forwarding to the recipient. |
| US08285787B2 |
Systems and methods for managing a collaboration space having application hosting capabilities
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for managing a collaboration space having application hosting capabilities. A collaboration space, such as a wiki site, can host a set of collaboration tools and resources, including, for example, content tools, communication tools, and other resources for the users of the space. The collaboration space can also incorporate a set of executable application resources, such as application programming tools to permit users to program, invoke, and execute applications directly from the wiki site or other collaboration space. The set of executable application resources can in turn be embedded or incorporated in a Web framework, for instance to permit the set of hosted applications to be served/run to remote clients as Web applications. Applications generated outside the collaboration space can in embodiments be migrated into the collaboration space and hosted and/or executed from within the collaboration space, even if not originally generated there. |
| US08285782B2 |
Methods and apparatus for making a hypermedium interactive
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of making a hypermedium page interactive. Responsive to a user selecting a hyperlink on a hypermedium page displayed on a client node, a client agent located on the client node establishes a communications link from the client agent to an application execution server agent on an application server using information located in a hyperlink configuration file, corresponding to the hyperlink displayed on the client node, obtained from the network server node. Responsive to the creation of the communications link between the application execution server agent and the client agent, the application executes on the application execution server and the user is capable of interactively using the application running on the application execution node from the client node. Data input and display occurs at the client node under the control of the client agent. |
| US08285781B1 |
Reduction of perceived DNS lookup latency
Perceived domain name service (DNS) lookup latency can be reduced for the user of a browser program. A server determines domain names that the user is likely to request in the future. In one implementation, a list of these domain names is transmitted to the browser program as a separate command. The browser program may then lookup up the domain names in the background before the user selects a link corresponding to the domain names. In another implementation, the domain names are transmitted to the browser program by embedding the domain names in a web document, in which the embedded information is not visible in the rendered version of the web document. |
| US08285780B2 |
State sharing in a distributed data stream processing system
State sharing is facilitated in stream processing environments, including distributed stream processing environments. A customized shared state implementation representing the state to be shared is automatically created based on at least one of user preferences, hints of usage, and system performance. |
| US08285779B2 |
Programmable presence virtualization
Techniques for supporting a presence virtualization query are provided. The techniques include receiving a virtual query from a client, the virtual query specified in terms of a membership set of members, wherein the membership set comprises a list of presentity uniform resource identifiers (URIs) and a separate transformation function, defined over a set of presence documents of the members in the membership set, redirecting the query to a destination virtual presentity URI whose presence state comprises an aggregation of the presence documents of the list of URIs in the membership set and a corresponding query element (QE) object that manages subscriptions for the URI, adding the client as a watcher for the destination virtual presentity URI, and applying transformation logic specified by the watcher client and notifying a corresponding client of a resulting output. |
| US08285775B2 |
Expedited transaction failure handling by leveraging a reliable message transport protocol to assist detection of discarded processing
A method and system for immediate failure checking for lost message processing comprises receiving a first message of a web-service transaction comprising first message sequence information at a computing device in a transaction environment of a target web service, storing a first record of the first message within the computing device, receiving a subsequent message comprising corresponding message sequence information at the computing device, storing a second record of the subsequent message within the computing device, comparing the first message sequence information with the subsequent message sequence information using the computing device, identifying a transaction error using the computing device, if the subsequent message is not an initial message in a sequence of messages based on the comparing, reporting the transaction error from the computing device, and aborting processing of the web-service transaction if the transaction error has occurred, using the computing device. |
| US08285774B2 |
Operation method and apparatus for performing overlap filter and core transform
A hardware implementation method for concurrently realizing overlap filter and core transform and an operation method thereof are provided. The overlap filter and core transform can be adjusted according to different specifications, processes, and operation frequencies. The hardware implementation method and the operation method thereof adopt a transform-level hardware sharing architecture and multi-port input/output register array, thereby efficiently realizing overlap filter and core transform. |
| US08285772B2 |
Order adaptive finite impulse response filter and operating method thereof
A device for allocating a number of taps of a designated finite impulse response filter is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of designated finite impulse response filters having fixed number of taps, a plurality of allocation finite impulse response filters having fixed number of taps, a control unit and an estimate unit. Depending on intensities of responses to interferences, at least one of the allocation FIR filters may be coupled in series to any one of the designated finite impulse response filters, thereby to provide a signal having excellent quality. |
| US08285764B2 |
System and method for statistically separating and characterizing noise which is added to a signal of a machine or a system
Method for finding the probability density function type and the variance properties of the noise component N of a raw signal S of a machine or a system, said raw signal S being combined of a pure signal component P and said noise component N, the method comprising: (a) defining a window within said raw signal; (b) recording the raw signal S; (c) numerically differentiating the raw signal S within the range of said window at least a number of times m to obtain an m order differentiated signal; (d) finding a histogram that best fits the m order differentiated signal; (e) finding a probability density function type that fits the distribution of the histogram; (f) determining the variance of the histogram, said histogram variance being essentially the m order variance σ2(m) of the noise component N; and (g) knowing the histogram distribution type, and the m order variance σ2(m) of the histogram, transforming the m order variance σ2(m) to the zero order variance σ2(0), σ2(0) being the variance of the pdf of the noise component N, and wherein the histogram type as found in step (e) being the probability density function type of the noise component N. |
| US08285762B2 |
Migration of metadata and storage management of data in a first storage environment to a second storage environment
Provided are a computer program product, method, and system for migration of metadata and storage management of data in a first storage environment to a second storage environment. A migration request is processed to migrate metadata and storage management of data in a first storage environment to a second storage environment, wherein the first storage environment has a first storage server, a first storage media, and first metadata describing first data objects stored in the first storage media, and wherein the second storage environment has a second storage server, a second storage media, and second metadata for second data objects stored in the second storage media. The first metadata is copied to the second storage environment to incorporate with the second metadata. The first metadata incorporated into the second metadata is modified to indicate first server information used by the second server to communicate with the first server to access the migrated data from the first storage media. The migration request is completed in response to incorporating the first metadata into the second metadata, wherein the first data objects remain in the first storage media after completing the migration request. |
| US08285758B1 |
Tiering storage between multiple classes of storage on the same container file system
Storage tiering uses file system awareness of storage class for storage allocation or migration of a storage object from one class of storage to another. For example, the storage object is a production file system, a logical unit number (LUN) of storage, or a snapshot copy of the production file system or LUN. Each storage class may comprise a different back-end disk type, such as Fiber Channel, ATA, etc. Storage allocation or migration is based on storage class to implement a storage policy, such as: (a) move snapshots off the class of storage of the production object and onto a different class of storage; (b) direct new writes to a specified class of storage; or (c) writes targeting a particular storage object are targeted to a particular class of storage. |
| US08285755B2 |
Partial updating in a database proxy driver
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to programmatic database access and provide a method, system and computer program product for programmatic partial updating of a row. In one embodiment, a data processing system for programmatic partial updating of a row in a database can include a database proxy driver configured to expose an interface for interacting with the database and to accept an execution of a prepared statement without requiring set values for all fields bound by the prepared statement. The interface can include, for example, a Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) compliant interface. The prepared statement can include a binding to multiple fields in a designated row and a set of setter methods defined for a subset of the multiple fields. |
| US08285752B1 |
System and method for maintaining a plurality of summary levels in a single table
A system, method, and computer-accessible medium are disclosed for maintaining data at a plurality of summary levels in a single table. Data may be summarized into a plurality of summary levels. Each of the summary levels may comprise summarized data over a respective one of a plurality of intervals of time. The plurality of summary levels may vary in granularity of the summarized data. The summarized data in the plurality of summary levels may be stored in a single table in a database. |
| US08285750B2 |
Computer-based system and method for generating, classifying, searching, and analyzing standardized text templates and deviations from standardized text templates
A method for generating, classifying, searching, and analyzing standardized text templates drawn from a plurality of text documents and for identifying standardized text deviations from standardized text templates. Semi-standardized documents may be represented as standardized templates and deviations from standardized templates, with such templates themselves automatically generated by a computer-implemented method from a plurality of similar text documents. The method enables enhanced analysis of semi-standardized documents and automatic extraction of information from standardized text templates. |
| US08285747B1 |
Incorporation of client storage into a storage system
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and methods for operating a storage system. The storage system incorporates a storage device associated with a client into a logical group of storage devices managed by the storage system. Thereafter, the storage system is capable of satisfying data access requests from an incorporated storage device managed by the storage system. |
| US08285742B2 |
Management of attribute information related to system resources
An information processing apparatus that manages resource information which is information related to resources constituting a system, includes: a first condition setting section that sets first conditions which are predetermined conditions between given resource information and other resource information; a first condition extraction section that extracts, from the first conditions set by the first condition setting section, a first condition set to resource information, on which changed information that is information indicating a change to the resource information is based; and a first condition determination section that determines whether the changed information satisfies the first condition extracted by the first condition extraction section. |
| US08285737B1 |
Selecting content for publication
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method relating to selecting content for publication includes receiving a term to be used in selecting content for publication. The method includes obtaining information from a record using the received term, the information reflecting a correspondence between contents in a repository and the received term. The method includes determining, using at least the obtained information, a query to be performed on the repository for selecting at least part of the content. |
| US08285735B2 |
System and method for creating metadata
A system and a method create metadata for media files. The metadata may be information relating to, based on and/or associated with the media files. The metadata of the media files may be searched by one or more terminals. An event database connectable to a terminal may use a location, a date and/or a time of creation of the media files to associate specific events with the media files. Further, the specific events may be used by the database to create keywords associated with the media files. As a result, the system and the method may organize and/or may provide searching for media files. A web page may be generated for an event that accumulates the media files related to the event. |
| US08285732B2 |
Method and system for providing themes for software applications
A method includes providing a plurality of services to a user by a software application, each service having a plurality of service parameters and being capable of displaying a plurality of data to the user. The method also includes providing a data theme selection to the user, the data theme selection including selecting a data theme from among a plurality of available data themes. The method also includes setting, for each data theme parameter of the selected data theme, the service parameters associated with and according to that data theme parameter. The method also includes filtering, for each of the plurality of services, the display of the plurality of data as a function of the at least one associated data property according to the service parameters of that service as set by the selected data theme. |
| US08285729B2 |
Reducing overheads in application processing
A method, a system and a computer program of reducing overheads in multiple applications processing are disclosed. The method includes identifying resources interacting with each of the applications from a set of applications and grouping the applications from the set of applications, resulting in at least one application cluster, in response to the identified resources. The method further includes assigning an agent corresponding to each of the identified resources and initializing the agent corresponding to each of the identified resources. The method further includes identifying parameters associated with the identified resources, pre-processing the identified parameters for each of the identified resources, and also includes selecting a clustering means for the clustering. The method further includes computing the application clusters using the selected clustering means and the identified parameters, and also includes sharing the agents corresponding to each of the identified resources interacting with the applications in the at least one application cluster. Also disclosed are a system and a computer program for reducing overheads in multiple applications processing. |
| US08285728B1 |
Knowledge discovery and dissemination of text by mining with words
The present invention enables the construction and deployment of semantic search engines, which learn. Here, the learning necessarily occurs in unsupervised mode given the huge amount of text being searched and the resultant impracticality of providing human feedback. That is, it acquires a lexicon of synonyms and the context for their proper application by searching a moving window of text and compiling the results. No human operator is involved. This allows for the practical search, using machine learning techniques, of very large textual bases. |
| US08285726B2 |
Presenting media guidance search results based on relevancy
Systems and methods for presenting search results based on relevancy in an interactive media guidance application are disclosed. After performing a user-initiated or automatic search for media content, the interactive media guidance application determines which of the hits are most relevant to the user. The guidance application then displays, or visually identifies, the relevant items. Some embodiments employ using different display arrangements based on the number of relevant items. Some embodiments display the relevant items in recommendation lists or hot lists. |
| US08285725B2 |
System and method for identifying entity representations based on a search query using field match templates
Disclosed is a system for, and method of, identifying a universal entity representation in an electronic universal database that corresponds to a foreign entity representation in an electronic foreign database, each entity representation including a plurality of linked records, each record including a plurality of fields, each field capable of containing a field value, each field value associated with a field value weight. |
| US08285723B2 |
System and method for indexing documents and retrieving similar document based on link transition count distance calculations
In an index generating device, a similarity calculating unit calculates access similarities indicating similarities of access histories between documents, based on history information indicating the access histories to the respective documents by users, and a similar document specifying unit specifies a similar document similar to a given document as a retrieval target, based on the access similarities or the like. A retrieval index generating unit generates a retrieval index for the given document as the retrieval target from words appearing in a document set consisting of the similar document and the given document as the retrieval target. |
| US08285718B1 |
Clustering multimedia search
A method for clustering a set of web search results is disclosed. A first signature is compared based at least in part on an analysis of multimedia content associated with a first web search result with a second signature based at least in part on an analysis of multimedia content associated with a second web search result. The first web search result is clustered with the second web search result based at least in part on the comparison of the first signature with the second signature. |
| US08285716B1 |
Identifying and ranking digital resources relating to places
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for identifying and ranking digital resources relating to places. A keyword included in a search query that is received, is determined to be a name of a place. A database of names of distinct places that uniquely identifies distinct places that have a same name is searched. It is determined that the database associates the keyword with a first and a second place. First and second resources, determined to be relevant to the first and the second place, respectively, are identified from the database. In response to receiving the search query, search results directed to the first place and separate search results directed to the second place are provided. The search results include one or more links to the provided one or more resources. |
| US08285712B2 |
Contact query data system and method
A processor-implemented method of operating a mobile communication device operable to execute one or more communication applications includes issuing a query for contact data over a communication network, creating a contact resolution object, receiving contact data responsive to the query over the communication network, the contact data comprising communication contact data for the one or more communication applications, associating the contact data received with the contact resolution object, and resolving the contact resolution object to select communication contact data. |
| US08285702B2 |
Content analysis simulator for improving site findability in information retrieval systems
A system and method including a simulator operating in conjunction with a search-engine, for improving document and site findability. Users input their content (pages or sites) and the simulator will analyze the site in terms of structure and content. It will then give the user a ranked list of suggestions about how the user might improve his/her site's findability. The user will then be able to apply some or all of these suggestions, or any other changes, by virtually modifying the site, and then immediately receive feedback both on how the pages look and a sense of the degree of findability improvement. The interactive process allows users to simulate modifications in their site structure and content in order to improve its findability. When the user completes the modifications and is satisfied with the new findability of his site, the user will be able then to replace his/her current site in the repository with the modified one. |
| US08285699B2 |
Generating search result summaries
Embodiments are configured to provide a summary of information associated with one or more search results. In an embodiment, a system includes a summary generator that can be configured to provide a summary of information including one or more snippets associated with a search term or search terms. The system includes a ranking component that can be used to rank snippets and the ranked snippets can be used when generating a summary that includes one or more ranked snippets. In one embodiment, the system can be configured to include one or more filters that can be used to filter snippets and the filtered snippets can be used when generating a summary. Other embodiments are available. |
| US08285698B2 |
Securing search queries
In general, the present invention protects actual search queries submitted to web search engines using a set (i.e., at least one) of supplemental queries (hereinafter referred to as securing search queries). As a result, collections of search queries will not form statistically stable categories, and will not disclose the search subject. Any hits resulting from securing search queries will be filtered from results that are returned to the requestor. In addition, the securing search queries can be associated with protective Internet Protocol addresses to reduce the possibility of the requestor of the actual search query to be identified. |
| US08285695B2 |
Catalog page generation system, digital camera, computer program product, and method for catalog page generation
A catalog page generation system, comprising a first generation circuit, a first determination circuit, and a second generation circuit, is provided. The first generation circuit generates a catalog page of objects included in a first directory or a first folder. The first determination circuit determines whether or not a second directory different from the first directory or a second folder different from the first folder exists. The second generation circuit generates existence information if the first determination circuit determines that the second directory or the second folder exists. The existence information indicates the existence of another directory or another folder of the same level as the first directory or the first folder. |
| US08285694B1 |
Distribution of enterprise related alerts via the emergency alert system
Enterprise related alert messages are distributed via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The enterprise community (e.g., a company, a business, or a firm, a school, a corporation, a department of transportation, a law enforcement agency, commuter service, or the like) is provide the ability to distribute enterprise related information via the EAS. Enterprise related alerts can be generated automatically, semi-automatically, and/or manually. Enterprise related alerts can be used to notify TV and radio broadcasters. |
| US08285691B2 |
Binary method for locating data rows in a compressed data block
A system and method is provided for locating one or more compressed data rows in a data block. A 16 byte “row map” may be added at the end of each compressed data block. The row map may provide seven binary address points in the compressed data block (i.e., by dividing the compressed data block into 8ths). |
| US08285690B2 |
Storage system for eliminating duplicated data
A storage system 103 carries out first and second de-duplication processes in response to receiving a write request from a client. First, a determination is made as to whether a write target data item overlaps with any of the stored data items of a part of a stored data item group, which is a user data item group stored in a storage device 209, and if so, the write target data item is prevented from being stored in the storage device. Second, a determination is made as to whether a target stored data item, which is not finished being evaluated as to whether it overlaps with the stored data item in the first de-duplication process, overlaps with another stored data item, and if so, the target stored data item or the same data item overlapping with the target stored data item is deleted from the storage device 209. |
| US08285689B2 |
Distributed file system and data block consistency managing method thereof
A distributed file system and a data block consistency managing method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises: a file location register generates the values of the counters corresponding to CHUNKs and the values of the counters are simultaneously stored in file access servers and a file location register; when writing data into a CHUNK, a file access client writes data into both the main and standby file access servers and revises the values of counters of CHUNKs in the file access servers into which data is written normally; the file location register takes the CHUNK whose counter has the maximal value as the normal and valid one according to the corresponding values of the counters of corresponding CHUNK reported by the main and standby file access servers. |
| US08285688B2 |
Versioning in an integration platform
A repository contains multiple versions of an object but only a single version of the object is supplied when a query is made. The single version is automatically selected from among a number of versions, based on a configuration associated with a workspace in which the query originates. The selected version is presented in a version resolved view, without exposing any information related to versioning of the object. A number of configurations are established, each configuration containing no more than one version of each object in the repository. However, only one configuration is associated with each workspace from which a query can originate. A single configuration is commonly associated with the workspaces of all developers. When developers decide that a set of objects in the repository is ready for use in live operation, the set of objects is “deployed” by copying the design time configuration to generate a new configuration. |
| US08285686B2 |
Executing prioritized replication requests for objects in a distributed storage system
A system and method for executing replication requests for objects in a distributed storage system is provided. A replication queue is identified from a plurality of replication queues corresponding to a replication key. The replication key includes information related to at least a source storage device in a distributed storage system at which objects are located and a destination storage device in the distributed storage system to which the objects are to be replicated. A distributed database is scanned using an identifier of the replication queue to produce a list of replication requests corresponding to the replication queue. The records of the distributed database are distributed across a plurality of nodes of the distributed database. The replication requests in the list of replication requests are executed in priority order. Replication requests are deleted from the distributed database only when the replication requests are complete. |
| US08285683B2 |
System and method for storing redundant information
A method and system for reducing storage requirements and speeding up storage operations by reducing the storage of redundant data includes receiving a request that identifies one or more data objects to which to apply a storage operation. For each data object, the storage system determines if the data object contains data that matches another data object to which the storage operation was previously applied. If the data objects do not match, then the storage system performs the storage operation in a usual manner. However, if the data objects do match, then the storage system may avoid performing the storage operation. |
| US08285682B2 |
Techniques for establishing a file system that exposes a virtual file system for backup operations
Techniques for establishing a files system that exposes a virtual file system for backup operations are presented. Changes to files of a file system are maintained separately or collected and presented as a VFS. The VFS is then used to perform backup operations. Moreover, the files identified in the VFS can be customized based on search parameters, criterion, and/or criteria supplied by a user or supplied as parameters to backup and VFS mount operations. |
| US08285680B2 |
Individual object restore
A method for restoring an object comprises receiving a request to restore an object. Also, the method includes outputting a representation of available backup files and receiving a selection of at least one of the available backup files. Further, the method comprises restoring at least one of the selected backup files into a temporary location and mounting at least one of the restored backup files as a server. In addition, the method includes outputting a representation of available objects from the server and receiving a selection of at least one of the available objects to be restored from the server. Also, the method includes copying one or more selected objects from the server into an Active Directory. |
| US08285676B2 |
Containment agnostic, N-ary roots leveraged model synchronization
A technique for annotating and synchronizing on a device is provided. A client root model of fragments is marked with annotations in response to triggers received by an application of the device. Marking the client root model of the fragments with annotations includes at least: in response to the any of the fragments being extracted out and flagged, marking the client root model with annotations; in response to binding any of the fragments to a source, marking the client root model of the fragments with annotations and marking the client root model as flagged; and in response to sharing in any the of fragments, marking the client root model with annotations. |
| US08285670B2 |
Dynamically maintaining coherency within live ranges of direct buffers
Reducing coherency problems in a data processing system is provided. Source code that is to be compiled is received and analyzed to identify at least one of a plurality of loops that contain a memory reference. A determination is made as to whether the memory reference is an access to a global memory that should be handled by a direct buffer. Responsive to an indication that the memory reference is an access to the global memory that should be handled by the direct buffer, the memory reference is marked for direct buffer transformation. The direct buffer transformation is then applied to the memory reference. |
| US08285668B2 |
Building a knowledgebase of associated time-based events
Technologies are described herein for building a knowledgebase of associated time-based events and displaying the associations between the events to a user. A chronology knowledgebase application is implemented that maintains a knowledgebase of facts and events that captures both the details of each event and the associations between them. The associated events can be readily retrieved by users of the chronology knowledgebase application and displayed in a way that makes apparent the temporal and causal relationship between the associated events. |
| US08285664B2 |
Semantic network with selective indexing
Indexing overhead in a semantic network is reduced by omitting some links from indexes in semantic network elements in response to one or more omission rules. Inference strategy over the semantic network is modified to prioritize inference strategies in such a way that the impact of the omissions on inference results is minimized. |
| US08285658B1 |
Account sharing detection
Apparatus and methods are described for detecting sharing of electronic or online accounts based on grouping of data samples that include keyboard input timing factors and optionally secondary factors. The data samples can be received from various computers having various keyboards of a certain type and may be input by more than one user. The data samples are grouped based on distances and ratios of mathematical combinations of distances between input timing of key events such as dwell and flight time, as well as optionally based on at least one secondary factor related to the keyboard input timing factors. Example secondary factors include a time of day of the input; and/or a machine identification, location, and IP address of the computer used to input the sample. |
| US08285657B2 |
Mobile brain-based device having a simulated nervous system based on the hippocampus
A brain-based device (BBD) having a physical mobile device NOMAD controlling and under control by a simulated nervous system. The simulated nervous system is based on an intricate anatomy and physiology of the hippocampus and its surrounding neuronal regions including the cortex. The BBD integrates spatial signals from numerous objects in time and provides flexible navigation solutions to aid in the exploration of unknown environments. As NOMAD navigates in its real world environment, the hippocampus of the simulated nervous system organizes multi-modal input information received from sensors on NOMAD over timescales and uses this organization for the development of spatial and episodic memories necessary for navigation. |
| US08285656B1 |
Systems and methods for data verification
Embodiments are directed to data verification of business or consumer data. Certain embodiments include a data verification system that receives or selects data to be verified, selects one or more verification methods to verify, update, and/or append/enhance the data. The data verification system may verify the data with one or more data verification methods, either alone or in combination. The methods may include a web-crawling verification method, an agent web verification method, a call verification method, a direct mail method, an email method, an in-person verification method, or other methods. The system has the ability to, automatically or manually, (1) blend automatic and manual segmentation of records or elements by criteria such as industry type, best times of day/month/year to verify, update, or append, cost, and level of importance (2) select the best verification processing method(s), and (3) manage the results and properly verify, update, append/enhance records. |
| US08285653B2 |
Systems and methods for generating random feasible solutions for an evolutionary process
Systems and methods may include identifying an input population of parent chromosome data structures, where each parent chromosome data structure provides a plurality of genes representative of variables in which associated values are permitted to evolve; selecting pairs of parent chromosome data structures from the input population of parent chromosome data structures; combining genes of each selected pair of parent chromosome data structures according to at least one evolutionary operator to generate a plurality of child chromosome data structures; evaluating the plurality of child chromosome data structures according to a plurality of constraint functions to generate a respective plurality of constraint function values for each child chromosome data structure, where the constraint functions define constraints on a feasible solution set; determining whether any of the plurality of child chromosome data structures are within the feasible solution set based upon the respective plurality of constraint violation function values. |
| US08285652B2 |
Virtual robot integration with search
An arrangement for virtually integrating a bot with a search functionality provided by an online search engine enables users of personal computers (“PCs”), mobile phones, and other devices to locate bot content in response to their search queries. The virtual integration enables bot content to be surfaced via the search engine. In response to a query, the search engine may return search results including links to one or more bots that are located on a presence-based network. When the user clicks on a link, a client application is launched on the PC or device that enables the user to converse with the bot using a natural language interface. The virtual integration also provides the bot with context of the user's last known query, or the query history. The bot can then start the conversation at a specific point within the bot's content hierarchy to respond to and answer the user's query. |
| US08285647B2 |
Maintaining privacy for transactions performable by a user device having a security module
The present invention discloses a method and system for maintaining privacy for transactions performable by a user device having a security module with a privacy certification authority and a verifier. The system comprises an issuer providing an issuer public key PKI; a user device having a security module for generating a first set of attestation-signature values DAA1; a privacy certification authority computer for providing an authority public key PKPCA and issuing second attestation values AV2; and a verification computer for checking the validity of the first set of attestation signature values DAA1 with the issuer public key PKI and the validity of a second set of attestation-signature values DAA2 with the authority public key PKPCA, the second set of attestation-signature values DAA2 being derivable by the user device 20 from the second attestation values AV2, wherein it is verifiable that the two sets of attestation-signature values DAA1, DAA2 relate to the user device. |
| US08285646B2 |
Centralized licensing services
Methods and devices are provided for central management of licenses, particularly those relating to wagering games. A license proxy deployed in and/or dedicated to a gaming establishment may operate under the control of a central licensing manager controlled by another entity, e.g., by a game provider. The license proxy may receive requests to enable features of an electronic gaming machine of the gaming establishment (e.g., game themes, player tracking features and/or peripheral device features) and determine, based on information provided by the central licensing manager, whether to grant such requests. The license proxy may also process requests to enable features of other devices in a gaming establishment, such as server-based features. |
| US08285636B2 |
Methods of monitoring behavior/activity of an individual associated with an organization
A cooperative arrangement and method to monitor behaviors and other activities by an individual in an organization are disclosed. A personal financial disclosure statement, personal financial records, and other relevant financial data associated with an individual who is associated with, or to be associated with, the organization are obtained. Information is extracted from the personal financial disclosure statement, the personal financial records, and the other relevant financial data and input into a risk assessment algorithm. The risk assessment algorithm operates on the input information and generates risk assessment data. The risk assessment data is evaluated to make a determination of certification with respect to the individual. A decision to certify means that the risk associated with the individual, with respect to committing fraud or some other improper act with respect to the organization, is acceptable. Risk assessment data on a plurality of key individuals within the organization may be generated and evaluated to make a determination of certification with respect to the organization as a whole. |
| US08285634B2 |
System and method for facilitating unified trading and control for a sponsoring organization's money management process
An embodiment of the present invention provides a system, method, process, software and standards that enable a unified trading and control process utilized by sponsoring organizations and asset managers (money managers) for sub advised or externally managed investment portfolios as to increase control over the trading process by a sponsoring organization, enhance regulatory compliance, substantially lower trading costs and improve investment performance on a recurring basis for the shareholders and beneficiaries investing in registered and non registered mutual funds and institutional investment portfolios. |
| US08285633B2 |
System and method for direct client access for management of securities transactions
A computer implemented system and method provides for transmission of a parent shell order of which no portion is placed for execution until a respective child order is obtained. The shell order can be received from a device of an exchange member on behalf of a member's customer and the child orders can be received directly from a device operated by the customer. |
| US08285632B2 |
Method and apparatus for on-line prediction of product concept success
A method, network entity and computer program product are provided for conducting a prediction market to test product concepts. In particular, an interface may be provided from which a user may select one or more markets in which the user would like to participate in a prediction market. Information associated with each of a group of product concepts falling within one of the selected markets, including a stock price, may be retrieved and displayed to the user. The user may indicate a number of shares he or she would like to purchase in at least one of the product concepts, and the stock price associated with each of the product concepts may be adjusted based on the number of shares purchased. A report may be generated and transmitted to a merchant associated with the product concepts being tested, wherein the report may include a volume weighted average price associated with each product concept. |
| US08285631B2 |
Method and system for structuring the ownership of an investment
A method of structuring ownership of an invention including the steps of receiving an investment commitment and a capital contribution from at least one investor, investing the capital contribution in a portfolio company, assigning a set of securities to the at least one investor based upon the capital contribution, the set of securities comprising a plurality of strips, and providing one or more of the plurality of strips to the at least one investor, wherein each of the plurality of strips is defined as a portion of the capital contribution and wherein at least one of the strips is dedicated for donation by the investor to at least one charity. |
| US08285630B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for blotter synchronization
Computer-implemented systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing securities order information between an order management system and liquidity source computer systems. An order management system generates a securities order and communicates it to a blotter synchronization module. The blotter synchronization module communicates with liquidity source computer systems to indicate that the securities order is open for execution, and the liquidity source computer systems may respond to request permission to execute the securities order. The blotter synchronization module determines whether to select one of the liquidity source computer systems to execute the securities order. |
| US08285629B2 |
Trading system products and processes
A trading platform and trading method that allows access to additional pools of liquidity is described. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08285620B1 |
Methods and systems for building and managing portfolios based on ordinal ranks of securities
A system, method, and computer-readable medium are provided for managing a portfolio using financial instrument rankings. A processor determines portfolio weights for financial instruments based on a ranking associated with each instrument, a cutoff rank, and a risk multiplier. |
| US08285619B2 |
Stock market prediction using natural language processing
A method of using natural language processing (NLP) techniques to extract information from online news feeds and then using the information so extracted to predict changes in stock prices or volatilities. These predictions can be used to make profitable trading strategies. Company names can be recognized and simple templates describing company actions can be automatically filled using parsing or pattern matching on words in or near the sentence containing the company name. These templates can be clustered into groups which are statistically correlated with changes in the stock prices. The system is composed of two parts: message understanding component that automatically fills in simple templates and a statistical correlation component that tests the correlation of these patterns to increases or decreases in the stock price. The methods can be applied to a broad range of text, including articles in online newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal, financial newsletters, radio &TV transcripts and annual reports. In an enhanced embodiment of the system statistical patterns in Internet usage data and Internet data such as newly released textual information on Web pages are further leveraged. |
| US08285607B2 |
System and method for pharmaceutical management and tracking
A product inventory management system including a cabinet configured to contain an inventory of product units having RFID tags and further configured to monitor the inventory by wirelessly detecting the RFID tags, and a server system configured to communicate over a network with the cabinet, the server system capable of managing the inventory of the cabinet. There is also a method for product inventory management, including receiving, in a server system and via a network, inventory data from a cabinet, the inventory data corresponding to an inventory of product units stored in the cabinet, and generating an order to have additional product units added to the cabinet according to the cabinet inventory. |
| US08285604B1 |
Methods and systems for receipt management and price comparison
The present invention relates to shopping assistance solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for maintaining purchase records, creating shopping lists, and comparing merchant pricing. The user experience in performing shopping functions is simplified and enhanced over existing methods. |
| US08285599B1 |
Method and a system for simultaneous pricing and merchandising
One embodiment of the instant invention is a computer-implemented method for processing transaction-related data that includes at least the following steps of: receiving seller data about a seller; receiving buyer data about a buyer; generating a seller profile; generating a buyer profile; receiving transaction data about a current transaction between the seller and the buyer for an offering; generating a transaction composite for the current transaction; determining a classification rule for each transaction composite class; and classifying the transaction composite into a particular transaction composite class based on comparing the classification rule to: i) the generated seller profile, ii) the generated buyer profile, or iii) the current transaction. |
| US08285596B2 |
CRM system for enhanced retention of customers
Customer relationship management (CRM) system for enhanced retention of customers of a business entity. In one embodiment, a historical data corresponding to a customer is maintained in the CRM system, with the historical data including information on prior interactions between the customer and the business entity. On receiving a call from the customer, the historical data is identified and an attrition risk (indicating the probability of retaining the customer) is computed based on the identified data. Different offers based on the computed attrition risk are then determined and communicated to the customer during the call. |
| US08285594B2 |
Method and apparatus for defining data of interest
Some embodiments of the invention include tools for extracting data of interest from the world wide web (WWW). The extraction is accomplished using descriptions of data of interest. The descriptions of data of interest can include computer programs comprising a sequence of instructions and extractor patterns. The extractor patterns can be developed interactively using a web browser integrated into the graphical development environment for creating the descriptions of data of interest. The instructions can be selected from a predetermined list of instructions designed for extracting information from the WWW. The descriptions of data of interest can be grouped into categories sharing common query elements. Multiple descriptions of data of interest in the same category can executed simultaneously using the same query. The descriptions of data of interest can be accessed by a client computer using a web browser to initiate a query. In some embodiments, the descriptions of data of interest are used to provide information about products available for sale over the WWW. |
| US08285593B2 |
Identifying source material associated with food products using bill of material
Identifying one or more source units for one or more food items may include assigning a sequence of numbers to a plurality of source units received at a processing entity and assigning a sequence of numbers to a plurality of end product units processed from the plurality of source units at the processing entity. A production rate associated with the end product units may be determined from a bill of materials associated with the end product units. A probability distribution function may be generated using at least the production rate. The probability distribution function maps a range of the sequence numbers associated with the plurality of source units to a range of sequence numbers associated with the end product units. A conversion algorithm may be generated that uses the probability distribution function to determine a source unit associated with a selected end product unit. |
| US08285591B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions
A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription may be established after receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established, such as a frequency and a duration of the subscription. |
| US08285587B2 |
System for multiple signers on an electronic card and gift
The current invention is a viral group greeting cards Internet service. It is a method and process that is an electronic greeting card service that utilizes the distributed access afforded by the Internet or local area networks (LANs) to enable the collection of greetings from multiple users on a single greeting card and its delivery to a recipient. It also allows for the pledges and collection of funds from multiple parties for a gift. |
| US08285585B2 |
System and method for peer-profiling individual performance
Embodiments of the invention provide a comprehensive, automated system and method for evaluating the performance of individuals or entities employed by an organization, particularly useful in peer-profiling physician performance in multi-facility environments. Embodiments of the invention can dynamically compose a virtual peer or group of peers and perform peer-profiling on each individual or group of individuals to be evaluated. For example, a composite physician may be generated from system-wide and/or state-wide healthcare data as a benchmark against which a particular physician is profiled according to industry-standard measurements. The composite physician would have equivalent or similar job function(s) as well as patient population. The composite physician enables a comprehensive “apple to apple” comparison with the particular physician, giving meaning to and facilitating the usefulness of performance evaluation results. |
| US08285583B2 |
Contact stream optimization using FEC and CC constraints
Methods, systems, and software for conducting a marketing campaign are described. One or more scores associated with sending offers to proposed contacts are received; and an overall campaign score corresponding to a sum of the scores is optimized to generate optimal assignments of offers to customers. The optimal assignments are included in the marketing campaign. |
| US08285579B2 |
Automatic determination and location of product support infrastructure resources
A method and system for enabling an automatic determination and allocation of product support resources. The automated process allocates support resources based on a combination of product and market requirements and historical data on resources used by similar products in similar markets. Projects requiring a support infrastructure are algorithmically classified by a combination of product complexity metrics and target market maturity metrics. Then, support infrastructure requirements are calculated based on the combined classification along with historical usage records for similarly classified products. The classification and allocation process is automated so that a product (or multiple products competing for available resources) can self-provision/request its resource requirement as a part of the product development and go-to-market process. |
| US08285574B2 |
Constrained resource management
Implementation of resource management services is provided. A method includes setting a price, per unit of a resource, for a defined time period and based upon a collective projected resource demand corresponding to resource consumption entities (RCEs). For the duration of the time period, the method includes iteratively performing: monitoring actual usage of the resource for each of the RCEs. If, in response to the monitoring, it is determined that a projected shortage exists for an RCE and a projected surplus exists for another RCE, the method includes re-allocating a number of projected surplus units of the resource from the RCE having the projected surplus to the other RCE having the projected shortage. If, in response to the monitoring, it is determined that a projected shortage exists for an RCE and no projected surplus exists for any of the other RCEs, the method includes acquiring additional units of the resource. |
| US08285569B2 |
System for facilitating life settlement transactions
A system and method for buying and selling life insurance policies includes an online database for storing information concerning in-force policies as needed for evaluation by a potential buyer. Owners of policies, either directly or through agents, who might be willing to sell their policies, register with the online website with critical financial and medical underwriting information relating to their policies, as needed for evaluation by a potential buyer. In the online database such information is organized and categorized as to parameters of various medical and financial information, to be reviewed online in an orderly manner by investors and potential buyers of policies. A membership preferably is required for a potential buyer to have access to the online information. In a preferred implementation of the system, an auction is held online to obtain essentially the best price for each policy. |
| US08285565B2 |
Gathering, storing, and retrieving summary electronic healthcare record information from healthcare providers
The system and method of the invention describes a unique approach to gathering patient treatment information in summary form from a universe of health care providers, each using any form of patient information management; converting that information to pointers that can be searched by a healthcare provider before or during treatment to determine if further information needs to be acquired from the original provider; and a variety of methods to provide access to detailed healthcare treatment and diagnosis information from the original healthcare provider through an access and display method provided by the healthcare provider housing the records, if available. The system and method envisages one or more providers of repository services, each offering various ways for healthcare providers to update and maintain summary information, and each providing for continual exchange of information among them to ensure complete access to all available information. |
| US08285559B1 |
Method for providing personalized medical care
A method for providing personalized medical care is described herein. The membership provider provides access to qualified members to highly qualified healthcare facilities. A dedicated staff person is available for the members, along with a selection of preferred services to make the health care facility visit more pleasant. The membership provider will then facilitate a meeting between the healthcare facility and the member to encourage and solicit a donation by the member to the healthcare facility. |
| US08285553B2 |
Computerized information presentation apparatus
A computerized information system and computer readable apparatus for use in a transport apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a computer readable medium having at least one computer program disposed thereon, the at least one program being configured to facilitate ad hoc communication with a personal electronic device of a user, and provide the user with requested information (such as for example direction to a desired business or other entity). At least a portion of the information is obtained via a wireless link with a remote server. |
| US08285551B2 |
Network apparatus and methods for user information delivery
A network apparatus useful for providing directions and other information to a user of a client device in wireless communication therewith. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more wireless interfaces and a network interface for communication with a server. User speech inputs in the form of digitized representations are received by the apparatus and used by the server as the basis for retrieving information including graphical representations of location or entities that the user wishes to find. |
| US08285549B2 |
Personality-based device
A personality-based theme may be provided. A prompt and an input indicating a personality may be received. Next, a voice font corresponding to the personality may be determined. The voice font may then be applied to the received prompt by augmenting the voice font applied prompt with recorded phrases of the personality. |
| US08285542B2 |
Adapting a language model to accommodate inputs not found in a directory assistance listing
A statistical language model is trained for use in a directory assistance system using the data in a directory assistance listing corpus. Calculations are made to determine how important words in the corpus are in distinguishing a listing from other listings, and how likely words are to be omitted or added by a user. The language model is trained using these calculations. |
| US08285539B2 |
Extracting tokens in a natural language understanding application
A method of processing text within a natural language understanding system can include applying a first tokenization technique to a sentence using a statistical tokenization model. A second tokenization technique using a named entity can be applied to the sentence when the first tokenization technique does not extract a needed token according to a class of the sentence. A token determined according to at least one of the tokenization techniques can be output. |
| US08285535B2 |
Techniques for processor/memory co-exploration at multiple abstraction levels
Processor/memory co-exploration at multiple abstraction levels. An architecture description language (ADL) description of a processor/memory system is accessed. The ADL description models on one of a plurality of abstraction levels. The abstraction levels may include a functional (or bit-accurate) level and a cycle-accurate level. Further, a communication protocol for the processor/memory system is accessed. The communication protocol is formed from primitives, wherein a memory interface formed from the primitives is useable in simulation at the abstraction levels. A processor/memory simulation model is automatically generated from the description and description of the communication protocol. The processor/memory simulation model comprises a processor/memory interface comprising the primitives and based on the communication protocol. The memory interface allows simulation of the processor/memory on the appropriate abstraction level for the simulation. For example, the processor/memory interface may be a functional interface or a cycle-accurate interface. |
| US08285530B2 |
Upwind algorithm for solving lubrication equations
An embodiment of the present invention may be a system or method for simulating a physical process. The physical process being simulated may be in a droplet. The process being simulated may be the drying of a droplet on a substrate. Simulating the physical process may include using a finite difference scheme to approximate a differential of a function. The function may be dependent on a plurality of variables. The location in space at which one or more of the variables is evaluated may depend on the sign of one or more of the variables and upon which portion of the finite difference equation is being evaluated. |
| US08285529B2 |
High-speed operation method for coupled equations based on finite element method and boundary element method
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a high-speed operation method for directing a computer to process a coefficient matrix constituting simultaneous equations generated by modeling an analysis target into a mesh by using the finite element method and the boundary element method, said method includes obtaining two edges that are not on a same plane and that are the closest to each other from among edges defined in a mesh of a boundary modeled by the boundary element method, and ordering, in a vicinity of on-diagonal elements of the coefficient matrix, matrix elements in the coefficient matrix of simultaneous equations obtained for the two edges that are the closest to each other. |
| US08285510B2 |
Method, apparatus, and article to facilitate distributed evaluation of objects using electromagnetic energy
Objects such as manufactured goods or articles, works of art, media such as identity documents, legal documents, financial instruments, transaction cards, other documents, and/or biological tissue are sampled via sequential illumination in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, a test response to the illumination is analyzed with respect to reference responses of reference objects. The sequence may be varied. The sequence may define an activation order, a drive level and/or temperature for operating one or more sources. Illumination may be in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Elements of the evaluation system may be remote from one another, for example coupled by a network. |
| US08285507B2 |
Measurement unit, transportation system, and measurement method
An environment sensor is mounted in a measurement unit. The measurement unit is adapted to be transported by a transportation apparatus. Measurement data from the environmental sensor is stored in a data format suitable for associating the measurement data with a state of the measurement unit. |
| US08285504B2 |
Method of obtaining measurement data using a sensor application interface
A method involves, via a sensor application interface, 1) receiving, from an application, a measurement request associated with a quality-of-service control; 2) in accord with the quality-of-service control, obtaining measurement data from a sensor; and 3) returning to the application i) the measurement data obtained from the sensor, and ii) an indicator of accuracy of the measurement data. |
| US08285499B2 |
Event recognition
A method executes software including a view hierarchy with a plurality of views which displays one or more views of the view hierarchy. The method executes software elements associated with a particular view, wherein each particular view includes event recognizers. Each event recognizer has an event definition based on sub-events, and an event handler that specifies an action for a target, and is configured to send the action to the target in response to an event recognition. The method detects a sequence of sub-events, and identifies one of the views of the view hierarchy as a hit view that establishes which views in the hierarchy are actively involved views. The method delivers a respective sub-event to event recognizers for each actively involved view, wherein each event recognizer for actively involved views in the view hierarchy processes the respective sub-event prior to processing a next sub-event in the sequence of sub-events. |
| US08285498B2 |
Method for detection and automatic identification of damage to rolling bearings
The subject of the invention is a method for detection and automatic identification of defects in rolling bearings applicable in diagnosing rolling bearings and detecting damage in a very early stage of its occurrence.The inventive method in which the vibrations of a bearing in operation are measured, the measured analogue signals are converted to digital data which are filtered and next shock pulses are detected, whereupon defects present in the tested bearing or bearings are identified, characterized in that the detection of shock pulses is done using shock pulse likelihood ratio (Ms). |
| US08285496B2 |
Method and device for providing air mass flow information in a supercharged internal combustion engine
A method for providing a characteristic quantity for a state of an air system of a supercharged internal combustion engine includes: detecting a characteristic quantity measured value as characteristic quantity information with the aid of a sensor; providing a characteristic quantity model, using which a characteristic quantity model value is computed on the basis of one or more quantities different from the characteristic quantity measured value; and providing the characteristic quantity either based on the characteristic quantity measured value or on the characteristic quantity model value computed by the characteristic quantity model, as a function of a state of the air system. |
| US08285495B2 |
Corrosion inspection and monitoring system
A system for in-situ near-real-time detection and monitoring of corrosion in structures with the ability to directly track the presence and growth of corrosion on a structure by measurement of material loss in the structure attained by analysis of high frequency wave propagation dynamics. The Corrosion Inspection and Monitoring (CIM) system utilizes low-weight in-situ transducers and unique data reduction software for detection and monitoring of corrosion in structural systems in near real-time for corrosion related damage. The CIM system provides a corrosion monitoring and tracking tool that can be deployed in the field with the structural system, and no maintenance personnel are needed for corrosion analysis. |
| US08285494B2 |
Conveyor chain monitoring system and method
A system for monitoring the wear of a moving conveyor chain includes a first detector for detecting a leading end of a first link of the chain and providing a first signal corresponding thereto, a second detector for detecting a trailing end of the first link and providing a second signal corresponding thereto, and a third detector for detecting a leading end of a third link of the chain and providing a third signal corresponding thereto. The system processes the signal so as to determine a first distance D1 which is the distance between the leading end and trailing end of the first link, a second distance D2 which is the distance between the trailing end of the first link and the leading end of the third link, and a third distance D3 which is the distance between the leading end of the first link and the leading end of the third link. These distance values are compared with corresponding distances which were previously measured or which were selected as benchmarks, and the differences therebetween provide data indicative of state of wear of the chain. The system operates to measure collective wear of the links as well as wear of individual link members. |
| US08285493B2 |
Autonomous monitoring method and system using sensors of different sensitivities
A method and system of monitoring for chemical or other toxic agents includes operating a plurality of first type sensors having a first level of sensitivity to an agent in a monitored area. Concurrently a second type sensor is operated having a second level of sensitivity to the agent in the monitored area, where the second level of sensitivity is at least ten times more sensitive than the first level of sensitivity. Input from the plurality of first type sensors and the second type sensor is received and analyzed, at a central location, in order to determine the presence of the agent in the monitored area. |
| US08285492B2 |
System and method for interpolative calibration
Systems and methods are provided for calibrating emission data or other information signals collected during a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplification reaction, assay, process, or other reaction. Calibration of multiple detectable materials can be achieved during a single cycle or run, or during a plurality of runs of the reaction. A reading from every well, container, or other support region of a sample support does not have to be taken. Interpolation can be used to determine values for emission data or other information signals that were not taken, or are unknown, using detected emission data, or other detected information signals. By calibrating the detected emission data and the interpolated data, a more accurate reading of emission data or information signal can be obtained. |
| US08285487B2 |
System and methods for improved diabetes data management and use employing wireless connectivity between patients and healthcare providers and repository of diabetes management information
Methods, devices and a system for disease management are provided that employ diagnostic testing devices (e.g., blood glucose meters) and medication delivery devices (e.g., insulin delivery devices) for providing data to a repository in real-time and automatically. Repository data can be analyzed to determine such information as actual test strip use, patient health parameters to outside prescribed ranges, testing and medication delivery compliance, patient profiles or stakeholders to receive promotional items or incentives, and so on. Connected meters and medication delivery devices and repository data analysis are also employed to associate a diagnostic test to a mealtime based on timing of a therapeutic intervention performed by an individual. |
| US08285485B2 |
Vehicle navigation system with route determination based on a measure of sportiness
A system and method is provided for identifying and generating a route that provides a driver with an exhilarating ride. In an example method, the navigation system obtains location data for routes between a starting and ending location. The location data is analyzed by identifying points of inflection of the curved road portion. At least one curved segment is identified as being road portions between the points of inflection. A linear distance, Llinear, is measured between the points of inflection of the at least one curved segment. A curve depth, H, is measured by identifying the maximum distance between the line between the points of inflection and any point on the curved segment along a perpendicular to the line between points of inflection. A curved segment degree of curviness=H/Llinear is calculated and used to determine the measure of curviness of the route. |
| US08285482B2 |
Mobile robot and method for moving mobile robot
Disclosed is a mobile robot and method generating a path of the mobile robot, capable of quickly moving the mobile robot to a location at which the mobile robot is able to detect a docking station. A first configuration space map is built by expanding an obstacle area including an obstacle by a first thickness, and a second configuration space map is built by expanding the obstacle area by a second thickness which is less than the first thickness. A path is generated by sequentially using the first configuration space map and the second configuration space map. |
| US08285479B2 |
Parking assist apparatus
A parking assist apparatus for guiding a vehicle to a target parking position includes an initial position guiding unit configured to generate an initial position guiding path at a predetermined timing, the initial position guiding path leading from a current position of the vehicle to an initial position where vehicle guidance to the target parking position is started. The initial position guiding unit is also configured to guide the vehicle along the initial position guiding path to the initial position. The apparatus also includes an obstacle detecting unit configured to detect an obstacle around the vehicle. When the obstacle detected by the obstacle detecting unit is located along the initial position guiding path, the initial position guiding unit generates the initial position guiding path such that the obstacle detected by the obstacle detecting unit can be avoided. |
| US08285468B2 |
Systems and methods for using a combustion dynamics tuning algorithm with a multi-can combustor
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for using a combustion dynamics tuning algorithm with a multi-can combustor. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a gas turbine engine with an engine model can be implemented for an engine comprising multiple cans. The method can include obtaining operating frequency information associated with multiple cans of the engine. In addition, the method can include determining variation between operating frequency information of at least two cans. Furthermore, the method can include determining a median value based at least in part on the variation. Moreover, the method can include determining whether the median value exceeds at least one operating threshold. The method can also include implementing at least one engine control action to modify at least one of the operating frequencies if at least one operating threshold is exceeded. |
| US08285467B2 |
Method and system for controlling at least one actuator for actuating the cowlings of a thrust inverter in a turbojet engine
The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one actuator for actuating the cowlings of a thrust inverter in a turbojet engine, the actuator being driven by an electric motor including a relative position sensor providing information on the evolution of the movement thereof, wherein the motor is controlled based on the instantaneous position of the cowling in at least one portion of the movement thereof between an open position and a closed position, the instantaneous position of the cowling being determined from at least one reference position absolute data and relative position data relative to said reference position provided by the relative position sensor of the motor, wherein in case the actuation is resumed after an interruption, a new determination of the reference position is initiated. |
| US08285465B2 |
Cooperative traction control system using dual slip controllers
A cooperative traction control system that integrates throttle control and torque distribution. The system also uses dual slip controllers and methods that involve controlling the distribution of torque between wheels in the front and rear axles of a vehicle and a relatively small or no adjustment of the engine throttle (or, more generally, engine torque output) to reduce wheel slip. The control is cooperative in the sense that two controllers—a front axle torque controller and a rear axle torque controller—work together (or are controlled together) to reduce wheel slip and thereby achieve improved straight-line movement of a vehicle from a standstill. |
| US08285462B2 |
Method and apparatus to determine a preferred output torque in mode and fixed gear operation with clutch torque constraints for a hybrid powertrain system
A hybrid transmission is operative to transfer torque between an input member and torque machines and an output member in one of a plurality of fixed gear and continuously variable operating range states through selective application of torque transfer clutches. The torque machines are operative to transfer power from an energy storage device. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes operating the hybrid transmission in one of the operating range states, determining a first set of internal system constraints on output torque transferred to the output member, determining a second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member, and determining an allowable output torque range that is achievable within the first set of internal system constraints and the second set of internal system constraints on the output torque transferred to the output member. |
| US08285454B2 |
Vehicle occupant presence and position sensing system
Sensors in a vehicle seat provide data for classifying occupants. Information from the sensors may be used to determine the position of an occupant relative to the seat and relative to the vehicle, the weight of the occupant, whether the seat belt is latched, and the position of the occupant relative to an airbag before and during a crash. Situations wherein airbag deployment is not desired are identified. A particularly inexpensive system meets the occupant classification needs of a system comprising a low risk deployment passenger airbag. |
| US08285452B2 |
Turning motion assistance device for electric vehicle
To reduce tire wear, a turning motion assistance device for an electric vehicle is provided which includes a target wheel slip angle calculating unit for calculating a target wheel slip angle from the steering angle, a vehicle state quantity detector for detecting vehicle state quantities, an actual vehicle-body slip angle calculating unit for calculating an actual vehicle-body slip angle from the vehicle state quantities, an actual wheel slip angle calculating unit for calculating an actual wheel slip angle from the actual vehicle-body slip angle and the steering angle, a yawing moment requirement calculating unit for calculating a yawing moment requirement from a difference between the target wheel slip angle and the actual wheel slip angle, and a torque correction data calculating unit for calculating an amount of torque correction for generating the yawing moment required. |
| US08285451B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling electric power steering system
Disclosed herein is a method for controlling an electric power steering system, wherein a motor is controlled by vector control and driven by a current command value calculated on the basis of a parameter such as a steering torque to provide a steering assist power to a vehicle steering system, and further wherein the current command value is limited on the basis of desired output characteristics and a desired angular speed during a field-weakening control and a non-field-weakening control of the vector control. |
| US08285449B2 |
Damping force control apparatus for vehicle
A suspension ECU computes an actual roll angle and an actual pitch angle of a vehicle, and computes a difference between a target pitch angle and the actual pitch angle. The ECU then computes a total demanded damping force which must be cooperatively generated by shock absorbers so as to decrease the computed difference to zero, and distributes the total demanded damping force in proportion to the magnitude of a lateral acceleration such that a demanded damping force on the turn-locus inner side becomes greater than a demanded damping force on the turn-locus outer side. Further, the ECU determines whether or not the vehicle body is vibrating in the vertical direction as a result of input of a road surface disturbance, calculates a vibration-suppressing damping force needed for damping the vibration, and determines the demanded damping forces by use of the vibration-suppressing damping force. |
| US08285448B2 |
Suspension system for vehicle
It is an object of the invention to provide a suspension system configured to execute a control for avoiding a state in which an operation of an electric motor which is a power source of an electromagnetic actuator is kept halted at a certain operational position while the motor is generating a motor force. Where a target rotational position of the motor becomes equal to a specific operational position (e.g., a rotational position at which an electrifying current amount of one phase reaches a peak value), a control for shifting the target rotational position by δθ is executed. Where the rotational position of the motor is kept located at the certain position for a time period longer than a prescribed time, a control for changing the rotational position of the motor is executed. According to the present suspension system, it is possible to suppress imbalance in heat generation in the motor and to thereby reduce a load to be applied to the motor. Accordingly, a suspension system with high utility is realized. |
| US08285446B2 |
Methods and systems for providing accessory steering wheel controls
An aftermarket steering wheel control includes a housing that includes a user-operable switch and a control module. The control module is configured to determine whether the user-operable switch has been operated, generate a data frame corresponding to a control signal for operating a vehicle component, and transmit the data frame to a receiver of a control signal interface. Another aftermarket steering wheel control includes a housing with a user-operable switch and a circuit with an output line. The output line is connected to the switch and further connected to a control signal interface. Operation of the user-operable switch changes a resistance on the at least one output line, and the control signal interface is configured to convert the resistance to a control signal for operating a vehicle component. |
| US08285445B2 |
System for performing communication between devices mounted in vehicle and communication module incorporated in the system
An electronic control unit and on-vehicle devices are each connected to a common power supply line via a communication module. The power supply line has positive and negative electrode side core wires. Each communication module is provided with a connection unit and a signal processor. The connection unit has a transformer having two pairs of input-output terminals, a first pair of which is respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode side core wires. The signal processor is connected to the second pair of input-output terminals of the transformer. The signal processor converts analog signals from the power supply line and outputted from the second pair of input-output terminals, converts externally inputted digital signals into analog signals and transmits the converted analog signals to the second pair of input-output terminals so that the converted analog signals are superimposed on the power supply line voltage. |
| US08285444B2 |
Integrated vehicle control system
Disclosed herein is an integrated vehicle control system, which eliminates the possibility of interfering with motion control devices and is capable of accurately controlling the targeted behavior of a vehicle. |
| US08285443B2 |
Controller for vehicle
A controller for a vehicle makes it possible to prevent window glass from fogging and also to reduce fuel consumption in conducting control to temporarily stop an engine when a vehicle stops. The controller for a vehicle includes a vehicle condition detector which detects a condition under which a vehicle is being placed, a fogging determination humidity estimator which estimates a fogging determination humidity, which is a humidity not causing window glass of the vehicle to fog up under the condition detected by the vehicle condition detector, a humidity detector which detects the humidity in the vehicle, and an engine stop duration determiner which determines a longer engine stop duration as the humidity difference increases between the humidity detected by the humidity detector immediately before an engine is stopped and the fogging determination humidity. An engine control unit restarts the engine and also starts up a refrigeration cycle unit and a blower fan when an engine stop duration has elapsed following an engine stop. |
| US08285427B2 |
Flight deck communication and display system
A flight deck communication and display system (100) for displaying a modified flight plan transmitted to an aircraft (224) is described including a processor (104) adapted to receive (i) data representative of a current aircraft flight plan (218, 228) and (ii) a textual message representative of the modified flight plan (218′, 228′) and operable, in response thereto, to supply a flight plan display command, and a modified flight plan display command, and comparing the textual clearance message with factors affecting aircraft safety to supply an alert message display command (204). A display (108) coupled to receive the flight plan display command, the modified flight plan display command, the alert message display command is operable, in response thereto, to substantially simultaneously display (308) (i) an image representative of the current aircraft flight plan, (ii) the textual clearance message, (iii) the modified flight plan, and (iv) an alert message indicating whether there are any safety concerns related to the textual air traffic modified flight plan. |
| US08285416B2 |
System and method for stabilization control adopting vestibulo-ocular reflex
A system and a method for stabilization control may control position and direction of an object having first and second bodies connected to each other. The system may include an artificial vestibular apparatus for outputting a movement signal corresponding to movement of the first body and a rotation signal corresponding to rotation of the first body; a translating actuation unit connected between the first and second bodies and controlling position of the second body in response to the movement signal; and a rotating actuation unit connected between the first and second bodies and controlling rotation of the second body in response to the rotation signal. If the system and the method are applied to a vision system of a mobile robot, the vision system may obtain stabile image information even when the mobile robot is moving. Thus, it is possible to prevent any blurring from occurring at the image information. |
| US08285408B2 |
System and method for designing an ear insert device
A method for designing an ear insert device using anatomical information relating to the ear. A user record is that includes anatomical information relating to an ear of a user is received. The anatomical information comprises at least one sub-dermal feature of an ear canal. The user record is processed to obtain an ear insert device design record. The ear insert device design record comprises a three dimensional representation of a bounding surface shape having surface boundaries that substantially conform to surface boundaries of the ear canal and the at least one sub-dermal feature of the ear canal. An ear insert device may be produced using the ear insert design record. |
| US08285403B2 |
Mobile transcoding architecture
A method and system for transcoding for a mobile device. The method includes accepting a master file, processing the master file with steps laid out in a definition file, the definition file providing instructions for converting the master file to a derivative file appropriate for playback on a pre-specified mobile handset, and outputting the results of the processing step into the derivative file. The system includes a definition file, the definition file providing instructions for converting a master file to a derivative file appropriate for playback on a pre-specified mobile handset. A plurality of modules is employed that are controlled by the definition file and which perform a corresponding plurality of functions on the master file or derivatives thereof. The function or processing steps may include one or more or all of the following: channel averaging, equalization, dynamic compression, limiting and peak normalization, resampling, CODEC encoding, applying a wrapper, or applying digital rights management. |
| US08285402B2 |
Method and system for safety monitored terminal block
A method, apparatus, and system for controlling a process are provided. The control device apparatus includes an input section configured to receive input signals from a controlled process, a first output section communicatively coupled to the input section wherein the first output section is configured to transmit the received input signals to a controller, and a second output section communicatively coupled to the controller, the second output section is configured to transmit control signals from the controller to the controlled process. The apparatus further includes a safety logic block communicatively coupled to the input section in parallel with the received input signals that are transmitted to the controller, the safety logic block is configured to generate a safety output signal using the received input signals, the safety logic block is further configured to transmit the safety output signal to the controlled process independent of the control signals. |
| US08285398B2 |
Lead with terminal connector assembly
A lead includes a lead body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and at least one conductor disposed within the lead body and extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the lead body. The lead further includes an outer terminal ring, a terminal pin, and an insulative sleeve disposed between the outer terminal ring and the terminal pin, where the insulative sleeve is coupled with the outer terminal ring with a snap-fit connection. A pin latch is disposed on an outer periphery surface of the insulative sleeve, where the pin latch is rotatable about a hinge point. |
| US08285382B2 |
Determining stimulation signals for neural stimulation
An embodiment of the present invention takes masking effects into consideration when determining stimulation signals for neural stimulation. These masking effects may be modeled using user-specific models determined by taking measurements for an implant system of an implant recipient. Or, the model may correspond to a group of individuals sharing a common characteristic or the population as a whole. These models may be, for example, psycho-physical models. |
| US08285380B2 |
Electronics package suitable for implantation
The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, such as for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue. |
| US08285373B2 |
Remote sensing in an implantable medical device
An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense heart sounds, and determines heart rate info nation using the sensed heart sounds. An embodiment uses an accelerometer to sense respiratory activity. An embodiment delivers a programmed neural stimulation therapy with a programmed duty cycle, where the programmed duty cycle includes a stimulation ON portion followed by a stimulation OFF portion. An electrode electrically connected to the implanted neural stimulation device is used to remotely detect cardiac activity. The remotely detected cardiac activity is used to detect heart rate information during the stimulation ON portion and to detect heart rate information during the stimulation OFF portion. The detected heart rate information and/or the detected respiration information are used to control a neural stimulation therapy performed by the neural stimulator device and/or are used to provide diagnostic information for the patient's condition. |
| US08285372B2 |
Alertness/drowsiness and cognitive capacity index
The invention includes a method and system for providing an Index representing the alertness state of an individual based at least in part on EEG signals obtained from the individual. In at least one embodiment, the EEG signals are divided into frequency bands and a total amplitude of the power is determined. Based on the proportion of the high frequency band compared to the proportion of the low frequency band, an Index is determined that is indicative of an individual's ability to perform a cognitive task. |
| US08285369B2 |
Method for delineation of characteristic points in an electrocardiogram signal, and storage medium, electronic device and electrocardiogram signal analyzing system for implementing the method
A method for delineation of characteristic points in an electrocardiogram signal includes the steps of: (a) processing the electrocardiogram signal to obtain at least one multiscale differential operator wavelet transform thereof; and (b) locating at least one characteristic point in at least one wave segment of the electrocardiogram signal based on the at least one multiscale differential operator wavelet transform. |
| US08285368B2 |
Endoscopic long range fourier domain optical coherence tomography (LR-FD-OCT)
An endoscopic swept-source Fourier Domain optical coherence tomographic system (FDOCT system) for imaging of tissue structure includes a Fourier Domain mode locked (FDML), high speed, narrow line-width, wavelength swept source, an OCT interferometer having a sample arm, a reference arm, a detection arm, and a source arm coupled to the swept source, an endoscopic probe coupled to the sample arm, and a data processing circuit coupled to the detection arm. The swept source includes a long optic fiber functioning as a cavity, a high optical gain lasing module, and a tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter for wavelength selection combined to form a unidirectional ring laser cavity, where the tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter is driven synchronously with the optical round-trip time of a propagating light wave in the cavity. |
| US08285367B2 |
Vasculature and lymphatic system imaging and ablation associated with a reservoir
In an embodiment, a system includes one or one or more reservoirs responsive to control circuitry for receiving target(s) associated with one or more blood or lymph vessel of a subject. The system includes one or more first energy source associated with the one or more reservoirs for providing energy to elicit image response(s) associated with the target(s). The system includes one or more sensors associated with the one or more reservoirs for capturing the image response(s). Control circuitry is provided and coupled to the sensors for at least partially identifying the target(s) based at least partially on the captured image response(s) during an expected transit time of the target(s) through a detection area. Attachment unit(s) responsive to the control circuitry are provided for attaching the one or more reservoirs to the blood or lymph vessel. |
| US08285365B2 |
Interventional device for RF ablation for use in RF fields
A interventional device for RF ablation for use in a RF electrical and/or magnetic field especially of a MR imaging system is disclosed, comprising an ablation catheter which is preferably trackable or can be guided or visualized in the image generated by the MR imaging system by means of a MR micro-coil (102), and which is provided with an ablation electrode (101). The interventional device further comprises a transmission path (103) with line segments (104′, 104″) and transformers (105) therebetween, for connecting the MR micro-coil (102) in a differential mode with a MR receiver (108) and for connecting a RF amplifier (107) in a common mode with the ablation electrode (101) for conveying RF ablation power. |
| US08285364B2 |
Systems and methods for three-dimensional ultrasound mapping
An automated medical system comprises a first instrument assembly including a first ultrasound transducer having a first transducer field of view that transmits and receives ultrasound signals in imaging planes disposed circumferentially about a guide instrument, and a second instrument assembly including a second ultrasound transducer having a second transducer field of view coupled to one of a second flexible guide instrument and a working instrument. A computing system is operatively coupled to the respective first and second transducers and configured to determine a relative spatial orientation of the respective first and second transducers based at least in part on detecting a signal transmitted by one of the first and second transducers and received by the other of the first and second transducers, the received signal having an amplitude indicating the receiving one of the transducers is in the field of view of the transmitting one of the transducers. |
| US08285363B2 |
Surgical tracker and implantable marker for use as part of a surgical navigation system
A marker for use with a surgical navigation system for tracking the tissue with which the marker is associated. The overall dimensions of the mark is such that it is shaped to be disposed below the skin of the patient in which the marker is implanted. The marker has a stem or a spike that allows the marker to be implanted in hard tissue such as bone. A head, containing navigation system components is located above the stem or spike. Once the procedure is completed the marker is removed from the patient by breaking the head free from the stem Alternatively the head may be rotated to cause the whole of the marker to break free from the bone in which the marker is implanted. |
| US08285361B2 |
Vertical field MRI breast coil
The present invention relates to a design of a radiofrequency (RF) receive coil (also commonly referred to as an imaging coil) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a vertical field MRI system of a patient's breast region. The design described herein generally includes a housing that includes two coil cups. The coil housing will generally encase the coil elements. In general, the breast coil of certain embodiments of the invention will include loop elements surrounding each side of each of the coil cups, a saddle element at the bottom of each cup, and an element that spans the width of the coil, wrapping at least partially up both sides of the coil. It is foreseen that further embodiments of the breast coil design may include additional elements. |
| US08285360B2 |
Blood flow dynamic analysis apparatus, magnetic resonance imaging system and program
A blood flow dynamic analysis apparatus for analyzing the dynamic state of a blood flow of a subject using data about a plurality of frame images acquired from the subject with a contrast agent injected therein, includes a map creation device for creating maps each indicative of a characteristic amount related to the dynamic state of the contrast agent or the blood flow, based on the data about the frame images, an unaffected side detection device for detecting an unaffected side of the subject from within each of the maps, and a display condition determination device for determining a display condition used when each of the maps is displayed, based on pixel values of pixels existing in the unaffected side in the map. |
| US08285359B2 |
Method and system for retrospective gating using multiple inputs
One or more techniques are provided for determining the overall motion of an organ of interest relative to a viewer or imager. Motion data is acquired for the organ of interest and/or for one or more proximate organs using sensor-based and/or image data-based techniques. The sensor-based techniques may include electrical and non-electrical techniques. The image data-based techniques may include both pre-acquisition and acquisition image data. The motion data for the organ of interest and proximate organs may be used to determine one or more quiescent periods corresponding to intervals of minimal motion for the organ of interest and the proximate organs, which may be used to determine one or more gating points that may be used retrospectively, as well as one or more motion compensation factors that may be used to reduce motion-related artifacts during processing and reconstruction of the acquired image data. |
| US08285356B2 |
Adherent device with multiple physiological sensors
An adherent device to monitor a patient for an extended period comprises a breathable tape. The breathable tape comprises a porous material with an adhesive coating to adhere the breathable tape to a skin of the patient. At least one electrode is affixed to the breathable tape and capable of electrically coupling to a skin of the patient. A printed circuit board is connected to the breathable tape to support the printed circuit board with the breathable tape when the tape is adhered to the patient. Electronic components electrically are connected to the printed circuit board and coupled to the at least one electrode to measure physiologic signals of the patient. A breathable cover and/or an electronics housing is disposed over the circuit board and electronic components and connected to at least one of the electronics components, the printed circuit board or the breathable tape. |
| US08285354B2 |
System and methods for processing analyte sensor data
Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor. |
| US08285352B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying pulse rates
According to embodiments, techniques for using continuous wavelet transforms and spectral transforms to identify pulse rates from a photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal are disclosed. According to embodiments, candidate pulse rates of the PPG signal may be identified from a wavelet transformed PPG signal and a spectral transformed PPG signal. A pulse rate may be determined from the candidate pulse rates by selecting one of the candidate pulse rates or by combining the candidate pulse rates. According to embodiments, a spectral transform of a PPG signal may be performed to identify a frequency region associated with a pulse rate of the PPG signal. A continuous wavelet transform of the PPG signal at a scale corresponding to the identified frequency region may be performed to determine a pulse rate from the wavelet transformed signal. |
| US08285346B2 |
Method and arrangement for reducing battery power consumption of a user equipment
The present invention relates to a method and arrangements for saving battery power consumption of a UE in mobile telecommunication system. The method comprises the step of checking whether the UE fulfills at least one of the pre-determined criteria that a subscriber explicitly requests to receive paging at extended DRX cycle and that a new cell is not reselected during a pre-determined time. If the at least one of the pre-determined criteria is fulfilled the step of applying an extended DRX cycle is performed. |
| US08285345B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for switching states thereof
A mobile terminal and method for switching states thereof are disclosed. The mobile terminal comprises a communication processor and an application processor, wherein a state in which only the communication processor is in control is defined as a second state, a state in which both the application processor and the communication processor operate and the application processor is in control is defined as a first state, the method comprising: obtaining, in the second state, trigger information corresponding to an event set; and switching the mobile terminal from the second state to the first state based on the trigger information. The mobile terminal according to the present invention can switch to a state in which only the communication processor is in control by obtaining the trigger information corresponding to an event set. In such a state, the system power consumption caused by the application processor can be effectively reduced, since the operation does not rely on the application processor and the processing functions of the communication processor can be utilized alone. |
| US08285335B2 |
Case having display window and mobile terminal having the case
A case having a display window and a mobile terminal having the case that suppress damage due to static electricity applied to a display window are provided. The case of a mobile terminal for covering a display device thereof includes: a case body in which a window space for exposing a panel of the display device is formed; and a display window attached to a peripheral edge of the window space and having an EMI protection layer formed around a peripheral edge of the display window. Static electricity applied to the display window of the case is thereby grounded through the EMI protection layer formed in the display window, thus suppressing damage of an external appearance of the display device due to static electricity. |
| US08285333B2 |
Mobile phone comprising display that transitions between lateral and longitudinal states
An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone which allows a user to continuously watch a television broadcast even if there is a call from the other party phone. If a call comes from the other party phone in a state of displaying television image on a main display, the television audio output part 36 stops outputting television audio corresponding to the television image while the television image display part maintains display of the television image on the main display, wherein the character information display part 38 causes the main display to display caption corresponding to the television image. Therefore, the user is allowed to continuously watch the television broadcast on the basis of the television image and caption while communicating with the other party phone. |
| US08285332B2 |
Communication method, transmission apparatus and reception apparatus
A communication method in a communication terminal apparatus includes at least one antenna and performs wireless communication with a base station apparatus including a plurality of transmission antennas. The method includes receiving a signal transmitted from the base station apparatus using the antenna and transmitting a feedback signal regarding transmission antenna selection at the base station apparatus, to the base station apparatus using the antenna. |
| US08285329B1 |
Mobile device-based control of smart card operation
A system is provided for mobile device-based control of smart card operation. The system includes a mobile device comprising an electronic wallet and smart card applications. The system also includes a server to authenticate a request for smart card information from the mobile device. The server also provides the smart card information to the mobile device to enable the electronic wallet to access at least one of the smart card applications. |
| US08285320B2 |
Method for controlling the operation of a base station of a wireless cellular telecommunication network
A method for controlling operation of a first base station of a wireless cellular telecommunication network including plural base stations and a server. The first base station sets transmission power of signals transferred by the first base station at a first transmission power value, detects a predetermined signal transferred by a mobile terminal, and if a predetermined signal is detected: establishes a communication link with the server, obtains from the server information identifying each second base station that manages a cell that is neighbor of the cell managed by the first base station and that is transferring signals at a second transmission power higher than the first transmission power value, establishes a communication link with each second base station, and sets the transmission power of the signals transferred by the first base station at a second transmission power value higher than the first transmission power. |
| US08285319B2 |
Combined open loop/closed loop (CQI-based) uplink transmit power control with interference mitigation for E-UTRA
A combined open loop and closed loop (channel quality indicator (CQI)-based) transmit power control (TPC) scheme with interference mitigation for a long term evolution (LTE) wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is disclosed. The transmit power of the WTRU is derived based on a target signal-to-interference noise ratio (SINR) and a pathloss value. The pathloss value pertains to the downlink signal from a serving evolved Node-B (eNodeB) and includes shadowing. An interference and noise value of the serving eNodeB is included in the transmit power derivation, along with an offset constant value to adjust for downlink (DL) reference signal power and actual transmit power. A weighting factor is also used based on the availability of CQI feedback. |
| US08285316B2 |
Multi-users real-time transcoding system and method for multimedia sessions
A method an system for establishing a multi-user communication session, having a session description, between terminals with incompatible media characteristics, in which users with terminals having incompatible media characteristics are invited to participate in the communication session. A transcoding session is set up for enabling transcoding between the incompatible media characteristics of the terminals based on information about the terminals of the users having accepted the invitation, this information comprising the media characteristics of the users' terminals. The session description is established according to the transcoding session and, during the communication session, media streams from the terminal of one user are transcoded according to the transcoding session and the transcoded media streams are transmitted according to the session description to the other users participating in the communication session, using the media characteristics of the terminals of those other users. |
| US08285314B2 |
Method and system for confirming a short message of an electronic device
An electronic device and a method for confirming a short message of the electronic device include setting variables to confirm the short message received by the network, enabling a timer, and assigning the variables. The confirming method includes acquiring values of the variables, and sending a DBM including the short message to the network and waiting for an acknowledge DBM, if the electronic device attempts to access the network and needs to send the short message. The confirmation method further includes queue up the DBM in the electronic device, if the electronic device does not attempt to access the network, the duration of the timer has not elapsed, and needs to send the short message. |
| US08285313B2 |
Messaging system and method
A messaging method using a mobile user terminal, the method including the steps of: creating, at the mobile user terminal, at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient; preparing message content including at least one of the created graphical messaging symbols using the mobile terminal; and sending the message to a recipient via a communication network. |
| US08285306B2 |
Location server, location controller, method and system for implementing location-based service
A location server, a location controller, a method and a system for implementing a location-based service are provided. The method includes: receiving a location data request sent by a client; sending a location request message including QoS requirement information to a location controller; sending location information to the client according to a location response returned by the location controller, where the location response includes location measurement information. The location server does not need to directly transmit QoS requirement values sent by the client, but satisfies the service having no specific requirements for QoS of a location result by determining the sent QoS requirement information flexibly. The network can determine the QoS of the location result according to its own location capability. In this way, the network location capability is fully utilized, and at the same time flexibility of a location service QoS requirement is improved. |
| US08285303B2 |
Area specifying apparatus, communication system, and area specifying method
An area specifying apparatus, which is portable, includes a position acquiring unit that acquires positions of respective radio communication apparatuses through radio communication therewith, a distance measuring unit that measures distances from the area specifying apparatus to the respective radio communication apparatuses while the area specifying apparatus is being moved, a position calculating unit that calculates positions of the area specifying apparatus based on three or more of the positions of the respective radio communication apparatuses and corresponding three or more of the distances from the area specifying apparatus to the respective radio communication apparatuses, and a position transmitting unit that transmits the positions of the area specifying apparatus to each of the radio communication apparatuses so that each of the radio communication apparatuses can specify a physical area enclosed by a line connecting the positions of the area specifying apparatus as a specified area. |
| US08285298B2 |
Chromatic scheduler for network traffic with disparate service requirements
System(s) and method(s) are provided for managing network capacity in a wireless network that serves various traffic flows with disparate quality of service requirements. Management is based on multi-stage scheduling in frequency-time domain. A first scheduling stage generates an allocation of radio resources that minimizes inter-cell interference amongst a plurality of base stations. Based on the first-stage allocation of radio resources, a second scheduling stage computes flow capacity for a set of radio resources specific to a base station, and acquires guaranteed-bit-rate (GBR) and non-guaranteed GBR traffic flows. GBR traffic flows are matched to computed flow capacity to generate an allocation of frequency-time resources. In second scheduling stage, GBR traffic flows are scheduled based at least in part on allocated resources and priority queuing. Based on allocation(s) in first and second scheduling stages, a third scheduling stage schedules non-GBR traffic flows based at least in part on fair scheduling. |
| US08285296B2 |
Frame structure for multi-hop relay in wireless communication systems
Implementations of systems and techniques for scheduling wireless transmission of data blocks between a base station (BS) and one or more relay stations (RSs) in a wireless relay communication network. |
| US08285291B2 |
System and method for multimode device handover
Systems and methods of operating multimode 3G/4G communications devices in an overlapping 3G/4G coverage area (e.g., WiMAX or LTE/CDMA-EvDO) include determining a loading condition of the 3G and 4G base stations. If the 3G and 4G base stations are lightly loaded, one or more 4G Channel Quality Indicators (CQI) are compared with one or more corresponding 3G Data Rate Control (DRC) indices to determine which of the 3G and 4G networks allows a higher data throughput. The dual mode communications device is handed off to a 4G base station associated with the 4G coverage if the 4G network allows the higher data throughput; otherwise, the dual mode communications device is handed off to a 3G base station. User priorities, application categories, and/or MIMO and diversity modes may be used to determine handoff if the base stations are more than lightly loaded. |
| US08285287B2 |
Wireless communication terminal, program and communication method
A wireless communication terminal including: a switching section for switching between a first communication system in which an upper limit value of a transmission rate varies and a second communication system; a reception section for receiving an information indicating the upper limit value of the transmission rate in the first communication system, from a base station; a comparison section for making a comparison between the upper limit value received by the reception section and a predetermined reference value, either at a communication start time or during communication with the base station in the first communication system; and a control section for performing switching control of the switching section so as to perform communication in the second communication system when the upper limit value is lower than the reference value as a result of the comparison by the comparison section. |
| US08285282B2 |
Radio communication system, radio communication terminal, radio base station and radio communication method
The radio commutation terminal (200) receives an AAS-DLFP which is transmitted by using a specific region and is associated with the control information, when the control information transmitted by using a map region is cannot toe received. The radio communication terminal (200) transmits a ranging code to a radio base station (100) to notify the reception of the AAS-DLFP, when the AAS-DLFP is received. The radio base station (100) transmits a private map for the radio communication terminal (200) to the radio communication terminal (200) toy a directional beam, when the ranging code is received from the radio communication terminal (200). |
| US08285279B2 |
Capability update during call
A capability update during a voice call between a first mobile device and a second mobile device. A communications link is configured between the first mobile device and the second mobile device to allow the first mobile device and the second mobile device to exchange a first type of data. The communications link is reconfigured to allow the first mobile device and the second mobile device to exchange concurrently both the first type of data and a second type of data. |
| US08285277B2 |
Wireless protocol converter
Methods and apparatuses for interfacing between broadband wireless communication systems and Local Area Network (LAN) systems are disclosed herein. For instance, the method can include receiving wireless data formatted according to the LAN protocol. The LAN-formatted data can be converted to a broadband wireless communication protocol (e.g., a wide area network, a cellular telephone communication network, a broadband satellite communication network, or a combination thereof) to generate broadband protocol data. Further, the broadband protocol data can be transmitted to one or more wireless devices. |
| US08285273B2 |
System and method for conducting a search using a wireless mobile device
A method and system are provided by which a wireless mobile device takes a vocally entered query and transmits it in a text message format over a wireless network to a search engine; receives search results based on the query from the search engine over the wireless network; and displays the search results. |
| US08285270B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication network and software upgrading method
A base station control portion 200 selects one or plural signals from signals received by plural settable communication paths in accordance with the state of the wave. A wireless communication apparatus 110 communicates with a wireless terminal 300 and a wired communication network. When the wireless communication apparatus 110 receives a request for upgrading software from a network management device 250, the wireless communication apparatus 110 controls the state of the transmission wave of a wireless interface so as to switch a communication path in which communication services are being provided to another wireless communication apparatus 110 without blackouts, rewrites the set software to software having been received through a wired interface in advance, returns the state of the transmission wave of the wireless interface and upgrades software without blackouts of the supply of communication services to the wireless terminal 300. |
| US08285266B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating identification of communication originators
Systems, apparatuses and methods for facilitating identification of the originator of a communication. A communication is received from a sending device. Sending device identification information is requested from a distributed contact database fashioned from the contact databases of the communication devices in a group of communication devices. If the sending device identification information is available at a given communication device, it is received from the communication device. |
| US08285265B2 |
System and method for updating presence information in instant messaging applications on a mobile device
A system and method for controlling the presence status on a mobile device is provided. The method comprises determining an active notification profile for said mobile device, said active notification profile defining how said mobile device notifies of new events; determining a corresponding presence status for said active notification profile; and setting said corresponding presence status as a current presence status. |
| US08285264B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and function limitation control
A predetermined communication terminal limits an available function of a mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal sets on a limitation on the use of a specified function of its own terminal in accordance with function limitation setting information determined between the predetermined communication terminal and a server. When the specified function is tried to be used, the mobile communication terminal acquires current location information on the predetermined communication terminal and determines whether to enable or disable the specified function depending on the relationship of location with the predetermined communication terminal. |
| US08285258B2 |
Pushed content notification and display
Presenting content within an application on a device is disclosed. Receiving notification of new content within an application at a device is disclosed. Presenting the received notification at the device is disclosed. Receiving a selection of the notification, and displaying the new content in the screen directly following receiving the selection of the notification are disclosed. Notification can be received outside the application, e.g., by posting notification on a social network, posting notification to a web site, and posting a message to a user's avatar in a virtual world. A selection can be received while the device is offline, in which case the new content displayed is that content stored on the device. |
| US08285255B2 |
Voicemail user interface methods and apparatus for mobile communication devices
Voicemail user interface methods and apparatus for mobile communication devices are disclosed. Voicemail notification messages corresponding to voicemail messages are received through a wireless receiver of the mobile device and voicemail message header lines corresponding to them are displayed in a message list. In one illustrative example, the mobile device provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for the end-user with visual objects corresponding to PLAY, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, SKIP BACK, SKIP FORWARD, as examples, which provides for transparency of voicemail system-specific commands. Preferably, the mobile device receives the voicemail notification messages from several different voicemail systems for consolidating such processing using this single common user interface. Each voicemail notification message preferably includes voicemail message summary information, such as a calling party identifier, a message time stamp, and message length, for use in providing the voicemail message header information in the message list. In addition, each voicemail notification message preferably includes voicemail retrieval/processing information, such as a voicemail access telephone number, a voicemail message identification number, and voicemail message processing commands, for use in providing the system interface transparency. |
| US08285253B2 |
Method for managing a telecommunication network and associated devices
The invention pertains to a method for managing a telecommunication network, comprising at least one base station in which said at least one base station is located and authenticated through the use of at least one identification parameter for a landline of the telecommunication network to which the base station is connected. |
| US08285252B2 |
Charging method, system and apparatus
A charging method is disclosed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes receiving a message transmission request carrying message content to be transmitted; generating a message conversion charging ID if the message content is to be converted; sending charging information carrying the message conversion charging ID and performing charging control on the message sender based on the message conversion charging ID. A charging system and apparatus are also disclosed according to embodiments of the present disclosure. With the present disclosure, the charging of message service becomes more flexible and the user experience is improved. |
| US08285251B2 |
Systems and methods for providing wireless account feature notifications to mobile communication devices
Systems and methods for providing wireless account calling feature indications to a device are described. Feature indications are provided to inform a user of the device that an incoming call or outgoing call is eligible for an account calling feature based on whether the conditions for the calling feature to apply are currently met. The feature indications are provided to a display of the device and/or to a speaker of the device. |
| US08285249B2 |
Feature management of an electronic device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device. Modern communication devices are capable of many things, including making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. Depending on who is using the communication device, such as a child or an employee, there may be a need or desire to regulate how that communication device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device. |
| US08285248B2 |
Multi-function adjunct device for use with a handheld wireless communication device
An adjunct device includes a housing for coupling to a handheld wireless communication device via a communication port of the handheld wireless communication device. A device interface communicates application data with an application of the handheld wireless communication device via the communication port of the handheld wireless communication device. A short-range wireless transceiver communicates the application data with a remote wireless device. |
| US08285245B2 |
Messaging in a multi-dimensional space
Information from location nodes is downloaded to a control center. A mobile device associated with a user located in a specific area at a geographical location is in communication at least one node, which is, in turn, in communication with at least one control center. The nodes communicate with each other wirelessly via radio frequency (RF) using Bluetooth™ protocol. A messaging system is used to send specific messages to mobile devices, according to the profiles of the users of the mobile devices and their location relative to the nodes. Data mining and commercial communications are possible for users associated with mobile devices in particular locations. |
| US08285244B2 |
Uniform emergency interconnect access in a multi-modal device
A wireless communication device (102) includes a processor (406) and a wireless network interface (404, 407), communicatively coupled with the processor (406), for determining the presence of a network providing wireless communication service. The device (102) also includes a memory (408) for storing a plurality of emergency service connection profiles. One of the profiles is selected based on the network determined to be present. The selected profile is then presented via a user interface (302) to a user of the wireless communication device (102) as a single emergency call model that is uniform among the profiles. |
| US08285236B2 |
Method and device for processing the DC offset of a radiofrequency reception subsystem
A method may compensate for direct current (DC) offset in a radio frequency reception device. The method may include partitioning an analog portion of the reception device into a plurality of zones, for each zone, calibrating initial DC offset compensation to be applied within an operating range of a respective zone, the operating range of the other zones being limited to a threshold operating range, and determining DC offset compensation to be applied to the reception device throughout the operating range based on the basic DC offset compensations. |
| US08285233B2 |
Method for displaying other stations now playing list
In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a method and a corresponding apparatus are described comprising receiving, at a radio receiver, a broadcast program. At another radio receiver, supplementary data related to at least one other broadcast program is received, and at least a part of the received supplementary data is displayed. The radio receiver is switched to a broadcast program corresponding to a selected item of the displayed supplementary data. |
| US08285216B2 |
Inter-cell power control for interference management
A system and method for inter-cell power control for interference management in an OFDM system is provided. The system provides for a combination use of open loop and closed loop PSD control algorithms. The open loop control is a function of path loss from the serving cell as well as the neighboring cells. The closed loop control updates the end node transmit PSD by listening to the load indicators from the serving cell and at least one other neighboring non-serving cell which generates the highest level of interference. The system thus provides a fast and tight control with multi-cell information that allows improved inter-cell interference control. |
| US08285212B2 |
System and method for secure short-range communication
A system and method for enabling secure short-range communication. A close proximity transmitter is used that is designed with a relatively poor radiator as compared to a conventional transmitter supporting conventional transmissions such as mobile phone communications, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth communication. The close-proximity transmitter and the conventional transmitter are selectively activated based on a communication mode. |
| US08285211B2 |
Method and system for improving client server transmission over fading channel with wireless location and authentication technology via electromagnetic radiation
Wireless personal area network (Zigbee, Bluetooth, UWB) and wireless identification technologies (Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)) are implemented in particular client server functions and communications. Connected with an Authentication Server, a wireless HUB authenticates user identification and provides the user with access to secure data communication with a wireless terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA. A Location Server provides user locations via methods such as RSSI, TDOA, and GPS and sends location information to a Center Control Server and the Authentication Server. With location information, the Center Control Server initiates and optimizes secure information processes and coordinates the functions of servers and user terminals. |
| US08285197B2 |
System and method for pushing information from a server to a mobile device
A system is provided for providing content to a plurality of mobile electronic devices, where at least some of the mobile electronic devices have wireless communications capabilities. The system includes a first network for use with a second network. The first network comprises a wireless network system for communicating with at least some of the mobile electronic devices through wireless sessions; a wired to wireless gateway module connected to the wireless network system for interfacing between a wireless portion of the first network and a wired portion of the first network; a session control module interfacing with the wired to wireless gateway module for managing the wireless sessions and wired sessions; and a relay server module interfacing with the session control module and the wired to wireless gateway module, the relay server module for providing relayed content to the mobile electronic devices. The second network comprises an external server for providing content to the mobile electronic devices. The external server communicates directly with either the relay server module or the wired to wireless gateway module. |
| US08285193B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus of the invention has: an ejecting unit that is capable of receiving a sheet on which a toner image has been heated and fixed, and ejecting the sheet for a predetermined normal ejecting time; and a processing unit that processes the sheet ejected by the ejecting unit according to obtained sheet information, wherein the ejecting unit ejects the sheet for an ejecting time longer than the normal ejecting time. |
| US08285191B2 |
Sheet size detecting apparatus
A sheet size detecting apparatus having a first arm moved by a moving sheet contacting therewith, a second arm moved by the moving sheet contacting therewith, the second arm being disposed at a location differing from that of the first arm in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction of the sheet, and a sensor, wherein the output level of the sensor when only one of the first arm and the second arm has been moved is the same as the output level thereof when neither of the first arm and the second arm is moved, and the output level of the sensor when both of the first arm and the second arm have been moved differs from the output level thereof when neither of the first arm and the second arm is not moved. Thereby, the cost can be suppressed and yet, the wrong detection of the sheet size can be prevented. |
| US08285188B2 |
Protective agent for image bearing member, protective layer setting unit, and process cartridge
A protective agent for an image bearing member of an image forming apparatus. The protective agent is applied onto a surface of the image bearing member and includes a hydrophobic organic compound (A), an inorganic fine particle (B), and an inorganic lubricant (C). |
| US08285179B2 |
Toner container
A toner container installed in an image forming apparatus includes a toner container main body having a predetermined length and in which toner is accommodated, a discharge port through which the toner is discharged from the toner container main body, a shutter which opens and closes the discharge port, a handle provided on the toner container main body, and a pressed portion provided on the toner container main body and which is pressed by the image forming apparatus to project the handle out from the image forming apparatus. |
| US08285174B2 |
Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a cartridge supporting member
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus detachably mounts cartridges and includes a support supporting a cartridge, movable between inside and outside positions, an outer wall having an opening through which the support passes through when moving between the inside and outside positions, and a guide supporting the support to linearly move between the inside and outside positions so that when the support is in the outside position, the guide supports the support so that a downstream side thereof is pivotable downwardly about an upstream side of the support with respect to a movement direction to the outside position from the inside position. In this state, the cartridge is mounted to the support from above the support and is dismounted upwardly of the support. |
| US08285172B2 |
Image forming apparatus having original reading unit movable relative to image forming unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit an original reading unit and a guide mechanism. The image forming unit includes a sheet supply unit; a transportation roller for transporting a medium from the sheet supply unit; an image drum unit for forming a toner image on a photosensitive drum; a transfer belt unit for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum to the medium; a fixing device for fixing the toner image to the medium; and a stacker for placing the medium. The original reading unit includes an original stage for placing an original; a scanner unit disposed below the original stage; and a transportation unit for transporting the original to the original stage and a sheet discharge unit. The guide mechanism includes a pair of guide walls integrally formed at upper edges of the image forming unit. |
| US08285159B2 |
Color image forming apparatus with exposure timing control based on printing ratio
A color image forming apparatus for forming toner images by carrying out charging, exposure, and development on at least one photoreceptor drum, and forming color images by transferring the toner images onto sheets, the color image forming apparatus including: a photoreceptor drum which rotates around an axis; an exposure section which intermittently emits a light beam onto the cylindrical surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum along scanning lines parallel to the axis of the photoreceptor drum; a calculation section which calculates a printing ratio of a color image to be formed on one sheet, wherein the printing ratio is the ratio of the area covered by toner in the color image; and a timing control section which controls a timing when the exposure section emits the light beam in a direction of rotation of the photoreceptor drum based on the printing ratio calculated by the calculation section. |
| US08285155B2 |
Optical receiver for the WDM system and method to control the same
An optical receiver with a simplified arrangement able to compensate the optical loss of the transmission medium is disclosed. The optical receiver of the invention includes an SOA in the front end thereof, an optical de-multiplexer, and a plurality of receiver modules that receives de-multiplexed light. The optical gain of the SOA is adjusted based on the electrical signals output from respective optical modules. When the receiver modules show the output thereof in a preset range, the bias current is kept unchanged, while, one receiver module shows the output out of the range, the bias current is incremented or decremented. When one receiver module shows the output out of the absolute maximum/minimum, the bias current is forced to the initial value. |
| US08285149B2 |
Method and system for integrated DWDM transmitters
An integrated DWDM transmitter apparatus includes a support component and a silica-on-silicon substrate overlying the support component. The support component includes a temperature adjustment component. The silica-on-silicon substrate overlies the support component and includes a silica layer and a silicon layer. The silica-on-silicon substrate includes a corresponding a substrate surface which includes a first surface region and a second surface region. In an embodiment, the two surface regions are not coplanar. The transmitter apparatus includes an optical multiplexer within the silica layer, the optical multiplexer including a plurality of input waveguides and at least an output waveguide. The transmitter apparatus also includes one or more semiconductor laser array chips overlying the first surface region of the silica-on-silicon substrate. Each of the laser array chips including two or more lasers, which are optically coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of input waveguides. |
| US08285147B2 |
Bulk modulation of multiple wavelengths for generation of CATV optical comb
A system for generating an optical CATV comb comprising a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical CATV signals. A set of one or more lasers generate a plurality of narrow-band continuous wave (CW) lights, each CW light having a respective predetermined wavelength and optical power level. An optical MUX couples the plurality of CW lights into a WDM continuous wave light. A broadband optical modulator responsive to a CATV signal modulates the WDM continuous wave light to generate the optical CATV comb. |
| US08285146B2 |
Optical rotary joints, methods of mounting same in a properly-aligned manner, and optical reflector assemblies for use therein
The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints. The improved optical rotary joint enables optical communication between a rotor and a stator, said rotor having a longitudinal axis, and comprises: at least one optical source (36) mounted on one of said rotor and stator for transmitting an optical signal in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis; at least one first reflector (38) mounted on the other of said rotor and stator for reflecting the optical signal transmitted from the source, said first reflector comprising a concave first reflective surface (44), a line (L) in a plane taken through said first reflective surface being configured as a portion of an ellipse having first and second focal points (F1, F2), the first focal point being positioned substantially coincident with said rotor axis; a second reflector (39) having a second reflective surface (45) configured as a portion of a cone and positioned at the second focal point of the elliptical surface for receiving light reflected from said first reflective surface and for reflecting light in a different direction as a function of the apex angle of the second reflective surface; and a receiver (40) arranged to receive light reflected by the second reflective surface. |
| US08285140B2 |
Shared-source-row optical data channel organization for a switched arbitrated on-chip optical network
A system including first and second sending nodes, a horizontal optical data link (ODL) having optical signals propagating in opposite directions in first and second waveguide segments, a vertical ODL having optical signals propagating in the same direction throughout third and fourth waveguide segments, a first optical output switch operatively connecting the first sending node and the first waveguide segment and configured to switch first data item onto the first waveguide segment during a first timeslot, a second optical output switch operatively connecting the second sending node and the second waveguide segment and configured to switch second data item onto the second waveguide segment during a second timeslot, and an optical coupler pair operatively connecting the first and second waveguide segments to the third and fourth waveguide segments, respectively, and redirecting the first and the second data items from the horizontal to the vertical ODL. |
| US08285124B2 |
Information recording/reproducing apparatus
An information recording/reproducing apparatus includes a registration unit that registers scheduling information to periodically record information; a recording unit that records the information on a recording medium based on the scheduling information; a reproduction unit that reproduces the information recorded on the recording medium; a deletion unit that deletes the information according to a deletion instruction from the recording medium; and an erasure unit that erases, when the number of times of reproducing the information according to the deletion instruction is zero, the scheduling information associated with the information from the registration unit. |
| US08285123B2 |
Program recording reservation system, recording apparatus, and controller apparatus
A program recording reservation system includes a recording apparatus including a recorder for recording broadcast programs; and a remote controller for setting a recording reservation for a broadcast program to be recorded by the recorder of the recording apparatus. There are provided a recording management section for obtaining a remaining recordable capacity, an average recording bit rate, a recording duration of a program, and the recording mode of the program, for computing a necessary recording capacity, for comparing the total sum of the necessary recording capacities of programs with the remaining recordable capacity, and for allowing the predetermined operation to be continued; a display section for displaying a message of an insufficient remaining recordable capacity of the recorder and first, second, and third choices; and an operation section for stopping the predetermined operation, for editing or deleting a program, and for continuing the predetermined operation. |
| US08285118B2 |
Methods and systems for media content control
The described systems and methods control the display of media content on a media player with player preferences. The media content is analyzed and multiple signatures are computed that are representative of temporal portions of the media content. The multiple signatures are matched to a database of signatures, and a closest corresponding signature is found. Metadata associated with the closest corresponding signatures is retrieved as matching metadata. Display of the media content is controlled based on the player preferences and the matching metadata. |
| US08285116B2 |
Recording apparatus, recording method, recording medium, and recording system
A control unit of a recording apparatus determines a transfer mode of content data by an external device, re-encodes the content data by a re-encoding unit and records the re-encoded content data in a recording unit if the determined transfer mode is a first transfer mode with which the re-encoding unit is compatible, and records the content data in the recording unit, re-encodes the content data read out from the recording unit by the re-encoding unit, and re-records the re-encoded content data in the recording unit if the determined transfer mode is a second transfer mode with which the re-encoding unit is not compatible. |
| US08285115B2 |
Information reproducing apparatus, method for controlling information reproducing apparatus, content recording medium, control program, computer-readable recording medium storing control program
The AV data reproducing apparatus includes: (i) a reading section for reading out, from a recording medium, additional function information indicating an additional function correlated with a manipulation input; and (ii) an additional function program executing section for executing the additional function in response to the manipulation input. With this, an operation unique to the content can be carried out by executing the additional function (additional function program) indicated by the additional function information stored in the recording medium together with the AV data. This makes it possible for the AV data reproducing apparatus to carry out an operation other than an operation intrinsically corresponding to a key. |
| US08285114B2 |
Electronic apparatus and display method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a storage device which stores section attribute information which specifies a start time point and an end time point of at least one predetermined attribute section of a plurality of attribute sections which are included in the video content data. A display process module displays, on a display screen, a section bar including a bar area which is indicative of a position of the predetermined attribute section in a sequence of the video content data, on the basis of the section attribute information. A playback process module executes, on the display screen, playback of moving picture data in the video content data which belongs to the predetermined attribute section, on the basis of the section attribute information, in a case where an event of requesting playback of the video content data of the predetermined attribute section is input. |
| US08285110B2 |
Data processing method, data processing device, information recording medium, and computer program
There is provided an apparatus and a method for generating record data, guaranteeing seamless playback even in a case of occurrence of a jump. In a multilayer disc having a plurality of recording layers, it is configured that an allowable range of an intra-layer jump and an inter-layer jump carried out in a playback processing of an information recording medium is determined and a required time for the intra-layer jump and the inter-layer jump is calculated on the basis of the determined allowable jump range information so as to determine a data configuration requirement such as an allowable minimum consecutive data size of data to be stored in the information recording medium on the basis of the calculated required jump time. With the present structure, seamless playback is made possible even in a case of occurrence of not only an intra-layer jump but also an inter-layer jump. |
| US08285109B2 |
Video signal recording and reproducing apparatus
The video signal recording and reproducing apparatus of the invention includes: a receiving section for receiving a television signal; an image compression section for compressing an amount of information per unit time of the received continuous video signal; a writing section for intermittently writing a compressed video signal, obtained as an output of the image compression section, onto a hard disk apparatus via a magnetic head; a reading section for intermittently reading out the written compressed video signal from the hard disk apparatus via the magnetic head; a decoding section for restoring the read compressed video signal into an original video signal; a display section for displaying the restored video signal; and a control section for controlling the writing section and the reading section such that writing the video signal onto the hard disk apparatus and reading an arbitrary video signal, which was previously written onto the hard disk apparatus, from the hard disk apparatus are performed apparently simultaneously and continuously. |
| US08285108B2 |
Image-capture device, image-capture method, and image-capture program
An image-capture device includes: an image-capture section that captures an image of a subject; a detector that detects a portion of the subject, the portion having a specific feature, from the image captured by the image-capture section; an evaluator that determines a numerically expressed evaluation value of the specific feature of the portion detected by the detector; a buffer section that temporarily stores delayed images corresponding to a predetermined amount of time; and a recording-operation controller that controls the image-capture device to record image data including a predetermined delayed image in the buffer section, upon determining that the evaluation value satisfies a predetermined condition. |
| US08285106B2 |
Information processing apparatus
Audio data is prevented from not synchronizing with video data when splicing. A first GOP of a video stream of a second program is spliced to a last GOP of a video stream of a first program. A first GOP of an audio stream of the second program is spliced to a last GOP of an audio stream of the first program. In this case, a gap amount PTS_FS required for synchronizing video data and audio data after the splicing is computed for each GOP. For the splicing processing, a gap amount PTS_FS_SPLYCE caused when the last GOP is spliced to the first GOP directly and the PTS_FS are used. |
| US08285103B2 |
Fiber distribution hubs with swing frame chassis
A fiber distribution hub includes a swing frame chassis pivotally mounted within an enclosure. The swing frame chassis includes a splitter mounting location at which optical splitters can be mounted and an optical termination field. The optical termination field includes multiple fiber optic adapters. |
| US08285102B2 |
Structure of a micronanostructure optical wave guide for controlling birefringence
A waveguide structure includes a supporting substrate and a waveguide having at least one guide layer with a refractive index n1. This layer comprises a zone of birefringence B which comprises voids provided in the thickness of the guide layer filled with a fluid or material having a refractive index n2. These are organized in at least two parallel rows, each row being in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the guide layer and parallel to the direction of propagation of the optical wave in the guide layer; each row extending over a distance equal to or greater than the wavelength of the optical wave; the width of the voids being ≦ 1/10th of the wavelength of the optical wave; each void within one row being at a distance from an adjacent void of ≦ 1/10th of the wavelength of the optical wave. |
| US08285099B2 |
Large core holey fibers
Various types of holey fiber provide optical propagation. In various embodiments, for example, a large core holey fiber comprises a cladding region formed by large holes arranged in few layers. The number of layers or rows of holes about the large core can be used to coarse tune the leakage losses of the fundamental and higher modes of a signal, thereby allowing the non-fundamental modes to be substantially eliminated by leakage over a given length of fiber. Fine tuning of leakage losses can be performed by adjusting the hole dimension and/or the hole spacing to yield a desired operation with a desired leakage loss of the fundamental mode. Resulting holely fibers have a large hole dimension and spacing, and thus a large core, when compared to traditional fibers and conventional fibers that propagate a single mode. Other loss mechanisms, such as bend loss and modal spacing can be utilized for selected modes of operation of holey fibers. Other embodiments are also provided. |
| US08285092B2 |
Optical waveguide and spot size converter using the same
An optical waveguide includes a substrate in the shape of a flat plate; lower clad that is disposed on the substrate; and a core that is disposed on the lower clad and transmits light. The optical waveguide includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide includes a first core on the lower clad, and is disposed so as to extend along a direction in which the light travels to a first position. The second optical waveguide includes a second core on the lower clad, is disposed so as to extend along a direction in which the light travels to a second position, and has a lower relative refractive index difference than the first optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide form, between the first position and the second position, a layer structure where the first core and the second core are disposed such that the first core is positioned a predetermined distance away from the second core in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. At least either the first optical waveguide or the second optical waveguide includes a mode coupling section and a mode conversion section. The mode coupling section includes a directional coupler to conduct the mode coupling of the first core and the second core between the first position and the second position. The mode conversion section is connected to the mode coupling section, and has a tapered core structure to adjust the mode diameter of the first core to the mode diameter of the second core. |
| US08285089B2 |
MEMS device fabricated on a pre-patterned substrate
A microelectromechanical systems device fabricated on a pre-patterned substrate having grooves formed therein. A lower electrode is deposited over the substrate and separated from an orthogonal upper electrode by a cavity. The upper electrode is configured to be movable to modulate light. A semi-reflective layer and a transparent material are formed over the movable upper electrode. |
| US08285087B2 |
Optical interconnection system using optical printed circuit board having one-unit optical waveguide integrated therein
An optical interconnection system is provided and includes an optical printed circuit board (PCB) that includes transmitter-unit and receiver-unit optical interconnection blocks for bending an optical path by a predetermined angle, a one-unit optical waveguide including an optical waveguide which is inserted into each of the optical interconnection blocks so as to connect optical paths of the transmitter-unit and receiver-unit optical interconnection blocks, and a PCB having the one-unit optical waveguide integrated therein; a light emitting element that is formed in-line with the optical waveguide on an upper surface of the transmitter-unit optical interconnection block exposed to an upper surface of the optical PCB; a driver integrated circuit that is formed on the upper surface of the optical PCB and electrically connected to the light emitting element and the optical PCB; a light receiving element that is formed in-line with the optical waveguide on an upper surface of the receiver-unit optical interconnection block exposed to the upper surface of the optical PCB; and a receiver integrated circuit that is formed on the upper surface of the optical PCB and electrically connected to the light receiving element and the optical PCB. |
| US08285086B2 |
Optical fiber sensor
An optical fiber sensor measuring refractive index of a medium with high sensitivity in a wide range. The optical fiber sensor includes an optical fiber causing a transmission loss due to leakage in the clad propagation mode from a portion of a core and a clad where a Bragg grating is provided, a light source permitting light in a wavelength band in the clad propagation mode to enter the optical fiber, and a light-receiving section receiving the transmitted or reflected light transmitted through the core and the clad at the portion where the Bragg grating is provided. The refractive index of the medium to be measured in contact with the clad is measured according to total intensity of the light received by the light-receiving section. The Bragg grating is inclined at a predetermined angle of inclination to the vertical line vertical to the length direction of the optical fiber. |
| US08285082B2 |
Automatic identification of digital content related to a block of text, such as a blog entry
A system for identifying digital content related to a portion of a block of text receives, automatically or via input by a user, an indication of one or more words included in the block of text. The system searches a database of digital content based on the one or more words and retrieves from the database one or more digital content items or identifiers of digital content items that are related to the one or more words. The system provides the retrieved digital content items or identifiers to the user, and receives a selection of one or more of the provided items or identifiers from the user. The system associates for display or replay the one or more selected digital content items with the one or more words in the block of text. Other embodiments of the system are also disclosed. |
| US08285081B2 |
Method and device for image interpolation characteristic processing device and image interpolation device using the same
An image interpolation processing device is provided for interpolating at least one line between two adjacent lines. A prefetch unit is to prefetch pixel data of the two adjacent lines with a predetermined pixel length, so as to obtain a plurality of basic characteristics that are then stored in a first register. A characteristic processing unit is used for cutting and/or linking the basic characteristics to generate at least one set of linked characteristics. The linked characteristics are stored in a second register, as a reference for an operation unit to perform the interpolation. The operations between the operation unit and the prefetch unit are separated by a predetermined edge length. |
| US08285080B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image scanner using an area sensor having a tilt reads a plurality of low-resolution image data having phase shifts from each other, and the low-resolution image data are converted into those on an orthogonal coordinate system by affine transformation. The number of data to be used is decided based on one of these low-resolution image data. The low-resolution image data as many as the designated number of data are saved, and high-resolution image data is generated by executing super-resolution processing. |
| US08285070B2 |
Methods and apparatus for image restoration
Methods and apparatus for restoration of a digital image. In one embodiment, a method for repairing a defect in a digital image to provide a restored image comprises determining a plurality of pixel locations to form a neighborhood relating to the defect and whether or not the neighborhood has a well-defined, dark border along its edge. Should the neighborhood not have dark border, one embodiment of the method entails processing the neighborhood to bring the neighborhood approximately to uniform darkness, processing the neighborhood to match surroundings in the digital image, copying an edge of a neighborhood in the digital image into the processed neighborhood, processing pixels of the edge to repair the copied edge pixels, and outputting the restored image for display to a user. Should the neighborhood have a dark, well-defined border, one embodiment of the method entails processing the neighborhood as to locally enhance the neighborhood and match its surroundings in the digital image; processing the neighborhood's edge such that the edge also matches its surroundings in both the defect and the digital image; processing the neighborhood to invert its pixel values and then perform the last two steps once again; processing the neighborhood to increase its contrast and then perform the last three steps once again; processing the neighborhood to bring the neighborhood to a more uniform darkness; processing the uniform darkness neighborhood to match surroundings in the digital image; and outputting the restored image for display to a user. |
| US08285068B2 |
Combined deblocking and denoising filter
An apparatus, a computer readable medium to instruct a process to implement a method, and a method of reducing blocking artifacts and/or noise in an image that has been compressed by a block-based encoding process. The method includes deblocking the image using overlapped forward directional transforms, the overlapped forward directional transforms including directional selecting to filter across horizontal and vertical boundaries, denoising the image, in one version edge detecting to classify individual pixels as to whether or not they belong to edge features, and generating output pixels by locally adapting to whether the pixels are in block boundaries, and/or include edge features. |
| US08285064B2 |
Method for processing images and the corresponding electronic device
The invention concerns a method for processing images, texture pattern blocks representative of a typical texture of the images being stored in a memory, the method comprising the following steps: transforming the pixel grey levels of a current block into a current block of frequency coefficients using a predefined transform; building up a merger block, each frequency coefficient positioned at a defined place of the merger block being equal either to the frequency coefficient positioned at the same place of the current block, or to the frequency coefficient positioned at the same place of a texture pattern block among the texture pattern blocks stored in the memory; selecting a merger block according to a predefined function (J); and replacing in the image the current block by the selected merger block. The invention also concerns an electronic device for processing the corresponding images. |
| US08285060B2 |
Detecting anomalous trajectories in a video surveillance system
Techniques are disclosed for determining anomalous trajectories of objects tracked over a sequence of video frames. In one embodiment, a symbol trajectory may be derived from observing an object moving through a scene. The symbol trajectory represents semantic concepts extracted from the trajectory of the object. Whether the symbol trajectory is anomalous may be determined, based on previously observed symbol trajectories. A user may be alerted upon determining that the symbol trajectory is anomalous. |
| US08285055B1 |
Determining correspondence between image regions
Determining correspondence between image regions includes identifying first and second regions of visual content including pixels in a computer system. The first region includes a first patch of pixels having a first mapping to a second patch of pixels in the second region. Iterative evaluations of the first and second regions are performed, each including at least (i) a first evaluation phase selecting a best mapping for the first patch, according to a distance metric, the best mapping selected from among the first mapping and a second mapping obtained from mappings of nearby pixels, and (ii) a second evaluation phase selecting one of the best mapping and a third mapping obtained by perturbing the second mapping. A result of the iterative evaluations is recorded in the computer system that indicates a third patch of pixels in the second region identified in the iterative evaluations. |
| US08285053B2 |
Codebook generating method
A codebook generating method comprises a dividing and transforming step dividing an original image into original blocks and transforming each of the original blocks into an original vector; a parameter setting step setting a distortion tolerance and a predetermined number of representative blocks; a single group setting step setting the original vectors as a group; a preliminary grouping step grouping all the original vectors in a group currently having largest distortion into two groups using a grouping algorithm, wherein the preliminary grouping step is repeated until the number of groups is equal to the predetermined number of representative blocks; and a grouping step grouping all the original vectors based on a plurality of initial centroids to obtain final centroids, and storing vectors corresponding to the final centroids in a codebook, wherein the centroids of the groups are treated as the initial centroids. |
| US08285052B1 |
Image ordering system optimized via user feedback
Described is a system for ordering images. The system receives a plurality of images. Image features are extracted from each image. A set of all possible image pairs are generated for all images. A similarity metric with weights is generated between the images in each image pair in the set, with a net similarity metric thereafter generated by combining the similarity metrics. The images are then ordered according to the net similarity metrics to generate a computer-ordered set of images. The computer-ordered set of images is then displayed to the user, which allows the user to re-order the images to generate a user-ordered set of images. The weights are then optimized to minimize the distance between the computer-ordered set of images and the user-ordered set of images. The similarity metrics are then re-weighted, with the images thereafter being re-ordered according to the new metrics. |
| US08285051B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for detecting associated information from time-sequential information
An information processing apparatus detects, from time-sequential information continuously supplied for a given period of time, associated information regarding a time at which a piece of information satisfying a predetermined condition is supplied within the given period of time. A dividing section divides the time-sequential information into a plurality of temporally successive information units at predetermined time intervals. A feature value detecting section temporally successively detects feature values of the plurality of temporally successive information units. A change-information detecting section stores the temporally successively detected feature values for a predetermined period of time, and detects a plurality of temporally successive pieces of feature-value-change information on the basis of the stored feature values and a currently detected feature value. The change-information detecting section outputs the plurality of temporally successive pieces of feature-value-change information in sequence to output time-sequential associated information as the associated information. |
| US08285047B2 |
Automated method and system for naming documents from a scanned source based on manually marked text
A method for associating text with image data of documents is herein described. The method includes receiving image data of a document with manually marked text and recognizing the manually marked text. The image data is then annotated (e.g., tagged) using the manually marked text and the image data of the document is stored. When manually marked text is recognized, recognized text may be generated for annotating the image data of the document and used to populate a field associated with the image data. The field may be a name of the document or a subject line of an e-mail message, for example. A method including identifying the location of manually marked text in a first scanned document to automatically identify and annotate text in a corresponding location in a second scanned document is also disclosed. |
| US08285046B2 |
Adaptive update of background pixel thresholds using sudden illumination change detection
Techniques are disclosed for a computer vision engine to update both a background model and thresholds used to classify pixels as depicting scene foreground or background in response to detecting that a sudden illumination changes has occurred in a sequence of video frames. The threshold values may be used to specify how much pixel a given pixel may differ from corresponding values in the background model before being classified as depicting foreground. When a sudden illumination change is detected, the values for pixels affected by sudden illumination change may be used to update the value in the background image to reflect the value for that pixel following the sudden illumination change as well as update the threshold for classifying that pixel as depicting foreground/background in subsequent frames of video. |
| US08285045B2 |
Image analysis method, medium and apparatus and moving image segmentation system
An image analysis method, medium and apparatus for segmentation of a moving image, and a moving image segmentation system. The image analysis method includes receiving an image signal representing an image, detecting features of the image by calculating a difference between the current frame of the image signal and its previous frame, analyzing the image signal based on the detected features of the image, and performing segmentation on the image signal according to the analysis result, thereby separately performing segmentation on all types of moving images. In other words, by using an appropriate segmentation method according to a feature of an image, effective segmentation can be achieved. |
| US08285044B2 |
Image-processing device, surveillance system, method for establishing a scene reference image, and computer program
An image-processing device carries out an object segmentation in which the object segmentation is executed and/or is executable through comparison of a camera image to a scene reference image of a surveillance scene, equipped with a learning device for generating the scene reference image; the learning device generates the scene reference image through evaluation of a medium-term and/or long-term observation of the surveillance scene a) that extends over a time period of longer than one day, preferably longer than several days, in particular longer than 1 week, and/or b) that extends over a time period that includes several states of the surveillance scene. |
| US08285041B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image recording apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a histogram computing section which computes a histogram of pixel values of input image data. A gradation conversion characteristic determining section determines a gradation conversion characteristic in a case where gradation conversion processing is applied to the image data on the basis of the histogram computed by the histogram computing section, and photographing information when the image data has been picked up. A gradation converting section converts the gradation of the input image data on the basis of the gradation conversion characteristic determined by the gradation conversion characteristic determining section. |
| US08285035B2 |
3+1 layer mixed raster content (MRC) images having a text layer and processing thereof
A method, system and data structure for providing a 3+1 layer MRC image, including a text layer. The text layer includes pixel data corresponding to text in an image and may be assigned a predetermined value for a particular color. According to one or more embodiments, the 3+1 layer MRC image may be subject to clean-up processing to alter one or more of the layers, other than the text layer, based on the text layer pixel data. This clean-up processing reduces redundant information stored in the 3+1 layer MRC image and provides opportunities for file size reduction (i.e., data compression). |
| US08285033B2 |
Bi-affinity filter: a bilateral type filter for color images
An edge preserving filter that works on the principle of matting affinity allows a better representation of the range filter term in bilateral class filters. The definition of the affinity term can be relaxed to suit different applications. An approximate bi-affinity filter whose output is shown to be very similar to the traditional bilateral filter is defined. The present technique has the added advantage that no color space changes are required and hence an input image can be handled in its original color space. This is a big benefit over the traditional bilateral filter, which needs conversion to perception based spaces, such as CIELAB, to generate results close to the present invention. The full bi-affinity filter preserves very minute details of the input image, and thus permits an enhanced zooming functionality. |
| US08285030B2 |
Determining calibration parameters for a lithographic process
A technique for determining a set of calibration parameters for use in a model of a photo-lithographic process is described. In this calibration technique, images of a test pattern that was produced using the photo-lithographic process are used to determine corresponding sets of calibration parameters. These images are associated with at least three different focal planes in an optical system, such as a photo-lithographic system that implements the photo-lithographic process. Moreover, an interpolation function is determined using the sets of calibration parameters. This interpolation function can be used to determine calibration parameters at an arbitrary focal plane in the photo-lithographic system for use in simulations of the photo-lithographic process, where the set of calibration parameters are used in a set of transmission cross coefficients in the model of the photo-lithographic process. |
| US08285029B2 |
Device and method for optically sorting bulk material
A device and a method are described for the optical selection of components of at least one fraction from a bulk material stream conveyed along a conveyance direction, having a camera unit, whose camera viewing direction is oriented toward the bulk material stream, a background, situated in the camera viewing direction behind the bulk material stream, whose color is adaptable to the color of a selected fraction of components of the bulk material stream, an analysis and control unit, connected to the camera unit, in which control commands for a separation unit, which is capable of separating the components to be selected out of the bulk material stream upon activation, may be generated according to a decision criterion. |
| US08285025B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting defects using structured light
An improved method and apparatus for detecting problems with fit and finish of manufactured articles is presented which uses structured light. Two or more structured light images acquired from opposing directions is used to measure the fit of mating surfaces while avoiding false positives caused by small defects near the seam. |
| US08285015B2 |
Simultaneous acquisition of differing image types
A system in one embodiment includes an image forming device for forming an image from an area of interest containing different image components; an illumination device for illuminating the area of interest with light containing multiple components; at least one light source coupled to the illumination device, the at least one light source providing light to the illumination device containing different components, each component having distinct spectral characteristics and relative intensity; an image analyzer coupled to the image forming device, the image analyzer decomposing the image formed by the image forming device into multiple component parts based on type of imaging; and multiple image capture devices, each image capture device receiving one of the component parts of the image. A method in one embodiment includes receiving an image from an image forming device; decomposing the image formed by the image forming device into multiple component parts based on type of imaging; receiving the component parts of the image; and outputting image information based on the component parts of the image. Additional systems and methods are presented. |
| US08285005B2 |
Distance iris recognition
A system for one dimensional segmentation of an iris of an eye into a map of the iris and classification of the map into unaffected areas and affected areas. Also, the system may provide for regular shape fitting of the areas for normalization and identifying the unaffected areas as symmetric segments. Further, the system may assign weights to the unaffected areas and the affected areas of the map of the iris and an enrolled map of an iris and their corresponding bins for matching purposes. |
| US08285004B2 |
Line of sight detecting device and method
A line of sight detecting method includes estimating a face direction of an object person based on a shot face image of the object person, detecting a part of an eye outline in the face image of the object person, detecting a pupil in the face image of the object person, and estimating the direction of a line of sight of the object person based on the correlation of the pupil position in the eye outline and the face direction with respect to the direction of the line of sight, and the pupil position and the face direction of the object person. |
| US08285001B2 |
Method and apparatus for selective disqualification of digital images
An unsatisfactory scene is disqualified as an image acquisition control for a camera. An image is acquired. One or more eye regions are determined. The eye regions are analyzed to determine whether they are blinking, and if so, then the scene is disqualified as a candidate for a processed, permanent image while the eye is completing the blinking. |
| US08285000B2 |
Monitoring system and method
A monitoring system includes an image capturing module, a displaying module, a face recognition module, a memory module, and a searching module. The image capturing module is configured for capturing images and videos. The face recognition module is configured for recognizing a number of human faces in the captured videos, and generating a number of groups of profile information each associated with a recognized face when the image capturing module captures the video. The memory module is configured for storing the captured videos and the profile information. The searching module is configured for receiving a group of input profile information, and searching whether a group of profile information stored in the memory module matches the group of the input information. The displaying module is configured for displaying the group of captured images associated with the group of profile information matched the group of input profile information. |
| US08284998B2 |
Method of estimating depths from a single image displayed on display
A method of estimating depths on a monocular image displayed on a display is utilized for improving correctness of depths shown on the display. Feature vectors are calculated for each patch on the monocular image for determining an intermediate depth map of the monocular image in advance. For improving the correctness of the intermediate depth map, an energy function in forms of vectors is minimized for calculating a best solution of the depth map of the monocular image. Therefore, the display may display the monocular image according to a calculated output depth map for having an observer of the display to correctly perceive depths on the monocular image. |
| US08284994B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
In an image processing apparatus that performs tracking processing based on a correlation between frame images, when an object that is a tracking target is missed and a frame indicating the tracking target is set to a uniform background during tracking processing, a display of the frame may blur. An image processing apparatus is provided which detects a tracking target candidate region which has a highest correlation with a set tracking target region, calculates a difference between an evaluation value acquired in the tracking target candidate region and an evaluation value acquired in a peripheral region of the tracking target candidate region, and stops tracking if the difference is less than a threshold value. |
| US08284990B2 |
Social network construction based on data association
A system for social network construction. Video analytics and association may be used to develop a social network. Also, social groups may be developed from temporal proximity of persons. In the case of several social networks, they may be collapsed into one network or a weighted graph that mining algorithms can handle. |
| US08284985B2 |
Interactive device for processing documents
A device for processing multiple procedures based on multiple types of documents includes the functions of selecting one procedure from among multiple procedures, identifying in a database the complementary information needed to perform the procedure, and requesting complementary information from the user, adapted to ask the user for at least one piece of complementary information. The device can capture an image of a document process the image and extract information from the image. |
| US08284983B2 |
Coaxial loudspeaker
A coaxial loudspeaker including a tweeter unit and a low/midrange unit with a cone diaphragm suspended in a loudspeaker basket, which comprises an electromagnetic drive fixedly attached to a loudspeaker basket on its tapered end, in the area of which the tweeter unit is positioned, whose sound radiation surface is directed away from this drive. In one embodiment, in order to suppress the sound focusing of traditional coaxial loudspeakers with a woofer/midrange cone diaphragm, and to ensure a simple and cost-efficient assembly of the tweeter unit, the electromagnetic drive for the cone diaphragm of the woofer/midrange unit is located within the space bordering the convex curved exterior side of the cone diaphragm, and the tweeter unit is positioned outside of this space. |
| US08284981B2 |
Cartridge for managing ear buds
A cartridge for managing ear bud cables includes a housing, a hub, a spool with a moveable audio contact and an ear bud cable. The housing has an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source. The hub defines a stationary contact surface electrically connected with the input jack. The ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool, the ear bud cable has a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected with the moveable audio contact of the spool and the second end being electrically connected with at least one ear bud. Rotation of the spool selectively retracts and dispenses the ear bud cables while enabling continuous audio communication between the at least one ear bud and the audio source. |
| US08284978B1 |
System, method and apparatus for directional speakers
An application for a music system with rotatable directional speakers includes a console that faces a performer and is mounted on a pedestal. A base is connected to a bottom end of the pedestal to provide support to the pedestal and console. At least one speaker is rotatably mounted on a first side of the pedestal at an angle and at least one other speaker is rotatably mounted on a second side of the pedestal at the angle. When the speakers are rotated away from the performer, a direction of sound from the speakers diverges with respect to the music system and when the speakers are rotated towards the performer, the direction of sound from the speakers converges toward the performer. |
| US08284976B2 |
Sound reproduction with improved performance characteristics
A sound reproduction system is disclosed in which a sound barrier defines a horn passageway having a first end and a second open end. A high frequency range driver is provided at the first end, and is mutually coupled with a lower driver to the horn passageway. The lower driver has an upper frequency end lower than a frequency of a first cancellation notch for the drivers. The lower driver is located at a position along the horn passageway at which the passageway has a preselected cross-sectional area which is no greater than an area of a round cross section having a circumference equal to one wavelength at the upper frequency end. |
| US08284973B2 |
Hearing device with microphone protection
The hearing device comprises at least one microphone (2) arranged within the housing (3) of the hearing device, with its sound inlet aperture (2′) being connected via a canal (7) to the outside of the housing (3) and a sound permeable cover (10) serving as microphone protection that is arranged in the region of the outlet opening of said canal (7). The canal (7) of the hearing device is provided as a blind hole and the microphone (2) is arranged at the side of said canal (7) and at least one opening or channel (9) is provided connecting said canal (7) with said sound inlet aperture (2′) of said microphone (2). By providing the canal (7) as a blind hole, all dirt eventually intruding the canal (7) will be collected at the bottom (7″) of canal (7) and will therefore not reach directly the microphone (2) or the sound inlet openings of the microphone (2) respectively. |
| US08284971B2 |
Logarithmic compression systems and methods for hearing amplification
Embodiments of the invention provide an amplifier including a gain control circuit having a gain measurement circuit as part of a feedback loop. The gain measurement circuit generates an attenuated output signal, based on the gain of the amplifier circuit, which is used to generate a gain control signal. One amplifier includes a first attenuator enabling primary compression and a second attenuator as part of a gain measurement circuit. In some cases the attenuation factors of the first and second attenuators may be proportional or substantially the same. In some embodiments one or more output stages (e.g., differential amplifiers) are provided to generate the gain control signal based on differential combinations of an audio output, the attenuated output signal, and a primary threshold signal. A ratio of the gains of the two or more comparing amplifiers can set a primary compression ratio in some cases. |
| US08284970B2 |
Switching structures for hearing aid
An apparatus is provided that includes an input system, an output system, and a sensor for sensing magnetic fields. In one example, a signal processing circuit electrically connects the input system to the output system, and a magnetic sensor adapted to inhibit the acoustic input and function as a magnetic input in the presence of a magnetic field. In one example, the magnetic sensor includes a giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensor. In another example, the magnetic sensor includes an anisotropic magneto resistive (AMR) sensor. The magnetic field can be generated by, among other things, a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. Other examples and options are provided herein. |
| US08284967B2 |
Electrostatic speaker having ventilative diaphragm
The present invention relates to an electrostatic speaker including a fixed electrode and a diaphragm that is arranged with a predetermined gap from the fixed electrode and has a plurality of ventilation holes. The ventilative diaphragm reduces air resistance caused by the ground effect between the fixed electrode and the diaphragm, and increases the sound pressure output from the speaker. As a result, the ventilative diaphragm makes it possible to obtain a uniform frequency reproduction characteristic over the entire frequency range. In particular, when the diaphragm is made from Korean paper, it is possible to effectively reduce the ground effect occurring between the fixed electrode and the diaphragm due to the air permeable characteristic of the Korean paper and the air resistance due to a surge input signal, while satisfying physical characteristics of the existing diaphragm. In addition, since the Korean paper has high formability, it is possible to easily form the diaphragm in a hemispherical shape. As a result, it is possible to radially and uniformly spread the sound by a simple structure. |
| US08284960B2 |
User adjustable volume control that accommodates hearing
A method for processing audio signals optimizes the listening experience for hearing impaired listeners, as well as non-hearing impaired listeners, without forcing hearing impaired individuals to feel stigmatized by requiring them to employ special hearing-impaired equipment. A user actuated controller controls a mixture of a preferred audio signal and a remaining audio signal across a range sufficiently wide enough to encompass all individuals. The preferred audio is recorded and maintained separate from all remaining audio and delivered to the listener in a manner that maintains the separateness of the preferred audio and the remaining audio. The user actuated controller includes the capability of automatically maintaining the listener established ratio in the face of changes in the audio signal. The user actuated controller enables the user to specify a range about the ratio in which the audio may vary, which permits the listener to expand the audio across a continuous range to whatever dynamic range his hearing can accommodate. The controller automatically adjusts to changes in incoming audio. The controller can react to relatively slowly moving changes or prevent short bursts of sound in the remaining audio from modifying the signal levels. The combination of the above aspects provides a heretofore not possible listening experience that can accommodate the listening desires of all listeners. The combination of the ability to control the ratio of preferred audio to remaining audio and to specify the dynamic range about the ratio in which the audio may vary, coupled with the ability of the controller to automatically adjust the signal levels in response to sudden changes in incoming audio, provides a powerful user capability that truly optimizes the listening experience for any listener. |
| US08284959B2 |
Method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal
An apparatus for controlling a volume of an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which a volume of an input signal can be controlled by using a non-linear gain curve and a target volume of the input signal. The present invention includes storing a non-linear gain curve indicating relations between volumes of an input signal and an output signal; receiving an input signal and target volume information; determining a first gain by using the volume of the input signal and the target volume information; determining a second gain from one of a) the volume of the input signal and the target volume information or b) the first gain, by using the non-linear gain curve; and adjusting the volume of the input signal by applying the second gain to the input signal, wherein the non-linear gain curve is generated by using non-linearity information.A volume of an input signal of this invention is controlled using a non-linear gain curve indicating a relation between a volume of an input signal and a volume of an output signal. Therefore, the present invention is able to reduce or expand a dynamic range of an output volume. |