| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08474060B2 |
Scanning probe microscope with compact scanner
A scanner for a scanning probe microscope (SPM) including a head has a scanner body that houses an actuator, and a sensor that detects scanner movement. The scanner body is removable from the head by hand and without the use of tools and has a total volume of less than about five (5) square inches. Provisions are made for insuring that movement of a probe device coupled to the scanner is restricted to be substantially only in the intended direction. A fundamental resonance frequency for the scanner can be greater than 10 kHz. |
| US08474058B2 |
Method and system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage
A method and a system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage of the data object. To control the usage of the data object, a set of control data, defining uses of the data object, which comply with the predetermined conditions, is created for the data object. The data object is concatenated with the user set of control data, encrypted and transferred to the user. When the user wants to use the data object, a special user program checks whether the usage complies with the control data. If so, the usage is enabled. Otherwise it is disabled. |
| US08474057B2 |
License reconciliation for online services
A user interface that allows for efficient resolution of license conflicts. The user interface includes a license conflict discovery mechanism that automatically discovers whether a license conflict exists for a license. Upon determining a subset of available resolution methods that are suitable for the administrator right corresponding to the user of the user interface, the user interface provides a resolution prompt. The resolution prompt prompts the user of the user interface to resolve the license conflict using any one of the available subset of resolution methods. The types of the offered resolution methods offered by the user interface differ according to the administration rights of the user. |
| US08474054B2 |
Systems and methods for conditional access and digital rights management
Conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) in digital media delivery, processing, and storage systems. Methods and apparatuses are provided for managing digital rights under the protection of multiple CA and/or DRM systems. Some embodiments provide secure and robust methods for bridging multiple DRM systems in the digital media content distribution and playback systems. The present invention simplifies content repurposing, after it has been bridged to a secondary DRM system, but still under the control of the original DRM system. |
| US08474049B2 |
Verification method, information processing device, recording medium, verification system, certification program, and verification program
A virtual machine can be implemented by anyone because the interface and other information necessary for implementation are publicly available. Hence, if virtual machine is implemented maliciously, a program operating thereon can be made to operate maliciously instead of operating legitimately. By comparing secret information held in memory and specific to the virtual machine with verification information which a program holds itself, the program verifies that the virtual machine on which it is running has been legitimately implemented and excludes illegitimate virtual machines. |
| US08474046B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying the spreading of sensitive data by a suspicious application
A computer-implemented method to identify the spreading of sensitive data from a suspicious application is described. At least one security attribute for an application programming interface (API) is defined. Sensitive data passed through the at least one security attribute to the suspicious application are marked. The marked sensitive data being passed through the at least one security attribute from the suspicious application are detected. A notification is generated regarding the spreading of the sensitive data by the suspicious application. |
| US08474044B2 |
Attack-resistant verification of auto-generated anti-malware signatures
Techniques are disclosed for verifying whether payload signatures correspond to a vulnerability or exploit. Generally a security system may be configured to detect an attack on a server while the server is processing a payload. The security system generates (or obtains) a provisional signature corresponding to the vulnerability. For example, a provisional signature may be generated for a vulnerability from a group of payloads determined to correspond to that vulnerability. The effects of subsequent payloads which match the provisional signature may be monitored. If the effects of a payload duplicate the attack symptoms, a confidence metric for provisional signature may be increased. Once the confidence metric exceeds a predetermined threshold, then the provisional signature may be made active and used to block traffic from reaching an intended destination. |
| US08474043B2 |
Speed and memory optimization of intrusion detection system (IDS) and intrusion prevention system (IPS) rule processing
In an intrusion detection/prevention system, network traffic is received and checked for a matching pattern. Upon identifying the matching pattern, the network traffic with the matching pattern is evaluated against rules that are represented by a rule tree. References to rule options are represented in the rule tree and are stored separately from the rule tree. The rule tree represents unique rules by unique paths from a root of the tree to the leaf nodes, and represents rule options as non-leaf nodes of the rule tree. Evaluating the network traffic includes processing, against the network traffic, the rule options in the rule tree beginning at the root. Processing of the rules represented by subtrees of nodes with rule options that do not match is eliminated. The network traffic is evaluated against rules terminating in leaf nodes only for combinations of rule options that match the network traffic. |
| US08474042B2 |
Insider threat correlation tool
Systems and methods for calculating threat scores for individuals within an organization or domain are provided. Aspects of the invention relate to computer-implemented methods that form a predictive threat rating for user accounts. In one implementation, a threat score representing a first time period may be calculated. The first threat score may be calculated from a quantification of a plurality of activity violations across a plurality of control groups. Weighting schemes may be applied to certain activities, controls, and/or user accounts. Further embodiments may be configured to consider additional indicators. Further aspects relate to apparatuses configured to execute methods for ranking individual user accounts. Certain embodiments may not block transmissions that violate predefine rules, however, indications of such improper transmission may be considered when constructing a threat rating. |
| US08474039B2 |
System and method for proactive detection and repair of malware memory infection via a remote memory reputation system
A method for detecting malware memory infections includes the steps of scanning a memory on an electronic device, determining a suspicious entry present in the memory, accessing information about the suspicious entry in a reputation system, and evaluating whether the suspicious entry indicates a malware memory infection. The memory includes memory known to be modified by malware. The suspicious entry is not recognized as a safe entry. The reputation system is configured to store information on suspicious entries. The evaluation is based upon historical data regarding the suspicious entry. |
| US08474038B1 |
Software inventory derivation
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently processing information are disclosed. In some embodiments, this may include creating a first signature index, deriving a second signature index, wherein the second signature index is created by a backup application, comparing the first signature index to a second signature index, determining a positive signature match based on the comparison, and identifying a software application based on the positive signature match. |
| US08474037B2 |
Stateless attestation system
A method includes assessing a trustworthiness level of a user computer by communication between the user computer and a first server. A record indicating the trustworthiness level is sent from the first server to the user computer, for storage by the user computer. A request is sent from the user computer to a second server, different from the first server, for a service to be provided to the user computer by the second server. The record is provided from the user computer to the second server by communicating between the user computer and the second server. At the second server, the trustworthiness level is extracted from the record, and the requested service is conditionally allowed to be provided to the user computer depending on the extracted trustworthiness level. |
| US08474036B2 |
Database context-based intrusion detection
A method for detecting an unauthorized action in a database, the method comprising estimating correlation between a predicted result of an intercepted database statement and at least one context parameter associated with the database statement, wherein lack of correlation indicates the database statement being associated with an unauthorized action. |
| US08474028B2 |
Multi-party, secure multi-channel authentication
A method for using multiple channels to access a resource, wherein a first user requests a resource that requires an indication of approval from a second user, a token value is transmitted to the first user on the first channel, and the second user transmits the token value and a second authentication parameter over a second channel. The token value is used to associate the first authentication parameter to the second authentication parameter, whereby the first user is allowed access to the resource on the first. The first and second user may be independently authenticated in some implementations and not independently authenticated in other implementations. |
| US08474027B2 |
Remote management of resource license
A user-centric or identity-centric resource licensing system that manages access to ‘cloud-based’ resources (e.g., applications and services) is provided. A ‘cloud’ refers to a collection of resources (e.g., hardware and/or software) provided and maintained by an off-site or off-premise party (e.g., third party), wherein the collection of resources can be accessed by an identified user via a network. In accordance with the user-centric licensing model, the resource license (and subscription) rights can migrate with a user without regard to physical location, device used, or other contextual factors (e.g., activity engaged). Effectively, the rights are mapped (and tracked) as a function of a user identity, which can be a core identity or an identity based upon activity engaged, role, capacity, etc. |
| US08474023B2 |
Proactive credential caching
In wireless networking, such as per the IEEE 802.11 standard, a technique automatically republishes an authentication credential to a global credential repository. A station can have a first credential, as is created when the station connects to a first access node of a wireless network. Upon trying and failing to connect to a second access node of the wireless network, the station can have a second credential created and published to the global credential repository. In some situations, the station then roams back to the first access node using the first credential. Efficiently, when the station uses the first credential at the first access node, the first credential can be automatically republished as a global credential. The automatic republishing of the first credential can ensure that the station is able to access the wireless network via various access nodes when roaming. |
| US08474022B2 |
Self-service credential management
A self-service system and method for credential reset permits an administrator to customize policies for credential reset based on any user or group of users. Administrators may choose to set a more stringent policy for credential reset for users or groups that have higher-level permissions to access sensitive information within the resource protected by the credential. Customizable, plug-in gates are provided to permit administrators fine grained control over reset policy definition. When the user initiates a credential reset, the reset policy applicable to that user is invoked, and the user is presented with gates to pass pursuant to the applicable reset policy. The user's responses are compared to responses presented by the user at registration. If the responses meet the reset policy's threshold for accuracy, the user is permitted to reset the credential. |
| US08474021B2 |
Security system and method for computers
A computer security device comprising a processor that is independent of the host CPU for controlling access between the host CPU and the storage device. A program memory that is independent of the computer memory and the storage device unalterably stores and provides computer programs for operating the processor in a manner so as to control access to the storage device. The security device is connected only in line with the data access channel between the host CPU and the storage device, and off the main data and control bus of the host CPU. All data access by the host CPU to the data storage device is blocked before initialization of the security device and is intercepted immediately after the initialization under the control of the processor. The processor effects independent control of the host CPU and configuration of the computer to prevent unauthorized access to the storage device during the interception phase. All users of the computer are authenticated with a prescribed profile of access to the storage device and data access to the storage device remains blocked until a user of the computer is correctly authenticated. |
| US08474020B2 |
User authentication method, wireless communication apparatus, base station, and account management apparatus
A wireless communication apparatus transmits a user identifier to an account management apparatus through a communication apparatus. The account management apparatus generates code generation information, and generates code information using authentication information that corresponds to the user identifier and the code generation information. The account management apparatus transmits the code information and the code generation information to the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus sets code information, and transmits the code generation information to the wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus generates code information using the code generation information and the authentication information, and when wireless network parameters are set, notifies the account management apparatus of success of authentication. The account management apparatus performs a process to permit the wireless communication apparatus to connect to a communication network. |
| US08474019B2 |
Securing asynchronous client server transactions
A method for securing asynchronous client server transactions is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A request including an application identifier and a version of a second application is received at a first application. A service identifier is generated if a session with the second application is valid. A registry is generated at the first application. A catalog is generated based on the registry and the service identifier and the catalog are sent to the second application. A sub-request including the service identifier is received as part of an asynchronous client server transaction. Validity of the sub-request is determined by determining whether the service identifier has expired, whether the sub-request requests a service that is permissible according to the catalog, whether the service identifier is used in conjunction with the second application, or a combination thereof. If the sub-request is valid, the service is provided. |
| US08474016B2 |
Secure management access control for computers, embedded and card embodiment
A computer network management apparatus and method for remotely managing a networked device. The apparatus and method includes a management processor which is in direct communication with the networked device. The apparatus and method provides access for remotely and securely managing a networked device. The apparatus and method further separates management communications from user communications to ensure the security of the management communications. The apparatus and method further includes network and power monitoring and notification systems. The apparatus and method further provides authentication and authorization capabilities for security purposes. |
| US08474012B2 |
Progressive consent
A consent management system is described which manages an entity's consent to consume application functionality on a per-feature level of granularity. To perform this task, the consent management system maintains consent information which describes a plurality of use conditions associated with the features of the application functionality. In one case, the consent information has a hierarchical data structure that identifies a hierarchy of application features. In operation, the consent management system accesses the content information whenever an entity seeks to access a particular application feature; it grants or denies access to the feature based on the consent information. The consent management system also includes a consent maintenance module that allows an administrator (or other entity) to cancel or modify any use condition in the consent information. |
| US08474005B2 |
Method of executing virtualized application able to run in virtualized environment
A method of executing a virtualized application able to run in a virtualized environment. The virtualized application includes application software and the virtualized environment. The application software includes a license monitor to search for a software license while monitoring an execution policy set by a software provider when software is installed or executed. The virtualized environment includes an environment monitor to monitor an execution environment provided to the application software by the virtualized environment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent software able to run in a virtualized environment from being freely copied without any limitations by the execution policy provided by the software provider. |
| US08474004B2 |
System for implementing security on telecommunications terminals
A system includes at least one telecommunications terminal having data processing capabilities, the telecommunications terminal being susceptible of having installed thereon software applications, wherein each software application has associated therewith a respective indicator adapted to indicate a level of security of the software application, the level of security being susceptible of varying in time; a software agent executed by the at least one telecommunications terminal, the software agent being adapted to conditionally allow the installation of software applications on the telecommunications terminal based on the respective level of security; a server in communications relationship with the software agent, the server being adapted to dynamically calculate the level of security of the software applications, and to communicate to the software agent the calculated level of security of the software applications to be installed on the telecommunications terminal. |
| US08474003B2 |
System and method for recording and time-shifting programming in a television distribution system with limited content retention
Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to record broadcast programming for at least one television channel for a period of time, wherein the recording is performed upstream from subscribers in a television distribution system, and further including after the period of time, keeping recorded programming by request from at least one subscriber. And further wherein the request is for at least one television program contained in the recorded programming or for a time window for a particular channel. According to another embodiment a subscriber requests that broadcast programming be saved for the subscriber upstream from the subscriber in a television distribution system, and wherein the subscriber may request the programming be saved for later viewing by the subscriber between the time the programming was broadcast and a later point in time. |
| US08474001B2 |
Near real time delivery of variable bit rate media streams
A method of delivering a variable bit rate (VBR) media stream in near real time includes identifying a selected media asset to be streamed to a media receiver, receiving an available access bandwidth at which the media receiver can receive data, and initiating a session setup for delivery of the selected media asset. The method further includes calculating a delay in decoding a media stream associated with the selected media asset at the media receiver based on the available access bandwidth, and a calculated required minimum transmission rate of a VBR media stream representative of the selected media asset. The method further includes transmitting the selected media asset at the required minimum transmission rate of the VBR media stream and providing the calculated delay to the media receiver such that the media receiver begins decoding the media stream in accordance with the calculated delay. |
| US08474000B2 |
Managing upstream bandwidth
A computer-implemented method for managing upstream bandwidth of a network including changing QoS settings, by a router, of a video device of a plurality of video devices in the network to a higher priority than other of the plurality of video devices. The plurality of video devices concurrently transmit video data. The computer-implemented method further includes estimating an overall upstream bandwidth by the higher priority video device and determining operating rates, by the router, for the plurality of video devices, such that said modem buffer is not backlogged. |
| US08473996B2 |
Apparatus and methods for syndication of on-demand video
Metadata are provided to video generators using a syndication protocol, so that the video generators may produce interactive video content for television subscribers. Metadata relating to source media content are transformed in a computer process from a storage format into a syndication format. Relevant metadata to transform are chosen to reflect the type of interactivity desired by a television service provider and the demands of the video generation process. The transformed metadata are published according to a syndication protocol, so that another computer process that participates in the protocol may generate the interactive video content using the metadata, the source media content, and subscriber commands. |
| US08473995B2 |
Systems and methods for increasing cable modem system bandwidth efficiency
A cable modem termination system measures signal qualities of upstream transmissions associated with one or more cable modems. The system monitors the measured upstream signal qualities, and selectively commands at least one of the one or more cable modems to switch between upstream channels based on the signal quality monitoring. |
| US08473993B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for creating and using video playlists within a network. In accordance with the invention, a user is enabled to create a playlist comprising a plurality of video segments and store the playlist for later access and viewing. In some implementations, the user may upload playlists to the network in order to permit other users to view the playlist and, if desired, watch the playlist's contents. In other implementations, the content provider or third parties may create playlists and make the contents available for viewing. In yet other implementations, the content provider or a third party may insert advertisements into a playlist's contents. |
| US08473991B2 |
Automatic mobile image diary backup and display
A method performed by a user device connected to a content server, via a public network, that includes sending, to a digital video recorder (DVR) server and via the public network, a request to display images on a display device associated with a local server; receiving, from the DVR server and via the public network, a notification to upload the images, the notification including an address for the content server; selecting a group of images stored on the user device; sending, to the content server and based on the address, the group of images; and sending, to the local server and via a local network, a notification to retrieve the group of images from the content server for display on the display device. |
| US08473987B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US08473983B2 |
Method and apparatus to process customized recording contents
A method and apparatus to process customized recording contents includes generating customized replay control information at a time of recording contents. The method also includes extracting broadcasting-associated additional information from a broadcasting stream, extracting user interaction information by matching the extracted additional information with one or more viewing preferences of a user, selectively parsing the broadcasting stream according to the user interaction information to generate stream parsing information, and generating replay control information corresponding to the broadcasting stream based on the user interaction information and stream parsing information. |
| US08473975B1 |
Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices
Methods and apparatus to detect user attentiveness to handheld computing devices are disclosed. An example method includes detecting a change of a handheld computing device from a first starting spatial condition to a first ending spatial condition; and querying an index associating a plurality of spatial condition changes with respective likelihoods indicative of user attentiveness to determine if the index includes an entry having the first starting spatial condition and the first ending spatial condition of the detected change. |
| US08473974B2 |
Activation system and method for activating an optical article
An optical article comprising a plurality of optically detectable marks disposed on a surface of the optical article; a removable electrical device disposed on the surface of the optical article; wherein the electrical device is operatively coupled to the optical article; and wherein the electrical device is configured to interact with an activation signal when brought in direct contact with a communication device that applies the activation signal to the electrical device. A removable electrical device is also provided. A system and a method for activation are also provided. |
| US08473968B2 |
Driving method and application thereof
A driving method for a video device is disclosed. The driving method includes following steps. Obtaining a first instruction from a virtual file system of a first operating system. Converting the first instruction into a second instruction compatible with a second operating system. Virtualizing a kernel of the second operating system. Controlling a video driver according to the second instruction through the kernel of the second operating system. A driving module for a video device is also disclosed. |
| US08473963B2 |
Synchronizing multiple threads efficiently
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of assigning a location within a shared variable for each of multiple threads and writing a value to a corresponding location to indicate that the corresponding thread has reached a barrier. In such manner, when all the threads have reached the barrier, synchronization is established. In some embodiments, the shared variable may be stored in a cache accessible by the multiple threads. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08473961B2 |
Methods to generate security profile for restricting resources used by a program based on entitlements of the program
In response to a request for launching a program, a list of one or more application frameworks to be accessed by the program during execution of the program is determined. Zero or more entitlements representing one or more resources entitled by the program during the execution are determined. A set of one or more rules based on the entitlements of the program is obtained from at least one of the application frameworks. The set of one or more rules specifies one or more constraints of resources associated with the at least one application framework. A security profile is dynamically compiled for the program based on the set of one or more rules associated with the at least one application framework. The compiled security profile is used to restrict the program from accessing at least one resource of the at least one application frameworks during the execution of the program. |
| US08473957B2 |
Architecture for providing on-demand and background processing
Embodiments are directed to providing schedule-based processing using web service on-demand message handling threads and to managing processing threads based on estimated future workload. In an embodiment, a web service platform receives a message from a client that is specified for schedule-based, background handling. The web service platform includes an on-demand message handling service with processing threads that are configured to perform on-demand message processing. The web service platform loads the on-demand message handling service including the on-demand message handling threads. The web service platform implements the on-demand message handling service's threads to perform background processing on the received client message. The client messages specified for background handling are thus handled as service-initiated on-demand tasks. |
| US08473956B2 |
Priority based scheduling system for server
A priority based scheduling system for a server prioritizes multiple tasks that are defined using various constraints, which may include relationships defined between different tasks, performance parameters for each task, and completion constraints. The system may track actual performance of a task and update the performance parameters over time. Some embodiments may include a status monitoring agent that may detect that a monitored network parameter has changed that may cause a scheduled task to be raised or lowered in priority. The system may be used to schedule and execute one time tasks as well as recurring tasks, and may execute those tasks during a rigid or flexible periodic time window. Many of the tasks may be pausable and resumable, and such tasks may be performed in increments over successive time windows. |
| US08473951B2 |
Method and system for traversing in reverse chronological order along a critical path of a plurality of jobs, and reducing time gaps between jobs until an estimated end time of the last job is less than or equal to a target end time
Systems and methods for improved batch flow management are described. At least some embodiments include a computer system for managing a job flow including a memory storing a plurality of batch queue jobs grouped into Services each including a job and a predecessor job. A time difference is the difference between a scheduled job start time and an estimated predecessor job end time. Jobs with a preceding time gap include jobs immediately preceded only by non-zero time differences. The job start depends upon the predecessor job completion. The computer system further includes a processing unit that identifies jobs preceded by a time gap, selects one of the Services, and traverses in reverse chronological order a critical path of dependent jobs within the Service until a latest job with a preceding time gap is identified or at least those jobs along the critical path preceded by another job are traversed. |
| US08473943B2 |
Using ecoprint for cloning of applications
Methods and systems for automating technology integrations are presented. A source application system that connects to external technologies, such as plug-ins, is ported from one computing environment or ecosystem to another and thereby integrated on the other ecosystem. The porting is facilitated by the extraction of information and code from the source environment, creating an XML “ecoprint” payload file, copying the ecoprint file to the target system, and applying an integration defined by the XML ecoprint payload file to connect and otherwise integrate the application system with external technologies in the target environment. |
| US08473933B2 |
Refactoring call sites
A system and method for refactoring one or more call sites based on a revised signature. If the original call site is ordered, the refactored call site is generated by sorting the arguments based on the revised signature. Each unnamed argument is selectively changed to a named argument based on whether it is preceded by a named argument and whether its index value matches the index value of its corresponding parameter in the revised signature. If the original call site is unordered, the arguments preceding the first named argument are ordered. New arguments corresponding to new parameters are added and selectively made to be named arguments. New optional arguments may be included or omitted from the refactored call site. |
| US08473927B2 |
Points-to analysis using value flow
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for performing points-to analysis by generating a value flow graph for source code. The method steps include: initializing the value flow graph including a set of memory objects and a set of edges based on Base and Assignment instructions, where the set of edges represents inclusion constraints between the set of memory objects and a set of pointer variables; determining a pointed-to-by set including at least one pointer variable of the set of pointer variables; updating the value flow graph by introducing a flow edge based on an indirect reference, where the flow edge is related to a memory object of the set of memory objects that is added to a working list; updating the pointed-to-by set based on the memory object in the working list; and analyzing the source code using the pointed-to-by set. |
| US08473926B2 |
Software-to-hardware compiler
A software-to-hardware compiler is provided that generates hardware constructs in programmable logic based on pure software constructs. More particularly, a high-level program language may be used to create a program using only software constructs that is compiled into hardware constructs. Optimizations may be made in the later stages of compilation to retime the circuit, allowing for maximum data flow. The hardware may make run-time decisions with respect to executing programmable logic blocks in parallel. The decisions may be at least partially based on a control flow. |
| US08473923B2 |
Pointers for write abort handling
A portion of a nonvolatile memory array that is likely to contain, partially programmed data may be identified from a high sensitivity read, by applying stricter than usual error correction code (ECC) requirements, or using pointers to programmed sectors. The last programmed data may be treated as likely to be partially programmed data. Data in the identified portion may be copied to another location, or left where it is with an indicator to prohibit further programming to the same cells. To avoid compromising previously stored data during subsequent programming, previously stored data may be backed up. Backing up may be done selectively, for example, only for nonsequential data, or only when the previously stored data contains an earlier version of data being programmed. If a backup copy already exists, another backup copy is not created. Sequential commands are treated as a single command if received within a predetermined time period. |
| US08473922B2 |
Runtime monitoring in component-based systems
A monitoring method and apparatus for a component-based software system operating over one or more processing devices are provided according to the invention. The method includes the steps of initiating an invocation of a second software component from within an execution of a first software component. A stub start log data is recorded in an instrumented stub before the invocation of the second software component. A stub end log data is recorded in the instrumented stub after a response is received from the invocation of the second software component. The stub start log data and the stub end log data gather runtime information about execution of the second software component within the component-based software system. The monitoring is capable of gathering log data across a plurality of threads, across a plurality of processes, and across a plurality of processors. The log data may be retrieved and analyzed to produce timing latency information, shared resource usage information, application semantics information, and causality relationship information. |
| US08473921B2 |
Debugging mechanisms in a cache-based memory isolation system
Debugging software in systems with architecturally significant processor caches. A method may be practiced in a computing environment. The method includes acts for debugging a software application, wherein the software application is configured to use one or more architecturally significant processor caches coupled to a processor. The method includes beginning execution of the software application. A debugger is run while executing the software application. The software application causes at least one of reads or writes to be made to the cache in an architecturally significant fashion. The reads or writes made to the cache in an architecturally significant fashion are preserved while performing debugging operations that would ordinarily disturb the reads or writes made to the cache in an architecturally significant fashion. |
| US08473917B2 |
Enhanced operation diagnostics
Systems and methods are provided that dynamically render permissive status information on a human-machine interface (HMI) to inform an operator of conditions that are preventing an issued control command from executing. A status display generator deployed on the HMI can be associated with a control action to be initiated in a control program via the HMI. The control action can have one or more programmed conditions or permissives that must be satisfied before the control action can be initiated. Operators wishing to review the states of the various conditions can invoke the status display generator, which reads the conditions and their respective statuses from the control program and generates a permissive summary display listing the conditions together with their respective “ready” or “not ready” states. The permissive summary display provides a convenient reference that allows the operator to quickly assess what actions must be taken to place the system in the appropriate state to execute the desired control action. |
| US08473911B1 |
Documentation generation from a computer readable symbolic representation
Generation of documentation from a computer readable symbolic representation is described. In an embodiment, a reified version of an input is obtained as coded objects. The input is readable by a programmed computer for execution, and is in an applied form of a symbolic representation of knowledge for a defined domain of knowledge. The reified version is a coded form of the applied form, wherein the coded objects are in a dynamic language. A content sequence library is accessed by the programmed computer responsive to the coded objects to extract content for a document plan. A reasoning library is then accessed by the programmed computer responsive to the content extracted to provide a sequenced organization of phrase structure for the content extracted. A natural language representation of the input is output from a realization of the sequenced organization of phrase structure. |
| US08473910B2 |
Method and system for defining a software application as a complete and consistent specification in a software development process
A method and system include capturing one or more process flow definitions that define, at least in part, a software application. One or more user interface definitions that define, at least in part, an interface to the software application are captured. One or more data definitions that define, at least in part, data used within the software application are captured. One or more rules for validating at least part of the software application are captured. A design definition is captured as a specification wherein the design definition includes: the one or more process flow definitions, the one or more user interface definitions, the one or more data definitions, and the one or more rules. |
| US08473909B2 |
Method for providing assistance in making change decisions in a configurable managed environment
A method is provided for assigning weights to configuration items (CIs) in a configurable managed system, wherein respective weights are derived from information contained in an associated configuration management database. The information could include without limitation the relationships that a configuration item (CI) has with other CIs and the number of reads and writes that are made between the CI and other CIs. A Change Manager in the configurable system makes changes affecting CIs, wherein different types of changes require different levels of confidence in the integrity of data in the CMDB. Accordingly, the weights of respective CIs are used to provide a confidence level regarding the accuracy of CMDB data, pertinent to a proposed change. The confidence level is then used by the Change Manager in deciding whether or not to make the change. One embodiment comprises acquiring information from the CMDB pertaining to CIs that would be affected by a particular change, and processing the acquired information to compute a confidence level indicating the probability that the acquired information is correct. The particular change is then allowed only if the confidence level is no less than a pre-specified minimum value. |
| US08473907B1 |
Computer programming adaptive analysis
A method and apparatus for evaluating quality of a codebase is provided. The evaluation is provided by developing metrics, indicators, and indices for all levels of a codebase to provide indicators of quality and to enable identification of code blocks that need to be improved. |
| US08473905B1 |
Managing user interface characteristics in displaying data storage systems information
Managing user interface characteristics in displaying data storage system information. New functionality may be provided that can effect look-and-feel skinning for OEM and client customization. Extensions to conventional Java Synth Look-and-Feel technology for support of OEM and client customization may be enabled. Multiple Synth XML files can be merged, e.g., on the fly, and form one Synth XML file. One primary Synth XML file may be provided and any Style elements defined in secondary XML files may override corresponding Style elements in the primary XML file. For example, an OEM customer can define one Button Style in a secondary (customer's) XML file, and this definition can be detected at runtime and overrides a primary XML file's Button Style, resulting in the OEM look and feel. |
| US08473899B2 |
Automatic optimization of string allocations in a computer program
Access is obtained to an input object-oriented computer program. In the input object-oriented computer program, semantically equivalent objects are identified, which exist in different memory locations. If at least one of: a number of occurrences for the semantically equivalent objects exceeds a first threshold value, the threshold value being at least two; and a number of equality tests on the semantically equivalent objects exceeds a second threshold value, then a further step includes identifying an application program interface to reduce the semantically equivalent objects to a single object in a single memory location. |
| US08473897B2 |
Common intermediate representation for data scripting language
A common intermediate representation for a data scripting language is provided for efficient representation and direct specification of programming constructs in memory. The common intermediate representation of data scripts allows data intensive applications to be created and analyzed in a machine accessible format, and the elements of the common intermediate representation can be stored independent of underlying storage specifics. Stored elements of the common intermediate representation of code are thus available for fast loading in memory when desired by other applications and programs by mapping the stored elements to the in memory intermediate representation. |
| US08473893B2 |
Integration of external software analysis processes with software configuration management applications
A platform is provided for enabling developers to customize easily and efficiently the performance of tasks on versions of a software project. An interface may be established in a software configuration management (SCM) application for communicating with software analysis processes, and information about a manner in which the software analysis process is triggered or stores data may be input as parameters to the interface. Additionally, generic parameters for a task to be performed by the software analysis process may be provided in a template. The template may then be provided to developers to populate with specific parameters regarding the particular task that developer would like performed, such as to identifying information for a version and a condition upon which the task is to be performed. Each developer of a team may make use of the template and the interface to customize the automation of tasks that he/she would like performed. |
| US08473892B1 |
Computer aided design system and method
A computer aided design system comprises a storage module, an interface creating module, and a calculating module. The storage module stores a contact list, one or more programs, and coordinates of each net which is being composed of a plurality of cline segments. The interface module creates a parameter setting interface on the screen of the device to display a design with a plurality of to-be-calculated nets and select at least one net in response to the user's operation. The calculating module calculates the length of each branch of the selected nets. |
| US08473887B2 |
Event scheduler for an electrical circuit design to account for hold time violations
Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for identifying and classify nodes of an electrical circuit design to account for hold time violations occurring within the circuit. The nodes may be ordered based on a criticality of the nodes that may aid in identifying those nodes of the circuit where hold time violations may be corrected. In one embodiment, the criticality may relate to the number of potentially violating paths that utilize the identified nodes such that corrective measures applied at those nodes may correct several hold time violating paths. In addition, criticality may be scaled utilizing an available buffer library and other timing information. Thus, by utilizing the methods and/or apparatuses of the present disclosure, the locations where timing violation corrective measures may be applied that improve or correct several violating data paths at once may be identified in such a manner so as to reduce the number of overall corrections made to the circuit design, reducing the cost and necessary time associated with the corrections. |
| US08473886B2 |
Parallel parasitic processing in static timing analysis
A static timing analysis (STA) technique including a main process and a parallel process is described. In the main process, an IC design can be loaded and then linked to a cell library. Timing constraints to be applied to the IC design can be loaded. A timing update for the IC design can be performed. A report based on the timing update can be output. In the parallel process, the interconnect parasitics can be back-annotated onto the IC design. In one embodiment, the interconnect parasitics can be processed and stored on disk. Information on attaching to the stored parasitic data can be generated and provided to the main process during the step of performing the timing update. The parallel process can run concurrently and asynchronously with the main process. |
| US08473880B1 |
Synchronization of parallel memory accesses in a dataflow circuit
Approaches for creating a pipelined circuit design from a high level language (HLL) specification. In one embodiment, the HLL specification is translated into an intermediate level language specification of operations of the pipelined circuit design, and a data dependency graph of the operations is created. A sequence of operations that is bounded by two write operations and that has no intervening write operations between the two write operations is identified, along with two or more read operations within the sequence. A pipelined design specification is generated from the dependency graph and hardware components associated with the operations in the intermediate level language specification. At least two of the components corresponding to the two or more read operations access a memory in parallel, and each component corresponding to the two or more read and the two write operations requires a synchronization token as input and outputs a synchronization token upon completion of the operation. |
| US08473876B2 |
Lithography aware timing analysis
A method for performing timing analysis includes receiving information specifying an integrated circuit. A neighborhood of shapes associated with the integrated circuit is then determined. Delay information associated with the integrated circuit is generated based on the neighborhood of shapes. The neighborhood of shapes may be determined by determining a first set of spacings to a boundary of a first cell from an internal shape. A second set of spacings may be determined from the boundary of the first cell to a shape of a second cell. A lithography process may be characterized using the first and second set of spacings. |
| US08473874B1 |
Method and apparatus for automatically fixing double patterning loop violations
A method for automatically generating and prioritizing several design solutions that resolve a double patterning (DP) loop violation in an IC design layout. The method of some embodiments receives a DP loop violation marker and identifies pairs of edges of shapes that form a double patterning loop based on the DP loop violation marker. For each pair of edges that violates the design rule, the method generates one or more design solutions. Each design solution moves a single edge or both edges to resolve the violation. The method of some embodiments computes the cost of applying each design solution to the IC design layout and prioritizes the generated solutions for all the identified pairs of edges based on the computed cost for each solution. The method in some embodiments then selects a solution from the prioritized solutions and applies the selected solution to the design layout. |
| US08473867B2 |
Conflict switches for implementation guide node changes
An enhancement implementation analysis method and system are provided. A processor may determine a node in an implementation guide hierarchy to be analyzed for conflicts. Based on the determination, a list of all switches assigned to the node in the implementation guide hierarchy may be retrieved from a data store. The list of retrieved switches may be checked by a processor to determine whether the switch is an active conflict switch. Upon a determination that the conflict switch is an inactive conflict switch, the conflict switch may be deleted from the retrieved list of all switches. If the conflict switch is determined to be an active conflict switch, the conflict switch may be added to a list of relevant switches, and the list of relevant switches may be processed to resolve conflicts, and a corresponding implementation guide may be presented. |
| US08473865B2 |
User interface for a remote control application
A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays operational mode information to a user. The graphical user interface may be used, for example, to setup the remote control application to control appliances for one or more users in one or more rooms, to perform activities, and to access favorites. The remote control application is also adapted to be upgradeable. Furthermore, the remote control application provides for the sharing of operational mode information. |
| US08473863B2 |
Method for generating an on-screen menu
A method for generating an on-screen menu comprising menu buttons and other menu items, e.g. help text, comprises one or more groups of menu buttons or menu items are defined, wherein a group comprises one or more menu buttons or menu items and has associated a defined area on the screen. A state is assigned to a button, the state being “enabled” or “disabled”, wherein only an enabled button or item may be displayed, and wherein within a group not more than one button or item may be enabled. The state of a button can be changed by commands associated with other buttons. |
| US08473862B1 |
Organizational tools on a multi-touch display device
A process for enabling objects displayed on a multi-input display device to be grouped together is disclosed that includes defining a target element that enables objects displayed on a multi-input display device to be grouped together through interaction with the target element. Engagement of an input mechanism with one of the target element and a particular one of the objects displayed on the multi-input display device is detected. Movement of the input mechanism is monitored while the input mechanism remains engaged with whichever one of the target element and the particular displayed object that the input mechanism engaged. A determination is made that at least a portion of a particular displayed object is overlapping at least a portion of a target element on the multi-input display device upon detecting disengagement of the input mechanism. As a consequence of disengagement and the overlap, processes are invoked that establish a relationship between the particular displayed object and a position on the target element and that causes transformations applied to the target element also to be applied to the particular displayed object while maintaining the relationship between the particular displayed object and the position on the target element. |
| US08473861B2 |
System wide text viewer
A method of magnifying text across a computer operating system platform, the method including the steps of loading a background text viewer process on a computer operating system, the background text viewer process having access to internal operating system messaging relating to text sent to a graphics display driver for presentation to an end-user on a GUI, drawing a text viewer on a portion of the GUI whereby the text viewer and a third party application that displays text are shown on the GUI concurrently, intercepting text originating from the third party application and sent to the graphics display driver, the interception performed by the background text viewer process, selecting a substring of intercepted text associated with an end-user focus on the third party application and displaying the substring on the text viewer according to end-user defined settings. |
| US08473858B2 |
Graph viewer displaying predicted account balances and expenditures
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for providing a graphical user interface on the display device, where the graphical user interface includes a graph viewing tool for charting data. The graph viewing tool includes: (a) a first display area displaying a first axis and a second axis of a graph, the first axis representing a first parameter of the data over a first range of values; (b) a second display area displaying a third axis representing the first parameter over a second range of values; and (c) a first tool and a second tool displayed in the second display area proximate the third axis, wherein the first tool and the second tool are configured such that they can be moved relative to each other and relative to the third axis to increase or decrease the first range of values displayed along the first axis in the first display area. |
| US08473854B2 |
Visualization profiles and templates for auto-configuration of industrial automation systems
A visualization system utilizing pre-configured visualization profiles and templates to reduce the level of effort and time required to commission an industrial automation visualization system. The preconfigured visualization profiles and templates include graphic displays, informational reports and data sampling and collection strategies appropriate for the specific sector of manufacturing or industry. |
| US08473852B2 |
Virtual world building operations center
Methods and systems are described that allow coordinated users to employ avatars to observe and control a plurality of buildings—their building support systems and functions from a virtual world environment. Embodiments coordinate building supervisory personnel (specialists), building monitoring and control equipment, and repair (worker) personnel in a virtual world that is controlled by specialist avatars. Operations personnel perform building operation decisions in response to current situations in a virtual world using their specialist avatars. |
| US08473849B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting image data, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image forming apparatus is provided with a first electronic mail message transmission portion for transmitting an image file of a target image to be transmitted to an intended receiver to an apparatus of the intended receiver together with a URL of a web page on which an image format is specified, a second transmission image data generation portion for generating an image file of the target image in the format specified on the web page, and a second electronic mail message transmission portion for transmitting the image file thus generated to the apparatus of the intended receiver. |
| US08473845B2 |
Video manager and organizer
An online video search system, including a tag discoverer including a web encyclopedia crawler for (i) accessing a web encyclopedia to find web pages related to at least one designated reference topic, and (ii) retrieving a plurality of web pages by performing an n-level depth recursive traversal of the web pages found, and web pages that are hyper-linked thereto, a concept extractor for extracting important concepts founds in the retrieved plurality of web pages, and a user interface for providing at least of the important concepts extracted by the web page processor to an online video search engine. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed. |
| US08473844B2 |
Audio related system link management
A system for management and control of audio-related equipment. A link manager may be included in the system. The link manager may be configured to manage subscriptions to multiple other audio-related devices or control panel views. When the managed data variables change, the link manager module may notify other audio-related devices and/or control panel views of the change. In response to the notification, the other audio-related devices and/or control panels may subscribe to the audio-related device with the changed data variable, to request receipt of the updated data variable. In some examples, the link manager module may also be configured to lessen the subscription burden for a particular audio-related device. |
| US08473843B2 |
Correcting data inputted into a mobile communications device
A method, system, and medium are provided for inputting data into a mobile communications device having a touchscreen. An illustrative method includes receiving a user-entered character string and automatically replacing the user-entered character string with a suggested character string. The suggested character string is marked with a visual indication of the replacement and the visual indication is maintained even if the suggested character string is a correctly spelled word. An input region associated with the visual indication is provided such that a set of alternative character strings as suggested replacements may be provided incident to receiving touch input to the input region. |
| US08473840B2 |
Web page editing
A web page to be edited has at least one web part. The web part can be a managed part with an identifier or an unmanaged part without an identifier and is stored in a computer readable medium. A mutual conversion section allows the web part to be converted from a form of the managed part with an identifier to a form of the unmanaged part without an identifier. After conversion, a new web part which was not stored in the computer readable medium is detected and inserted into the web page. |
| US08473832B2 |
Parity error checking and compare using shared logic circuitry in a ternary content addressable memory
Methods and apparatus for performing, using smaller, more efficient shared logic circuitry, the parity checking function and the compare function in a mutually exclusive manner in different cycles of a ternary content addressable memory are disclosed. |
| US08473829B2 |
Address generation for contention-free memory mappings of turbo codes with ARP (almost regular permutation) interleaves
Address generation for contention-free memory mappings of turbo codes with ARP (almost regular permutation) interleaves. Anticipatory address generation is employed using an index function , that is based on an address mapping , which corresponds to an interleave inverse order of decoding processing (π−1). In accordance with parallel turbo decoding processing, instead of performing the natural order phase decoding processing by accessing data elements from memory bank locations sequentially, the accessing of addresses is performed based on the index function , that is based on an mapping and the interleave (π) employed within the turbo coding. In other words, the accessing data elements from memory bank locations is not sequential for natural order phase decoding processing. The index function also allows for the interleave (π) order phase decoding processing to be performed by accessing data elements from memory bank locations sequentially. |
| US08473828B2 |
Minimal hardware implementation of non-parity and parity trellis
Minimal hardware implementation of non-parity and parity trellis. More than one type of trellis can be represented using a minimal amount of hardware. In magnetic recording systems and other communication systems types, there is oftentimes a need to switch between trellises which support parity and ones which do not. Rules are presented herein which will ensure joint representation of more than one trellis while requiring minimal additional hardware when compared to representing only one trellis. To represent the non-parity trellis, emanating states, resultant states, and one or more expansion states (if needed) are all that is required. Any expansion states may also need to have its path metric and path memory corresponded to one of the resultant states to ensure proper detection according to the non-parity trellis. |
| US08473827B2 |
Encoder, transmission device, and encoding method
Disclosed are an encoder, a transmission device, and an encoding method with which the transmission amount is reduced and a deterioration in transmission efficiency is suppressed while improving reception quality when QC-LDPC or a like block encoding is used. A puncture pattern setting unit (620) searches for a puncture pattern for each integral multiple of the number of columns or for each divisor of the number of columns of a sub block matrix that forms a check matrix (H) of a QC-LDPC code, and a puncture unit (data reduction unit) (630) switches the puncture pattern for each integral multiple of the number of columns or for each divisor of the number of columns of the sub block matrix that forms the check matrix of the QC-LDPC code. |
| US08473825B2 |
Evolved universal terrestrial radio access acknowledged mode radio link control status report for segmented protocol data units
A method is provided for an acknowledged mode (AM) radio link control (RLC) receiving entity to promote a retransmission of at least a segment of a data protocol data unit (PDU). The method comprises the receiving entity constructing a STATUS PDU such that an AM RLC transmitting entity receiving the STATUS PDU retransmits the segment. |
| US08473824B1 |
Quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) encoder
Methods and systems are disclosed herein for generating parity information for using information in a low-density parity check (LDPC) encoder. A quasi-cyclic LDPC generator matrix K can be generated based on the non-invertible parity-check matrix H. Parity information can be generated by the LDPC encoder based at least in part on the user information, the non-invertible parity check matrix H, and the quasi-cyclic LDPC generator matrix K. |
| US08473823B2 |
Encoding device and decoding device
An encoding device and decoding device for improving an error floor while taking advantage of the features of a convolutional code capable of encoding/decoding an information sequence with an arbitrary length are disclosed. An error correction encoding section is provided with an LDPC-CC encoder and an LDPC-BC encoder. The LDPC-CC encoder acquires an LDPC-CC code word sequence by applying LDPC-CC encoding to a transmission information sequence. The LDPC-BC encoder acquires a parity sequence by applying LDPC-BC encoding to the LDPC-CC code word sequence. The LDPC-CC encoder further applies the LDPC-CC encoding to the parity sequence. |
| US08473822B2 |
True bit level decoding of TTCM (turbo trellis coded modulation) of variable rates and signal constellations
True bit level decoding of TTCM (Turbo Trellis Coded Modulation) of variable rates and signal constellations. A decoding approach is presented that allows for decoding on a bit level basis that allows for discrimination of the individual bits of a symbol. Whereas prior art approaches typically perform decoding on a symbol level basis, this decoding approach allows for an improved approach in which the hard decisions/best estimates may be made individually for each of the individual bits of an information symbol. In addition, the decoding approach allows for a reduction in the total number of calculations that need to be performed as well as the total number of values that need to be stored during the iterative decoding. The bit level decoding approach is also able to decode a signal whose code rate and/or signal constellation type (and mapping) may vary on a symbol by symbol basis. |
| US08473821B2 |
Packet-level erasure protection coding in aggregated packet transmissions
In a first aspect, an aggregated packet (A-MPDU) includes packets (MPDUs) and EC-Blocks (Error Correction Blocks) containing error correction coding information. A transmitter uses a Fountain coding scheme (for example, Raptor or RaptorQ) to generate the error correction coding information from the MPDUs. If a receiver detects an error in a received MPDU, then the receiver uses the error correction coding information from the EC-Blocks to correct the error. In a second novel aspect, a determination is made as to whether a change in error rate is more likely due to collisions or to a low SNR. If the determination is that the change is due to collisions then the MCS index is adjusted to restore a target error rate, whereas if the determination is that the change is due to a low SNR then the number of EC-Blocks per A-MPDU is adjusted to restore the target error rate. |
| US08473819B2 |
Error management
An electronic device is described which receives data from a transmitting device via a communications channel. The electronic device comprises digital processing circuitry arranged to process the data received via the communications channel to generate output data, error detection circuitry arranged to detect errors in the output data, and monitoring circuitry arranged to monitor the quality of digital processing conducted by the digital processing circuitry and generate digital performance data indicative of the monitored quality of digital processing. The electronic device also comprises control circuitry responsive to error information comprising errors detected by the error detection circuitry and the performance data generated by the monitoring circuitry to modify the operation of one or both of the transmitting device and the electronic device. The digital performance data provides the control circuitry with additional information for use in identifying where errors in signal processing are arising, enabling an informed decision be made to modify the operation of either the transmitting device or receiving device in some way, either to reduce the occurrence of errors in the output signal or to improve the speed and/or efficiency of the transmitter and/or receiver. |
| US08473818B2 |
Reliable communications in on-chip networks
Techniques for reliable communication in an on-chip network of a multi-core processor are provided. Packets are tagged with tags that define reliability requirements for the packets. The packets are routed in accordance with the reliability requirements. The reliability requirements and routing using them can ensure reliable communication in the on-chip network. |
| US08473817B2 |
LDPC (low density parity check) code size adjustment by shortening and puncturing
LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code size adjustment by shortening and puncturing. A variety of LDPC coded signals may be generated from an initial LDPC code using selected shortening and puncturing. Using LDPC code size adjustment approach, a single communication device whose hardware design is capable of processing the original LDPC code is also capable to process the various other LDPC codes constructed from the original LDPC code after undergoing appropriate shortening and puncturing. This provides significant design simplification and reduction in complexity because the same hardware can be implemented to accommodate the various LDPC codes generated from the original LDPC code. Therefore, a multi-LDPC code capable communication device can be implemented that is capable to process several of the generated LDPC codes. This approach allows for great flexibility in the LDPC code design, in that, the original code rate can be maintained after performing the shortening and puncturing. |
| US08473812B2 |
Method and system for error correction in flash memory
A multi-level solid state non-volatile memory array has memory cells that store data using a first number of digital levels. A controller of the memory array encodes a series of data bits to generate a series of encoded data bits, and converts the series of encoded data bits into a series of data symbols. The controller sends, to the memory array, a stored series of data symbols based on the series of data symbols for storage in a memory cell of the multi-level solid state non-volatile memory array. The controller generates an output signal based on data associated with the stored series of data symbols. The output signal is characterized by a second number of digital levels greater than the first number of digital levels. The controller outputs a series of output data symbols based on the output signal. |
| US08473810B2 |
Memory chip having a security function and for which reading and writing of data is controlled by an authenticated controller
According to one embodiment, a memory chip, which is connected to a controller that controls reading and writing of data in response to a request from an external device, includes: a memory including a special area that is a predetermined data storage area; a key storage unit that stores therein a second key that corresponds to a first key used by the external device to convert the data; a converting unit that receives, from the controller, data to be written into the special area and generates converted data by converting the data to be written using the second key; and a writing unit that writes the converted data into the special area. |
| US08473808B2 |
Semiconductor memory having non-standard form factor
A semiconductor memory chip including error correction circuitry configured to receive data words from an external device, each data word comprising a binary number of data bits, and configured to error encode each data word to form a corresponding coded word comprising a non-binary number of data bits including the data bits of the data word and a plurality of error correction code bits. At least one memory cell array is configured to receive and store the coded word and partitioned based on the non-binary number of bits of the coded word so as to have a non-binary number of wordlines and provide the memory chip with an aspect ratio other than a 2:1 aspect ratio. |
| US08473807B2 |
Method of processing traffic information and digital broadcast system
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change. |
| US08473803B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating ARQ feedback message in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for generating an Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) feedback message in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes generating first feedback information of at least one ARQ block, determining whether any ARQ blocks include at least one successfully received ARQ sub-block, when the at least one erroneous ARQ block includes at least one successfully received ARQ sub-block, adding second feedback information of the ARQ sub-blocks to the first feedback information of the ARQ blocks using a field indicating whether the second feedback information is added and a field indicating the erroneous ARQ blocks including the at least one successfully received ARQ sub-block, and sending the first feedback information with the second feedback information added, to the transmitting stage. |
| US08473800B2 |
Method and apparatus for ACK/NACK reporting
A method, node, and system are provided that overcome problems with using inaccurate estimates of a current round trip time RTT for verifying the ACK/NACK information received in an ACK/NACK report, e.g., a piggy-backed ACK/NACK (PAN). This is accomplished by de-coupling the RTT from the ACK/NACK analysis performed in the sending node that receives the ACK/NACK report. As a result, unnecessary re-transmissions are avoided, communication delays are decreased, and spectrum and other system resources are used more efficiently. |
| US08473799B2 |
Handling of disrupted synchronous hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) cycle at system time rollover
Certain aspects of the present disclosure propose techniques for avoiding a disruption in synchronous hybrid automatic repeat request operation at system time rollover. The techniques define the behavior of a system before and after the system frame number (SFN) rollover point to ensure a known relationship between a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process identification number and system time. |
| US08473798B1 |
Encoding and decoding systems and related methods
A method of searching for candidate codewords for a telecommunications system may comprise receiving a constellation point, comparing the received point with points within a Dorsch decoding process using an optimal pattern, and terminating the search when a codeword is found residing within a specified distance of the received point. |
| US08473789B2 |
Memory leak monitoring system and associated methods
A system to check for memory leaks in storage may include a data processing application executing via a computer processor, and storage to store data generated by the data processing application. The system may also include a monitor executing via the computer processor that checks the storage over different time intervals in order to identify a particular sized memory leak in the storage based upon each time interval's length. |
| US08473786B2 |
Management apparatus and management method
A management apparatus and a management method that enable parsing processing to be executed efficiently by means of a working memory of a fixed size are proposed. One or more predefined rules are divided into one or more rule segments that comprise a condition and a conclusion that each form part of the rule, and the rule segments obtained through the division are stored in the secondary storage, and when an event notification from the information processing device is received, one or more related rule segments are selected and, by linking the selected one or more rule segments in the memory as required, a rule parsing network is constructed that indicates relationships between rules in the memory, an inference is derived on the basis of the constructed rule parsing network, and rule segments that are not readily used in inference derivation are deleted from the memory. |
| US08473782B2 |
Method for data synchronization and mobile terminal using the same
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, method including performing, via a controller on the mobile terminal, data synchronizations with at least one external device, displaying, via a display on the mobile terminal, a list of data synchronization history corresponding to the performed data synchronizations, determining, via the controller, whether or not a particular data synchronization from the list includes an error, undoing, via the controller, the particular data synchronization to a state prior to the particular data synchronization, if it is determined that the particular data synchronization includes the error, and re-performing, via the controller, the particular data synchronization using data corresponding to the undone particular data synchronization. |
| US08473781B1 |
Computing device with recovery mode
Methods and apparatus for implementing a recovery mode procedure for a computing device are disclosed. In an example method, a computing device is configured to receive a first indication, the first indication indicating that instructions for implementing a recovery mode are to be executed. The instructions to implement the recovery mode are executed in response to receiving the first indication. Implementing the recovery mode includes receiving a second indication and, based on the second indication, performing one of a first process that includes replacing current operating system software of the computing device and removing user data from the computing device with a trusted version of operating system software of the computing device or a second process that includes replacing current operating system software of the computing device with the trusted version of operating system software of the computing device and retaining user data on the computing device. |
| US08473776B2 |
Virtual disk drive system and method
A disk drive system and method capable of dynamically allocating data is provided. The disk drive system may include a RAID subsystem having a pool of storage, for example a page pool of storage that maintains a free list of RAIDs, or a matrix of disk storage blocks that maintain a null list of RAIDs, and a disk manager having at least one disk storage system controller. The RAID subsystem and disk manager dynamically allocate data across the pool of storage and a plurality of disk drives based on RAID-to-disk mapping. The RAID subsystem and disk manager determine whether additional disk drives are required, and a notification is sent if the additional disk drives are required. Dynamic data allocation and data progression allow a user to acquire a disk drive later in time when it is needed. Dynamic data allocation also allows efficient data storage of snapshots/point-in-time copies of virtual volume pool of storage, instant data replay and data instant fusion for data backup, recovery etc., remote data storage, and data progression, etc. |
| US08473768B2 |
Power control apparatus and method for cluster system
A power control apparatus for a cluster system, includes a cluster including a plurality of nodes, each equipped with a battery; and a power control unit connected to the cluster over a network and configured to monitor power management information and performance information of the cluster and to set a power capping threshold based on the monitored power management information and performance information of the cluster. Accordingly, the power control unit enables power of the cluster to be limited by turning on and off the batteries when power of the cluster system increases up to the power capping threshold. |
| US08473765B2 |
Method and system for adjusting CPU frequency
A method for adjusting central processing unit (CPU) frequency according to the CPU utilization rate in a computer, the method includes the following steps. A Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is booted by turning on the computer. A performance monitor in the CPU is started by the BIOS. A timer is turned on by the BIOS. The system management interrupt program is read by the timer during a time period. A number of clock signals and time values is recorded by the performance monitor in two adjacent time periods. The CPU utilization rate is determined by the performance monitor according to number of clock signals, the time values, and a CPU clock speed. A CPU frequency is adjusted by the BIOS according to the CPU utilization rate. The computer's operation system (OS) is booted by the BIOS. |
| US08473763B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus that realizes a distributed control system with a reduced number of power lines, and that has highly reliable power supply and an effective power saving mode. To accomplish this, the image forming apparatus employs a distributed control system including a master CPU, a plurality of sub master CPUs, and a plurality of slave CPUs. The master CPU supplies 5-V power to the sub master CPUs and the slave CPUs in the power saving mode, and supplies 24-V power thereto in a normal mode. Also, the sub master CPUs determine the operating mode in accordance with the level of the supplied power voltage, and operate accordingly. |
| US08473762B2 |
Power delivery in a heterogeneous 3-D stacked apparatus
A heterogeneous three-dimensional (3-D) stacked apparatus is provided that includes multiple layers arranged in a stacked configuration with a lower layer configured to receive a board-level voltage and one or more upper layers stacked above the lower layer. The heterogeneous 3-D stacked apparatus also includes multiple tiles per layer, where each tile is designed to receive a separately regulated voltage. The heterogeneous 3-D stacked apparatus additionally includes at least one layer in the one or more upper layers with voltage converters providing the separately regulated voltage converted from the board-level voltage. |
| US08473761B2 |
Accessory power management
Methods, apparatus, and circuits for managing power among portable computing devices and one or more accessories. One example provides commands to improve power management between a portable computing device and one or more accessories. Other examples provide commands that may allow a portable computing device to charge at a maximum available current level while providing an accessory with sufficient current for its proper operation. Another may help prevent a portable computing device from drawing a high level of current that could be detrimental to an accessory, while others provide commands that may allow a battery pack to instruct a portable computing device to not charge its internal battery. Another example may allow a portable computing device to determine which power supply among multiple power supplies should be used to power an accessory, while others may allow an accessory to retrieve charging current parameters from a portable computing device. |
| US08473759B2 |
Efficient routing of computing tasks
A mechanism is provided for routing a computing task to a computing resource for executing the computing task. A dispatcher receives a timestamp at which execution of the computing task can start on the computing resource and a duration that the execution would take. The computing resource is associated with a power consumption profile. The dispatcher estimates a power efficiency factor as a function of the power consumption profile, the timestamp and the duration thereby forming an estimated power efficiency factor. The dispatcher determines whether the computing resource can execute the computing task as a function of the estimated power efficiency factor. The dispatcher then sends the computing task to the computing resource in responsive to determining that the computing resource can execute the computing task. |
| US08473757B2 |
Protecting digital data such as images on a device with image acquisition capabilities
Digital data, such as images on a digital camera, is typically protected (e.g., encrypted and/or authenticated) based on a master key stored off the device. The original master key can be acquired in a number of different ways, including being generated by the device or by another device. A one-way, progressive series of keys are derived from the master key such that only images or data of a same session can be authenticated or decrypted for viewing, export or manipulation of the decrypted image/data. In order to decrypt images or data of a previous session on the device, the master key must be imported to the device, such as by, but not limited to, taking a picture of a representation of the key and interpreting the image to reacquire the master key. |
| US08473753B2 |
Real-time secure self-acquiring root authority
When software is delivered to a customer, there are often programs or routines of programs that a software distributor intended to run under the credentials of a specific user other than the user who started the program. A secure method is proposed for software running in a process to acquire rights to issue restricted operations. A trusting entity trusts a process based on verifying ownership of code residing in the process. The trusted process is granted rights by the trusting entity to perform any or specific operations under the credentials of a specific user, not necessarily the current process user. |
| US08473752B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for auditing access to secure data
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for auditing access to secure data. A detection module detects an access to the secure data. A record module records an encrypted log entry describing the access to the secure data. A verification module verifies the secure data is securely stored. |
| US08473750B2 |
Chipset security offload engine
A bridge is disclosed having a security engine to protect digital content at insecure interfaces of the bridge. The bridge permits cryptographic services to he offloaded from a central processing unit to the bridge. The bridge receives a clear text input from a central processing unit. The bridge encrypts the clear text input as cipher text for storage in a memory. The bridge provided the cipher text to a graphics processing unit. |
| US08473749B1 |
Methods and apparatus for preprovisioning authentication tokens to mobile applications
In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium includes code to cause a processor (e.g., on an enterprise server) to receive, from a communication device, a request for a client application, and in response to the request provision the installation file data associated with the client application to include an application token associated with the client application. The code is to cause the processor to send the installation file that includes the application token to the communication device such that the communication device uses the installation file to install the client application that authenticates to an application module using the application token extracted from the installation file. |
| US08473747B2 |
Secure boot with minimum number of re-boots
Systems, methods and products are described that provide secure boot with a minimum number of re-boots. One aspect provides a method including receiving an indication to boot from a power off state at a computing device; responsive to authenticating a user at one or more input devices, releasing a value derived from authenticating the user at the one or more input devices; responsive to releasing the value, unlocking one or more encrypted drives with a previously established alternate credential; and thereafter proceeding to boot from the power off state. By not having to call the non-BIOS software each boot, this minimizes the number of reboots for each boot cycle. |
| US08473746B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for packet watermarking and efficient provisioning of bandwidth
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for transmitting streams of data. The present invention also relates to generating packet watermarks and packet watermark keys. The present invention also relates to a computerized system for packaging data for transmission to a user. The system may utilize computer code to generate a bandwidth rights certificate that may include: at least one cryptographic credential; routing information for the transmission; and, optionally, a digital signature of a certificate owner; a unique identification code of a certificate owner; a certificate validity period; and pricing information for bandwidth use. The present invention also relates to an electronic method and system for purchasing good and services by establishing an account whereby a customer is credited with a predetermined amount of bandwidth usage, and assesses charges against the account in an amount of bandwidth usage corresponding to the agreed upon purchase value for the selected item. |
| US08473745B2 |
Rights enforcement and usage reporting on a client device
An integrity hash is obtained of rights information stored at a client device. The rights information is associated with content stored at the client device. The integrity hash is encrypted using a client device key to generate an encrypted hash. The client device key is externally inaccessible from the client device. The encrypted hash is stored on the client device. |
| US08473744B2 |
Methods and systems for unilateral authentication of messages
Disclosed is an authentication mechanism that enables an information recipient to ascertain that the information comes from the sender it purports to be from. This mechanism integrates a private/public key pair with selection by the sender of a portion of its address. The sender derives its address from its public key, for example, by using a hash of the key. The recipient verifies the association between the address and the sender's private key. The recipient may retrieve the key from an insecure resource and know that it has the correct key because only that key can produce the sender's address in the message. The hash may be made larger than the sender-selectable portion of the address. The recipient may cache public key/address pairs and use the cache to detect brute force attacks and to survive denial of service attacks. The mechanism may be used to optimize security negotiation algorithms. |
| US08473742B2 |
Method of distributing a decryption key in fixed-content data
Secondary content in encrypted for distribution to client terminals by selecting at least a portion of raw encrypted audio-video data (REAVD) that is provided on a media article as an encryption key, encrypting secondary content using the encryption key, and storing encrypted secondary content at a remotely located host. The media article can then be used for providing access to the encrypted secondary content to client terminals by receiving encrypted secondary content at a client terminal, extracting a decryption key from a media article encoded with REAVD, the decryption key being determined by at least a portion of the REAVD, using the decryption key to decrypt the secondary content, and outputting the decrypted secondary content from the client terminal. |
| US08473735B1 |
Systems and methods for managing digital certificates
A method of managing a digital certificate by a computer system can include the steps of receiving, the at the computer system, a business request for a digital certificate from a requester and transmitting, by the computer system, the request to a first approver. The method can further include, upon approval by the first approver, transmitting, by the computer system, the request to a second approver, upon approval by the second approver, transmitting, by the computer system, the request to a certificate manager, transmitting, by the computer system, the request to an implementer and receiving, by the computer system, from the implementer, technical information related to the request and transmitting, by the computer system, a certificate to a certificate supplier. |
| US08473728B2 |
Interrupt handling
Techniques for handling interrupts of multiple instruction threads within a multi-thread processing environment. The techniques include: interleavingly fetching and issuing instructions of (i) a first instruction execution thread and (ii) a second instruction thread for execution by an execution block of the multi-thread processing environment; providing a first interrupt signal via a first interrupt signal line within the multi-thread processing environment to interrupt fetching and issuing of instructions of the first instruction execution thread; and providing a second interrupt signal via a second interrupt signal line within the multi-thread processing environment to interrupt fetching and issuing of instructions of the second instruction execution thread. The first interrupt signal line and the second interrupt signal line are physically separate and distinct signal lines that are directly electrically coupled to one another. |
| US08473725B2 |
System and method for processing interrupts in a computing system
A system, processor and method are provided for digital signal processing. A processor may initiate processing a sequence of instructions followed by an interrupt. Each instruction may be processed in respective sequential pipeline slots. A branch detector may detect or determine if an instruction is a branch instruction, for example, in turn, for each sequential instruction. In one embodiment, the branch detector may detect if an instruction is a branch instruction until at least a first branch instruction is detected. A processor may annul instructions which are determined to be branch instructions when the interrupt occupies a delay slot associated with the branch instruction. An execution unit may execute at least the sequence of instructions to run a program. The branch detector and/or execution unit may be integral or separate from each other and from the processor. |
| US08473724B1 |
Controlling operation of a processor according to execution mode of an instruction sequence
In a processor, instructions of an instruction stream are supplied to an execution unit which executes the supplied instructions according to respective execution modes. A control unit recognizes a user-defined instruction sequence (UDIS) in the instruction stream. The UDIS is associated with a UDIS definition provided in-line and/or as contents of machine-state registers (MSRs), and specifying, at least in part, a start, optionally an end, and a particular execution mode for the UDIS. Subsequently, ones of the instructions of the UDIS are executed in accordance with the particular execution mode, such as by optionally altering recognition of asynchronous events. For example, disabling hardware interrupts during the executing results in apparent atomic execution. Fetching, decoding, issuing, and/or caching of the instructions of the UDIS are optionally dependent on the particular execution mode. MSRs optionally specify a maximum length and/or execution time. |
| US08473723B2 |
Computer program product for managing processing resources
A computer-implemented method for a computerized system having at least a first processor and a second processor, where each of the processors are operatively interconnected to a memory storing a set of data to be processed by a processor. The method includes monitoring data accessed by the first processor while executing, and if the second processor is at a shorter distance than the first processor from the monitored data, instructing to interrupt execution at the first processor and resume the execution at the second processor. |
| US08473717B2 |
Coprocessor reset controller with queue for storing configuration information of subsequent sessions prior to completion of current session
A data processing apparatus is provided, configured to carry out data processing operations on behalf of a main data processing apparatus, comprising a coprocessor core configured to perform the data processing operations and a reset controller configured to cause the coprocessor core to reset. The coprocessor core performs its data processing in dependence on current configuration data stored therein, the current configuration data being associated with a current processing session. The reset controller is configured to receive pending configuration data from the main data processing apparatus, the pending configuration data associated with a pending processing session, and to store the pending configuration data in a configuration data queue. The reset controller is configured, when the coprocessor core resets, to transfer the pending configuration data from the configuration data queue to be stored in the coprocessor core, replacing the current configuration data. |
| US08473715B2 |
Dynamic accelerator reconfiguration via compiler-inserted initialization message and configuration address and size information
A method and apparatus for enabling usage of an accelerator device in a processor socket is herein described. A set of inter-processor messages is utilized to initialize a configuration/memory space of the accelerator device. As an example, a first set of inter-processor interrupts (IPIs) is sent to indicate a base address of a memory space and a second set of IPIs is sent to indicate a size of the memory space. Furthermore, similar methods and apparatus' are herein described for dynamic reconfiguration of an accelerator device in a processor socket. |
| US08473713B2 |
Method for managing a memory apparatus
A method for managing a memory apparatus including at least one non-volatile (NV) memory element includes: building at least one local page address linking table containing a page address linking relationship between a plurality of physical page addresses and at least a logical page address, wherein the local page address linking table includes a first local page address linking table containing a first page address linking relationship of a plurality of first physical pages, and a second local page address linking table containing a second page address linking relationship of a plurality of second physical pages that are different from the first physical pages; building a global page address linking table according to the local page address linking table; and accessing the memory apparatus according to the global page address linking table. |
| US08473712B2 |
Method for managing a memory apparatus, and associated memory apparatus thereof
A method for managing a memory apparatus including at least one non-volatile (NV) memory element includes: providing at least one block of the memory apparatus with at least one local page address linking table within the memory apparatus, wherein the local page address linking table includes linking relationships between physical page addresses and logical page addresses of a plurality of pages; and building a global page address linking table of the memory apparatus according to the local page address linking table. More particularly, the step of providing the block with the local page address linking table further includes: building a temporary local page address linking table for the local page address linking table corresponding to programming/writing operations of the memory apparatus; and temporarily storing the temporary local page address linking table in a volatile memory of the memory apparatus, and updating the temporary local page address linking table when needed. |
| US08473711B2 |
Apparatus for predicting memory access and method thereof
A method for predicting memory access, where each data processing procedure is performed in a plurality of stages with segment processing, and the plurality of stages include at least a first stage and a second stage, includes: dividing a memory into a plurality of memory blocks, generating a predicting value of a second position information according to a correct value of a first position information at the first stage, accessing the memory blocks of the corresponding position in the memory according to the predicting value of the second position information, and identifying whether the predicting value of the second position information is correct or not for determining whether the memory is re-accessed, where the first stage occurs before the second stage in a same data processing procedure. |
| US08473701B2 |
Storage media to storage drive centric security
A secure data system employs a storage media and a storage drive. A storage media identification key is embedded in a non-user modifiable area of the storage media and associated with data recorded on the storage media. The storage drive includes a memory having a storage drive identification key embedded therein. In operation, the storage drive allows access to the data recorded on the storage media based on a validation by the storage drive of the storage drive identification key as a function of the storage media identification key. |
| US08473698B2 |
Converting LUNs into files or files into LUNs in real
A LUN is provided that can store multiple datasets (e.g., data and/or applications, such as virtual machines stored as virtual hard drives). The LUN is partitioned into multiple partitions. One or more datasets may be stored in each partition. As a result, multiple datasets can be accessed through a single LUN, rather than through a number of LUNs proportional to the number of datasets. Furthermore, the datasets stored in the LUN may be pivoted. A second LUN may be generated that is dedicated to storing a dataset of the multiple datasets stored in the first LUN. The dataset is copied to the second LUN, and the second LUN is exposed to a host computer to enable the host computer to interact with the dataset. Still further, the dataset may be pivoted from the second LUN back to a partition of the first LUN. |
| US08473695B2 |
Memory system including variable write command scheduling
A system includes a host device that may be configured to initiate memory requests to a system memory. The system also includes a memory controller that may be configured receive the memory requests and to format the memory requests into memory transactions that are conveyed to the memory device via a memory interface. The memory transactions include a plurality of memory write command types. Each memory write command type corresponds to a different respective schedule for conveying a corresponding data payload. |
| US08473693B1 |
Managing ownership of memory buffers (mbufs)
The present invention provides techniques for managing ownership (i.e., control) of one or more memory buffer (mbuf) data structures within a network subsystem and a storage subsystem of a storage operating system implemented in a storage system. When the storage system receives data to be written to a storage medium, the network subsystem stores the received data in one or more variable-length chains of mbufs. Unlike conventional approaches, the received data is not subsequently copied out of the mbufs into fixed-sized data buffers for use by the storage subsystem. Instead, the storage subsystem can directly manipulate the received data stored in the mbufs. By eliminating the steps of copying data out of the mbufs and into fixed-sized data buffers, the invention reduces the amount of time and system resources consumed by the storage system when writing blocks of received data to disk storage. |
| US08473691B2 |
Memory management device, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A memory management device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method include an OS-management-memory-region managing unit configured to divide a physical memory space into a management region managed by an OS and a non-management region that is not managed by the OS, assign the management region to the virtual memory space, and acquire and/or free a memory space of the management region. The image forming apparatus includes an OS-non-management-memory-region managing unit assigning the non-management region to the virtual memory space so that an application program acquires and/or frees a memory space of the non-management region. The OS-management-memory-region managing unit includes a window region provided so that the OS refers to the non-management region. Data is read and/or written from and/or into the OS-non-management region via the window region. |
| US08473689B2 |
Predictive sequential prefetching for data caching
A system for prefetching memory in caching systems includes a processor that generates requests for data. A cache of a first level stores memory lines retrieved from a lower level memory in response to references to addresses generated by the processor's requests for data. A prefetch buffer is used to prefetch an adjacent memory line from the lower level memory in response to a request for data. The adjacent memory line is a memory line that is adjacent to a first memory line that is associated with an address of the request for data. An indication that a memory line associated with an address associated with the requested data has been prefetched is stored. A prefetched memory line is transferred to the cache of the first level in response to the stored indication that a memory line associated with an address associated with the requested data has been prefetched. |
| US08473688B2 |
Anticipatory response pre-caching
Interaction between a client and a service in which the service responds to requests from the client. In addition to responding to specific client requests, the service also anticipates or speculates about what the client may request in the future. Rather than await the client request (that may or may not ultimately be made), the service provides the unrequested anticipatory data to the client in the same data stream as the response data that actual responds to the specific client requests. The client may then use the anticipatory data to fully or partially respond to future requests from the client, if the client does make the request anticipated by the service. Thus, in some cases, latency may be reduced when responding to requests in which anticipatory data has already been provided. The service may give priority to the actual requested data, and gives secondary priority to the anticipatory data. |
| US08473686B2 |
Computer cache system with stratified replacement
Methods for selecting a line to evict from a data storage system are provided. A computer system implementing a method for selecting a line to evict from a data storage system is also provided. The methods include selecting an uncached class line for eviction prior to selecting a cached class line for eviction. |
| US08473684B2 |
Delayed replacement of cache entries
A cache entry replacement unit can delay replacement of more valuable entries by replacing less valuable entries. When a miss occurs, the cache entry replacement unit can determine a cache entry for replacement (“a replacement entry”) based on a generic replacement technique. If the replacement entry is an entry that should be protected from replacement (e.g., a large page entry), the cache entry replacement unit can determine a second replacement entry. The cache entry replacement unit can “skip” the first replacement entry by replacing the second replacement entry with a new entry, if the second replacement entry is an entry that should not be protected (e.g., a small page entry). The first replacement entry can be skipped a predefined number of times before the first replacement entry is replaced with a new entry. |
| US08473683B2 |
Ordering of guarded and unguarded stores for no-sync I/O
A parallel computing system processes at least one store instruction. A first processor core issues a store instruction. A first queue, associated with the first processor core, stores the store instruction. A second queue, associated with a first local cache memory device of the first processor core, stores the store instruction. The first processor core updates first data in the first local cache memory device according to the store instruction. The third queue, associated with at least one shared cache memory device, stores the store instruction. The first processor core invalidates second data, associated with the store instruction, in the at least one shared cache memory. The first processor core invalidates third data, associated with the store instruction, in other local cache memory devices of other processor cores. The first processor core flushing only the first queue. |
| US08473676B2 |
Controlling replication of data among storage devices
A control apparatus connected to different types of storage devices include a performance-information storing section that stores performance information on the storage devices; a list storing section that stores a list of data on the storage devices; a monitoring section that monitors the load statuses of the storage devices and the control apparatus; a detecting section; an estimating section; and a determining section. |
| US08473672B2 |
System and method for storing data using a flexible data format
A flash storage device includes a flash storage for storing data and a controller for receiving a command in connection with user data and selecting a sector size associated with storing the user data. The controller allocates the user data among data sectors having the sector size and writes the data sectors to the flash storage. In some embodiments, the controller generates system data and stores the system data in the data sectors or a system sector, or both. |
| US08473670B2 |
Boot management of non-volatile memory
A BIOS may provide bad block and wear-leveling services to a flash memory during a boot cycle until a full-functioned memory controller, such as a software memory controller, is available. After the full-functioned memory controller is available, the controller may use data passed by the BIOS to determine what, if any, steps to take to account for write activity during the boot process. Alternatively, the BIOS may use a reserved portion of flash memory so that wear leveling for boot-related data, such as a shut-down flag, is not needed. |
| US08473667B2 |
Network on chip that maintains cache coherency with invalidation messages
A network on chip (‘NOC’), and methods of operation of a NOC, that maintains cache coherency with invalidation messages, the NOC including integrated processor (‘IP’) blocks, routers, memory communications controllers, and network interface controller, each IP block adapted to a router through a memory communications controller and a network interface controller, each memory communications controller controlling communication between an IP block and memory, and each network interface controller controlling inter-IP block communications through routers, the NOC also including an invalidating module configured to send, to selected IP blocks, an invalidation message, the invalidation message representing an instruction to invalidate cached memory and the selected IP blocks, each selected IP block configured to invalidate the contents of the cached memory responsive to receiving the invalidation message. |
| US08473666B2 |
Systems and methods for driverless operation of USB device
Systems and methods of re-enumerating peripheral devices operatively connected to a computer system are provided. In one example, a system is configured to disable an existing connection between an operating system and a peripheral device established through a device driver by re-describing the peripheral device to the OS. In another example, the system can be further configured to execute operation(s) on the peripheral device without new driver installation using communication channels native to the OS. Once the operation(s) are complete, the system can be configured to restore the existing connection. |
| US08473665B2 |
Universal serial bus (USB) transaction translator and a universal serial bus (USB) isochronous-in transaction method
The present invention is directed to a universal serial bus (USB) transaction translator and an associated IN isochronous transaction method. A device interface is coupled to a device via a device bus, and a host interface is coupled to a host via a host bus, wherein the host USB version is higher than the device USB version. At least two buffers configured to store data are disposed between the device interface and the host interface. A controller stores the data in the buffers alternately. A register is used to record device bus information. Before the host sends an IN packet, the controller pre-fetches data from the device according to the device bus information and then stores the data in the buffers; the controller responds with the pre-fetched data to the host after the host sends the IN packet. |
| US08473663B2 |
Stackable form-factor peripheral component interconnect device and assembly
A stackable form-factor Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) device can be configured as a host controller or a master/target for use on a PCI assembly. PCI device may comprise a multiple-input switch coupled to a PCI bus, a multiplexor coupled to the switch, and a reconfigurable device coupled to one of the switch and multiplexor. The PCI device is configured to support functionality from power-up, and either control function or add-in card function. |
| US08473661B2 |
System and method for providing multi-process protection using direct memory mapped control registers
A method and system for providing multi-process protection using direct memory mapped control registers is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method provides a set of control registers for each execution unit of a plurality of execution units in a controller switch. The controller switch facilitates communication between a host system and one or more devices connected to a plurality of device ports of the controller switch. A device driver is provided to allow users' processes to access the controller switch and to grant exclusive access to each execution unit of the plurality of execution units. A first access request to access an execution unit of the plurality of execution units is received from a first process. A set of direct accessible addresses to the set of control registers of the execution unit is allocated, and the first process is granted to exclusive access the execution unit until the first process release the exclusive access to the execution unit. A second access request to access the execution unit received from a second process is denied by checking the assignment of the set of direct accessible addresses to the set of control registers of the execution unit while the first process retains exclusive access to the execution unit. |
| US08473652B2 |
Systems and methods for compression of data for block mode access storage
Methods and systems for creating, reading, and writing compressed data for use with a block mode access storage. The compressed data are packed into a plurality of compressed units and stored in a storage logical unit (LU). One or more corresponding compressed units may be read and/or updated with no need of restoring the entire storage logical unit while maintaining a de-fragmented structure of the LU. |
| US08473649B2 |
Command management device configured to store and manage received commands and storage apparatus with the same
According to one embodiment, a command management device includes a command buffer, a free address register and a FIFO unit with entries. The command buffer stores commands received from a host. The entries include address sections configured to store addresses of the areas in the command buffer in which the respective commands are stored. The address sections are connected together like a ring. Each of the address sections includes a substitute module configured to substitute either the free address held in the free address register or a second address stored in the address section preceding the each of the address sections for a first address stored in the each of the address sections. |
| US08473647B2 |
Methods and apparatus for decreasing power consumption and bus activity
Methods and apparatus for enhancing efficiency (e.g., reducing power consumption and bus activity) in a data bus. In an exemplary embodiment, a client-driven host device state machine switches among various states, each comprising a different polling frequency. A client device on the data bus (e.g., serial bus) checks for non-productive periods of polling activity, and upon discovering such a period, informs the host. The state machine then alters its polling scheme; e.g., switches to a lower state comprising a reduced polling frequency, and polling continues at this reduced frequency. In one variant, the client device continuously monitors itself to determine whether it has any data to transmit to a host device and if so, the host is informed, and the state machine restarts (e.g., to its highest polling state). By eliminating extraneous polling, power consumption and serial bus activity is optimized, potentially on both the host and the client. |
| US08473643B2 |
Method and apparatus of tier storage management awareness networking
An aspect of the invention is a storage networking system comprising subsystems coupled with a network. The subsystems include an initiator subsystem having an initiator I/O (input/output) control unit, and a plurality of target subsystems each having a target I/O control unit. The initiator subsystem is configured to: place priority information in packet address of an I/O command packet, the priority information being based on a priority table; send the I/O command packet to one or more of the plurality of target I/O control units; and receive a return I/O packet from each of the target I/O control units that received the sent I/O command packet, the return I/O packet having the same priority information. The priority information provided in the priority table is priority of storing I/O data. The I/O data is transferred according to the priority information placed in the packet address of the I/O command packet. |
| US08473638B2 |
Method and apparatus for time and frequency transfer in communication networks
A timing system for time synchronization between a time server and a time client over a packet network. The timing system includes a time server for generating current timestamp information and a time client having a phase-locked loop driven client clock counter. The time client periodically exchanges time transfer protocol messages with the time server over the packet network, and calculates an estimated client time based on the timestamp information. The phase-locked loop in the time client receives periodic signals representing the estimated server time as its input and calculates a signal which represents the error difference between the estimated server time and the time indicated by the time client clock counter. The error difference eventually converges to zero or a given error range indicating the time presented by the client clock counter, which is driven by the phase-locked loop having locked onto the time of the time server. |
| US08473633B2 |
Method of routing packets in a packet network
A method of routing packets in a packet network is disclosed. The packet network includes a chain of packet nodes, the chain comprising a first and second access node for communicating with one or more mobile nodes and one or more intermediate packet nodes providing a path interconnecting the first and second access nodes. Previous methods are inefficient and lead to additional overhead. The method comprises the steps of: installing, in said intermediate packet nodes, first routing data defining a first routing path in one direction along said chain to a mobile node via said first access node and second routing data defining a second routing path in the opposite direction along said chain to said mobile node via said second access node; operating each of said intermediate packet nodes to: determine, on receipt of a packet destined for said mobile node, whether said packet is from another node on said chain or not; and a) if the packet is determined to be from a node not on said chain, copying the packet and routing said copy along one of said routing paths and routing said packet along the other of said routing paths; and b) if the packet is determined to be from another node on said chain, route said packet along said chain only in the direction in which it is currently travelling. |
| US08473625B1 |
Preservation of network address translation (NAT) state across wireless sessions
Systems, methods, and computer media are provided for preserving network address translation (NAT) state for a wireless device across wireless sessions. In response to a state preservation request received during a first wireless session, a device account is created for the wireless device, the account storing NAT state that defines approved content providers from whom inbound data traffic is permitted for the wireless device. Upon determining that the first wireless session has ended and that the wireless device has established a second wireless session, the stored NAT state for the wireless device is activated such that the NAT state of the first wireless session is preserved for the second wireless session. New unsolicited data traffic from approved content providers received during the second wireless session is subsequently permitted and forwarded to the wireless device. |
| US08473623B2 |
Method for managing a communication between a server device and a customer device
A method is described for managing a communication between a server device and a customer device. The method comprises interchanging between the server device and the customer device one or more parameter messages that are comprising a parameter description for a parameter name. The parameter description does consist of an hierarchical tree-like structure of characters with each level separated by a predefined character (dot). The method further comprises a step of instantiating by an instantiating device of the customer device, an iterator associated to an index, for a next level of a parameter-sub-tree being part of the global parameter description, and a step of recalling an object array for the parameter-sub-tree with the next level having different values for its index starting with a predefined start-value and ending with a predefined end-value. |
| US08473621B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for creating content-on-demand service
A method, a system, and an apparatus for creating a Content-on-Demand (CoD) service are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) service request sent by a User Equipment (UE); converting the SIP service request into a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) service request, and sending the RTSP service request to a server; receiving an RTSP service response sent by the server; and converting the RTSP service response into a SIP service response, and sending the SIP service response to the UE to create the CoD service between the UE and the server. |
| US08473620B2 |
Interception of a cloud-based communication connection
Methods and apparatus are provided for intercepting a client-server communication connection in a computing environment. A first network intermediary configured to facilitate optimization of client-server transactions may be installed in a path of communications between the client and the server. A second network intermediary configured to cooperate with the first network intermediary is not in the path of communications between the client and the server. The first network intermediary intercepts a connection request from the client and forwards a modified request toward the server. A module within the server intercepts the connection request and redirects it to the second network intermediary. The client-server connection is thus split-terminated at the two network intermediaries, which establish cooperative sessions between themselves and with the client and with the server. |
| US08473618B2 |
Method and system for processing multiple communication sessions in a communication network
A method and system for controlling a plurality of sessions corresponding to at least one communication service in a communication network. The method comprises evaluating at least one of a plurality of personalized policies and information related to at least one communication device of a targeted-user. The method further comprises controlling the plurality of sessions in response to evaluating the at least one of the plurality of personalized policies and the information related to the at least one communication device of the targeted-user. |
| US08473614B2 |
User interface for collecting criteria and estimating delivery parameters
The present invention relates generally to a method of identifying data delivery parameters relating to delivery of data accessible from a network location via a communications service provider. Embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited to identifying delivery parameters when the delivery of data is metered, such as when data are delivered to terminals connected to mobile networks. |
| US08473612B2 |
Trusted network transfer of content using off network input code
Systems and methods for use in connection with the trusted transmission and reception of content, such as encryption key information, from one computing device in a network to a second computing device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a way to trust or validate the transfer of a public key using a very short code entered out of band of the network that is easy for end-users to remember, or write down. |
| US08473608B2 |
Proton beam therapy control system
A tiered communications architecture for managing network traffic in a distributed system. Communication between client or control computers and a plurality of hardware devices is administered by agent and monitor devices whose activities are coordinated to reduce the number of open channels or sockets. The communications architecture also improves the transparency and scalability of the distributed system by reducing network mapping dependence. The architecture is desirably implemented in a proton beam therapy system to provide flexible security policies which improve patent safety and facilitate system maintenance and development. |
| US08473607B2 |
System and method for software usage discovery
A method of obtaining information about usage of application executable files and associated software program in a network of computers or on an individual computer is provided. The method involves collecting information about last use of software programs, and associated executable files, on a computer or a set of managed computers from various resources on the computers. The information that is collected includes file name, directory, date and time the executable was last started, a security identifier of the last user, the method of last use, whether the executable was found to be running at the time it was found, and whether the executable is registered to run as a service. From this information, a list is generated regarding software items, and the list is merged such that a given executable has a single software item on the list. Reports are produced detailing information about one or more software items on the list. The reports may be displayed in a graphic user interface designed for that purpose. |
| US08473604B2 |
Method for intelligent and automated transmission of local context in converged signaling
Methods and systems are provided for associating contextual data with communication sessions, in particular in technical help desk scenarios. A context logger service running on a central server or on an individual computing device is used to create a log of application specific, often ephemeral, contextual data for a plurality of applications running one or more systems that are in communication with the context logger service across one or more networks. When a communication session between an initiating entity and a receiving entity to request assistance regarding a subject application running on one of the systems is initiated, and if the communication session is deemed to be a candidate for the automatic association of such context data, at least a portion of the application specific contextual data contained in the log is associated with the communication session and delivered to the receiving entity. The receiving entity uses the associated application specific contextual data to provide the requested assistance, or otherwise improve the operations at the receiving entity. |
| US08473603B2 |
Cross-tier management in multi-tier computing system architecture
Techniques are disclosed for providing cross-tier management in a multi-tier computing system architecture. For example, a method for managing a computing system, wherein the computing system includes a first tier and at least a second tier, wherein the first tier and the second tier are configured to respond to a request received by the computing system, includes the steps of monitoring performance of the second tier from the first tier, and sending one or more management commands from the first tier to the second tier based on the monitored performance. In one embodiment, the first tier may be an application server tier of the computing system, and the second tier may be a database server tier of the computing system. |
| US08473602B2 |
System and method for autonomic system management through modulation of network controls
Systems and methods are provided to determine an allocation of network resources in a distributed on-demand information technology (IT) systems using existing control mechanisms for other operating system resources in order to achieve a desired operating point within the IT system. This desired operating point is obtained by optimizing a goal-based objective function while taking into account system constraints. The relationship between utilization of all system resources, i.e. network resources and processing resources, and attainment of performance objectives is autonomously obtained for a plurality of actions that could be required by a range of system applications. This relationship is used to allocate network resources to applications while maintaining desired performance objectives. The allocation is enforced using existing control mechanisms. |
| US08473600B2 |
System and method for utilizing environment information in UPnP audio/video
An environment variable for use cases such as UPnP AV use cases. The environment variable of the present invention is used to store the physical location of the user. For example, the environment variable can be used to identify a particular location as being a user's living room, kitchen, etc. The information stored in the environment variable can be used to enhance the user experience of the digital home or other environment by minimizing the number of manual selections that the user has to make in order to initiate a use case such as playing music in a bedroom or watching movies in a living room. The environment variable is used to trigger a change of a profile and select the devices needed to implement different use scenarios. |
| US08473599B2 |
Communication network list management sending updated member data from a provisioning system to a list manager and then to an application server
A list of users of a communication network is managed. For example, a list manager may manage a list identifying a set of list members, and an application server may obtain the set of members of the list. The application server may obtain status data relating to the obtained set of members and determine a set of users subscribed to the list. The application server may send updates in the obtained status data to the determined list of users. |
| US08473589B2 |
Configuration file override
In one embodiment, a router is configured to relay a provisioning request originating from a remote network device to a remote provisioning server. When the router receives back a provisioning response including provisioning information identifying a first remotely stored configuration file, the router is configured to modify the provisioning information such that the modified provisioning information no longer identifies the first remotely stored configuration file. The router then relays the provisioning reply, which may identify a second different configuration file, to the remote network device. |
| US08473588B2 |
Local and remote client computer system booting
Alternative desktop computing solutions provide client devices configured with a local boot image and a connection to a remote storage device having a boot image. The clients are configured to boot either locally or remotely, and furthermore to determine from which image (local or remote) they have booted. |
| US08473584B2 |
Revocable indication of session termination
According to one general aspect, a method for a computing device may include establishing, via a first application executed by the computing device, a data session with a server. The server may maintain a set of session data associated with the data session. The method may also include processing a request to terminate the active functioning of the first application. The method may further include transmitting a session-inactivation message to the server, wherein the session-inactivation message instructs the server to maintain the set of session data. |
| US08473581B2 |
Promotion system supporting web content and promotion searching
An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during 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 purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve 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. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity. |
| US08473578B2 |
Data storage devices having IP capable partitions
Apparatuses, methods, and systems related to IP-addressable partitions are disclosed. In some embodiments an IP address is used to uniquely identify a selected subset of partitions. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08473574B2 |
Automatic online video discovery and indexing
A classifier may be integrated into a pipeline of a general web crawler. The classifier may classify crawled webpages as either video pages or non-video pages. Video pages and information regarding domain importance may be aggregated. Ones of the domains of the video pages may be selected based on domain importance rankings. Webpages of the selected domains may be randomly sampled. The sampled webpages may be structurally analyzed and hint information may be generated with respect to each of the selected domains. The hint information may guide a deep crawling operation for discovering all video pages within the selected domains. Video links within the video pages may be found, one or more videos may be downloaded, and one or more representations of the one or more videos may be indexed. |
| US08473568B2 |
Methods and systems for processing media content
Methods and systems are described that greatly enhance a user's experience when playing various media (e.g. CDs and DVDs). One or more databases, managed by a server, maintain metadata associated with various media. Through inventive mapping techniques, physical IDs that are associated with a user's specific media are mapped to logical IDs. The logical IDs then serve as the basis for database queries that retrieve the metadata. The retrieved metadata can then be sent to a client computer and displayed for the user. In one embodiment, a set of extensible markup language (XML) schema are provided for data exchange between client and server. Additional embodiments allow users to immediately contribute to the set of understood ID mappings. Further, a Wizard is provided and can be used to assist in mapping physical IDs to logical IDs. |
| US08473563B2 |
Extensible scheduling of messages on time-triggered busses
A scheduling algorithm for scheduling messages on a time-triggered bus in a distributed real-time embedded system. The algorithm first determines an initial message schedule for assigning the messages to time slots on the bus so that predetermined precedent relationships are enforced. In one embodiment, the algorithm uses an earliest-deadline-first schedule to determine the initial message schedule. The algorithm then reallocates the messages in the time slots to provide unused time slots between the messages. In one embodiment, the reallocating the messages includes solving a quadratic optimization problem. Also, the messages are reallocated in the time slots so that they are substantially evenly spaced. |
| US08473557B2 |
Methods and apparatus to migrate virtual machines between distributive computing networks across a wide area network
Methods and apparatus to migrate virtual machines between distributive computing networks across a wide area network are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes establishing a data link across a wide area network between a first distributive computing network and a second distributive computing network, the first distributive computing network including a virtual machine operated by a first host communicatively coupled to a virtual private network via a first virtual local area network, communicatively coupling a second host included within the second distributive computing network to the virtual private network via a second virtual local area network, and migrating the virtual machine via the data link by transmitting a memory state of at least one application on the first host to the second host while the at least one application is operating. |
| US08473556B2 |
Apparatus, a method, a program and a system for processing an e-mail
An e-mail processing system includes an e-mail received from an external apparatus through a network and a managing center that manages the information regarding spam mails. An e-mail system detects a spam mail from the received e-mail based on the information received from the managing center, and user PCs that receive a legitimate e-mail other than spam mails, through the e-mail system. |
| US08473555B2 |
Multilingual support for an improved messaging system
One or more illustrative embodiments provide a method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing a session of electronic communications. In one illustrative embodiment, a language is identified using a processor for an incoming electronic communication received from a sender computer in the session. It is determined whether the language differs from a desired display language. The incoming electronic communication is translated into the desired display language using a translation service to form a translated incoming electronic communication responsive to a determination that the language differs from the desired display language. The translated incoming electronic communication is displayed in the session on a display device. |
| US08473553B2 |
Management of multiple synchronous responses to single question in community-based instant messaging
A computer-implemented method includes sending an instant message communication from a first device of a first person to a plurality of other persons in a topic-based community, and receiving a number of instant message communications at the first device. The method further includes placing each of the response instant message communications in a separate display that is viewable by the first person, and sending a second instant message communication from the first device of the first person to the plurality of other persons after a certain number of response instant message communications have been received by the first device from the plurality of other persons, wherein the second instant message communication is an indication that the first person is satisfied with at least one of the response instant message communications. |
| US08473552B1 |
Communications system
A computerized human communication arbitrating and distributing system, including a controller digital computer and a plurality of participator digital computers, each of the participator computers including an input device for receiving human-input information from a human user and an output device for presenting information to the user, each said user having a user identity. A connection, such as Internet, links the controller computer with each of the participator computers. Controller software runs on the controller computer to arbitrate in accordance with predefined rules including said user identity, which ones of the participator computers can interact in one of a plurality of groups through the controller computer and to distribute real time data to the respective ones of the groups. Participator software runs on each of the participator computers to handle a user interface permitting one said user to send a multimedia information message to the controller computer, which arbitrates which of the participator computers receive the multimedia information message and conveys the multimedia information message to the selected participator computers to present the multimedia information to the respective user. |
| US08473549B2 |
Method of identifying and conveying a role associated with users in a communication
A method for identifying and conveying a role of a first user relative to a second user in a communication comprises using a communication server to determine an identity of the first user, determine an identity of the second user, determine a relationship between the first user and the second user, determine an associated role with the first user relative to the relationship between the first user and the second user, and convey the associated role of the first user relative to the relationship to the second user. The communication server receives an indication that a communication between the users is initiated. The communication server and/or a source are configured for tracking one or more of the identities, relationships, and roles of the first and second users. Each user may have a plurality of roles and the identity and roles may by fixed or dynamically assigned. |
| US08473543B2 |
Automatic conflict resolution when synchronizing data objects between two or more devices
A method and apparatus is for implementing a conflict resolution policy. The method includes providing a rule set that includes a plurality of rules that define the conflict resolution policy. An algorithm is generated by decomposing each rule in the rule set into at least one pre-action that is to be performed on data in identified fields in first and second conflicting objects, at least one condition that is to be applied to the first and second conflicting objects, and at least one action that is to be performed on the identified fields in the first and second conflicting objects if the at least one condition is satisfied. The algorithm is loaded from a configuration file for execution during a synchronization component runtime using first and second conflicting objects provided by the synchronization component. |
| US08473542B2 |
Interaction between business system and mobile device
A computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that when executed by a processor perform a method for interaction between a business system and a mobile device. The method includes forwarding, from a business system that includes an application program having logical functionality, a visual interface for storage on a mobile device and display by a browser on the mobile device, the visual interface configured for making a call from the mobile device to the logical functionality. The method includes storing a business system proxy on a computer device configured for communication with the mobile device at a remote location, the business system proxy including the logical functionality and configured to receive the call from the mobile device. The method includes receiving, in the business system, an update from the business system proxy relating to use of the mobile device at the remote location. |
| US08473539B1 |
Modified givens rotation for matrices with complex numbers
Nulling a cell of a complex matrix is described. A complex matrix and a modified Givens rotation matrix are obtained for multiplication by a processing unit, such as a systolic array or a CPU, for example, for the nulling of the cell to provide a modified form of the complex matrix. The modified Givens rotation matrix includes complex numbers c*, c, −s, and s*, wherein the complex number s* is the complex conjugate of the complex number s, and wherein the complex number c* is the complex conjugate of the complex number c. The complex numbers c and s are associated with complex numbers of the complex matrix including the cell to be nulled. The modified form is then output by the processing unit. The modified Givens rotation matrix may be implemented as a systolic array or otherwise used for processing complex numbers or matrices. |
| US08473537B2 |
Secure multi-party computation of normalized sum-type functions
Embodiments of present invention disclose a system and a method for determining a result of a function applied to a first vector and a second vector, wherein the function is a normalized sum-type function. The first vector is stored at a first processor, and the second vector is stored at a second processor. The system and the method determine a joint empirical probability distribution (JEPD) of the first vector and the second vector using a secure multi-party computation. The function is determined as a normalized summation of products of values of the JEPD with corresponding values of the function. |
| US08473531B2 |
Presenting a file system for a file containing items
What is disclosed is a method of operating a volume access system. The method includes processing at least a first file to generate a file system view of the first file comprising a plurality of items within the first file, and providing the file system view of the first file over a network interface as a hierarchical data volume. The method also includes receiving an access request for a requested item of the hierarchical data volume over the network interface, and in response, providing access to a first item of the plurality of items within the first file corresponding to the requested item. |
| US08473522B2 |
Web server and method to provide web-pages to manage devices
A web server and a method to provide web-pages to manage devices. A storage stores data for a web-page setting attributes and attribute values related to at least one device. A web-page generator generates a basic web-page based on the stored data of the web-page if to display of the web-page is requested from a user terminal. A communicator transmits the generated basic web-page to the user terminal. A server controller controls the web-page generator to generate a first web-page to display at least one attribute and attribute values of the at least one attribute on the basic web-page displayed on the user terminal. Thus, only attributes and attribute values, which can be supported by a device, can be displayed on a user interface (UI) screen. As a result, a user can easily write a workform. |
| US08473519B1 |
Unified communication audit tool
Providing for dynamic auditing of components of a communication network is provided herein. By way of example, network components can be queried by way of dynamic and intelligent application programming interface (APIs) queries to extract data for the network components. Such data can then be compared with best practice rules to identify potential enhancements to efficiency or scalability of such components. In some aspects, an audit report can be output summarizing identified enhancements. In other aspects, data can be written to an updated component according to protocols suited to such component. Accordingly, an audit can provide feedback in light of best practices or can be utilized to dynamically upgrade a legacy system to newer system software and/or hardware components. |
| US08473518B1 |
Techniques for processing group membership data in a multi-tenant database system
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided techniques for processing group membership data in a multi-tenant database system. These techniques for processing group membership data in a multi-tenant database system may enable embodiments to provide great flexibility to a tenant of the architecture to select the content that may be perceived by the tenant users while allowing the owner of the architecture control over the content. |
| US08473515B2 |
Multi-tenancy in database namespace
Database systems are presented including: a database; a database instance of the database, where the database instance includes a set of instance database objects, and where the database instance is accessible by an instance user; and a database tenant associated with the database instance, where the database tenant includes a set of tenant database objects, where the database tenant provides access to the database instance by the tenant user, such that the instance user and the tenant user may independently access the database instance without affecting one another where each of the instance user and the tenant user are configured with independent accessibility. In some embodiments, systems further include: an instance production table associated with the database instance and a tenant production table associated with the database instance. |
| US08473510B1 |
Locating meaningful stopwords or stop-phrases in keyword-based retrieval systems
A stopword detection component detects stopwords (also stop-phrases) in search queries input to keyword-based information retrieval systems. Potential stopwords are initially identified by comparing the terms in the search query to a list of known stopwords. Context data is then retrieved based on the search query and the identified stopwords. In one implementation, the context data includes documents retrieved from a document index. In another implementation, the context data includes categories relevant to the search query. Sets of retrieved context data are compared to one another to determine if they are substantially similar. If the sets of context data are substantially similar, this fact may be used to infer that the removal of the potential stopword(s) is not material to the search. If the sets of context data are not substantially similar, the potential stopword can be considered material to the search and should not be removed from the query. |
| US08473503B2 |
Method and system for semantic search against a document collection
Disclosed in one example is a method for searching. In some examples, the method includes receiving an unstructured search query, parsing the unstructured search query into a plurality of structured search attributes using a search term attribute dictionary, performing a search of a structured database based upon the plurality of structured search attributes to identify a plurality of search results, populating a plurality of form fields of a search form with the plurality of structured search attributes, and displaying the search form in association with the search results. |
| US08473494B2 |
Method and arrangement for adding data to messages
The invention relates to a solution for adding a data item, e.g. advertisement information, to a message. The solution comprises a server (102) and a database (101). The database includes a pre-defined set of data items and a pre-defined set of profile items. The server selects one profile item on the basis of transmission control data, e.g. a destination address, associated with the message. The server selects a data item on the basis of the selected profile item and adds the selected data item on the basis data item to the message. Profiling of e.g. recipients associated with different instances of transmission control data has been done in advance and the results are stored in the database in the form of the profile items. Therefore, the amount of work related to selection of an appropriate data item for a certain message is reduced. In a preferred embodiment data items are selected at least partly on the basis of remaining portions of validity periods of the data items associated with the selected profile item, a shorter remaining portion of validity period being a factor in favor of getting selected compared with a longer remaining portion of validity period. |
| US08473492B1 |
Advertising in desktop searches
A computer-implemented method is described. The method includes receiving permission from a user to store information on a storage device operatively coupled to a computer system associated with the user, generating a file comprising content designed to cause at least a portion of the file to be displayed in search results when a search of the storage device is performed, and storing the generated file on the storage device in a manner that is invisible to a user of the computer system. Alternatively, the generated file can be stored without a user's permission. |
| US08473490B2 |
System and method for providing a near matches feature in a network environment
An apparatus for providing a feature in a network environment is provided that includes a central website operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. One or more searches are conducted for one or more of the end users, and one or more attributes previously determined by a selected one of the end users are varied to offer one or more additional matches to the selected end user, and the additional matches are different from matches offered to the selected end user based on the previously determined attributes. In more specific embodiments, the central website offers the additional matches based on a number of current matches being served to the selected end user. |
| US08473486B2 |
Training parsers to approximately optimize NDCG
A supervised technique uses relevance judgments to train a dependency parser such that it approximately optimizes Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG) in information retrieval. A weighted tree edit distance between the parse tree for a query and the parse tree for a document is added to a ranking function, where the edit distance weights are parameters from the parser. Using parser parameters in the ranking function enables approximate optimization of the parser's parameters for NDCG by adding some constraints to the objective function. |
| US08473480B1 |
Continuous security updates
Serving a search result is disclosed. A security fingerprint of a security configuration is generated. The security fingerprint is concatenated with a query having a search term and a search result is returned that includes both the search term and the security fingerprint. |
| US08473478B2 |
Automatic real-time file management method and apparatus
A method for archiving files includes determining when a change in an operating file is imminent, capturing the operating file immediately before the change in the operating file occurs, if the operating file has not already been captured; and capturing the operating file immediately after the change in the operating file has occurred. |
| US08473477B1 |
Search ranking estimation
A searcher can be configured to improve relevance ranking of search results through iterative weighting of search ranking results. A Search Auto Categorizer (SAC) operates on a base query to return a probabilistic distribution of leaf categories of a taxonomy in which relevant products may reside. A Search Logic Unit (SLU) can compute a relevance of any particular leaf category to the base query. The SLU can then determine an initial relevance of a particular product to the query based on the probabilistic distribution and the relevance of leaf category to query. The SLU weights the relevance of a product to the query to establish an updated probabilistic distribution. The SLU then repeats the relevance and weighting until convergence upon a relevance list. |
| US08473472B2 |
Footprint tracking of contacts
A footprints device includes an input module and an output module. The input module receives a request for footprint data. The footprint data relates to names of users. The output module sends the footprint data to an address book. The footprint data is marked to indicate when at least one of the names of the users is a contact of the address book. |
| US08473465B2 |
Data mirroring system
A system includes a primary storage unit connected to a secondary storage unit such that data written to the primary storage unit is replicated on the secondary storage unit. The primary storage unit in at least one exemplary embodiment includes the capability to intercept input/output instructions for routing to a buffer and/or directly to the secondary storage unit. The system in at least one exemplary embodiment includes a backup storage unit for backing up data from at least the secondary storage unit offline and the capability to update the secondary storage unit once it returns to an online status. |
| US08473464B2 |
Method and device for data recovery using bit logging
A method and apparatus for data recovery in a multitasking or multithreading environment is provided. The method includes creating a log record by performing bit-by-bit logging with respect to a lowest level bitmap of a multilevel bitmap, recovering the lowest level bitmap using the log record, and correcting a higher level bitmap corresponding to the lowest level bitmap based on the recovered lowest level bitmap. |
| US08473460B2 |
Driver model for replacing core system hardware
Apparatus and methods for replacing partition units are disclosed. Generic and platform-specific drivers based on a driver model that specify a plurality of callbacks are disclosed. The drivers enable the replacement of partition units without the firmware and/or software of a computing device having to be recompiled for each platform. The plurality of callbacks provide access to a plurality of functions that are safe to use when operating system services are not available. The plurality of callbacks include, but are not limited to, initialization, memory transfer, and transfer processor state callbacks. The methods use the drivers to replace partition units. Preferably, partition units are replaced using platform-specific partition unit replacement (PUR) drivers that take advantage of platform-specific capabilities. |
| US08473459B2 |
Workload learning in data replication environments
A method for replicating I/O performance in data replication environments, such as PPRC environments, is described. In selected embodiments, such a method includes monitoring I/O workload at a primary storage device over a period of time, such as a period of hours, days, or months. The method then generates learning data at the primary storage device describing the I/O workload over the selected time period. The learning data is replicated from the primary storage device to a secondary storage device. The method uses the learning data to optimize the secondary storage device to handle the I/O workload of the primary storage device. This will enable the secondary storage device to provide substantially the same I/O performance as the primary storage device in the event a failover occurs. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed and claimed herein. |
| US08473458B2 |
Document migration
A document migration system that controls release, from a source enterprise content management system, of batches of documents and metadata and loading, to a target enterprise content management system, of batches of documents and metadata that have been released from the source enterprise content management system. The document migration system maps source metadata attributes from the released metadata to target metadata attributes and stores migration records that describe migration operations from release from the source enterprise content management system through loading to the target enterprise content management system. |
| US08473455B2 |
Query-oriented message characterization
Messages are processed based on a characteristic derived from information in messages, metadata about messages, or other information external to messages. Values for one or more pieces of information are received. At least one of the values for one or more pieces of information is associated with a first message. Queries are received. The queries specify one or more of the pieces of information. At least a portion of the plurality of values for the one or more pieces of information is processed in conjunction with the one or more queries to create one or more normalized characteristics for the first message. The one or more normalized characteristics for the first message are in a same format irrespective of the format of the pieces of information. The first message, and/or other messages, is processed based on at least one of the one or more normalized characteristics. |
| US08473453B2 |
Capturing data from user selected portions of a business process and transferring captured data to user identified destinations
A graphical user interface (GUI) displays a flow of activities of a business process, including any portion thereof from which capture of data is permitted. The GUI receives, in an operation, at least an indication of a business process portion from which data is to be captured (“sensor”), an identification of an endpoint to which captured data is to be transferred, and a type of the endpoint which identifies (through a mapping) a predetermined software. A sensor may be added any number of times (through a single GUI or though multiple GUIs) by repeatedly performing the operation. Also, a given sensor may be associated with multiple endpoints. Computer(s) executing the business process check whether or not a sensor is present, on execution of the business process portion, and if present, then execute the corresponding predetermined software(s) to transfer data from the sensor directly to the respective endpoint(s). |
| US08473452B1 |
System and method for analyzing de-identified health care data
A system and method for creating a unique alias associated with an individual identified in a health care database such that health care data, and particularly pharmaceutical-related data, can be efficiently gathered and analyzed. The system has a first data store for storing at least one record where each record includes a plurality of identification fields which when concatenated uniquely identify an individual, and at least one health care field corresponding to health care data associated with the individual. The system also has a second data store, and a processor. The processor selects a record of the first data store, then selects a subset of the plurality of identification fields within the selected record, and concatenates the selected subset of identification fields. Then the processor stores the concatenated identification fields in a record in the second data store with the at least one health care field from the selected record of the first data store. |
| US08473449B2 |
Process of dialogue and discussion
A method for effecting a dialogue with an emulated brain. The method includes the step of receiving a query in the form of a semantic string. The semantic string is then parsed into basic concepts of the query. The basic concepts are then clumped into a clump concept. If the clump concept constitutes part of a dialogue, then the dialogue thread is activated by determining the context of the clump concept and assessing a potential reply from a group of weighted replies, which expected replies are weighted based on the parsed concepts produced in the step of parsing. The heaviest weighted one of the expected replies is selected and the weight of the selected reply after it is selected is downgraded. The selected reply is then generated for output in a sentence structure. |
| US08473447B2 |
AI planning based quasi-montecarlo simulation method for probabilistic planning
A computer-based method and system for AI planning based quasi-Monte Carlo simulation for probabilistic planning are provided. The method includes generating a set of possible actions for an initial state, generating a set of sample future outcomes, generating solutions for each of the sample future outcomes, using an AI planner, generating a set of future outcome solutions that are low probability and high-impact, combining the solutions generated from each of the sample future outcomes with the future outcome solutions generated by the AI Planner into an aggregated set of future outcome solutions, analyzing the aggregated set of future outcome solutions, selecting a best action based at least partially on the analysis of the aggregated set of future outcome solutions, and outputting the selected best action to computer memory. |
| US08473437B2 |
Information propagation probability for a social network
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for predicting propagation of a message on a social network. A predictive model is trained to determine a probability of propagation of information on the social network using both positive and negative information propagation feedback, which may be collected while monitoring the social network over a desired period of time for information propagation. A particular message can be input to the predictive model, which can determine a probability of propagation of the message on the social network, such as how many connections may receive at least a portion of the message and/or a likelihood of at least a portion of the message reaching respective connections in the social network. |
| US08473436B2 |
Neural segmentation of an input signal and applications using simulated neurons, and a phase modulator
Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer-program products for segmenting content of an input signal and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the system includes simulated neurons, a phase modulator, and an entity-identifier module. Each simulated neuron is connected to one or more other simulated neurons and is associated with an activity and a phase. The activity and the phase of each simulated neuron is set based on the activity and the phase of the one or more other simulated neurons connected to each simulated neuron. The phase modulator includes individual modulators, each configured to modulate the activity and the phase of each of the plurality of simulated neurons based on a modulation function. The entity-identifier module is configured to identify one or more distinct entities (e.g., objects, sound sources, etc.) included in the input signal based on the one or more distinct collections of simulated neurons that have substantially distinct phases. |
| US08473435B2 |
Use of general bayesian networks in oilfield operations
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of using General Bayesian Networks to automate oilfield operations. In certain aspects, a Monte-Carlo method is used to propagate probability density functions for root-variables to continuous-valued hidden variables reflecting some oilfield operation properties. Evidence in the form of observed properties are used to weight samples used in the Monte-Carlo process thereby propagating the observed values onto other variables. The inferred probability distributions are provided to an oilfield control system or monitoring system. |
| US08473432B2 |
Issue resolution in expert networks
Techniques are provided for improved issue resolution in an expert network. For example, a method comprises the following steps. Information is extracted comprising: content of one or more historical records associated with resolutions of one or more previous issues; and transfer routing sequences indicating routes through routing entities in an expert network that the one or more previous issues passed in order to be respectively resolved. A model is computed based on at least a portion of the extracted information, wherein the computed model statistically captures one or more ticket transfer patterns among routing entities in the expert network. One or more future issue resolution routing recommendations are determined based on at least one of the one or more ticket transfer patterns captured by the computed model. |
| US08473430B2 |
Deep-structured conditional random fields for sequential labeling and classification
Described is a technology by which a deep-structured (multiple layered) conditional random field model is trained and used for classification of sequential data. Sequential data is processed at each layer, from the lowest layer to a final (highest) layer, to output data in the form of conditional probabilities of classes given the sequential input data. Each higher layer inputs the conditional probability data and the sequential data jointly to output further probability data, and so forth, until the final layer which outputs the classification data. Also described is layer-by-layer training, supervised or unsupervised. Unsupervised training may process raw features to minimize average frame-level conditional entropy while maximizing state occupation entropy, or to minimize reconstruction error. Also described is a technique for back-propagation of error information of the final layer to iteratively fine tune the parameters of the lower layers, and joint training, including joint training via subgroups of layers. |
| US08473426B2 |
Method and apparatus for billing data services
A method and apparatus for billing data services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller that manages a communications interface coupled to a communication system. The controller can be programmed to calculate a charge for service according to a degree of asymmetric bandwidth usage of upstream and downstream data traffic consumed by customer premise equipment (CPE). Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08473423B2 |
Contact center expert identification
A system evaluates callers, into a contact center, for possible employment. The evaluations occur while the caller waits in a contact center queue and provide a rating of the callers as potential employees. Ratings may be generated or accumulated from one or more interactions with the contact center, where each interaction with the caller can provide information about the caller's suitability as an employee. Good candidates may be interviewed automatically and/or by a manager. Those candidates that receive good ratings/evaluations and are interested in the position may be hired or provided incentives to help the call center respond to calls. |
| US08473420B2 |
Computational models for supporting situated interactions in multi-user scenarios
Individuals may interact with automated services as one or more parties, where such individuals may have collective (as well as individual) intents. Moreover, parties may concurrently communicate with the interface, and the interface may have to manage several concurrent interactions with different parties. Single-individual interfaces may be unable to react robustly to such dynamic and complex real-world scenarios. Instead, multi-party interfaces to service components may be devised that identify individuals within a scene, associate the individuals with parties, track a set of interactions of the parties with the service component, and direct the service component in interacting with the parties. A multi-party interface may also detect and politely handle interruptions, and may identify information items about individuals and parties based on context and history, prioritize the intents of the individuals and parties, and triage interactions accordingly. |
| US08473418B2 |
Sensitive data aliasing for transaction-card and other applications
Database management and security is implemented in a variety of embodiments. In one such embodiment, data sets containing retail transaction information are analyzed using aliases representing transaction card identifiers. In another embodiment, the transaction card identifiers are stored in an encrypted form for use from a secure access, while the alias identifier is available for standard access. |
| US08473415B2 |
System and method for identifying a point of compromise in a payment transaction processing system
A system, apparatus, and method for reducing fraud in payment transactions by identifying a potential point of compromise (POC) that may lead to subsequent fraudulent transactions, or confirming that a suspected point of compromise is in fact responsible for a security breach leading to fraudulent payment transactions. The invention is also directed to a system, apparatus, and method for identifying data or transaction characteristics that may be used to most effectively identify a point of compromise in a payment transaction system. |
| US08473412B2 |
Remote capture of multiple deposit items
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for processing an image that shows multiple deposit items, where the image was captured by a remote capture device. For example, some embodiments provide a method that includes: (a) receiving an image that shows multiple deposit items, where the image was captured by a remote capture device; (b) identifying, based at least partially on the image, deposit item information associated with the multiple deposit items; and/or (c) crediting an account based at least partially on the deposit item information. |
| US08473407B2 |
System and method for determining implied market information
Implied prices and their quantities are computed. Markets are characterized by exhaustively computing one or more combinations of other related markets. Each combination when summed in a particular way results in the market under consideration. In a described embodiment, the number of market combinations found is an exhaustive list of market combinations such that the market under consideration can be fully and completely characterized, such that each combination provides implied market information about the market under consideration. Implied market information can include implied prices and their quantities, which are computed for each combination and used accordingly in displays or used by automated or semi-automated trading tools. |
| US08473404B2 |
System and method for creating trade-related annotations in an electronic trading environment
A client terminal displays a trading screen interface and an annotation interface in relation to the trading screen interface. The annotation interface allows a trader to enter trade-related annotations in a quick and efficient manner or flag a predetermined time and input annotations to be associated with the flagged time a later time, while the trading screen interface allows the trader to make trades at the most favorable prices and in a speedy manner. The annotation interface may alternatively not be displayed and allow for audio input. |
| US08473403B2 |
Methods and systems for creating and trading strips of financial products
The present invention includes a method comprising receiving a first electronic BUY STRIP order; receiving a second electronic SELL STRIP order; matching the first STRIP order with the second STRIP order, wherein the first STRIP order is a contra order to the second STRIP order; executing the matched first and second STRIP orders; generating a first plurality of tradable component financial product trades based on the executed first STRIP order; generating a second plurality of tradable component financial product trades based on the executed second STRIP order; matching the first plurality of tradable component financial product trades with the second plurality of tradable component financial product trades, wherein the first plurality of tradable component financial product trades are contra trades to the second plurality of tradable component financial product trades; and executing the matched first and second plurality of tradable component financial product trades. |
| US08473397B2 |
Financial portfolio management system and method
A financial portfolio management system operable in a network environment can be configured to gather financial information from a plurality of sources over an electronic network and intelligently aggregate the information into a financial portfolio viewable by a client. The client can determine which accounts should be included in the portfolio. The system uses web crawling, parsing, or spidering technology to update the portfolio information. The system provides one platform that conveys financial information from a variety of accounts held at several different financial institutions. |
| US08473395B1 |
Universal payment protection
A system for and method of providing payment protection upon the occurrence of trigger events. The system and method include an account, which may be associated with a credit card or other financial product. An accountholder may select trigger events and associated benefits. Upon the occurrence of a trigger event, the issuing entity will evaluate whether the accountholder is entitled to receive an associated benefit. Each benefit is intended to address at least one payment obligation. For example, an account may include payment protection in the form of automatic payment of minimum monthly credit card fees should the accountholder involuntarily become unemployed. |
| US08473392B1 |
System and method for evaluation and comparison of variable annuity products
In a system and method for evaluating and comparing variable annuities, ranking and comparison of annuities and their guaranteed riders is performed by coding the performance of the annuities into a computer model based on the behavior of one or more annuity products as described in a prospectus. A user is provided with a computer interface to input his/her preferences and then view anticipated performance. The anticipated performance is based on one or more validated scenarios of future market performance. The output is in part based on showing the total value of two or more different annuities over time as a bar chart. Each bar presents the total withdrawals to date in a lower portion and the cash surrender value as a top portion. |
| US08473387B2 |
Facilitating compensation arrangements between data providers and data consumers
Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of facilitating a compensation arrangement between a data provider and a data consumer regarding one or more data-provider-related search activities, are described. |
| US08473382B2 |
Virtual collateral for real-world obligations
A method and system provides transactions and arrangements in virtual world environments. A user can participate in transactions to acquire virtual property and related virtual rights. In some implementations, real-world and virtual parties can be involved in virtual collateral transactions as well as conditional transfers and/or revocations involving various types of virtual objects and virtual rights. A possible relinquishment of designated aspects of the virtual collateral may result from unsatisfactory compliance with a real-world obligation or virtual world obligation that is secured by the virtual collateral. |
| US08473378B2 |
Global treasury monitoring system
A global treasury monitoring system can provide a single centralized system of record for maintaining and updating global treasury limits to enable an organization to consistently allocate, apply and manage such limits across multiple types of platforms. Through a single system of record for the management of global treasury limits, an organization may comprehensively assess its risk exposure at any given time and make adjustments to limits on a real-time basis in response to rapidly-changing market conditions. The global treasury monitoring system can provide an organization with the ability to access, evaluate and reconfigure recorded treasury limits in real-time through various graphical user-interfaces (GUIs) accessible to users at various global locations. As treasury limits are utilized the system may update the availability of such limits so that an organization's risk exposure may be constantly monitored and assessed. The system also provides an organization with additional flexibility in programming a client's treasury limits to match the client's various liquidity needs around the globe while also managing the amount of the risk that the organization is willing to take on to attain appropriate returns. |
| US08473375B2 |
Utilizing supporting dimensions to further define transaction entities in a computerized financial/accounting system
A computer-implemented financial system that allows for account modules to be set up, and transaction data to be entered, stored and retrieved as transaction entities, with each transaction entity including an amount, is provided. The financial system further allows for supporting dimensions (dimensions that are entered and saved to the transaction only and that are not selected from a predefined dimension code list) to be utilized. |
| US08473365B2 |
Multiple-platform estimating and automatic quoting for network-based parts resale with transferable reports
A part location system is described that utilizes computer-based techniques for bringing together repair facilities and suppliers to increase the efficiency of locating recycled, used or aftermarket parts using a computer network, such as the Internet. The part location system receives an estimate from a first user over a communication network. The part location system then parses the estimate to extract information that identifies a list of parts needed by the first user and automatically generates a request for quote (RFQ) using the information extracted from the estimate. The part location system then sends the RFQ to suppliers via the communication network. Subsequently, the part location system receives quotations from at least one of the suppliers via the communication network in response to the RFQ and presents the quotations received in response to the RFQ to a repair facility via the communication network. |
| US08473358B1 |
Generating a data feed of items for a referral network site
Disclosed are various embodiments relating to generating an item feed. A feed is generated in a computing device of a subset of a plurality of items offered for sale through an electronic commerce network site to send to a referral network site. Data representing a commercial performance of one of the items through each one of a plurality of channels associated with the electronic commerce network site is obtained in the computing device. The data representing the commercial performance of the one of the items through each one of the plurality of channels is aggregated in the computing device. A determination is made in the computing device as to whether the one of the items is to be included in the subset based at least in part upon the aggregation of the data. |
| US08473355B2 |
System and method for electronic wallet conversion
A system and method for electronic wallet conversion allows conversion of a basic electronic wallet to a more flexible wallet account, providing additional services and requiring additional authentication. The basic accountholder eventually requires the additional services provided by the more flexible wallet, typically editing rights and making purchases at sites requiring authentication beyond the basic level. To convert the account, the account holder is presented with a one-time challenge and response mechanism that requires the accountholder to summon information that only the account holder would know. If a successful match is made, the account is converted to the more flexible account for all time. The accountholder replaces the one-time challenge and response with a second-level password that grants the accountholder ongoing access to more sensitive wallet features, such as the ability to purchase at sites requiring a second-level password, and editing rights to the information stored in the wallet. |
| US08473347B1 |
Optimal pricing and advertisement slot allocation
An allocation subsystem allocates advertisement slots based on cumulative demand of the advertisement slots. The cumulative demand can be based on a softened demand curve for advertisers that have submitted bids for allocation of the advertisement slot. The demand curves can be adjusted to regulate a variance of the advertisers spend rate throughout a budget period. |
| US08473345B2 |
Protocol generator and presenter device for analysis of marketing and entertainment effectiveness
A protocol generator and presenter device provides stimuli to a subject to allow analysis of the effectiveness of marketing and entertainment materials. A protocol generator generates presentation parameters such as length of presentation, number of repetitions, number of physiological baselines, etc. The presenter device uses the presentation parameters to elicit responses from a subject that are then measured and analyzed using multiple neurophysiological modalities. Feedback is provided to the protocol generator and presenter device to dynamically update presentation parameters. |
| US08473341B1 |
System to provide price adjustments based on indicated product interest
A system to provide price adjustments based on indicated product interest includes reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a first product, reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a second product, determination of a price adjustment for the second product based on the indication of interest in the first product, and transmission of the price adjustment to the customer. By virtue of the foregoing features, a retailer may be willing to provide a price adjustment for the second product which would otherwise not be provided. Moreover, such a price adjustment may incent the customer to purchase the second product in a case that the second product would not otherwise be purchased, thereby potentially increasing a total profit received by the retailer. |
| US08473340B2 |
Product marketing utilizing browsing history
A computer implemented method markets a particular product in an e-commerce system. A web page server receives a request for a current web page that displays a particular product. The request is accompanied by an authorization indicium to retrieve a content of a previous web page that offered the particular product at a previous price. A current price for the particular product is dynamically adjusted based on the previous price offered on the previous web page, and is then presented on the current web page. |
| US08473336B1 |
Resource access control method and system for imprinting a product or service on the mind of a user of an online resource
A request is received from a client computer to access an online resource. Access to the online resource is controlled by a server. In response to the request, the server transmits advertising content for a product or service to be displayed on the client computer. The server also transmits an input request to be displayed by the client computer. The input request asks for information about the product or service that is being advertised. The information is available to the user by comprehending the advertising content. The server receives an input response from the client computer. If the input response comprises the correct information requested by the input request, the server permits the client computer to access the online resource. |
| US08473335B2 |
Providing geocoded targeted web content
A system and method are disclosed for providing geocoded web content to a user based on a specific geographic location specified by the user. A determination module receives a geographic location from the user and determines latitude and longitude coordinates associated with the geographic location from a geographic information database. The determination module further determines a geographic boundary associated with the latitude and longitude coordinates based at least in part on an area of interest surrounding the geographic location. A web content search module determines web content comprising substance associated with a location within the geographic boundary. A front end interface transmits the determined web content for display in an order based at least in part on distance from the location associated with the web content to the geographic location. |
| US08473334B2 |
System and method for issuing and redeeming incentives on electronic data cards
A system for issuing, redeeming and monitoring incentive offers generated in response to qualifying on-line and off-line non-purchase activities. For example, an electronic data card is used to store electronic coupons issued by web sites (i.e., on-line) and/or off-line locations. In one embodiment activity registration is performed by programming integrated with, or coupled to, a web browser. Off-line activity is registered by a kiosk at a merchant location that generates an incentive offer, or a token which is later converted to an incentive offer, in response to conditions determined at the kiosk (e.g., entered by the user, clerk, and so forth). A loyalty server operates to aggregate information about the offers for reporting purposes, and can be optionally required for determining qualification for an incentive offer, providing security codes for participating incentive issuers, providing qualification of offers prior to issuance, and validating stored offers prior to redemption. |
| US08473333B2 |
Toll fee system and method
A toll fee tracking system comprising a toll authority adapted to collect data associated with at least one toll fee tracking device and a toll rental entity adapted to communicate with the toll authority and a third part entity. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08473332B2 |
Toll fee system and method
A toll fee tracking system comprising a toll authority adapted to collect data associated with at least one toll fee tracking device and a toll rental entity adapted to communicate with the toll authority and a third part entity. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08473331B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for determining future profitability
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for determining future profitability for an entity. A present profitability model is generated for the entity based upon present values for a plurality of components of profitability. The present profitability model is used to create a future profitability forecast for the entity. |
| US08473324B2 |
Assessment of risk associated with international cross border data movement
In some embodiments, a data movement system comprises a rules repository configured to store rules associated with regulations of the first jurisdiction and the regulations of the second jurisdiction. A workflow manager is configured to determine jurisdictional complexity of the project as a function of the regulations of the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. The workflow manager is configured to determine jurisdictional exposure of the project as a function of an organization's exposure to the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. The workflow manager is configured to determine the risk of the project as a function of the jurisdictional complexity of the project and the jurisdictional exposure of the project. |
| US08473323B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing and synchronising variant business structures
The invention to which this application relates is the provision of a method and apparatus which allows the graphical representation of organizations and the interpretation of business structures and in particular allows the representation of variants within said business structures and allows these variants to be dealt with in an organized and more efficient manner than is conventionally possible. Thus, several different variants of an organizational model can be created and compared. Typically all of the variants include the components, interfaces, references and elements of the original organizational model. |
| US08473320B1 |
Method for statistical comparison of occupations by skill sets and other relevant attributes
A method and system for measuring transferability of workers between and among occupations by means of the mathematical relationships between those occupations' key attributes, as defined by publicly available data on the competencies required as specified by a complete catalog of U.S. occupations known as O*NET. This method provides a concise, informative measurement for comparing the relative requirements of Abilities, Skills, Knowledge, and other relevant attributes of occupations, enabling users to gauge the feasibility of transferring workers from one occupation to another. |
| US08473316B1 |
System and method for order processing state management
Various embodiments of a system and method for order processing state management are described. Embodiments may include an order handling system that includes multiple processing components for performing a respective portion of an order fulfillment process for purchase orders. The order handling system may also include a data store for storing state information of the purchase orders. To process a given purchase order, the order handling system may utilize each processing component to complete a respective portion of the order fulfillment process for that purchase order. The order handling system may also utilize each component to, based on the respective task performed, update state information corresponding to the aforesaid purchase order in the data store. The order handling system may, subsequent to an interruption of the processing of the purchase order, resume the processing of the purchase order based on the updated state information. |
| US08473315B1 |
Detection of adverse reactions to medication using a communications network
A method for detecting an adverse drug event in a patient. The method includes reading an adverse drug reaction (ADR) description of the patient, reading identifiers for medications currently taken by the patient, and accessing ADR records corresponding to the identifiers. Each record comprises an identifier for a medication, an ADR description for the medication and a risk profile for the medication. Next, the method compares the ADR description of the patient with ADR descriptions in the ADR records, identifies an ADR record with a matching ADR description and calculates a level of risk that a medication of the ADR record is causing the ADR description of the patient. Finally, the method transmits an identifier and a risk profile for each medication of the ADR record, and a notice indicating that each medication of the ADR record may be causing the ADR description of the patient. |
| US08473310B2 |
System for communication of health care data
A computer system to communicate healthcare data between healthcare participants includes a computer configured to display a personal healthcare record associated with a patient; wherein the personal healthcare record includes normalized data related to the patient and received from a payor computer over the Internet and provider healthcare data related to the patient received from a provider computer over the Internet; wherein the normalized data and the provider healthcare data are of a type that are displayed in separate fields; and wherein the normalized data is in a normalized format of a type that displays healthcare data from one or more sources such that any healthcare data associated with a patient which has the same meaning will be expressed in the same format despite any prior formatting. |
| US08473309B2 |
System and method for early identification of safety concerns of new drugs
A drug registry database is administered by storing healthcare claims for a plurality of patients and providing a user interface that displays new drug/comparator drug pairings in which a new drug includes a threshold number of healthcare claims and a comparator drug with substantially similar medical indications as the new drug. Based on receiving a new drug/comparator drug pairing selection, an analysis engine identifies from healthcare claims a statistically matched first of patients having used the new drug and second group of patients having used the comparator drug; identifies a comparative occurrence of existing medical conditions or new medical conditions in the statistically matched groups; and calculates a probability value indicating a relative likelihood that a patient taking the new drug will have a medical condition from the new or existing medical conditions in comparison to a likelihood that a patient taking the comparator drug will have the medical condition. |
| US08473308B2 |
System and method for sharing medical information
A system and method for sharing information, comprising: creating at least one problem-oriented record utilizing at least one modifier to describe at least one attribute of at least one problem; and utilizing the at least one problem-oriented record to share information. |
| US08473305B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing an implant
An orthopedic implant manufacturing method. The method includes preparing a pre-operative surgical plan for a specific patient, the surgical plan including a three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating at least one resection plane, communicating the surgical plan to a surgeon of the patient, and receiving approval of the surgical plan and the resection plane by the surgeon. The method also includes providing automated osteophyte/protrusion removal control for surgeon manipulation, receiving a modified three-dimensional image of a patient's joint indicating an osteophyte/protrusion removal and a recommendation for a corresponding selected orthopedic implant from the surgeon, and requesting manufacture of the selected orthopedic implant. |
| US08473298B2 |
Pre-resampling to achieve continuously variable analysis time/frequency resolution
A digital audio signal can be processed using continuously variable time-frequency resolution by selecting a portion of an input digital audio signal, resampling the selected portion of the input digital audio signal, generating a plurality of spectral characteristics associated with the resampled portion of the input digital audio signal, generating a portion of an output digital audio signal from the plurality of spectral characteristics, and resampling the portion of the output digital audio signal. Further, resampling the selected portion of the input digital audio signal can comprise determining a sampling ratio and resampling the selected portion of the input digital audio signal in accordance with the determined sampling ratio. Additionally, the portion of the output digital audio signal can be resampled in accordance with the inverse of the determined sampling ratio. The sampling ratio can be determined based on a time-frequency resolution requirement associated with an audio processing algorithm. |
| US08473297B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal outputs text-to-speech (TTS) voice data. The mobile terminal displays text data including link data on a display unit of the mobile terminal, selects the link data, receives an original data of the link data as a background process, converts the original data to the TTS voice data, and outputs the TTS voice data though a voice outputting unit of the mobile terminal. |
| US08473295B2 |
Redictation of misrecognized words using a list of alternatives
Upon selection of a displayed word, a list of alternatives for the selected word is displayed. Each alternative in the list has an associated symbol. A speech signal is then decoded to identify a list of possible words and the list of possible words is displayed with each possible word having an associated symbol. |
| US08473293B1 |
Dictionary filtering using market data
This specification describes technologies relating to system, methods, and articles for updating a speech recognition dictionary based on, at least in part, both search query and market data metrics. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method comprising (i) identifying a candidate term for possible inclusion in a speech recognition dictionary, (ii) identifying at least one search query metric associated with the identified candidate term, (iii) identifying at least one market data metric associated with the identified candidate term, and (iv) generating a candidate term score for the identified candidate term based, at least in part, on a weighted combination of the at least one identified search query metric and the at least one identified market data metric. |
| US08473292B2 |
System and method for generating user models from transcribed dialogs
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for generating personalized user models. The method includes receiving automatic speech recognition (ASR) output of speech interactions with a user, receiving an ASR transcription error model characterizing how ASR transcription errors are made, generating guesses of a true transcription and a user model via an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm based on the error model and the respective ASR output where the guesses will converge to a personalized user model which maximizes the likelihood of the ASR output. The ASR output can be unlabeled. The method can include casting speech interactions as a dynamic Bayesian network with four variables: (s), (u), (r), (m), and encoding relationships between (s), (u), (r), (m) as conditional probability tables. At each dialog turn (r) and (m) are known and (s) and (u) are hidden. |
| US08473287B2 |
Method for jointly optimizing noise reduction and voice quality in a mono or multi-microphone system
The present technology provides adaptive noise reduction of an acoustic signal using a sophisticated level of control to balance the tradeoff between speech loss distortion and noise reduction. The energy level of a noise component in a sub-band signal of the acoustic signal is reduced based on an estimated signal-to-noise ratio of the sub-band signal, and further on an estimated threshold level of speech distortion in the sub-band signal. In embodiments, the energy level of the noise component in the sub-band signal may be reduced to no less than a residual noise target level. Such a target level may be defined as a level at which the noise component ceases to be perceptible. |
| US08473285B2 |
Method for jointly optimizing noise reduction and voice quality in a mono or multi-microphone system
The present technology provides adaptive noise reduction of an acoustic signal using a sophisticated level of control to balance the tradeoff between speech loss distortion and noise reduction. The energy level of a noise component in a sub-band signal of the acoustic signal is reduced based on an estimated signal-to-noise ratio of the sub-band signal, and further on an estimated threshold level of speech distortion in the sub-band signal. In embodiments, the energy level of the noise component in the sub-band signal may be reduced to no less than a residual noise target level. Such a target level may be defined as a level at which the noise component ceases to be perceptible. |
| US08473284B2 |
Apparatus and method of encoding/decoding voice for selecting quantization/dequantization using characteristics of synthesized voice
A voice encoding/decoding method and apparatus. A voice encoder includes: a quantization selection unit generating a quantization selection signal; and a quantization unit extracting a linear prediction coding (LPC) coefficient from an input signal, converting the extracted LPC coefficient into a line spectral frequency (LSF), quantizing the LSF with a first LSF quantization unit or a second LSF quantization unit based on the quantization selection signal, and converting the quantized LSF into a quantized LPC coefficient. The quantization selection signal selects the first LSF quantization unit or second LSF quantization unit based on characteristics of a synthesized voice signal in previous frames of the input signal. |
| US08473282B2 |
Sound processing device and program
In a sound processing device, a modulation spectrum specifier specifies a modulation spectrum of an input sound for each of a plurality of unit intervals. An index calculator calculates an index value corresponding to a magnitude of components of modulation frequencies belonging to a predetermined range of the modulation spectrum. A determinator determines whether the input sound of each of the unit intervals is a vocal sound or a non-vocal sound based on the index value. The modulation spectrum specifier analyzes the input sound to obtain a cepstrum or a logarithmic spectrum of the input sound for each of a sequence of frames defined within the unit interval, then specifies a temporal trajectory of a specific component in the cepstrum or the logarithmic spectrum along the sequence of the frames for the unit interval, and performs a Fourier transform on the temporal trajectory throughout the unit interval to thereby specify the modulation spectrum of the unit interval as the result of the Fourier transform of the temporal trajectory. |
| US08473280B2 |
System and methods for cost-effective bilingual texting
A method for facilitating texting in a non-Latin-based language includes storing mapping between a non-Latin-based language and a Latin-based language in a computer storage. The characters in the non-Latin-based language are mapped to a first group of characters in the Latin-based language. The diacritics in the non-Latin-based language are mapped to a second group of characters in the Latin-based language. The characters in the non-Latin-based language in a texting message are converted into in the coded text comprising characters in the Latin-based language according to the mapping. The texting message having the coded text is transmitted from a first communication device to a second communication device. The characters of the Latin-based language in the coded text are converted back into the characters in the non-Latin-based language according to the mapping to allow a user to read the text message in the non-Latin-based language on the second communication device. |
| US08473278B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying collocation errors in text
Systems and methods for detecting collocation errors in a text sample using a reference database from a corpus are provided. Collocation candidates are identified within the text sample based upon syntactic patterns in the text sample. Whether a given collocation candidate contains a collocation error is detected, the detecting including: determining a first association measure using the reference database for the given collocation candidate; determining whether the first association measure satisfies a predetermined condition and identifying the given collocation candidate as proper if the first association measure satisfies the predetermined condition; determining an additional association measure for a variation of the given collocation candidate using the reference database; and determining whether or not the collocation candidate contains an error based upon the additional association measure of the variation. |
| US08473276B2 |
Universal language input
Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for universal language input are provided. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes using a first application or operating system component to detect user input to an application interface of a second application. The method also includes, as input is detected in the application interface, automatically using the first application to provide one or more translations of the input including, sending the input to a translation model, receiving translated input from the translation model, and sending the translated input to the application interface of the second application. |
| US08473270B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling a semiconductor fabrication process
Software for controlling processes in a heterogeneous semiconductor manufacturing environment may include a wafer-centric database, a real-time scheduler using a neural network, and a graphical user interface displaying simulated operation of the system. These features may be employed alone or in combination to offer improved usability and computational efficiency for real time control and monitoring of a semiconductor manufacturing process. More generally, these techniques may be usefully employed in a variety of real time control systems, particularly systems requiring complex scheduling decisions or heterogeneous systems constructed of hardware from numerous independent vendors. |
| US08473268B2 |
Method for comparing and back allocating production
Methods and system for incorporating downhole and surface data with models and adjustment algorithms to back allocate flow rates of commingled zones. The models include fluid flow in the reservoir and wellbore, pressure drop across a choke, and fluid flow in the well completion. The models are coupled with an algorithm for comparing the results from the individual commingled zones to the total cumulative commingled volume and adjusting at least one predicted rate so that they match the measured flow rate over a specified time period. One method utilizes a reassignment factor for the adjustment of the predicted rates. These comparisons and allocation adjustments can be accomplished even when the frequency of the commingled flow rate and cumulative measurements, and the frequency of the predicted rates from the model differ from each other and the specified time period. |
| US08473267B2 |
Computer-aided method for a cost-optimized calculation of variable distributions over an aerodynamic surface
A computer-aided method suitable for assisting in the design of an aircraft by providing a variable distribution V over an aircraft surface inside a predefined parameter space by means of a reconstruction of the results obtained through computations for an initial group of points in the parameter space using a CFD model comprising in each of said computations the following steps: a) Selecting relevant shock wave structures being defined by its thickness δsw, its position Sswand the variable jump ΔV; b) Decomposing said variable distribution V into a smooth variable distribution Vsmooth and a shock wave variable distribution Vjump corresponding to said relevant shock wave structures; c) Obtaining the variable distribution V at any point of the parameter space as a reconstruction of the smooth variable distribution Vsmooth and the shock wave variable distribution Vjump obtained for said point. |
| US08473264B2 |
Geophysical data processing systems
A method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a representation of the geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising generating a first model of said surveyed region by fitting data predicted by said first model to said measured data for a specified frequency range; predicting full range potential field data for all measured frequencies using said generated first model; comparing said full range predicted data to said measured potential field data to provide full range residual data representing a difference between the full range predicted data and the full range measured data, and interpreting said full range residual data to provide a representation of said geology of said surveyed region. |
| US08473261B2 |
Methods and systems for improving meshes used in computational fluid simulations
A method of improving a 2D or 3D multiblock-structured mesh of an object that moves through a fluid medium, such as an aircraft. The method is used in the design of the object in connection with a defined analytical scheme, the mesh having been generated with rectangular (2D) or hexahedral (3D) blocks under constraints that may cause the mesh to include irregular blocks comprising the following steps: finding irregular blocks in the mesh; degenerating the irregular blocks merging contiguous edges or sides in one edge or side so that triangular (2D) or pentahedral (3D) blocks are formed and extending the modifications all along the blocks that are propagated; and generating several rectangular (2D) or hexahedral (3D) regular blocks inside the triangular (2D) or pentahedral (3D) blocks. A system for carrying out the method. |
| US08473260B2 |
Model creation support system, model creation support method, and model creation support program
A model creation support system includes a model managing part that acquires and accumulates an identifier of a model, data indicating a phenomenon, data indicating a regression equation, and evaluation data from an information processing apparatus that predicts or analyzes the phenomenon, using a model represented by the regression equation, a factor value extracting part that generates and records factor value data indicating the degree to which the factor contributes to the model from the accumulated data, and a model proposing part that refers to the factor value data based on a request for supporting model creation and model condition data received from the information processing apparatus, thereby generating and outputting support data containing a factor capable of contributing to the model to the information processing apparatus. Thus, information on factors of the model can be accumulated and utilized for enhancement of the fitting degree of the model. |
| US08473258B2 |
Part design using a context-free grammar
The invention relates to a computer implemented method for designing a part modeled by using a seed structure of a context-free grammar, a set of rules of the grammar, at least two design features, each design feature being defined by at least one rule of the set, a priority order between the design features determined by the seed structure and the set of rules. The method comprises the steps of displaying a representation of the part in a graphical user interface according to the priority order, modifying the priority order between said two design features by modifying the set of rules, displaying a representation of the part according to the modified priority order. |
| US08473254B2 |
Methods for configuring aircraft to meet performance goals and shock wave disturbance constraints
A system and method for configuring an aircraft for low sonic boom supersonic flight conditions includes redistributing lift of a wing by configuring the wing with one or more areas of far-field expansion ahead of areas of far-field compression. An equivalent area distribution goal curve is scaled to account for the equivalent area reduction due to excursions below to goal curve. A relaxed constraint allows the equivalent area distribution of the aircraft to be at or below the equivalent area distribution goal curve to enable multiple parameters to be configured to meet the equivalent area distribution constraint, as well as other constraints. The system and method can be adapted to aid in the design of any type of vehicle whose surfaces are subject to supersonic fluid flow, especially to reduce sonic boom. |
| US08473252B2 |
System and method for conflict resolution to support simultaneous monitoring of multiple subsystems
A system includes a subsystem interaction module device, which includes at least one interface configured to receive input signals associated with multiple components of a system. The subsystem interaction module device also includes at least one processing unit configured to identify a potential fault in one or more of the components using the input signals and to provide an indicator identifying the potential fault. The at least one processing unit is configured to identify the potential fault by: identifying conflicting frequencies that are associated with different faults in the components of the system; and determining a confidence level associated with the potential fault based on the conflicting frequencies. |
| US08473251B1 |
Collecting application crashes on resource-constrained devices
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method for crash reporting for resource-constrained devices. The method includes a step for accessing one or more rules for crash data management upon an application crash on a resource-constrained device. The one or more accessed rules take into account at least one resource constraint of the resource-constrained device. The method also includes a step for collecting crash data and communicating the crash data to a crash report management system. Either or both the collecting or the communicating of the crash data is based on the one or more accessed rules. |
| US08473249B2 |
System and method to detect printing devices with high incident rates
Method and systems of identifying a printing device having an exceptional incident rate among a plurality of printing devices are disclosed. For each of a plurality of printing devices, a processor receiving a printing device model, a print volume, and an incident count that includes a number of incidents occurring within a particular time frame. The processor determines a generalized linear regression model of the incident counts for each printing device model and also determines a predicted incident count for each printing device model using the generalized regression model. The processor determines a residual value for each printing device between the incident count for the printing device and the predicted incident count for the printing device model associated with the printing device. The processor identifies one or more printing devices having a residual value exceeding a threshold value. |
| US08473245B2 |
Inclination calculation apparatus and inclination calculation program, and game apparatus and game program
An inclination calculation apparatus calculates an inclination of an input device operable in terms of a posture thereof. The input device includes an acceleration sensor and an imaging element. In one non-limiting example implementation, the inclination calculation apparatus computes first inclination information representing an inclination of the input device based upon a coordinate position of an imaging target in an acquired image obtained by the imaging element and an estimated coordinate position of a second imaging target not acquired by the imaging element. The inclination calculation apparatus also computes second inclination information representing an inclination of the input device solely from an acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. The inclination calculation apparatus then calculates an inclination of the input device using the first inclination information and the second inclination information. |
| US08473244B2 |
Angular velocity correction device, angular velocity correction method, navigation device, and cellular phone having navigation function
An angular velocity correction device includes a horizontal angular velocity detection unit to detect horizontal axis angular velocity, that is mounted on a main unit attached to a moving object that moves along a predetermined movement surface, and that is made up of angular velocity around the horizontal axis which is orthogonal to the advancing direction of the moving object, occurring according to the inclination angle of the movement surface; a correction value generating unit to generate a correction value for correcting the horizontal axis angular velocity, based on the horizontal axis angular velocity that satisfies predetermined horizontal determining conditions of the horizontal axis angular velocity in the past; and a correction unit to correct the horizontal axis angular velocity using the correction value. |
| US08473243B2 |
Method and device for analyzing positions
The method and device for analyzing position are disclosed. By analyzing sensing information with at least one zero-crossing, each position can be analyzed. The number of analyzed positions may be different from the number of zero-crossings. When the number of analyzed positions is different from the number of zero-crossing, the number of analyzed positions is more than one. |
| US08473233B1 |
Analyzing jitter in a clock timing signal
A clock timing signal derived from a clock timing source is converted into samples obtained at a plurality of sample times, each sample representing an amplitude of a clock timing signal at a corresponding sample time. A time-domain histogram of deterministic jitter (DJ) is derived from a plurality of the samples. A set of measurement-based data that is not derived from the samples is also received, from which a time-domain histogram of random jitter (RJ) is derived. A jitter measurement is determined by convolving the time-domain histograms of DJ and RJ. Tangible non-transitory computer-readable storage devices can contain instructions that when carried out on processor(s) carry out the above process An apparatus has a clock sampling unit and a signal analyzer to derive the measure of jitter. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08473232B2 |
Measuring apparatus
A measuring apparatus is capable of separately measuring at least one of the purely resistive component and the reactance component of a measured circuit. The measuring apparatus applies an AC voltage to the measured circuit and detects a current flowing in the measured circuit. When doing so, a first detection signal whose amplitude changes in accordance with an amplitude of a real component of the current and a second detection signal whose amplitude changes in accordance with an amplitude of an imaginary component are generated. The at least one of a purely resistive component and a reactance component of the measured circuit is then calculated using the first detection signal and the second detection signal. |
| US08473230B2 |
System for detecting conflicts between outage requests and power supply guarantee requests in a power grid
A system for detecting conflicts between a power supply guarantee request (PSGR) and an outage request (OR) in a power grid. The system comprises: an accompanying outage analysis device for receiving a first outage device set including OR related devices, and using geographic information about devices in the power grid to determine a second outage device set, the second outage device set including devices in the first outage device set and accompanying outage devices that need to be in outage together with the devices in the first outage device set; an outage scale determination device for using topology information about the power grid to determine a power grid outage scale in which all of the devices in the second outage device set can be in outage; and a conflict detection device for receiving a power supply guarantee device set including PSGR related devices, and judging, for each device in the power supply guarantee device set, whether the device is included in the power grid outage scale. |
| US08473228B2 |
Detection of rotor side anomaly in an induction machine
A method for detecting an anomaly in an induction machine includes obtaining or receiving a signal from the induction machine; processing the signal so as to obtain a low frequency signal, then rectifying the low frequency signal; and, declaring if the anomaly is present, based on the rectified low frequency signal. A system for detecting anomalies is also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. |
| US08473226B2 |
Method of determining the filling level of a solid ammonia storage medium in an ammonia storage container
A method of determining an average degree of saturation with ammonia (X) of a solid ammonia storage medium porous or not and capable of ad- or absorbing and desorbing ammonia reversibly in a storage container is described. A part of the volume (Vcon) of the container is occupied by gaseous ammonia of a pressure (p) and defines a free volume (Vfree)). Ammonia flows out of the container with a flow (f). n pairs ((fi, pi), (Fi, pi)) of flows (fi), or accumulated flows (Fi), and pressures (pi) are sampled at a sequence of points of time (ti), i=1 . . . n and n≧2; an estimate volume value (Vfit) on the basis of the sampled pairs ((fi, pi), (Fi, pi)) is determined;and the degree of saturation with ammonia (X) is determined by applying a predetermined relationship (Rel) between a plurality of estimate volume values (Vfit) and a plurality of values of the average degree of saturation with ammonia (X) to the determined estimate volume value (Vfit). |
| US08473223B2 |
Method for utilizing fabrication defect of an article
A method for utilizing fabrication defect of an article includes steps of obtaining a defect image from a fabrication process for fabricating the article, wherein the defect image includes a defect and fabricated circuit patterns around the defect; obtaining coordinates of the defect; retrieving a layout of the article including design circuit patterns; extracting a contour of the defect from the defect image; superposing the contour of the defect on the layout according to the coordinates of the defect; and determining whether the defect causes a open failure or a short failure on the layout by analyzing overlaps between the contour of the defect and the design circuit patterns. Therefore, the article's health can be monitored during the fabrication process, not until the end of the fabrication process. |
| US08473216B2 |
Method and program for performing baseline correction of amplification curves in a PCR experiment
A method of adjusting amplification curves in a PCR experiment includes receiving a plurality of amplification curves for a sample and computing a first parameter for each of the plurality of amplification curves. The method also includes computing a second parameter for each of the plurality of amplification curves and computing a third parameter using at least a portion of the first or second parameters. The method further includes computing an offset for each of the plurality of amplification curves. The offset is a function of the first parameter and the third parameter. Moreover, the method includes adjusting at least one of the plurality of amplification curves by subtracting the offset. |
| US08473204B2 |
Map distribution server, map information terminal, and map distribution system using these map distribution server and map information terminal
A map distribution system that implements navigation using desired map data in which the degree of reliability of information about an object, such as a road or a facility, is taken into consideration is provided. A map distribution server 1a creates distribution data including difference map data and a reliance status showing the degree of reliability of the difference map data as a reply to edit request information about an edit request made by a user, and a map information terminal 3 receives the distribution data via a communication network 2 and performs navigation according to the reliance status included in the distribution data. |
| US08473202B2 |
Automation equipment control system
A automation equipment control system comprises a general purpose computer with a general purpose operating system in electronic communication with a real-time computer subsystem. The general purpose computer includes a program execution module to selectively start and stop processing of a program of equipment instructions and to generate a plurality of move commands. The real-time computer subsystem includes a move command data buffer for storing the plurality of move commands, a move module linked to the data buffer for sequentially processing the moves and calculating a required position for a mechanical joint. The real-time computer subsystem also includes a dynamic control algorithm in software communication with the move module to repeatedly calculate a required actuator activation signal from a joint position feedback signal. |
| US08473201B2 |
Current position determining device and current position determining method for correcting estimated position based on detected lane change at road branch
Provided is a technology capable of improving the accuracy of determining a position of an own vehicle in the vicinity of a branch point, in a current position determining device. The current position determining device identifies a detection range according to states of a road on which a vehicle is traveling to detect a lane change, to thereby determine a current position of the vehicle based on information on the detected lane change. |
| US08473198B2 |
Additional content based on intended travel destination
When users travel to an intended destination, a plurality of information can be beneficial to assist their travel. If a person is traveling to a crowded event, then information can be provided such that congested traffic areas can be provided. There can be financial opportunities available in relation to providing information concerning an intended destination. An advertiser can pay money to have information played about the advertiser when it relates to the intended destination. Furthermore, a user can pay money for detailed data concerning an intended location, such as where cheapest parking is located. |
| US08473196B2 |
Use of self and neighboring vehicle GPS/GNSS data to estimate current and approaching sky visibility changes
A method and system for creating a sky visibility map, using data from a vehicle and its neighbors. A host vehicle with satellite-based navigation capability measures the quality of signals it receives from available satellites, where azimuth and elevation angles of the satellites are known from an ephemeris or almanac. The host vehicle also receives satellite signal data from surrounding vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Using data from all of the vehicles, a sky visibility map is constructed, indicating where obstructions to satellite visibility exist for different locations. The sky visibility map is used to anticipate satellite signal quality. A driving environment classification can be used to configure other vehicle systems. The sky visibility map can also be constructed without using data from surrounding vehicles; the host vehicle can store its satellite signal data long-term and use it to estimate satellite visibility when returning to a location previously visited. |
| US08473195B2 |
Positioning device, positioning method and storage medium storing program
A positioning device for obtaining position data of a plurality of points on a movement route, including a positioning unit that can measure a present position; a movement measuring unit for measuring a relative positional change; a position calculating unit for calculating position data of the plurality of points on the movement route on the basis of position data of a first reference point and positional change data obtained through measurement of the movement measuring unit; and a correcting unit for correcting the position data of at least one of the plurality of points calculated by the position calculating unit on the basis of difference information representing difference between a position represented by the position data calculated by the position calculating unit and a position represented by a positioning result of the positioning unit with respect to any second reference point on the movement route. |
| US08473190B2 |
Apparatus for assisting in providing a first fixing global positioning satellite system, associated apparatus and methods
There is provided a method for assisting in providing a first fix in a global positioning satellite system, the method comprising: storing of connection point association data for a network connection point, observed by a portable electronic device, for subsequent use in assisting in providing a first fix, the connection point association data providing for approximation of the position of a device at the observed network connection point by associating together connection point identifiers of the observed network connection point and one or more other network connection points to allow for positional data used for determining the position at one or more other network connection points to be used for the approximation of the position of the device at the observed network connection point. |
| US08473189B2 |
Helicopter having collision avoidance apparatus
The invention relates to a helicopter, comprising a tail jib (12), at least one distance sensor (16.1) attached to the tail jib (12) for capturing a distance (A) from an object (18) that may be present in a surrounding area of the tail jib (12), and an electric evaluation unit (20), which is connected to the distance sensors (16) and equipped to calculate a position of the object (18) relative to the helicopter (10). According to the invention, a collision avoidance apparatus is provided, which is designed to avoid a collision of a person with the tail jib (12). |
| US08473183B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
Disclosed is a control device that is used for an internal combustion engine and capable of periodically varying an air-fuel ratio while keeping torque generated by the internal combustion engine at a target torque. The control device can periodically vary a target air-fuel ratio and controls a fuel injection amount in accordance with the target air-fuel ratio which periodically varies. Further, the control device sets an air amount control torque in accordance with the target torque and calculates a target air amount for achieving the air amount control torque at a predetermined virtual air-fuel ratio. The control device then provides air amount control in accordance with the target air amount and calculates an air amount that is estimated to be achieved by the air amount control. Eventually, the control device calculates torque that is estimated to be achieved by the estimated air amount at the target air-fuel ratio, and provides ignition timing control so as to compensate for the difference between the estimated torque and the target torque by correcting ignition timing. |
| US08473178B2 |
Control device and control method for vehicle
An ECU executes a program including: detecting an amount of an aqueous urea solution; setting a predetermined operation line if the solution amount is equal to or more than 15%; setting a predetermined operation line if the solution amount is equal to or more than 10%; setting a predetermined operation line if the solution amount is less than 10%; controlling an engine based on a set operation line; controlling a motor generator; calculating a degree of deterioration of fuel efficiency; and performing display control. |
| US08473176B2 |
Aircraft monitoring equipment
An aircraft monitoring system uses aircraft engine and system transducers to monitor critical engine and aircraft system parameters. Simple controls and graphical user interfaces facilitate the display of different kinds of critical information to the pilot. Such data may also be recorded for later downloading and analysis. |
| US08473170B2 |
Closed loop transmission torque control
The described system and method provide improved transmission performance and response with closed loop torque feedback by implementing situational gain scheduling and nonlinear control techniques for continuously variable transmissions. The system uses contextual information regarding the operation of the machine to determine a gain to be applied in associated PID control logic. In an embodiment, the determined gain is applied in the integral portion of the closed loop controller. |
| US08473161B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus drives a motor to generate a steering assist force according to a steering torque and includes an output circuit for supplying the motor with electric power from at least one of a battery and an auxiliary power supply. The electric power steering apparatus has a control circuit which at or after detection of a breakdown of the battery, determines a length of time to the end of steering assist (decreasing time t1) based on the amount of energy stored in the auxiliary power supplies and which takes the determined length of time to perform output decreasing control to gradually decrease the upper limit of power supplied for the steering assist to practically zero according to a constant gradient. Thus is provided an electric power steering apparatus which is adapted to prevent a sudden fall of the steering assist force in the event of a battery breakdown while effectively utilizing the available stored energy. |
| US08473159B2 |
Variable gain control nose wheel steering system
A method for determining a target steering angle for nose landing gear of an aircraft includes receiving rudder pedal input data into a steering control unit, receiving aircraft speed data into the steering control unit, calculating a normal gain, calculating a parking gain, and adding the normal gain and the parking gain to determine the target steering angle. The normal gain is a positive quantity in all aircraft speed and pedal stroke ranges. The parking gain is a positive quantity in parking and taxiing speed ranges. A nose wheel steering system is also disclosed. |
| US08473154B2 |
Vehicle control system and vehicle control method
A vehicle control system, which is configured to obtain an index on the basis of a running condition of a vehicle and to change at least any one of a driving force control characteristic and a vehicle body support characteristic of a suspension mechanism in response to the index, is configured to acquire information associated with a friction coefficient of a road surface on which the vehicle runs, and to correct the at least any one of the driving force control characteristic and the vehicle body support characteristic, which is changed in response to the index, on the basis of the information associated with the friction coefficient of the road surface. |
| US08473153B1 |
Key fob battery life preservation system and method
A system for transitioning a key fob between a standard operating mode and a battery conserving shipping mode includes a shipping mode controller which detects a vehicle state indicative of a vehicle shipping mode operation having been performed, and causes a shipping mode instruction signal to be sent from a vehicle to the key fob associated with that vehicle instructing the key fob to transition from the standard operating mode to the shipping mode. The vehicle shipping mode operation is an operation which initiates a transition of the vehicle from a standard operating mode to a shipping mode, and serves as a trigger for the shipping mode controller to transmit the shipping mode instruction signal. When in the shipping mode, the key fob may be entirely powered-off or have certain communication-related functions disabled. |
| US08473152B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for utilizing a communication channel of a mobile device by a vehicular assembly
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for utilizing a communication channel of a mobile device by a vehicular assembly. In operation, a vehicular assembly communicates with a mobile device having a wireless communication channel. Additionally, at least one vehicular assembly function is performed utilizing the wireless communication channel of the mobile device. |
| US08473143B2 |
System and method for accident logging in an automated machine
A system for logging visual and sensor data associated with a triggering event on a machine is disclosed. The system may include a camera disposed on an autonomous machine to provide a visual data output and a sensor disposed on the autonomous machine to provide an operational parameter output. The system may also include a memory buffer to store the visual data and operational parameter output of the autonomous machine and a permanent memory device to selectively store contents of the memory buffer. The system may further include a controller configured to detect a condition indicative of the triggering event on the autonomous machine. The controller may also be configured to store the contents of the memory buffer in the permanent memory at a predetermined time after the triggering event, said contents corresponding to the visual data output and operational parameter output occurring before, during, and after the triggering event. |
| US08473140B2 |
Networked multi-role robotic vehicle
An autonomous vehicle and systems having an interface for payloads that allows integration of various payloads with relative ease. There is a vehicle control system for controlling an autonomous vehicle, receiving data, and transmitting a control signal on at least one network. A payload is adapted to detachably connect to the autonomous vehicle, the payload comprising a network interface configured to receive the control signal from the vehicle control system over the at least one network. The vehicle control system may encapsulate payload data and transmit the payload data over the at least one network, including Ethernet or CAN networks. The payload may be a laser scanner, a radio, a chemical detection system, or a Global Positioning System unit. |
| US08473136B2 |
Power supply system for electrically powered vehicle and method for controlling the same
A power supply system for a hybrid vehicle includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices used selectively. When SOC of each power storage device decreases to an SOC control target, the running mode transitions from a CD mode of running with stored electric energy with an engine stopped to a CS mode of running while maintaining stored electric energy by power generation of the engine. An ECU determines a usage pattern of the power storage devices in the CS mode and the CD mode at startup of the power supply system following the start of vehicle driving. Further, in accordance with the determined usage pattern, the ECU appropriately sets an individual SOC target for each power storage device such that, upon ensuring stored electric energy available at the start of the CS mode, stored electric energy to be used in the CD mode is maximized. |
| US08473134B1 |
Method and apparatus for operating a vehicle including a hybrid powertrain system during a launch maneuver
A method for operating a vehicle including a hybrid powertrain system includes enabling a commanded electric vehicle (EV) launch when a high-voltage battery state-of-charge (SOC) is greater than an SOC threshold, a transmission output speed is less than a low speed threshold, a transmission output torque is less than a speed-based torque threshold, and an operator torque request is achievable in the EV traction mode. An EV traction mode is employed to execute the commanded EV launch in response to the operator torque request including a launch maneuver. |
| US08473132B2 |
Vehicle and method for controlling the same
A vehicle includes a battery, an electric power reception unit receiving electric power from an electric power transmission unit external to the vehicle, and a motor generator driven by the electric power supplied from the battery and the electric power supplied from the electric power reception unit. The control device calculates the first electric power that can be output from the battery, calculates the second electric power that can be charged from outside based on the transmittable electric power of the electric power transmission unit and the chargeable electric power of the electric power reception unit, obtains the sum of the first electric power and the second electric power as electric power suppliable from a power supply, and performs drive control of a motor generator based on the electric power suppliable from a power supply. |
| US08473127B2 |
System, method and computer software code for optimizing train operations considering rail car parameters
A method for improving train performance, the method including determining a rail car parameter for at least one rail car to be included in a train, and creating a train trip plan based on the rail car parameter in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train. |
| US08473126B2 |
Surface management at an airport
An airport management system having a memory storing surface management data for aircraft at an airport and a processor calculating a metric using the surface management data and generating a recommendation for the aircraft based on the calculated metric. A computer readable storage medium including a set of instructions executable by a processor, the set of instructions operable to receive surface management data for aircraft at an airport, calculate a metric using the surface management data and generate a recommendation for the aircraft based on the calculated metric. |
| US08473122B2 |
Method for actively deforming an aerodynamic profile
The present invention relates to a method for actively deforming, by feedback control, an aerodynamic profile comprising an elastic material, applied to a part of the surface of the aerodynamic profile, said elastic material being in contact with a fluid flow; said elastic material being able to be deformed by one or more shape memory actuators placed in contact with the elastic material, said actuators being controlled by a computer connected to sensors. This method applies notably to a deformation of an aerofoil of a wing of an aircraft in flight, notably subsonic. |
| US08473121B2 |
Fly-by-wire control system for an aircraft comprising detection of pilot induced oscillations and a control for such a system
A fly-by-wire control system for an aircraft including detection of pilot induced oscillations and a mobile control unit for such a system. According to the invention, provision is made for the pivotings of the mobile control unit to be damped by a controllable damper controlled by a detector that detects oscillations corresponding to pilot induced oscillations. |
| US08473118B2 |
Navigation system for exploring and/or monitoring unknown and/or difficult environments
A navigation system for exploring and/or monitoring unknown and/or difficult environments is provided that includes a mission control module, an unmanned vehicle operable for carrying out the exploration and/or monitoring mission, a primary node coupled to the mission control module that includes an ultra-wideband radio interface, and a plurality of secondary nodes for deployment in the unknown and/or difficult environment, each secondary node including an ultra-wideband radio interface. The primary node and secondary nodes are configured to form a hierarchical communication and localization network in which the primary node is associated with a primary hierarchical level and each secondary node is associated with a respective secondary hierarchical level lower than the primary hierarchical level. On the basis of distance measurements and distance-related messages associated with the system, a local reference coordinate system indicative of the positions of the secondary nodes with respect to the primary node is established. |
| US08473117B1 |
Flight control system for a model aircraft
A flight control system and method for controlling the flight of a fixed-wing model aircraft is disclosed. The flight control system may actively sense the condition when the wings of the model aircraft are not level to the horizon. The flight control system may then command the servo(s) to control movement about the roll and the yaw axes of the aircraft in order to level the wings to the horizon. In addition, the flight control system may limit the maximum bank angle that can be achieved even when full roll control is commanded by the operator. The flight control system in accordance with the present disclosure may allow inexperienced operators to fly model aircraft successfully by eliminating/mitigating adverse effects that may cause the operators to lose control. |
| US08473116B2 |
Traveling vehicle system and communication method in the traveling vehicle system
A system server and access points are connected through a LAN preferably on the ground. A control cycle is divided into an instruction time zone to provide instructions from the access points to traveling vehicles, and a report time zone to provide reports from the traveling vehicles to the access points. The access points transmit target positions in the instruction time zone, and the traveling vehicles report positions in the report time zone. The system server determines target positions based on the reported positions. |
| US08473114B2 |
Method of monitoring vehicle batteries
A method for monitoring a vehicle battery includes running a timer while the vehicle and a controller are in off states. The method wakes the control module after a first time increment measured by the timer, and sets a second time increment. If needed, the method samples a first state of charge of the battery, and determines whether the battery requires charging prior to the second time increment based upon the sampled first state of charge. Determining whether the battery requires charging may include comparing the first state of charge to a threshold state of charge, or comparing to a second state of charge measured after the second time increment. A diagnostic message may be sent from the vehicle via a communications path, and, if the battery requires charging, an alert message sent to a receiving point accessible to vehicle operator. |
| US08473108B2 |
Information apparatus and method of optimizing cooling efficiency of air conditioner
An air conditioner that cools inside a room wherein a plurality of server apparatuses is arranged, is driven with high efficiency. An information apparatus is communicatively coupled to a plurality of server apparatuses each capable of implementing a virtual server, stores a relation between a cooling performance and a cooling efficiency of an air conditioner that cools a room wherein the server apparatuses are arranged stores a history of load on each of the server apparatuses, the load being generated by a virtual server implemented in the server apparatus, creates a plurality of virtual server allocation patterns having varying allocations of virtual servers to be implemented by the server apparatuses, simulates, for each of the created allocation patterns, an amount of heat generation of each of the server apparatuses on the basis of the history of load on the server apparatus, seeks a cooling performance required to be offered by the air conditioner on a basis of the simulated amount of heat generation, and identifies the allocation pattern with which the cooling efficiency corresponding to the sought cooling performance is not less than a threshold set in advance. |
| US08473103B2 |
Secondary position feedback control of a robot
A method of and apparatus for achieving dynamic robot accuracy includes a control system utilizing a dual position loop control. An outer position loop uses secondary encoders on the output side of the gear train of a robot joint axis, while the inner position loop uses the primary encoder attached to the motor. Both single and dual loop control can be used on the same robot and tooling axes. |
| US08473100B2 |
System and method for dynamically switching conveyors for robots
A conveyor system and a method for dynamically switching an active work associated with a motion device, the system including a plurality of conveyors for moving at least one part, at least one production machine associated with at least one of the conveyors, at least one motion device to move the at least one part, a controller associated with the at least one motion device, wherein the controller is in data communication with the at least one production machine to receive a feedback data therefrom, the feedback data representing a state of the production machine, and a software system executed by the controller to dynamically and selectively control the at least one motion device in response to the feedback data. |
| US08473099B2 |
Information processing system, method of processing information, and program for processing information
A robot for interpreting between a speaker and a listener is provided. The robot includes a direction identifying device for identifying directions of the speaker and the listener, and a motor for moving a robot body to a direction identified by the direction identifying device. The direction identifying device identifies the direction of the speaker at a given time, and in the case where the speaker and the listener are alternated, identifies the direction of an alternated listener by the direction identified at the given time. |
| US08473094B2 |
Method and apparatus for gripping and transferring pieces of luggage
A method and an apparatus for automatically removing pieces of luggage that have different surface properties and dimensions and getting the pieces of luggage ready for further transport by means of a gripper that is hingedly connected to a robot arm is described. The method includes: a) moving the gripper and the container that is to be emptied close together; b) determining the first piece of luggage to be removed; (c) gripping the piece of luggage using a horizontal suction elements (3) and withdrawing the luggage horizontally; d) if the vertical suction elements (4) are not yet able to sufficiently grip the luggage, the vertical suction elements (4) are repositioned and turned off, the vertical suction elements (5) are repositioned, and then turned on to re-grip the piece of luggage. |
| US08473092B2 |
Complete round working method and complete round working device in NC machine tool
A working route of a main shaft is divided into a plurality of measurement points, and a length from a center of a complete round to the working route of the main shaft at each of the measurement points is measured, and this measured value is compared with a radial length of the complete round to operate a deviation amount from the complete round at each of the measurement points. This deviation amount is utilized to find a transferred position. As correction values for correcting the deviation value, an X-axis incremental amount and a Y-axis incremental amount obtained from a difference in the transferred position between the respective measurement points, or an X-axis absolute value and a Y-axis absolute value of the transferred position at each of the measurement points are incorporated into an NC working program to perform complete round working according to the program. |
| US08473090B2 |
Embroidery data creation apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing embroidery data creation program
An embroidery data creation apparatus includes a first dividing portion that divides an entire area of an image into a first area and a second area based on one of frequency components and angle characteristics, a first data creation portion including a number of partitions setting portion, a second dividing portion that divides the first area into color areas, a representative angle computing portion that computes representative angles for the color areas, a first line segment arranging portion that arranges first line segments in each of the color areas, a first line segment color setting portion that sets first line segment colors, and a first line segment connecting portion that creates first data by connecting the first line segments, a second data creation portion that creates second data, and an embroidery data creation portion that creates embroidery data by combining the first data and the second data. |
| US08473089B2 |
Methods and apparatus for predictive preventive maintenance of processing chambers
A method for assessing health status of a processing chamber is provided. The method includes executing a recipe. The method also includes receiving processing data from a set of sensors during execution of the recipe. The method further includes analyzing the processing data utilizing a set of multi-variate predictive models. The method yet also includes generating a set of component wear data values. The method yet further includes comparing the set of component wear data values against a set of useful life threshold ranges. The method moreover includes generating a warning if the set of component wear data values is outside of the set of useful life threshold ranges. |
| US08473078B1 |
Systems and methods for target optimization using regression
Systems and methods for target optimization using regression are described. The system includes a regression subsystem to generate a function based on metric relationships, and an optimization subsystem to determine parameter values associated with an optimized target. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08473077B2 |
Perfused core dielectrically loaded dipole microwave antenna probe
A microwave surgical ablation probe having an arrangement of coolant channels in fluid communication with a cooling chamber disposed within the distal end of the probe is disclosed. A hypotube having one or more longitudinal ribs extending radially inward from an inner surface thereof is coaxially disposed around a coaxial feedline. The longitudinal ribs of the hypotube engage an outer sheath of the feedline to define a fluid inflow channel to deliver coolant to the cooling chamber, and a fluid outflow channel to receive fluid from the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber may be formed from porous ceramic or porous metallic material that provides structural support to the probe while permitting coolant to circulate therethrough. The probe includes dielectric and choke members that are adapted to control the microwave radiation pattern (e.g., ablation shape), and which may provide improved coupling of the probe to tissue. |
| US08473075B2 |
Cochlear implant system with removable stylet
A cochlear implant system includes a cochlear electrode array which has a flexible body with a distal end, a plurality of electrodes supported along a length of the flexible body, and a lumen formed in the flexible body. The cochlear implant system also includes a stiffening stylet which is fully inserted into the lumen prior to insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured such the stylet does not extend to the distal end of the flexible body and remains stationary within the lumen to prevent buckling of the electrode array during insertion of the electrode array through a cochleostomy and into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured to be withdrawn from the lumen after the electrode array is positioned within the cochlea. A method for implanting an electrode array into a cochlea is also provided. |
| US08473073B2 |
Various apparatus and methods for deep brain stimulating electrodes
An apparatus and related methods for a deployable deep brain stimulating probe with multiple, extendable tendrils capable of independently deploying from openings within the shaft of the probe into surrounding tissue. An electrode is disposed on at least one of the tendrils for treatment of deep brain tissue. |
| US08473070B2 |
Method for a controlled shutdown of an implantable medical device
An improved implantable pulse generator (IPG) containing graceful shutdown circuitry is disclosed. A magnet sensor senses the presence of an emergency shutdown magnet. Output of the magnet sensor is conditioned by a signal conditioning circuit. Output of the signal conditioning circuit is delayed by a delay element before being fed to a power cut-off switch, which cuts-off power to the IPG circuitry. An interrupt signal is routed from before the delay element to the IPG processor as an indicator of imminent shutdown. The processor launches shutdown routine that carries out shutdown operations such as logging the emergency shutdown event, saving and closing open files, saving data from volatile memory to non-volatile memory, etc., before the power cut-off switch is activated upon elapsing of delay provided by the delay element. The magnet sensor, signal conditioning circuit, and delay element are powered separately from the rest of the circuitry of the IPG. |
| US08473067B2 |
Renal denervation and stimulation employing wireless vascular energy transfer arrangement
Devices, systems, and methods provide for intravascular or extravascular delivery of renal denervation therapy and/or renal control stimulation therapy. Wireless vascular thermal transfer apparatuses and methods provide for one or both of production of current densities sufficient to ablate renal nerves and terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity, and production of current densities sufficient to induce endothelium dependent vasodilation of the renal artery bed. A common apparatus may be used for both renal ablation and control of renal function locally after renal denervation. |
| US08473063B2 |
Method and apparatus for event-triggered reinforcement of a favorable brain state
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for potentiating a favorable brain state that is associated with relief in symptoms of a brain condition. Techniques include monitoring one or more brain signals and detecting an episode of a favorable brain state based on the one or more brain signals, the favorable brain state associated with a decrease in one or more symptoms of a brain condition of the patient. Then, in response to the detection of the favorable brain state episode, electrical stimulation that potentiates the favorable brain state is delivered to the brain of the patient, the electrical stimulation delivered within a window of time opened for detection of each favorable brain state episode. |
| US08473058B2 |
Apnea preventing stimulation apparatus
An apnea preventing stimulation apparatus having a conductive unit is attached to a mental region of a patient and electric pulses flow from the conductive unit to the mental region of the patient to thereby apply stimuli thereto. A formula is utilized to increase a rate of an output level of the amplitude in an electric pulse until a first time width elapses. Consequently, immediately after outputting stimulation signals, the amplitude of the electric pulse groups does not abruptly increase, thus enabling the patient to be hardly affected by the stimulation signals. Until just before the time reaches the end of a time width after the output start of the stimulation signal, the rate of the output level of the amplitude in the electric pulse groups does not reach 1, permitting the emotional strain on the patient to be eased. |
| US08473056B2 |
Assembly method for implantable medical device
An implantable medical device (IMD) having a hermetic housing formed from a case and a cover each having an exterior surface and an interior surface. An IMD component is mounted to the interior surface of the cover and has an electrical contact. A hybrid circuit is assembled in the case. The IMD component electrical contact is electrically coupled to the to the hybrid circuit assembled in the case. |
| US08473053B2 |
Minimum ventricular pacing to break the repetitive AR-VS pattern
An implantable cardiac pacing device delivering minimum ventricular pacing and an associated method control intervals timed by the device during sensing and pacing. An atrial-only pacing mode is set in response to sensing intrinsic ventricular events in the ventricular chamber. A first post-ventricular atrial refractory period is set following each of a plurality of ventricular events sensed in the ventricular chamber, and atrial events each being sensed during first post-ventricular atrial refractory periods are detected. A second post-ventricular atrial refractory period is set in response to detecting the atrial events each being sensed during the first post-ventricular atrial refractory period. |
| US08473049B2 |
Implantable neural stimulator with mode switching
Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least electrode, stimulation circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide at least one neural stimulation therapy to at least one neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode, sensing circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide a sensed signal, and a controller connected to the stimulation circuitry to provide the at least one neural stimulation therapy and to the sensing circuitry to receive the sensed signal. In response to a triggering event, the controller is adapted to switch between at least two modes. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. |
| US08473044B2 |
Method and system for measuring and ranking a positive or negative response to audiovisual or interactive media, products or activities using physiological signals
A system and method for calculating a valence value captures an individual's positive or negative response to a media by considering alpha asymmetry of the individual's brain. This valence value can be used to compare media based on an individual or a group of individuals. Events of the media can be contrasted and compared by the valence value as well. Statistical measurements may be taken to improve media. |
| US08473041B2 |
Cardiography system and method using automated recognition of hemodynamic parameters and waveform attributes
A cardiography system and method using automated recognition of hemodynamic parameters and waveform attributes is provided. The cardiography system and method includes at least one sensor, a knowledge base and a processing device. The at least one sensor provides a waveform signal and a hemodynamic parameter input. The knowledge base includes data corresponding to various disease states. The processing device receives the waveform signal and hemodynamic parameter input from the sensor, identifies waveform attributes on the waveform signal, measures the waveform attributes, accesses the knowledge base, cross-references the waveform attributes and the hemodynamic parameters with data in the knowledge base, and outputs a suggested likelihood of a particular disease state. The knowledge base optionally includes goal-directed therapies associated with particular disease states for providing suggested goal-directed therapies based on the cross-referencing of the waveform attributes and the hemodynamic parameters with the knowledge base. |
| US08473038B2 |
Mobile and web-based 12-lead ECG management
The present invention provides a mobile and web-based 12-lead ECG management information system for processing clinical 12-lead ECG, comprising: (a) a clinical device for automatically extracting a SCP-ECG or XML-ECG file and processing signals; (b) an ECG database for saving data exported from the clinical device with web-based user interface, and a mobile database which is synchronized with the ECG database; and (c) an interactive electric document for annotating 12-lead ECG with clinical diagnosis codes. |
| US08473028B2 |
K-space sample density compensation for magnetic resonance image reconstruction
The present invention provides a method for producing density-compensated MR images having improved signal-to-noise ratio and with reduced computational burden. The method includes sampling MR data using a rotationally symmetric acquisition trajectory, generating a cross-correlation matrix, and applying a discreet Fourier transform (DFT) to the acquired MR data and the cross correlation matrix. The method further includes employing the transformed MR data and transformed cross-correlation matrix in a linear system to produce a set of density-compensated transformed MR data, which may transformed into density compensated MR data by application of an inverse DFT. The density compensated MR data may be reconstructed by a variety of techniques to produce density compensated images. |
| US08473025B2 |
Electrode for living body and device for detecting living signal
A biosignal measurement device includes an electrode and a signal processing member. The electrode includes an insulation sheet having a hole, a device contact portion provided on the top surface of the insulation sheet and a body contact portion provided on the bottom surface of the insulation sheet, the device contact portion and the body contact portion electrically connected to each other via the hole. The signal processing member includes an externally exposed terminal to make surface contact with the device contact portion, an analog signal processing unit, an A/D signal converter and a digital signal processing unit. Also, the device contact portion and the body contact portion are formed of a material which is both conductive and adhesive. Accordingly, the signal processing member may be directly attached. Noise may be reduced. Also, a biosignal may be accurately measured. |
| US08473022B2 |
Analyte sensor with time lag compensation
Methods and devices and systems for determining an analyte value are disclosed. |
| US08473014B2 |
Portable communication device including display with image lifter
A display for a portable communication device includes an image-forming device that provides an image in a first image plane and an image-shifting device that shifts the image to a second image plane. The image-shifting device brings a displayed image to a surface of the portable communication device, thereby improving the viewing angle for images displayed on the display. |
| US08473010B2 |
Handheld electronic device with text disambiguation
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special |
| US08473007B2 |
IC card that discards proactive command at predetermined timing and resumes transmission of proactive command after initialization
According to one embodiment, an IC card, which interprets and executes a command instruction from an external device, and returns the execution result as a response, includes a command generation unit configured to generate a request command which requests the external device to execute a specific operation in response to a specific command instruction from the external device, a storage unit configured to store the generated request command in a memory, a notification unit configured to notify the external device of generation of the request command when a response to the specific command instruction is sent, and notify the external device of the request command when the external device instructs to fetch the request command, and a discard unit configured to discard the request command in the storage unit when the external device instructs to discard the request command. |
| US08473002B2 |
Method and apparatus for network personalization of subscriber devices
A method and apparatus are provided for a subsidizing service provider entity to personalize a subscriber device to ensure the subscriber device cannot be used in a network of a different service provider entity. As the service provider entity subsidizes the subscriber device, it desires to ensure that subscriber device is personalized such that the subscriber device may operate only in its network and not a network of a different service provider entity. The subscriber device is pre-configured with a plurality of provider-specific and/or unassociated root certificates by the manufacturer of the subscriber device. A communication service is established between the service provider entity and the subscriber device allowing for the mutual authentication of the subscriber device and the service provider entity. After mutual authentication, the service provider entity sends a command to the subscriber device to disable/delete some/all root certificates that are unassociated with the service provider entity. |
| US08473001B2 |
Modular telecommunications device
A communication device is disclosed which includes a wireless communicator part for use with a cellular telecommunications network and a supplementary part to which the wireless communicator part is coupleable. The wireless communicator part has an associated identifier for uniquely identifying it to the network. The supplementary part also has an associated identifier for uniquely identifying it to the network. The identifiers enable the network to determine the functional attributes of the part with which the identifier is associated. Embodiments are described which allow the network to always be aware of the functional attributes of the device. The functional attributes of the device will change depending upon the coupling and uncoupling of the wireless communicator part to the supplementary part. The identifiers may be IMEIs and may be transmitted as a USSD string. |
| US08472999B2 |
Method and system for enabling dual standby state in a wireless communications system
A system and method having a multimode wireless communication terminal with at least two SIM card slots for use with at least two phone numbers simultaneously online (dual standby). The system includes a main controller, a primary mode module, a secondary mode module, and an inter-system measurement module. The main controller operates the multimode wireless communication terminal in single standby or dual standby state. The primary mode module enables the primary mode of operation for the multimode wireless communication terminal. The primary mode of operation is a default mode of operation. The secondary mode module enables the secondary mode of operation for the multimode wireless communication terminal. Paging information for the primary mode of operation and the secondary mode of operation are monitored at their respective monitoring rates using a TDM method. Switching between the primary and secondary modes of operation is executed by an inter-system handover module. During the dual standby state, both the inter-system measurement and handover are initiated by the terminal itself. The multimode wireless communication terminal is used in a multimode wireless communication system. |
| US08472998B2 |
System and method for achieving WLAN communications between access point and mobile device
A system and method for achieving wireless local area network (WLAN) communications between an access point and a mobile device are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the system involves an access point that includes a first transceiver capable of sending and receiving first wireless communication signals in accordance with a WLAN protocol, and a first transmitter capable of sending second wireless communication signals that are cellular/WAN communication signals on a first channel. The second wireless communication signals can be received by a mobile, dual-mode (or multi-mode) wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone and, upon such receipt, WLAN communications can be established and conducted between the access point (or another access point) and the mobile device. |
| US08472994B2 |
Method and apparatus for uplink rate selection in the presence of multiple transport channels in a wireless communication system
Systems and methods for selecting data rates at which to transmit data over a primary uplink in the presence of one or more secondary uplink channels. One embodiment comprises a method including determining probabilities associated with numbers of attempted transmissions of data, determining the number of times pending data transmissions have been attempted, determining probabilities associated with the data transmissions, and allocating power for transmission of the data in a succeeding frame based upon the associated probabilities. In one embodiment, a highest supportable data rate for a primary uplink is initially selected. Then, power is allocated for a minimum set of channels on the primary uplink. Then, power is allocated for pending data transmissions on the secondary uplink. A maximum power level for the transceiver is then adjusted to account for the allocated power, and the highest supportable data rate for the primary uplink is recomputed. |
| US08472992B1 |
Power control setpoint based on virtual termination target
A method and system is disclosed for dynamic setpoint adjustment during extended frame decoding. In accordance with an example embodiment, upon determining that a frame transmission from an access terminal has not been successfully decoded during a nominal frame period, a base station will implement a gradual increase of the setpoint in small steps over the course of an extended decoding interval. Beginning at the nominal termination target of an nominal frame period that failed to yield a successfully decoded frame, the setpoint is increased in a series of intermediate setpoint steps during a corresponding series of successive, intermediate decoding intervals which add up to the total duration of the extended decoding interval. Decoding during intermediate decoding intervals continues until either the virtual termination target is reached or successful decoding, whichever occurs first. |
| US08472989B2 |
Messaging protocol/service switching methods and devices
Methods, devices, and computer readable media for switching communications from a first messaging protocol/service to a second messaging protocol/service by use of messaging information being embedded in a header of a first message of the first messaging protocol/service to enable the recipient to contact the sender over the second messaging protocol/service, is provided. |
| US08472987B2 |
Short message service (SMS) message integration with customer relationship management (CRM) applications
A method and system to transmit SMS message to an SMS Gateway (belonging to selected Service Provider) selected from a list on the GUI component of the CRM application, depending upon the geographical location of the Customer is disclosed. The GUI component provides a list of configured Service Providers that may be selected before sending outbound SMS message to a recipient. A unique Service Provider identifier is assigned to each of the configured Service Provider belonging to Customer's network/country. Depending upon the geographical location of the Customer, the Service Provider is selected from the list on the GUI component and the SMS message is transmitted to the customer wherein the method identifies the SMS Gateway to which it has to connect, and transmits the SMS message. The method internally fetches the details of SMS Gateway based on Service Provider ID and uses it to communicate with the appropriate SMS Gateway. |
| US08472983B1 |
Selective location-aware paging
In one embodiment, a method for efficiently paging home nodes comprises receiving location information from a home node which indicates that a mobile device is attached to the home node, storing the location information in one or more data structures, wherein the location information includes an identity of the mobile device and an identity of the home node, mapping in the one or more data structures the identity of the mobile device to the identity of the home node, receiving a paging request message which contains the identity of a desired mobile device, identifying one or more associated home nodes through the mapping with the identity of the desired mobile device, and forwarding the paging request message to the one or more associated home nodes. |
| US08472982B1 |
Rapid paging based on device mobility and coverage area mobility
Disclosed herein are exemplary methods and systems that may help determine when to make a rapid page attempt in a certain coverage area, before resorting to zone-based paging. An exemplary method involves: (a) at a radio access network, determining that a wireless communication device (WCD) should be paged; (b) responsive to determining that the WCD should be paged: (i) determining a last-known coverage area of the WCD, (ii) based at least in part on a WCD mobility indicator of the WCD and a coverage-area mobility indicator of the last-known coverage area, determining an overall mobility indicator, and (iii) using the overall mobility indicator as a basis for determining whether or not to make a rapid page attempt to the WCD; (c) if it is determined to make the rapid page attempt, then making the rapid page attempt in the last-known sector; and (d) otherwise, using a zone-based paging scheme to page the WCD. |
| US08472978B2 |
WLAN network information caching
A WLAN client device maintains a history of profile-location associations. An association links a profile stored in the client device with a location in the vicinity of which the client device was connected to a wireless local area network matching the profile. While in a vicinity of a certain location, the client device may scan for wireless local area networks in a manner that takes into account records of the history that include the certain location. |
| US08472976B1 |
Method and apparatus of modifying a device according to acquaintance information
Disclosed are examples of modifying a current state of a mobile station based on the location of the mobile station with respect to a nearby acquaintance. The method may include detecting a presence of a mobile station in a predefined domain area identified by an application, the predefined domain area being associated with at least one acquaintance, and performing a modification to a current state of the mobile station based on a level associated with the at least one acquaintance. |
| US08472973B2 |
Adaptive energy-efficient location determination
Managing use of a location sensor on a computing device for energy efficiency. The location sensor is briefly initialized to measure the signal quality. The measured signal quality is compared to pre-defined signal criteria values. The signal criteria values correspond to acceptable energy consumption, for example. If the signal criteria values are satisfied, location information for the computing device is obtained. Otherwise, the location sensor is disabled without obtaining the location information. In some embodiments, a lower-energy location sensor is used to obtain location information to determine whether to enable a higher-energy location sensor based on expected energy consumption. |
| US08472968B1 |
Location-based detection of interference in cellular communications systems
The present specification describes techniques and apparatus that enable location-based detection of interference. In one or more implementations, a neighboring cell generating interference for a mobile device is determined based at least in part on a location of the mobile device. |
| US08472966B2 |
Method of operating a wireless communications network, and wireless communications network implementing the method
A method of operating a wireless communications network is adapted to provide services to users exploiting a first and a second different radio communications technologies, for example, an enhanced general packet radio service network. The method includes: providing, in a user profile available at the network, a subscription indication adapted to indicate that the user has subscribed for being provisioned with the network services through the first radio communication technology, upon reception by the network of a capability indication from the user adapted to indicate to the network that the user supports the first radio communications technology, looking up the user profile for the presence of the subscription indication; and in case the subscription indication is not found, handling the user as if supporting the second radio communications technology but not the first radio communications technology. |
| US08472963B2 |
Variable coordination pattern approach for improving performance in multi-cell or multi-antenna environments
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for verifying coordination patterns to improve performance in a multi-cell or multi-antenna environment. In one embodiment, the method comprises storing a set of predefined and different coordination patterns, where each coordination pattern specifies entities in the plurality of cells that are to coordinated together in their transmissions in each cluster of cells on different transmission resources defined for example in one or both time and frequency; and varying entities that coordinate with each other in their transmissions in each cluster of cells over transmission resources according to the predefined coordination patterns. |
| US08472962B2 |
Apparatus and method for interference mitigation in a wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for mitigating inter-cell interference in a macro Base Station (BS) of a wireless communication system having at least one femto cell are provided. The method includes restricting the use of at least one code among at least one available code when forming a beam by resource block, constructing a codebook set for each resource block, when feedback information is received from at least one Mobile Station (MS), allocating a resource to the MS in consideration of the feedback information, determining a weight for forming a beam to the MS in consideration of the codebook set for each resource block and the resource allocated to the MS, and forming the beam to the MS using the weight. |
| US08472959B2 |
Communication control system and communication control method
A system that selects an optimum codec flexibly adapting to a change in the communication environment and to switch to the optimum codec during communication. A communication control system includes a handover detection unit detecting a handover in which a communication terminal present in a communication area formed by a BTS moves from the communication area to a communication area formed by another BTS, an information acquisition unit acquiring, if the handover detection unit detects a handover, information based on the handover for use in codec switching, a codec selecting unit selecting a codec after switching based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a codec switching unit controlling such that the codec after switching that is selected by the codec selecting unit is applied to the communication currently performed. |
| US08472958B2 |
Wireless telecommunication system, transmitter and receiver, transmitting and receiving a plurality of data streams
In a wireless telecommunication system for transmitting a plurality of streams from a base transmission station comprising a plurality of antennas to a mobile station comprising a plurality of antennas, the base transmission station respectively transmits, by way of a plurality of the antennas, each stream obtained by dividing data to be transmitted. The mobile station respectively receives each stream by utilizing the plurality of antennas. A measurement unit respectively measures a reception quality or received power from each antenna relating to a stream. A changeover unit carries out a handover for each stream according to a measurement result by the measurement unit. |
| US08472957B2 |
Service connection apparatus and method in portable terminal
A call connection method and apparatus are disclosed. When a service is released in a portable terminal that supports different communication modes due to a network problem, the call connection method and apparatus reconnects the service to another network. The call connection method includes performing a first service through a first network, analyzing, when the connected first service is released, the cause of disconnection, acquiring, when the cause of disconnection is a problem in the first network, connection information, and attempting to connect a second service through a second network based on the connection information. |
| US08472956B2 |
Balancing paging load and tracking area updates
A method for assigning a tracking area (TA) is disclosed. A mobility state of a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) is determined and the TA is assigned based on the determined mobility state. Also disclosed is a method for accessing a closed subscriber group (CSG) TA. A CSG TA identifier is received at a WTRU and is stored. A CSG TA broadcast is received and the broadcast CSG TA is accessed if an identifier of the broadcast CSG TA matches the stored CSG TA identifier. Also disclosed is a method for changing a mobility state of a WTRU. A current mobility state of the WTRU is determined and a predetermined metric of the WTRU is examined. The predetermined metric is evaluated to determine if the metric has crossed a threshold and the mobility state is changed based on the evaluated metric. |
| US08472953B2 |
Apparatus and method for registering temporary subscriber of small base station in wireless communication system
A mobile terminal transmits a temporary subscriber request message requesting a temporary subscriber registration to a subscriber management server of a core network via a macro base station if camping on a small base station fails, a subscriber management server receives the temporary subscriber request message and transmits the temporary subscriber request message to the small base station if the mobile terminal is registrable as a temporary subscriber of the small base station, and a small base station receives the temporary subscriber request message and determines whether to accept or reject the temporary subscriber registration of the mobile terminal, and transmits, to the subscriber management server or to the mobile terminal, a temporary subscriber response message indicating that the mobile terminal is permitted to be registered as a temporary subscriber if the temporary subscriber registration is accepted. |
| US08472951B2 |
Establishing communications sessions
A method of establishing a communications session in a communications system is disclosed. The communications system comprises a user terminal, a mobile terminal associated with a contact a and session initiation unit. The method comprises: identifying the contact using the user terminal; transmitting contact data identifying the contact and user data associated with the user terminal from the user terminal to said session initiation unit; in dependence on the contact data, transmitting a request from the session initiation unit to the mobile terminal, the request comprising the user data and requesting that the mobile terminal establishes the communications session with the user terminal in dependence on the user data. |
| US08472945B2 |
Event processing system
Embodiments are concerned with method and a system for event processing in a communications network, and are suited to coordinating the provision of services in response to service initiation triggers. Embodiments are particularly applicable for use in controlling operation of service nodes, each of which is arranged to provide a particular service in a mobile network, or a fixed network or a combination of the two. |
| US08472944B2 |
Method and system for determining service metrics in a wireless network
A method and system for determining service metrics in a communications network are disclosed. The method measures a speed of a wireless endpoint device in an ongoing call, and collects call performance data. The method deems the ongoing call as being associated with a user who is mobile if the speed of the wireless endpoint device exceeds a speed threshold at any time during the ongoing call, or as being associated with a user who is stationary if the speed of the wireless endpoint device does not exceed or is equal to the speed threshold over a call duration. The method adds the call performance data to an aggregate service metrics for mobile users if the ongoing call is deemed as being associated with a user who is mobile, or to an aggregate service metrics for stationary users if the ongoing call is deemed as being associated with a user who is stationary. |
| US08472940B2 |
Method for synchronizing a tuner, corresponding device, receiver comprising the device, and mobile phone comprising the receiver
The method includes determining (100) a first surface of a first coverage zone, determining (102) second surfaces of second coverage zones, determining (104), amongst the second coverage zones, a second coverage zone, referred to as the most probable second coverage zone, whose second surface has the greater overlapping with the surface of the first coverage zone, and attempting (106) to synchronize the turner with a second signal emitted over the most probable second coverage zone, in order to receive a second service. |
| US08472937B1 |
Dynamically configurable IP based mobile devices and networks
A wireless communication and control system including a wireless device. There is a central server for storing communication protocols and control protocols and communicating the communication protocols and selectively communicating the control protocols between the wireless device and the central server. A communication protocol configures the system for communication and control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of intelligent appliance controllers. Alternately the control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of Internet terminals. The wireless device is any hand-held communication device, such as a hand-held computing device, wireless telephone, or cellular phone. |
| US08472933B1 |
Communication device and call transfer method of same
A communication device includes a communication unit, a storage unit, a processor, and a transfer module. The communication unit communicates with an external communication device. The storage unit stores a call transfer code. The processor records a ring data of the external communication device. The ring data is defined to a ring count of each incoming call made from the external communication device and number of times called made from the external communication device. The transfer module compares the ring data with the call transfer code, sets the telephone number of the external communication device to be a transferring telephone number of the communication device when the ring data is equal to the call transfer code, and implements a call transfer function and message transfer function of the communication device. |
| US08472932B2 |
Information system with detachable information module
A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module. |
| US08472931B2 |
Methods and systems for automatic communication line management based on device location
Methods and Systems for managing one or more communications devices associated with a user of a communications network are disclosed. The methods and systems are capable of receiving an indication regarding wireless communications between a first device and a second device. This indication may indicate that the first device has entered or left a vicinity (or range) of a second device. Additionally, this may be accomplished by using a protocol such as Bluetooth protocol, the IEEE 802.11(b) protocol, and/or the IEEE 802.11(g) protocol. For example, in an embodiment, if a first device (e.g., a Bluetooth-enabled wireless phone) enters the vicinity of a second device (e.g., a Bluetooth-enabled user computer), calls for the user may be automatically forwarded to a phone of the user that is located near the second device. Likewise, in an embodiment, if the first device (e.g., a Bluetooth-enabled wireless phone) leaves the vicinity of the second device (e.g., a Bluetooth-enabled computer), calls may be automatically forwarded to the first device. |
| US08472930B2 |
Methods and apparatus for creation and transport of multimedia content flows
System for creation and transport of multimedia content flows. The system includes a method for transporting a content flow to a wireless access network for broadcast to devices coupled to the wireless access network. The method includes transmitting a request message to add the content flow to the wireless access network, wherein the request message includes a scheduled delivery time. The method also includes receiving a response message indicating that the content flow will be added to the wireless access network, waiting until the scheduled delivery time, and delivering the content flow to the wireless access network. |
| US08472929B2 |
Method and system for providing presence information
A method for providing presence information associated with a first user of a telecommunications network, includes collecting from at least one network apparatus user-related data adapted to build the presence information; and publishing the collected user-related data. The publishing includes arranging the collected user-related data in the presence information and making it available to at least a second user. The collecting of the user-related data from the network apparatus is conditioned to the receipt from the second user of a request for providing the presence information for the first user. |
| US08472928B2 |
System and methods for multi-tasking in a clientless mobile phone
A system for multi-tasking access to applications by a clientless mobile phone. The system includes at least a clientless mobile interaction (CMI) application server communicatively connected to a network; at least one application server communicatively connected to a network, the at least one application server having at least a first application executable on the clientless mobile phone and a second application executable on the clientless mobile phone; and a presentation layer gateway communicatively connected to the network, wherein the CMI application server enables the clientless mobile phone communicatively connected to the presentation layer gateway by at least a presentation layer protocol to access the first application and the second application executed on the CMI application server while presenting a menu on the clientless mobile phone for seamless switching between the first application and the second application executed on the CMI application server. |
| US08472926B2 |
Management of access to entry points on a communication device
A system and method for managing access to entry points in a graphical user interface on a communication device are provided. The entry points are associated with services such as message services and are actuatable to invoke a content listing display for viewing content associated with a given service. One entry point provides access to a unified inbox for display of messages received or sent via a plurality of message services. Other entry points provide access to other message services or filtered views of the unified inbox. Access to the various entry points is provided via a user interface displaying one or more user interface elements, such as icons, pointing to the various entry points. Display of the elements is managed so as to hide elements pointing to potentially duplicative views. |
| US08472924B2 |
System and method for providing concierge services to a mobile device user
There is provided a method for providing concierge services to a mobile device user. The method comprises receiving a concierge identification code sent from a mobile device; authenticating activation of concierge services for the concierge identification code; assigning the mobile device to the concierge identification code; sending a confirmation message to the mobile device; receiving a concierge command from the mobile device; obtaining concierge command results from a local services network; sending the concierge command results to the mobile device; and terminating activation of concierge services after an activation period corresponding to the concierge identification code. |
| US08472922B2 |
Enhanced communications log for a mobile communications device
A set of context incidents can be logged for a mobile communication device. Communication incidents to and from the mobile communication device can also be logged. The context data can be associated with the communication incidents. One or more of the context incidents can be associated with a set of different ones of the communication incidents. A call log window can be displayed upon a screen of the mobile communication device. The call log window can include a listing showing at least a portion of the communication incidents and an associated context incident. |
| US08472921B2 |
Apparatus, method and system for reduced active set management
A first communication device wirelessly coupled to a second communication device. The first communication device includes a first receiver, a message processor, and a first transmitter. The first receiver is configured to receive first signals corresponding to a first number of communication devices, where the second communication device is one of the communication devices, and is also configured to measure first strengths of the first signals. The message processor is configured to determine that a second number of the communication devices can be processed by the first communication device according to the first strengths measured. The first transmitter is configured to transmit one or more first messages to the second communication device indicating the second number. |
| US08472914B2 |
Method for controlling automatic channel setup, and image display apparatus incorporating the same
A method and apparatus for controlling an automatic channel setup of an image display apparatus communicatable with an image receiving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a controller which determines the status of a connection with the image receiving apparatus during an automatic channel setup; and stops the automatic channel setup, if it is determined that the connection is a bad connection with the image receiving apparatus. The automatic channel setup is stopped when wireless connection is severed, such that mis-mapping of the channel does not occur, and waste of time for automatic channel setup may be prevented. |
| US08472910B1 |
Adaptive impedance translation circuit
The present invention relates to an adaptable RF impedance translation circuit that includes a first group of inductive elements cascaded in series between an input and an output without any series switching elements, a second group of inductive elements cascaded in series, and a group of switching elements that are capable of electrically coupling the first group of inductive elements to the second group of inductive elements. Further, the adaptable RF impedance translation circuit includes at least one variable shunt capacitance circuit electrically coupled between a common reference and at least one connection node in the adaptable RF impedance translation circuit, which includes control circuitry to select either an OFF state or an ON state associated with each of the switching elements and to select a capacitance associated with each variable shunt capacitance circuit to control impedance translation characteristics of the adaptable RE impedance translation circuit. |
| US08472909B2 |
Filter device for detecting and/or removing erroneous components in and/or from a signal
The invention relates to a filter device (341, 342) for detecting and/or removing erroneous components like noise, deformations, glitch components or other errors in and/or from a signal, to a demodulation device using the filter device, to an information transmission system using the demodulation device and to a method for detecting a noise impulse in an input signal (Cα(t), Cα[k]). The filter device includes a summing element (510-51N, 610) connected to a correction element (540, 640). The summing element (510-51N, 610) sums the input signal (Cα(t), Cα[k]) within a reference interval (N) and the correction element (540, 640) verifies the summed input signal (IS[k]) with at least one signal condition (0, N+1, ΔCα[k]). Finally, the correction element (540, 640) outputs a predetermined signal (Cαα[k]) based on the result of the verification between the summed input signal (IS[k]) with at least one signal condition (0, N+1, ΔCα[k]). The foregoing filter device is able to remove noise from an input signal. This stabilizes the input signal against environmental influences occurring e.g. during signal transmission. |
| US08472908B2 |
Wireless portable device including internal broadcast receiver
The invention relates, inter alia, to a wireless portable device for radio communication, comprising at least one antenna element (1210), at least one ground-plane (1250), radio frequency communication circuitry (1310) and at least one matching network (1320). The device is arranged for communication involving, at least, receiving and processing a signal in accordance with a communication system having a bandwidth with a lower frequency limit (fmin) and an upper frequency limit (fmax). The antenna element is a non-resonant antenna element for frequencies from said lower frequency limit (fmin) up to said higher frequency limit (fmin). Another aspect of the invention involves two antenna elements (2001, 2002) tuned around two different central frequencies within a frequency band, and a switch (2003) for selectively operatively connecting one of said at least two antenna elements to a radio frequency communication circuitry (2000). |
| US08472904B2 |
Antenna with integrated tuning detection elements
In various embodiments, systems and methods for automatically tuning an antenna to a desired frequency utilize a tuning detection element that sends or receives a signal in accordance with one mode of the antenna and that is separated from the antenna by a gap and outside of a signal path of the antenna. In various system implementations, a processor communicates with the tuning detection element and antenna and monitors the amplitude of a signal transmitted to or from the tuning detection element. A resonant frequency of the antenna may be tuned to the desired frequency by a tuning element. |
| US08472899B2 |
Power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers
Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level. |
| US08472898B2 |
Power amplifiers with improved efficiency over power control
Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level. |
| US08472897B1 |
Power amplifier predistortion methods and apparatus
An embodiment of the invention is a predistortion approach to linearize a power amplifier by setting initially the static operation point of the power amplifier in the cut-off region. The architecture is based on the analog-digital combination by a multiplier and digital predistortion control circuit. The predistortion system generates an adaptive output signal to control the RF modulated signal that is the input signal of the power amplifier. The controlled and predistorted signal can contribute to drive a power amplifier with the cut-off static operation point into its amplifying region and simultaneously correct the non-linear distortion when the power amplifier operates to amplify an RF signal. |
| US08472896B2 |
Method and apparatus for transformer power combiner and dynamic power control for outphasing power amplifiers
A method, system, apparatus and article are described for optimizing transformer power combiners and for dynamically controlling power for outphasing power amplifiers. In some embodiments, for example, an apparatus may comprise one or more outphasing power amplifiers, one or more phase modulator modules coupled to and operative to dynamically control the one or more outphasing power amplifiers, and one or more power combiners coupled to and operative to combine outputs from the one or more outphasing power amplifiers, wherein the one or more power combiners comprise transformer power combiners arranged to combine outphasing signals using a primary inductor and differential signals using a secondary inductor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08472891B2 |
Apparatus with RF transceiver and wireless communication module
An apparatus includes an RFID transceiver, a processing module, and a wireless communication module. The RFID transceiver receives an RFID signal from a device and obtains communication information from the RFID signal. The processing module is operable to: determine a wireless communication protocol and device information from the communication information; receive an outbound data request; and generate outbound data in accordance with the outbound data request, wherein the outbound data includes at least a portion of the information. The wireless communication module converts outbound data into an outbound wireless signal in accordance with the wireless communication protocol. |
| US08472887B2 |
Radio frequency integrated circuit for enhanced transmit/receive performance in low power applications and method of making the same
A radio frequency integrated circuit (and method of making) for enhancing wireless communication and/or sensing systems comprising a base comprising a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate; a binary phase shift keying modulator fabricated on the base; a power amplifier fabricated on the base and operatively associated with the binary phase shift keying modulator; the power amplifier having a first shunt operatively associated therewith; a transmit/receive switch fabricated on the base, the transmit/receive switch being operatively associated with the power amplifier and being alternately connectable to an antenna port adapted to be connected to an antenna; a low noise amplifier fabricated on the base; the low noise amplifier being alternately connectable to the antenna port, the low noise amplifier having a second shunt operatively associated therewith; the circuit operating in a transmit stage in which the power amplifier is connected to the antenna port and in a receive stage in which the low noise amplifier is connected to the antenna port; whereby in the receive stage the power amplifier is bypassed by the first shunt to reduce current consumption and substantially isolate the receive stage from the transmit stage; and in the transmit stage the low noise amplifier is bypassed by the second shunt to reduce current consumption and to substantially isolate the transmit stage from the receive stage. |
| US08472881B2 |
Communication system apparatus and method
A test device includes a microprocessor and a switching network comprising a plurality of coaxial switches. The test device includes a signal booster, an uplink antenna and a downlink antenna, and a diagnostic device. A power source supplies power to the signal booster and the diagnostic device. The microprocessor controls the switching network which, in turn, controls the interconnection of the power source, the signal booster, the uplink and downlink antennas, and the diagnostic device. |
| US08472879B2 |
System, apparatus and method for single-channel or multi-channel terrestrial communication
A terrestrial radio system for delivering to consumers data transmission services, Internet services, two-way capabilities and single-channel or multi-channel video programming, including national, regional and local television broadcast signals, as well as an apparatus and method thereof. The terrestrial radio system transmits terrestrial signals at satellite-allocated frequencies while mitigating interference with satellite signals to reuse satellite-allocated frequencies. |
| US08472874B2 |
Method and system for pairing of wireless devices using physical presence
Techniques that facilitate pairing of wireless devices with other wireless devices are disclosed. Once paired, the wireless devices can exchange data in a wireless manner. According to one embodiment, a pairing process can be secured through use of physical proximity, or even physical connection, of wireless devices to be paired. According to another embodiment, user actions to provoke or perform pairing can be reduced or eliminated. According to still another embodiment, a wireless device being paired can be configured using configuration information provided from another wireless device being paired. |
| US08472871B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and switching between a primary and diverse site in a satellite communication system
A system and method for generating an output signal includes a diverse site, a communication network and a primary site in communication with the diverse site through the communication network. A transport processing system at the primary site communicates a first signal to the diverse site through the communication network. The diverse site generates a first diverse modulator signal at a first diverse modulator and a second diverse modulator signal at a second diverse modulator. The diverse site having a switch coupled to the first diverse modulator and the second diverse modulator and generating a switch output signal corresponding to the first diverse modulator signal and the second diverse modulator signal. The primary site monitors first diverse modulator signal and the second diverse modulator signal and controls the switch in response thereto. |
| US08472869B2 |
Relay communication method of next generation cellular communication system
A method of performing relay communication in a next generation cellular communication system is disclosed. The next generation cellular communication system includes a base station and a plurality of terminals, and a communication target terminal which has not acquired a Line-Of-Sight (LOS) channel with the base station performs communication through the relay of a relaying terminal which has acquired a LOS channel. The base station determines the relaying terminal. The relaying terminal forms a relaying terminal group by determining one or more relaying assistant terminals. The communication target terminal forms a transmitting/receiving terminal group by determining one or more transmitting/receiving assistant terminals. The base station performs communication with the relaying terminal through the relaying terminal, relaying assistant terminals of the relaying terminal group and the transmitting/receiving assistant terminals of the transmitting/receiving terminal group. |
| US08472867B1 |
Device and method for managing event information in wireless terminal
A device and method is provided for managing event information in a wireless terminal. The device includes a controller for controlling and sorting at least one event information based on a menu, and providing an identifier corresponding to the menu on a date-by-date basis, and a displaying unit for displaying event information on the date-by-date basis, using the identifier. The method includes the steps of sorting at least one event information by a menu, and displaying event information on a date-by-date basis, using an identifier corresponding to the menu. |
| US08472865B2 |
Echo light complex
An apparatus mounted on a vessel used for transportation, the apparatus displaying a visual media on surroundings of the vessel, and transmitting a audio signal, associated with a media being displayed and updated by a server, the apparatus including projectors mounted inside or on the vessel displaying visual media content on outside surroundings of the vessel the projectors displaying in all angles and adjusted to display in the preferred angle that is possible or preferred by users of the vessel, the projectors can be used for a same projection, having a primary function of allowing one projector to switch off, and another projector to turn on projecting, in a same place, so that the projectors are not overheated or start malfunctioning after continuously being used, the projectors can be switched off and on from a lamp, rather than shutting all of the projectors down. |
| US08472862B2 |
Method for improving student retention rates
An integrated student retention system that automatically raises flags identifying at-risk students; permits students to raise flags identifying themselves as at-risk; permits providers to raise flags identifying students as at-risk; provides systems facilitating the process of enabling students to obtain assistance; provides systems for tracking students and providers; and provides systems for measuring effectiveness. |
| US08472860B2 |
Artificial intelligence software for grading of student problem-solving work
Described is a method using a computer for grading student work on a problem when the student's own steps are shown in detail. A reference trace is created representing a best solution path to the problem. A student trace of the student's own work is then created, which involves searching explicitly for a specific rationale for appending a step to the student trace; deeming the step a correct production provided the step was able to be reproduced and marking the step as traced; provisionally accepting the step as part of the best solution path subject to revocation if a better-quality step is later found by a step conflict check; implicitly tracing the student's work to discover implicitly taken mental steps provided the explicit tracing has failed to justify the step; appending any remaining untraced steps to the student trace and excluding them from the best solution path; computing a value of the steps in the student's work to form a student value; and, comparing the student value to a total value of the steps in the reference trace to obtain a score. |
| US08472858B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A sheet discharge unit of an image forming apparatus includes a first path discharging the sheet to the outside, a second path for feeding the sheet again to the image forming unit in the case of performing a duplex image forming process, a sheet conveyor conveying the sheet from the first path to the outside, and a corrugating member corrugating the sheet in a width direction of the sheet orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet to give the sheet stiffness when the sheet conveyor conveys the sheet. The second path includes an upstream path section having a width that extends in a thickness direction of the sheet, the width being set to be narrow to such a degree that the corrugation of the sheet is reduced when the sheet passes the upstream path section. |
| US08472856B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units that are arranged in parallel so as to be opposed to an intermediate transfer belt or a transfer carriage belt. A black image forming unit that forms a black toner image is arranged at a downstream end or upstream end in the running direction of the intermediate transfer belt or the transfer carriage belt with respect to the other image forming units. The black image forming unit is configured so that its lubricant supplying unit contains a larger amount of lubricant. |
| US08472855B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a tubular, stationary metal pipe, a heater, a flexible fuser belt, a rotatable pressure member, a fuser pad, and a tubular pipe cover. The heater is disposed adjacent to the metal pipe to heat a circumference thereof. The metal pipe has multiple through-holes provided at least at a circumferential perforated section thereof. The flexible fuser belt is looped for rotation around the metal pipe to transfer heat radially outward from the heated circumference of the metal pipe. The rotatable pressure member extends opposite the metal pipe with the fuser belt interposed between the metal pipe and the pressure member. The fuser pad, accommodated within the metal pipe, held stationary inside the loop of the fuser belt, presses against the pressure member through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The tubular pipe cover is fitted around the metal pipe. |
| US08472854B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus provided with the fixing device
First belt 51 suspended on first upstream roller 53 and first downstream roller 54, and second belt 52 suspended on second upstream roller 55 and second downstream roller 56 each have a stiffness such that when assumed to be separated from each other, the first belt 51 and the second belt 52 rotate while maintaining an elliptic shape thereof. One of two portions of the first belt 51 facing each other between the first upstream roller 53 and the first downstream roller 54 and one of two portions of the second belt 52 facing each other between the second upstream roller 55 and the second downstream roller 56 are flat as a result of being brought into pressing contact with each other, and a fixing nip is formed therebetween. A toner image is fixed by being heated by heater lamp 57 when recording sheet S passes through the fixing nip. |
| US08472853B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion for forming an unfixed toner image on a recording material; and a fixing portion for heat-fixing the unfixed toner image on the recording material while nip-conveying the recording material in a fixing nip, the fixing portion includes a first rotatable member contactable to the unfixed toner image, and a second rotatable member contacted to the first rotatable member to form the fixing nip between itself and the first rotatable member. The image forming apparatus is capable of setting a cleaning mode in which the fixing portion is cleaned by a cleaning sheet while nip-conveying the cleaning sheet in the fixing nip. When the cleaning mode is set, the image forming apparatus executes a plurality of types of cleaning operations in a period in which a single cleaning sheet passes through the fixing nip. |
| US08472845B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus having the developing device
A developing device comprising: a developer tank housing a developer including a toner and a carrier; a toner replenishment port; a developing roller; a first developer conveying path and a second developer conveying path; a conducting plate for peeling a recovery developer on a surface of the developing roller after the toner is supplied to a photosensitive drum from the surface of the developing roller so as to guide the recovery developer to the first developer conveying path; and first and second developer conveying members arranged on the first and second developer conveying paths, wherein the first developer conveying member has a cylindrical hollow rotating shaft with opened both ends that is rotatably provided to the first developer conveying path, and divides the first developer conveying path into an external first developer conveying path and an internal first developer conveying path, an external spiral blade fixed to an outer periphery of the hollow rotating shaft, and an internal spiral blade fixed to an inner periphery of the hollow rotating shaft, a direction where the developer is conveyed by the external spiral blade is the same as a direction where the developer is conveyed by the second developer conveying member and is opposite to a direction where the developer is conveyed by the internal spiral blade. |
| US08472840B2 |
Process cartridge with drum flange having regulated portions
A process cartridge comprises an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a developing roller. A coupling member is provided that receives a rotating force for rotating the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and transmits the rotating force to the electrophotographic photosensitive drum through a drum flange. The drum flange has (i) a first regulated portion capable of being regulated by a first regulating portion, (ii) a second regulated portion capable of being regulated by a second regulating portion, (iii) a connecting portion that is connected with the coupling member so that a rotational axis of the coupling member is inclineable relative to a rotational axis of the drum flange, and (iv) a gear portion that transmits the rotational force from the coupling member to the developing roller. |
| US08472838B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus with spacing member for spacing components of the apparatus
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge with an image bearing member and charging device for charging a surface of the image bearing member. The apparatus further includes a rotary supporting a plurality of developing devices each having a developer carrying member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member, with the rotary being swingably mounted to the main assembly of the apparatus through a supporting member and being rotatable, relative to the supporting member, to bring the developing device to a developing position for developing the electrostatic latent image. A spacer member is provided for spacing between the charging device and the surface of the image bearing member, the spacer member being mounted between the image bearing member and the charging device. |
| US08472837B2 |
Photosensitive member cartridge for holding photosensitive member and mounting developing cartridges
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes: a drum cartridge, detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly, for holding a drum; developing cartridges, each including a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the drum, demountable from the cartridge; a main assembly guide for guiding the cartridge from the main assembly; a drum cartridge guide for guiding the developing devices independently demountably from the cartridge; and a drum cartridge preventor for preventing movement of the cartridge. When the developing cartridge is demounted while drum cartridge is mounted in the main assembly, the preventor is movable between a first position preventing the cartridge from moving in a demounting direction and a second position permitting such movement. The apparatus includes a grip for facilitating demounting of the drum cartridge by facilitating a change of the preventor's position from the first position to the second position. |
| US08472836B2 |
Cover opening/closing unit and image forming apparatus
A cover opening/closing unit includes a cover body, a plurality of first hinge portions, a handle portion, and a second hinge portion. The cover body is attached to a side surface of an apparatus body. The first hinge portions are provided on both ends of a lower end portion of the cover body so as to rotatably support the cover body. The handle portion is provided between the first hinge portions. The second hinge portion is provided on a back of the cover body and between the first hinge portions so as to rotatably support the cover body. |
| US08472835B2 |
Fixing device with grounded fusing film
There is provided a fixing device for thermally fixing a developing agent image to a sheet. The fixing device includes a tubular flexible member, a heater, a nip member and a backup member. The tubular flexible member has an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space. The heater is disposed within the internal space and is configured to generate a radiant heat. The nip member is disposed within the internal space and is configured to receive the radiant heat from the heater, the inner peripheral surface being in sliding contact with the nip member, and the nip member being electrically conductive and the tubular flexible member being grounded via the nip member. The backup member is configured to provide a nip region in cooperation with the nip member for nipping the tubular flexible member between the backup member and the nip member. |
| US08472833B2 |
Power supply and image forming apparatus
A synchronous rectification power supply controls driving of a switching unit in such a manner as to start the driving in response to rising of an output voltage at a secondary side of a transformer and to stop the driving after a predetermined time passed. |
| US08472832B2 |
Multiple-output power supply unit and image forming apparatus having the power supply unit
A multiple-output power supply unit includes: a transformer including: a primary winding; and a secondary winding which has a first node and a second node and which generates a secondary-side voltage at the secondary winding; first output terminal to output a first voltage corresponding to the secondary-side voltage; a first constant voltage element; a current limiting resistor; a second constant voltage element; a second output terminal to output a second voltage different from the first voltage; a current generation circuit provided between the first node and the ground so as to cause a predetermined current to flow between the first node and the ground; a transformer driver circuit connected to the primary winding so as to drive the transformer; and a secondary-side voltage control circuit that controls the transformer driver circuit so as to generate the secondary-side voltage having a predetermined value at the first node. |
| US08472831B2 |
Interchanging color printer and related method
A method may include the steps of providing a printing assembly that includes a plurality of printing modules that each include a specific toner color, wherein a first printing module is failing and at least one second printing module is functioning; determining a toner use demand for the plurality of printing modules; and swapping the first printing module with the at least one second printing module to facilitate reducing a downtime of the printing apparatus, wherein the first printing module has a toner use demand that is substantially greater than the toner use demand of the at least one second printing module. |
| US08472826B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An apparatus includes a controller controlling feeding of a recording material. When the recording material size is smaller than a reference size, the controller expands an interval between precedent and subsequent recording materials gradually. When image formation on recording materials smaller than a reference size starts, when the elapsed time from the end of the last image formation exceeds a predetermined time, an initial value of the interval is set to a predetermined minimum value. When image formation on recording materials smaller than the reference size starts, when the elapsed time is shorter than the predetermined time, the initial value of the interval is set in accordance with the elapsed time and a last feeding interval at the time of an image formation of the last time or a last temperature in a non-sheet-passing region at the time of an image formation of the last time. |
| US08472824B2 |
Image forming apparatus employing two cleaning blades
An image forming apparatus includes: a cleaning blade provided on an intermediate transfer member to which a toner image formed on at least one image forming section is primary transferred and on a secondary transfer section which transfers the toner image transferred on the intermediate transfer member onto a transfer material, respectively, which cleans the toner image remained thereon, respectively; a bias power source which is electrically connected to the secondary transfer section; and a controller which causes the image forming section to form a patch toner image onto a non-image area on the image carrier corresponding to an area between adjoining two transfer materials, and causes the bias power source to conduct a power control in synchronization with a positional movement timing of the patch toner image, to supply selectively the patch toner image to the intermediate transfer member and the secondary transfer section. |
| US08472819B2 |
Toner bottle presence and level sensing using weight
An image forming apparatus is adapted to distinguish a presence between a full and a partially-full toner cassette. The image forming apparatus includes a load cell positioned in a developer station. The load cell is adapted to sense a mass of a toner cassette at least during an insertion of the toner cassette into the apparatus. A processor is adapted to determine a toner volume contained in the toner cassette based on a mass differential. A controller is adapted to drive or suspend a motor in the developer station to control an operation of the image forming apparatus. The controller controls the operation based on the toner volume. |
| US08472815B2 |
Toner cartridge
A toner cartridge comprises a toner container which contains toner, a driving member which rotationally drives a conveying member, an agitating member which agitates a toner in the toner container while being rotated, a driven member which rotates in association with the driving member which is for rotationally driving the agitating member, and a rotational body which rotates according to rotation of the driven member, has a plurality of slits in rotational circumference for identifying a type of the toner cartridge, and has 1/K or more of the slits when a ratio of a rotational speed R1 (rad/s) of the driving member and a rotational speed R2 (rad/s) of the driven member is K=R2/R1. |
| US08472810B2 |
Optical signal transmitter and method for controlling polarization multiplexed optical signal
An optical signal transmitter includes: first outer modulator to generate first modulated optical signal, the first outer modulator including a pair of optical paths and a first phase shifter to give phase difference to the pair of optical paths; second outer modulator to generate second modulated optical signal, the second outer modulator including a pair of optical paths and a second phase shifter to give phase difference to the pair of optical paths; combiner to generate polarization multiplexed optical signal by combining the first and second modulated optical signals; phase controller to control the phase difference by the first phase shifter to A−Δφ and control the phase difference by the second phase shifter to A+Δφ; and power controller to control at least one of the first and second outer modulators based on AC component of the polarization multiplexed optical signal. |
| US08472805B2 |
Tunable multi-wavelength optical transmitter and transceiver for optical communications based on wavelength division multiplexing
Techniques, devices and systems for optical communications based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) that use tunable multi-wavelength laser transmitter modules. |
| US08472804B2 |
System and method for long backhaul link extension in a passive optical network
A system and method of extending a trunk reach of a passive optical network, PON. An optical network termination, ONT, processes upstream and downstream PON signals on a trunk fiber with an optical line termination, OLT, at a central office. An extender device may be implemented at a user's home, a remote node, or at the central office. The extender device includes a time division multiplexing, TDM, unit for multiplexing the PON signals, a forward error correction, FEC1 unit for applying an FEC to the PON signals, and a regenerator for applying optical-electrical-optical, OEO, regeneration to the PON signals. |
| US08472795B2 |
System and method for capsule camera with on-board storage
A capsule camera with on-board storage to archive the captured images in on-board non-volatile memory is disclosed. The capsule camera with on-board storage comprises multiple chips including a system processing chip and one or more non-volatile memory chips, where the system processing chip includes a compression module to compress images captured. If the multiple chips use individual chip packages and are disposed on respective printed circuit boards according to a conventional approach, it would require too much space to fit the multiple chips into the capsule camera housing. Accordingly, a capsule camera embodying the present invention is disclosed where the capsule camera integrates an image sensor, a light source, at least one system processing chip comprising compression module, one or more non-volatile memory chips and a battery into a housing, wherein the at least one system processing chip and said one or more non-volatile memory chips are disposed vertically in a multiple chip assembly. |
| US08472794B2 |
Apparatus with expansion chamber providing large heat distribution
This invention relates to an apparatus to efficiently and rapidly heat any liquid or fuel by providing large heat distribution. This apparatus has innumerable applications for efficiently heating water/fuel, using limited resources and providing cost-savings to private and commercial entities. |
| US08472791B2 |
Variable speed video playback
An exemplary method for variable speed video playback comprises obtaining a set of scores for a plurality of discrete segments in a digital video, enabling a playback of the digital video at a variable playback speed that may change from segment to segment based on the set of scores, receiving a user input to adjust the playback speed for at least one of the segments by modifying at least one of the set of scores, and adjusting the variable playback speed based on the user input. |
| US08472788B2 |
Moving image processing apparatus, moving image processing method, and program
There is provided a moving image processing apparatus, including a cut transition detection unit configured to detect inter-cut transition from a moving image including a plurality of cuts, a cut grouping unit configured to group the plurality of cuts into cut groups based on a degree of similarity among the cuts, an inter-cut distance calculation unit configured to calculate inter-cut distances based on inter-cut temporal distances in the moving image, an inter-cut group distance calculation unit configured to calculate inter-cut group distances by summing up the inter-cut distances, which are calculated with respect to the plurality of cuts, in each cut group, and a cut structure image generation unit configured to generate a cut structure image including representative images of the cuts belonging to the cut groups and information indicating the inter-cut group distances. |
| US08472787B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a noise value of a video signal
A method for detecting a noise value of a video signal comprises the steps of determining a spatial domain difference according to a plurality of pixels of a first frame of the video signal, determining a temporal domain difference according to the pixels of the first frame of the video signal and a plurality of pixels of a second frame of the video signal, and generating a noise value of the first frame of the video signal according to the spatial domain difference and the temporal domain difference. An apparatus for detecting a noise value of a video signal performs the aforementioned method. |
| US08472786B2 |
Stereoscopic image display control apparatus and method of controlling operation of same
It is arranged so that a sense of discomfort will not be imparted to an individual observing a stereoscopic image. Cross-point information is recorded on a memory card on which stereoscopic moving image data has also been recorded. When the stereoscopic moving image is played back, an image representing a subject that is deeper than the cross point represented by the cross-point information is caused to blur. By causing blurring, the observer can be prevented from closely observing an image portion that exhibits too much parallax. Thus a sense of discomfort is not imparted to the observer. |
| US08472785B2 |
Digital information recording-reproducing apparatus
A digital information recording-reproducing apparatus which records and reproduces a digital information signal transmitted together with an additional information includes a discriminator which discriminates a type of the digital information signal based on the additional information, a recorder which generates control information based on the additional information, adds the control information to the digital information signal, and records the digital information signal having the control information added thereto, a reproducer which reproduces the recorded digital information signal recorded by the recorder, and a controller which controls reproduction based on the control information. When the discriminator discriminates the type of the digital information signal as being a specific type and the digital information signal is recorded by the recorder, the reproducer reproduces the digital information signal. |
| US08472781B2 |
Playback method, playback program and playback apparatus
A playback method that plays video data and audio data associated with the video data, includes the steps of: calculating, in the video data, a difference between a playback interval and an interval of the audio data; performing first conversion that converts the length of the playback interval in accordance with the difference; and performing second conversion that alternately outputs each frame repeatedly three times and repeatedly two times on the video data and converts the video data at a first frame frequency to the video data at a second frame frequency in a two-to-five relationship with the first frame frequency, wherein the first conversion is configured such that the frame difference after the conversion can be equal to or lower than one between the frame group based on the frame output repeatedly three times and the frame group based on the frame output repeatedly two times. |
| US08472780B2 |
Television and method for controlling the same
A television includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives video data to/from an external apparatus connected to the television, a connection terminal, which is connected to the transmitting and receiving unit, and located on a side of the television, and a control unit configured to inhibit the transmitting and receiving unit from outputting video data from the connection terminal unless an instruction removing the inhibit is received. |
| US08472778B2 |
Video player and video playback control method
A video player and a video-playback control method which are capable of easily performing a selection operation on a display object in a moving image are disclosed. The video player predicts the occurrence of the selection operation of the display object, which is an area for which an action is defined in the moving image, by the start of a move operation of the cursor 51 or the proximity of a hand to a touch panel, and changes the playback state of the title to pause or slow playback. Description information defined for the display object may be automatically displayed. Also, the areas of the display objects may be visualized by displaying figures. |
| US08472777B2 |
Optical fiber access terminal and its optical fiber interface protective cap
This invention relates to an optical fiber access terminal and its terminal parts, specifically to an optical fiber interface protective cap for the terminal body. An optical fiber access terminal includes a terminal body and a protective cap. The terminal body provides an incision from which an optical fiber splice is exposed. The protective cap covering the incision includes a front end, a rear end, an upside, an underside, a right side and a left side portion. The front end portion has a wire outlet through which an optical fiber passes. The rear end portion has an opening receiving the optical fiber splice. The left side portion has a clamping part clamped with the terminal body. The front end, the rear end, the upside, the underside, the right side and the left side portion make a cavity in which the optical fiber and the optical fiber splice are connected. |
| US08472776B2 |
Wedge shaped fiber retainer ring
A fiber retainer ring includes a bottom wall having a first end and a second end, a side wall projecting from the bottom wall first end and including a distal end, and a top wall connected to the bottom wall second end and forming a ramp inclined relative to the bottom wall. Also a method of installing a module in a shelf provided with such retainer rings. |
| US08472774B2 |
Datacommunications/telecommunications patching systems with integrated connectivity module
A module adapted for use with a datacommunications equipment mounting structure includes: a generally upright divider panel; a cover panel disposed generally parallel to the divider panel, the cover panel and divider panel being spaced apart from each other to form a gap; and a plurality of telecommunications cables, each of the telecommunications cables comprising a plurality of telecommunications patch cords, the cables comprising bundled patch cords at a first end and unbundled patch cords at a second opposite end, the cables being positioned in the gap between the divider panel and cover panel. The bundled patch cords at the cable first end include first interconnection terminals, and the unbundled patch cords at the second end include second interconnection terminals. The first terminals are located at first edges of the divider and cover panels. The unbundled patch cords are separately moveable between a stored position, in which the second terminals are located at second edges of the divider and cover panels, and an extended position, in which the second terminals are positioned away from the second edges of the divider and cover panels. |
| US08472773B2 |
Fiber optic connector holder
A fiber optic connector holder having a frame and a plurality of clips attached to the frame is disclosed. The clips are adapted to releasably hold a plurality of fiber optic connectors in a certain arrangement. The fiber optic connectors may be attached at or through the boot to optical fibers, which may be, legs of a splitter module, fiber optic cables of a cable harness, or the like. The fiber optic connector holder and the optical fibers, and the splitter module, cable harness, or the like, may be shipped to an installation site. At the installation site, the fiber optic connector holder may be used to orient the fiber optic connectors to facilitate the engagement of the fiber optic connectors in and/or to parking locations. |
| US08472772B2 |
Cable loop device for optical systems
A cable loop device for use in optical systems may have a front side and a reverse side and may include at least one work area, at least one fiber storage area arranged on the front side, at least one cable storage area disposed on a periphery of the cable loop device, and a guide track configured to route at least one optical fiber between the front side and the reverse side. An optical joint may include one or more base ports disposed through a base of the optical joint and at least one cable loop device mounted within the optical joint. An optical network may include one or more optical cables and at least one optical joint. |
| US08472768B2 |
Flexible plastic optical fiber cable
A plastic optical fiber cable that is strong in repeated flexure, ensuring low light loss at bending with a bend radius of 2 mm. The plastic optical fiber cable is one composed of a multicore plastic optical fiber strand including 7 to 10,000 cores of transparent resin, island portions each consisting of at least one core-surrounding sheath layer of transparent resin with a refractive index lower than that of the transparent resin constituting the cores and sea portion of resin surrounding the island portions and, enclosing the multicore plastic optical fiber strand, a coating layer, characterized in that the resin constituting at least either the sheath layer or sea layer is one of 25 to 55 Shore D hardness while the resin constituting the coating layer consists of a thermoplastic resin of 500 to 2000 MP flexural modulus. |
| US08472761B2 |
Waveguide systems and methods
A waveguide apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a base member including a first surface having at least one first attachment feature and a waveguide member including a first surface and a second surface. The waveguide member first surface is complimentary to and disposed proximate the base first surface. The waveguide member second surface can include at least one channel. The apparatus can further include a cover member, comprising a plurality of second attachment features adapted to engage at least a portion of the at least one first attachment features disposed thereabout. At least a portion of the cover member can be disposed proximate the at least one channel, to provide at least one hollow core waveguide. |
| US08472759B2 |
Optical device and optical transmitter
An optical device includes a substrate having an electro-optical effect; a main waveguide provided on the substrate; a first Mach-Zehnder part having first waveguides provided on the substrate and coupled with the main waveguide, and first DC electrodes provided between the first waveguides and on the first waveguides and used to generate DC electric fields in the first waveguides; and second Mach-Zehnder parts respectively associated with the first waveguides and comprising second waveguides coupled with each of the first waveguides and second DC electrodes used to generate DC electric fields in the second waveguides, at least one of the second Mach-Zehnder parts being configured to have no second DC electrode provided between the second waveguides and have the second DC electrodes on the second waveguides. |
| US08472757B2 |
Image search with feature point transformation
An image search apparatus, which determines a similarity between an input query image and a registered comparison destination image and searches an image similar to the query image, extracts a plurality of corresponding pairs of feature points in two images based on feature points selected from the both images. A coordinate transformation coefficient to execute a coordinate transformation process is decided so that coordinates of the feature point of one of the two images match coordinates of the feature point of the other image, in relation to each pair. Only if an amount of transformation of coordinates satisfies the constraint conditions designated in advance, the coordinate transformation process using the coordinate transformation coefficient is executed in relation to the plurality of pairs of feature points, and coordinates of the feature points after the transformation of one image are compared with coordinates of the corresponding feature points of the other image. |
| US08472750B2 |
Movement-adaptive noise reduction apparatus, image signal processing apparatus, image inputting processing apparatus and movement-adaptive noise reduction method
Disclosed herein is a movement-adaptive noise reduction apparatus, including a memory, a mixing control section, a movement component extraction section, a low-pass filter section, and a movement decision control section. In the apparatus, the movement decision control section and the low-pass filter section receive, from the outside, information regarding the gain value upon an amplification process to which the image signal is subjected before inputted to the mixing control section to control at least one of the threshold value and the filter characteristic in response to the information. |
| US08472745B2 |
Image processing method, apparatus, program, and recording medium for the same
In an aspect of an image processing technique according to the present invention, a high-frequency component is extracted from a low-resolution image z which is a restoration target, and a high-frequency image z′ is generated (#20). Interpolation filter coefficients A′i, B′i and πi and a representative high-frequency image z′i are set (#22), a Gaussian mixture model represented by x=Σ{((A′i×z′)+B′i)×wi((z′i−z′), πi)} is assumed and a filtering process is applied to the high-frequency image z′ (#24). On the other hand, an enlargement process is applied to a low-frequency component and a medium-frequency component of the low-resolution image z (#26), a processing result of the filtering process and a processing result of the enlargement process are added (#28), and a high-resolution image is restored. |
| US08472744B2 |
Device and method for estimating whether an image is blurred
A method for estimating whether an image (14) is either blurred or sharp includes the steps of (i) determining an image gradient histogram distrbution (410) of at least a portion of the image (14), (ii) comparing at least a portion of the image gradient histogram distribution (410) to a Gaussian model (414), and (iii) estimating a defocus blur size of at least a portion of the image (14) Additional methods for evaluating whether the image (14) has motion blur are provided herein For example, a dominant gradient orientation can be detected by histogram analysis (716), and the dominant gradient orientation (718) can be used to determine a possible motion blur direction (720) Alternatively, a dominant gradient orientation can be detected using principal component analysis (“PCA”) on the image. |
| US08472742B2 |
Signal processing device, signal processing method, and program
A signal processing device configured to produce a first output video signal and a second output video signal as video signals for right and left eyes in a stereoscopic video, the first and second output video signals each having a predetermined number of output gradation steps, from a first input video signal and a second input video signal, the first and second input video signals each having a predetermined number of input gradation steps. A predetermined gradation value difference is produced between the gradation values of the first output video signal and the gradation values of the second output video signal to express a higher number of gradation steps than the number of output gradation steps in the stereoscopic video. |
| US08472740B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing data
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for processing data includes a data input unit, a lossy processing unit, a buffer, a region indication unit, a lossless processing unit, and a data output unit. The data input unit is configured to input time series data. The lossy processing unit is configured to obtain first compressed data by applying lossy processing to the time series data. The buffer is configured to store the first compressed data. The region indication unit is configured to indicate at least one part of the first compressed data. The lossless processing unit is configured to obtain second compressed data by applying lossless processing to the at least one part of the first compressed data. The data output unit is configured to output the second compressed data. |
| US08472739B2 |
Method for encoding a sequence of digitized images
Pixels with associated pixel values form a sequence of digitized images that are encoded by predicting pixels of the images and encoding the prediction errors. At least a part of the pixels are encoded by determining trajectories, each running through a pixel to be encoded and through other previously encoded pixels from the image of the pixel being encoded and/or from one or more images that are temporally proximate to that image. For each of the trajectories determined, a valuation parameter is in inverse proportion to the deviations in the uncoded associated pixel values of the other pixels along a trajectory. A predicted pixel value of the pixel to be encoded is determined based on the other pixels of the trajectory with the highest valuation. |
| US08472738B2 |
Apparatus for determining motion vectors and a reference picture index for a current block in a picture to be decoded
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a decoder. The decoder is configured to obtain first and second motion vectors and a reference picture index of a block other than the current block. The decoder is configured to obtain a direction of the first and second motion vectors. The decoder is configured to determine first and second prediction motion vectors of the current block using the first and second motion vectors of the other block such that the first prediction motion vector of the current block has the obtained direction of the first motion vector of the other block and the second prediction motion vector of the current block has the obtained direction of the second motion vector of the other block. |
| US08472736B2 |
Attitude estimation by reducing noise with dragback
In general, in one embodiment, a starfield image as seen by an object is analyzed. Compressive samples are taken of the starfield image and, in the compressed domain, processed to remove noise. Stars in the starfield image are identified and used to determine an attitude of the object. |
| US08472730B2 |
Image communication apparatus and computer readable medium for controlling image communication
An image communication apparatus includes an unit for obtaining a threshold value that determines a coding format used for transmission of an image stored for the transmission from an information of the image stored for the transmission; and a transmission controlling unit that transmits the image stored for the transmission using a JBIG format if a size of the image stored for the transmission exceeds the threshold value, and transmits the image using a coding format having a compression ratio lower than that of the JBIG format if the size of the image stored for the transmission does not exceed the threshold value. |
| US08472728B1 |
System and method for identifying and characterizing content within electronic files using example sets
A system and method for determining inappropriate content within images. A plurality of training images are used to teach the machine. The training images are converted into numerical data and stored along with its human judged label in a BigMatrix. Through the BigMatrix, a RandomForest is created to discern patterns among the training images and human-judged labels. To determine whether an image contains inappropriate content, the image is converted into numerical data. The numerical data is fed to the RandomForest generated from the plurality of training images and known content. The numerical data is fed down each tree within the RandomForest. When the numerical data is routed down through the branches of the trees and terminated at a leaf node, a vote for the leaf node is obtained. The overall response of the RandomForest is given by a majority rules vote for each tree within the RandomForest. |
| US08472727B2 |
Document comparison and analysis for improved OCR
A method for enhancing the accuracy of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) algorithms by detection of differences between a digital image of a document and a text file corresponding to the digital image, created by the OCR algorithm.The method includes calculating the transformation between the first and second digital images such as geometrical distortion, local brightness and contrast differences and blurring due to the optical imaging process. The method estimates the parameters of these transformations so that the transformations can be applied to at least one of the images, rendering it as similar as possible to the other image. The method further compares the two images in order to find differences. The method further displays the differences on a display device and analyzes the differences. The analysis results are fed back to the OCR algorithm. |
| US08472725B2 |
Scene change detection and handling for preprocessing video with overlapped 3D transforms
In one method embodiment, receiving noise-filtered plural blocks of a first frame and noise-filtered plural blocks of a second frame; for each of the plural blocks to be matched, determining whether an indication of closeness in match between the each of the plural blocks exceeds a first threshold; incrementing a counter value each time the first threshold is exceeded for closeness of the block matching of a particular block; determining whether the counter value exceeds a second threshold, the exceeding of the second threshold indicating that a defined quantity of blocks has exceeded the first threshold; and responsive to determining that the counter value exceeds the second threshold, triggering a scene change detection. |
| US08472719B2 |
Method of stricken-out character recognition in handwritten text
A method of identifying stricken-out characters in handwriting, comprising parsing a scanned image into regions and objects, defining objects containing handwritten characters, applying structural or feature classifiers for primary character recognition, applying one or more supplemental feature classifiers preliminarily trained by strike-out characters, and identifying a stricken-out character if any. The stricken-out character may be further examined by special procedures, either automated or manual. |
| US08472715B2 |
Situation determining apparatus, situation determining method, situation determining program, abnormality determining apparatus, abnormality determining method, abnormality determining program, and congestion estimating apparatus
The invention provides a situation and abnormality determining apparatus, method, and program capable of easily determining the situation of a monitoring place and the degree of congestion. In addition, the invention provides a congestion estimating apparatus capable of easily and accurately estimating the degree of congestion of persons using an image. A situation determining apparatus for analyzing captured moving images or a plurality of captured still images to determine a movement situation and/or a degree of congestion of persons includes: a local image change ratio calculating unit that calculates a time change ratio of a brightness value in a local area of the captured images; and a situation determining unit that analyzes a histogram of the time change ratios of a plurality of local areas calculated by the local image change ratio calculating unit and determines the movement situation of the persons and/or the degree of congestion of the persons. |
| US08472714B2 |
Identification apparatus and method for identifying properties of an object detected by a video surveillance camera
The present invention deals with an identification apparatus (100) in a video surveillance system for identifying properties of an object captured in a video sequence by a video surveillance camera. The identification apparatus comprises: an object identification unit (102) for identifying a specific object in a video sequence; a color histogram generator (104) for generating a color histogram in at least two dimensions of a color space based on color and intensity information of the specific object identified in the video sequence, the color and intensity information originating from a plurality of images of the video sequence; and an object properties identificator (106) for identifying properties of the object based on the generated color histogram. The identified properties can then be used in a tracking device (200) of the video surveillance system for tracking an object between different video sequences, which may be captured by two different video surveillance cameras. The present invention also deals with a corresponding method for identifying properties of an object captured in a video sequence and a method for tracking the object in a video surveillance system. |
| US08472712B2 |
System and method for applying lens shading correction during image processing
Various techniques for lens shading correction are provided. In one embodiment, the location of a current pixel is determined relative to a gain grid having a plurality of grid points distributed in horizontal and vertical directions. If the location of the current pixel corresponds to a grid point, a lens shading gain associated with that grid point is applied to the current pixel. If the location of the current pixel is between four grid points, bi-linear interpolation is applied to the four grid points to determine an interpolated lens shading gain. In another embodiment, a radial gain grid may be provided, and lens shading gains may be interpolated based upon grid points neighboring a current pixel in the radial and angular directions. In a further embodiment, a radial lens shading gain is determined by determining a radial distance from the center of the image to the current pixel and multiplying the radial distance by a global gain parameter based upon the color of the current pixel. The radial lens shading gain is then applied to the current pixel, along with the determined lens shading grid gain or lens shading interpolated gain. |
| US08472709B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing artifacts in images
An apparatus and method of the present disclosure provides an automatic banding region detection function for detecting an image region that has a smooth linear transition of color intensity and is prone to have banding artifacts in image processing. The apparatus and method use a parametric model based approach to detect the banding region. The apparatus and method provide for segmenting at least one first image into at least one homogeneous color region (304), estimating the linear transition of color intensity for the at least one homogeneous color region (308), and if the linear transition of color intensity is substantially smooth, classifying the at least one homogenous color region as a banding region (310). |
| US08472708B2 |
Image processor, method for processing image and computer readable medium
An image processor, includes: a gradation direction determination unit that determines a gradation direction existing in an image in which a color or density changes; a reference area setting unit that sets a shape of a reference area based on a determination result by the gradation direction determination unit; and a color estimation unit that estimates a color in which a non-target image superimposition does not occur based on a pixel value within the reference area set by the reference area setting unit and substitute an input pixel value with the estimated color. |
| US08472707B2 |
System and methods for Arabic text recognition based on effective Arabic text feature extraction
A method for automatically recognizing Arabic text includes digitizing a line of Arabic characters to form a two-dimensional array of pixels each associated with a pixel value, wherein the pixel value is expressed in a binary number, dividing the line of the Arabic characters into a plurality of line images, defining a plurality of cells in one of the plurality of line images, wherein each of the plurality of cells comprises a group of adjacent pixels, serializing pixel values of pixels in each of the plurality of cells in one of the plurality of line images to form a binary cell number, forming a text feature vector according to binary cell numbers obtained from the plurality of cells in one of the plurality of line images, and feeding the text feature vector into a Hidden Markov Model to recognize the line of Arabic characters. |
| US08472706B2 |
Object recognizer and detector for two-dimensional images using Bayesian network based classifier
System and method for determining a classifier to discriminate between two classes—object or non-object. The classifier may be used by an object detection program to detect presence of a 3D object in a 2D image. The overall classifier is constructed of a sequence of classifiers, where each such classifier is based on a ratio of two graphical probability models. A discreet-valued variable representation at each node in a Bayesian network by a two-stage process of tree-structured vector quantization is discussed. The overall classifier may be part of an object detector program that is trained to automatically detect different types of 3D objects. Computationally efficient statistical methods to evaluate overall classifiers are disclosed. The Bayesian network-based classifier may also be used to determine if two observations belong to the same category. |
| US08472703B2 |
Image capture environment calibration method and information processing apparatus
In a method of calibrating an image capture environment based on a captured image obtained by capturing an image of a physical space by an image capturing unit that captures the image of the physical space, an image of the physical space is captured using the image capturing unit, an index serving as a reference for calibration is detected from the captured image of the physical space, the position and orientation of the image capturing unit are calculated from the detected index, and image capturing unit unique information, geometric information associated with the physical space, or the relationship between the image capturing unit and the physical space is calibrated using the obtained data. |
| US08472696B2 |
Observation condition determination support device and observation condition determination support method
Provided is an observation condition determination support device which can improve the defect classification accuracy. The observation condition determination support device includes: a means (26) for acquiring a plurality of defects images which have captured the same defect under a plurality of observation conditions set in advance in an observation device (5) in accordance with check data relating to defects of a semiconductor device detected by an inspection device (4); a means (12) for classifying the plurality of the same defects according to the respective defect images and determining a first category to which the same defects belong for each of the observation conditions as a result of the classification; and a means (13) for determining an observation condition to be used when fabricating the semiconductor device among the plurality of the observation conditions according to the ratio at which the first category is matched with a second category determined by a user of the observation device who has classified the same defects. |
| US08472694B2 |
Device for generating alternative of normal brain database
CPU 12 reads out the bloodstream associated values of target voxel of subject's standardized brain bloodstream images (step S34). CPU 12 sorts the bloodstream associated values in descending order (step S35).CPU 12 rejects bloodstream associated values that are ranked top 10% and bottom 40% (step S36). When the subjects are 20 for example, bloodstream associated values of highest 2 subjects and of lowest 8 subjects are rejected. CPU 12 calculates and stores mean value and standard deviation of remaining bloodstream associated values after the rejection (step S37). CPU 12 calculates mean value and standard deviation of bloodstream associated values for each voxel as target voxel (steps S31, S32, S33 and S38). Then, the alternative normal brain database of brain bloodstream image is obtained. |
| US08472693B2 |
Method for determining at least one hemoglobin related parameter of a whole blood sample
A method and apparatus for determining at least one hemoglobin related parameter of a whole blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by an interior surface of a first panel, and an interior surface of a second panel, and the chamber has a height extending between the interior surfaces of the panels, wherein the chamber is configured to increase the oxygenation state of the sample to a substantially oxygenated state within a predetermined amount of time after entry into the chamber; b) imaging the at least one red blood cell contacting the interior surfaces, and producing image signals; c) determining an optical density of at least a portion of the imaged red blood cell contacting both interior surfaces; and d) determining the at least one hemoglobin related parameter of the red blood cell contacting the interior surfaces, using the determined optical density and a molar extinction coefficient for oxygenated hemoglobin. |
| US08472692B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a microscope
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for controlling a microscope to scan a microscope slide. By analyzing an overview image it is determined quantatively which swathe contains the most image detail and an optimum scanning order can subsequently be determined relative to the swathe determined as having the most detail. By scanning the swathe with the most detail first a good focus characteristic can be established for a dynamic focussing system and prediction errors in the dynamic focus system are likely to be low when scanning subsequent swathes. |
| US08472689B2 |
Method for enhanced voxel resolution in MRI image
A method for providing an enhanced 3-D image for a volume imaging apparatus obtains 3-D volume images of an object at a first resolution and forms a 3-D matrix of voxels at a second, higher resolution. Two or more 3-D volume images that have different spatial orientations and that intersect at the voxel are registered. The voxel is mapped to the 3-D matrix. Inpainting fills in gap regions between mapped voxels in the 3-D matrix. A simulated first-resolution data value is generated according to one or more 3-D matrix values. The simulated first-resolution data value is compared with an observed first-resolution value from the 3-D volume images and, until the simulated first resolution data value is within a predetermined threshold value of the observed first-resolution value or until a predetermined number of iterations is reached, the 3-D matrix voxel values are adjusted and the simulated first-resolution data value recomputed. |
| US08472684B1 |
Systems and methods for generating fused medical images from multi-parametric, magnetic resonance image data
This invention provides a system and method for fusing and synthesizing a plurality of medical images defined by a plurality of imaging parameters that allow the visual enhancements of each image data set to be selectively combined with those of other image datasets. In this manner, a user-defined parameter set can be generated in the final response image dataset. This final response image dataset displays visual data represents a form particularly useful to the clinician. In an illustrative embodiment, the system for fusing and synthesizing the plurality of medical images provides an image fusion process/processor that fuses a plurality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets. A first image dataset of the MRI datasets is defined by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. A second image dataset of the MRI datasets is defined by at least one parameter other than the ADC values. The image fusion processor generates a fused response image that visually displays a combination of image features generated by the ADC values combined with image features generated by the at least one parameter other than the ADC values. The fused response image can illustratively include at least one of color-enhanced regions of interest and intensity-enhanced regions of interest. |
| US08472683B2 |
Motion correction in tomographic images
An imaging method comprises reconstructing gated emission tomography images for a region of interest, adjusting a mismatch between the gated emission tomography images and a computed tomography image of the region of interest, registering the gated emission tomography images, and combining the registered gated emission tomography images to generate motion corrected images. |
| US08472680B2 |
Apparatus and method for biometric registration and authentication
A biometric register includes: a feature extraction unit for performing preprocessing for a fingerprint to extract a feature point m for the fingerprint; a transformation function generation unit for generating a transformation function which is composed of an arbitrary rotation matrix and an arbitrary vector; and a template generation unit for transforming a coordinate of the feature point m using the generated transformation function, and organizing a fuzzy vault using a randomly generated fake feature point and a feature point m1 applied by the transformed coordinate, thereby generating a one-time template. |
| US08472673B2 |
Method and system for reflection detection in road video images
A method and system for reflection detection in road video images, is provided. One implementation involves detecting road surface reflections, by receiving an image of a road in front of a vehicle from an image capturing device, determining a region of interest in an identified road in the image, and detecting road surface reflections in the region of interest. |
| US08472672B2 |
System and process for detecting, tracking and counting human objects of interest
A method of identifying, tracking, and counting human objects of interest based upon at least one pair of stereo image frames taken by at least one image capturing device, comprising the steps of: obtaining said stereo image frames and converting each said stereo image frame to a rectified image frame using calibration data obtained for said at least one image capturing device; generating a disparity map based upon a pair of said rectified image frames; generating a depth map based upon said disparity map and said calibration data; identifying the presence or absence of said objects of interest from said depth map and comparing each of said objects of interest to existing tracks comprising previously identified objects of interest; for each said presence of an object of interest, adding said object of interest to one of said existing tracks if said object of interest matches said one existing track, or creating a new track comprising said object of interest if said object of interest does not match any of said existing tracks; updating each said existing track; and maintaining a count of said objects of interest in a given time period based upon said existing tracks created or modified during said given time period. |
| US08472664B1 |
Inferring locations from an image
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the location where an image was captured. In general, a device such as a smartphone may capture one or more images from a location, such as images of buildings, street signs and the like, and a central system may compare the submitted images to images in an image library to identify matches. The location of the match may then be provided back to the smartphone. |
| US08472663B2 |
Embedded appliance for multimedia capture
A multimedia device includes input ports dedicated to receiving a real-time media signal and a processor system dedicated to capturing the real-time media signal. The processor system defines an embedded environment. The input ports and the processor system are integrated into the multimedia capture device. The input ports include an audio input port and at least one of a visual-capture input port or a digital-image input port. |
| US08472662B2 |
Associating cameras with users of a social networking system
Images uploaded by users of a social networking system are analyzed to determine signatures of cameras used to capture the images. A camera signature comprises features extracted from images that characterize the camera used for capturing the image, for example, faulty pixel positions in the camera and metadata available in files storing the images. Associations between users and cameras are inferred based on actions relating users with the cameras, for example, users uploading images, users being tagged in images captured with a camera, and the like. Associations between users of the social networking system related via cameras are inferred. These associations are used beneficially for the social networking system, for example, for recommending potential connections to a user, recommending events and groups to users, identifying multiple user accounts created by the same user, detecting fraudulent accounts, and determining affinity between users. |
| US08472660B2 |
Headphone adaptation and positioning device with means for holding an earbud stem
An adaptation device that removably attaches to earbud style headphone/s and provides security and retention of the earbud to a wearer's ear. |
| US08472658B2 |
Hand-held, portable electronic device with retainer port for receiving retainable wireless accessory for use therewith
A hand-held, portable electronic device is provided with a retainer port that defines an accessory retaining structure formed in an exterior periphery of a device housing for removably retaining a retainable wireless accessory in a cavity of the accessory retaining structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hand-held, portable electronic device includes a first transceiver adapted to communicate with the retainable wireless accessory over a short-range wireless communication link. The retainable wireless accessory may include a second transceiver adapted to communicate with the hand-held, portable electronic device using the short-range wireless communication link. |
| US08472656B2 |
Microphone unit , voice input device, and method of manufacturing microphone unit
A microphone unit includes: a housing which has an inner space; a partition member which is provided in the housing and divides the inner space into a first space and a second space, the partition member being at least partially formed of a diaphragm; and an electrical signal output circuit which outputs an electrical signal based on vibrations of the diaphragm. In the housing, a first through-hole through which the first space communicates with an outer space of the housing and a second through-hole through which the second space communicates with the outer space are formed. |
| US08472655B2 |
Audio processing
An audio processing arrangement (200) comprises a plurality of audio sources (101, 102) generating input audio signals, a processing circuit (110) for deriving processed audio signals from the input audio signals, a combining circuit (120) for deriving a combined audio signal from the processed audio signals, and a control circuit (130) for controlling the processing circuit in order to maximize a power measure of the combined audio signal and for limiting a function of gains of the processed audio signals to a predetermined value. In accordance with the present invention, the audio processing arrangement (200) comprises a pre-processing circuit (140) for deriving pre-processed audio signals from the input audio signals to minimize a cross-correlation of interferences comprised in the input audio signals. The pre-processed signals are provided to the processing circuit (110) instead of the input audio signals. |
| US08472653B2 |
Sound processing apparatus, sound image localized position adjustment method, video processing apparatus, and video processing method
A sound processing apparatus includes: sound image localization processing means for performing a sound image localization process on a sound signal to be reproduced; a speaker section placeable over an ear of a user and supplied with the sound signal to emit sound in accordance with the sound signal; turning detection means provided in the speaker section to detect turning of the head of the user; inclination detection means provided in the speaker section to detect inclination of the turning detection means; turning correction means for correcting detection results from the turning detection means on the basis of detection results of the inclination detection means; and adjustment means for controlling the sound image localization processing means so as to adjust the localized position of a sound image on the basis of the detection results from the turning detection means corrected by the turning correction means. |
| US08472648B2 |
Miniature MEMS condenser microphone package and fabrication method thereof
MEMS microphone packages and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. A MEMS microphone package includes a casing with a conductive part disposed over a substrate, to enclose a cavity. A MEMS acoustic sensing element and an IC chip are disposed inside the cavity. An opening with an acoustic passage connects the cavity to an ambient space. A first ground pad is disposed on a backside of the substrate connecting to the conductive part of the casing through a via hole of the substrate. A second ground pad is disposed on the backside of the substrate connecting to the MEMS acoustic sensing element or the IC chip through an interconnection of the substrate, wherein the first ground pad and the second ground pad are isolated from each other. |
| US08472645B2 |
Device with dynamic magnet loudspeaker
The present invention is to provide a device with dynamic magnet speaker, which comprises a first housing member having a wall and a first magnetic element fixed on an inner surface of the wall; a seat having a first side connected to the first housing member to define a first receiving space between the first housing member and the first side of the seat; and a hollow tube fixedly provided on the seat and corresponding in position to the first magnetic element, wherein a first coil unit is fixedly mounted around the hollow tube, and the hollow tube extends toward the first magnetic element and is either mounted around an outer periphery of the first magnetic element or inserted in a first central hole of the first magnetic element, so as to not only reduce the weight and spatial volume thereof, but also substantially lower the directivity of sound produced. |
| US08472636B2 |
Ambient noise reduction arrangements
A feedforward ambient noise reduction arrangement (10) includes, within a housing, a loudspeaker device for directing sound energy into an ear of a listener. Disposed externally of the housing, and positioned to sense ambient noise on its way to the listener's ear, are plural microphone devices (21-15) capable of converting the sensed ambient noise into electrical signals for application to the loudspeaker to generate an acoustic signal opposing the ambient noise. Importantly, the overall arrangement is such that the acoustic signal is generated by said loudspeaker means in substantial time alignment with the arrival of said ambient noise at the listener's ear. |
| US08472634B2 |
Preprogrammed hearing assistance device with audiometric testing capability
A hearing aid which is operable in an audiometric testing mode includes an audio output section, a volume control, a switching device, and a processor. The audio output section sequentially generates a number of testing sounds at a corresponding number of testing frequencies and provides each testing sound to the person who will be using the hearing aid. The volume control is used to adjust the amplitude of each testing sound to a level of audibility just above the person's threshold of hearing at the corresponding testing frequency. When the appropriate threshold volume level is set, the switching device is operated to generate a control signal. Based on operation of the volume control and the switching device for each of the testing sounds at each of the testing frequencies, the processor sets a plurality of threshold hearing levels associated with the corresponding testing frequencies. The threshold hearing levels collectively define an amplitude-versus-frequency profile which the processor applies in processing digital audio signals during normal use of the hearing aid. |
| US08472629B2 |
Communication system, communication device and processing method therefor
A master generates a session key, receives public keys from a plurality of slaves, encrypts the session key using the individual public keys, transmits the encrypted session key to the plurality of slaves, encrypts data using the encrypted session key, and sends it to the plurality of slaves. A plurality of slaves transmit public keys to a master device, receive and decrypt a session key encrypted using individual public keys, receive data encrypted using the session key from the master, and decrypt it using the decrypted session key. |
| US08472626B2 |
System and method for the secure transmission of binary code by phase-and intensity-coding
The invention relates to a system (EM, RE) for the optical transmission of a binary code. The invention makes it possible to carry out a coding of the bits transmitted in terms of intensity and phase by choosing a first base in which the signals coding the bits are distinguished only by a first physical quantity, and a second base in which the signals coding the bits are distinguished only by a second physical quantity. |
| US08472625B2 |
Method and system for protecting 3D video content
A video receiver receives a compressed 3D video comprising a base view video and an enhancement view video. The base view video and the enhancement view video are encrypted using same encryption engine and buffered into corresponding coded data buffers (CDBs), respectively. The buffered base view and enhancement view videos are decrypted using same decryption engine corresponding to the encryption engine. The decrypted base view and enhancement view videos are decoded for viewing. The video receiver is also operable to encrypt video content of the received compressed 3D video according to corresponding view information and/or coding layer information. The resulting encrypted video content and unencrypted video content of the received compressed 3D video are buffered into corresponding CDBs, respectively. The buffered encrypted video content are decrypted and are decoded together with the buffered unencrypted video content of the received compressed 3D video for reviewing. |
| US08472619B1 |
Multiple validly decryptable messages
In one aspect, a method for providing encrypted information includes encrypting a true message to form an encrypted true message. A ciphertext message including the encrypted true message is formed, where multiple messages are decryptable from the ciphertext message. The messages include a true message including true information and at least one decoy message including false information. |
| US08472617B2 |
Interaction between echo canceller and packet voice processing
System and method for processing communication signals in a communication system having a detector for detecting a parameter of a communication signal. A communication signal is provided to a non-linear processor (NLP) adapted to examine the signal and to decide whether or not to enter an active state based upon a parameter of the signal. If the NLP enters an active state, the NLP performs non-linear processing on the signal. The NLP communicates to the detector whether the NLP is active or inactive. If the NLP is active, a processing step of the detector is disabled. |
| US08472612B1 |
Call center customer queue shortcut access code
An improved system and method that allows a customer waiting, for example, in a call center queue to leave contact information, a preferred callback time frame and drop out of the queue. The system and method computes a priority access code and a time frame when its use is valid that coincides with the preferred callback time frame of the call center or customer service department, etc. In response to the request for a priority access code to use when the customer calls back, the system and method sends the customer a callback message including the priority access code and time frame when its use is valid. During the time frame the priority access code is valid, the customer contacts the call center for example by calling back or by initiating a web chat, etc., re-enters the queue and uses the priority access code. This allows the customer to enter a general queue at their convenience and at a higher priority or go straight to the head of the general queue. Alternatively, the customer may enter a callback queue, which already has a higher priority than the general queue. |
| US08472604B2 |
Systems and methods for call screening
The present invention provides flexible, user-definable call screening processes. The user can optionally define to which telecommunication terminals a screened call is to be broadcast to and under what conditions. An incoming call is forwarded to a call management system that asks the caller to leave a voice message. The call management system selectively couples the call to a POTS line or a VoIP-capable device so that the user can listen to the incoming message and thereby screen the incoming call. Based on the screening, the user can instruct the call management system to connect the caller to the user. |
| US08472602B2 |
Conference waiting room method and apparatus
The present invention comprises a method for hosting: (i) a first conference call on a first teleconferencing bridge from time tA to time tB, and (ii) a second conference call on the first teleconferencing bridge from time tB to time tC. When a teleconferencing manager receives a request from a telecommunications terminal at time tD to connect to the second conference call, the teleconferencing manager determines whether the request received at time tD is greater than or less than time tB. If the request received at time tD from the telecommunications terminal is greater than time tB, then the telecommunications terminal is connected to the first teleconferencing bridge. On the other hand, if the request from the telecommunications terminal received at time tD is less than time tB, then the telecommunications terminal is connected to a third conference call on a second teleconferencing bridge. |
| US08472601B2 |
Controlling the charging of a composite service
Methods and devices for controlling a charging of a composite service in a telecommunications network are described. The composite service comprises an invocation of a constituent service. The telecommunications network comprises a control node for controlling the composite service, a service node for providing the constituent service, and a charging system for performing the charging. The method comprises the steps of receiving from the service node a first usage report comprising charging indicators related to the invocation of the constituent service, receiving from the control node control information related to the composite service, the control information indicating that the invocation of the constituent service is associated to the invocation of the composite service, generating a further usage report by changing the charging indicators according to the control information, and sending the further usage report to the charging system to instruct the charging system to perform the charging according to the further usage report. |
| US08472600B2 |
System and method for providing signaling in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating initial digits associated with an original request for a call and receiving a message indicating an incomplete address for the original request. The method also includes responding to the message by appending additional digits to the original request to generate a new request. The additional digits are buffered before receiving the message indicating the incomplete address associated with the original request. In other embodiments, the original request is a session initiation protocol (SIP) INVITE message that includes a uniform resource identifier (URI), which reflects an address for reaching a destination user. The initial digits can be partially matched against a dial plan in order to trigger the message associated with the original request. The additional digits are configured to satisfy the message and to connect the call. The message associated with the original request can be a session initiation protocol (SIP) 484 message. |
| US08472599B1 |
Electronic device for blocking telephone calls
An electronic device for use in conjunction with a telephone line. The electronic device is a standard caller identification connection that has an extra computer chip which disconnects incoming telephone calls in which the caller's identity can not be ascertained. |
| US08472598B2 |
Prepaying usage time for another communication device
A method of prepaying for usage time for a communication device can include increasing an available balance of a prepaid account linked to a communication device of a first user by a designated amount responsive to a request from a second user (910) and allocating a portion of the available balance of the prepaid account that is attributable to the designated amount for communicating with a designated user (915). The method further can include paying charges resulting from communications between the communication device of the first user and the designated user from the allocated portion of the available balance of the prepaid account (925). |
| US08472592B1 |
Methods and systems for call processing
Systems and methods are described for processing calls. A call is received at a softswitch or other call processing system from a caller intended for a first subscriber. The first call is associated with signaling information, the signaling information including a phone number associated with the caller. A determination is made as to whether the first subscriber has previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch. If the first subscriber has not previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch, a first message is played to the caller. An indication that the first message was played to the caller is stored in association with an account record associated with the first subscriber. |
| US08472591B2 |
System and method for facilitating a custom ring in connection with a call
A system and method are disclosed for providing a custom ring tone in connection with a call. In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a communication system, an indication to provide a customized ring tone associated with a call to a callee device. The method further includes delivering at least a portion of the customized ring tone to the callee device from the communication system when the callee device is determined to be operable to output the customized ring tone. |
| US08472588B2 |
Emergency call service system in IP network and method thereof
An emergency call service system in an Internet Protocol (IP) network and a method thereof are provided. The system includes a policy control server, an emergency call agent, a call agent, and a network manager. The policy control server generates position information of a user terminal by mapping an IP address and local information to an identification (ID) of the user terminal. The emergency call agent detects a suitable emergency center for the user terminal sending an emergency call, and makes an emergency-call connection between the user terminal and the emergency center. The call agent relays the emergency call of the user terminal to the emergency call agent. The network manager stores position information of the user terminal generated through the policy control server, provides the emergency call agent with the position information of the user terminal sending the emergency call, and performs a resource reservation for the emergency-call connection. |
| US08472586B2 |
X-ray source and X-ray photographing apparatus including the source
An X-ray source includes an electron-beam generating unit that generates an electron beam, and a transmission type target electrode to be irradiated with the electron beam to generate X-ray radiation. A plurality of convex portions each having an inclined surface with respect to an incident direction of the electron beam is formed on a surface of the transmission type target electrode. |
| US08472585B2 |
X-ray generating apparatus and control method thereof
An X-ray generating apparatus controls driving of an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube includes an electron source emitting electrons due to application of a voltage, a transmission-type target generating an X-ray due to collision of electrons emitted from the electron source, and a shield member disposed between the electron source and the transmission-type target, the shield member having an opening that electrons emitted from the electron source pass through, and blocking an X-ray that scatters toward the electron source. When generating the X-ray, application of a voltage to the transmission-type target is started, and emission of electrons from the electron source is caused after passage of a predetermined period indicating a time period from starting voltage application until the transmission-type target reaches a predetermined voltage. When stopping X-ray generation, application of the voltage to the transmission-type target is stopped after stopping the emission of electrons from the electron source. |
| US08472581B2 |
Reactor vessel reflector with integrated flow-through
A nuclear reactor module includes a reactor core and a reactor housing that surrounds the reactor core about its sides, wherein the reactor housing is configured to direct coolant through the reactor core. A neutron reflector is located between the reactor core and the reactor housing, wherein the neutron reflector has a plurality of inlet ports facing the reactor core. The neutron reflector also has a plurality of outlet ports fluidly connected to the inlet ports to direct a portion of the coolant through the neutron reflector. |