| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08468338B2 |
Wireless access point security for multi-hop networks
Security in wireless communication networks that employ relay stations to facilitate communications between base stations and mobile stations is enhanced. In one embodiment, resource information provided to one or more relay stations from a base station or another relay station is encrypted prior to being delivered to the one or more relay stations. Only authorized relay stations are allocated an appropriate key necessary to decrypt the resource information. As such, only appropriate relay stations are able to access and use the resource information to effect communications directly or indirectly between the base stations and the mobile stations. In certain embodiments, the resource information is delivered between the various base and relay stations using either unicast or multicast delivery techniques. |
| US08468334B1 |
Efficient initial RAM disk creation
Operating system image files utilized to create an initial random access memory (“RAM”) disk are separated into one image file that contains essential initial RAM disk components and one or more additional image files that contain optional initial RAM disk components, such as language support files. At runtime, the disk image containing the essential RAM disk components is loaded along with the disk images containing desired optional initial RAM disk components. Disk images containing undesired or unneeded optional RAM disk components are not loaded. The loaded disk images are utilized to create the initial RAM disk. |
| US08468332B2 |
Dynamic link loading in extensible firmware interface compliant systems
Methods, apparatuses and program products are disclosed for dynamic link loading in extensible firmware interface compliant systems. Provision is made for loading a microkernel (or other kernel program) which presents itself as though it were a DXE Driver and hooks and redirects a loadmodule service of a DXE Foundation core program to a DLL aware loader. Further aspects of the invention provide related, analogous and similar capabilities. |
| US08468330B1 |
Methods, systems, and data structures for loading and authenticating a module
Methods, systems, and data structures are provided for loading, authenticating, and configuring a module. A loader authenticates the identity of an instance of the module and configuration data associated with the instance of the module. Additionally, the loader generates a loadable executable instance of the module and loads the executable instance into a customized execution environment based on the configuration data. Moreover, the loader attests to the identity of the executable instance by providing one or more assertions as an attestation. The presence of the attestation provides evidence to support automatic identity and configuration authentication for the loaded executable instance, when the executable instance requests external resources that require authentication, or when the identity of the loadable executable instance is requested. |
| US08468327B2 |
Processor test apparatus, processor test method, and processor test program
A processor test method of testing a processor includes executing each test instruction of a test instruction sequence to obtain a condition code set by a condition code setting instruction of the test instruction sequence for testing the processor; producing a condition branching instruction to add the produced condition branching instruction to the end of the condition code setting instruction of the test instruction sequence, the condition branching instruction branching to an error output instruction when a condition code that does not match the obtained condition code is supplied; and executing, by an advanced control scheme, a test instruction sequence in which the condition branching instruction is added to the test instruction sequence. |
| US08468323B2 |
Clockless computer using a pulse generator that is triggered by an event other than a read or write instruction in place of a clock
A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously, and the computers (12) themselves operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The sleeping computer (12) can be awaiting data or instructions (12). In the case of instructions, the sleeping computer (12) can be waiting to store the instructions or to immediately execute the instructions. In the later case, the instructions are placed in an instruction register (30a) when they are received and executed therefrom, without first placing the instructions first into memory. The instructions can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly. In one application, the sleeping computer (12) is awakened by an input such that it commences an action that would otherwise have required an interrupt of an otherwise active computer. |
| US08468318B2 |
Scheduling of I/O writes in a storage environment
A system and method for scheduling read and write operations among a plurality of solid-state storage devices. A computer system comprises client computers and data storage arrays coupled to one another via a network. A data storage array utilizes solid-state drives and Flash memory cells for data storage. A storage controller within a data storage array comprises an I/O scheduler. The data storage controller is configured to receive requests targeted to the data storage medium, said requests including a first type of operation and a second type of operation. The controller is further configured to schedule requests of the first type for immediate processing by said plurality of storage devices, and queue requests of the second type for later processing by the plurality of storage devices. Operations of the first type may correspond to operations with an expected relatively low latency, and operations of the second type may correspond to operations with an expected relatively high latency. |
| US08468315B2 |
Facilitating data compression during replication using a compressible configuration bit
Computer program product, system and method are provided for facilitating data replication in a storage system. A logical volume of a first storage array of a replicated pair is preconfigured with one or more logical volume attributes, which include a compressible configuration bit that indicates whether data blocks to be stored to that logical volume are compressible during replication. Subsequently, with receipt of a data block at the first storage array to be stored to the logical volume, a check of the compressible configuration bit is made to determine whether the data block is compressible during replication, and if so, the data block is compressed for replication. The compressible configuration bit is placed into the payload region of the data packet being replicated to the second storage array. At the second storage array, the compressible configuration bit is used to determine whether to uncompress the replicated data block. |
| US08468302B2 |
Storage system
The storage system is coupled to a host apparatus and includes a plurality of storage devices, each of which includes a plurality of real pages, and a controller. The controller is configured to: manage the plurality of storage devices as a pool; provide a virtual volume to the host apparatus, the virtual volume including a plurality of virtual pages to each of which a portion of the pool is allocated in accordance with a write command; distribute data written in a first virtual page to a first group of real pages, the first group of real pages making up a redundant array and being selected from different storage devices; and migrate data stored in a first real page, which is a real page of the first group and belongs to a first storage device, to another storage device without migrating data stored in another real page of the first group. |
| US08468300B2 |
Storage system having plural controllers and an expansion housing with drive units
The storage system includes a first controller adapted to transfer/receive data to/from a host computer and to receive/transfer data from/to first type drive units via a first type interface of the first controller; a second controller adapted to transfer/receive data to/from the host computer and/or another host computer and to receive/transfer data from/to the first type drive units via a first type interface of the second controller, the first type drive units each having a converter and a first type drive, the converter converting between a first type protocol and a second type protocol, the first type drive having a second type interface and storing data converted to the second type protocol by the converter; and an expansion housing including the first type drive units. Each of the first type drive units are coupled to both the first and second controllers. |
| US08468298B2 |
Management device and management method
Timing at which a rotation of a physical disk can stop is taken to more appropriately stop the rotation of the physical disk. A management device for managing a storage device and a server includes a first recording part in which an identification number of a logic volume and a rotational state of the physical disk are recorded, a second recording part in which an operating state of the server and an identification number of the logic volume to be accessed by the server are recorded, an updating part for changing the operating state of the server recorded in the second recording part when the operating state of the server is changed, an extracting part for extracting an operating state of another server to access another logic volume of the physical disk having the logic volume to be accessed by the server set from the second recording part based on the identification number of the logic volume to be accessed by the server recorded on the first recording part, and an instructing part for giving an instruction to the storage device for changing the rotation state of the physical disk depending on the operating state after the server is changed and the operating state of the other server. |
| US08468292B2 |
Solid state drive data storage system and method
The present disclosure relates to a data storage system and method that includes at least two solid state devices that can be classified in at least two different efficiency levels, wherein data progression is used to allocate data to the most cost-appropriate device according to the nature of the data. |
| US08468290B2 |
Method and program for file information write processing
The file information write processing method according to the present invention is a file information write processing method wherein a computer executes a process for outputting instruction corresponding to a file information write instruction from an application to a device driver, wherein: searching clusters which are empty areas within an actual data area of a memory unit of the computer, and obtaining the search result; if clusters which are empty areas exist, writing information to overwrite to one or more clusters within the actual data area of the memory unit which is a target of the write instruction from the application, to the clusters which are empty areas; and freeing clusters which were to be overwritten by the information written to the empty area clusters. |
| US08468287B2 |
Information processor and information processing method
An information processor includes: a plurality of master cores, a plurality of slave cores, a plurality of slave adapters each connected to a respective slave core of the plurality of slave cores, and an interconnected network for connecting the master cores and slave adapters by way of a plurality of router nodes. The slave adapters compare a first access request transmitted by a first master core among the plurality of master cores and a second access request transmitted by a second master core other than the first master core among the plurality of master cores based on a request from the first master core and a request from the second master core, and transmit the first access request or the second access request to the slave core that is connected to the slave adapter when the first access request and the second access request match. |
| US08468286B2 |
Variable-frequency bus adapter, adapting method and system
A variable-frequency bus adapter, a variable-frequency bus adapting method and a variable-frequency bus adapting system are provided. The method includes: generating a bus blocking indication according to a dynamic frequency scaling (DFS) request signal sent by a bus side; blocking a current bus transfer according to the bus blocking indication; and feeding back a DFS response signal to the bus side after blocking the current bus transfer, where the DFS response signal is adapted to enable the bus side to perform a DFS operation. In the method, the bus transfer is temporarily blocked during the DFS, so that undesired influence on peripheral components caused by unstable bus block during the bus DFS is reduced without increasing the number of clock domains of the system or modifying the peripheral components, thus reducing the complexity of the implementation of the system, and improving the applicability of dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS). |
| US08468285B2 |
Operation of video source and sink with toggled hot plug detection
Methods and systems are described for transmitting and displaying video data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, hot plug events occurring when a toggleable hot plug detection mechanism is use. |
| US08468282B2 |
Arbitration device, arbitration method, image processing device, and image forming system
An arbitration device includes an arbitration section, a counter, and a changing section. While write request signals and read request signals for a transfer path, are inputted from request sources, the arbitration section arbitrates an order that the write and read request signals use the transfer path, and when arbitration is settled, outputs use permission signals to the request sources. The changing section changes a time from outputting of the write request signals until inputting of the write request signals to the arbitration section, and/or a time from outputting of the use permission signals for the write request signals until inputting of the use permission signals to the request sources. |
| US08468281B2 |
Apparatus to improve bandwidth for circuits having multiple memory controllers
An apparatus for improving bandwidth for circuits having a plurality of memory controllers employing a first memory controller, a second memory controller, a first busy read output signal circuit, a first busy write output signal circuit, a second busy read output signal circuit, and a second busy write output signal circuit. The first busy read output signal indicates when the first memory controller releases the address bus for a next external access subsequent to a read access to the data bus by the first memory controller. The first busy write output signal indicates when the first memory controller releases the data bus for a next external access subsequent to a write access to the data bus by the first memory controller. The second busy read output signal indicates when the second memory controller releases the address bus for a next external access subsequent to a read access to the data bus by the second memory controller. The second busy write output signal indicates when the second memory controller releases the data bus for a next external access subsequent to a write access to the data bus by the second memory controller. |
| US08468280B2 |
Audio interface for controlling a motion platform
The present description relates to the interfacing of a computer with a motion platform using a USB audio-class computer peripheral. The computer peripheral receives a digital audio-format signal according to the USB specification and provides a motion signal to up to four motion platforms. As the computer peripheral is a USB audio-class peripheral, no device-specific driver is required to play motion synchronously with a movie or a video game. The general purpose audio driver included in the operating system of the computer is advantageously used and the computer peripheral can alternately be used with any operating system comprising such a general purpose audio driver, such as Windows 2000, Windows XO or Mac OSX. The computer peripheral is seen by the computer as a USB sound card. |
| US08468279B2 |
Platform based verification of contents of input-output devices
A platform to support verification of the contents of an input-output device. The platform includes a platform hardware, which may verify the contents of the I/O device. The platform hardware may comprise components such as manageability engine and verification engine that are used to verify the contents of the I/O device even before the contents of the I/O device are exposed to an operating system supported by a host. The platform components may delete the infected portions of the contents of I/O device if the verification process indicates that the contents of the I/O device include the infected portions. |
| US08468271B1 |
Providing privacy within computer networks using anonymous cookies
In general, techniques are described for utilizing anonymous cookies within computer networks to protect customer identities. In particular, a network device is configured to communicate with an edge router of a service provider network that provides access to a public network having network destinations. The network device includes a control unit and an interface. The control unit executes a content delivery layer and a privacy services layer. The content delivery layer receives a network communication sent from one of the customer devices to the public network. The privacy services layer replaces a destination-specified cookie within the network communication with an anonymous cookie, each of which conform to an application layer protocol. The anonymous cookie also specifies a pseudonym for the one of the customer devices that originated the network communication. The at least one interface then forwards the network communication including the anonymous cookie to the network destination. |
| US08468268B2 |
Techniques for identity and policy based routing
Techniques for identity and policy based routing are presented. A resource is initiated on a device with a resource identity and role assignments along with policies are obtained for the resource. A customized network is created for the resource using a device address for the device, the resource identity, the role assignments, and the policies. |
| US08468264B2 |
Application network communication
A method and apparatus is provided to discover and integrate applications in an application router framework. The discovery operation includes receiving a registration notification for an application on a network, adding information describing the application to a repository into a data structure and publishing the data structure onto an application router. The association operations include querying one or more application routers on an application network for meta-data and other information on applications, exchanging the meta-data and other information between the application routers and associating the applications together automatically using their respective application protocols. Routing operations include receiving application information in an application protocol format, converting the application information in the application protocol format into a neutral protocol format and forwarding the application information in the neutral protocol format along with state information to other application router devices on the network. |
| US08468262B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating http content descriptions
A client device and a server receive and send a presentation streamed via HTTP. The client device sends a content request and the server receives the content request. The client device receives and the server sends a first presentation description based on the content request, wherein the presentation description comprises a fetch interval. The client device requests or otherwise receives a second presentation description before a duration associated with the fetch interval is exceeded. |
| US08468258B2 |
IPv6 generation to trigger a virtual leased line service
Various embodiments relate to a communications system and related method for determining an address of a service access point (SAP) upon establishment of a service over a packet data network. A customer SAP connected to a provider SAP may request a link-local address for another customer SAP on the far-end of the packet data network. When the service, such as a virtual leased line (VLL) is not yet established, the provider SAP may generate an address for the customer based on another value, such as its own media access control (MAC) address. The generated address may then allow the service to become established, which may allow Neighbor Solicitation and Neighbor Advertisement packets to be sent, analyzed, and extracted. The provider SAP may then replace the generated address with the address extracted from the Neighbor Solicitation or Advertisement packet received after the service was established. |
| US08468250B2 |
Method for monitoring and providing information over a peer to peer network
The present invention relates to a pseudonode used for deployment on a peer to peer network which pseudonode comprises an IP address and client ID that is changeable upon the occurrence of a preselected event and includes a list containing at least one searchable data object. The pseudonode is programmed for monitoring the network to receive search requests therefrom and to compare each said received search with said list of data objects and to respond to such request. The invention also provides a method for monitoring search requests for selected objects by nodes on a peer to peer network. The method includes interposing the pseudonodes on the network in which it is configured to provide at least one IP address and optionally at least one client ID. The pseudonode has at least one stored object corresponding to a request object stored at said pseudonode; and monitors the network to detect requests matching at least one of the stored objects and acquires a unique ID generated by any network node requesting the object matching that stored object on the pseudonode and responding to substantially each node representing an acquired ID. |
| US08468241B1 |
Adaptive optimization across information technology infrastructure
A processing platform comprises at least one server, computer or other processing device having a processor coupled to a memory, and implements a plurality of modules for adaptive optimization across an information technology (IT) infrastructure. The modules include a collector configured to gather information from the infrastructure, an analyzer coupled to the collector and configured to analyze the information gathered by the collector, a policy module specifying a plurality of policy sets, and a controller that is coupled to the collector, the analyzer and the policy module. The controller is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the infrastructure via corresponding control points. Associated with the analyzer is a situational analysis framework configured to periodically select and deploy for use by the controller a particular one of the specified plurality of policy sets responsive to changing operating conditions of the infrastructure. The infrastructure may comprise a virtual data center (VDC) or other type of virtual infrastructure. |
| US08468235B2 |
System for extranet security
A system for communication with a server includes a user computer, which is configured to run first and second operating environments. The first operating environment is arranged to perform general-purpose operations. The second operating environment is configured expressly for interacting with the server in a communication session and is isolated from the first operating environment such that the general-purpose operations performed in the first operating environment do not affect operation of the second operating environment. The system further includes a central management subsystem, which is external to the server and to the user computer and is coupled to monitor the operation of the second operating environment running on the user computer and to control the communication session based on the monitored operation. |
| US08468234B1 |
Methods and systems for tracking file routing on a network
Disclosed are methods and systems that include presenting signals corresponding to a time-series of traffic on links of a network to a band-pass filter to obtain band-limited signals, the band pass filter centered substantially about a frequency corresponding to traffic to be tracked, determining coherence values of the band-limited signals, and, based on a comparison of the coherence values to a threshold, forming at least one map of the routing of the traffic based on the corresponding links. |
| US08468233B1 |
Service process integration systems and methods
In some embodiments, multiple heterogeneous information technology service management (ITSM) applications of different IT service partners (customers and service providers) are integrated via a service process integration grid employing a set of standard workflows and associated standard transaction types and data structures. Once a service partner's workflows and data structures have been mapped to the standard grid workflows and data structures, integration with a first and new service partners is relatively fast and convenient. Analysis of real-life ITSM applications led to the development of particular standardized workflows classified according to whether they are initiated by service provider or customer, and according to whether they do or do not include ownership-transfer transactions allowing a service partner (customer or provider) to transfer ownership of the service process to its counterpart for further action by the counterpart. |
| US08468232B2 |
Service processing apparatus, service processing system and computer readable medium
A service processing apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives a service processing request; a first acquiring unit that acquires service configuration information; a second acquiring unit that acquires processing ability management information; a processing unit that processes the service using the installed module; and a selecting unit that selects service processing apparatuses. The service processing apparatus includes a determining unit that determines a service processing apparatus having the minimal processing load resulting from the calculation of the processing load as a request destination for a processing using the module which is installed on neither the service processing apparatus nor the different service processing apparatuses; and an installation unit that installs the module on the service processing apparatus determined by the determining unit if the module which is installed on neither the service processing apparatus nor the different service processing apparatuses is not installed on the determined service processing apparatus. |
| US08468231B1 |
Architecture for network-enabled tools
The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a wireless network, a number of tools, and a central server. The number of tools is connected to the wireless network. The number of tools is configured to perform a number of tasks and collect process data while performing the number of tasks. The central server is connected to the wireless network. The central server is configured to monitor the number of tools performing the number of tasks and receive the process data collected by the number of tools over the wireless network. |
| US08468229B2 |
Method and system for controlling content distribution, related network and computer program product therefor
A method for controlling distribution of media contents over a network is provided, wherein the contents are distributed contents available at surrogate servers and remaining contents that are not available at the surrogate servers. The method includes identifying contents eligible for distribution from the remaining contents; defining a set of categories; identifying for each category at least a reference content; associating the identified contents with the predefined categories based on semantics affinity with the reference content, the semantics affinity being calculated as the distance of each of the identified contents to the at least a reference content; selecting at least one of the predefined categories; and making at least one of the identified contents associated with the selected predefined category available for distribution at the surrogate servers. |
| US08468225B2 |
Roaming TCP connections between changing physical networks
A system for roaming TCP connections when the physical networks are changed, comprising a Virtual Network Interface Card (NIC) having a unique IP address. |
| US08468224B2 |
Method for management of customer premises equipment
A customer premises equipment (CPE) and related method uses a configuration file that updates parameters of the CPE by connecting to an operator server. A determination is made if the configuration parameters of the CPE device correspond to the configuration parameters in the operator individually, and the configuration parameter values of the operator are assigned to the configuration parameter values of the CPE when the configuration parameters of the CPE correspond to the configuration parameters in the operator. |
| US08468222B2 |
Discrete mapping for targeted caching
Some embodiments provide systems and methods for implementing discrete mapping for targeted caching in a carrier network. In some embodiments, discrete mapping is implemented using a method that caches content from a content provider to a caching server. The method modifies a DNS entry at a particular DNS server to resolve a request that identifies either a hostname or a domain for the content provider to an address of the caching server so that the requested content is passed from the cached content of the caching server and not the source content provider. In some embodiments, the particular DNS server is a recursive DNS server, a local DNS server of the carrier network, or a DNS server that is not authoritative for the hostname or domain of the content provider. |
| US08468220B2 |
Methods of structuring data, pre-compiled exception list engines, and network appliances
A computer executed method is disclosed for sorting a plurality of internet protocol (IP) addresses. The method includes dividing the range of IP addresses into a plurality of clusters representing a plurality of contiguous sub-ranges, assigning each IP address to the cluster associated with the sub-range that includes that IP address, and assigning the IP addresses in each cluster to one of a plurality of pages. If one of the pages has a size less than a page size limit, the method includes duplicating on that page at least one of the IP addresses assigned to that page. For each page, the IP addresses assigned to that page are ordered by numeric value. A network appliance incorporating aspects of the method is also disclosed. |
| US08468219B2 |
Minimum intervention authentication of heterogeneous network technologies (MIAHNT)
Methods and systems for enabling communication of information within a network are disclosed herein and comprise receiving at a first communication device located within a network, configuration information from a network service provider for configuring a plurality of communication devices located within said network. The first communication device located within the network can be configured based on at least a portion of the received configuration information. In response to a user input at a second communication device located within the network, at least a portion of the received configuration information can be communicated from the first communication device to the second communication device located within the network. The network service provider can be coupled to the first communication device via a wired connection. The network can comprise a wireless network. |
| US08468214B1 |
Systems and methods for distributing content using attributes
Methods and apparatus for distributing content between fixed and nomadic servers using attributes. Attributes may relate to, inter alia, the type of content, location of a fixed and/or nomadic content server, a vehicle that includes a nomadic server, an ability to use content, a need for content, vehicle owner information, and/or time. |
| US08468213B2 |
Screen generating method, image forming apparatus, and computer program product
A screen generating method is implemented on a distribution managing system in which an image forming apparatus, a managing server, and a client device are connected. In the screen generating method, the client device receives input for designating an item for setting metadata on a generating screen; generates definition data of an input screen on which the metadata is set based on a descriptor that is arbitrary determined by a user for displaying the item on the input screen and the item designated on the generating screen; and transmits the definition data to the image forming apparatus. |
| US08468210B2 |
Audio message driven customer interaction queuing system
This application is for an audio message-driven customer interaction queuing system for any public web page to allow web page visitors to utter questions into a browser-resident recorder application. The questions queue along with originating web page information and are distributed to customer service agents. These agents research the question, using web page as reference, and respond with an audio message, played upon the recorder application by the user after some brief service interval. The invention includes client, server and agent elements. The Client resides in a standard browser on a PC and consists of a Macromedia Flash interface driving an ActiveX control and JavaScript using audio encoding/decoding codecs. The Server consists of Java Servlets, Enterprise Java Beans, a web and application server and generic database technology. The Agent consists of a browser partitioned into areas to accommodate customer URL viewing, Connection Management, and a Client for message playback/record/send functions. |
| US08468204B2 |
Communications system providing asynchronous communications over the internet and related methods
A communications system may include a client device for generating email processing jobs and a proxy server communicating asynchronously over the Internet with the client device for processing the email processing jobs. The client device may post a given email processing job to the proxy server with a unique job identifier (ID), and the proxy server thereafter may post job results for the given email processing job to the client device also with the unique job ID. The client device may also advantageously post at least one other email processing job to the proxy server over the Internet at a time between posting the given email processing job and receiving the job results therefor. |
| US08468203B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing compound documents with questions and answers
A server system runs a bot service that registers an FAQ (frequently asked questions) for a document having an embedded object. The FAQ includes one or more question-and-answer (Q&A) pairs. The bot service receives, from each electronics device that renders a copy of the document, a request from the embedded object for the FAQ registered for the document, and transmits the FAQ to each electronic device from which a request is received. Each electronics device displays the FAQ, including the one or more Q&A pairs, within its rendered copy of the document. Any viewer of a copy of the document with the embedded object can submit a question to the bot service through the embedded object. The bot service uses a messaging service to obtain an answer to the question from an author. The FAQs displayed at the electronics devices are updated to include the new Q&A pair. |
| US08468202B2 |
Aggregation system
An aggregation system including a computer, and networking hardware connecting the computer to a network. The computer is programmed so that the aggregation system presents an interface which is respectively presented to one or more users and which receives input from said one or more users, parses the input to produce an aggregation, enables executing user-defined rules which include a capacity to initiate an alert process so that a communication corresponding to the aggregation is sent to a recipient, and renders the aggregation as output. |
| US08468198B2 |
System and method for verifying delivery and integrity of electronic messages
The invention provides a system and method for determining when a message is received by a recipient or an agent for the recipient. A link is activated at the recipient to provide an indication that the message has been opened by the recipient. The activation of the link may cause a server remote from the recipient to take some further action. |
| US08468197B2 |
Generic online ranking system and method suitable for syndication
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking resources. One or more signals reporting one or more actions by the plurality of users related to a respective resource are received, where a reported action is a presentation of the respective resource, an addition of the respective resource, or a deletion of the respective resource. The reported actions include one or more short deletions of the respective resource. A respective long-addition click-through rate (LACTR) is determined for the respective resource based on a number of reported presentations of the respective resource and a difference between a number of reported additions of the respective resource and a number of short deletions of the respective resource. The plurality of resources are ranked based on the respective LACTRs for the plurality of resources. The ranking of the plurality of resources are provided. |
| US08468196B1 |
System and method of reducing latency using adaptive retransmission timeouts
In one aspect, a system and method are provided whereby latency in network communication protocols such as the TCP/IP suite of protocols is reduced by transmitting a new and second connection request from a sending device to a receiving device over a network based upon adaptively determined dynamic initial timeout values, where the dynamic initial timeout values are adaptively determined based upon data associated with one or more historical requests transmitted over the network by the sending device. |
| US08468195B1 |
System and method for controlling an exchange of information in a network environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving data propagating in a network environment and organizing the data into one or more subjects. A request is received for information associated with a particular subject and an individual associated with the particular subject is identified. The request can be communicated to the individual if a request limit has not been exceeded for the individual. In other embodiments, a profile associated with each of a plurality of users in the network environment is maintained. The profile can include a number of questions presented to each user, a number of questions answered by each user, and a configured limit on how many questions each user is permitted to receive. In still other embodiments, a designation is made for a total number of requests that can be open between a plurality of users during a given time interval. |
| US08468192B1 |
Implementing multipliers in a programmable integrated circuit device
The number of multipliers of a particular size that are required to perform a multiplication larger than that size is reduced. In the example of a 36-bit-by-36-bit multiplication, the number of 18-bit-by-18-bit multipliers required may be reduced from four to three. This may be achieved by using recursive decomposition techniques. As discussed in more detail below, if for each of two 36-bit numbers, the “digits” of each respective 36-bit number are added together, and then the two sums are multiplied, the resulting term can be combined additively with the product of the least-significant group of bits of the two 36-bit numbers and the product of the most-significant group of bits of the two 36-bit numbers to provide the desired product. A specialized processing block includes structures to facilitate the recursive decomposition technique. |
| US08468190B2 |
Complex and hypercomplex inclusive interval expression evaluations with stable numeric evaluations and precision efficacy testing
Improvements to optimal interval operators are developed for interval expression evaluation using arithmetic and real power operators applied to complex and hypercomplex number systems. A method for determining efficacy of numeric precision, incorporating minor changes to interval operators, provides detection of insufficient numeric evaluation precision. |
| US08468189B2 |
Iterated variational regularization combined with componentwise regularization
The present invention relates to a solution for solving an ill-posed inverse problem in image analysis, e.g. in an electron tomography application in order to recover a structure of a sample. The solution is provided for instance as a method comprising steps of determining reliable prior knowledge about the solution, determining initial guess for the solution and determining the corresponding forward operator, deciding upon model of stochasticity, deciding on suitable regularization method, deciding on updating scheme, and producing a sequence using the set configuration. |
| US08468188B1 |
Movable tap finite impulse response filter
A finite impulse response (FIR) filter apparatus including: an input configured to receive a first input signal; a plurality of coefficient taps configured to filter the first input signal; a plurality of delay elements arranged between the plurality of coefficient taps, the plurality of delay elements configured to delay the first input signal, wherein at least one of the plurality of delay elements is configured to provide a variable delay; and a processor configured to i) determine signal strengths of respective portions of the first input signal, and ii) in response to determining the signal strengths, set the variable delay to skip filtering selected portions of the first input signal. |
| US08468186B2 |
Combination of values from a pseudo-random source
Values generated by at least one pseudo-random source (PRS) are recombined to form one or more recombined values. The method involves using analog, digital, or hybrid manipulation techniques to transform characteristics of PRS, including but not limited to statistical characteristics, and input/output characteristics. In some examples, the recombination method provides a way to de-bias output bits from PRS without appreciable increase in self noise. In some examples, the recombined result passes NIST's Statistical Tests for Randomness even if underlying PRS natively does not. In some examples, the recombination method provides a way to make a PRS challengeable, even if the underlying PRS is not natively challengeable. In some examples, recombination is used to allow single PRS to have multiple outputs, and in some cases multi-dimensional (orthogonal) outputs. In some examples, a multi-modal system is created via recombination using multiple PRS. In some examples, post recombined result exhibit super error characteristics (prior to application of any error correction codes) compared to native PRS output. In some examples, the recombined values are applied to security applications, for instance authentication and/or cryptographic functions, which may provide improved characteristics (e.g., cryptographic strength) in view of a de-biased output which in some examples also passes NIST's Statistical Tests. |
| US08468183B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic detection and identification of broadcast audio and video signals
This invention relates to the automatic detection and identification of broadcast programming, for example music, speech or video that is broadcast over radio, television, the Internet or other media. “Broadcast” means any readily available source of content, whether now known or hereafter devised, including streaming, peer to peer delivery or detection of network traffic. A known program is registered by deriving a numerical code for each of many short time segments during the program and storing the sequence of numerical codes and a reference to the identity of the program. Detection and identification of an input signal occurs by similarly extracting the numerical codes from it and comparing the sequence of detected numerical codes against the stored sequences. Testing criteria is applied that optimizes the rate of correct detections of the registered programming. Other optimizations in the comparison process are used to expedite the comparison process. |
| US08468179B1 |
Configurable views for a database
According to some embodiments, a business enterprise platform may install a database associated with a customer of the business enterprise platform. The business enterprise platform may then provide to the customer at least one pre-defined configurable view of the information in the database. Moreover, customization of the pre-defined configurable view of the information in the database by the customer and/or a service provider may be automatically facilitated. |
| US08468175B2 |
Method and system for building a streaming model
A method of constructing a plurality of downloadable files from an application file and a plurality of transcripts. The application file stores data blocks and implements an application. Each of the transcripts stores at least one order in which at least a portion of the data blocks of the application file were accessed by the application when executed previously. The transcripts are combined into a combined transcript storing at least one combined order comprising a combined portion of the data blocks. The data blocks of the combined portion are arranged in a data structure having an origin. A first set of data blocks within a predetermined distance from the origin is stored in at least one initial execution file. A second set of data blocks outside the predetermined distance from the origin is stored in downloadable sequence files. |
| US08468173B2 |
Information processing system, information processing method, and program and storage medium for the same
Device information identifying a device to which a user has previously instructed execution of processing is acquired from a memory unit configured to store the device information. A device that the acquired device information indicates is requested to send history information including at least information of a history relating to processing having been instructed to be executed in the device by the user. Furthermore, the history information transmitted from the device in response to the request is received. The received history information is displayed on a display. |
| US08468170B2 |
Creating ad hoc relationships between entities
Users are enabled to quickly and easily associate records representing entities such as themselves, other users, contacts, accounts, teams/groups, and similar ones employing a record of the association and assign each entity a role or other attributes as a part of this association. Relationship records and attributes preserving entity association information allow teamwork, communication, and collaboration for effective management of business processes. The records and attributes also enable visualization and facilitate deeper understanding of the relationships between people, data, and business processes. |
| US08468166B2 |
Analytic enhancements to model clause in structured query language (SQL)
A method for processing queries is provided. A database server receives and executes a query to generate a relation. The query comprises first one or more clauses and a model clause. The model clause comprises a rule that has a left-side expression and a right-side expression. In one embodiment, the right-side expression of the rule includes a window function, which specifies one or more partition columns. In an embodiment, the left-side expression comprises a for-loop predicate. The for-loop predicate is unfolded after the database server compiles the query. In one embodiment, the left-side expression of the rule comprises one or more existential predicates, where each existential predicate evaluates to a Boolean value. |
| US08468165B2 |
Method for discovering network of home or building control devices
The present disclosure relates to a method for discovering, identifying, and cataloguing devices on a network, particularly, devices included in a home automation or building control network. In embodiments, a node information table is populated with generic entries representing potentially-discoverable devices on the network. The table is traversed iteratively and potential devices are queried in turn to determine the type and capabilities of each potential device in the network. Device responses stored in the node information table, replacing generic entries with updated entries representative of actual network devices. Additionally, device responses may be used as a basis for subsequent queries to network devices. After device queries are completed, any remaining generic node information table entries are removed from the table, thereby only entries corresponding to positively-identified network devices remain in the table. |
| US08468162B2 |
String matching in hardware using the FM-index
String matching is a ubiquitous problem that arises in a wide range of applications in computer science, e.g., packet routing, intrusion detection, web querying, and genome analysis. Due to its importance, dozens of algorithms and several data structures have been developed over the years. A recent breakthrough in this field is the FM-index, a data structure that synergistically combines the Burrows-Wheeler transform and the suffix array. In software, the FM-index allows searching (exact and approximate) in times comparable to the fastest known indices for large texts (suffix trees and suffix arrays), but has the additional advantage to be much more space-efficient than those indices. This disclosure discusses an FPGA-based hardware implementation of the FM-index for exact and approximate pattern matching. |
| US08468159B2 |
Data element categorization in a service-oriented architecture
An approach is presented for specifying categories of data elements during a service specification phase of a service-oriented architecture (SOA) life cycle defined in a service modeling methodology like Service-Oriented Modeling and Architecture (SOMA). A Unified Modeling Language based SOA modeling tool for the service modeling methodology includes a middleware based integration plug-in that categorizes service-specific data elements as transaction elements, glue elements, core Common Information Model (CIM) elements, and elements extending the CIM elements, and associates the categorized data elements with corresponding operations of the service being modeled. |
| US08468158B2 |
Adaptive weighted crawling of user activity feeds
Embodiments are directed towards determining frequencies for adaptively crawling user activity feeds, by taking into account user activity patterns, as well as a type or nature of a service to be crawled. A statistical model of activity patterns is generated for each user and user activity source based on various parameters. The activity patterns may be weighted to account for variation in relevancy of user content. Various measures are generated that are adaptive by being updated at a rate determined sufficient to detect user activity pattern changes. The statistical model produces clusters of users for each service. A crawling frequency may be assigned to the various clusters such that different users for a given service may have content crawled at different frequencies. |
| US08468153B2 |
Information service for facts extracted from differing sources on a wide area network
In one general aspect, a wide area network fact information service method is disclosed. This method includes storing a plurality of canonical fact entries, storing one or more fact descriptor entries for each of the canonical fact entries, and ranking the canonical fact entries relative to each other based on the descriptor entries. |
| US08468151B2 |
Methods and systems for hardware acceleration of database operations and queries based on multiple hardware accelerators
Embodiments of the present invention provide a hardware accelerator that assists a host database system in processing its queries. The hardware accelerator comprises special purpose processing elements that are capable of receiving database query/operation tasks in the form of machine code database instructions, execute them in hardware without software, and return the query/operation result back to the host system. |
| US08468149B1 |
Multi-lingual online community
A method, system and computer readable medium for hosting a community in multiple languages is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request from a first member of a community to post content within the community. The content is written in a first language. Next, the content is translated into a second language. Login information is received from a second member. The second member may be associated with a second language. Lastly, the translated content is displayed to the second member. The method may further comprise receiving feedback from the second member relating to the quality of the translation or post edited versions of the automatically produced translation. |
| US08468146B2 |
System and method for creating search index on cloud database
A method for creating a search index on cloud database is provided. The method enables providing inputs for creating multiple indexes on documents stored in the cloud database. One of the inputs may include a first value representing number of documents to be assigned a single index. The method further enables determining total number of documents stored in the cloud database which is represented by a second value. Further, the method enables estimating total number of indexes to be created based on first value and second value. The method further comprises executing a loop to create multiple indexes for a predetermined number of iterations which corresponds to the estimated value. Furthermore, the method comprises indexing documents for creating the multiple indexes. Finally, the method comprises merging the multiple indexes to create a single index which facilitates a user to search documents stored in the cloud database. |
| US08468144B2 |
Methods and apparatus for analyzing information to identify entities of significance
Embodiments include methods for analyzing information performed by a data analysis system. The method includes parsing data from one or more data sources, resulting in parsed data, forming a plurality of chains of terms from the parsed data, and determining a significance score for an entity identified in one or more of the chains based, at least in part, on one or more positions of the entity within the one or more chains. Embodiments of the method may be used to identify entities of significance (e.g., in a group, organization or social network). |
| US08468143B1 |
System and method for directing questions to consultants through profile matching
A server system receives a question from an inquirer at a client. In response, the server system identifies a plurality of information items corresponding to the question. At least one of the information items has associated classification data profiling the information therein. The server system generates a profile for the question based on the classification data of the information items and identifies one or more consultants for the question among a plurality of candidates in accordance with a comparison of the question profile and the candidates' respective user profiles. The server system submits the question to at least one of the consultants for answer. After receiving an answer to the question from the consultant, the server system forwards the answer to a client for display to the inquirer. |
| US08468137B2 |
Distributed storage network that processes data in either fixed or variable sizes
A distributed storage network receives a data object and determines a size of the data object. The network then determines whether the data object should be segmented into fixed size segments or variable sizes segments based upon some variable-length algorithm. If the fixed approach is selected, the data object is segmented into two or more fixed size segments with attached header information and the information is further processed using error coding dispersal storage functions within the network. If the variable approach is selected, the data object is segmented into two or more variable-sized segments with attached header information and the information is further processed using error coding dispersal storage functions within the network. Both the variable and fixed approaches enable storage of error-correctable data slices in a distributed storage manner. |
| US08468131B2 |
Connecting devices in a peer-to-peer network with a service provider
Communication between a service provider and a plurality of devices on a peer-to-peer network are enabled. One of the plurality of devices on the peer-to-peer network is selected for receiving invitations for media sessions with any of the plurality of devices from the service provider. The selected device transmits a registration message to the service provider indicating a unique address of the selected device to which invitations are to be sent. The unique address is associated with a first identifier for at least one of the plurality of devices by the service provider. Another one of the plurality of devices is selected in place of the selected device to receive subsequent invitations for media session upon detection of a reselection condition. |
| US08468128B2 |
Synchronization of sequential access storage components with backup catalog
Subsequent to a storage operation performed on the source instance by a source component, a synchronization message is sent to a replicated component for the replicated instance. The synchronization message is stored locally in a persistent storage location associated with the source component along with an indicator representative of a time the storage operation was performed. Pursuant to receipt of the synchronization message by the replicated component, the replicated component is updated to a dirty state to indicate a lack of full synchronization between the source and replicated instances. Receipt of the synchronization message is acknowledged by the replicated component by sending a dirty state acknowledgement. If, during a subsequent recovery process, the dirty state is not yet cleared, the replicated component is deemed ineligible for participation in a full restoration operation. |
| US08468126B2 |
Publishing data in an information community
A system and method for publishing information to a community of users is disclosed. Published information is inclusive of, for example, calendar data, blog data and photographs. Communities may be defined by PIM data or automatically generated by a data aggregation server in response to a user-defined rubric. Published information may be provided to a recipient or in conjunction with a notification delivered to the recipient. Published data may be subject to certain read/write limitations. |
| US08468124B2 |
Debugging workflows
Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to a debugging system (“system”) configured to access a work flow document. The workflow document may include references to flow activities connected by flow connectors, forming a workflow path. Some of the flow connectors may have breakpoints. The debugging system can insert command instructions for a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request into the workflow document at locations associated with the flow connectors and initiate a test run of the workflow path. In some embodiments, during the test run, when one of the flow connectors is reached, the system executes the command instructions for the HTTP request, sending the HTTP request to a debugger application (“debugger”). If a breakpoint is associated with the flow connector, the debugger can delay response to the HTTP request, otherwise the debugger can respond immediately. A user can debug the workflow document during the delay. |
| US08468120B2 |
Systems and methods for tracking and reporting provenance of data used in a massively distributed analytics cloud
In the context of cloud computing, effective methods and arrangements for storing and tracking provenance. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a distributed file system is advantageously employed to store large amounts of provenance data. File creation involves the creation both of output files and reduce logs. |
| US08468119B2 |
Matching data from disparate sources
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive a first identification of two or more records that match and to search at least two sources of data to locate a set of potential matching records, based on element transformation to determine common characteristics of the two or more records. Further activities may include publishing the set of potential matching records, receiving a second identification of matching members of the set, and searching at least one repository to locate further matching records based on the second identification and the common characteristics. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08468118B2 |
System and method for analyzing and utilizing intellectual property information
Disclosed are a system and a method for analyzing and utilizing intellectual property information. The method comprises the steps of registering search strategy formulas for extracting intellectual property (IP) information; accessing and searching Internet websites that provide IP information based on the registered search strategy formulas, and extracting first IP information according to the search; placing the first IP information in a standard form and performing a first storage operation of the first IP information, and transmitting the converted IP information to research center PCs; determining whether a request for detailed information has been made from the research center PCs, and if it has, accessing the Internet websites and extracting second IP information corresponding to the first IP information; and placing the second IP information in a standard form and performing a second storage operation of the converted IP information, and transmitting the converted IP information to the research center PCs. The system comprises an IP information extraction unit for extracting IP information according to the operation of software from at least one on-line IP information DB; an IP information analyzing unit for controlling the operation of the software, receiving the extracted IP information and storing the same together with data containing predetermined opinion contents, and outputting the IP information; and an E-mail receiving/transmitting unit for transmitting the IP information received from the IP information analyzing unit to research center PCs, and receiving feedback of data containing opinion contents from the research center PCs. |
| US08468113B2 |
Method and system for management of security rule set
There are provided a method of automated managing two or more security rule-sets and a system thereof. The method comprises: obtaining data characterizing a first rule-set and a second rule-set; automated recognizing all possible combinations of values in the first and the second rule-sets; automated verifying each combination of values in the second rule-set against the first rule-set; calculating one or more values characterizing the differences in allowable and rejectable traffic in the first rule-set and the second rule-set; automated comparing the calculated values and/or derivatives thereof with a predefined threshold; and automated classifying the relationship between the first rule-set and the second rule-set in accordance with comparison results. The method may further comprise obtaining a connectivity request; automated verifying each combination of values in the connectivity request against the first rule-set and the second rule-set; and automated classifying the second rule-set with regard to the connectivity request, wherein the second rule-set comprises extra allowable traffic resulting from amending the first rule set. |
| US08468110B1 |
Real-time user behavior prediction
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates use of an application. During operation, the system obtains an activity history of interaction between the user and the application during use of the application by the user. Next, the system applies a predictive model to the activity history to predict a probability of a user action in the application. Finally, the system facilitates subsequent real-time use of the application by the user based on the probability of the user action. |
| US08468107B2 |
Non-intrusive event-driven prediction
A method, system, and computer usable program product for non-intrusive event-driven prediction of a metric in a data processing environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. At least one set of events is observed in the data processing environment, the set of events being generated by several processes executing in the data processing environment. A subset of the set of events are tracked for an observation period, the tracking resulting in bookkeeping information about the subset of events. A pattern of events is detected in the bookkeeping information. The pattern is formed as a tuple representing a process in the several processes, the metric corresponding to the process. A prediction model is selected for the tuple. The prediction model is supplied with the tuple and executed to generate a predicted value of the metric. |
| US08468106B2 |
Method and device for automated palletizing of packages to form stable stacks
A method for the automatic palletizing of stable package stacks includes the steps of virtual generation of multiple follow-up configurations by adding packages to at least one initial configuration, assessment of these follow-up configurations, and pursuit of follow-up configurations that are assessed as good as initial configurations. These steps are repeated until a termination criterion is satisfied. The follow-up configurations are assessed on the basis of different partial stack heights, towers and/or overbuildings. Another version of the method includes the steps of virtual generation of a package stack, and determination of a characteristic stability value of a package of a layer of a virtual package stack on the basis of the characteristic stability value of packages on which the package rests. |
| US08468102B2 |
Creation of ad hoc social networks based on issue identification
An external network is crawled (searched) to identify issues that may exist in the external network. Once an issue is identified, internal networks are crawled to determine one or more experts on the issue. A social network of the one or more experts is created. This way, the experts can quickly address the issue.As part of the creation of the social network, a template can be created that contains the issue, sub-issues associated with the issue, a ranking of the issues/sub-issues, and a form that allows the experts to interact and address the issue/sub-issues. In addition, the identified experts can be refined based on their availability to address the issue. The template can provide the ability to respond to users of the external networks in a manner consistent with the external networks. |
| US08468101B1 |
Electronic money system and payment accepting apparatus
An electronic money system and a payment-accepting apparatus that further facilitate the use of cards substituting cash money. The electronic money use fee is computed on the basis of the information about the timing with which the amount of money data equivalent to an amount of money used are withdrawn from an information card, thereby allowing the user owning the information card to use an electronic money system regardless of whether time zones having different profit rates. Consequently, the user owning the information card always may pay by the information card, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the information card that substitutes cash money. |
| US08468097B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting the privacy of responder information
A device, such as a vehicle, and a method within the device are provided for protecting the privacy of device specific information. The method includes the steps of detecting a beacon transmitted by an association requestor, determining whether the association requestor is an authorized requester by determining whether a present parameter falls within a range of authorized parameters associated with the association requester, and transmitting the device specific information to the authorized requester only if the present parameter falls within the range of authorized requester parameters. |
| US08468093B2 |
Method and system for performing a commercial transaction by using a short message service terminal
Method for performing a commercial transaction wherein a customer having a computer connected to a public network such as the Internet network and a SMS terminal is able to receive and send SMS messages over a telephone network and can order an article by using the computer to a commercial server connected to the public network. |
| US08468092B2 |
Method and system for processing internet payments using the electronic funds transfer network
A computer implemented system is provided for processing payments. A server including a computer memory storing a first database including a directory is provided. The directory includes authenticated registrant information comprising authenticated information for a payee, the directory identifying via a publicly available account identifier at least one linked account of said payee. The system also includes a payor computer having access to the directory and a first bank computer linked via a computer network to the server, the first bank computer configured to access payor account information from a payor account at the first bank. The first bank computer is also configured to receive payment information from the payor computer identifying the payee and to transmit a payment from the payor account at the first bank to the linked payee account located at a second bank without using an intermediary to transfer said payment. |
| US08468087B2 |
Methods and systems for netting of payments and collateral
The present invention generally provides for systems and methods for netting payments and collateral. Generally, systems and methods of the present invention maximize market liquidity and minimize financial risk and collateral burdens of participants. |
| US08468084B2 |
Methods and investment instruments for performing tax-deferred real estate exchanges
Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. |
| US08468076B2 |
Charge control system and method
A charge control system which is applied in a hardware environment includes an electronic device, an intelligent ammeter, and a server. The intelligent ammeter is connected to the server by a network connection. The charge control system includes a storage unit, and at least one processor. The storage unit stores a plurality of validation information. The at least one processor includes a receiving module, a validating module and a charge control module. The receiving module receives information from a user intended to validate the user. The validating module determines whether the received information matches one of the items of predetermined validation information. The charge control module controls the intelligent ammeter to begin charging the electronic device when the received information matches one of items of the predetermined validation information. |
| US08468075B2 |
Engine, system and method of providing third party business valuation and associated services
A computer-implemented engine, system and method for generating business valuations, scoring, and/or flagging over a network, responsively to information input by a user remote from the engine, system and method. The invention may include a graphical user interface capable of locally querying a user to input the company information, at least one network port capable of remotely receiving the company information from the graphical user interface, and at least one engine communicatively connected to the at least one network port, which engine preferably includes a plurality of rules to generate, responsively to the input company information, at least one of a business valuation, a business score, and/or one or more business flags to be used as indicators in a network marketplace, for the company associated with the inputted company information. |
| US08468072B2 |
Method and system for distribution of unactivated bank account cards
The invention comprises a method for distributing dead bank cards to customers who have not solicited a bank card or submitted an application. The dead bank card is a bank card (e.g., ATM card, debit card, check card, and the like) which contains all necessary information to be used, including a pre-assigned bank account number, and which only requires activation/approval by the prospective new bank account customer. In one embodiment, the dead bank card is distributed in connection with live credit cards issued to applicants for credit card accounts. Once operative, the bank card and the credit card may be linked together through a rebate/rewards program. |
| US08468068B2 |
Making an availability determination regarding a requested ware
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer program generating on a display device a graphical user interface for specifying an availability determination regarding a ware. The graphical user interface includes a critical part area configured for a user to (i) specify that a part identified in the critical part area is to be recognized as a critical part for providing a ware, and (ii) associate one of a plurality of supply scopes with the critical part for making a first availability determination regarding the critical part. The critical part area is configured so that a second availability determination regarding the ware takes into account the first availability determination regarding the critical part. |
| US08468067B2 |
Remanufactured part core return process and system
One aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for processing remanufactured part cores. The method includes receiving manufactured part core inventory information. The inventory information can include an inventory forecast and an inventory level for a number of parts. The method further includes receiving a part number of a part to be processed. The part to be processed is a member of the number of parts. The method further includes receiving one or more business rules for processing the part to be processed. A part disposition for the part to be processed is determined based on the remanufactured part core inventory information, the one or more business rules and the part number. |
| US08468066B2 |
Inventory or asset management system
A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged. |
| US08468061B2 |
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. |
| US08468060B2 |
Recursive method and system for accessing classification information
Web based menu system and method allows users such as buyers and sellers to locate, purchase, and sell goods, items and services. Knowledge of the system increases with user interaction. The system can respond to voice activation and recognition commands. At the web site, the user selects a category followed by a selection of makes, items, or services called a Sub-Category. The system responds by displaying menus referred to as a “Fluidity of Taxonomy”. This process repeats until the user reaches the finite end of the menus. Users can place requests for instant notification of new ad placements. Banner ads can be applicable to the buyers' interest. Sellers can grow the database based on menu selections. The system can retrieve any orderly classification of information. |
| US08468058B2 |
Advertisement distribution system, device and method, and advertisement distribution program
An advertisement transmitted from an advertisement distributor terminal and advertisement distribution request information are mutually associated and stored in an advertisement distribution management device. Further, user information transmitted from the user terminal is added with identification information, and stored in the advertisement distribution management device. Thereafter, the advertisement distribution management device acquires user identification information in response to a Web site reading requirement transmitted from the user terminal, and extracts all category information belonged to by advertisements the distribution of which are approved by the user with reference to a user information is determined out of the category information. Furthermore, one advertisement is determined out of the advertisements that belong to the category information, and the advertisement is transmitted to the user terminal. |
| US08468057B2 |
System and method for personalized access to vehicle data services through portals
Managing subscriber vehicle data in a vehicle data management system includes receiving and storing vehicle data, associating at least one client class with at least one corresponding targeted data format, receiving a client data request from a client, determining a client identity based on the client data request; and providing targeted data to the client responsive to the data request. The targeted data format is based on the determination of the identified client requesting the client data. An article for managing subscriber vehicle data in a vehicle data management system is described having a computer readable modulated carrier wave embodying means embedded in the modulated carrier wave for storing received vehicle data, means for associating at least one client class with at least one corresponding targeted data format, means for determining a client identity based on a received client data request and means for providing targeted data to the client responsive to the data request. |
| US08468056B1 |
Ad skip feature for characterizing advertisement effectiveness
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for characterizing effectiveness of online advertisements inserted into media streams based at least in part on monitoring events indicative of an audience skipping ad streams inserted into the media streams. The methods and systems described in this specification enable tracking the number of impressions prior to detecting events indicative of interest or disinterest for ad streams inserted into a media stream. |
| US08468055B2 |
Advertising system supporting multi-advertiser system communications
A system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption provides customers making online purchases to automatically retrieve and redeem all applicable rebates and coupons during an online purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system makes purchases from merchants or manufacturers using all applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system automatically retrieves coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site and to retrieve manufacturer's and merchant's coupons prior to an online purchasing activity for subsequent submission to an online merchant during a subsequent purchasing activity. |
| US08468051B2 |
Selecting and delivering personalized content
The definition of campaign tactics as associating customized content to associated audiences in a relational database. These associations may be cached in a content association mapping that may be read from without accessing the database. The content association mappings may cached in one or more front end servers, and may be updated periodically by navigating the relational database. For a given tactic, the system determines whether a user is a member of the associated audience, identifies the content to be delivered by referring to the content association mapping, and then delivers the content to the user. |
| US08468050B2 |
Method and system to connect consumers to information
A method and apparatus for recruiting, communicating with, and paying participants of interactive advertising are described. The present invention is a system through which advertisers can recruit, communicate with, and pay their potential customers for their time. The system achieves these functions without the advertiser or the customer having to be in the same location—all logistics are handled through the system's web site, database, and communications interfaces. The system enables advertisers to promote interactive seminars in which they try to sell products to potential customers. Most importantly, the advertisers are able to offer their potential customers financial rewards for their time, such as 25 cents per minute to reward a customer for listening to a sales pitch. The system then provides a real-time communications link between the advertiser and customer. The system automatically bills the advertiser and rewards the customer for the time that they interact. |
| US08468048B2 |
Suggesting targeting information for ads, such as websites and/or categories of websites for example
One or more keywords and/or information about one or more properties may be accepted, and a set of one or more taxonomy categories may be determined using at least some of the keyword(s) and/or property information and perhaps term co-occurrence clusters. The determined taxonomy categories may be presented to an advertising user as an ad targeting suggestion. Each taxonomy category may have at least one associated property (e.g., Web document), that participates in an advertising network. An advertiser selection of a suggested taxonomy category may be accepted, and the serving of an ad of the advertiser may be targeted to each property associated with the selected suggested taxonomy category. Alternatively, such properties may be presented to an advertising user as an ad targeting suggestion. |
| US08468047B2 |
Appraisal processing
A software program assists in establishing goals and objectives and creating appraisals based on those goals and objectives. The goals for an organization are determined, and individual objectives based on the goals are defined. The software program assigns weights to the individual objectives, and obtaining a plurality of appraisals based on the individual objectives. A final appraisal is created by combining the plurality of appraisals based on the weight. The plurality of appraisals may be obtained using different appraisal types, including objective-setting, simple appraisal, and 360 degree feedback. |
| US08468045B2 |
Automated specification, estimation, discovery of causal drivers and market response elasticities or lift factors
In some embodiments, a software facility performs a method of automated specification of models, estimation of elasticities, and discovery of drivers using the framework(s) discussed elsewhere herein is provided. The facility first obtains the client, business, and/or brand goals in terms of profit optimization, volume or revenue goals, acquisition of new customers, retention of customers, share of wallet and upsell. In conjunction with these goals, the facility obtains cross-section meta-data related to the planning time horizon, markets, geographies, channels of trade and customer segments. In combination, the goals and meta-data define the structure of the data stack and the number of demand generation equations that are needed. |
| US08468043B2 |
Networks with redundant points of presence using approximation methods and systems
Methods, systems, and products determine minimum cost networks. A k-fold coverage formulation is applied to potential network elements having cost and coverage parameters. Iterative heuristics are used to find an optimal solution to the k-set coverage formulation. The approximate solutions to the k-set coverage formulation are then used to select at least some of the potential network elements for use in a minimum cost network. |
| US08468042B2 |
Method and apparatus for discovering and utilizing atomic services for service delivery
A method, apparatus and computer readable medium for identifying and partitioning atomic services in an information technology (IT) environment are included within the invention. More specifically, the invention provides a method and system for identifying service boundaries and partitioning services into atomic services based on the services boundaries. In order to more efficiently provide services in an IT environment, this invention in at least one embodiment utilizes a method of partitioning services into atomic services based on natural services boundaries such that those atomic services may be standardized and reused as needed. |
| US08468038B2 |
System and method for processing work products for vehicles via the world wide web
A method and system for receiving data relating to an insurance claim for a damaged vehicle and transmitting a valuation report for the damaged vehicle over the world wide web. The system includes a client computer and a web server that are coupled through an electronic communication network such as the internet. The web server contains a web site that contains a plurality of web pages. Each web page allows an operator to enter the insurance claim data. The data can be processed into a valuation report by a separate valuation server. The valuation report can be transmitted to the client computer through the web server. A claims adjuster can access the web server by merely entering a uniform resource locator (“URL”) into a web browser. The adjuster does not have to dial directly into the valuation server. |
| US08468037B1 |
Reinsurance risk management
Managing risks associated with reinsurance includes: obtaining a plurality of insurance policies, each of the plurality of insurance policies comprising a plurality of coverages; identifying, for each insurance policy in the plurality of insurance policies, a set of coverages that corresponds to a geographical location, a policy level liability, or a covered item; and evaluating, for each identified set of coverages, a corresponding reinsurable risk, the evaluation includes determining a total insured value associated with the corresponding reinsurable risk. |
| US08468031B2 |
Generating output data based on patient monitoring
Exemplary system and method embodiments may include real-time monitoring data regarding administration of a health-related procedure to a recipient patient which is posted to a patient data record that has restricted read/write access. In some instances the monitoring data is processed to determine compliance or non-compliance based on comparison of the health-related procedure with a predetermined benchmark standard. Exemplary aspects of the monitoring data transmitted and/or received via one or more communication links may include updated confirmation of a patient identifier and verification of an updated parameter regarding administration of the health-related procedure. |
| US08468030B2 |
System and method for collecting, organizing, and presenting date-oriented medical information
A method and computer program collects hospital patient and administrative information and presents the information to a user via an interactive user interface (34) that includes a plurality of activity windows. The activity windows list patients according to admission to a hospital department (36), scheduled surgical procedures (38), scheduled clinical appointments (40), rounds (44), consults (46), and scheduled catheterization conference (48). A daily schedule activity window (42) lists presents the user's schedule for a given day, and a personal notes activity window (50) presents notes previously submitted by the user. The patient lists can be presented according to service, team, or attending physician. The user can drill down to acquire more detailed information by selecting a patient from a list and requesting the information. |
| US08468027B2 |
Systems and methods for deploying and utilizing a network of conversation control systems
Systems and methods for interacting with recipients. The systems can be computer controlled and provide audio and/or textual output to a recipient. In some cases, the audio output is created by accessing an audio file on the system, converting the audio output to an audio signal, and providing the audio output to the recipient. In various cases, a user selects the appropriate output from a subset of possible outputs provided via the system. The methods include various ways for directing a pseudo-conversation with a recipient via a conversation control system. |
| US08468021B2 |
System and method for writing digits in words and pronunciation of numbers, fractions, and units
Disclosed is a system and method for converting a digital number to text and for pronouncing the digital number. The system includes a filtration system for determining whether the digital number has nonnumeric symbols and for generating a filtrated number, an analyzing system for analyzing the filtrated number, a composition system configured to collect words associated with ternary units of the filtrated number, a linking system configured to link the words, and a pronouncing system for pronouncing the linked words. |
| US08468018B2 |
Apparatus and method for canceling noise of voice signal in electronic apparatus
An apparatus and a method for canceling noise in a voice signal in an electronic apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a Generalized Sidelobe Canceller (GSC) and a decision unit. The GSC cancels noise components from signals with different phases input via a plurality of microphones. The decision unit estimates a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of an input signal to determine a step-size of a filter included in the GSC. |
| US08468016B2 |
Speech feature extraction apparatus, speech feature extraction method, and speech feature extraction program
A speech feature extraction apparatus, speech feature extraction method, and speech feature extraction program. A speech feature extraction apparatus includes: first difference calculation module to: (i) receive, as an input, a spectrum of a speech signal segmented into frames for each frequency bin; and (ii) calculate a delta spectrum for each of the frame, where the delta spectrum is a difference of the spectrum within continuous frames for the frequency bin; and first normalization module to normalize the delta spectrum of the frame for the frequency bin by dividing the delta spectrum by a function of an average spectrum; where the average spectrum is an average of spectra through all frames that are overall speech for the frequency bin; and where an output of the first normalization module is defined as a first delta feature. |
| US08468014B2 |
Voicing detection modules in a system for automatic transcription of sung or hummed melodies
The technology disclosed relates to audio signal processing. It includes a series of modules that individually are useful to solve audio signal processing problems. Among the problems addressed are buzz removal, selecting a pitch candidate among pitch candidates based on local continuity of pitch and regional octave consistency, making small adjustments in pitch, ensuring that a selected pitch is consistent with harmonic peaks, determining whether a given frame or region of frames includes harmonic, voiced signal, extracting harmonics from voice signals and detecting vibrato. One environment in which these modules are useful is transcribing singing or humming into a symbolic melody. Another environment that would usefully employ some of these modules is speech processing. Some of the modules, such as buzz removal, are useful in many other environments as well. |
| US08468008B2 |
Input/output processor (IOP) based emulation
The emulation of a data processing I/O protocol employs a process which obviates the need to consider hardware specific functionality for which emulation is not an optimal solution. The particular protocol described in exemplary fashion herein is the OSA protocol as defined by Open System Adapter standards. The use of this emulation is also seen to leave in place all of the software tools otherwise employed. |
| US08468007B1 |
Emulating a peripheral mass storage device with a portable device
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for emulating a mass storage device and a file system of a mass storage device. In a first aspect, a human-portable data processing device that includes one or more data processors that perform operations in accordance with machine-readable instructions, an incoming message classifier configured to classify an incoming read command according to an address of the data requested by the incoming read command, and an emulation data generation component connected to respond to the classification of the incoming read command by the incoming message classifier to generate emulation data emulating that which would have been read by the incoming read command were the human-portable data processing device a mass storage device; and a bus controller configured to respond to the incoming read command with the emulation data generated by the emulation data generation component. |
| US08468006B2 |
Method of combined simulation of the software and hardware parts of a computer system, and associated system
This invention relates to a method for simulation of a computer system (10), for example for an aeronautical simulation application, comprising a hardware infrastructure (HW) and a software portion (SW).The method comprises: the modeling (E100) of the said hardware infrastructure (HW) in a plurality of schedulers (11-14) capable of simulating the successive execution of tasks (15, 40, 40′), the modeling (E110) of the said software portion (SW) in a plurality of initial tasks (15) comprising accesses to resources of the said hardware infrastructure (HW), the simulation (E130) of the initial tasks (15) comprising the software propagation of simulated accesses through schedulers (11-14) of the said modeled infrastructure (HW), the said propagation being carried out in the form of transactions (50) between pairs of schedulers (11-14), a transaction (50) comprising a task (40, 40′) on each scheduler and an indication of precedence (40″) linking the two tasks (40, 40′). |
| US08468001B2 |
Ligand identification and matching software tools
Using annotated structural descriptions and binding data for two, four or more input ligand molecules known to bind to a given protein target, a profile of the ligand molecules can be created by identifying patches of ligand molecules which have similar chemical and/or stereochemical descriptions, scored with the use of a weight dataset (e.g., substitution matrix). A database containing annotated molecular descriptions can be searched according to the profile to identify, for example, additional ligands that can bind to the protein target. Information such as the input ligands, the additional ligands, and literature related to these molecules, and modeling tools can be displayed in a user interface. |
| US08467993B2 |
Measurement tool monitoring using fleet measurement precision and tool matching precision analysis
A method for monitoring a fleet comprising a plurality of measurement tools includes collecting data for a current time interval from the fleet by a data collection module; and performing fleet measurement precision (FMP)/tool matching precision (TMP) analysis on the collected data by a FMP/TMP analysis module, wherein FMP/TMP analysis comprises determining a TMP for each of the plurality of measurement tools using a static and a dynamic benchmark measuring system (BMS); and determining a FMP for the fleet using the static and the dynamic BMS; and determining if the FMP is above a predetermined threshold by a fleet improvement module, and in the event the FMP is above the predetermined threshold, identifying at least one tool of the plurality of tools as poorly performing based on the TMPs; and flagging the identified at least one tool for improvement. |
| US08467992B1 |
Vision based location and measurement device and methods
A system for generating surface data defining a position and location of an object is described. The system includes a non-contact measuring device for measuring the location of one or more points on a surface of an object with respect to the measuring device, an optical imaging device for capturing image information, and a processor. The processor is programmed to use the captured image information to determine location and orientation data for both the measuring device and the optical imaging device with respect to a fixed point in space, receive location measurement data from the measuring device, and combine the location and orientation data with the location measurement data to generate surface data for the object. |
| US08467991B2 |
Data services based on gesture and location information of device
With the addition of directional information and gesture based input in a location based services environment, a variety of service(s) can be provided on top of user identification or interaction with specific object(s) of interest. For instance, when a user gestures at or points at a particular item, or gestures at a particular location or place, this creates an opportunity, e.g., an advertising opportunity, for anyone having an interest in that particular item or place to communicate with the user regarding that item or related items at a point in time when the user's focus is on the particular item. User context for the interaction can also be taken into account to supplement the provision of one or more interactive direction based services. |
| US08467987B1 |
Methods and systems for testing mobile device builds
A testing application may be executed on a mobile device associated with a mobile device build and may perform operations comprising: identifying a set of mobile applications designated for testing the mobile device build; for each mobile application in the set of mobile applications: receiving an indication that a user has selected the mobile application for execution; identifying a set of tests associated with the mobile application; for each test in the set of tests: prompting the user to perform an action specified by the test using the mobile application; prompting the user for feedback regarding performance of the action by the mobile application; receiving the feedback from the user; and storing the feedback received from the user. |
| US08467986B2 |
Drive techniques for a digital flowmeter
Drive techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The drive techniques account for delays caused during digital signal processing of sensor signals that correspond to a motion of a flowtube, as well as drive signals that impart motion to the flowtube. Such delays may be caused by a variety of factors, including delays associated with analog/digital conversion of the signals and/or filtering of the signals. The techniques include open-loop techniques and closed-loop techniques, which can be used separately or together during the start-up and operation of the digital flowmeter. |
| US08467980B2 |
Calculating insulin on board for an extended bolus being delivered by an insulin delivery device
A system and method may be used to calculate insulin on board (IOB) for an extended bolus being delivered by an insulin infusion pump. In general, the system and method calculates an extended bolus IOB value for the extended bolus, which takes into account the insulin currently on board from the extended bolus and the insulin scheduled to be delivered by the extended bolus over a subsequent time period equivalent to a duration of insulin action. The extended bolus IOB value may be used to calculate a suggested bolus. |
| US08467978B2 |
Identifying features on a surface of an object using wavelet analysis
A method and apparatus for inspecting a surface of an object. Data from measuring the surface of the object is obtained to form surface data for the object. A range of frequencies for features on the object is selected based on a range of distances between adjacent peaks for the features. The features are formed by a tool moving along a number of paths. Desired surface data for the features is obtained from the surface data using the range of frequencies selected. A determination is made as to whether the desired surface data for the features meets a policy specifying a desired surface for the object. In response to an absence of a determination that the desired surface data for the features meets the policy, the object is reworked. |
| US08467975B2 |
Mixed library parallel gene mapping quantitative micro-array technique for genome-wide identification of trait conferring genes
The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to mixed-library parallel gene trait mapping. In particular embodiments, the methods concern quantitative microarray hybridization techniques for genome-wide identification of trait conferring genes. In other embodiments, the compositions concern genetic elements that confer or are associated with a trait. In an exemplary embodiment, the trait is enhanced growth rate. In another exemplary embodiment, genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate comprise part or all of the sequences of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:5. In other embodiments, the genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate correspond to the YliF, adrA, yeaP, yddV or ydeH genes of E. coli. |
| US08467972B2 |
Closed loop blood glucose control algorithm analysis
Methods and devices to generate a tool for testing, simulating and/or modifying a closed loop control algorithm are provided. Embodiments include receiving glucose data for a predetermined time period, determining a variation in the glucose level based on the received glucose data, filtering a received glucose data based on the determined variation, substituting a negative change in the glucose data value with a predetermined value to generate a sequence of modified glucose values, and integrating the sequence of modified glucose values to determine an uncontrolled blood glucose excursion condition. |
| US08467966B2 |
Device for aiding the flight management of an aircraft
A device for aiding the flight management of an aircraft includes a navigation display, a personalized database capable of storing navigation-aid data, each datum comprising a classification type representative of a family or of one or more categories of navigation-aid data, one or more periods of validity of the said datum, information relating to at least one geographic zone of the said datum, one graphic and/or textual representation of the said datum, selection means allowing an operator to choose one (or more) type(s) of classification, called selected type(s), extraction means capable of extracting from the personalized database the navigation-aid datum or data called extracted data of which the type is equal to at least one selected type, of which at least one geographic zone is situated at a distance, from the flight plan or from the aircraft, that is less than a predetermined maximum distance and of which at least one period of validity verifies a predefined display time criterion, the said extraction means transmitting the said extracted datum or data to the said navigation display capable of displaying the representations of the said extracted data. |
| US08467965B2 |
Navigation system and route planning method using the same
A route planning method for a navigation system of a moving object. The method comprises planning and executing a first navigation route; labeling lane entrances in a road corresponding to a substitute navigation route according to a location of the moving object when traffic information is detected, and planning and executing a second navigation route according to the lane entrance. |
| US08467959B2 |
Identifying a route configured to travel through multiple points of interest
A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest. |
| US08467955B2 |
Map-centric service for social events
A map-centric service for creating, finding, and organizing social events is described. Social events may include gatherings, goods or services for sale or other types of events about which a group of people may wish to share information. The service provides a graphical indication of the location of a plurality of social events superimposed on a map, providing a geographic context to social events. The geographic context may be augmented with text graphical indications or information in other forms, further identifying characteristics of the social event. Information about social events may be made accessible to multiple users through a web service. A user may search for social events by specifying desired characteristics of the social event. The service can also generate an optimal route for user selected events. |
| US08467951B2 |
Navigation system with alternative route determination mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a potential route from a current location to a destination; assigning a steady state change indicator to a route characteristic of the potential route for maintaining a steady state of a vehicle; calculating a total steady state change for the potential route based on the steady state change indicator; and determining a selected route based on the potential route with the total steady state change that is the lowest for displaying on a device. |
| US08467946B2 |
Shift control of continuously variable transmission
A speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is increased when a speed ratio of a subtransmission mechanism 30 connected in series to the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is switched from a first speed to a second speed. When an excess rotation speed Nb obtained by subtracting a target rotation speed from an engine rotation speed Ne exceeds a determination value Nr1 during this shifting process, a rapid rotation increase in an internal combustion engine 1 is prevented by reducing a shift speed of the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 (S105A). |
| US08467942B2 |
Gear drive controller, gear drive control method, turning operation controller, and construction machine
A rotation controller of an electric rotary excavator is provided with a gear drive controller that includes a backlash determination device and a torque limit setting device. With the arrangement, since an output torque of an electric motor is limited by a torque limit when a backlash is eliminated, an excessive torque is prevented from being output. After that, the output torque is gradually changed by an output control device of the gear drive controller. Accordingly, since acceleration and deceleration of a rotary body is performed without causing an operator to feel uncomfortableness, a shock generated when the backlash is eliminated can be suppressed. As a result, smooth rotation operation free from an influence of the backlash can be realized. |
| US08467938B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
In an electric power steering apparatus of the invention, a control circuit determines a command value of drive voltage supplied to a motor drive circuit based on an actual current through a motor and a target current. When the command value exceeds the previous value having a lower limit equivalent to a limit value representing the limit of the power supply from a battery, the control circuit controls the amount of discharge from the auxiliary power supply according to a difference between the command value and the previous value by increasing or decreasing a duty of switching devices. Thus, the power steering apparatus can save the energy of the auxiliary power supply for efficiently using the auxiliary power supply. |
| US08467937B2 |
Self-centering, torque-sensing joint assembly for a pallet truck power steering system
A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm. The steering assist system further includes a driving unit with a steerable drive wheel, and a servomotor. The amount of steering assist provided by the servomotor to the drive wheel is at least partially determined based on the measured operator steering intent. |
| US08467934B2 |
Controller of hybrid construction machine
A controller of a hybrid construction machine which can achieve minimization of a required number of sensors is provided. A sub pump driven by output of an electric motor is connected to discharge sides of main pumps. Proportional solenoid throttling valves are provided in connection process between the sub pump and the main pumps for controlling a flow rate supplied from the sub pump to the main pump. A control unit is provided for electrically controlling the openings of the proportional solenoid throttling valves. Pressure sensors are connected to the control unit which controls the openings of the proportional solenoid throttling valves in response to pressure signals from the pressure sensors. |
| US08467931B2 |
Seat occupancy determining apparatus
A seat occupancy determining apparatus includes right and left load detecting portion provided at right and left side portions of a seat portion of a vehicle seat and detecting load applied thereto, respectively, a vehicle operation detecting portion for detecting an operation of a predetermined component of a vehicle, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining a seat occupancy state of the vehicle seat on the basis of signals outputted from the vehicle operation detecting portion and the right and left load detecting portion, the seat occupancy determining portion calculating a left-right load difference value on the basis of the detection loads and determining that vehicle seat is in a child seat fastened state where the child seat is fastened to the vehicle seat by means of a seat belt apparatus in a case where a fluctuation of the left-right load difference value occurs after the predetermined component is operated. |
| US08467928B2 |
Multi-vehicle high integrity perception
The illustrative embodiments provide a method for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, a vehicle having a plurality of sensors attempts to receive sensor data. In response to an inability of the vehicle to obtain needed sensor data, collected sensor data is requested from a plurality of other vehicles to form alternate sensor data. The alternate sensor data is received and the vehicle is controlled using the alternate sensor data. In another illustrative embodiment, a request is received at a first vehicle for sensor data from a different vehicle. Sensor data is collected from a plurality of sensors at the first vehicle. The sensor data is then sent to the different vehicle. |
| US08467925B2 |
Robotic vehicle apparatus and method
A method for forming a robotic vehicle. The method may involve forming a body and arranging a plurality of movable legs to project from the body for propelling the body over a surface. An actuator may be carried by the body to selectively engage and disengage different ones of the movable legs to cause a motion of the body, and thus the robotic vehicle, to travel over the surface. |
| US08467923B2 |
Vehicle deceleration rate control during deceleration fuel cutoff by varying generation electric load
A vehicle control system for controlling a vehicle deceleration rate that includes a dynamo (e.g. generator/motor) coupled to the vehicle to provide a dynamo deceleration force to the vehicle corresponding to an electric load, an internal combustion engine coupled the vehicle to provide an engine deceleration force to the vehicle corresponding to a throttle position, and a controller coupled to the internal combustion engine and the dynamo. The controller is configured determine a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) request based on an accelerator pedal position, and when a DFCO request is determined increase the throttle position to decrease the engine deceleration force, and increase the electric load on the dynamo to increase the dynamo deceleration force, to control the vehicle deceleration rate. |
| US08467922B2 |
Control device of inverted pendulum type vehicle
A control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle comprising: a drive unit driving a vehicle movable on a floor surface in all directions comprising a first direction and a second direction, the first direction being orthogonal to the second direction; a base body comprising a payload supporting part receiving a load of the drive unit and a passenger; and a control unit controlling the drive unit so that an inverted pendulum control is performed with respect to a vehicle system center-of-gravity point, wherein the inverted pendulum type vehicle comprises a periodic moving unit being comprised in the base body and receiving a predetermined periodic movement by the passenger, and a periodic detector detecting a period of the periodic moving unit; and the control unit controls the drive unit according to the period of the periodic moving unit. |
| US08467920B2 |
Train control system
A train control system that does not allow running by erroneously receiving a signal of a further preceding train toward the front, nor permits a following train approaching another train beyond an allowable range. The system includes an existing signal system controlling running of a preceding train and a following train based on transmission signals from existing signal transmission devices, an inter-train communications system controlling running of the following train by an inter-train communications transmission signal received from the preceding train, and a train-ID transmission/reception system that detects, using a ground-based train-ID transmission/reception device, passing of the preceding train and also acquires train information of the preceding train, and that then detects passing of the following train and also transmits the train information to the following train, thereby controlling the running of the following train utilizing either one of the existing signal system and the inter-train communications system by changing over therebetween based on the train information. |
| US08467919B2 |
Method for optimizing a descent trajectory of an aircraft based on selected meteorological data
A method of descent trajectory of an aircraft includes an iterative process of selecting meteorological data points along a predicted descent trajectory, generating a wind profile along the predicted descent trajectory for the selected data points, determining a subset fuel cost and a subset time cost based upon the wind profile, selecting the subset that minimizes weighted fuel burn and time error, and calculating an optimized descent trajectory based on the selected subset. |
| US08467917B2 |
Automatic management method and device of a lateral trajectory for an emergency descent of an aircraft
A method for automatically managing a lateral trajectory upon triggering an emergency descent includes determining a value of lateral offset and generating an offset setpoint by using the value of lateral offset. The generating an offset setpoint includes calculating a sum of the value of lateral offset and any initial value of lateral offset defined between a central axis of a protected sector that the aircraft travels along and an initial lateral trajectory. The offset setpoint is selected to be the smaller of the sum or a lateral offset maximum, which maintains the aircraft within the protected sector at all times. The aircraft is then operated to move the aircraft to the offset setpoint during the emergency descent, which helps avoid further air traffic that may be located at different altitude levels within the same protected sector, especially along the central axis. |
| US08467916B2 |
System and method for computing an equi-time point for aircrafts
A method of a flight management system (FMS) of an aircraft for generating an equi-time point (ETP) for an emergency landing of the aircraft includes receiving at least two reference points for landing the aircraft upon an occurrence of an emergency. The method also includes determining an equi-distance point (EDP) for the aircraft by locating a first point on the remaining flight path of the aircraft which is equidistant from the at least two reference points. The method further includes generating an ETP for the aircraft by locating a second point on the remaining flight path such that time difference between any two of expected flight times of the aircraft from the second point to the at least two reference points is less than a threshold value. |
| US08467914B2 |
Bit transmission verification in an ARINC-based system
An example data verification method includes communicating a bit from a transmitter module to a receiver module through a bus. The bit forms a portion of an ARINC word. The method verifies the bit at the bus using the transmitter module. An example data communication assembly includes a receiver module, and a data communication bus that communicates a bit to the receiver module. The bit forms a portion of an ARINC word. A transmitter module communicates the bit to the data communication bus. The transmitter module monitors communication of the bit from the data communication bus to the receiver module. |
| US08467913B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing a fault diagnosis for at least one system
The present invention provides a method for providing a fault diagnosis for at least one system, in particular of an aircraft. The method comprises: (a) providing a number N1, n1ε[1, . . . , N1], of systems, wherein the n1-th system, in each case, provides a number N2, n2ε[1, . . . , N2], of instances of a main function of a number N3, n3ε[1, . . . , N3], of main functions of the aircraft; (b) providing a number N4, n4ε[1, . . . , N4], of IMA modules, wherein in each case the n4-th IMA module provides resources at least for the respective n2-th instances of the main functions; (c) providing a generic diagnostic unit; (d) instantiating the generic diagnostic unit to provide a predetermined number N5, n5ε[1, . . . , N5], of instances of the generic diagnostic unit; and (e) configuring the n5-th instance, in each case, of the generic diagnostic unit for adaption of the corresponding n5-th diagnostic unit to at least one system. |
| US08467911B2 |
Energy management device and method
An energy management device manages a plurality of monitored devices distributed in a plurality of monitored areas. The energy management device determines whether a current time of each monitored area is during a monitored time of the energy management device. The energy management device acquires an area identifier and a body presence information from each of the monitored areas, and determines whether one or more monitored areas are under control and without body presence. If one or more monitored areas are under control and without body presence, the energy management device transmits one or more power-off commands to turn off the monitored devices located in the one or more monitored areas. |
| US08467910B1 |
Energy conservation techniques, methodology and system for water heating applications
A container has at least an inlet line, an outlet line, an associated heating element, and within the container a primary temperature sensor. A full year clock/calendar generator component determines the temperature of liquids and continuous time of the day and time of the year at the location of the system. A central processing unit, power supply having computer hardware and software with at least program means, memory, programs, storage input and output means operatively coupled to the heating element, the primary temperature sensor, and the clock/calendar generator component is adapted to activate, inactivate and control the heating element as a function of the central processing unit utilizing data from the clock/calendar generator component and the temperature sensor. |
| US08467900B2 |
Dispense verification meters
A dispense verification meter for measuring and verifying dispense operations (e.g., actual dispensed volumes) of media dispense systems. The dispense verification meter preferably automatically corrects zero offset drift, preferably samples the flow rate of media being dispensed at a sufficiently high sample rate, and verifies whether the desired dispense operation has been achieved. |
| US08467898B2 |
Method and a device for recognizing, collecting and repositioning objects
A method for recognizing, collecting and repositioning objects (1) having non-predetermined dimensional characteristics and which are arranged on a support surface (2) is implemented by means of a gripper group (30). The gripper group (30) is mobile in at least a lengthwise direction of movement relative to an object (1) to be handled, a direction of moving towards/away from the object (1), and a direction of adjustment of the height relative to the object (1). The gripper group (30) is controlled by a computerized control unit. The method comprises the following operating stages: a stage of approaching and recognizing an object (1), comprising the approximately-set approach of the gripper group (30) to the object (1), performed with the assistance of positional information stored in the control unit; identification of the outline of the object (1), by perpendicular three-dimensional scanning performed, using sequences of movements of the gripper group (30), by means for gauging punctual distance (50) arranged near at least one finger (35, 36) of the gripper group (30), and by sensor means (55) for detecting the presence of the object (1), which identify the depth of the object and are arranged at the head of the fingers (35, 36); a stage of gripping the object (1); a stage of collection the object (1), comprising operations of lifting and moving the object (1). |
| US08467892B2 |
Content-based audio comparisons
A content-based comparison of a plurality of digital audio signals can be performed by generating, for a portion of a corresponding channel, a first set of spectral characteristics associated with a first audio signal and a second set of spectral characteristics associated with a second audio signal; comparing the first set of spectral characteristics with the second set of spectral characteristics to identify a degree of difference; and determining, for the portion of the corresponding channel, whether the first audio signal is substantially identical to the second audio signal based on the identified degree of difference. Further, one or more match criteria can be received from a user and utilized to determine, for the portion of the corresponding channel, that the first audio signal is substantially identical to the second audio signal if the identified degree of difference is within the received match criteria. |
| US08467888B2 |
Automated PID controller design
Embodiments provide techniques, computer-readable media, and devices for allowing users to perform interactive design of controllers, such as PID controllers, in a free-form modeling environment. Users can tune controllers using characteristics familiar to typical users rather than having to specify gain values for the controller, which may be difficult for a user to relate to the performance of a controller. |
| US08467882B2 |
Magnetic field detection using magnetohydrodynamic effect
An IMD may transition to an MRI mode automatically in response to detecting one or more conditions indicative of the presence of a strong magnetic field. Large static magnetic fields, such as those produced by an MRI device, may interact with the blood of a patient as it flows through the magnetic field to produce a voltage, a phenomenon referred to as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect. The voltage produced by the MHD effect is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. As such, the voltage produced by blood flow in the strong magnetic field of an MRI device may result in a change in a characteristic of an electrogram (EGM). The IMD may detect the change in the characteristic of the EGM caused by the MHD effect and transition to operation in the MRI mode in response to at least the change in the EGM. |
| US08467877B2 |
Method for the detection and treatment of aberrant neural-electric activity
An apparatus for detection of ANEA comprising an introducer having at least one lumen. The introducer is introduced into brain tissue through an opening in the skull. A reference electrode is positioned at an introducer distal portion. A plurality of electrode members are advanceable within the at least one lumen with each member having an insulated portion and an exposed distal portion. The members have a non-deployed state in the introducer and a deployed state when outwardly advanced out of the introducer. In the deployed state, the members are substantially orthogonal to each other with the exposed distal portions defining a detection volume capable of determining an electric field vector produced by the ANEA and the direction of foci of the ANEA. |
| US08467875B2 |
Stimulation of dorsal genital nerves to treat urologic dysfunctions
Systems and methods treat urologic dysfunctions by implanting a lead and electrode in a tissue region affecting urologic function, and implanting a pulse generator in an anterior pelvic region remote from the electrode. Bilateral stimulation of the left and/or right branches of the dorsal genital nerves using a single lead implanted in adipose or other tissue in the region at or near the pubic symphysis is able to treat urinary incontinence. |
| US08467874B2 |
Gastrointestinal electrical stimulation
The disclosure provides a method of treatment for obesity, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations are administered by positioning bipolar stimulatory electrodes in contact with the gastric and dudenol cavities, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract. The electrical stimulations thus administered, activate the vagal afferents associated with the gastric and dudenol sites in the gastrointestinal tract. The activation of vagal afferents modulates the gastrointestinal peptide satiety hormones. Further, the disclosure provides a method of treatment for eating disorders, in an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites, along afferent vagal neural pathways, in the gastrointestinal tract. Also, provided is a method of regulating the appetite of an individual in need thereof, by administering electrical stimulation at dual sites in the gastrointestinal tract. |
| US08467873B2 |
Synchronization methods and devices in telemetry system
In a medical telemetry system for synchronizing an implantable medical device to a base station of the telemetry system, a communication channel is selected for communication between the implantable medical device and the base station, and the implantable medical device is synchronized to the base station by selecting a synchronizing word associated with the selected channel, wherein at least two different communication channels within the medical telemetry system are associated with different synchronization words. By this procedure, crosstalk is eliminated. |
| US08467870B2 |
Techniques for modifying breathing rate using cardiac pacing
A method includes controlling a cardiac pacing rate of an implantable medical device (IMD) to control a heart rate of a patient and determining that the patient is in a resting state. The method further includes modifying the pacing rate of the IMD for N cardiac cycles in response to determining that the patient is in the resting state. N is an integer greater than 1. Modifying the pacing rate includes incrementally increasing the pacing rate for a first portion of the N cardiac cycles, and incrementally decreasing the pacing rate for a second portion of the N cardiac cycles. |
| US08467863B2 |
Sensing apparatus for sensing an object
A sensing apparatus for sensing an object includes an arrangement of sensing elements for sensing a property of the object. The sensing elements are operable in a contact mode, in which a sensing is performable, while the sensing elements are in contact with the object, and in a non-contact mode, in which a sensing is performable, while the sensing elements are not in contact with the object. The sensing apparatus further includes a mode determination unit for determining whether or not a sensing element is in contact with the object. |
| US08467859B2 |
Method and device for deriving and evaluating cardiovascular information from curves of the cardiac current, in particular for applications in telemedicine
The invention relates to a method and a device for deriving and evaluating cardiovascular information from curves of the cardiac current, in particular for applications in telemedicine. According to the invention, for data reduction purposes, a mean value and a standard deviation across the whole recording time are initially determined from a recorded ECG from the high-resolution signal, after which the RR intervals are assessed by means of an identification algorithm and only the results obtained are transmitted and/or recorded, for the purpose of data reduction. |
| US08467856B2 |
Anatomy modeling for tumor region of interest definition
A hot spot detection system for automatically segmenting and quantifying hot spots in functional images includes a segmentation unit (76) to segment an anatomical image representation (72) into regions corresponding to anatomical structures of a subject. A hot spot detection unit (90) detects regions of high uptake from a functional second image representation (74). The regions of high tracer uptake indicate high metabolic activity which maybe caused by potentially hazardous tumor lesions or other malignant processes. However, a number of normally functioning organs uptake high amounts of imaging tracer, particularly FDG. Therefore, a suppression unit (102) suppresses regions of high tracer uptake in the functional second image representation based on the results of a classification unit (101). The classification unit classifies the regions of high tracer uptake according to their position relative to the anatomical structures segmented from the anatomical first image representation. The remaining un-suppressed regions of high uptake are identified by an identification unit (106) as one of potential lesion and non-potential lesion. |
| US08467853B2 |
Navigation system for cardiac therapies
An image guided catheter navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller, and a display. The imaging device generates images of the region of the patient. The tracking device tracks the location of the catheter in the region of the patient. The controller superimposes an icon representing the catheter onto the images generated from the imaging device based upon the location of the catheter. The display displays the image of the region with the catheter superimposed onto the image at the current location of the catheter. |
| US08467849B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging device
The present invention provides a device for use in magnetic resonance imaging of a woman's breasts. The device has breast-supporting cups that comprise an enhanced fat saturation material to facilitate fat suppression during imaging. Significantly, the wearer can put the device on and position it with little or no assistance and without loss of dignity due to manipulation by a technician. |
| US08467848B2 |
Big bore PET/MR system
A nuclear detector module (24) is housed within an electrically conductive hollow resonator element (18) that is to be used in a combined MR and nuclear imaging unit. The resonator element has an inner face (26) which is radiation transparent facing an examination region (14) and a plurality of other faces (28) disposed facing and spaced from an RF screen (22). |
| US08467847B2 |
Hybrid MR/PET scanner with patient table split cable feed
A hybrid magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system reduces likelihood of artifact distortion in PET images attributable to MR local coil cables and connectors in the patient table. MR local coil cables coupling the MR scanner and the MR local coil connectors are oriented so that they are outside the scanner field of view when performing PET scans. |
| US08467845B2 |
Method for data acquisition and/or data evaluation during a functional brain examination with the aid of a combined magnetic resonance/PET unit
A method is disclosed for data acquisition and/or data evaluation during a functional brain examination with the aid of a combined magnetic resonance/PET unit. In at least one embodiment, functional image data of the brain are acquired in at least two activity states with the aid of both modalities. Further, magnetic resonance image data and PET image data are acquired within time windows determined by the activity states, the acquisition mode and/or the image data being synchronized as a function of a timing of stimulations determining the activity states. |
| US08467844B2 |
Electrode for prolonged monitoring of laryngeal electromyography
Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue. |
| US08467843B2 |
Optical sensor configuration for ratiometric correction of blood glucose measurement
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an optical sensor for detecting blood glucose. The sensor comprises a chemical indicator system disposed within a gap between the distal end of an optical fiber and an atraumatic tip portion, wherein the optical fiber and atraumatic tip portion are coupled by a coupling member, such as a rod or hypotube or cage that traverses the gap. The sensor further comprises a means for generating and detecting an optical reference signal unrelated to the blood glucose, such that ratiometric correction of blood glucose measurements for artifacts in the optical system is enabled. |
| US08467838B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device comprises a base and a cover rotatably mounted to the base. A lever arrangement comprising a co-operating lever arm and a support is defined by the base and the cover. The cover is movable between a closed position and an open position through an over center position by movement of the lever against the support upon rotation of the cover. The cover may be biased toward the closed position when the cover is on a closed side of the over center position and toward the open position when the cover is on an open side of the over center position. |
| US08467834B2 |
Window for mobile terminal and mobile terminal having the same
Disclosed is a mobile terminal including, a terminal body having a window mounting portion, a window mounted on the window mounting portion, and having a first region to implement a touch screen and a second region to input manipulation information, and a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) configured to electrically connect the terminal body to the window, wherein the FPCB is connected at a position between the first region and the second region. |
| US08467827B2 |
Techniques for partitioning radios in wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus is provided for partitioning a radio using a multi-chip module to group some or all of the components of the radio in a single package. In one example, a radio uses a multi-chip module, including a chip carrier. Various components of the radio reside in integrated circuits that are mounted to the chip carrier. If desired, one or more antennas can be integrated into the chip carrier. |
| US08467820B2 |
Push-to-talk optimization
A push to talk message protocol operating on a communication network between an originating and terminating communication device operates to transmit compressed message formats to initiate the push to talk message protocol. Four compressed session protocol message formats are used in the preferred embodiment. A compressed originating session initiation invite message is transmitted from the originating mobile station. A compressed terminating session initiation invite message is received by the terminating mobile station. A compressed session initiation protocol ping message is transmitted from the originating mobile station and received by the terminating mobile station. A compressed 200 OK session initiation protocol message is transmitted from the terminating mobile station and received by the originating mobile station. Finally, the originating mobile decompresses the 200 OK session initiation protocol message. These compressed messages are used to initiate the push to talk communication session. |
| US08467819B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing PTT data buffering support indications from mobile devices and PTT data buffering control by wireless networks
In one illustrative example, a technique in a mobile communication device which is operative in a wireless communication network for Push-To-Talk (PTT) communications involves receiving, at the mobile communication device, presence information associated with at least one other mobile communication device, the presence information including at least one of a current availability indication or capability indication; and buffering a PTT communication prior to its transmission from the mobile communication device based on the presence information. The current availability or capability indication may be an automatic answering indication or a media capability indication, as examples. |
| US08467816B2 |
Short message service network plug-in
An apparatus for use with communication devices, the communication devices being configured to send and receive SMS messages, the apparatus includes a memory configured to store information indicative of the communication devices that are configured to process an SMS message of a first type, a processor configured to receive an SMS message of the first type from a first communication device, wherein the received SMS message includes contact information related to a user of the first communication device, analyze the received SMS message to determine information indicative of a destination address of the SMS message, the destination address corresponding to a second communication device, determine whether the second communication device is configured to receive SMS messages of the first type using the information indicative of the destination address and the information stored in the memory, send an outgoing SMS message to the second communication device wherein the outgoing SMS message is of the first type if it is determined that the second communication device is configured to receive SMS messages of the first type, and the outgoing SMS message is of a second type if it is determined that the second communication device is not configured to receive SMS messages of the first type. |
| US08467814B2 |
SMS shortcode allocation
A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards managing short code allocation policies across a plurality of different carriers for multiple applications. Each carrier provides to a centralized routing service a short code policy that includes an extension allocation policy. The extension allocation policy may specify whether the extensions are allocated based on a dynamical recycle allocation, a range recycle allocation, a pass-through allocation, or a re-usekey based allocation policy, or other mechanism. When a message is sent from an application, a carrier is determined to send the message to a destination mobile device. The carrier's short code policy, including the extension allocation policy, is then used to select how to allocate and/or re-allocate a short code and extension for use with the message. The message may then be modified to include the selected short code and extension, and is then sent using the determined network carrier. |
| US08467812B2 |
Wireless communication network having a broadcast system for information distribution
Methods of performing communication among a group of user terminals in a communication network are described herein. The method includes, a first user terminal receiving at least one stream of media data packets, and the first user terminal decoding the received media data packets. Each received media data packet includes a source user terminal indicator indicating a user terminal from which the packet data stream was transmitted; The decoding includes eliminating any media data packets that include a source user terminal indicator indicating the first user terminal before decoding the received media data packets. |
| US08467811B2 |
Motion adaptive communications device and integrated circuits for use therewith
A circuit includes a package substrate that supports an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the circuit. The package substrate further supports a die that supports a processing module that processes the motion parameter to produce motion data, wherein the processing module further generates a receive control signal and a transmit control signal in accordance with the motion data. The die further supports a wireless local area network transceiver that generates an outbound RF signal that includes outbound data and that generates voice inbound data from an inbound RF signal, wherein the wireless local area network transceiver is further operable to adjust a receive parameter based on the receive control signal and to adjust a transmit parameter in response to the transmit control signal. |
| US08467810B2 |
Method and system for reporting errors in a geographic database
A geographic database is updated using image data collected in the background of a viewing application, such as an augmented reality application, running on a mobile device. The mobile device determines a current geographic location, which is used to access an outline template generated from the geographic data. The geographic data may include sensor data or images. The outline template is compared to the image data, and an error report is provided from the differences, if any. The differences are associated with physical objects that have changed at the current geographic location from a time when the geographic database was built or last updated to the present time. A typical physical object is a building that was recently built or removed. The error report may be used to directly update the geographic database or trigger further data collection at the geographic location. |
| US08467809B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating cellular tower location
A method and apparatus for collecting and analyzing cellular identification (ID) numbers at various geographic locations to estimate cellular tower locations. The method may include collecting cellular ID numbers obtained by collection mobile devices at a plurality of geographic locations then calculating minimum bounding circles encompassing a set of geographic location points with the same cellular identification numbers. If the cellular ID number of a set of location points indicates that the cellular tower is omni-directional, a center of the minimum bounding circle is an estimated cellular tower location. If the cellular ID number indicates that the cellular tower is multi-sector, the apparatus may calculate the estimated cellular tower location as the location at which lines that extend from the centers of a plurality of related minimum bounding circles intersect with each other to form equal angles. |
| US08467797B2 |
Base station apparatus and communication method for mapping control data and user data
In order to reduce interference between cells through hopping and use frequencies in a good propagation situation, a scheduler section 102 carries out scheduling for determining to which user data should be sent using CQI from each communication terminal apparatus, selects a user signal to be sent in the next frame and determines in which subcarrier block the data should be sent. An MCS decision section 103 selects a modulation scheme and coding method from the CQI of the selected user signal. A subcarrier block selection section 110 selects a subcarrier block instructed by the scheduler section 102 for each user signal. For the respective subcarrier blocks, FH sequence selection sections 111-1 to 111-n select hopping patterns. A subcarrier mapping section 112 maps the user signal and control data to subcarriers according to the selected hopping pattern. |
| US08467794B2 |
Method and system for international dialing over a CDMA air interface
A telecommunications system is described that includes a first interface configured to receive a first call message according to a CDMA air interface format. This system also includes a message translator configured to determine if the first call message includes an indicator associated with an international telephone call and, if so, is further configured to generate a second call message that includes an international prefix. Also included is a second interface configured to transmit the second call message having a particular core network format. |
| US08467793B2 |
Mobility for user equipment in closed subscriber group environment
In one exemplary embodiment, a method including: receiving an intra-frequency cell re-selection indicator in combination with physical cell identity split information from a closed subscriber group cell or a macro cell, where the intra-frequency cell re-selection indicator is indicative of whether or not a mobile station is allowed to camp on a cell that is not ranked as best; and making an intra-frequency cell selection/re-selection decision based on the received intra-frequency cell re-selection indicator and the physical cell identity split information. |
| US08467792B2 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining call continuity in wireless communication
Techniques for performing handover in order to maintain call continuity for a user equipment (UE) are described. The UE may communicate with a first cell in a radio access network (RAN) for a packet-switched (PS) call, e.g., for Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) via High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) in W-CDMA. The UE may send measurement reports to the RAN and may receive trigger from the RAN. The UE may establish a circuit-switched (CS) call with the first cell while the PS call is pending at the first cell. The PS call and the CS call may be for a voice call, and the UE may switch data path for the voice call from the PS call to the CS call and then terminate the PS call. The UE may then perform handover of the CS call from the first cell to a second cell, which may not support VoIP. |
| US08467791B2 |
Method, communication apparatus and communication system for handover processing
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a communication apparatus and a communication system for handover processing. The method for handover processing includes: when a terminal having a capability of supporting an optimized handover and a non-optimized handover needs to be handed over from a first network to a second network, determining whether the terminal is incapable of performing an optimized handover, if it is determined that the terminal is incapable of performing the optimized handover, performing a non-optimized handover. The embodiments of the present invention further provide a communication apparatus and a communication system accordingly. The technical solutions enable a handover between different networks to be implemented in more scenarios. |
| US08467788B2 |
Base station and control method
A base station controls random access that includes non-contention random access where the base station allocates to each terminal, a dedicated code as a preamble. The base station includes a wireless communications interface; and a processor configured to measure non-contention random access load received by the wireless communications interface; to determine a dedicated code count, based on the non-contention random access load measured; and to control the non-contention random access using the dedicated code count determined. |
| US08467785B2 |
WLAN scanning by prevalence of access point deployment on certain channels
A wireless local area network client device scans for wireless local area networks using a scanning scheme that takes into account the relative prevalence, in a population of access points, of access point deployment on the channels to be scanned. In one aspect, channels on which more access points in the population are deployed are scanned prior to channels on which fewer access points in the population are deployed. In another aspect, channels on which more access points in the population are deployed are scanned more often than channels on which fewer access points in the population are deployed. In yet another aspect, channels on which more access points in the population are deployed are scanned prior to and more often than channels on which fewer access points in the population are deployed. |
| US08467783B2 |
Method and device for determining mobility of roaming user terminal
A method determines mobility of a roaming user terminal. A visited access service network (ASN) authenticator receives an Access-Accept message sent from a visited network authentication, authorization and accounting (V-AAA) server. The authenticator determines a mobility access classifier of the terminal according to a mobility restriction policy of a visited ASN, and sends the mobility access classifier of the terminal to a base station (BS). A device for determining mobility of a roaming user terminal is also provided. With the method and device for determining mobility of a roaming user terminal, after the user terminal roams to a visited network with mobility restriction or to a network without mobility restriction from a network with mobility restriction, the mobility restriction type of the user terminal can be determined in time, and the visited network can acquire the mobility restriction information of the user terminal. |
| US08467779B2 |
Decision support
Decision support information is exchanged over a secure wireless network among mobile computing devices, and also optionally a central command computer. Each of the mobile computing devices has one or more sensors connected and interfaced to it. Output data from the sensor(s) can be sent over the network to one or more other devices on the network. A command for a sensor also can be sent over the network to cause the sensor to take some action such as turning on or turning off. The mobile computing devices on the network automatically share plug-in software components needed by any of the devices to view transmitted sensor output data and/or act on sensor commands. |
| US08467778B2 |
Video call device control
The invention concerns a method of controlling an electronic device (5) using a wireless mobile device (1) having a display (3), and video capturing unit (4), the method comprising successive steps of: establishing a video call between said mobile device and a remote server (6) such that said remote server receives video images captured by said mobile device; performing image recognition to identify an electronic device in said captured video; detecting motion of said video capturing unit; and transmitting a control signal to said electronic device based on the motion of the video capturing unit. |
| US08467775B2 |
Digital data compression in a cellular phone
Video clips are stored and converted on a website into different formats which are compatible with different cellular phones. The source for the video can be sources such as DVDs, other cellular phones, or broadcast television. The system can automatically store profiles from multiple different phones and automatically carry out a conversion based on information stored in the profile. |
| US08467769B2 |
Method for identifying a host network of a user terminal from at least two networks forming a radiocommunications infrastructure
A method for identifying a host-type radiocommunications network of a user terminal from at least two networks forming a radiocommunications infrastructure including a base station shared by the networks, and a network core for each of the networks. A beneficial application of the method lies within the field of professional mobile radiocommunications networks. |
| US08467767B2 |
Method and apparatus to manage mobile payment account settlement
A transaction operations server receives multiple transactions of the mobile communication device. One transaction adds a first amount of money to the stored value represented by data on the mobile communication device, and another transaction subtracts a second amount of money. The amounts of money are in different data types each representing different business issued currencies each honored by a particular group of businesses. The transaction operations server exchanges the money represented by data on the mobile communication device between the different data types. Other embodiments include a method of exchanging money as described, an a data structure supporting the exchange of money as described. |
| US08467761B2 |
Simplified high frequency tuner and tuning method
A disclosed method tunes a signal from a channelized spectrum having a predetermined channel spacing. A signal of interest having a predetermined maximum bandwidth is mixed with a local oscillator signal, which has a frequency that is an integer multiple of the channel spacing or one-half of a channel spacing displaced from an integer multiple of the channel spacing. The local oscillator signal is selected to frequency translate the signal of interest to within a near-baseband passband whose lower edge is spaced from DC by at least about the maximum bandwidth of the signal of interest. Problems associated with 1/f noise, DC offsets, and self-mixing products are avoided or substantially diminished. Other methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08467757B2 |
Wideband receiver for wireless communication system and method for controlling the same
A wideband receiver for a wireless communication system and a method for controlling the same are provided. In the wideband receiver for a wireless communication system, a receive path includes a mixer for receiving a Radio Frequency (RF) signal having a frequency fSG and for converting the RF signal into an Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal having a frequency fIF by mixing the RF signal with a first local oscillation signal having a first local oscillation frequency fLO1, and at least one Phase Locked Loop (PLL) for providing the local oscillation signal to the mixer. A control block determines whether a half-IF signal having a center frequency of fSG−fIF/2 exists in the IF signal, and when the half-IF signal exists, controls the at least one PLL to generate a second local oscillation signal having a second local oscillation frequency fLO2 greater than the first local oscillation frequency fLO1. |
| US08467756B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for determining a radiated performance of a wireless device
Systems, methods, apparatus, processors and computer-readable media include a radiated testing module that executes a predetermined radiated performance test on a wireless device. The test dictates various performance-related parameters to measure and log at each of a plurality of predetermined positions. Further, the wireless device receives synchronization information operable to enable synchronization between the logged measurements and each of the positions. The synchronized log allows the wireless device, or another apparatus, to determine a radiated performance characteristic based on a predetermined analysis protocol. Further, the described embodiments allow for the determination of several radiated performance characteristics in a single test, using a single, unaltered wireless device. |
| US08467754B2 |
Apparatus and method for reception control
A CPU 15 measures a temperature change amount at each reception timing of an broadcast information signal (PCH) of a predetermined period and determines the period of the reception timing of the broadcast information signal with reference to a table, stored in a memory unit 16, storing correspondences between the temperature change amount and periods of the reception timing of the broadcast information signal. When the reception of the broadcast information signal is failed, the CPU 15 counts an average number of clocks of a low frequency clock signal of a low frequency clock oscillator 21 per period at the time of reception of the broadcast information signal based on a high frequency clock signal of a high frequency clock oscillator 20, and predicts and determines the reception timing of the next broadcast information signal based on the average number of clocks. |
| US08467750B2 |
Gain control in a shared RF front-end path for different standards that use the same frequency band
Disclosed is a radio frequency (RF) communication circuit having an input for receiving an RF signal and providing independently gain controlled signal paths from the input. In a first signal path, the signal is amplified by a constant gain. In a second signal path, the signal is amplified by a constant gain and by a variable gain amplifier. |
| US08467745B2 |
Method and system for simultaneous signal transmission on multiple selected frequencies
Aspects of a method and system for simultaneous signal transmission on multiple selected frequencies may include generating from a single baseband signal, a plurality of radio frequency transmission signals each at a different radio frequency, wherein the single baseband signal comprises an in-phase signal component and/or a quadrature signal component. The single baseband signal, to generate said plurality of radio frequency transmission signals, may be modulated in a single radio frequency transmission chain, the radio frequency transmission chain comprising intermediate frequency modulation and radio frequency modulation. The plurality of radio frequency transmission signals may be a radio frequency signal and a corresponding image frequency signal, based on the intermediate frequency modulation and the radio frequency modulation. The signals resulting from the intermediate frequency modulation and the radio frequency modulation may be filtered to preserve the radio frequency signal and the corresponding image frequency signal. |
| US08467744B2 |
Signal processing device and method, radiofrequency transmission system including such a device
A device for processing a signal carrying information to be transmitted using a radiofrequency signal, for transformation of the signal into two signals of identical amplitude phase-shifted respectively relative to the information-carrying signal according to two variable and opposing phase shifts. The device includes a mechanism transforming the information-carrying signal. The device transforms the information-carrying signal into two signals of constant amplitude and of variable phase shifts according to values of the information-carrying signal, for as long as the amplitude of the information-carrying signal is greater than a predetermined value, and transforms the information-carrying signal into two signals of variable amplitude according to the values of the information-carrying signal, when the amplitude of the information-carrying signal is less than the predetermined value. |
| US08467737B2 |
Integrated array transmit/receive module
Disclosed are integration approaches for mm-wave array type architectures using multilayer substrate technologies. For instance, an apparatus may include a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, and a third substrate layer. The first substrate layer has a first plurality of array elements, and the second substrate layer has a second plurality of array elements. The third substrate layer has an integrated circuit to exchange one or more radio frequency (RF) signals with the first and second pluralities of array elements. The first and second substrate layers are separated by approximately a half wavelength (λ/2) corresponding to the one or more RF signals. |
| US08467735B2 |
Methods and apparatus for testing and integration of modules within an electronic device
Methods and apparatus for analysis of electronic components such as radio transceivers (for example, WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS). In one embodiment, a “black box” is diagnosed in its final device application and layout, using a series of software test routines or suites. The test suites provide simultaneous monitoring of multiple non-overlapping status indicators. Each test suite can be selectively enabled or disabled, and may also provide runtime modification of one or more parameters, and or intelligent testing of system operation. In another embodiment, multiple black box modules within a single form factor device are simultaneously run; the interference levels between the black box modules (as well as other parameters) are independently measured, displayed and logged to the user. Exemplary embodiments are described in reference to a Bluetooth module and WLAN module operating within a spatially restricted device (such as a desktop/laptop computer, “smartphone”, Bluetooth mouse and keyboard). |
| US08467724B2 |
Broadcast response system
A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server. |
| US08467715B2 |
System and method for just-in-time training in software applications
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for just-in-time training in software applications including tracking usage of an application by a user, determining a task the user is attempting to perform based at least in part on the tracked usage, and offering training content to the user based at least in part on the task. The training content is offered substantially when the user is attempting to perform the task. |
| US08467714B2 |
Method and system for online teaching using web pages
A teaching and learning method and system (143, 145, 147, 148, 152) communicates exercises, including URL's of Web pages and questions related thereto. Each exercise is distributed by the teacher's computer (143), synchronously, or downloaded by a student computer (147), asynchronously. An indicator (129) used on the Web page of one computer can be viewed on the same Web page displayed on the other computers. Responses are processed by the response server (145) and by comparison and evaluation logic, and displayed contemporaneously on the teacher's computer, together with scoring information (105, 106) and with URL's (107) associated with links used on each student computer. Scores are awarded automatically, or arbitrarily by clicking on the screen (105) of the teacher's computer. A feedback signal (80) may appear on the student computer with each keystroke to indicate its correctness. Responses selected on the teacher's computer may viewed on the student computers or on a Class Display (171). |
| US08467713B2 |
Hybrid reading materials and methods for mentally investing readers in reading materials
Hybrid reading materials and methods for mentally investing readers in reading materials. Hybrid reading materials include text reciting written subject matter adapted to be read visually and an audio source operatively coupled to the text, the audio source including a memory device configured to store spoken presentation data, the spoken presentation data supplementing the text and being distinct from the written subject matter. Methods for mentally investing a reader in a reading material include providing a reader with a summary document which summarizes aspects of the reading material and providing the reader with a spoken presentation of subject matter related to the reading material. |
| US08467709B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a movably supported transfer belt detector
The image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member bearing a toner image; a driving roller and a tension roller movable in such a direction that the interval between the rollers changes; a transfer belt stretched by the rollers to feed a receiving material so that the toner image on the image bearing member is transferred onto the receiving material or to directly receive the toner image from the image bearing member; a detector opposed to the tension roller with the belt therebetween to optically detect a mark on the belt, wherein the detector is movably supported while biased toward the tension roller, and the moving direction of the tension roller is substantially the same as an optical axis of light emitted by the detector; and a regulator to regulate movement of the tension roller and the detector in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the tension roller. |
| US08467705B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image magnification adjustment method
An image forming apparatus has an intermediate transfer belt stretched lightly across rollers to move endlessly in a sub-scanning direction upon image formation and has an outer surface to which a toner image formed by a development unit is transferred. A secondary transfer opposing roller is one of the rollers across which the intermediate transfer belt is stretched. A secondary transfer roller contacts the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt and transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt to recording paper. A movement mechanism moves at least one of the rollers or the secondary transfer roller and changes a pressed state of the intermediate transfer belt by the secondary transfer roller at a nip of the secondary transfer opposing roller and the secondary transfer roller. A movement mechanism control unit controls a travel distance of the roller to be moved by the movement mechanism. |
| US08467704B2 |
Image forming apparatus having an image transfer unit movably attached to an opening and closing member
An image forming apparatus including: an image carrier, provided to a main body of the image forming apparatus, that carries a toner image; an opening and closing member provided to be openable and closable against the main body; a transfer unit movably provided against the opening and closing member, the transfer unit including: a transfer body transferring the toner image onto a transfer receiving medium; and a holding member holding the transfer body and having a contact portion that is in contact with a counterpart contact portion provided to the main body when the opening and closing member is closed; and a maintaining unit maintaining a posture of the transfer unit against the opening and closing member when the contact portion is brought into contact with the counterpart contact portion during the course of transition of the opening and closing member from an opened state to the closed state. |
| US08467702B2 |
Cartridge with portions to facilitate coupling to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, and a developing roller for developing a latent image. A development coupling portion is provided that includes a driven portion. The development coupling portion also includes an intermediary portion configured and positioned to engage with the driven portion, and to be movable relative to the driven portion while maintaining engagement with the driven portion. The development coupling portion still further includes a driving portion configured and positioned to engage with the intermediary portion, and to be movable relative to the intermediary portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the intermediary portion. |
| US08467700B2 |
Configuration for a cartridge usable in an image forming apparatus
A cartridge is detachably mountable in a receiving area of an image forming apparatus in a first direction. The receiving area is partitioned by partition surfaces opposing each other in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The cartridge includes first and second side surfaces in the opposing direction. In a part of the case, both ends of which are contactable with the partition surfaces, respectively, when mounted in the receiving area, outlines of the first and second side surfaces are provided on or inside first and second circular arcs, respectively, as seen in a second direction orthogonal to the opposing direction and the first direction. Each circular arc has a center, in the part, at corresponding end in the opposing direction and at a most upstream end in a mounting direction, and a radius corresponding to a line segment connecting the both ends in the opposing direction. |
| US08467694B1 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a fuser of a printer
In a method of generating a fuser signal for a printer, a gating signal is generated using delta-sigma modulation such that an absolute value of a deficit does not exceed a threshold. The deficit corresponds to a difference between (i) a number of positive half-cycles of an alternating current (AC) signal at which the gating signal is high and (ii) a number of negative half-cycles of the AC signal at which the gating signal is high. The gating signal is used to gate the AC signal to a fuser. |
| US08467689B2 |
Parallel-serial converter for optical transmission, optical transmission system, and electronic apparatus
A serializer is equipped with a plurality of input terminals into which a plurality of binary signals are input in parallel, and converts the plurality of input binary signals into serial binary signals and transmits the serial binary signals to an optical transmission module. One input terminal out of the plurality of input terminals is assigned as an input terminal for preventing bit continuation by inserting “1” signals or “0” signals into the serial binary signals so that a predetermined number of bits of the same value may not be inserted continuously. Due to this structure, bit continuation can be prevented even for a signal generating source with no coding function by a simple configuration without increasing cost and size. |
| US08467688B2 |
Telecommunications transport methods and systems for extended reach low differential latency
Systems and methods for extended reach low differential latency optical networking with optical amplifiers and dispersion compensation modules configured to minimize latency between transmit and receive paths are provided. Additionally, systems and methods are provided for incorporating absolute time references wherein the relative accuracy of clock time between various servers used in various multi-site enterprises is required. The transport systems and methods are used in conjunction with low differential latency systems. The transport systems and methods provide that the differential latency between transmit and receive directions is maintained within about +/−5 microseconds of the transmit/receive path differential delay requirement in order to perform within the overall parameters of the low differential latency system architecture. |
| US08467684B2 |
Apparatus of adjusting optical signal transmission timing
In a light reception element such as an APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) used for receiving a high-speed and weak optical signal, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of distortion of a signal inputted after a large-level light is received. A PON (Passive Optical Network) system includes an OLT (Optical Line Terminal) which can impartially and effectively transmit light reception data to each ONU (Optical Network Unit). According to a light reception amplitude received by each ONU, an inter-frame gap of an appropriate length is assigned for each ONU. The OLT includes a unit for measuring and accumulating the reception light amplitude and data on the inter-frame gap of an appropriate length decided in advance according to the characteristic of the light reception device and generates a grant value for assuring an inter-frame gap of an appropriate length by using the both information. |
| US08467679B2 |
Pluggable module for a network with add-drop functionality
The invention provides a network and a method for bidirectional transport of data and in particular a pluggable module for bidirectional transport of data via at least one optical fiber between host devices providing an add/drop functionality by means of an integrated bandwidth adaption unit. The network comprises at least one host device having an interface card connected to a backplane of the host device, wherein the interface card comprises at least one cage for receiving a pluggable module which provides the add/drop functionality between an optical interface and the electrical host interface. |
| US08467678B2 |
OSNR model for optical engineering rules used in a planning tool
Increasing data rates in next-generation optical networks requires a change in the type of optical modulation used to encode optical signals carried by the optical networks. Different types of optical modulation incur different optical impairments, which may degrade the fidelity of the optical signals by reducing the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR). A method or corresponding apparatus in an example embodiment of the present invention provides a planning tool for deploying an optical network in a manner based on the optical modulation that reduces the cost and complexity of the deployed network. In one embodiment, the disclosed planning tool may adjust a model of the optical network to be deployed by changing the topology and/or the number and/or type of optical network elements in response to optical impairments for a given optical modulation. |
| US08467677B2 |
Method for monitoring a passive optical network using monitoring units
A method for monitoring a passive optical network (1), PON, having a tree-like structure with a main line (3) and at least two branches (6.1 to 6.3), comprising: transmitting a wake-up signal (10) from the main line (3) to at least two monitoring units (DPM1 to DPM3) arranged in the at least two branches (6.1 to 6.3), in each of the monitoring units (DPM1 to DPM3), detecting the wake-up signal (10) and transmitting a response signal (A, B, C) back to the main line (3), each of the monitoring units (DPM1 to DPM3) generating a pre-defined time delay (ΔtA to ΔtC) between the detection of the wake-up signal (10) and the start of the transmission of the response signal (A, B, C), and receiving the response signals (A, B, C) at the main line (3), the receiving times (R1 to R3) of the response signals (A, B, C) being different from each other, the difference between the receiving times (R1 to R3) being adjusted by the pre-defined time delays (ΔtA to ΔtC) of the monitoring units (DPM1 to DPM3). |
| US08467673B2 |
Imaging apparatus, camera system, and illumination apparatus
An imaging apparatus capable of imaging using an illumination apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire object luminance information, a calculation unit configured to calculate an exposure control value based on the object luminance information acquired by the acquisition unit, an exposure control unit configured to control exposure using the exposure control value calculated by the calculation unit, and an exposure fixing unit configured to set an exposure fixed state in which the exposure control value calculated by the calculation unit is fixed as the exposure control value to be used for exposure control, wherein the exposure fixing unit is configured to cancel the exposure fixed state when a state of the illumination apparatus is changed in the exposure fixed state. |
| US08467669B2 |
Cordless kettle with data communication with cordless base
The present technology enables data communication between a kettle body and a power base of a cordless kettle. This enables a user to view kettle data and control functions or parameters such as temperature, from the power base of a cordless kettle. |
| US08467663B2 |
Video context popups
Video context popups are disclosed. In some implementations, video popups can be displayed in a video editor to provide context to a user who is editing a video clip sequence. In some implementations, a user can indicate a position in a video clip sequence where one or more video clips may be added to the video clip sequence and one or more video popups can be presented that display a portion of one or more video clips that are adjacent to the indicated position. Implementations include a method, system and computer-readable medium for performing video context popups. |
| US08467661B2 |
Video recording and reproducing apparatus having commercial skip mode
A DVD recorder with a built-in HDD records a selected television program and commercial information about a commercial in the television program when recording. In a commercial skip mode, the recorder displays on a TV monitor only a program video of the television program with a commercial video in the television program skipped, and displays on a display screen on the front surface of the body of the recorder commercial information about the skipped commercial video. Therefore, a sponsor can provide an advertisement to a viewer even when the commercial skip mode is performed, by means of the commercial information displayed on the display screen. |
| US08467660B2 |
Video tagging system
A video tagging system allows users to actively interact with video content. The video staging system includes a server hosting a website providing users with an interface through which users may interact with the video tagging system. The video staging system also includes a tag information database maintaining information regarding tags created by users. The interface includes a video player upon which video content is displayed as a video and a tag display presenting tags associated with the video. The video content and the information regarding tags are maintained separately. |
| US08467657B2 |
Incorporating a current event data stream onto a pre-recorded video stream for playback
A method and system for incorporating a current event data stream from a television broadcasted video signal onto a pre-recorded video stream for playback on a television set. A first digital video stream, which includes television program content and a first event data stream, is retrieved. If it is ascertained that a current event is located in the current event data stream in the television broadcasted video signal, then the first event data stream is replaced with the current event data stream in the retrieved first digital video stream, and the television program content is played back concurrently with the current event data stream on the television set. If it is ascertained that the current event is not located in the current event data stream in the television broadcasted video signal, then the television program content in the retained first digital video stream is played back on the television set. |
| US08467656B2 |
Information storage medium, information recording method, information playback method, information recording apparatus, and information playback apparatus
In an embodiment, a PATS counter synchronized with an SCR superposed on an MPEG-TS is used. When recording the MPEG-TS, a pair of the value of time stamp information (PTS/DTS) of a previously detected picture and the value of the PATS counter are stored (ST500-ST510). When detecting the next time stamp information, an increase in the time stamp information is compared with an increase in the PATS counter (ST512-ST526). If the significant difference is exhibited (YES in ST600), it is determined that an error is found in the time stamp information value, and a recording process is performed (ST530). |
| US08467650B2 |
High-fiber-density optical-fiber cable
Disclosed is an improved optical fiber possessing a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The secondary coating provides improved ribbon characteristics for structures that are robust, yet easily entered (i.e., separated and stripped). The optical fibers in accordance in the present invention may be incorporated into a reduced-diameter optical-fiber cable that possesses a high fiber count and a high cable fiber density. The high-fiber-density optical-fiber cable, which is suitable for deployments in ducts, is capable of achieving outstanding attenuation performance when subjected to temperature variations of between about −40° C. and 70° C. |
| US08467645B2 |
Fiber optic arrangement using flat wide water swellable binder for subunit access
An assembly of fiber optic elements includes at least two subunits, each of which has at least one fiber optic unit and a flat binder wrapped over the subunits into an arrangement. The at least two subunits are stranded in a S-Z arrangement at a first lay length and the binder is stranded over the subunits in a uni-directional helical lay at a second lay length. The payoff tension and the first lay length of the subunits, combined with a payoff tension and the second lay length of the binder are simultaneously sufficient to hold the subunits within the arrangement, while being loose enough to allow a single subunit to be removed without destroying the arrangement. |
| US08467643B2 |
Optical device using double-groove grating
Optical devices using double-groove diffraction gratings having periodic sets of TiO2 elements on one or more surfaces of an SiO2 substrate are disclosed. First order components of incident polarized light coupled into the substrate are reflected so as to propagate through the substrate to terminus points where they either change direction for further propagation or exit the substrate. A windshield display system using the principles of the invention is disclosed. |
| US08467641B2 |
System and method for using planar device to generate and steer light beam
The present invention provides a device is provided for use with a first through fourth light beams. The device includes a first through fourth waveguides and first through fourth light scattering portions. The first waveguide has a length and a width and is arranged to receive the first light beam, wherein the length is larger than the width. The second waveguide is parallel with the first waveguide and is arranged to receive the second light beam. The third waveguide is disposed perpendicularly to and intersecting with the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The third waveguide is arranged to receive the third light beam. The fourth waveguide is parallel with the third waveguide and is disposed perpendicularly to and intersecting with the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The fourth waveguide is arranged to receive the fourth light beam. The first light scattering portion is disposed at the intersection of the first waveguide and the third waveguide. The second light scattering portion is disposed at the intersection of the second waveguide and the third waveguide. The third light scattering portion is disposed at the intersection of the first waveguide and the fourth waveguide. The fourth light scattering portion is disposed at the intersection of the second waveguide and the fourth waveguide. The light scattering portions can scatter light normal to the waveguides. |
| US08467633B2 |
Wavelength conversion structure and light source apparatus
A wavelength conversion structure includes a light guide formed of a light-transmissive member having a laser light incident port that allows the laser light to be introduced and a phosphor-containing layer that covers at least part of the surface of the light guide. The light guide has a light diffusing structure having asperities and a light reflecting film. The asperities are formed over the surface of the light guide except a laser light incident surface having the laser light incident port. The light reflecting film is formed over the surface of the light guide along the asperities except the laser light incident port and the portion covered with the phosphor-containing layer. |
| US08467629B2 |
Methods and systems for automatic coloring of digital images
Methods and systems for coloring media are described. A first sequence of images at a first resolution is received, wherein the first sequence of images includes images with color information. A second sequence of images is received. Optionally, image registration is performed for a plurality of images in the first sequence with respect to the second sequence and/or for a plurality of images in the second sequence with respect to the first sequence. A color analysis is performed using (optionally aligned) images from the first sequence of images and the second sequence of images, and the results are used to color the second sequence of images. |
| US08467628B2 |
Method and system for fast dense stereoscopic ranging
A stochastic method and system for fast stereoscopic ranging includes selecting a pair of images for stereo processing, in which the pair of images are a frame pair and one of the image is a reference frame, seeding estimated values for a range metric at each pixel of the reference frame, initializing one or more search stage constraints, stochastically computing local influence for each valid pixel in the reference frame, aggregating local influences for each valid pixel in the reference frame, refining the estimated values for the range metric at each valid pixel in the reference frame based on the aggregated local influence, and post-processing range metric data. A valid pixel is a pixel in the reference frame that has a corresponding pixel in the other frame of the frame pair. The method repeats n iterations of the stochastically computing through the post-processing. |
| US08467626B2 |
Automatic parameter estimation for adaptive pixel-based filtering
One particular automatic parameter estimation method and apparatus estimates low level filtering parameters from one or more user controlled high-level filtering parameters. The high level filtering parameters are strength and quality, where strength indicates how much noise reduction will be performed, and quality indicates a tolerance which controls the balance between filtering uniformity and loss of detail. The low level filtering parameters that can be estimated include the spatial neighborhood and/or temporal neighborhood size from which pixel candidates are selected, and thresholds used to verify the “goodness” of the spatially or temporally predicted candidate pixels. More generally, a criterion for filtering digital image data is accessed, and a value is determined for a parameter for use in filtering digital image data, the value being determined based on whether the value results in the criterion being satisfied for at least a portion of a digital image. |
| US08467625B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding image by using rotational transform
An image encoding method includes generating a first frequency coefficient matrix by transforming a predetermined block to a frequency domain; determining whether the first frequency coefficient matrix includes coefficients whose absolute values are greater than a predetermined value; generating a second frequency coefficient matrix by selectively partially switching at least one of rows and columns of the first frequency coefficient matrix according to an angle parameter based on a determination result; and selectively encoding the second frequency coefficient matrix based on the determination result. |
| US08467617B2 |
Compressing high resolution images in a low resolution video
A method for compressing an image as a sequence of video frames, comprising dividing the image into a plurality of tiles and compressing a tile, or part thereof, as a frame in the video sequence. |
| US08467616B2 |
Image processing method
An image processing method includes the following steps. First, an image data is provided. The image data includes at least one first image section and at least one second image section. Then, an image distribution data is provided. The image distribution data records a position of the first image section and a position of the second image section. Next, an encoding step is performed to bury the image distribution data in the image data so as to form a frame data. |
| US08467615B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus that can shorten time for observing a series of images of an interior of a subject without hampering observation of a desired region of interest is provided. The image display apparatus according to the present invention is an image display apparatus for displaying the series of images of the interior of the subject picked up at time series, including an image extracting unit 15a that extracts images each having a feature of a desired region in the interior of the subject and that identifies the extracted images as images of the desired region among the series of images, and a frame rate controller 15b that sets a display frame rate for the identified images of the desired region to be different from a display frame rate for images of regions other than the desired region. |
| US08467613B2 |
Automatic retrieval of object interaction relationships
A method for automatically retrieving interaction information between objects, including: with a server, transforming a first image and a second image submitted to said server from a source into first and second sets of parameters, respectively; searching a database for an interaction relationship between the first and second images using the first and second sets of parameters; and returning a representation of the interaction relationship to the source. |
| US08467611B2 |
Video key-frame extraction using bi-level sparsity
A method for identifying a set of key frames from a video sequence including a time sequence of video frames, the method executed at least in part by a data processor, comprising: selecting a set of video frames from the video sequence; identifying a plurality of visually homogeneous regions from each of the selected video frames; defining a set of basis functions, wherein each basis function is associated with a different visually homogeneous region; determining a feature vector for each of the selected video frames; representing each of the determined feature vectors as a sparse combination of the basis functions; for each of the determined feature vectors, determining a sparse set of video frames that contain the visually homogeneous regions corresponding to the basis functions included in the corresponding sparse combination of the basis functions; and analyzing the sparse sets of video frames to identify the set of key frames. |
| US08467610B2 |
Video summarization using sparse basis function combination
A method for determining a video summary from a video sequence including a time sequence of video frames, comprising: defining a global feature vector representing the entire video sequence; selecting a plurality of subsets of the video frames; extracting a frame feature vector for each video frame in the selected subsets of video frames; defining a set of basis functions, wherein each basis function is associated with the frame feature vectors for the video frames in a particular subset of video frames; using a data processor to automatically determine a sparse combination of the basis functions representing the global feature vector; determining a summary set of video frames responsive to the sparse combination of the basis functions; and forming the video summary responsive to the summary set of video frames. |
| US08467609B2 |
Document management device and document management method with identification, classification, search, and save functions
The present invention provides a document management device including a file receiving device for receiving a document; an optical identification device for performing optical identification on a non-textural content in the received document; a feature mark identifier for setting up a feature mark for the document; and a database for storing the document, which can be output from the database directly or through the file receiving device. The present invention also discloses a document management method. The device and method of the present invention have functions of identification, classification, search, and save. |
| US08467606B2 |
Method for segmenting a composite image
A method for segmenting a composite image containing a plurality of individual images, comprising: locating line segments corresponding to edges in a composite image; defining a plurality of candidate rectangles by identifying sets of four line segments having a first pair of line segments that are parallel to and a second pair of line segments that are perpendicular to the first pair of line segments; identifying image regions that are more than a predefined isolation distance from any of the line segments; identifying a set of enclosing rectangles from among the candidate rectangles for each of the identified image regions; selecting a rectangle for each of the identified image regions from the corresponding set of enclosing rectangles by applying geometric constraints; forming a plurality of sub-images from the composite image by extracting the digital image data corresponding to the selected rectangles; and; and storing the sub-images in a processor-accessible memory. |
| US08467604B2 |
Color enhancement
In an image processor, a color format converter (CFC) converts a pixel (Pi,j), which is expressed in an RGB color space, into a converted pixel (PCi,j), which is expressed in an YUV color space. A color shift vector generator (CSO, SVC) generates a color shift vector (SVi,j), which is expressed in the YUV color space, on the basis of the converted pixel (PCi,j). An inverse color format converter (ICFC) converts the color shift vector (SVi,j) into a color enhancement vector (EVi,j), which is expressed in the RGB color space. An adder (ADD) adds the color enhancement vector (EVi,j) to the pixel (Pi,j) so as to obtain a color enhanced pixel (PEi,j). |
| US08467603B2 |
Method for enhancing in-vivo image contrast
This invention relates to methods for enhancing an image by expanding the color contrast of the image presented to a wider range of colors that is optimized for the item sought to be viewed. The method also increases contrast of an image or a portion of an image for example an in vivo image captured by an autonomous in vivo device. A user interface with a display provides the user with the option of viewing selected images captured by the in-vivo imaging device in either regular view or in a color enhanced view to enable more distinct viewing of the selected images. |
| US08467596B2 |
Method and apparatus for object pose estimation
A pose of an object is estimated from an from an input image and an object pose estimation is then stored by: inputting an image containing an object; creating a binary mask of the input image; extracting a set of singlets from the binary mask of the input image, each singlet representing points in an inner and outer contour of the object in the input image; connecting the set of singlets into a mesh represented as a duplex matrix; comparing two duplex matrices to produce a set of candidate poses; and producing an object pose estimate, and storing the object pose estimate. The estimated pose of the object is refined by: inputting an image of an object in an estimated pose, a model of the object, and parameters of a camera used to take the image of the object in the estimated pose; projecting the model of the object into a virtual image of the object using the parameters of the camera and initial pose parameters to obtain a binary mask image and image depth information; and updating the initial pose parameters to new pose parameters using the binary mask image and image depth information and updating the new pose parameters iteratively to minimize an energy function or until a maximum number of iterations is reached. |
| US08467594B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting patterns formed on a substrate
In a pattern inspection apparatus, influences of pattern brightness variations that is caused in association with, for example, a film thickness difference or a pattern width variation can be reduced, high sensitive pattern inspection can be implemented, and a variety of defects can be detected. Thereby, the pattern inspection apparatus adaptable to a broad range of processing steps is realized. In order to realize this, the pattern inspection apparatus of the present invention performs comparison between images of regions corresponding to patterns formed to be same patterns, thereby determining mismatch portions across the images to be defects. The apparatus includes multiple sensors capable of synchronously acquiring images of shiftable multiple detection systems different from one another, and an image comparator section corresponding thereto. In addition, the apparatus includes means of detecting a statistical offset value from the feature amount to be a defect, thereby enabling the defect to be properly detected even when a brightness difference is occurring in association with film a thickness difference in a wafer. |
| US08467590B2 |
Microscopy analysis technique
A method and apparatus for the analysis of cell nuclei may use a system where images captured from a bright field microscope are analysed and information is retrieved that give quantitative information of the different type of chromatin within the cell nuclei for example Hetrochromatin and Euchromatin. The method is based on segmented cell nuclei. Quantitative information is determined related to the greyscale distribution of the different areas of the chromatin types and the object structure within these different areas. |
| US08467588B2 |
Volume-of-interest segmentation system for use with molecular imaging quantization
The present invention relates to a volume-of-interest segmentation system for use with molecular imaging quantization, which includes: a set of template for segmentation of organ/anatomical region-of-interest, an animal size/weight/location calculator, an animal spine position calculator, and a texture analyzer. It can be used for saving time and reducing cost for segmentation of interested regions and increasing the precision of molecular image quantization. |
| US08467587B2 |
Method for distinguishing between gray matter and white matter and CT system for carrying out the method
A method for distinguishing between gray matter and white matter starting from a time-dependent computed tomography image data record from a perfusion CT examination is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of time-independent images are calculated from the time-dependent image data record, a plurality of threshold histogram analyses are performed in order to determine regions of the brain which can be assigned to one or more types of cerebral matter, and subsequently the region of gray matter is determined from the information obtained in respect of type and region of the cerebral matter using at least one logical combination and at least one exclusion method. A control and computational unit is also disclosed with a storage medium in which a computer program or program module is stored, which executes the described method during operation. |
| US08467584B2 |
Use of multifocal collimators in both organ-specific and non-specific SPECT acquisitions
A method for obtaining nuclear medical images of a patient in which one or more first images are obtained. The one or more first images can be used to identify one or more regions of interest for subsequent images that focus on the regions of interest. The process can occur iteratively until it is determined, either by a physician or a computer program that sufficient images have been obtained to identify lesions or other pathology within a reasonable level of confidence. |
| US08467583B2 |
Medical imaging method and system
A computerized method and system for detection and quantification of changes in color on skin or internal tissue or organs within the human body. Digital images of the skin or tissue containing an area of interest are analyzed using the software of the invention, based on at least one channel of the LAB color system. The invention calculates the intensity and distribution of color present within the predetermined area of interest, and results in display of at least one color information attribute. The invention allows color calibration of the image to be performed in relation to a reference label having predetermined colors which surrounds the area of interest, prior to the analysis. The invention allows a threshold analysis to be performed, which graphically depicts the size and location of areas exhibiting significant change in color, which is a determinant factor in medical diagnosis. |
| US08467581B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, image capturing method, and computer program
An image capturing apparatus includes an image pickup unit configured to obtain an image; a face detecting unit configured to detect a face of a photographic subject included in the image; an attribute detecting unit configured to detect attribute information of the face; an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a degree of intimacy between a plurality of photographic subjects based on a plurality of items of attribute information detected by the attribute detecting unit from faces of the plurality of photographic subjects, the faces being detected by the face detecting unit; and a control unit configured to cause the image pickup unit to capture an image of the plurality of photographic subjects based on an evaluation result obtained by the evaluation unit. |
| US08467579B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating distance and position of object based on image of single camera
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for estimating a distance and a position between a photographing unit and a predetermined object based on an image of the photographing unit using a single camera. An apparatus for estimating a distance of an object based on a single camera image includes: a region detector detecting an object region box including the predetermined object in an image photographed by a photographing unit; a distance estimator measuring the size of the detected object region box and estimating a distance between the predetermined object and the photographing unit on the basis of an interpolating function interpolating the relationship of the size of the object region box and distances up to the photographing unit and the predetermined object; and a position estimator generating object position information estimating the position of the predetermined object. |
| US08467576B2 |
Method and apparatus for tracking multiple objects and storage medium
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for tracking multiple objects and a storage medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for tracking multiple objects that performs object detection of one subset per an input image by performing only objection detection of one subset per camera image regardless of the number N of objects to be tracked and tracks all objects among images while the objects are detected to track multiple objects in real time, and a storage medium. The method for tracking multiple objects according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: (a) performing object detection with respect to only objects of one subset among multiple objects with respect to an input image at a predetermined time; and (b) tracking all objects among images from an image of a time prior to the predetermined time with respect to all objects in the input image while step (a) is performed. |
| US08467575B2 |
Moving-object detection apparatus, moving-object detection method and moving-object detection program
Disclosed herein is a moving-object detection apparatus having a plurality of moving-object detection processing devices configured to detect a moving object on the basis of a motion vector computed by making use of a present image and a past image wherein the moving-object detection processing devices are set to operate differently from each other in at least one of the resolution of the present and past images, the time distance between the present and past images and the search area of the motion vector in order to detect the moving object. |
| US08467572B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting object using perspective plane
A method and apparatus for detecting an object using a perspective plane are disclosed. The method includes determining a perspective plane for a background scene, and determining a moving object within the background scene based upon the determined perspective plane. By using a visual surveillance device and an apparatus for detecting objects, the method and apparatus for detecting an object using a perspective plane is capable of efficiently detecting objects and tracking the movements of the corresponding objects. |
| US08467569B2 |
Method and apparatus for transporting an article to be printed
A method and an apparatus transport an article of mail. During a first decision-making process, an image of the article is generated and evaluated to generate a first vector. Further, a transport attribute is measured and stored together with the first vector. The transport of the article is continued on the basis of the measured transport attribute value. During a further decision-making process, an image of the article is generated and evaluated to generate a second vector. The transport attribute value is determined with the aid of the second vector. The transport of the article is continued on the basis of the stored and determined transport attribute value. The article is provided with an optically detectable element. The first vector is generated such that it contains that value assumed by the feature for the article if the surface of the article had already been provided with the optically detectable element. |
| US08467567B2 |
Correlation-based system for watermarking continuous digital media
A correlation-based system for watermarking continuous digital media at the system application level. It is a post-compression process for watermarking where no a priori knowledge of the underlying compression algorithm is required. Per each compressed media frame, a current unique digital signature is generated based on the data from the current compressed frame plus the digital signature that has been previously generated. The signature thus generated is then used in conjunction with the next compressed frame to generate the next unique digital signature. All digital signatures are correlated according to the above process until a “reset” signal is issued. A new chain of correlated digital signatures is produced by the system with a pre-determined initial signature. |
| US08467564B2 |
Loudspeaker
A loudspeaker includes a magnetic system defining a magnetic gap, a vibrating system, and a supporting system. The vibrating system includes a diaphragm, a voice coil bobbin disposed in the magnetic gap, a coil lead wire having a first end and a second end, and a voice coil wound around the voice coil bobbin and electrically connected to the first end. The supporting system includes a frame fixed to the magnetic system and receiving the vibrating system. The frame has a terminal electrically connected to the second end of the coil lead wire. The diaphragm is received in the frame. The voice lead wire includes at least one carbon nanotube wire structure. The carbon nanotube wire structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. |
| US08467563B2 |
Headset with foldable microphone arm
A headset (1; 101; 102) comprising a housing (2; 102; 103) and a microphone arm (3; 103; 203). The microphone arm (3; 103; 203) is connected to a hinge member (4; 104; 204), which is pivotally connected to the housing (2; 102; 103) such that the microphone arm (3; 103; 203) can be rotated about a first pivot axis (P1; P101; P201) between a first position, in which it lies along a first surface (9; 109; 209) of the housing (2; 102; 202) and a second, extended position in which it extends away from the housing (3; 103; 203). The microphone arm (3; 103; 203) is movably connected to the hinge member (4; 104; 204) so that the microphone arm (3; 103; 203) can be moved into a third position, in which it lies along a second surface (10; 110; 210) of the housing (2; 102; 202). |
| US08467556B2 |
Canal hearing device with disposable battery module
A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module positioned in the ear canal and a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal. The main module incorporates the durable components of a hearing device including the receiver, microphone and electronics. The disposable battery module comprises consumable elements including battery and incoming sound port. The disposable battery module provides a unitary structure that is easier to handle, remove from the main module, and replace when any of the consumable elements is depleted or degraded. The canal hearing device assembly is generic in shape and provided with assorted seal tips for “instant fitting” without resorting to custom manufacturing. |
| US08467555B2 |
Method for monitoring a hearing device and hearing device with self-monitoring function
A method for monitoring a hearing device having an electroacoustic output transducer worn at a user's ear or in a user's ear canal, the method including: measuring the electrical impedance of the output transducer; analyzing the measured electrical impedance of the output transducer in order to determine at least one parameter from the length and diameter of tubing that extends into the user's ear canal and is connected to the transducer, and adjusting operation parameters of the hearing device based upon the results of the determination so as to optimize acoustical performance of the hearing device. A hearing device in which the method is implemented. |
| US08467554B2 |
Method, hearing device and configuration for calibrating an acoustic tuning system
A method for setting a device for presenting sound specimens for the individual tuning of a hearing device to be worn on the body of a hearing device wearer. The method includes providing and presenting a noise signal by the device, receiving the presented noise signal by at least one microphone of the hearing device, comparing the received noise signal or a signal derived therefrom with a reference signal stored in the hearing device, and emitting a status signal by the hearing device in dependence on the comparison. In this manner, simple and precise setting of the device for emitting sound specimens for calibration purposes occurs. |
| US08467553B2 |
Hearing aid system comprising a receiver in the ear and a system for identification of the type of receiver
A hearing aid system may include a behind-the-ear (BTE) part configured to be located at an ear of a user, an in-the-ear (ITE) part configured to be located in an ear canal of a user, and a measurement circuit. The ITE part may include a receiver for converting an electric output signal having frequencies in the human audible frequency range to an output sound, and a resistive identification element. The measurement circuit is configured to measure an identification parameter indicative of the resistance of the resistive identification element, thus identifying the ITE part. The measurement circuit uses the same electric output signal that is driving the receiver to determine the identification parameter. Advantageously, this approach does not require an additional signal, such as DC voltage, to determine the identification parameter. |
| US08467552B2 |
Asymmetric HRTF/ITD storage for 3D sound positioning
A method and system for reducing head related transfer function (HRTF) storage requirements for 3-D sound processing of an input sound having a specified source angle increment is provided. Interaural time difference (ITD) values are selected based directly on the source angle increment; and HRTFs for processing the input sound are stored in angle increments larger than the source angle increment. |
| US08467550B2 |
Condenser microphone
To provide a condenser microphone having a removable head unit on the microphone body, wherein the head unit can be attached and detached to and from the microphone body through one connection at a low impedance. A second pin 22h and a third pin 22c of a microphone body 20, which has a 3-pole output connector, is connected with current regulative diodes D2 and D3 as a feed circuit for the drain D of the FET Q1. A first AC coupling electrolytic capacitor C3 is connected to one of the current regulative diodes, D2, and a series circuit of a second AC coupling electrolytic capacitor C4 and a resistive element R3 is connected between the anode of the other current regulative diode D3 and a ground line L3. The resistive element R3 has substantially the same impedance as an output impedance of the transistor Q2. |
| US08467548B2 |
Miniature micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based directional sound sensor
A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based directional sound sensor includes a two sensor wings attached to a surrounding support structure by two legs. The support structure is hollow beneath the sensor wings allowing the sensor wings to vibrate in response to sound excitation. In one embodiment, interdigitated comb finger capacitors attached on the sensor wing edges and the support structure enable an electrostatic (capacitive) readout related to the vibrations of the sensor which allows determination of the sound direction. |
| US08467547B2 |
Audio compressor with feedback
An audio compressor may regulate the level of an audio input signal depending on whether the level is above or below a threshold value. The audio compressor may control a pumping that is created when regulating a dynamic range of an audio signal with the threshold value. A feedback loop connecting the signal output from the audio compressor with a release filter may be used to modify an effective release time of the signal. A controller may be used that allows a filter coefficient of the release filter to be controlled to adjust the effective release time as a function of the signal output. |
| US08467546B2 |
Switchable audio circuits for mobile terminals and methods and computer program products for operating the same
Audio circuits for a mobile terminal include a microphone and an audio signal processing circuit having an input coupled to the microphone. The audio signal processing circuit has a switchable portion and is configured to switch between a voice mode utilizing the switchable portion and a full fidelity mode not utilizing the switchable portion responsive to a mode signal coupled thereto. |
| US08467540B2 |
Electronic device and method thereof for switching audio input channel of the electronic device
The present disclosure provides an electronic device and a method for switching an audio input channel of the electronic device. The electronic device includes a headphone interface, a detection circuit, a signal processing unit, and a multiplexer. The headphone interface is operable to connect with an audio connector of a headphone. The detection circuit includes a headphone pin and a button pin. The detection circuit detects a level of a last pole of the audio connector, transfers the level of the last pole into a first level of the headphone pin and a second level of the button pin, and outputs the first level and the second level to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit transmits commands to the multiplexer in response to the first level and the second level. The multiplexer switches the audio input channel of the electronic device based on the commands. |
| US08467539B2 |
High transmission loss cushion
A headset including an earcup having a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the ear of a user, the earcup extending in a radial direction and an axial direction and defining an earcup volume; and a bellows cushion extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup and sized to engage the ear of the user, the bellows cushion comprising a plurality of folded segments located at an outer radial portion of the bellows cushion, and configured to be substantially compliant along an axial direction. |
| US08467537B2 |
Apparatus and method for connecting a hearing aid to hearing aid test equipment
The invention includes an apparatus for connecting a hearing aid tester to a sound emitting portion of a hearing aid that fits into the concha or ear canal of a user, the apparatus including a body having a front end and a rear end, a passage within the body for receiving the sound emitting portion and extending from an opening near the front end to an opening near the rear end, the opening near the front end for connecting the passage to the hearing aid tester, and a resilient surface within the passage that resiliently deforms when the sound emitting portion is received in the passage for retaining the sound emitting portion in the passage. The invention also includes a method of forming the apparatus and a method of testing a hearing aid having a sound emitting portion that fits into the concha or ear canal of a user. |
| US08467534B2 |
Method and system for secure access and processing of an encryption/decryption key
Secure access and processing of an encryption/decryption key may include generating one or more keys within a key controller block of a chip. The generated keys may be transferred from the key controller block of the chip to an on-chip bus interface block via a secure serial link. The transferred keys may be stored in registers which may be accessible by only the key controller block of the chip. In this regard, the generated keys may be written to one or more of the key registers only by the key controller block. Furthermore, a written key may be read from a key register only by the key controller block. During the transfer of a generated key, a data valid signal may be used to indicate valid keys in a data signal used to transfer the keys via the secure serial link. |
| US08467527B2 |
Efficient key derivation for end-to-end network security with traffic visibility
Both end-to-end security and traffic visibility may be achieved by a system using a controller that derives a cryptographic key that is different for each client based on a derivation key and a client identifier that is conveyed in each data packet. The controller distributes the derivation key to information technology monitoring devices and a server to provide traffic visibility. For large key sizes, the key may be derived using a derivation formula as follows: client_key—MSB=AES128(base_key_1, client_ID), (1) client_key—LSB=AES128(base_key_2, client_ID+pad), and (2) client_key=client_key_MSB∥client_key_LSB, where (1) and (2) are executed in parallel. The client key and a client identifier may be used so that end-to-end security may be achieved. |
| US08467526B2 |
Key evolution method and system of block ciphering
A system and associated method for block ciphering. The method generates a key that is specific to a text block being encrypted and later being decrypted. The text block is encrypted by a block cipher encryption with the key. The encrypted text block is decrypted by a block cipher decryption with the key back to the text block. Altering a single bit in either the encrypted text block or the key results in unsuccessful decryption such that a decrypted text block is completely different from the before encryption. |
| US08467524B1 |
Mute indicator
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting a mute indicator to a caller when the caller is attempting to provide input to a call that has been muted. In particular, a determination is made that a mute function is engaged during a call. An area surrounding a calling system, such as a phone, is then monitored by a monitoring system to determine whether a caller is attempting to provide input to the call. A determination is then made that a caller is attempting to provide input to the call. The determination may be based on a caller providing a threshold volume of voice input within a threshold area of proximity near the calling system. A mute indicator is then presented to the caller to notify the caller that the call has a mute function engaged. |
| US08467517B2 |
Method and system for customizing ring-back tone in an inter-operator telecommunication system
A method and a system for providing commercial information (CI) messages as a ring-back tone (RBT) to a caller in an inter-operator telecommunication system are provided. In the inter-operator telecommunication system, the caller and the callee are registered to different telecommunication service providers. The second telecommunication service provider sends a request to the first telecommunication service provider to provide a CI id associated with a caller profile of the caller. The request is routed through a global broker. An RBT player of the second telecommunication service provider plays the CI message corresponding to the CI id as ring-back tone to the caller. |
| US08467514B1 |
Cross-platform presence
Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing cross-platform presence are described. In some implementations, a cross-platform presence server can be provided that allows a caller to accurately assess the availability and other similar status of a callee by evaluating a device status of a plurality of communication devices associated with the callee. The cross-platform presence server can then determine, based on these device statuses, whether a callee is available. The availability of the callee can subsequently be displayed to the caller (e.g., on the caller's phone), or any other individuals who have been granted permission by the callee to be notified of the callee's availability. |
| US08467513B2 |
Method for selection and routing of an outbound voice call to an appropriate network for completion
The disclosed embodiments include a method of initiating a call. The method includes receiving, at a network device over a first network, an identifier associated with a called party. The method determines a first security level associated with the first network and identifies a plurality of networks associated with the called party using the identifier. The method queries a database to determine a second security level for each network in the plurality of networks and automatically selects an identified network from the plurality of networks associated with the called party having the second security level at least equal to the first security level. The method completes a call to the called party using the identified network. |
| US08467511B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling fax thereof
A method of controlling a fax of an image forming apparatus which transmits/receives a fax using a plurality of telephone lines, includes detecting a size of a fax data to be transmitted; checking communication settings of the plurality of telephone lines according to the detection result; detecting whether the plurality of telephone lines are in use; and selecting one of the plurality of telephone lines to transmit the fax data using the communication settings of the telephone lines and whether the telephone lines are in use. An image forming apparatus with a multi-line faxing function capable of transmitting a fax by automatically selecting a telephone line with a favorable communication setting among a plurality of telephone lines, thereby reducing time involved in fax transmission and waste of communication charges. |
| US08467509B2 |
Video displaying apparatus, video displaying system and video displaying method
An image processing apparatus includes a video displaying apparatus which composites information including at least one of a graphic and a text to a video and displays the composite video. The video displaying apparatus comprises a display processing unit configured to display a person area of a person included in the video and an area of the information including at least one of the graphic and the text so that the person area and the area of the information do not overlap. |
| US08467507B2 |
Technique for call context based advertising through an information assistance service
In providing an information assistance service in a call by a user, the context of the call is ascertained. Context information is derived from information exchanges during the call. Inferences as to types of advertisement pertinent to the user location, event, etc. are drawn based on the context information. Pertinent advertisements, which may be further individualized based on personal preferences, are provided to the user at the conclusion of the call, or otherwise transmitted to the user via voicemail, SMS, email, WAP, paging, facsimile, instant messaging, text messaging, picture phone, video phone, etc. |
| US08467505B2 |
Voicemail filtering software
Aspects of the present invention are directed to software that allows a callee to access and filter data related to a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, searchable index key(s) are identified that are associated with a selected voicemail message. Then, a search is performed to identify data that is related to the selected voicemail message using the index key(s). Once the search is performed, a user interface is presented that references data identified as being related to the voicemail message. As a result, a callee may easily access and review data related to a voicemail message without being required to use multiple software applications. |
| US08467504B1 |
Message-indication testing
A computer-implemented method and system to remotely test message-waiting notifications over a communications network is provided. The method includes receiving broadband signaling from a voicemail platform; converting the broadband signaling to narrowband signaling; and transmitting the narrowband signaling, which generates status notifications, and transmits the status notifications to a remote test location. The system includes a switching element that routes the broadband signaling generated by the voicemail platform. The switching element routes the broadband signaling to a message processing component that executes code that searches a message-waiting-notification database to generate appropriate tones based on the broadband signaling received from the switching element. |
| US08467503B2 |
Messaging systems and methods
Managing voice messages across multiple voicemail systems. A server acts as a gateway and interacts with multiple voicemail systems and with multiple user devices. The server can retrieve voice messages from one voicemail system and transmit the retrieved voice messages to another separate voicemail system without user assistance. The voice messages are transcoded as necessary. The server also enables a recipient to generate a reply voice message that can be delivered to the original sender's device or delivered to the sender in another manner, such as a Vnote, SMS or an email. |
| US08467502B2 |
Interactive assistant for managing telephone communications
An interactive assistant for managing telephone communications and services is disclosed. In one of many possible method embodiments, a chat interface is provided to a device associated with an intended recipient of an incoming voice call. A chat message from the intended recipient is received through the chat interface. The chat message is presented to a calling party associated with the incoming call prior to a disposition of the call being determined. In other embodiments, an interface provides controls for individually managing calls on a conference call, without affecting other calls on the conference call. |
| US08467501B2 |
Method for playing a personalized clip
A method of playing a personalized clip offers a choice between a clip played locally by a device associated with a terminal of a calling party and a clip played remotely by a device associated with a terminal of a called party when the calling party's terminal is put on hold by the called party's terminal. It includes a step of interrogating the first terminal to determine if the clip must be played locally in the network to which the first terminal belongs or if the clip must be played remotely in the network to which the second terminal belongs. |
| US08467500B2 |
Method and device for launching application triggered by initiation of telephone call
A telephone or telephone system launches an application upon the dialing of a trigger telephone number. The application may be an electronic message generator that sends an electronic message to one or more recipients upon a telephone number being dialed. One or more text messages may be sent by a telephone or telephone system when a user dials an emergency number with the telephone or telephone system. Real time information such as geographic location information may be automatically generated by the application and included in the electronic messages that are sent after being triggered by a telephone call. |
| US08467498B2 |
Image diagnostic apparatus, image processing apparatus, and program
An image diagnostic apparatus includes a radiography unit which generates a mask image and contrast images before and after the injection of a contrast medium, an image memory which stores the mask image and the contrast images, an ROI identifying unit which sets a region of interest from the mask image and the contrast images, a pixel shift amount detecting unit which detects a pixel shift amount between the mask and the contrast image upon localization to the region of interest, and a processing unit which shifts at least the mask image or the contrast image in accordance with the detected pixel shift amount and performs subtraction between the images. |
| US08467493B2 |
Methods and compositions for imaging atherosclerotic plaques
The present invention relates in general to compositions, processes and apparatus for imaging, and in particular for preparation, collection and processing of images of atherosclerotic plaques, including images obtained from X-ray microscopic computed tomography. |
| US08467492B2 |
Jet pump and reactor
A nozzle apparatus of a jet pump includes a nozzle base member, and a plurality of nozzles installed to the nozzle base member and forming a plurality of narrowing portions, in which a fluid passage cross-sectional area of a driving fluid passage formed in the nozzle is reduced. |
| US08467491B2 |
Feedwater controller, nuclear power plant and method for controlling feedwater
The feedwater controller of a nuclear power plant having three or more feedwater pumps supplying water to the reactor vessel, electric motors driving the feedwater pumps and electric power converters connected to the electric motors is equipped with a flow rate controller and a trip compensation means. The flow rate controller calculates a flow rate to the reactor vessel based on a detected value indicating a condition of the nuclear power plant and a preset value of the water level of the reactor vessel, and generates a rotation speed command signal for the electric motors based on the flow rate command signal. The trip compensation means increases the rotation speed of the electric motors not having tripped if one of the feedwater pumps trips. |
| US08467490B2 |
Communication system, receiver and reception method
A communication system includes: a transmitter adapted to transmit a synchronizing clock and serial data synchronous with the synchronizing clock over a line at low amplitude; and a receiver adapted to receive the serial data and synchronizing clock from the transmitter. The receiver includes an amplifier adapted to amplify the received synchronizing clock of low amplitude to restore the clock to its original amplitude, a latched comparator adapted to latch the received serial data in synchronism with a reproduction clock, and a phase-locked circuit. |
| US08467487B2 |
Network synchronization method and apparatus for performing time synchronization between nodes
Provided is a network synchronization method and apparatus for performing a time synchronization between nodes. When a system starts up and the time synchronization between the nodes is initiated, the network synchronization method and apparatus may enhance jitter, wander, and a time synchronization performance by gradually increasing a window size for a propagation time measurement. When a full window of propagation time measurements is collected, the network synchronization method and apparatus may enhance jitter, wander, and the time synchronization performance by applying an exponential to a computation of an average propagation time value. |
| US08467486B2 |
Memory controller with flexible data alignment to clock
A system includes a memory controller and a plurality of memory devices that are connected in-series to the memory controller. The system operation is synchronous with clock that is provided in a fashion of source synchronous clock structure. The source synchronous clock structure includes a PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) that reshapes an incoming clock and a reshaped clock is provided. The PLL provides a shifted clock in phase of 90°. The phase-shifted clock and data are transmitted from the first device to the second device. Clock phase shift provides a center-edge clock with data to be transmitted. The devices are assigned with unique IDs. The least significant bit of the ID number of the last device is used for determination of clock alignment: edge- or center-aligned clock with data produced by the memory controller. |
| US08467485B2 |
Smart antenna solution for mobile handset
A mobile terminal with smart antennas, comprises a plurality of groups of radio frequency signal processing modules (300), for transforming received multi-channel radio frequency signals to multi-channel baseband signals; a smart antenna processing module (306), for smart antenna baseband processing said multi-channel baseband signals output from said plurality of groups of radio frequency signal processing module so as to combine said multi-channel baseband signals into single-channel baseband signals, according to control information received one-off as said smart antenna processing module is enabled; and a baseband processing module (303-305), for providing said control information to said smart antenna processing module according to data from said smart antenna processing module, and baseband processing said single-channel baseband signals outputted from said smart antenna processing module. |
| US08467482B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying transmitter in digital broadcasting system
A method for identifying a transmitter in a digital broadcasting system includes: receiving a broadcast signal in which a TxID sequence for identification of a transmitter is embedded; correlating the received broadcast signal with a plurality of elementary code sequences of a pseudo-random sequence sequentially; and identifying the transmitter by using the correlation results. |
| US08467479B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating I/Q unbalance parameters in OFDM receiver
Provided are an apparatus and a method for estimating I/Q unbalance parameters in an OFDM receiver. The apparatus includes an unbalance parameter estimator and an I/Q unbalance compensator. The unbalance parameter estimator estimates an amplitude difference and a phase difference depending on positions of pilot tones in a preamble of a received signal. The I/Q unbalance compensator compensates for an I/Q unbalance using the amplitude difference and the phase difference estimated by the unbalance parameter estimator. |
| US08467475B2 |
Transmission with M antennas using precoding
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for applying successive multi-rank beamforming strategies (e.g., successive precoding strategies) for the design of precoders over a set of parallel channels. Successive beamforming is applied to a narrow band channel model and is also applied for finer quantization of a single beamforming vector (e.g., recursive beamforming). A first embodiment provides the optimal approach with high complexity. An alternative embodiment provides successive beamforming for near optimal precoding selection with medium complexity. A low complexity method for precoder selection is also provided wherein a channel representative matrix for the set of parallel channels is determined and successive beamforming on the calculated channel representative is applied. |
| US08467473B2 |
Power control techniques for wireless transmitters
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to power control techniques for wireless transmitters. In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided that may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) adapted to convert a digital amplitude signal to an analog amplitude signal during a first transmission mode and adapted to convert a digital power level signal to an analog power level signal during a second transmission mode. |
| US08467471B2 |
Coding and modulation selecting method and wireless communication equipment
Disclosed herewith is a radio communication apparatus capable of selecting proper one of plural communication modes such as a MIMO communication system so as to obtain a higher communication rate within a range in which chain retransmission occurrence is prevented. The MIMO system deciding section of the transmitter unit decides a proper MIMO system with reference to the CQI value demultiplexed by a demultiplexer and the AMC table controlling section changes the MCS value step by step according to the transmission count and the result (success/failure) of the communication. Furthermore, the AMC table controlling section updates the mean rate in the measured rate table when the subject data is received successfully or when the transmission count reaches the maximum value. |
| US08467470B2 |
Codebook method for a multiple input multiple output wireless system
A method for wireless encoding includes encoding wireless multiple input and multiple output signals in accordance with a codebook being one of a discrete codebook restricting elements of codebook entries to be within a predetermined finite set of complex numbers and a constant amplitude codebook including each entry in its codebook having equal column norm and equal row norm. In a preferred embodiment the digital codebook further includes restricting elements of a finite set in the discrete codebook to be in the form of ka+jkb for a base-k computer and the constant amplitude codebook further includes being obtained through a series of successive householder transformations. In a preferred embodiment the codebook is configured as one of a constrained codebook in which the codebook is configured for multiple scenarios and a discrete codebook. |
| US08467466B2 |
Reduced complexity detection and decoding for a receiver in a communication system
Techniques for performing detection and decoding at a receiver are described. In one scheme, the receiver obtains R received symbol streams for M data streams transmitted by a transmitter, performs receiver spatial processing on the received symbols to obtain detected symbols, performs log-likelihood ratio (LLR) computation independently for each of D best data streams, and performs LLR computation jointly for the M−D remaining data streams, where M>D≧1 and M>1. The D best data streams may be selected based on SNR and/or other criteria. In another scheme, the receiver performs LLR computation independently for each of the D best data streams, performs LLR computation jointly for the M−D remaining data streams, and reduces the number of hypotheses to consider for the joint LLR computation by performing a search for candidate hypotheses using list sphere detection, Markov chain Monte Carlo, or some other search technique. |
| US08467465B2 |
Channel estimation using replicas zero forcing
Channel estimation for a wireless Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) link having pilots on at least some carriers in at least some symbols may be implemented by performing first and second channel estimation processes. The first channel estimation process uses only frequency domain interpolation of the pilots to obtain a first candidate channel estimate for the OFDM link, and the second channel estimation process uses both time domain interpolation and frequency domain interpolation of the pilots to obtain a second candidate channel estimate for the OFDM link. One of the first and second candidate channel estimates is selected for processing a communication received via the OFDM link. |
| US08467464B2 |
Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for adaptive power control
In embodiments, a first wireless device generates symbols for transmission to another wireless device. Adaptive power control is applied to the transmissions, for example, at symbol or frame boundaries. When a transmit power gain adjustment exceeds a threshold, all or part of the gain adjustment may be performed on the generated symbols before the symbols are combined in an overlap-and-add process. Part of the gain adjustment may also be performed through adjustment of the power amplifier. When the gain adjustment does not exceed the threshold, all of the gain adjustment may be performed through adjustment of the power amplifier. Performing gain adjustment before the overlap-and-add process results in a lower spectral spread of the transmitted waveform and improved bandwidth utilization efficiency. In embodiments, the power adjustment techniques are used in FDD/OFDM systems or other systems where a plurality of symbols or frames is transmitted substantially continuously. |
| US08467459B2 |
Method and apparatus for complexity scalable video encoding and decoding
There are provided scalable complexity video decoder and encoders for respectively decoding and encoding a video bitstream. A scalable complexity video decoder includes a first combiner, a second combiner, and a deblocking filter. The first combiner is for combining full resolution motion compensated predictions and decoded upsampled base layer residuals to form reconstructed upsampled base layer pictures for display without any deblocking operations applied thereto. The second combiner, in signal communication with the first combiner, is for combining the reconstructed upsampled base layer pictures with decoded enhancement layer residuals to form reconstructed full resolution enhancement layer pictures. The deblocking filter, in signal communication with the second combiner, is for performing deblocking operations on only the reconstructed full resolution enhancement layer pictures to output filtered reconstructed full resolution enhancement layer pictures for display. |
| US08467458B2 |
Digital Broadcasting transmission/reception system utilizing mull packet and TRS code to improve receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcasting transmission and/or reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TRS encoder for to TRS-encode a MPEG-2 transmission stream having null data for inserting a Known data and a TRS parity at predetermined positions, randomizer to input and randomize data stream from the TRS encoder, a null packet exchanger to replace the null data for inserting the Known data to the known data, and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the Known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization and further uses the TRS parity for correcting error of the received signal, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08467454B2 |
Video-information encoding method and video-information decoding method
A video-information encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus with a guarantee of a fixed processing time. By limiting the amount of data to be input into/output from a CABAC encoding unit and decoding unit on a unit-of-encoding basis, such as one picture, slice, macroblock or block, and by encoding uncompressed video data, it is possible to provide a video-information encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus with a guarantee of a fixed processing time. Thereby, an apparatus with a guarantee of the processing time can be mounted. |
| US08467449B2 |
CAVLC enhancements for SVC CGS enhancement layer coding
Context-adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC) for scalable video coding (SVC) coarse granular scalability (CGS) enhancement layer coding that utilizes the number of coefficients larger than one (NLrg1) as a syntax element. The coding of coeff_token is based on TotalCoeff and NLrg1 values. Levels are adaptively encoded based on NLrg1 syntax element total_zeros is encoded by adaptively selecting VLC tables based on an estimated number of a neighboring blocks' total_zeros. |
| US08467448B2 |
Apparatus and method for fast intra/inter macro-block mode decision for video encoding
A fast video encoder (100) and method (500) for selecting (809) Inter macro-block mode or intra macro-block mode is provided. The method can include estimating (502) a rate-distortion cost (801) of a plurality of predictors (203) for coding a video (201), selecting (504) a predictive coding mode for the video based on a minimization of the rate-distortion cost, and coding (505) the image using a predictive mode associated with the minimum rate-distortion cost. The rate-distortion cost can be estimated across Intra macro-block modes and Inter macro-block modes for reducing a computational complexity. Rate-Distortion costs can be terminated early (524) based on statistical information (522) across a plurality of predictors for increasing an encoding speed. A fast estimation of the rate-distortion cost associated with the Intra macro-block mode for making inter/intra macro-block mode decision in a video coding system by exploiting the coding statistics across prediction modes is presented. |
| US08467447B2 |
Method and apparatus to determine prediction modes to achieve fast video encoding
An improvement to a predictive video encoding method or apparatus that includes selecting a mode class within which to choose an encoding algorithm to encode individual blocks of video information. Rather than implementing each algorithm in each mode class to ascertain an acceptable compression, the improvement eliminates searching through a class of encoding modes based simply on heuristics. The method comprises obtaining statistical information related to previous blocks of encoded video information, determining a mode class within which to chose a particular encoding algorithm based on the statistical information (e.g., heuristics) gathered, choosing an algorithm within the selected mode class using conventional techniques, and encoding the video information according to the chosen algorithm. Statistical information may include quantization parameters, prior encoding decisions, intensity or frequency values, or Hadamard transform coefficients of previously encoded macroblocks. Encoding complexity in the coder is reduced since one class of encoding modes is eliminated. |
| US08467440B2 |
Compensated phase detector for generating one or more clock signals using DFE detected data in a receiver
A method and apparatus generating one or more clock signals in a receiver employing decision-feedback equalization (DFE). A received signal is sampled by a data clock and a transition clock, generating a data sample signal and a transition sample signal, respectively. A DFE correction is performed by DFE circuitry on the data sample signal to generate DFE detected data bits. The transition sample signal is sliced using a weighted threshold value to generate transition data bits. One or more phase updates of the data clock and the transition clocks are in response to the DFE detected data bits and the transition data bits. The weighted threshold is calculated from at least one of the prior-received DFE detected data bits. In one embodiment, the DFE detection may also be dependent on an effective delay (λ) of the DFE circuit in relation to the received signal baud-period, T. |
| US08467437B2 |
Selectable-Tap Equalizer
A signaling circuit having a selectable-tap equalizer. The signaling circuit includes a buffer, a select circuit and an equalizing circuit. The buffer is used to store a plurality of data values that correspond to data signals transmitted on a signaling path during a first time interval. The select circuit is coupled to the buffer to select a subset of data values from the plurality of data values according to a select value. The equalizing circuit is coupled to receive the subset of data values from the select circuit and is adapted to adjust, according to the subset of data values, a signal level that corresponds to a data signal transmitted on the signaling path during a second time interval. |
| US08467436B1 |
DSP-based diagnostics for monitoring a SerDes link
A method to look at the incoming received data on a SerDes link while running in normal operation without requiring a second receive path or any defined or repeated data patterns to be able to generate statistical eye plots both before and after any internal equalization; generate trajectory eye plots both before and after any internal equalization; estimate TED characteristics (hence also estimate SJ jitter tolerance of the link); estimate complete Channel Impulse Response (hence also estimate the S-parameters of the complete channel); and estimate the decomposed jitter of the complete channel. |
| US08467435B2 |
Adaptive electronic transmission signal cancellation apparatus for full duplex communication
An adaptive electronic transmission signal cancellation circuit for separating transmit data from receive data in bidirectional communication system operating in full duplex mod is disclosed. The output of a main transmitter responsive to a first bias current is connected to the output of a receiver through an internal resistor. A first replica transmitter responsive to a second bias current and matched to the main transmitter current gain and rise/fall time characteristics is connected to the input terminal of the receiver, and produces a cancellation voltage between the output terminal of the main transmitter and the input terminal of the receiver as a function of the second bias current and the internal resistor. A second replica transmitter matched to the current gain and rise/fall time characteristics of the main transmitter and the first replica transmitter and responsive to the second bias current is connected to the output terminal of the main transmitter for canceling excess current, developed by the first replica transmitter, at the output terminal of the main transmitter. |
| US08467434B2 |
GNSS receiver and method for GNSS memory code generation
A GNSS receiver and method for GNSS memory code generation are disclosed. The GNSS receiver comprises a buffer, a correlator, and a selector. The buffer receives and stores a plurality of first code segments. Each of the first code segment is at least a portion of a memory code. The selector selects a selecting window of the first code segments stored in the buffer as a second code segment according to the code phase selection signal. The correlator calculates a correlation between a received GNSS signal and the second code segment. |
| US08467432B2 |
Radio communication device and response signal diffusion method
Provided is a radio communication device which can suppress inter-code interference between an ACK/NACK signal and a CQI signal which are code-multiplexed. A diffusion unit (214) diffuses the ACK/NACK signal inputted from a judgment unit (208) by using a ZC sequence. A diffusion unit (219) diffuses the CQI signal by using a cyclic shift ZC sequence. By using a Walsh sequence, a diffusion unit (216) further diffuses the ACK/NACK signal which has been diffused by using the ZC sequence. A control unit (209) controls the diffusion unit (214), the diffusion unit (216), and the diffusion unit (219) so that the minimum value of the difference between the CQI signals from a plurality of mobile stations and a cyclic shift amount of the ACK/NACK signal is not smaller than the minimum value of the difference between the cyclic shift amounts of the ACK/NACK signals from the plurality of mobile stations. |
| US08467428B2 |
Vertical cavity surface emitting laser device with monolithically integrated photodiode
The present invention relates to a vertical cavity surface emitting laser device comprising a VCSEL with a monolithically integrated photodiode. The photodiode (2) is formed of a layer sequence of a first n-doped region (6), a p-doped region (7), an intrinsic region (8) and a second n-doped region (9) of a semiconductor material. The photodiode (2) and the laser share a common electrode, which is realized as an Ohmic n-contact (10) at said first n-doped region (6). The proposed device allows less complex manufacturing, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. |
| US08467426B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling a fiber laser or amplifier
A system and method for cooling an optical fiber includes a flexible heat sink member, a heat pipe evaporator, and a thermal storage medium. The flexible heat sink member is in thermal contact with the optical fiber. The heat pipe evaporator is configured to dissipate heat from the optical fiber. The thermal storage medium is in thermal contact with the flexible heat sink member and the heat pipe evaporator. The flexible heat sink member is configured to compensate for any mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between material of the optical fiber and material of the flexible heat sink member so as to provide radial compliance and to maintain direct thermal contact between the optical fiber and the flexible heat sink member. |
| US08467424B2 |
Pulsed laser source with high repetition rate
Methods and systems for generating pulses of laser radiation at higher repetition rates than those of available excimer lasers are disclosed that use multiple electronic triggers for multiple laser units and arrange the timings of the different triggers with successive delays, each delay being a fraction of the interval between two successive pulses of a single laser unit. Methods and systems for exposing nanoscale patterns using such high-repetition-rate lasers are disclosed. |
| US08467423B2 |
Thulium and/or Holmium doped germanosilicate glasses for two micron lasers
A laser glass fiber with a core of the fiber comprising a germanosilicate glass host, one or more glass network modifiers, one or more glass network intermediators, and Thulium ions, Holmium ions, or a combination of Thulium ions and Holmium ions. The fiber emits laser light from 1.7 micron to 2.2 micron. |
| US08467422B2 |
Source of optical supercontinuum radiation
A source of optical supercontinuum radiation is disclosed, for generating blue-enhanced spectral components using a pump wavelength of substantially 1064 nm. The source comprises a microstructured optical fibre and a pump laser arranged to generate lasing radiation at the pump wavelength of substantially 1064 nm. The microstructured optical fibre comprises a core region and a cladding region which surrounds the core region and the pump laser is adapted to launch the lasing radiation at the pump wavelength into the core region of the microstructured optical fiber to excite the fundamental mode of the fibre. The fiber comprises a zero dispersion wavelength within ±200 nm of the pump wavelength and can support a plurality of modes at the pump wavelength. |
| US08467418B2 |
Differential timing transfer over synchronous ethernet using digital frequency generators and control word signaling
A method, system and master service interface transfer differential timing over a packet network. The transmitting service interface receives a service clock and is coupled to a receiving service interface through a network backplane. A primary reference clock is provided to time the network backplane. The primary reference clock and the service clock are used to synthesize a copy of the service clock connected to the transmitting service interface. A first control word containing an error differential between the service clock and the synthesized copy of the service clock is generated and transmitted through the network backplane via a packet. The first control word, together with the primary reference clock, is used to recreate the service clock for timing the receiving service interface. |
| US08467415B2 |
System and method for dynamic template updating for compressed messages
A method for updating a message template based on receiving a plurality of common deltas. At a first device, the method detects a first compressed message that includes a first delta and that references a first message template and stores an indication of having received the first delta. The first delta is combinable with the first message template to reconstruct a decompressed message. The first device receives at least one subsequent compressed message that includes the first delta and that references the first message template, and stores an indication of each subsequent time the first delta is received. Based on the stored indications, the first device determines that the first delta was received in accordance with at least one predetermined threshold factor, and in response thereto, initiating a procedure to generate a superseding message template, which updates the first message template by including the first delta. |
| US08467414B2 |
Communication control method, communication apparatus, and communication system
Disclosed herein is a communication control method employed by a communication apparatus that includes a primary communication interface and a plurality of relay communication interfaces and has a communication interface coupling function of transferring a transmission/reception frame of the primary communication interface through one of the plurality of relay communication interfaces. The method includes the steps of: acquiring traffic information concerning the primary communication interface; and dynamically varying a transfer allocation ratio between the plurality of relay communication interfaces based on the traffic information. |
| US08467409B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for adjusting multimedia encoding rate
A method, an apparatus, and a system for adjusting a multimedia encoding rate are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining an expected multimedia encoding rate by using the available network bandwidth corresponding to the transmission path of a multimedia service, the expected QoE of the multimedia service, and the current multimedia encoding rate as input parameters and according to a preset multimedia resource policy decision, where the expected multimedia encoding rate is used as a reference for adjusting the current multimedia encoding rate. With the present disclosure, under the current network performance, an optimal point for balancing the effects of the media encoding rate and the network performance on the QoE is found by adjusting the multimedia encoding rate, thus achieving optimal QoE. In this way, the adjustment process is simple and fast and the success rate is high, thus improving the QoE. |
| US08467407B2 |
Protocol for allocating upstream slots over a link in a point-to-multipoint communication system
A system for controlling a contention state for a communication link between a base station controller and customer premises equipment in point-to-multipoint communication. The contention state is controlled using a state machine, which includes a grant pending absent state in which a unicast request slot is maintained open for use by the customer premises equipment. During the grant pending absent state, the customer premises equipment sends no upstream data to the base station controller but can use the unicast request slot to request a data slot for sending upstream data to the base station controller. In the grant pending state, the customer premises equipment preferably uses piggybacking to request grant of a next data slot while sending upstream data to the base station controller. |
| US08467404B2 |
Enhanced channel detection
An apparatus for detecting the presence of a frequency channel is provided. The apparatus comprises an energy detection unit configured to measure receive energy over a first bandwidth and a second energy detection unit configured to measure receive energy over a second bandwidth. The apparatus further comprises a processor configured to compare the measured receive energy over the first bandwidth to a first energy threshold, to compare the measured receive energy over the second bandwidth to a second energy threshold, and to detect the presence of the frequency channel when the measured receive energies over the first and second bandwidths are above the first and second energy thresholds, respectively. |
| US08467396B2 |
Method of signal to time-spectrum channel resource mapping for wireless communication system
A communication device and method of allocating spectrum resources in a communication system to protect data to be transmitted are disclosed. The communication channel resource is divided temporally to form regions. Data to be transmitted is separated into data portions. Each data portion is able to be transmitted over one of the regions. The data portions are prioritized based on the importance of the data portion. The regions are ranked based on the transmission reliability thereon. The prioritized data portions are mapped to the ranked regions such that more important data portions are mapped to more reliable regions and less important data portions are mapped to less reliable regions. The prioritized data is output temporally in order of importance to enable the mapping of the prioritized data. |
| US08467392B2 |
Method and system for data transmission
A method for data transmission includes: a router receives a data packet sent by an access device of a first user, where the data packet carries target device selection information including at least a user identity of a second user, and the user identity is associated with at least one access device of the second user; the router obtains a routing address of an optimal access device among access devices associated with the user identity; and the router sends the data packet to the optimal access device according to the routing address. |
| US08467391B1 |
Prediction of future frames in a wireless network
Methods and apparatus for processing frames in wireless networks. In one implementation, the apparatus comprises one or more modules configured to, prior to a transmission of a first frame: predict (i) a source address and (ii) a destination address of a second frame that is to be transmitted subsequent to the transmission of the first frame; and generate a predictor field, in which the predictor field includes information associated with the predicted source address and the predicted destination address of the second frame. The one or more modules are further configured to, prior to the transmission of the first frame, (i) append the predictor field in the first frame, and (ii) transmit the first frame. |
| US08467385B2 |
Network system
MTID of a terminal apparatus is preliminarily registered into a database of an ISP. In step S2, when a power source of the terminal apparatus is turned on first, (MTID=B) is transmitted from the terminal apparatus to a router. A transmission signal is received by the router and (HGWID=A, MTID=B) is transmitted from the router to the ISP. If (HGWID=A, MTID=B) has been registered in the database, the ISP transmits a permission message in step S5. In step S6, an IP address for a new terminal apparatus is allocated and the new terminal apparatus can participate in a homenetwork. If (HGWID=A, MTID=B) is not registered, a refusal message is sent to the router. |
| US08467380B2 |
Coding method, user equipment and system based on measuring quality of experience of user
This invention provides a coding method, user equipment and system based on measuring Quality of Experience (QoE) of a user. The method includes: measuring, at destination user equipment, a QoE value; comparing the measured QoE value with a QoE threshold; adjusting at least one of a source coding rate and a channel coding mode according to a result of the comparison; and coding according to the adjusted source coding rate and/or channel coding mode; or further performing wireless resource allocation according to the adjusted coding scheme. Such method, user equipment and system of this invention adjust the coding technique according to the QoE, thus making the wireless resource used reasonably. |
| US08467376B2 |
Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones
A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc. |
| US08467373B2 |
Method of resolving overlaps in data transmission and user equipment therefor
A user equipment and method of transmitting symbols by the user equipment in a wireless communication system. The method includes: generating a first symbol by adding a cyclic prefix (CP) to a first inverse fourier transformed samples, the CP being copied from the first fourier transformed samples; generating a next consecutive second symbol by adding a CP to a second inverse fourier transformed samples, the CP being copied from the second fourier transformed samples; removing samples overlapped with the first symbol from the next consecutive second symbol when the next consecutive second symbol is to be advanced in transmission timing; and transmitting the first symbol and the next consecutive second symbol to a base station. |
| US08467369B2 |
Distributed scheduling
In a network, some data are transmitted between stations during time slots in contention free periods. Selecting the time slots includes collecting timing information at some stations in the network. The timing information indicates the times of existing time slots used by stations whose transmissions can be reliably received by the station collecting the timing information. The timing information is distributed to other stations in the network. A new time slot for transmission between a first and a second station is selected based at least on timing information indicating the times of existing time slots used by stations whose transmissions can be reliably received by at least one of the first and second station. |
| US08467365B1 |
Method and system for defining search windows based on mobile station location
A mobile station uses a search window to search for a target pilot signal transmitted by a target transmitter in a spread spectrum communication system. The search window may be centered on the expected phase of the target pilot signal at the mobile station. To calculate the expected phase, the mobile station estimates a transmission delay associated with the target pilot signal, based on at least the target transmitter's location and the mobile station's location. The transmission delay may account for the time it takes for the target pilot signal to propagate from the target transmitter to the mobile station. The expected phase of the target pilot signal may then be calculated based on at least a nominal phase of the target pilot signal (e.g., the phase when transmitted by the target transmitter) and the estimated transmission delay. |
| US08467364B2 |
System for transmitting high throughput data between multiple devices
A system for transmitting data directly between a plurality of client network devices in a network having an Access Point (“AP”) device separate from the plurality of client network devices is disclosed. The system may include a first client network device having a first client (“STA”) module and a second client network device of the plurality of client network devices. |
| US08467363B2 |
Intelligent backhaul radio and antenna system
A intelligent backhaul radio have an advanced antenna system for use in PTP or PMP topologies. The antenna system provides a significant diversity benefit. Antenna configurations are disclosed that provide for increased transmitter to receiver isolation, adaptive polarization and MIMO transmission equalization. Adaptive optimization of transmission parameters based upon side information provided in the form of metric feedback from a far end receiver utilizing the antenna system is also disclosed. |
| US08467359B2 |
Methods and apparatus to authenticate requests for network capabilities for connecting to an access network
Example methods and apparatus to authenticate requests for network capabilities for connecting to an access network are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves receiving a request at a first access network. The request requests network connectivity information for connecting a wireless terminal to a second access network. The example method also involves encapsulating the request in an authentication frame. The authentication frame indicates the request as a white space protocol frame. The authentication frame is sent to a database addressed in the request. |
| US08467352B2 |
Method and arrangement for transmit power control of multiple downlink carriers
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for controlling downlink power in a multi-carrier communication network system. The communication network system comprises communication network nodes (15) communicating with a plurality of user equipments (18) on uplink (17) and downlink (16) carriers over a radio interface. Downlink transmit power control commands are sent on at least one uplink control channel to support power control for a multiple of downlink carriers. Each transmit power control command is assigned a pre-determined code word known by said user equipment (18) and said communication network node (15) and/or different pre-determined slot formats, known by said user equipment (18) and said communication network node (15), are used to integrate different number of transmit power control command based on the number of used downlink and uplink carriers. |
| US08467348B2 |
Power optimized station connection manager in IEEE 802.11 type stations
A method of managing a mobile station (e.g., IEEE 802.11 station) having a serving BSS, uses a station connection manger and initially maintains a default idle stable state with minimum power to receive incoming calls. While idle, the station periodically polls and scans a detected BSS (Access Point) to detect messages using DTIM (Delivery Traffic Indication Message). A null frame sent, triggers corresponding frame transmission at an Access Point. If the null frame is acknowledged, the station switches to the active state until end of packet exchange. With no null frame acknowledged, scanning is resumed to update a BSS list prior to joining a newly found BSS via authentication and association states. When no candidate BSS is found, a time out period is used before next polling. After the last message frame is transmitted, the station resumes the default idle state. The station manager conserves battery power in the station. |
| US08467346B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating time-frequency patterns for reference signal in an OFDM wireless communication system
In one embodiment, a method for a wireless communication includes generating a first time-frequency reference signal pattern at a first base station. The first time-frequency reference signal pattern includes a modified version of a mother pattern of time-frequency of a fixed size. The method further includes transmitting a first reference signal using the first time-frequency reference signal pattern. |
| US08467345B2 |
Methods and apparatus for scheduling wireless transmissions
Certain embodiments provide a method for scheduling packet transmissions in a wireless communications with stations that support spatial division multiple access (SDMA) transmissions. The method generally includes receiving channel state training signals from a plurality of wireless network nodes, constructing a schedule for uplink and downlink packet transmissions for the nodes based on the channel state training signals, and communicating the schedule to the nodes. |
| US08467344B2 |
Method for allocating pilots
This is provided a method for allocating pilots to a sub-frame. The sub-frame includes a plurality of blocks in time domain. The method includes allocating a data demodulation (DM) pilot used for demodulating data to two blocks spaced not contiguous with each other, and allocating a channel quality (CQ) pilot. System capacity can be increased, and degradation of performance incurred by a channel estimation error can be minimized. |
| US08467337B1 |
Remote transmission system
A transmission apparatus includes a plurality of modems, which are configured to communicate via respective wireless communication channels and includes at least first and second modems configured to communicate respectively over separate first and second wireless communication networks. The transmission apparatus also includes a stream processor, which is configured to receive and process an incoming media stream so as to provide multiple upload streams for transmission by different ones of the modems, including first and second upload streams for transmission by the first and second modems, respectively. |
| US08467335B2 |
L1 control signaling for UTRAN HSDPA
A Level-1 (L1) signaling flag is mapped to unused (invalid) bit sequences in Part 1 of the HS-SCCH—that is, Part 1 bit encodings that are not defined in the UTRAN specifications—and a corresponding L1 command is encoded in Part 2. This allows UE to detect early that the HS-SCCH is pure L1 signaling, and the UE may avoid wasting power by not processing an accompanying HS-PDSCH. Alternatively, in CPC HS-SCCH-less mode, the UE may blind decode the HS PDSCH. In one embodiment, a general DRX mode is defined and controlled via L1 signaling. In one embodiment, a UE acknowledgement improves the L1 signaling accuracy. In one embodiment, a L1 signal and UE acknowledgement protocol are utilized to “ping” a UE. |
| US08467326B2 |
Apparatus and method of optimizing the power saving in a handset with WLAN and bluetooth
Methods and a mobile terminal capable of selecting a wireless network from a Bluetooth network to a WLAN, the terminal includes a Bluetooth module; a WLAN module; a storage device; and a controller cooperating with the Bluetooth module, the WLAN module and the storage device such that the Bluetooth module is configured to be activated in the mobile terminal; a Bluetooth connection is established with the access point; the WLAN module is configured to be activated and to scan to search the access point; and a WLAN connection is established between the access point and the mobile terminal. |
| US08467325B2 |
Multiple-input network node with power-saving state
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for providing a multiple-input network node with power-saving state are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the network node may include a management entity to control first and second receive chains in different manners depending on the receive-capability state of the network node. If the network node is in the first state, both receive chains may cooperate to receive communication from another network node. If the network node is in the second state, which is a reduced-capability state, the second receive chain may alternate between a powered down mode and a scanning mode. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08467322B2 |
Inbound call screening for particular accounts
A system and method for improving the handling, management, and retention of particular accounts. An allowable calling number list is generated via a suitable mechanism such as a call center. The allowable calling number list is utilized by telephone number management server to manage inbound call access to suspended accounts. Account representatives are given access to the suspended numbers. Additionally, certain emergency inbound calls may be permitted from select numbers. |
| US08467320B2 |
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) multi-user conferencing
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices are invited to a conference bridge based on a pre-defined criteria for the conference bridge (e.g., passengers on a plane. The conference invite messages are transmitted using Internet Protocol, which they may or may not accept. The invited VoIP users may be determined based on their physical proximity to the initial caller and other pre-determined characteristics. A VoIP soft switch includes conference bridges that eliminate the conventional requirement that they dial the phone number of another specific VoIP communications device. Instead, location information relating to the initial VoIP user is passed to the VoIP conference bridge, either from the user's VoIP communication device or from their respective location server. Location and other information is then compared by the VoIP soft switch against other VoIP devices, to find potential VoIP conference participants. |
| US08467318B2 |
Method and system for transferring in-progress communication between communication devices
An approach is provided for transferring in-progress communication between communication devices. A transfer code is received from a target terminal of a user. An in-progress call is detected between a first terminal and a second terminal, where the first terminal is associated with the user, and the second terminal is associated with another user. Transfer of the in-progress call from the first terminal to the target terminal is initiated in response to the received transfer code. |
| US08467316B1 |
Enhanced address learning in layer two computer networks
In general, techniques are described for enhanced learning in layer two (L2) networks. A first network device of the intermediate network comprising a control unit and an interface may implement these techniques. The control unit executes a loop-prevention protocol (LPP) that determines a bridge identifier associated with a second network device of the intermediate network, where the first and second network devices each couple to a first network. The LPP selects the second network device as a root bridge and detects a topology change that splits the first network into sub-networks. The interface then outputs a message to direct remaining network devices of the intermediate network to clear L2 address information learned when forwarding L2 communications. The message includes the bridge identifier determined by the loop-prevention protocol as the root bridge and directs these remaining network devices to clear only the L2 addresses learned from this bridge identifier. |
| US08467314B2 |
Ad-hoc simple configuration
A protocol governing the operation of an ad-hoc WLAN enables each device in the WLAN to be configured as a registrar and/or an enrollee. Accordingly, each device is configurable to support both the registrar as well as enrollee modes of operations. In response to a time-driven user action, the device may be configured to enter into a registrar mode or an enrollee mode. While in the registrar mode, the device enters into an aggressive beaconing phase by setting its beacon contention window to a relatively very small value. The aggressive beaconing increases the probability of the discovery of the registrar by the enrollees. Optionally the device may prompt the user to select between a registrar and an enrollee mode of operation by displaying the option on an LCD panel. |
| US08467309B2 |
Packet based location provisioning in wireless networks
A system may include a plurality of wireless devices, each wireless device including a time source and configured to selectively communicate with at least one other of the plurality of wireless devices by way of a packet-based time precision protocol. The plurality of wireless devices may include a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the first wireless device being configured to determine whether the first wireless device and the second wireless device are in selective communication over a single-hop wireless link; determine a one-way delay over the single-hop wireless link by way of at least one packed-based time precision protocol message; and calculate a distance measurement between the first wireless device and the second wireless device based at least in part on the one-way delay. |
| US08467307B2 |
Signal quality determination in cable networks
A method of determining signal quality in a cable network comprises the steps of: providing a network model (1) comprising an interconnection model (2) and component models (3), providing an input signal (IS), determining an output signal (OS) using the input signal and the network model, and determining the signal quality from the input signal (IS) and the output signal (OS). The input signal (IS) comprises multiple constituent signal components, each signal component representing a class of input signals. The step of determining the output signal involves determining intermodulations of the constituent signal components by effecting frequency domain convolutions of the spectra of the constituent signal components. |
| US08467305B2 |
Multiservice communication device with dedicated environmental monitoring
A multiservice communication device includes a plurality of transceivers that wirelessly transceive data with a corresponding plurality of networks in accordance with a corresponding plurality of network protocols. An environmental monitoring receiver processes received RF signals over a broadband spectrum and that generates environmental data in response thereto. A processing module processes the environmental data and generates a least one control signal in response thereto, the at least one control signal for adapting at least one of the plurality of transceivers based on the environmental data. In an embodiment of the present invention, the environmental monitoring receiver can be implemented via one of the plurality of transceivers when operating in an environmental monitoring mode. |
| US08467301B2 |
Router misconfiguration diagnosis
Router misconfiguration diagnosis is disclosed. A notification of a routing failure between a first node and a second node is received. A first interface associated with the first node is identified, and a second interface associated with the second node is identified. A first management information value and a second management information value, specific to a routing protocol, are determined. Matching status is determined between the first and second management information values. A diagnostic message is generated responsive to the notification. |
| US08467297B2 |
Hybrid mesh routing protocol
A method for selecting a route by a node between a source node and a destination node in a wireless mesh network by establishing the route between the source node and the destination node using media access control addresses is described. A method for a node to selecting a route to join a multicast group in a wireless mesh network using media access control addresses, is also described. |
| US08467293B2 |
Single-failure protection in a load-balanced network architecture
Techniques for single-failure protection in load-balanced network architectures are disclosed. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a technique for processing a traffic flow in a communication network comprising a plurality of nodes, the traffic flow being deliverable from a source node to at least one destination node via one or more intermediate nodes, comprises the following steps/operations. The traffic flow is split at the source node into a plurality of parts. The parts are distributed to respective ones of the intermediate nodes such that the parts are routed from the source node to the at least one destination node in a disjoint manner. |
| US08467291B2 |
Policy control with predefined rules
The present invention relates to a method for policy control in an infrastructure network. The network comprises a Policy Enforcement Function, PEF, an Access Function, AF, and a Policy Control Function, PCF, wherein the PEF comprises at least one pre-defined Policy and Charge Control, PCC, rule. The method comprises the steps of: —the PCF determines 23 the Quality of Service, QoS, properties and the identity of at least one pre-defined PCC rule in the PEF and provides said identity to the PEF, —the PCF assigns 24 the same identity to a QoS dynamic rule having the same QoS properties as said PCC rule and provides said dynamic rule to the AF, —the PEF determines 25 the identity of a pre-defined rule matching a user plane packet and encodes at least the identity in a user plane protocol between the PEF and the AF, —the AF identifies 26 the QoS dynamic rule provided by the PCF on the basis of the identity encoded in the user plane by the PEF, and controls the service data flow towards a user equipment on the basis of said QoS rule. |
| US08467282B2 |
Optical disc device, optical head, and information processing device
An object of the invention is to provide an optical disc device, an optical head, and an information processing device that enable to advantageously record or reproduce information with respect to an information recording medium having three or more information recording surfaces with light transmissive layers of different thicknesses from each other. Assuming that an aberration amount of third-order coma aberration resulting from tilting a multilayer optical disc (60) by a unit angle is CMD0 (unit: mλ/deg), an aberration amount of third-order coma aberration resulting from tilting an objective lens (8) by a unit angle is CML0 (unit: mλ/deg), a tilt angle of the multilayer optical disc (60) is θ, a coefficient is k0, and a tilt angle of the objective lens (8) by an objective lens actuator (9) is α0 in converging laser light on an information recording surface having a largest light transmissive layer thickness out of the information recording surfaces of the multilayer optical disc (60), the objective lens actuator (9) tilts the objective lens (8) in such a manner that the tilt angle α0 of the objective lens (8) satisfies the following mathematical expression: α0=θ×k0×CMD0/CML0, where 0.5 |
| US08467280B2 |
Controller and method employed in optical storage apparatus for generating control signals each having minimum transmission pulse length corresponding to more than one power symbol period
A controller of an optical storage apparatus for generating a plurality of control signals is provided. The controller includes a code generator implemented for determining a plurality of control codes according to an input data associated with data recording, and generating the control signals to deliver the control codes. Each of the control codes represents one power level. Besides, regarding each of the control signals, a minimum transmission pulse length thereof corresponds to more than one power symbol period. |
| US08467276B2 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head having photoelectric wiring lines integrally formed on waveguide
An information recording and reproduction apparatus has a magnetic recording medium, a light source that outputs a light beam to heat the medium, and a near-field light head confronting a surface of the medium. An optical waveguide introduces a light beam from the light source into the near-field light head to generate near-field light. A control section supplies a current to a recording element of the near-field light head for generating a recording magnetic field in a direction of the medium. A photoelectric composite wiring line has the optical waveguide and at least one electric wiring line integral with the optical waveguide and electrically connecting the near-field light head to the control section. The optical waveguide and the electric wiring line branch off from a distal side of the photoelectric composite wiring line so as to connect to the near-field light head. |
| US08467271B2 |
Date displaying apparatus
A date displaying apparatus includes: a rotating plate including an upper surface on which a plurality of numerals respectively indicating a plurality of dates are inscribed in a circular pattern; and a fix plate provided above the rotating plate, the fix plate having an aperture portion to expose numerals of a predetermined number, the numerals respectively indicating successive dates of a predetermined number (integer of two or more), among the plurality of numerals, wherein the numerals of the predetermined number respectively indicating the successive dates of the predetermined number are simultaneously displayed by the rotating plate and the fix plate, and the plurality of numerals respectively indicating the plurality of dates include all arrangements of the numerals of the predetermined number respectively indicating the successive dates of the predetermined number which can appear on a calendar. |
| US08467266B2 |
Exploring a subsurface region that contains a target sector of interest
A system and method are disclosed for exploring a subsurface region that contains a target sector of interest. The method comprises providing information about the harmonic response for the target sector of interest and a seismic source. The method comprises controlling the seismic source to provide seismic waves in a narrowband selected on the basis of the information about the harmonic response for the target sector of interest. The method comprises activating the seismic source so as to introduce seismic waves into the subsurface sector and sensing reflections of the seismic waves at a seismic receiver. |
| US08467261B2 |
Implementing smart switched decoupling capacitors to efficiently reduce power supply noise
A method and circuit are provided for implementing smart switched decoupling capacitors to efficiently reduce power supply noise in a logic circuit, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides. The logic circuit includes a logic macro, a high-current event control signal activating a logic function, and a switched decoupling capacitor circuit integrated within the logic macro. The switched decoupling capacitor circuit uses the high-current event control signal to control capacitor switching to discharge to a voltage supply rail responsive to activating the logic function, and to charge the capacitors. |
| US08467260B2 |
Structure and method for storing multiple repair pass data into a fusebay
Fuse macros of identical number of pages are serially arranged to form the same number of fusebay pages each having a length equal to the sum of the respective fuse macro page lengths. Each fuse macro has an enable latch configured to allow activation of one fuse macro at a time. A fusebay control device connected to a repair register may store data in and retrieve data from the fusebay. Next available fuse location is determined in programming mode so that data from a next repair pass may start where the last data ended. |
| US08467259B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a pre-charger configured to pre-charge a first pair of differential bus lines SIO and SIOb to a target voltage level, an amplifier configured to amplify a signal loaded on the first pair of the differential bus lines SIO and SIOb based on a drain bias voltage Vb and transfer an amplified signal to a second pair of differential bus lines LIO and LIOb, and a drain bias voltage generator configured to generate the drain bias voltage Vb. |
| US08467258B2 |
Method and apparatus for bit cell repair
A method includes reading data from a subset of a plurality of memory bit cells of a non-volatile memory. The data identifies an address of at least one individual failed bit cell. The method further includes loading the data directly into a register, receiving an address of data to be accessed, determining if the received address is the address of any individual failed bit cell; and accessing the data of the register if the received address is the address of any individual failed bit cell. |
| US08467257B1 |
Circuit and method for generating a sense amplifier enable signal based on a voltage level of a tracking bitline
A circuit is usable to generate a sense amplifier enable (SAE) signal for a static random access memory (SRAM) circuit. The circuit includes a first tracking bit line, a second tracking bit line, a tracking cell, and a control logic circuit. The second tracking bit line is electrically connected to the first tracking bit line. The tracking cell has a driving terminal and a non-driving terminal, where the non-driving terminal is connected to the second tracking bit line, and the driving terminal is connected to the first tracking bit line and configured to selectively charge or discharge a voltage on the first tracking bit line in response to a control signal. The control logic circuit is coupled to the first tracking bit line and configured to generate the SAE signal in response to the voltage level on the first tracking bit line. |
| US08467256B2 |
Electronic circuit
An electronic circuit for which a coil 22 is disposed overlapping with a memory array region to carry out communications by inductive coupling between stacked and mounted chips by the coil 22. Because intersections 1 and 2 between the coil 22 and a bit line 15 are located at a pair of positions that are equal to each other in wiring length from both terminals a and g of the coil 22, interference from the bit line 15 to the coil 22 results in the same phase and same amplitude at both ends of the coil 22, and can thus be eliminated by a differential amplifier. Thereby, a coil antenna can be disposed so that, even when a coil antenna to carry out communications by inductive coupling is disposed overlapping with a memory array region, little interference occurs from a memory array wiring to communications by the coil antenna. |
| US08467255B2 |
Data receiver having an integration unit and a sense amplification unit, and semiconductor memory device including the same
A data receiver in a memory device includes an integration unit, a sense amplification unit and a latch unit. The integration unit integrates a data signal to generate a first equalization signal in response to a sampling feedback signal. The data signal includes a plurality of data that are sequentially received. The sense amplification unit senses the first equalization signal to generate a second equalization signal in response to a sensing feedback signal. The latch unit latches the second equalization signal to generate a sampling data signal |
| US08467253B2 |
Reading memory elements within a crossbar array
A method for reading the state of a memory element within a crossbar memory array includes storing a first electric current sensed from a half-selected target memory element within the crossbar memory array; and outputting a final electric current based on the stored first electric current and a second electric current sensed from the target memory element when the target memory element is fully selected. |
| US08467251B2 |
Sense amplifier with fast bitline precharge means
The disclosure relates to a sense amplifier comprising a cascode transistor and means for biasing the cascode transistor, supplying a control voltage to a gate terminal of the cascode transistor. The means for biasing the cascode transistor comprise means for isolating the gate terminal of the cascode transistor from the output of the voltage generator during a first period of the precharge phase, so as to boost the bitline voltage, then for linking the gate terminal to the output of the voltage generator during a second period of the precharge phase. Application in particular to sense amplifiers for non-volatile memories. |
| US08467250B2 |
Analog sensing of memory cells with a source follower driver in a semiconductor memory device
Memory devices, methods, and sample and hold circuits are disclosed, including a memory device that includes a sample and hold circuit coupled to a bit line. One such sample and hold circuit includes a read circuit, a verify circuit, and a reference circuit. The read circuit stores a read threshold voltage that was read from a selected memory cell. The verify circuit stores a target threshold voltage that is compared to the read threshold voltage to generate an inhibit signal when the target and read threshold voltages are substantially equal. The reference circuit stores a reference threshold voltage that can be used to translate the read threshold voltage to compensate for a transistor voltage drop and/or temperature variations. |
| US08467248B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for improved read operation in memory
Various embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for reading an adjacent cell of a memory array in an electronic device to determine a threshold voltage value of the adjacent cell, the adjacent cell being adjacent a target cell, and reading the target cell of the memory array using a wordline voltage value based on the threshold voltage value of the adjacent cell. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described. |
| US08467245B2 |
Non-volatile memory device with program current clamp and related method
A method of programming a nonvolatile memory cell which comprises a select transistor and a memory transistor includes applying a preset limit current to a first input of the memory cell, applying a limit voltage to a current limiting circuit electrically connected to a second input of the memory cell, applying a limit voltage to stabilize a voltage drop of the memory cell, and applying a ramped gate voltage to the memory cell to program the memory cell with a preset limited current determined by the current limiting circuit. |
| US08467238B2 |
Dynamic pulse operation for phase change memory
The control circuit performs a reset operation and a set operation that change the resistance states of phase change memory cells of the array. The control circuit changes at least one parameter, of at least one of the reset operation and the set operation for future operations. This change is responsive to an indicator of degraded memory state retention of the array. |
| US08467237B2 |
Read distribution management for phase change memory
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a memory device, and more particularly to write performance of a phase change memory. |
| US08467230B2 |
Data security for dynamic random access memory using body bias to clear data at power-up
A circuit and method erase at power-up all data stored in a DRAM chip for increased data security. All the DRAM memory cells are erased by turning on the transistors for the DRAM storage cells simultaneously by increasing the body voltage of cells. In the example circuit, the body voltage is increased by a charge pump controlled by a power-on-reset (POR) signal applying a voltage to the p-well of the memory cells. The added voltage to the p-well lowers the threshold voltage of the cell, such that the NFET transistor of the memory cell will turn on. With all the devices turned on, the data stored in the memory cells is erased as the voltage of all the cells connected to a common bitline coalesce to a single value. |
| US08467229B2 |
Variable resistance nonvolatile memory device
In a nonvolatile memory device, basic array planes (0 to 3) have respective first via groups (121 to 124) that interconnect only even-layer bit lines in the basic array planes, and respective second via groups (131 to 134) that interconnect only odd-layer bit lines in the basic array planes, the first via group in a first basic array plane and the second via group in a second basic array plane adjacent to the first basic array plane in a Y direction are adjacent to each other in the Y direction, and the first via group in the second basic array plane is connected to an unselected-bit-line dedicated global bit line (GBL_NS) having a fixed potential when the first via group in the first basic array plane is connected to a first global bit line related to the first basic array plane. |
| US08467228B2 |
Variable resistance nonvolatile memory device
Each of basic array planes has a first via group that interconnects only even-layer bit lines in the basic array plane, and a second via group that interconnects only odd-layer bit lines in the basic array plane, the first via group in a first basic array plane and the second via group in a second basic array plane adjacent to the first basic array in a Y direction are adjacent to each other in the Y direction, and the second via group in the first basic array plane and the first via group in the second basic array plane are adjacent to each other in the Y direction, and the second via group in the second basic array plane is disconnected from a second global line when connecting the first via group in the first basic array plane to a first global line. |
| US08467227B1 |
Hetero resistive switching material layer in RRAM device and method
A non-volatile memory device includes a first electrode, a resistive switching material stack overlying the first electrode. The resistive switching material stack comprising a first resistive switching material and a second resistive switching material. The second resistive switching material overlies the first electrode and the first resistive switching material overlying the second resistive switching material. The first resistive switching material is characterized by a first switching voltage having a first amplitude. The second resistive switching material is characterized by a second switching voltage having a second amplitude no greater than the first switching voltage. A second electrode comprising at least a metal material physically and electrically in contact with the first resistive switching material overlies the first resistive switching material. |
| US08467225B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and memory cell voltage application method
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of parallel word lines, a plurality of parallel bit lines formed crossing the plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory cells arranged at intersections of the word lines and the bit lines. Each memory cell has one end connected to the word line and the other end connected to the bit line. The device also comprises a drive circuit operative to selectively apply a voltage for data read/write across the word line and the bit line. It further comprises a sense amplifier circuit connected to the plurality of bit lines and operative to read/write data stored in the memory cell. The device also comprises a bit-line drive auxiliary circuit operative to selectively adjust the potentials on the plurality of bit lines based on data read out of the memory cell by the sense amplifier circuit. |
| US08467223B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and sensing method for forming the same
A non-volatile memory device and a method for forming the same are disclosed, which relate to a ferroelectric memory device having non-volatile characteristics. The non-volatile memory device includes a control gate configured to receive a read voltage, an insulation film formed over the control gate, a metal layer formed over the insulation film, configured to include a channel region, and a drain region and source region at both ends of the channel region, a ferroelectric layer formed over the channel region of the metal layer, and a program and read gate formed over the ferroelectric layer. A write operation of data corresponding to a resistance state of the channel region is performed by changing polarity of the ferroelectric layer in response to a voltage applied to the program and read gate, the drain and source regions, and the control gate. A read operation of data is performed by sensing a current value changing with a polarity state of the ferroelectric layer on the condition that the read voltage is input to the control gate and a sensing bias voltage is input to one of the drain region and the source region. |
| US08467221B2 |
Magnetic spin shift register memory
A method for forming a memory device includes forming a cavity having an inner surface with an undulating profile in a substrate, depositing a ferromagnetic material in the cavity, forming a reading element on the substrate proximate to a portion of the ferromagnetic material, and forming a writing element on the substrate proximate to a second portion of the ferromagnetic material. |
| US08467218B1 |
System and apparatus with IC resource interconnect
Various novel aspects are disclosed by reference to an integrated circuit block that includes programmable regions, and extra-block connection pins or points with adapter circuitry, coupled by an interconnect system. Multiple independent interconnects are disclosed within the interconnect system, as are options for the composition of the programmable regions and their connectivity with the interconnect system. Adapter circuitry is disclosed that includes support for coupling extra-block memory circuits or devices using a variety of modes, protocols, and options. Modular circuit blocks provide flexibility at the interface between programmable region and fixed function circuitry. |
| US08467217B2 |
Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device comprises first and second memory cells, first and second bit lines connected to the first/second memory cells, first and second amplifiers connected to the second bit line, a local input/output line commonly connected to the first/second amplifiers, first and second local column switches connected between the first/second amplifiers and the local input/output line, a second local column switch connected between the second amplifier and the local input/output line, a column select line, a first global column switch connected between the column select line and the first local column switch and controlling a connection therebetween in response to a first select signal, and a second global column switch connected between the column select line and the second local column switch and controlling a connection therebetween in response to a first select signal. |
| US08467216B2 |
Semiconductor memory device for reducing bit line coupling noise
A semiconductor memory device including: first and second memory cell arrays each including at least one word line, at least three bit lines, and memory cells; and a sense amplifier area disposed between the first and second memory cell arrays and including a sense amplifier circuit for sensing and amplifying data of the memory cells, wherein the at least three bit lines of the first memory cell array and the at least three bit lines of the second memory cell array extend in a first direction and the at least three bit lines of the first and the second memory cell arrays are respectively connected to data lines disposed in a second direction, and wherein a bit line located between two of the at least three bit lines of each of the first and the second memory cell arrays is connected to an outermost data line of the data lines. |
| US08467215B2 |
Permanent solid state memory
A permanent solid state memory device is disclosed. Recording data in the permanent solid state memory device forms voids in a data layer between a first wire array and a second wire array. Wires of the first wire array extend transversely to wires in the second wire array. The data layer is at least partially conductive such that a voltage applied between a selected first wire in the first wire array and a selected second wire in the second wire array creates a heating current through the data layer at a data point between the first wire and the second wire. The heating current causes a data layer material to melt and recede to form a permanent void. Control elements are operably connected to apply voltages to predetermined combinations of wires to form permanent voids at data points throughout the solid state memory device. |
| US08467214B2 |
Semiconductor device having multiport memory
A semiconductor device enabling expansion of a noise margin. For example, in a memory area in which each memory cell MC is coupled to a word line WLA for a first port and a word line WLB for a second port, and a plurality of memory cells MC are disposed in a matrix shape, each word line is disposed in the order of WLA0, WLB0, WLB1, WLA1, WLA2. Further, a pitch d2 between WLA-WLA and between WLB-WLB is made smaller than a pitch d1 between WLA-WLB. As such, the word lines of an identical port are disposed at the pitch d2 on one of both sides of a certain word line and the word lines of different ports are disposed at the pitch d1 on the other. |
| US08467210B2 |
Method for controlling a VAr compensator
In order to provide a method for regulating a reactive power compensator, which is connected to an alternating current line having multiple phases, wherein for each phase an actual voltage V12, V23 and V31 present thereon is detected and from the actual voltages V12, V23 and V31 a counter system actual fraction is calculated. A control circuit suppresses the counter system actual fraction. A feedback loop determines the level of suppression of the counter system actual fraction with the help of controlled parameters. The method enables an adjustment of the counter system that is largely independent from operating staff. Accordingly, a comparator unit compares the counter system actual fraction to the counter system target fraction and defines the controlled parameters as a function of the comparison. |
| US08467207B2 |
System for converting at least one electrical input direct current into an electrical polyphase output alternating current
A system for converting at least one electrical input direct current into an electrical output alternating current comprising M phases and supplied to M output terminals includes N polyphase inverters, connected in parallel, each converting the input direct current into an intermediate alternating current comprising M phases and supplied to M intermediate terminals; N×M first electromagnetic coupling coils, each being connected to a respective intermediate terminal; N×M magnetic cores, each first coil being wound around a respective core.This system comprises N×M second electromagnetic coupling coils, each being connected to a respective first coil and wound around a distinct core from that of the respective first coil. The first and second coils of a same core correspond to a single phase, and generate respective common mode fluxes of opposite directions. Each output terminal is connected to the M second coils of a single phase. |
| US08467203B2 |
Apparatus for generating high-voltage and method thereof
Provided are a high voltage generating apparatus controlled by a digital control code and a method thereof. The high voltage generating apparatus includes a switching unit for controlling a voltage induced at the secondary coil of a power transformer by an interrupt operation, wherein the interrupt operation interrupts the current flowing through the primary coil of the connected power transformer. A digital controller for controlling the interrupt operation of the switching unit according to the control data. A digital interface for providing the control data to the digital controller is provided. The control data is extracted from the control code transferred using one of a plurality of predetermined communication protocols. The switching unit, digital interface, and digital controller can be implemented in one ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) chip. |
| US08467196B2 |
Modular fieldbus segment protector
A modular Fieldbus segment protector comprising a support means provided with trunk connection means, a trunk connection bus and a plurality of spur outlets, in which autonomous fault isolation means are removably mounted on the support means between the trunk connection bus and any one or more of the plurality of spur outlets. |
| US08467188B2 |
Modular heat-dissipating device
A modular heat-dissipating device includes an electronic device, a cold plate and a heat-dissipating base. The electronic device includes a casing, a covering plate and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed within the casing. Plural electronic components are disposed on the circuit board. The cold plate, the casing and the covering plate are combined together to define a sealed space. The cold plate includes plural first fixing structures. The heat-dissipating base is selected from an air-cooling member or a liquid-cooling member. Each of the air-cooling member and the liquid-cooling member includes a first slab under the cold plate and plural second fixing structures corresponding to the first fixing structures. The air-cooling member and the liquid-cooling member are normalized. The heat generated by the electronic device is transmitted to the first slab through the cold plate, and then dissipated away by the air-cooling member or the liquid-cooling member. |
| US08467187B2 |
Flat-panel display apparatus including a heat radiator
A flat-panel display apparatus comprises a display panel, a circuit board, and a cover. The circuit board includes a first and second circuit boards. The first circuit board is arranged above the second circuit board so that, on the back side of the display panel, a mounting surfaces of the first and second circuit boards are approximately in parallel with a display surface of the display panel and do not overlap each other. Each of the first and second circuit boards have a primary mounting surface on which a large number of electrical components are mounted, and a secondary mounting surface that is opposite the primary mounting surface. The primary mounting surface of the first circuit board is arranged in an inverted orientation to the primary mounting surface of the second circuit board. A radiator with fins is provided on the secondary mounting surface side of the first circuit board. |
| US08467185B2 |
Tablet computer case and associated methods
Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer. |
| US08467184B2 |
Portable electrical device
A portable electrical device includes an upper unit, a lower unit and a connection unit having a first end and a second end opposite with each other. The upper unit is pivoted on the first end of the connection unit with a first pivotal portion having a first elastic member. The lower unit is pivoted on the second end of the connection unit with a second pivotal portion having a second elastic member. Therefore, by releasing the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the connection unit is rotated to leave the lower unit, and the upper unit is rotated to contact with the lower unit. |
| US08467180B2 |
Disk drive transport, clamping and testing
A disk drive transporter, for transporting a disk drive and for mounting a disk drive within a test slot, includes a frame configured to receive and support a disk drive. The frame includes sidewalls configured to receive a disk drive therebetween and sized to be inserted into a test slot along with a disk drive. The frame also includes a clamping mechanism operatively associated with at least one of the sidewalls. The clamping mechanism includes a first engagement element and a first actuator operable to initiate movements of the first engagement element. The first actuator is operable to move the first engagement element into engagement with a test slot after a disk drive being supported by the frame is arranged in a test position in a test slot. |
| US08467179B2 |
Tablet computer case and associated methods
Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel, and a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels. |
| US08467177B2 |
Displays with polarizer windows and opaque masking layers for electronic devices
An electronic device may have a display. Inactive portions of the display such as peripheral portions of the display may be masked using an opaque masking layer. An opening may be provided in the opaque masking layer to allow light to pass. For example, a logo may be viewed through an opening in the opaque masking layer and a camera may receive light through an opening in the opaque masking layer. The display may include upper and lower polarizers, a color filter layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. The opaque masking layer may be formed on the upper polarizer, may be interposed between the upper polarizer and the color filter layer, or may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin-film transistor layer. The upper polarizer may have unpolarized windows for cameras, logos, or other internal structures. |
| US08467173B2 |
Electronic device and component
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a main body; a second connector; and a second engage portion. The main body includes a component container housing a component. The second connector is provided to the main body so as to face the component container, and is configured to be attached to a first connector provided at one end of the component. The second engage portion is provided to the main body, and is configured to be engaged with a first engage portion provided at other end of the component. |
| US08467168B2 |
Electronic system changeable to accommodate an EHD air mover or mechanical air mover
An electronic system is configurable to accommodate either of a mechanical air mover and an EHD air mover within an enclosure. At least one of a plurality of electronic components is selectively configurable to alternately accommodate the mechanical air mover or the EHD air mover within the enclosure. The mechanical fan or EHD is positioned to motivate air flow along a air flow path between inlet and outlet ventilation boundaries of the enclosure. A connector for a respective one of the electronic components allows for selective configuration in an alternate orientation of the respective one of the electronic components to accommodate a difference in geometry between the EHD air mover and the mechanical air mover. |
| US08467167B2 |
HVDC filter
A filter for an HVDC system. The filter includes a capacitor and a reactor arranged in an indoor location having a first space for erecting filter components. The first space includes a high voltage area and a low voltage area defining a first electric potential direction. |
| US08467166B2 |
Circuit breaker with high-speed mechanically interlocked impedance grounding switch
A circuit breaker and impedance grounding switch having a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, a third electrical terminal, a first vacuum bottle with a pair of contactors therein, a second vacuum bottle with a pair of contactors therein, and a mechanically interlocked linkage being electrically interconnected to the second electrical terminal and being movable between a first stable position and a second stable position. One of the pair of contactors of the first vacuum bottle is connected to the first electrical terminal. One the pair of contractors of the second vacuum bottle is electrically interconnected to the third electrical terminal. The linkage has a temporary position between the first and second stable positions electrically connecting simultaneously the first electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal and a third electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal. |
| US08467164B2 |
Self optimizing electrical switching device
A device for operating a relay to selectively provide power from a power supply to a load. The device determines an activation switching point for activating the relay such that inrush current resulting from the activation is minimal. The device also determines a deactivation switching point for deactivating the relay such that backrush current is minimal. The switching points are determined with respect to a voltage waveform of the supply power. The device varies the timing of the operation of the relay with respect to the voltage waveform and monitors the inrush or backrush current resulting from each timing until a minimum inrush or backrush current is found. The device stores these times in memory for subsequent operation of the relay. To further reduce inrush and backrush currents associated with inductive loads, the device activates and deactivate the relay on opposite half cycles. |
| US08467162B2 |
ESD protection circuit and ESD protection device thereof
The ESD protection circuit is electrically connected between a first power rail and a second power rail, and includes an ESD protection device, a switching device electrically connected between the ESD protection device and a first power rail, and a low-pass filter electrically connected between the first power rail and the first switching device. The ESD protection device includes a BJT and a first resistor electrically connected between a base of the BJT and a first power rail. When no ESD event occurs, a potential of the base is larger than or equal to a potential of an emitter of the BJT. When the ESD event occurs, the potential of the base is smaller than the potential of the emitter. |
| US08467159B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a relay in electric drive vehicle
Disclosed is a relay control apparatus and method for electric drive vehicles. The apparatus controls turn-off of a relay operative to connect an electric drive unit with a battery pack for supplying electrical power to the electric drive unit, and comprises a current sensor for measuring and outputting a residual current flowing between the battery pack and the electric drive unit; and a controller for, in a situation requiring turn-off of the relay, receiving the measured residual current value, comparing the measured residual current value with a reference value for the residual current, and controlling to maintain the ON-state of the relay or to turn off the relay on the basis of the comparison results.Accordingly, it prevents a relay of electric drive vehicles from being damaged due to over-current such as a surge current, at the time of turning off the relay. |
| US08467158B2 |
Technique for limiting transmission of fault current
A new type of superconducting fault current limiter is disclosed, which can advantageously be used with high voltage transmission networks. The circuit is electrically connected to two terminals, which connect to the transmission network. The superconducting circuit is located within an enclosure or tank, which is electrically isolated from ground. Therefore, the voltage difference between the enclosure and the superconducting circuit, and between the enclosure and the terminals are significantly less than exist in current deployments. In some embodiments, the enclosure is electrically connected to one of the terminals, while in other embodiments, the enclosure is electrically isolated from the terminals. The circuit can be combined with other like circuits to address a wide range of current transmission network configurations. |
| US08467155B2 |
Contact protection circuit and high voltage relay comprising the same
The invention provides a switching device having a contact protection circuit for arcing suppression. The switching device comprises a main relay for interrupting a load path and a dual coil auxiliary having a high resistance coil and a low resistance coil that operate the switching of an auxiliary contact. The auxiliary contact is connected in series with a PTC device and the low resistance coil of the auxiliary relay in a series arrangement. The series arrangement is connected in parallel to the main contact. When the main relay opens, the auxiliary contact is maintained closed during a given time interval due to the magnetic flux generated by the low resistance coil. The given time interval depends on the transition of the PTC device to trip state. In another configuration, the dual coil relay is substituted by two auxiliary relays. |
| US08467147B2 |
Magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording and method of manufacturing same
A magnetic head comprises a pole layer, a first coil, a second coil, and a shield. The shield incorporates: a first portion located backward of the pole layer along the direction of travel of a recording medium; a second portion located forward of the pole layer along the direction of travel of the recording medium; and two coupling portions. The first portion has an end face located in a medium facing surface. The two coupling portions couple the first and second portions to each other without touching the pole layer. Part of the first coil passes through a space surrounded by the pole layer and the first portion. Part of the second coil passes through a space surrounded by the pole layer and the second portion. |
| US08467145B1 |
Spindle motor
There is provided a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a fixed member; and a rotating member rotating relatively to the fixed member, and having oil filling a bearing clearance formed between the fixed member and the rotating member, wherein the fixed member and the rotating member are provided with an oil diffusion path communicating an air/oil interface formed at a boundary between the oil filled in the bearing clearance and air with the outside, and at least one of the fixed member and the rotating member is provided with at least one dummy oil groove opened to the oil diffusion path and having oil filled in at least a portion of the inside thereof. |
| US08467142B2 |
Recording medium, recording/reproduction device and method for controlling recording/reproduction device
A magnetic recording medium includes: tracks each including a magnetic recording section in which information is recorded and a non-magnetic-recording section in which no information is recorded; and nonmagnetic guide sections magnetically separating the tracks from one another. The non-magnetic-recording section is formed integrally with nonmagnetic guide sections. The magnetic recording medium includes at least one pair of a first region in which at least a portion of each of the respective non-magnetic-recording sections of first and second tracks and a portion of a magnetic recording section of a third track coincide with one another at a position along a direction in which the tracks extend; and a second region in which at least a portion of each of the respective non-magnetic-recording sections of the first and third tracks and a portion of a magnetic recording section of the second track coincide with one another at a position along the direction in which the tracks extend. |
| US08467139B2 |
Optical device, optical apparatus, and method of manufacturing the same
An optical device includes: a holding frame holding an optical system; a tubular member provided at an outer circumferential surface with a first concave groove and at an inner circumferential surface with a second concave groove, and holding the holding frame; and an eccentric pin penetrating through the first and second concave grooves, including one end attached to the holding frame, and eccentrically rotating against the first and second concave grooves in response to a force applied to the other end of the eccentric pin. A length, in a first direction intersecting a penetrating direction through which the eccentric pin penetrates, of the first concave groove is greater than a length, in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the penetrating direction, of the first concave groove. |
| US08467138B2 |
Optical element and optical unit using the same
An optical element of the present invention is provide with a first surface which is formed on the front-object side and upon which light from the front-object side is incident, a second surface formed on the image side, and a third surface which is formed between the first surface and the second surface and upon which light from the generally lateral object side is incident. The first surface is provided with a first transmission surface formed around the optical axis and a first reflection surface which faces the image side and which is formed annularly around the first transmission surface. The second surface is provided with a second transmission surface formed around the optical axis, and a second reflection surface which faces the front object side and which is formed annularly around the second transmission surface. |
| US08467131B2 |
Multilayer optical film layer comprising blend of methyl methacrylate polymer and styrene acrylonitrile polymer
Presently described are multilayer optical films comprising an optical stack comprising at least one first birefringent optical layer; at least one (e.g. isotropic) second optical layer having a birefringence of less than 0.04 at 633 nm, and optionally at least one skin layer. The second layer, skin layer, or a combination thereof comprises a blend of at least one methyl methacrylate polymer and at least one styrene-acrylonitrile polymer. |
| US08467126B2 |
Stage driver for movable stages
A manually operated driver for precision support stages having coarse and optional fine position control. A yoke connected to a movable stage slides along a shaft parallel to the direction of motion of the stage. The yoke has opposing pivot members that can, in one position, contact the shaft to self-lock the position of the yoke on the shaft and, in another position, remain clear of the shaft thereby allowing the yoke to slide freely on the shaft for coarse position control. The shaft has threads at one end that turn into a support block. Turning of the shaft with a knob and with the yoke locked to the shaft, slowly changes the position of the yoke and the connected stage for fine position adjustment of the stage. A pair of such drivers in orthogonal orientation on parallel x-y movable stages will provide two dimensional motion of stages. |
| US08467124B2 |
Solar reflecting mirror and method of making same
A solar reflecting mirror having a curved reflective surface includes a plurality of transparent shaped segments held together by securing facilities to provide a shaped transparent substrate having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface, the concave surface having a focal area. A solar reflecting coating is provided over the convex surface of the shaped substrate to reflect visible and infrared waves of the electromagnetic scale to the focal area of the shaped transparent substrate. A method of making the solar mirror is also disclosed. |
| US08467122B2 |
Hybrid laser source with ring-resonator reflector
A laser source includes a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) as a gain medium that receives and amplifies an optical signal characterized by at least a wavelength associated with a lasing mode of the laser source. This laser source includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide optically coupled to the SOA. Furthermore, a wavelength-selective reflector is optically coupled to the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, where a closed loop defined by the SOA, the first optical waveguide, the wavelength-selective reflector and the second optical waveguide defines a cavity of the laser source. |
| US08467120B2 |
Device for inserting information into the finder beam path of a motion picture camera
A device for inserting information into the finder beam path of a motion picture camera comprising an imaging optics and a DMD chip are arranged with a multiplicity of micromirrors that are arranged in the form of a grid and can be swiveled under electronic control. One portion of the micromirrors reflects the finder beam path toward the imaging optics, and the other portion of the micromirrors is swiveled at least temporarily out of the finder beam path, and respectively reflects toward the imaging optics a section of an information surface arranged laterally offset from the finder beam path. |
| US08467114B2 |
Multipass colour printing
Disclosed is a system for printing an image comprising a plurality of pixels, the system comprising: a carriage arranged to make a plurality of passes along a scanning axis with respect to a print medium; a plurality of printheads mounted on the carriage, each printhead corresponding to a different ink color and comprising at least one ejection nozzle; and, a print controller configured to receive data defining for each pass zero or more locations at which to deposit each of the ink colors to produce each pixel; wherein the data is such that for at least one pixel, at least one of the ink colors is deposited at substantially more locations on one pass relative to the other passes. |
| US08467111B2 |
Image reading apparatus, image forming apparatus, light quantity acquisition method and computer readable medium
An image reading apparatus includes: an image reading unit including a light source and a light receiving unit, and being capable of reading an image of a document sheet with predetermined plural reading conditions; a first light quantity information acquiring unit acquiring first light quantity information on a quantity of light emitted from the light source to a first white reference plate and received by the light receiving unit, for each reading condition; a second light quantity information acquiring unit acquiring second light quantity information on a quantity of light emitted from the light source to a second white reference plate and received by the light receiving unit, for fewer reading conditions than all the plural reading conditions; and a third light quantity information acquiring unit acquiring the second light quantity information for reading conditions other than the fewer reading conditions by using the acquired first light quantity information. |
| US08467108B2 |
Image scanning device
An image scanning device comprises a white reference board having a uniform white color; an irradiation device including a light source unit having a light source, the light source unit configured to irradiate a reflection side of the white reference board from only one oblique direction; an image sensor configured to detect reflected light from the white reference board; and a determination device configured to determine if an attached substance exists on the white reference board based on the reflected light detected by the image sensor. The irradiation device includes a reflection board configured to rotate and to focus the light from the light source by its rotation and reflect the focused light onto a manuscript. The irradiation device is configured to irradiate uniformly the manuscript with both the light source and the reflection board when the manuscript is scanned, and to irradiate the white reference board from only one oblique direction with the light source before white reference data are generated from the white reference board. |
| US08467106B2 |
Image processing apparatus and information writing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes: a receiving unit which receives print data; a determining unit which determines whether or not the print data received by the receiving unit includes confidential information; a printing unit which prints an image on a recording medium including an IC tag, in accordance with the print data; and a writing unit which writes, into the IC tag of the recording medium, distinctive information indicating that confidential information is printed on the recording medium when it is determined that the print data includes confidential information. |
| US08467105B2 |
Optimal contrast level draft-mode printing using spatial frequency analysis
Devices and methods herein receive a command into a computerized device to perform a printing draft operation of a printable item using a reduced amount of marking material (a reduced amount of ink, toner, etc.). The methods herein evaluate at least two different regions of the printable item to determine spatial frequencies of the different regions, and calculate at least two marking material reduction values for the different regions of the printable item based on the spatial frequencies of the different regions. Then, the methods herein apply the marking material reduction values to the printable item to produce a file containing reduced marking material printing commands for a printing device to print the printable item. |
| US08467104B2 |
Color selecting method, image processing method, image processing apparatus, and recording medium
A color selecting method, an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and a recording medium are provided. Color comparing conditions for a color chart are designated, and image data are generated to print first, second and third color charts in which color patches having colors corresponding respectively to different variables of the designated color comparing conditions are disposed adjacent to each other. |
| US08467103B2 |
Moiré-free color halftoning methods, apparatus and systems
Disclosed are moiré-free color halftoning methods, apparatus and systems to digitally reproduce an original color image. The disclosed embodiments are particularly useful for rendering a color image with a color printing device. According to one exemplary embodiment, an image forming method utilizes three or four rotated hexagonal screens which can include regular shaped hexagon screens or convex tessellated hexagon screens. |
| US08467101B2 |
Image forming apparatus for adjusting dot size
An image forming device includes a density detector that detects image density, and a memory that stores information relating image density to dot size. When a dot size is specified, the image forming device automatically obtains the corresponding image density from the information in the memory, prints a test pattern, compares its density with the density corresponding to the specified dot size, and adjusts an image forming parameter until the density corresponding to the specified dot size is obtained. Dot size can be accurately adjusted in this way without the need for elaborate measuring equipment. In particular, the size of dots used to embed invisible information in images can be accurately controlled. |
| US08467098B2 |
Automated ink color matching of solids and tones
In the development of custom SPOT color inks, there will be only a single combination of pigments that will produce the correct color for both the solid tones and for one or more halftones intermediate between the full tone and the unprinted substrate. A novel system and method is presented for finding such a combination of colorants without requiring a complex suite of software algorithms. The method includes a search of a library of known colored inks printed onto a specified substrate and printed using specified printing conditions. Each record of such a library can contain, for example, the ink formula, the combination of colorants and resin, the spectral reflectance factor of the ink and substrate, color values (XYZ and CIELAB) of the solid ink color (100% tone) and 10% steps down to 0% (unprinted substrate). In such a database halftones can be specified in units of % (0% to 100%), but can also, for example, be given as 8-bit integers (0 to 255). In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such a search locates the solid ink color that meets the color requirements and simultaneously meets the color requirements at one or more intermediate halftone steps. The claimed method can thus achieve a printing ink formula that produces a color match to a customer proof at both the solid color and at one or more halftones with ink coverages lying between the unprinted substrate (0% tone) and the fully printed substrate (100% tone). |
| US08467097B2 |
Method and device to sort pixel data in a print data stream
In a method and a device to sort pixel data in a print data stream, a data sorting memory is used configured so that it can be written per column and read per row. The pixel data are entered per column into the data sorting memory in the order of the incoming print data stream. Via the per-row readout the pixel data are re-sorted into an order suitable to control the print head. The sorting can thereby take place in only one write process and one read process. |
| US08467095B2 |
Color characterization model computation using weighted least squares minimization
Methods and systems are presented for characterizing a color rendering system or a color marking material design process, in which forward color transform parameters are generated for mapping color from a first color space associated with an internal color representation of the color rendering system or marking material design process into a second color space using a least squares minimization of an error metric weighted according to a Taylor series expansion of the error metric. |
| US08467093B2 |
Image processing apparatus and computer program product storing image and print setting information associated with index used to suppress toner consumption
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores image formation information in which print setting information is associated with an index useful in deciding to suppress consumption of a recording material; and an execution unit that executes a process of displaying one or more pieces of the image formation information stored in the storage unit on a display unit in association with print data to be printed. |
| US08467088B2 |
Image signal processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, image signal processing method and computer program
There is provided an image signal processing apparatus, comprising a demosaic processing unit receiving input of mosaic image data of each of signals obtained by a single plate imaging device having an element array composed of visible light obtaining elements obtaining visible light signals, and invisible light obtaining elements obtaining signals including invisible light components, and generating a demosaic image of each of the obtained signals; and a noise reduction processing unit receiving input of the demosaic image to execute correction of pixel values of the demosaic image obtained by the visible light obtaining elements on the basis of edge information extracted from the demosaic image of the signals obtained by the invisible light obtaining elements. |
| US08467082B1 |
Print compound conserving font production method
Processes and systems for creating and/or modifying font glyphs comprising the addition of variably-sized negative space perforations in various shapes placed among the glyph body black space and within the glyph body outline. Within each negative space perforation may be placed nested positive space perforations of variable size and shape. A user of font glyphs generated in accordance with the invention can employ the font glyphs for on-screen digital viewing and/or for hardcopy prints. By using variable-sized perforations and variable-sized nested perforations, font glyphs are generated that consume less printing compound when generating hardcopy text. Font glyphs generated in accordance with the invention are more efficient to use when printing hardcopies due to intelligently arranged negative/positive space that utilizes print compound bleeding, when available, and display only the most distinct sections of each font glyph, assisting in maintaining sufficient text legibility. |
| US08467081B2 |
System and method for coordinated document processing among devices having differing functionality
The subject application is directed to coordinating document processing operations among devices having differing functionality. A document is received into a first document processing device that has a first set of processing functions. A display is generated on the first device that includes indicia of an available document processing operation having a function of a first set and a secondary function of a second device, with any secondary function outside the first set. Selection data is received of an operation having functions from the first set and one or more secondary functions. Operation of the first device is controlled by a controller operable to control the functions of the first set by the first device on the document. The document is communicated to the second device following completion of any first set functions. The document processing operation is completed by the second device via completion of any secondary functions. |
| US08467078B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable storage medium
An apparatus includes a reading unit configured to read a print product and a transmission unit configured to transmit image data of the print product to an external apparatus. The apparatus further includes an inhibition unit configured to inhibit the transmission of the image data based on inhibition information included in the image data. If the image data includes trace information to be used to trace a printer user of the print product in addition to the inhibition information, a control unit acquires the trace information and causes a display unit to perform a display based on the trace information without causing the output unit to transmit the image data. |
| US08467076B2 |
Administration device for administering devices by acquiring object information therefrom
An administration device comprising a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit is presented. The first acquisition unit sequentially acquires an M1 type of object information from a first device by sequentially making requests to the first device for N1 types of object information, which includes the M1 type of object information. The second acquisition unit newly acquires the M1 type of object information from the first device by making a request to the first device for the M1 type of object information, without sequentially making requests to the first device. When the model information of the second device matches that of the first device, the second acquisition unit acquires the M1 type of object information from the second device by making a request to the second device for the M1 type of object information, without sequentially making requests to the second device. |
| US08467075B2 |
Printing control apparatus using a print setting, method and medium
Disclosed is a printing control apparatus for acquiring print data having attribute information stored by an application, and creating output data, which is output to a printer, using the print data acquired. The apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to refer to the attribute information included in the print data and acquiring settings information, which satisfies a condition, from at least one item of settings information that has been stored previously in a storage area; a generating unit configured to generate final print settings by superimposing print settings, which have been set in the settings information acquired by the acquisition unit and satisfying the condition, on print settings that have been set in a printer driver; and a creating unit configured to create output data in accordance with the final print settings generated by the generating unit. |
| US08467071B2 |
Automatic measurement of dimensional data with a laser tracker
Measuring with a system having retroreflector targets and a laser tracker includes storing a list of nominal coordinates for three targets and at least one added point; capturing on a photosensitive array of the tracker a portion of the light emitted by a light beam and reflected off the three targets; obtaining spot positions on a photosensitive array of a tracker camera from light reflected off the three targets; determining a correspondence between three spot positions on the tracker photosensitive array and the nominal coordinates of the three targets; directing a beam of light from the tracker to the three targets based at least in part on the nominal coordinates of the first target and the first spot position; measuring 3-D coordinates of the three targets with the tracker; determining 3-D coordinates of the at least one added point based at least in part on the measured 3-D coordinates of the three targets and the nominal coordinates of the at least one added point. |
| US08467069B2 |
Method and device for inspecting the quality of a formed thermoplastic fiber-reinforced plastic component
A method and a device for inspecting the quality of a formed thermoplastic fiber-reinforced plastic component wherein the component is tested by means of a sensor unit with a downstream electronic evaluation unit for analysis of the measuring result acquired by sensor technology by means of sample comparison, wherein by means of the optical sensor unit the surface roughness of the plastic component is measured after forming, which surface roughness is analyzed by means of the evaluation unit by a comparison with a stored reference pattern in such a manner that increased surface roughness is interpreted as increased internal materials porosity. |
| US08467063B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a focal position of an imaging device adapted to image a biologic sample
A method and apparatus for focusing a device for imaging a biologic sample is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: disposing lenslets within a biologic sample, which lenslets have a height and a refractive index, which refractive index is different from that of the sample, wherein one or both of the imaging device and the sample are relatively locatable so a focal position of the imaging device can be moved along the height of the lenslets; imaging a portion of the sample including lenslets using transmittance at one or more wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of the sample at the wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of a region of each lenslet at the wavelengths; and determining the focal position of the imaging device using the average light transmittance intensity of the sample and the average light transmittance intensity of the region of the lenslets. |
| US08467062B2 |
Inspection device and producing method of wired circuit board
An inspection device includes a light emitting unit emitting incident light that enters the insulating cover layer and a light receiving unit receiving reflected light that is reflected from the incident light on the surface of the insulating cover layer. The light emitting unit includes a first light emitting portion in a ring state that emits the incident light so that the angle thereof with respect to the surface of the insulating base layer is in the range of 25° or less and a second light emitting portion in a ring state that emits the incident light so that the angle thereof with respect to the surface of the insulating base layer is in the range of 35 to 65°. |
| US08467060B2 |
Colour image reference system for monitor and projector images
A test apparatus comprising a self illuminated light source and second moveable element having spectrophotometrically neutral gray and color patches of predetermined hues and saturations. A digital software file provides identical spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale and color data which, when reproduced on a monitor or projection system, should match the grayscale and test colors provided by the apparatus. When the apparatus is placed in front of the monitor image or projected image, the neutral grays and color patches reproduced on the monitor image or projected image are compared against the image of the apparatus. |
| US08467059B2 |
Deep-UV LED and laser induced fluorescence detection and monitoring of trace organics in potable liquids
An apparatus for measuring fluorescence of potable liquids contained within an optical quartz cell includes a deep UV laser or a compact UV LED that generates a light beam. A UV blocking and visible light transmitting optical filter reduces out-of-band emission from the LED. The optical quartz cell is between a pair of plane mirrors so that light from the light source travels through it several times. A concave mirror collects a fluorescence signal and has a common optical axis with a lens. The common optical axis is normal to an optical axis of the light beam. The concave mirror and lenses are positioned on opposite sides of the optical quartz cell. A fluorescence detector is in optical alignment with the concave mirror and the lens. A boxcar averager is in electrical communication with the fluorescence detector. Optical wavelength selection of the fluorescence emission uses optical filters or a spectrometer. |
| US08467057B1 |
Ellipsometers and polarimeters comprising polarization state compensating beam directing sample wobble compensating system, and method of use
An improved system and method for investigation of a wobbling surface of a sample with an electromagnetic beam, involving application of a beam directing dual reflection surface “prism” system, which, while effecting beam locus direction rotation of 90 degrees also preserves beam polarization state. The system allows causing an electromagnetic beam to access an otherwise difficult to access sample in, for instance, a vacuum deposition chamber, and enables achieving very closely spaced incident and spherical mirror reflected points of beam reflection from a sample surface in use. |
| US08467053B2 |
Identification of body fluids using raman spectroscopy
The present invention relates to a method of identifying types of body fluids in a sample. This method involves providing a sample potentially containing one or more types of body fluids. The sample is subjected to Raman spectroscopy to produce a Raman spectroscopic signature for the sample. The Raman spectroscopy signature is identified to ascertain the types of body fluids in the sample. A method of establishing a reference Raman spectroscopic signature for specific types of body fluids is also disclosed as is a library of such reference signatures is also disclosed. |
| US08467051B2 |
Widely-tunable semiconductor source integrated in windowed hermetic package
A near infrared (NIR) semiconductor laser system is shown for gas sensing. An embodiment is centered on the use of a system with a much wider tunable laser, which today has a scan band of more than 150 nanometers (nm) to as much as 250 nm or more. In some cases the scan band is about 400 nm or more. This is achieved in the current embodiment through the use of a widely tunable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based Fabry-Perot filter as an integral part of the laser cavity. Using this technology, these systems are capable of capturing a variety of gases in the any of the well-known spectroscopic scan bands, such as the OH, NH or CH. For example, a single laser with a 250 nm scan band window between 1550-1800 nm can capture ten or as many as twenty hydrocarbon-based gases simultaneously. |
| US08467050B2 |
Apparatus and method for metering flare gas
A flow cell assembly for measuring the flow rate of gas in a pipe having an optical probe mounted on a flow cell inserted between sections of pipe. A distal end of the optical probe is disposed within an internal bore of the flow cell. The optical probe is capable of measuring the velocity of particles in a gas flowing through the internal bore. A sensor mechanism may be mounted on the flow cell and have a sensor array with a distal end disposed within the flow cell internal bore. The sensor array is capable of measuring physical properties of the gas. The optical probe is self-aligned when mounted to the flow cell through the use of a locking cam and an orientation ring. Velocity and physical property measurements are used to calculate flow rate. Alternatively, the optical probe and sensor mechanism may be mounted directly onto an existing pipe. |
| US08467048B2 |
Pattern defect inspection apparatus and method
A pattern defect inspection apparatus capable of detecting minute defects on a sample with high sensitivity without generating speckle noise in signals is realized. Substantially the same region on a surface of a wafer is detected by using two detectors at mutually different timings. Output signals from the two detectors are summed and averaged to eliminate noise. Since a large number of rays of illumination light are not simultaneously irradiated to the same region on the wafer, a pattern defect inspection apparatus capable of suppressing noise resulting from interference of a large number of rays, eliminating noise owing to other causes and detecting with high sensitivity minute defects on the sample without the occurrence of speckle noise in the signal can be accomplished. |
| US08467047B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting defects on a wafer
Systems and methods for detecting defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes generating output for a wafer by scanning the wafer with an inspection system using first and second optical states of the inspection system. The first and second optical states are defined by different values for at least one optical parameter of the inspection system. The method also includes generating first image data for the wafer using the output generated using the first optical state and second image data for the wafer using the output generated using the second optical state. In addition, the method includes combining the first image data and the second image data corresponding to substantially the same locations on the wafer thereby creating additional image data for the wafer. The method further includes detecting defects on the wafer using the additional image data. |
| US08467045B2 |
Method of determining the contact angle of a ball bearing
To determine the contact angle of a ball bearing, one of two rings is rotated while the other ring is held stationary. The number of revolutions of the rotated ring and the number of revolutions accomplished in the same period by the balls, and therefore by the retaining cage, are detected. The revolutions of the balls are detected through an optical detecting device which projects a radiation through the bearing, in the gap between the outer and inner rings, whereby the radiation is intercepted directly by the balls and/or the cage. The contact angle is determined using the following parameters: the number of revolutions of the rotating ring, the number of revolutions of the balls or of the cage, the diameter of the balls, and the pitch diameter. |
| US08467034B2 |
Light shielding unit, variable slit apparatus, and exposure apparatus
A light shielding unit, which shields a part of an exposure light with a light shielding member, includes a sensor which detects displacement of the light shielding member, a driving device which drives the light shielding member based on a detection result obtained by the sensor, a case which accommodates the sensor and the driving device, and a bellows mechanism which gas-seals the case with respect to the light shielding member. When the illumination area of the illumination light is defined, it is possible to mitigate the influence of the foreign matters and/or the heat generated from the driving mechanism. |
| US08467032B2 |
Exposure apparatus and electronic device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus including a field stop is provided. The exposure apparatus includes an illumination optical system that guides light from a light source to a pattern forming section, a projection optical system that projects, onto an exposed surface, a pattern image formed by the pattern forming section with light from the illumination optical system, a driving section that moves, in a scanning direction, a substrate arranged on the exposed surface, and a block section that is disposed between the projection optical system and the exposed surface, where the block section has a scanning window that determines a width, in the scanning direction, of an exposure region exposed to light projected by the projection optical system. |
| US08467030B2 |
Transistor array substrate
A transistor array substrate includes a substrate, a pixel array, a plurality of resistors, and a plurality of semiconductor transistors. The pixel array, the resistors, and the semiconductor transistors are all disposed on the substrate. The pixel array includes a plurality of scan lines. Each resistor is electrically connected to one of the scan lines, and each semiconductor transistor is electrically connected to one of the scan lines and one of the resistors. The scan lines can receive a first voltage and a second voltage. The second voltage is higher than the first voltage. |
| US08467029B2 |
Liquid crystal display element
A liquid crystal display element of a dot matrix structure comprises a liquid crystal panel constituted by a first substrate equipped with a first electrode, a second substrate equipped with a second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer furnished between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises a support column of a wall structure possessing adhesiveness, wherein a part of each of the support columns has a wider part. |
| US08467027B2 |
Display panel
A display panel including plural wiring sets is provided. Each of the wiring sets includes plural wires extending substantially along a straight direction. Each of the wiring sets has a first part and a second part respectively located at two opposite sides of a sealant. The first part is located between the sealant and an active region of the display panel, and a shortest distance of two adjacent wire segments of the first part is larger than a shortest distance of two adjacent wire segments of the second part. In addition, the shortest distance of two adjacent wire segments of the first part may be limited from about 15 μm to about 35 μm. The configuration of wiring set can reduce crosstalk of electric field between two adjacent wires to prevent light leakage and improve display quality. |
| US08467025B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel for liquid crystal display
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display capable of high quality image and bright display. Gate signal lines are curved at near switching elements of the liquid crystal display. A pixel area is defined by the gate signal lines and their intersecting data signal lines. Pixel electrodes and common electrodes are disposed along a longitudinal direction of a pixel. A pixel signal and a common signal line is connected to the pixel electrode and the common electrode respectively. A storage capacitor may be formed in the middle of a longitudinal direction of the pixel, or where generally a texture may arise during display. One half of the pixel may be symmetrical with the other half with respect to the storage capacitor. A common signal line may be parallel with the data signal line and be disposed nearer to the data signal line than a pixel signal line. The pixel may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the data signal line therebetween. The pixel shape may also be repeated in the direction of the gate signal line. |
| US08467019B2 |
Low cost switching element point inversion driving scheme for liquid crystal displays
Displays using a low cost method to implement switching element point inversion driving schemes while using integrated circuits that are designed to implement switching element row inversion or switching element column driving schemes are described. In one display, a first color dot is on a first side of a control line and a second color dot is on a second side of the control line. A first switching element is coupled to the first control line and the first color dot and a second switching element is coupled to the second color dot and the control line. Thus the control line controls color dots on two different rows or two different columns. |
| US08467015B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal module
A backlight unit disposed behind a liquid crystal panel 8 includes a case 3 having disposed therein linear light sources 2, a diffusing plate 6A provided between the linear light sources 2 and the liquid crystal panel 8 for diffusing incident light from an entrance surface thereof facing the linear light sources 2 and emitting the diffused light from an exit surface thereof facing the liquid crystal panel 8, and diffusing plate support members 31B1 through 31B6 disposed in the case 3 for supporting the diffusing plate 6A by abutting against the entrance surface facing the linear light sources 2. The diffusing plate 6A includes an abutment portion on the entrance surface at one of the positions corresponding to the diffusing plate support members 31B1 through 31B6, and includes a convex portion on the abutment portion at a position against which the corresponding diffusing plate support member does not abut. |
| US08467014B2 |
Back light unit and liquid crystal display device and game machine including the same
A game machine includes: a liquid crystal display including a liquid crystal panel and a back light unit disposed; and at least one reel which is disposed behind the back light unit and on which a plurality of symbols are disposed. The back light unit includes: a pair of transparent plates which are disposed to face each other, transparent electrodes being formed on corresponding predetermined areas the transparent plates; a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer which is formed in a space between the transparent plates; and a light source module including a frame which is disposed behind the transparent plates, an area of the frame corresponding to the predetermined area being empty or transparent, and a planar light source or a plurality of light sources which is mounted to the frame to be disposed at an area corresponding to the predetermined area of the transparent plates. |
| US08467013B2 |
Light guides
This invention relates to a light guide device and methods of manufacture. The light guide device is suitable for use in a range of applications, particularly in connection with the backlighting of displays, for example, liquid crystal displays. The light guide device comprises a combination of guide layers and one or more scattering structures in order to mask the appearance of one or more light sources. |
| US08467012B2 |
LCD display for gaming device with increased apparent brightness
A display system in which a display assembly has enhanced apparent brightness when viewed through a second display overlaying the display assembly. The display assembly includes a liquid crystal (LC) based projector having a light source and a polarizing film that polarizes the light. A curved projection screen is positioned in front of the LC-based projector to receive polarized light and display a wagering game. The second display is positioned to overlay at least a portion of the curved projection screen such that at least part of the second display is visible through the second display when the polarized light from the projection screen is permitted to pass through the second display. The second display includes a liquid crystal layer and a front polarizing film that affects whether the polarized light is permitted to pass through or is blocked. An apparent brightness increase of 30% or more is achieved compared to conventional displays that include both a front and rear polarizer. The second display can also include a rear polarizer. The polarization of the polarized light must match the polarization of the light through the rear polarizer so that the liquid crystal layer is illuminated with uniformly polarized light. |
| US08467008B2 |
Clamping device, backlight module, and display apparatus
A clamping device including a back frame and a top cover is provided. The back frame includes a first body and a first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall is connected to the first body in a substantially vertical manner. The top cover includes a second body and a second sidewall, wherein the second sidewall is connected to the second body in a substantially vertical manner. When the top cover is assembled to the back frame, the second sidewall leans closely against the first sidewall, and the first body is opposite to the second body. The second body includes a main part and a concave part connecting together, wherein the distance from the concave part to the first body is shorter than the distance from the main part to the first body. Furthermore, a backlight module and a display apparatus that utilize the clamping device are also provided. |
| US08467000B2 |
Camera device and manufacturing method for a camera device
A camera device includes an image sensor which is assembled into a case, a first perspective-control component including a convex partial spherical surface for performing perspective control, and a second perspective-control component including a concave partial spherical surface having a radius of curvature and a center of curvature which are equal to those of the convex partial spherical surface. Before completion of the assembly of the image sensor into the case, the second perspective-control component is mounted on the first perspective-control component attached to a back side of the image sensor, and perspective control is performed with the convex partial spherical surface and the concave partial spherical surface in surface contact with each other. The first perspective-control component and the second perspective-control component are secured to each other via an adhesive after completion of the perspective control. |
| US08466999B2 |
Display having image capture apparatus
A display includes a display panel and an image capture apparatus. The display panel has a display region, a peripheral region surrounding the display region, and a through hole located in the peripheral region. The image capture apparatus is assembled to the display panel. The image capture apparatus includes a signal transmission device and an image capture device located in the through hole, and the image capture device is connected to the signal transmission device. |
| US08466994B2 |
Drive circuit of solid-state image pickup device, method of driving solid-state image pickup device and image pickup system of solid-state image pickup device
There is provided a drive circuit of a solid-state image pickup device capable of generating pulse for vertical scanning the interval of which changes non-linearly and pulse other than the pulse for vertical scanning without increasing a circuit size and communication time for setting an electronic shutter. There is provided a drive circuit of a solid-state image pickup device including a polynomial arithmetic operation unit for carrying out an arithmetic operation of first or higher order of polynomial; an arithmetic operation controller of generating a variable of the polynomial to control an arithmetic operation in the polynomial arithmetic operation unit; and a pulse generator of generating a pulse based on a result of an arithmetic operation on a polynomial of the polynomial arithmetic operation unit. |
| US08466992B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus for processing an output of an image pickup element having ordinary pixels arranged in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction and functional pixels arranged discretely between the ordinary pixels, is arranged to estimate an image signal at a position of the functional pixel by a gain correction operation of outputs of the functional pixels, estimate an output of the image signal at the position of the functional pixel on the basis of outputs of reference pixels selected from the ordinary pixels around the functional pixel, and select the image signal at the position of the functional pixel on the basis of an estimation result by the gain correction from one or a plurality of estimation results obtained using the reference pixels. |
| US08466990B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method, electronic device, and program
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to image an image using an imaging device; an image obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of images equivalent to the time of dark, imaged by the imaging unit; a registering unit configured to register, with an image obtained by the image obtaining unit, the address and change amount of a pixel where the output value of the pixel changes so as to exceed a predetermined threshold; and a correcting unit configured to correct, when taking a pixel corresponding to an address registered by the registering unit as a processing object pixel, the pixel value of the processing object pixel based on comparison between difference of the output values of the processing object pixel and a peripheral pixel of the processing object pixel, and the change amount of the processing object pixel. |
| US08466985B2 |
Information recording apparatus, imaging apparatus, information recording method and medium storing a program generating a transport data stream and utilizing a modified digital video pack
An information recording apparatus includes: a moving image input unit configured to input a moving image; a position information obtaining unit configured to obtain position information at the time of the moving image being input; a position information converting unit configured to convert the obtained position information into at least either bitmap data or text data, relating to a place determined with the position information thereof; a data stream generating unit configured to generate a data stream including at least either the converted bitmap data or text data, and video data corresponding to the input moving image; and a recording control unit configured to record the generated data stream as a moving image file. |
| US08466984B2 |
Calibrating color for an image
Calibrating color (such as adjusting color balance) for an image may include capturing a set of calibration images of a calibration target. The calibration target includes at least one color reference region illuminated by a light source having a distribution of frequencies that cycles over a fixed time period. The calibration images are captured over a calibration period that is greater than or equal to the fixed time period over which the distribution of frequencies cycles. Each of the calibration images is associated to a time identifier. A color balance adjustment is calculated for each of the calibration images, for forming a time-dependent color spectrum model of the color balance adjustments. The color spectrum model models changes in the light source over the fixed time period. In one embodiment, a subject image of a subject is captured for a determined exposure time. In the subject image, the subject is illuminated by the light source. Exposure time data is associated to the subject image. At least one subject color balance adjustment is calculated for the subject image from the exposure time data and the color spectrum model. |
| US08466983B2 |
Image processing apparatus performing white balance control
An image processing apparatus includes a white balance amplifying unit configured to amplify color signals included in an image signal output from an image sensor according to a white balance gain, a first color signal information obtaining unit configured to obtain first color signal information from the color signals before being amplified by the white balance amplifying unit, and a white balance gain control unit configured to calculate a white balance gain based on second color signal information obtained from the color signals amplified by the white balance amplifying unit and a parameter determined based on the first color signal information and to provide the white balance gain to the white balance amplifying unit. |
| US08466981B2 |
Electronic camera for searching a specific object image
An electronic camera includes an imager. An imager repeatedly outputs a scene image generated on an imaging surface capturing a scene. A searcher repeatedly executes a process of searching for a specific object image from the scene image outputted from the imager by using a plurality of reference-use specific object images each of which has a posture different from others. A detector detects the number of specific objects existing in the object scene based on a searched result of the searcher. A determiner repeatedly determines based on the searched result of the searcher whether or not all of the specific objects equivalent to the number detected by the detector satisfy a posture condition. A recorder records the scene image outputted from the imager when a determined result of the determiner is updated from a negative result to a positive result. |
| US08466977B2 |
Image data management apparatus and method, and recording medium
An image data management apparatus includes a unit adapted to display different types of plural frames (such as an in-focus frame and a face frame) at the same time in a manner capable of selectively changing both of those frames by a user operation such that an in-focus frame portion and a face frame portion can be easily confirmed. |
| US08466972B2 |
Digital image processing apparatus to provide an out-of-focus effect
Provided is a digital image processing apparatus that realizes an out-focusing effect by tilting a photographing device about a plane that is perpendicular to an optical axis of a lens. The digital image processing apparatus includes a lens and a photographing device configured to generate data about an image from light which has passed through the lens. The photographing device is configured to be tilted about a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. The photographing device is tilted about the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens so as to control a range of a focus area formed on the photographing device. |
| US08466967B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus that records image data on a detachable storage medium in a previously set recording format is provided. The apparatus sets the recording format of image data, and determines whether or not a storage medium attached to an attachment unit has a communication function that communicates with a different apparatus than the image processing apparatus. If it is determined that the storage medium has a communication function, and that the recording format of image data that can be transferred by the communication function does not match the recording format that has been set, the apparatus issues a warning. |
| US08466962B2 |
Traffic signal with integrated sensors
An apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A camera is operably disposed within a housing. The housing is attached to an object such that the camera can observe traffic flowing past a traffic signal. A visor is attached to the housing such that an optical aperture of the camera is covered by the visor, wherein the visor comprises a roof having an angle that slopes, relative to the housing, towards the optical aperture, wherein the visor further comprises a floor connected to the roof, and wherein the floor extends outwardly from the housing. |
| US08466958B2 |
Microscope system that is capable of electrically changing an observation state of a sample
A microscope controller that performs operations for controlling operations of motorized units configuring a microscope system includes a touch panel unit that accepts an input made with an external physical contact and has a display function, a controlling unit for setting a display area as a functional area by assigning an image for operating the motorized unit to a certain display area on the touch panel unit and for generating a control instruction signal for controlling the motorized unit in accordance with a contact operation performed for the motorized unit corresponding to the functional area upon detection of an input made in the functional area, and a communication controlling unit for transmitting the control instruction signal to an external device that controls an operation of the motorized unit. |
| US08466957B2 |
Endoscope and endoscope apparatus
An endoscope includes: a CCD that picks up an image of a subject; an FPGA that is controlled by a main body portion 3 to output a drive signal for driving the CCD and transmits an image pickup signal outputted from the CCD to the main body; rewritable flash memory in which at least one of program data and setting data that relate to an operation of the FPGA is stored; and a switch group that, based on a rewriting instruction signal SW to the data in the flash memory, switches so that the data received by using all or a part of signal lines for the CCD, the lines being associated with observation of the subject, is inputted to the flash memory. |
| US08466955B2 |
System, method and apparatus for wireless synchronizing three-dimensional eyewear
An application for transmission of a three-dimensional eyewear synchronization signal to synchronize the operation of shutters of three-dimensional eyewear uses an industry standard wireless transmission technique. To compensate for inherent latencies of such transmission techniques, the latencies are measured and monitored to determine expected latencies and the shutter synchronization signal is skewed by the latency. In some embodiments, the synchronization signal is further adjusted by a user skew control. |
| US08466951B2 |
Wireless digital picture frame with video streaming capabilities
A wireless digital picture frame with video streaming capabilities comprises: a body having a video display unit, a first audio I/O unit, a first input unit, a first processor, and a first wireless transceiver unit; and a wireless camera having a video input unit, a second audio I/O unit, an audio codec unit, a second processor, and a second wireless transceiver unit. The body and the wireless camera communicate with each other through Wi-Fi connection. The wireless communication thus enables the wireless camera to capture A/V signals and transmit the captured signals back to the first processor of the body to be played by the video display unit and the first audio I/O unit; at the same time, the captured A/V data may also be stored to an external storage medium connected to the wireless digital picture frame. The above process forms a video recording mode and a surveillance mode. |
| US08466950B2 |
Method and apparatus for video call in a mobile terminal
A method and an apparatus for a video call in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method includes, upon performing a video call, setting an alternative video transmission mode according to a user's manipulation, generating an avatar representing a user's expression, and transmitting an alternative video including the avatar to a called mobile communication terminal. |
| US08466947B2 |
Light source device, optical scanning device, and image forming apparatus
A light source including a plurality of light emitting areas formed in a two-dimension array is mounted on a substrate. A holding member holds an optical system that shapes a laser beam emitted from each of the light emitting areas, a splitting element that splits a part of the laser beam passed through the optical system, and a light receiving system that receives split laser beam. A base member including an aligning unit that aligns the light source in a direction along an optical axis of the optical system and a direction perpendicular to the optical axis is connected to the holding member. An elastic member presses the substrate against the base member. |
| US08466945B2 |
Methods and device for laser processing
The present invention relates to laser ablation microlithography. In particular, we disclose a new SLM design and patterning method that uses multiple mirrors per pixel to concentrate energy to an energy density that facilitates laser ablation, while keeping the energy density on the SLM mirror surface at a level that does not damage the mirrors. Multiple micro-mirrors can be reset at a very high frequency, far beyond current DMD devices. |
| US08466937B2 |
Light scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
A light scanning apparatus including: a light source to emit a laser beam; a light source driving unit to turn on and off the light source according to image data and a pixel clock; a rotary polygon mirror to deflect the light beam; a motor to rotationally drive the rotary polygon mirror; and a control unit to control a rotary speed of the motor to generate an acceleration control signal for accelerating the rotary speed and a deceleration control signal for decelerating the rotary speed, wherein for the acceleration control signal, the driving unit corrects the frequency of the pixel clock to be higher than the frequency, which is before the acceleration control, and for the deceleration control signal, the driving unit corrects the frequency of the pixel clock to be lower than the frequency, which is before the deceleration control. |
| US08466935B2 |
Gamma corrector with a storage capacity for gamma correction data reduced
In a gamma corrector for handling gamma correction data used in performing gamma correction on image data represented by plural component colors for each of the component colors, a storage stores common data employed in common in predetermined gamma correction data in one-to-one correspondence to the plural component colors when generating final gamma-corrected image data. Another storage stores, for each component color, reproduction data represented by removing the common data from the final gamma-corrected image data of each component color in the predetermined gamma correction data. A data processor distributes input image data of each component color to both common and reproduction data to thereby generate the address data. A data coupler generates the common and reproduction data according to address data from the storages and employs the generated common and reproduction data to generate final gamma-corrected image data for image data of the component colors. |
| US08466929B2 |
Image processor
An image processor includes an extracting unit, an assigning unit, and an output unit. The extracting unit extracts at least one set of frame image data from the plurality of sets of frame image data included in one of the at least one set of moving image data. The assigning unit assigns a set of control data to each of the at least one set of frame image data extracted by the extracting unit. The output unit outputs an image list including a moving image index, the moving image index having an index frame image and information with respect to the set of control data, the index frame image being either one of a frame image corresponding to the at least one set of frame image data assigned with the set of control data and a resized frame image resized from the frame image. |
| US08466927B2 |
Full framebuffer for electronic paper displays
A system and a method are disclosed for updating a bi-stable display includes a framebuffer for storing waveforms for each pixel individually. The system includes determining a current state of a pixel of the bi-stable display; determining a desired state of the pixel of the bi-stable display; and updating the pixel by applying a determined control signal to the pixel to drive the pixel from the current state to the final state. Updating each pixel occurs independently of the other pixels of the bi-stable display. |
| US08466925B2 |
Image production in imaging systems employing a multifocal collimator
In an imaging system employing a multifocal collimator, displaying an image. Framing an event stream into a first buffer. Mapping each first buffer bin to a bin of each of a normalization buffer and a count buffer. Normalization buffer and count buffer are the same dimension. First buffer bins correspond to normalization buffer bins and the count buffer bins such that geometric distortion from the multifocal collimator is substantially reduced. The value of each normalization buffer bin corresponds to the quantity of corresponding first buffer bins corresponding to that normalization buffer bin, and a value of each count buffer bin corresponds to total counts of the one or more of the first buffer bins corresponding to the each count buffer bin. Determining an updated image as the ratio of the values of count buffer bins to the normalization buffer bins. Displaying an image as a function of the updated image. |
| US08466920B2 |
Two dimensional vector graphics triangulation system and method thereof
A two dimensional (2D) vector graphics triangulation system and a method thereof are provided. The system includes a memory module and a triangle mesh processing module. The memory module temporarily stores a triangle mesh triangulated from a 2D vector graphics into a binary tree data structure. The triangle mesh processing module adjusts the triangle mesh, or re-performs a triangulation processing to a local region of the loop when a state of a loop of the 2D vector graphics is changed. The triangle mesh processing module includes a level of detail unit, which proportionally adjusts an error threshold according to a zoom condition of the loop, updates an error value of each boundary line when the loop is deformed, and splits a boundary line or merges two neighboring boundary lines according to the error values of the boundary lines and the error threshold. |
| US08466918B2 |
Method for generating a font-based sparkline
The present invention relates to a method for generating a font-based sparkline, the sparkline being composed of two or more than two glyphs, said glyphs comprising one or more lines or consisting of one or more lines, which lines have two margins defining the thickness of the lines, the method comprising the step of providing at least one shaping element having a contour which at least in part is rounded and locating said shaping element at a position at which neighboring lines of two adjoining glyphs terminate, wherein said shaping element is located so that at least a portion of said contour is in alignment or in approximate alignment with at least one of the margins of one or both of said neighboring lines. |
| US08466916B2 |
System and method for in-context volume visualization using virtual incision
A method for volume rendering a digitized medical image includes providing a digitized medical image volume comprising a plurality of intensities on a 3-dimensional grid of points, providing a projection plane comprising a 2-dimensional lattice of points onto which rendering rays are projected from a viewing point through the image volume, advancing a sampling point along a ray through the image volume, generating an incision region within the image volume, determining whether the sampling point is within the incision region, where a first transfer function is applied to a sample value interpolated from a first volume if the sampling point is within the incision region, and a second transfer function is applied to a sample value interpolated from a second volume if the sampling point is outside the incision region, and accumulating the output of the transfer function. |
| US08466915B1 |
Fusion of ground-based facade models with 3D building models
Systems and methods for fusing three-dimensional (3D) ground and airborne models for a geographical information system are described herein. A method embodiment includes aligning the ground and airborne models relative to one another, modifying three-dimensional mesh information in the ground and airborne models after the aligning to obtain modified ground and airborne models, merging the modified ground and airborne models to obtained a fused 3D model and storing the fused 3D model in memory for subsequent access by the geographical information system. A system embodiment includes a 3D model fuser configured to align the ground and airborne models relative to one another, modify three-dimensional mesh information in the ground and airborne models after the aligning to obtain modified ground and airborne models, and merge the modified ground and airborne models to obtained a fused 3D model, and a storage device that stores the fused 3D model for subsequent access by the geographical information system. |
| US08466908B2 |
Display device having a bias control unit for dynamically biasing a buffer and method thereof
A driving device and a driving method for dynamic bias are provided. The driving device includes a buffer and a bias control unit. An input terminal of the buffer receives a data voltage, and an output terminal of the buffer is connected to a load through a switch. The bias control unit connected to the buffer controls a bias of the buffer dynamically. During a transition period of the data voltage, the bias control unit controls the buffer in a normal bias state. During a power-saving period, the bias control unit controls the buffer in a low bias state, and controls the buffer in the normal bias state during a turning-off period of the switch. The driving device controls the buffer to sustain data voltage quickly during the turning-off period of the switch, so as to avoid the data voltage received by the load having errors and reduce power consumption. |
| US08466906B2 |
Optical modulation apparatus
An optical modulation apparatus includes a light irradiation section, a plurality of rectangular pixel electrodes arranged on two lines separately at regular intervals in such a manner that short sides of adjacent pixel electrodes face each other and drive an optical modulation substance; a driver element is disposed below the pixel electrode and drives the pixel electrode; and a pixel electrode connection that electrically connects the pixel electrode and the driver element, wherein the pixel electrode connection is disposed outside the light irradiation section. |
| US08466905B2 |
Display, scan driving apparatus for the display, and driving method thereof
A scan driving apparatus includes a first driving apparatus connected to a plurality of scan lines and a second driving apparatus connected to the plurality of scan lines. Wherein when one of the first driving apparatus and the second driving apparatus is in a scan enable state such that the plurality of scan lines are applied with a scan signal, the other is in a floating state such that the output terminal is floated. The scan driving apparatus according to the present invention has the function of a shift register for sequentially applying the scan signals and may apply a scan signal of a different waveform which is additionally required. The output terminal of the scan driving apparatus is floated in a period in which a different waveform is necessary such that a scan signal having the different waveform may be applied without influence of the scan signal, thereby realizing a complicated scan signal. |