| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08490211B1 |
Methods for referencing related magnetic head microscopy scans to reduce processing requirements for high resolution imaging
Methods for referencing related magnetic head microscopy scans to reduce processing requirements for high resolution imaging are provided. One such method includes performing a low resolution pole tip recession scan of a pole tip area of a magnetic head, performing a high resolution writer pole recession scan of a writer pole area of the magnetic head, preparing a portion of the low resolution scan for alignment, performing a rough leveling of the high resolution scan, aligning the portion of the low resolution scan and the high resolution scan using pattern recognition and a database of features, subtracting the high resolution scan from the aligned portion of the low resolution scan, and leveling the high resolution scan based on a result of the subtraction. |
| US08490206B1 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for reputation/content tracking and management
The disclosure details the implementation of APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REPUTATION/CONTENT TRACKING AND MANAGEMENT (“REPTRACK”) which provides a straightforward, dynamic and comprehensive way for managing and monitoring posting of content onto a publicly accessible website. As taught by the disclosure, in one embodiment, the REPTRACK controls posting of content onto a publicly accessible website based upon a determined level of trust associated with a submitter of content. The REPTRACK may be configured to be especially sensitive to copyrighted material. In one implementation, in addition to determining a level of trust for the submitter of the content, the REPTRACK may determine and generate fingerprints, watermarks and/or other information for embedding in or to be associated with the uploaded content, and may base posting decisions on this determination. |
| US08490204B2 |
Selective protection of files on portable memory devices
A portable non-volatile memory device including a user interface for selectively assigning one of a plurality of security statuses to a user file stored therein is provided. In some embodiments, the memory device includes a power source so that the user interface is operative even when the memory device is in an uncoupled state. Optionally, the device provides a mechanism for authenticating users. In exemplary embodiments, the assigned security status of a user file is selected from the group consisting of non-secure, encrypted, visible while protected against copying and hidden. |
| US08490201B2 |
Protecting account security settings using strong proofs
One or more strong proofs are maintained as associated with an account of a user. In response to a request to change a security setting of the account, an attempt is made to confirm the request by using one of the one or more strong proofs to notify the user. The change is permitted if the request is confirmed via one or more of the strong proofs, and otherwise the change to the security setting of the account is kept unchanged. |
| US08490200B2 |
Techniques for capturing identifying information on a device user
A technique for identifying a user of a device includes receiving a tracking mechanism trigger and capturing (e.g., periodically) identifying information on the user of the device in response to the trigger. |
| US08490198B2 |
Techniques for local personalization of content
Techniques for the local personalization of content are presented. A content personalization service is dynamically pushed from a server environment to a client processing environment associated with a principal on demand. The content personalization service interjects itself between content that the principal attempts to view and access within the client processing environment and modifies and personalizes that content on behalf of the principal before the principal can view or access the content. |
| US08490196B2 |
System and method for extending automated penetration testing to develop an intelligent and cost efficient security strategy
A system and method for extending automated penetration testing of a target network is provided. The method comprises: computing a scenario, comprises the steps of: translating a workspace having at least one target computer in the target network, to a planning definition language, translating penetration modules available in a penetration testing framework to a planning definition language, and defining a goal in the target network and translating the goal into a planning definition language; building a knowledge database with information regarding the target network, properties of hosts in the network, parameters and running history of modules in the penetration testing framework; and running an attack plan solver module, comprising: running an attack planner using the scenario as input, to produce at least one attack plan that achieves the goal, and executing actions defined in the at least one attack plan against the target network from the penetration testing framework. |
| US08490195B1 |
Method and apparatus for behavioral detection of malware in a computer system
Method and apparatus for behavioral detection of malware in a computer system are described. In some embodiments, a request by a process executing on a computer to change time of a clock managed by the computer is detected. The process is identified as a potential threat. At least one attribute associated with the process is analyzed to determine a threat level. The request to change the time of the clock is blocked and the process is designated as a true positive threat if the threat level satisfies a threshold level. |
| US08490193B2 |
System and method for probabilistic attack planning
A system and method for automated probabilistic planning of network attacks against infrastructures of computer networks and applications is provided. The embodiments automate the analysis and probabilistic planning of multi-step attacks to computer and application networks (in particular in the context of automating penetration tests), optimizing with respect to one of the following metrics: the probability of success of the actions, a numerical parameter that must be minimized (e.g., running time), or the number of logs generated by the control devices in the target network. |
| US08490192B2 |
Method and system for cleaning malicious software and computer program product and storage medium
A method and a system for cleaning malicious software (malware), a computer program product, and a storage medium are provided. A relation graph is established to associate processes in an operating system and related elements. A node marking action is performed on the relation graph when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The node corresponding to a malicious process and its related nodes are marked with a first label. The nodes of other normal processes and their related nodes are marked with a second label. Then, those nodes marked with both the first label and the second label are screened, so that each of the nodes is marked with only the first label or the second label. Finally, the processes and elements corresponding to the nodes marked with the first label are removed. |
| US08490189B2 |
Using chipset-based protected firmware for host software tamper detection and protection
A method, system, and computer program product for a host software tamper detection and protection service. A secure partition that is isolated from a host operating system of the host system, which may be implemented by firmware of a chipset of the host system, obtains file metadata from the host system and uses the file metadata to identify a first file for examination for tampering. The secure partition obtains data blocks for the first file, communicates with a service via an out-of-band communication channel, and uses information obtained from the service and the data blocks to determine whether the first file has been corrupted. The secure partition obtains the file metadata and the data blocks for the first file without invoking an operating system or file system of the host system. |
| US08490188B2 |
Systems and methods for assessing the compliance of a computer across a network
The disclosed principles describe systems and methods for assessing the security posture of a target device, wherein the assessment is performed by a scanning computer in communication with the target device via a communication network. By employing a system or method in accordance with the disclosed principles, distinct advantages are achieved. Specifically, conducting such a remote scan allows for the scanner computer to perform a remote scan of the remote device without installing client software to the remote device. Thus, the disclosed principles reduce the need for internal IT resources to manage the deployment and updates of client software on the target device. Also, conducting a remote scan according to the disclosed principles allows for the remote scan to be performed even if the scanner computer and remote device run different operating systems. |
| US08490186B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for detecting unwanted data based on scanning associated with a payload execution and a behavioral analysis
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for detecting unwanted data based on scanning associated with a payload execution and a behavioral analysis. In use, an execution of a payload is detected, utilizing interface monitoring. Additionally, process memory associated with the execution of the payload is scanned. Further, a behavioral analysis is performed. Still yet, unwanted data is detected based on the scanning and the performance of the behavioral analysis. |
| US08490177B2 |
Apparatus and method for variable authentication requirements
An apparatus and method are disclosed for variable authentication requirements. The apparatus includes an operating status module identifying a change in an operating status of a device and maintaining a history of operating statuses, and an access control module comparing a current operating status with a previous operating status. The apparatus also includes a profile module maintaining a trust indicator for each operating status. The access control module determines a level of authentication required to unlock the device in response to the trust indicator associated with the current operating status. The method includes identifying a change in an operating status of a device and maintaining a history of operating statuses, and comparing a current operating status with a previous operating status. The method also includes maintaining a trust indicator for each operating status, and determining a level of authentication required to unlock the device in response to the trust indicator associated with the current operating status. |
| US08490173B2 |
Unauthorized communication detection method
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method for controlling an apparatus for transferring data from a plurality of first devices to a second device via a network, the data being transferred by using a packet, comprises the steps of: extracting type information identifying type of software conveyed by a packet and destination information identifying destination of the packet transmitted from one of the first devices; counting the number of kinds of the type information extracted from packets associated with the same destination information, respectively; and determining an unauthorized communication when the number of kinds of the type information is less than a predetermined value. |
| US08490169B2 |
Server-token lockstep systems and methods
A method of authenticating a client to a service via a network includes retrieving a client ID and a lockstep code from a token interfaced with a client device, sending the client ID and the lockstep code to an authentication server as part of a verification request, at the authentication server, comparing the lockstep code to a confirmation lockstep code relating to the client ID, based on the comparison, sending an authentication message from the authentication server, at the authentication server, generating a new confirmation lockstep code, sending the new confirmation lockstep code to the client device, and updating the lockstep code of the token to an updated lockstep code that matches the new confirmation lockstep code. |
| US08490167B2 |
Preventing password presentation by a computer system
A method, system or computer usable program product for preventing a password from being presented in a data entry field on a computer display including, responsive to user entry of a character set in the data entry field, comparing the character set to a securely stored password set for a potential match of the character set with leading characters of a password in the password set, responsive to detecting a match, inhibiting presentation of at least one character of the character set in the data entry field, and responsive to detecting a lack of a match, presenting the character set in the data entry field. |
| US08490165B2 |
Restoring secure sessions
The different illustrative embodiments provide a method, a computer program product, and an apparatus for restoring secure sessions. A determination is made whether cached information for a session for the requestor is stored at the data processing system using a session cookie responsive to receiving a request at a data processing system from a requestor to access a resource. Access to the resource is controlled using the cached information and a number of privileges for the requestor associated with the cached information responsive to a determination that the cached information for the session is stored at the data processing system. A migration cookie is requested from the requestor responsive to an absence of a determination that the cached information for the session is stored at the data processing system. The cached information is generated for the session using the migration cookie. |
| US08490158B2 |
Firewall including local bus
A gateway for screening packets transferred over a network. The gateway includes a plurality of network interfaces, a memory and a memory controller. Each network interface receives and forwards messages from a network through the gateway. The memory temporarily stores packets received from a network. The memory controller couples each of the network interfaces and is configured to coordinate the transfer of received packets to and from the memory using a memory bus. The gateway includes a firewall engine couples to the memory bus. The firewall engine is operable to retrieve packets from the memory and screen each packet prior to forwarding a given packet through the gateway and out an appropriate network interface. A local bus is coupled between the firewall engine and the memory providing a second path for retrieving packets from memory when the memory bus is busy. |
| US08490157B2 |
Authentication—circles of trust
Within a surface computing environment users are provided a seamless and intuitive manner of modifying security levels associated with information. If a modification is to be made the user can perceive the modifications and the result of such modifications, such as on a display. When information is rendered within the surface computing environment and a condition changes, the user can quickly have that information concealed in order to mitigate unauthorized access to the information. |
| US08490155B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting downloadable conditional access system host with duplicated secure micro
A method where a Downloadable Conditional Access System Provisioning Server (DPS) detects a duplicated secure micro is provided. A method of detecting a duplicated secure micro, the method including: generating authentication time difference information associated with a value of a difference between a time when a host is finally authenticated in a first address and a time when the host is authenticated in a second address; comparing the authentication time difference information with a first reference value and a second reference value, the second reference value being less than the first reference value; and determining whether the secure micro is duplicated based on a result of the comparing. |
| US08490154B2 |
Method and system for authentication by defining a demanded level of security
There is provided a computer-implemented method for authentication, the method comprising: defining a demanded level of security in an authorization service of a server; providing at least one authentication mechanism comprising at least one instance for at least one client; providing a policy comprising a security level for the at least one instance; receiving at least one request from the client to the server; authenticating the request based on the policy and the demanded level of security by the authentication service; and permitting the request if the demanded level of security is reached. |
| US08490153B2 |
Automatically generating rules for connection security
A method and system for creating security policies for firewall and connection policies in an integrated manner is provided. The security system provides a user interface through which a user can define a security rule that specifies both a firewall policy and a connection policy. After the security rule is specified, the security system automatically generates a firewall rule and a connection rule to implement the security rule. The security system provides the firewall rule to a firewall engine that is responsible for enforcing the firewall rules and provides the connection rule to an IPsec engine that is responsible for enforcing the connection rules. |
| US08490151B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a multi-role communication using a memory tag
An approach is presented for performing a multi-role communication using a Radio Frequency (RF) memory tag. The control manager receives a content request, at a memory tag, from a first device according to a first access policy. Further, the control manager determines one or more sources of content data responsive to the content request. Then, the control manager provides access from the one or more sources to the memory tag according to a second access policy. The access facilitates transmission of the content data to the first device according to a third access policy. |
| US08490148B2 |
Systems and methods for managing application security profiles
Systems and methods for configuring and evaluating policies that direct processing of one or more data streams are described. A configuration interface is described for allowing users to specify object oriented policies. These object oriented policies may allow any data structures to be applied with respect to a payload of a received packet stream, including any portions of HTTP traffic. A configuration interface may also allow the user to control the order in which policies and policy groups are executed, in addition to specifying actions to be taken if one or more policies are undefined. Systems and methods for processing the policies may allow efficient processing of object-oriented policies by applying potentially complex data structures to unstructured data streams. A device may also interpret and process a number of flow control commands and policy group invocation statements to determine an order of execution among a number of policies and policy groups. These policy configurations and processing may allow configuration and processing of complex network behaviors relating to load balancing, VPNs, SSL offloading, content switching, application security, acceleration, and caching. |
| US08490147B2 |
System and method for collecting contents on audio/video network and controlling execution of the contents
A method and system for sharing information of contents possessed by audio/video (A/V) devices having network interface, which are connected with each other on a network, and efficiently controlling the execution of the contents are provided. In a control device which receives a list of contents from a collection device collecting content information of each content possessed by a source device within an audio/video (A/V) network and controls execution of the content using the list of the contents, the control device includes a contents list requester requesting the list of the contents existing on the A/V network from the collection device in response to a user's command, a web browser displaying a list page, which is provided by the collection device in response to the request of the list, and receiving from the user a command to execute a content selected from the contents displayed on the list page, a content decoder restoring the content from a content stream provided by the source device possessing the selected content, and a content display displaying the restored content to the user. |
| US08490145B2 |
System and method for providing television services
A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network. When the session is terminated, the set top box re-tunes the television signal to the original program channel. |
| US08490143B2 |
IPTV session management
A session management involves registering at least one IPTV application (54) in a registration table (170) so that the registration table (170) comprises at least a respective identifier of the IPTV applications (54). The IPTV applications (54) are invokable at a set top box (50) and can be so-called embedded applications and/or browser-based applications. An event requiring the invocation of an IPTV application (54) at the set top box (50) is detected and triggers a look-up in the registration table (170). The registration table (170) is, thus, used as source to indicate those IPTV applications that are potentially available and can be launched at the set top box (50). One of the registered applications (54) and is launched for the purpose of handling the detected event. |
| US08490134B2 |
Displaying advertising in an electronic program guide
Moving program cells with advertisement cells on a displayed electronic guide using different scrolling schemes is provided. An advertisement cell may be moved based on the movement of program cells during a first time interval. The advertisement cell may be kept stationary during a second time interval in which the program cells scroll and subsequently moved upon expiration of the second time interval. |
| US08490132B1 |
Snapshot based video advertising system
Systems and methods for delivering advertisements with a video. A video is received at a client device, and data identifying a frame of the video, and an advertisement associated with the frame of the video are identified. The video is displayed during a playback of the video on the client device, and it is determined from the data identifying the frame of the video that the frame of the video is displayed during the playback of the video. The advertisement and the frame of the video are displayed proximate to a display of the video in response to the determination. |
| US08490131B2 |
Automatic capture of data for acquisition of metadata
A television receiver device consistent with certain implementations has a display associated with the television receiver device. A filter converts a stream of audio/video content that is to be displayed on the display associated with the television receiver device into a stream of digital audio data. A buffer stores a sample of the digital audio data. A modem transmits the sample of audio data from the buffer to a content identification server and that receives metadata identifying the audio data from the content identification server. A display processor renders at least a portion of the metadata to the display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08490122B2 |
Disc chucking method and disc driving apparatus
Provided are a disc chucking method of preventing mis-chucking from occurring according to a state and direction of a disc loaded onto a tray when the tray is closed, and a disc driving apparatus for performing the disc chucking method. The method include: opening a tray on which a disc in which a first magnet is installed is loadable; moving a feeding unit to a position where attraction between a second magnet installed in the feeding unit and the first magnet is relatively low; and if the tray is closed, placing a center of the disc in a turn table. |
| US08490111B2 |
Efficient network and memory architecture for multi-core data processing system
The invention provides hardware logic based techniques for a set of processing tasks of a software program to efficiently communicate with each other while running in parallel on an array of processing cores of a multi-core data processing system dynamically shared among a group of software programs. These inter-task communication techniques comprise, by one or more task of the set, writing their inter-task communication information to a memory segment of other tasks of the set at the system memories, as well as reading inter-task communication information from their own segments at the system memories. The invention facilitates efficient inter-task communication on a multi-core fabric, without any of the communications tasks needing to know whether and at which core in the fabric any other task is executing at any given time. The invention thus enables flexibly and efficiently running any task of any program at any core of the fabric. |
| US08490106B2 |
Apparatus for distributing resources to partitions in multi-processor system
The invention achieves optimization of partition division by implementing resource distribution with a characteristic of a system into consideration so that the processing performance of the entire system is enhanced. To this end, a system management section in the invention calculates an optimum distribution of a plurality of resources to partitions based on distance information regarding the distance between a plurality of resources and data movement frequencies between the plural resources. The plural resources are distributed to the plural partitions through a plurality of partition management sections so that the optimum distribution state may be established. |
| US08490105B2 |
Pluggable component interface
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for initiating an application in communication with a database management system via a bridge. Application memory is allocated to the application from a shared memory space within the database management system. |
| US08490097B2 |
Information processing apparatus having a plurality of control units receiving transactions at the current time such that when the current time coincides with most recent start-up time the control units update the start-up time with the current time and sum up the number of transactions being processed limited to a predetermined threshold
An information processing apparatus comprises a plurality of control units, a shared memory, a processing number table and a start-up time table. When a transaction is received, each of the control units determines whether the current time in the shared memory coincides with the most recent start-up time in the processing number. If the current time does not coincide with the most recent start-up time, each of the control units updates the most recent start-up time with current time and if or not, adds 1 to the number of transactions being processed in the processing number table so as to update the number of transactions being processed. After the number of transactions is updated, each of the control units sums up the number of transactions being processed in the processing number table. Each of the control units determines whether the number of transactions is not more than the threshold value in the shared memory. If the number of transactions is not more than the threshold value, each of the control units starts the distributed transaction to be processed. |
| US08490094B2 |
Non-uniform memory access (NUMA) enhancements for shared logical partitions
In a NUMA-topology computer system that includes multiple nodes and multiple logical partitions, some of which may be dedicated and others of which are shared, NUMA optimizations are enabled in shared logical partitions. This is done by specifying a home node parameter in each virtual processor assigned to a logical partition. When a task is created by an operating system in a shared logical partition, a home node is assigned to the task, and the operating system attempts to assign the task to a virtual processor that has a home node that matches the home node for the task. The partition manager then attempts to assign virtual processors to their corresponding home nodes. If this can be done, NUMA optimizations may be performed without the risk of reducing the performance of the shared logical partition. |
| US08490087B2 |
System and method for transforming legacy desktop environments to a virtualized desktop model
A system and method for transforming a legacy device into a virtualized environment includes gathering profiling data over time to represent legacy device activities and analyzing the profiling data for system applications and user applications using a processor to determine usage frequency and resource requirements of at least one application. Captured user action events are benchmarked to simulate a user workload for the at least one application to determine how resource utilization and execution times scale from a legacy environment to a virtualized environment. One or more scaling factors are determined to produce a plan to provision for legacy services in the virtualized environment. The legacy system is transformed into the virtualized environment in accordance with the plan. |
| US08490083B1 |
Software feature demonstration
During installing a first computer software product, a computer system advertises a second computer software product other than the first computer software product and demonstrates a feature of the second computer software product. The feature is responsive to said installing but unnecessary to said installing. |
| US08490079B2 |
Information processing apparatus and installation method
The installation of multiple applications by an installer is executed in a mode that does not display an error message in a display device. Upon an installation performed by the installer ending, the result of the installation performed by the installer is determined. As a result of the determination, an installer that failed at the installation is caused to re-execute the installation of the application whose installation failed in a mode that displays an error message in the display device. As a result of the re-execution, an error message is displayed in the display device by the installer that failed at the installation. |
| US08490076B2 |
System and method for collecting installed software application data
A method and system for collecting installed application data from a computer system. The method includes scanning a file system of the computer system to produce file system data, and scanning an installed application database of the computer system to produce installed application data. The method further includes collecting system information associated with the computer system. The method still further includes combining the file system data, the application data, and the system information to produce an output file. |
| US08490074B2 |
Aircraft software part library
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing aircraft software parts. An aircraft software part is received at a library. The received part is stored in the library with other aircraft software parts. A user interface is provided to manipulate the aircraft software parts. Responsive to receiving a user input from the user interface to uplink a selected aircraft software part to a target aircraft data processing system, a command is created to send the selected part to an aircraft in which the target aircraft data processing system is located. The uplink command is stored in a queue in the storage in the library. The uplink command is distributed to a proxy server application in response to a request for commands. Responsive to receiving a request from the proxy server application processing the stored uplink command, the selected part is sent to the proxy server application. |
| US08490071B2 |
Shared prefetching to reduce execution skew in multi-threaded systems
Mechanisms are provided for optimizing code to perform prefetching of data into a shared memory of a computing device that is shared by a plurality of threads that execute on the computing device. A memory stream of a portion of code that is shared by the plurality of threads is identified. A set of prefetch instructions is distributed across the plurality of threads. Prefetch instructions are inserted into the instruction sequences of the plurality of threads such that each instruction sequence has a separate sub-portion of the set of prefetch instructions, thereby generating optimized code. Executable code is generated based on the optimized code and stored in a storage device. The executable code, when executed, performs the prefetches associated with the distributed set of prefetch instructions in a shared manner across the plurality of threads. |
| US08490070B2 |
Unified mobile platform
The present invention teaches a variety of systems, platforms, applications, and methods, and relates to mobile platforms, embedded native applications, Java virtual machines, user interfaces, and the like. The present invention discloses a mobile platform which unifies the worlds of the Java virtual machine and native applications to provide a unified and consistent environment for multitasking both Java and native applications within a mobile device. |
| US08490069B2 |
Method for validating a graphical workflow translation
A method for validating a translation of a graphical workflow of activities into an arbitrary, but structured language uses as input a term of a high level graphically expressed language having a number of graphical elements related logically to each other and analyzes its content and/or structure in order to translate this content and/or structure into a structured set of instructions. The graphical workflow of activities is simulated to arrive at a first set of activity results. Each instruction is translated into a generic language in order to trace the execution of such instruction to arrive at a second set of results from the translated instructions. The first set of activity results is compared with the second set of results, and the translation is validated in case of a match among the first set of activity results and the second set of results. |
| US08490068B1 |
Method and system for feature migration
A method for feature migration that includes defining a feature specification of a feature in a first application, wherein the feature specification comprises a feature element in a first specification defining the first application, defining a profile specification of a second application, importing the feature specification of the feature into the profile specification, and generating code for the second application using the profile specification, wherein the feature is thereby incorporated in the second application. |
| US08490067B2 |
Graphical program code coverage
System and method for analyzing a graphical program. A graphical program is provided that includes a plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the program. The graphical program includes a plurality of block diagrams arranged in a hierarchical manner, including a top-level block diagram and one or more sub-block diagrams, where each block diagram includes a respective subset of the plurality of interconnected nodes. At least one of the block diagrams includes a node that includes at least one of the sub-block diagrams. When a block diagram executes, all the respective nodes of the block diagram execute. Each node in the plurality of interconnected nodes is configured to provide graphical code coverage information when executed. The graphical program is executed, thereby generating graphical code coverage information for the graphical program indicating which nodes executed, which is then stored. |
| US08490061B2 |
Profiling application performance according to data structure
During runtime of a binary program file, streams of instructions are executed and memory references, generated by instrumentation applied to given ones of the instructions that refer to memory locations, are collected. A transformation is performed, based on the executed streams of instructions and the collected memory references, to obtain a table. The table lists memory events of interest for active data structures for each function in the program file. The transformation is performed to translate memory addresses for given ones of the instructions and given ones of the data structures into locations and variable names in a source file corresponding to the binary file. At least the memory events of interest are displayed, and the display is organized so as to correlate the memory events of interest with corresponding ones of the data structures. |
| US08490059B2 |
Cross-browser testing of a web application
An apparatus for cross-browser testing of a web application is disclosed, including: a first broker residing among a plurality of browsers for receiving information of a user action from a browser operated by a user among the plurality of browsers and for transmitting the information of the user action to other browsers so that the other browsers can execute the user action; a second broker residing between the plurality of browsers and the web application for receiving at least one web request generated by executing the user action from the plurality of browsers and for determining whether to be able to merge the at least one web request, so as to determine whether the plurality of browsers are compatible with the web application. An associated method is also provided. |
| US08490056B2 |
Automatic identification of subroutines from test scripts
A system and program product for automatic identification of subroutines from test scripts is disclosed. An instruction class may be coded as a subroutine vector in a vector space model. A test script action may be coded as a test script vector in a vector space model. The test script vector may be compared to the subroutine vector. The test script vector may be identified and labeled. The test script vector may be labeled as a new test script action if the result of comparing is below a threshold value. An identifier may be associated with a new test script action. |
| US08490049B2 |
Faceted, tag-based approach for the design and composition of components and applications in component-based systems
A method, including: receiving a software requirement; and constructing a workflow template that can satisfy the software requirement, wherein the workflow template comprises a plurality of processing stages, wherein each processing stage includes at least one component class and each component class includes at least one component, and wherein an output of each processing stage is described by a processing goal pattern that is described by a set of tags and facets. |
| US08490048B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for tool-based creation of a hub server/application interface
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for creating a hub server/application interface. An adapter development module and an object discovery agent development module receive an adapter developer input. The object discovery agent development module generates an object discovery agent project from the adapter developer input. The object discovery agent project specifies an object discovery agent that interacts with an application to specify a business object and includes an object discovery agent package, an object discovery agent message set, and an object discovery agent library. The adapter development module generates an adapter project. The adapter project specifies an interface between an application object of the application and the business object. |
| US08490046B2 |
Merging line and condition coverage data
An approach is provided that receives a correlation data structure from a memory. The correlation data structure indicates a number of expected test event triggers that correspond to a test case that includes a number of test events. The test case is executed by a computer processor, the execution resulting in one or more resultant data structures stored in the memory. The resultant data structures indicate one or more actual test event triggers that occurred during the execution. A base key value is generated corresponding to each of the resultant data structures. A scalar array is searched for the base key values. In response to finding base key values, a counter corresponding to the base key values is incremented. However, if base key values are not found in the scalar array, then the base key values are added to the scalar array and the added entries are initialized. |
| US08490045B2 |
Method and device for selectively adding timing margin in an integrated circuit
A method, system, and integrated circuit including selectively added timing margin. The method, for integrating statistical timing and automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) to selectively add timing margin in an integrated circuit, includes identifying, while a chip is in design, paths that are unable to be robustly tested “at speed” during manufacturing test, running statistical timing to calculate a margin to be applied to the paths, updating design specifications for margin to be applied to the paths, and optimizing chip logic based on updated design specifications. |
| US08490041B2 |
Automated integrated circuit clock insertion
A user device receives a request to perform an automatic clock insertion operation for an integrated circuit; retrieves location information regarding a group of components, of the integrated circuit, that use a clock signal; deploys a clock mesh based on the location information regarding the group of components; and inserts drop points into the clock mesh; deploys a particular buffer for a particular drop point; maps a component, of the group of components, to the particular buffer; generates a clock box for the particular buffer, where dimensions of the clock box are based on a location of the component; deploys an H-tree for the clock box, where dimensions of the H-tree are proportional to the clock box dimensions; connects the H-tree to the component; and displays or stores clock mesh information, information regarding the group of buffers, information regarding the H-tree, and the location information regarding the group of components. |
| US08490040B2 |
Disposition of integrated circuits using performance sort ring oscillator and performance path testing
A method and system for dispositioning integrated circuit chips. The method includes performing a performance path test on an integrated circuit chip having one or more clock domains, the performance path test based on applying test patterns to selected sensitizable data paths of the integrated circuit chip at different clock frequencies; and dispositioning the integrated circuit chip based on results of the performance path test. |
| US08490039B2 |
Distributing spare latch circuits in integrated circuit designs
Methods for allocating spare latch circuits to logic blocks in an integrated circuit design are provided. A method includes determining logic blocks in the design and determining and determining an allocation of spare latch circuits among the logic blocks based on respective attributes of the logic blocks. The method further include placing the spare latch circuits in the design in accordance with the determined allocation based on local clock buffers corresponding with the logic blocks. |
| US08490038B1 |
System and method for automatic placement of contact cuts and similar structures in integrated circuit layouts
A system, method, and computer program product for automatically placing contact cuts in integrated circuit layouts, particularly in guard rings, inter-layer via connections, and various space-filling structures typically defined by polygons or paths. Areas to be filled with contact cuts are partitioned horizontally and vertically, and decomposed into shared and exclusive type regions that are sorted directionally. Contact cuts are placed in each region according to its type and according to relevant design rules on contact cut spacing and enclosure constraints. Contact cuts that may cause design rule violations are deleted. Narrow jogs or cuts, merged shared regions, and non-orthogonal edges or segments in the decomposed regions are handled by alternate embodiments. The result is automated contact cut placement, even for merged/chopped layout features, that is generally more symmetric, collinear, and adds an optimal number of contact cuts in most cases than with existing tools. |
| US08490024B2 |
Land plan development
Systems and methods for development of a land plan can include a user interface having a first display module for displaying tool buttons, the tool buttons operable to perform a function associated with a land plan, wherein a first tool button of the tool buttons is operable to define an element of the land plan, a second display module for displaying a set of tool box buttons, each tool box button operable to cause the first display module to display different sets of the tool buttons for performing functions associated with the land plan, and a third display module for displaying information relating to the element of the land plan. The user interface can also include a planning window for generating a graphical representation of the land plan, the graphical representation of the land plan including the element. |
| US08490020B2 |
Programmable buttons for telephone user interface
A graphical user interface for a telephone system includes programmable buttons which may be customized for individual users or groups of users. The programmable buttons enable user specific functionality to be provided, for example, enabling a button to be defined to record a call at a particular extension with one touch. The programmable buttons are collected onto toolbars and displayed on the user interface. |
| US08490018B2 |
Prioritization of choices based on context and user history
A method comprises identifying, by a computing device, a current context of a computer program; identifying, by the computing device, any related contexts of the computer program that are related to the current context; determining, by the computing device, association relationships between the current context and the related contexts; determining, by the computing device, a user history of menu choice selection with respect to the current context; updating, by the computing device, the user history based on a user menu choice selection and the association relationships; determining, by the computing device, weighted menu choices for a second context of the computer program based on the user history; and presenting, by the graphic user interface, the weighted menu choices for selection by the user in the second context. |
| US08490014B2 |
Method and system for controlling the arrangements of windows on a display
One aspect of the present invention includes management of the presentation of information on a display. In one embodiment, this includes defining a delimited area on the display for a predetermined activity, and identifying a new application, which when active, comprises an active location on the display that covers some or all of the delimited area. When the new application covers some or all of the delimited area, the active location of the new application is automatically changed so that the new application will not cover any of the delimited area. Accordingly, the delimited area of the display can be preserved for uninterrupted use by a user. |
| US08490013B2 |
Method and apparatus for single touch zoom using spiral rotation
A touchscreen display device implements a single touch operation using a spiral rotation gesture on a touchscreen display device to magnify the display of an image. Continued spiral rotations result in continued magnification. A zoom-in or zoom-out operation is implemented by a single touch spiral rotation. In one example, a spiral rotation defining an increasing area has a corresponding action to reduce a display portion of the display screen. Similarly, a spiral rotation defining a decreasing area has a corresponding action to magnify the display portion of the display screen. A floating origin may be used to identify gestures at various positions on a touchscreen display. |
| US08490003B2 |
Dynamic proximity based text exchange within a group session
A text exchange associated with a distance value n can be received. The text exchange can be conveyed by a text exchange application which can be linked to a group session. The group session can comprise of one or more participants each associated with a proximity value m. The text exchange can be a real-time text based communication between one or more computing devices. A participant can be determined to receive the text exchange based on the distance value of the text exchange and the proximity value associated with the participant. The text exchange can be communicated to a computing device utilized by the participant when the proximity value is equivalent to the distance value. The text exchange can be presented in a visually and/or aurally distinct manner within an interface of the text exchange application. |
| US08490002B2 |
Projected display shared workspaces
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating a shared workspace where images may be shared between projected displays. In one embodiment, electronic devices each may include a projector that produces a projected display and a camera that detects gestures made with respect to the projected displays. The electronic devices may interpret gestures on the projected displays to identify image sharing commands for sharing images between the projected displays. The electronic devices may be connected through a communication link that allows the electronic devices to share image data for producing images on any of the projected displays included within the shared workspace. |
| US08489999B2 |
Shared user interface surface system
The shared user interface surface system is a simple and lightweight collaboration tool that is accessible simultaneously by multiple users through multiple sources. The shared user interface surface system provides a way to share a user interface surface and corresponding shared surface object, and coordinates local manipulations of respective local representations of the shared user interface surface and corresponding shared surface object, and updates the respective local representations with a group representation. The system accommodates diverse collaboration requirements including mixed written and spoken languages, utilization of the accessibility layer for physically disabled and disparate computing resources. |
| US08489998B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for coordinated content distribution workflow
A method, apparatus and system for coordinated content distribution include identifying a respective content type and a destination for the content to be distributed, selecting a respective packaging service for packaging the content based on at least the content type and selecting a respective delivery service for distribution of the content based on at least the destination of the content. In various embodiments, when content is ready for packaging a request is communicated to the selected respective packaging service. Subsequently, a request for delivery is communicated to the selected delivery service for delivering the packaged content, The present invention provides an automated media distribution workflow that controls and monitors automated distribution tasks which are integrated with user driven tasks. |
| US08489997B2 |
Supplying notifications related to supply and consumption of user context data
Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is modeled with multiple state attributes. In some situations, the providing includes receiving from a module a request related to the modeling of the current state with the multiple state attributes. In such situations, the providing further includes, without further intervention related to the request by the module, determining that the request cannot currently be satisfied, and indicating to the module that the request cannot currently be satisfied, monitoring at later times after the indicating to determine whether the request can be satisfied, and indicating to the module that the request can be satisfied if it is determined at one of the later times that the request can currently be satisfied. |
| US08489990B2 |
Playlists and bookmarks in an interactive media guidance application system
Systems and method are provided for providing a playlist transport bar. The playlist transport bar provides an overlay which graphically represents assets (e.g., programs) of a playlist in a manner that enables a user to simultaneously ascertain a playback position within the playlist and a particular asset. The playlist transport may include asset regions which each correspond to an asset in a playlist and a position indication region which may provide information relating to a playback position. |
| US08489986B2 |
Correcting positions of shapes in a diagram
Technologies are described herein for correcting the layout of shapes in a diagram. A request is received to correct the diagram layout. The positional relationships between the shapes in the diagram are determined through the creation of a dependency tree. According to various embodiments, the dependency tree defines parent-child relationships within the diagram and the physical position of shapes with respect to one another. Using the dependency tree and layout rules, the shapes within the diagram may be repositioned to correct misalignment and uneven spacing to make minor corrections in the layout while preserving the general configuration of the original layout. Embodiments provide for layout corrections of diagrams including regions that encompass member shapes and provide for conflict resolution when layout corrective actions result in overlaps of shapes, regions, or page breaks. |
| US08489984B1 |
Cross platform layout
An input of a layout of one or more components in a container component is received and a new cross platform layout of the one or more components in the container component is generated. The cross platform layout includes at least one automatically sized autopad and/or container autopad that defines spacing to properly position the one or more components within the container component. The size of the autopad and/or container autopad is determined upon execution of the cross platform layout on a software platform using a visual guideline for that software platform. In some embodiments, some or all of the components are automatically positioned in the cross platform layout such that a contents of each of the components, such as text, is laid out within the container component along the same baseline. |
| US08489983B2 |
Method, terminal and server for updating interactive components
A method, terminal, and server for updating an interactive component are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a notification message delivered by a server, where the notification message carries information about update of an interactive media document; and obtaining an updated interactive media document according to the information about update of the interactive media document. A terminal and a server that apply the method are disclosed. The present disclosure avoids the extra operations and storage consumption brought by the practice of changing the direction of the interactivityMediaDocumentPointer for updating the interactive component. Therefore, when a part of the interactive media documents in the interactive component changes on the server, the terminal updates the changed interactive media documents conveniently in time, the update efficiency is improved, and the update time and resources are saved. |
| US08489982B2 |
Reusable data markup language
Methods and systems provide a computer markup language, referred to as Reusable Data Markup Language (“RDML”), and a data viewer for retrieving, manipulating and viewing documents and files in the RDML format that may be stored locally or over a network (e.g., the Internet). Generally, RDML permits the browsing and manipulation of numbers, as opposed to text and images like in HTML, and does so by including attributes describing the meaning of the numbers to be attached to the numbers. Documents compliant with the markup language encapsulate machine-readable documentation with numbers and data, and permit the data viewer to act as a combination web browser and spreadsheet to automatically read, interpret and manipulate the numbers and data. |
| US08489979B2 |
Methods and devices to reduce outer code failure rate variability
The variability of outer code failure rate of memory pages of a solid state memory device can be reduced by selectively grouping the pages included in the outer code words. The data in the page groups are encoded into outer code words which are stored in the memory device. Encoding the data of the page groups and storing the encoded data includes intermittently accumulating an outer code parity as the pages are sequentially stored in the memory device according to a particular order. The pages can be randomly selected for the page groups or can be grouped based on predicted or measured failure rate information. In a memory device having multi-level memory cells, predicting the failure rate of a page can be based on whether the page is a most significant bit (MSB) page or a least significant bit (LSB) page. |
| US08489977B2 |
Low-density parity check codes for holographic storage
Systems and methods for constructing low-density parity check codes for holographic storage are provided. The methods include selecting parameters of a low-density parity check code, determining the number of bit processing elements and the amount of memory in an accompanying decoder, and constructing a mother matrix representation of a quasi-cyclic parity check matrix. The low-density parity check codes are optimized for performance, memory considerations, and throughput. |
| US08489972B2 |
Decoding method and decoding device
A decoding method decodes N received branchwords produced by a convolutional encoder using a tail-biting convolutional code. N received branchwords are in memory. Viterbi updates are performed on a sequence of branchwords. A first encoder determines a state at the end of the third block most likely to have generated the final branchword in the sequence from the best path metric. A Viterbi traceback procedure is performed from that first encoder state at the end of the third block to determine a second encoder state at the start of the third block of branchwords. A Viterbi traceback procedure is performed from that second encoder state at the start of the third block to determine a third encoder state at the start of the second block of branchwords. A derived tail-biting path is output, if the second and third encoder states are identical. |
| US08489971B1 |
Hardware implementation scheme to adapt coefficients for data dependent noise prediction and soft output viterbi algorithm
A system for adapting coefficients of a soft output Viterbi algorithm (SOVA) is disclosed. The system includes a receiver configured to select an output of an SOVA detector at least in part based on a criterion. The receiver is configured to store the selected output of the SOVA detector. The receiver is further configured to store a signal that corresponds to the stored selected output of the SOVA detector, wherein the input to the SOVA detector is derived from the signal. The receiver is further configured to adapt a plurality of coefficients of the SOVA detector at least in part based on the stored selected output of the SOVA detector, the stored signal, and a corresponding data pattern. The system includes an interface coupled to the receiver and configured to receive samples. |
| US08489970B1 |
Iterative PRBS seed recovery using soft decisions
A receiver includes a seed recovery module and a pseudo-random binary sequence generator. The seed recovery module is configured to receive a pseudo-random binary sequence and a signal including a seed value, recover the seed value from the signal using the pseudo-random binary sequence, and determine a likelihood that a bit of the seed value was recovered accurately. The pseudo-random binary sequence generator is configured to generate the pseudo-random binary sequence, and adjust the pseudo-random binary sequence based on the likelihood until the likelihood is greater than a threshold. |
| US08489969B2 |
Method and apparatus relating to channel decoding
The present invention relates to channel decoding and provides ways and means for improved channel decoding of data frames. The frame has been channel encoded and transmitted to a receiver. The frame includes a part with information that is unknown to the receiver and another part with information for which the receiver generates at least one data hypothesis predicting its information content. The receiver performs a hypothesis-based decoding of the received encoded frame, wherein the at least one data hypothesis is used to improve a probability of successful decoding. The invention may advantageously be used to improve decoding of frames containing short control messages with fill bits, e.g. acknowledgement messages. |
| US08489962B2 |
Shuffled LDPC decoding
An LDPC decoder iteratively decodes an LDPC code represented by a parity check matrix H consisting of a plurality of circulants based on a Log-Likelihood Ratio Belief-Propagation algorithm. First computation means (1010) compute for a next iteration symbol messages λκm from a representation of a corresponding symbol value stored in a first memory 1005 and from check node messages Λmn from a previous iteration. A shuffler (1030) changes a sequence of the symbol message received from the first computation means (1010) in dependence on a position of the non-zero elements in a corresponding sub-matrix. Second computation means (DP-O, DP-I, DP-D-I) compute the check node messages in dependence on symbol messages received from the barrel shifter and store a representation of the computed check node message in a second memory (1015). Third computation means (1020) update the representation of the symbol values in the first memory in dependence on output of the first and second computing means. The principle of “staggered” or “shuffled” LDPC decoding is used. One embodiment is designed for multi-diagonal circulants. |
| US08489960B1 |
LDPC codes and expansion method
A communications device including a low-density parity check (LDPC) encoder and a transmitter. The LDPC encoder is configured to (i) receive data, and (ii) in response to the received data, generate encoded data using a predetermined LDPC matrix, in which the predetermined LDPC matrix is specified by a predetermined base matrix. The transmitter is configured to transmit the encoded data over a communications channel. |
| US08489956B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing apparatus which can improve the tolerance to an error of a code bit of an LDPC code such as burst errors or erasure. An LDPC encoding section 21 carries out LDPC encoding in accordance with a parity check matrix in which a parity matrix which is a portion corresponding to parity bits of an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code has a staircase structure, and outputs an LDPC code. A parity interleaver 23 carries out parity interleave of interleaving the parity bits of the LDPC code outputted from the LDPC encoding section 21 to the positions of other parity bits. The present invention can be applied, for example, to a transmission apparatus which transmits an LDPC code. |
| US08489952B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing error detection in coordination with a radio link layer
An approach includes detecting failure of an error detection scheme relating to transmission of data units of a transport block. A negative acknowledgement message is generated in response to the detection of the failure. The negative acknowledgement message is forwarded to a radio link controller for discarding one or more of the data units. |
| US08489950B2 |
Discontinuous reception retransmission timer and method
A method includes, in response to a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle being configured, and in response to a hybrid automatic repeat request round trip time (HARQ RTT) timer for an associated one of n hybrid automatic repeat request processes expiring in a current subframe when data in a corresponding hybrid automatic repeat request buffer is not successfully decoded, determining if a single discontinuous reception retransmission timer has been started. The single discontinuous reception retransmission timer is associated with all n of the hybrid automatic repeat request processes, where n is an integer equal to one or more than one. The method further includes, if the single discontinuous reception retransmission timer has not been started, starting the single discontinuous reception retransmission timer and setting an associated expiry value to a basic value. The method further includes, if the single discontinuous reception retransmission timer has been started, updating the expiry value by adding an increment value. |
| US08489945B2 |
Method and system for introducing physical damage into an integrated circuit device for verifying testing program and its results
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method verifies bitmap information or test data information for a semiconductor device. The method places a defect on a semiconductor device at an actual defect location using a laser to physically damage the semiconductor device. A logical address associated with the defect is detected and bitmap information or test data information is reviewed to determine an expected location corresponding to the logical address. Then, the accuracy of the bitmap information or the test data information is determined by comparing the actual defect location with the expected location. A deviation between the two indicates an inaccuracy. |
| US08489944B2 |
Disabling outbound drivers for a last memory buffer on a memory channel
Memory apparatus and methods utilizing multiple bit lanes may redirect one or more signals on the bit lanes. A memory agent may include a redrive circuit having a plurality of bit lanes, a memory device or interface, and a fail-over circuit coupled between the plurality of bit lanes and the memory device or interface. |
| US08489941B2 |
Automatic documentation of ticket execution
Techniques for automatically documenting activity data in connection with execution of a ticket are provided. The techniques include receiving activity data in connection with execution of a ticket, processing the activity data to generate an output, and appending the processed activity data output to the ticket for ticket enrichment. Techniques for identifying a wrong choice of resolution code in connection with a ticket are also provided. The techniques include analyzing one or more previous tickets to determine a category in which a ticket belongs, determining whether a user-defined code is in variance with a system-suggested code, and sending an alert to a system administrator if the user-defined code is different than the system-suggested code. |
| US08489939B2 |
Dynamically allocating multitier applications based upon application requirements and performance and reliability of resources
The present disclosure relates to dynamically allocating multitier applications based upon performance and reliability of resources. A controller analyzes resources and applications hosted by the resources, and collects operational data relating to the applications and resources. The controller is configured to determine an allocation scheme for allocating or reallocating the applications upon failure of a resource and/or upon rollout or distribution of a new application. The controller generates configuration data that describes steps for implementing the allocation scheme. The resources are monitored, in some embodiments, by monitoring devices. The monitoring devices collect and report the operational information and generate alarms if resources fail. |
| US08489935B2 |
System for injecting protocol specific errors during the certification of components in a storage area network
An apparatus comprising an initiator circuit and a target circuit. The initiator circuit may be configured to (i) communicate with a network through a first interface and (ii) generate testing sequences to be sent to the network. The target circuit may be configured to (i) receive the testing sequences from the network through a second network interface and (ii) respond to the testing sequences. |
| US08489931B2 |
Methods, media, and systems for detecting an anomalous sequence of function calls
Methods, media, and systems for detecting an anomalous sequence of function calls are provided. The methods can include compressing a sequence of function calls made by the execution of a program using a compression model; and determining the presence of an anomalous sequence of function calls in the sequence of function calls based on the extent to which the sequence of function calls is compressed. The methods can further include executing at least one known program; observing at least one sequence of function calls made by the execution of the at least one known program; assigning each type of function call in the at least one sequence of function calls made by the at least one known program a unique identifier; and creating at least part of the compression model by recording at least one sequence of unique identifiers. |
| US08489930B1 |
Method and system for creating virtual editable data objects by using a read-only data set as baseline
A method is integrated into the local operating system of a test machine. The disclosed technique preferably uses a master copy of one or more data objects from a first location to create virtual data objects (e.g., files or folders) that appear to be part of a file system mounted to a test machine in a second location. This disclosure describes a “projection” method and computer program that enables access to a destination object at a target location immediately upon initiation of a copy command at a source location while a copy operation is carried out in a background manner. |
| US08489927B2 |
Device for use in inspecting a CPU and method thereof
A device for use in inspecting a CPU and a method thereof are provided. The device comprises a receiving interface and a processor. The receiving interface receives a first data stream from the CPU when the CPU executes a reference hardware inspection program in a first time interval, and receives a second data stream from the CPU when the CPU executes the reference hardware inspection program in a second time interval. The processor sets the first data stream as a good log, and sets the second data stream as an erroneous log. The processor compares the good log and the erroneous log to determine a segment of the erroneous log as an erroneous range, and determine a defect of the CPU according to the erroneous range. |
| US08489925B1 |
System and method for processing of system errors
A system and method that handles and prevents application installation and execution errors in computer systems using an expert data acquired by analysis of the application and errors detected in the emulator. The system also handles the errors raised during an application update. The system allows for testing of applications for execution on a system with a particular configuration. The system can determine all possible errors that can be raised in different execution environments. Additionally, the system can determine system error causes and modify the computer system in order to prevent the system errors. An automated analysis of the application execution in the emulated execution environment is performed. An expert system of error handling scenarios is formed based on the emulation. The system includes an emulator, an expert system, an expert database and an error processor. |
| US08489924B2 |
Evaluating apparatus and evaluating program product
According to one embodiment, an evaluating apparatus includes an operation data storage unit, a labeling unit, a learning unit, and an evaluating unit. The labeling unit applies a failure label, indicating that a product is broken down, to operation data of the product that is broken down within a designated period of time from the observation date of the operation data, while applies a non-failure label, indicating that the product is not broken down, to the operation data of the product that is not broken down within a designated period of time from the observation date of the operation data. The labeling unit applies neither the failure label nor the non-failure label to the operation data of the product, which is not certain that it is broken down or not within a designated period of time from the observation date of the operation data. |
| US08489923B1 |
Detecting problems in content distribution
Detecting a problem in a content distribution is disclosed. Performance information associated with a first content player is received form a first client. Performance information associated with a second content player is received from a second client. The information received from the first client and the second client is aggregated. A determination is made, from the aggregated information, that a problem is indicated. Alternate techniques for detecting a problem in a content distribution are also disclosed. |
| US08489917B2 |
Remote copying management system, method and apparatus
Storage arrangements including copy information holding correspondence of copy pairs formed from first and second and from first and third logical volumes, as copy groups concerned with a sequence of write data in the computer; and path remote copy relevant information indicating, for each copy group, correspondence of: logical paths; physical paths including the first, second and third storage ports; and take-over path information concerning a relevant path between the second and third logical volumes, needed for the take-over copy pair to take-over the remote copying when failure occurs in the first storage system, and wherein when the management system receives failure information designating a certain path indicated within the take-over path information, a management system determines and displays, by referring to the path remote copy relevant information, copy groups affected by the failure of the certain path. |
| US08489915B2 |
Method and apparatus for storage integrity processing based on error types in a dispersed storage network
A storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network scans an address range of data slices to identify errors in one of a plurality of encoded data slices, wherein the plurality of encoded data slices are generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. When the storage integrity system detects an error, it identifies one of the encoded data slices for rebuilding. The identified data slice is rebuilt in response to the type of error. For example, when the type of the error includes a temporary error, the storage integrity system waits a predetermined time period to determine whether the error still exists prior to rebuilding the identified data slice. |
| US08489911B1 |
Hardware WCK2CK training engine using meta-EDC sweeping and adjustably accurate voting algorithm for clock phase detection
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing high-performance clock training. One clock training sweep operation is performed to determine phase relationships for two write clocks with respect to a command clock. The phase relationships are generated to satisfy timing requirements for two different client devices, such as GDDR5 DRAM components. A second clock training sweep operation is performed to better align local clocks operating on the client devices. A voting tally is maintained during the second clock training sweep to record phase agreement at each step in the clock training sweep. The voting tally then determines whether one of the local clocks should be inverted to better align the two local clocks. |
| US08489906B2 |
Data processor having multiple low power modes
A processor includes a first virtual terminal, a second virtual terminal, circuitry coupled to the first virtual terminal for providing current to the first virtual terminal, a first regulating transistor coupled between the first virtual terminal and the second virtual terminal, a first disabling transistor coupled in parallel with the first regulating transistor for selectively disabling the first regulating transistor by directly connecting the second virtual terminal to the first virtual terminal, a second regulating transistor coupled between the second virtual terminal and a first power supply voltage terminal, and a second disabling transistor coupled in parallel with the second regulating transistor for selectively disabling the second regulating transistor by directly connecting the second virtual terminal to the first power supply voltage terminal. |
| US08489905B2 |
Method and system for building a low power computer system
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an efficient computer server system comprising an efficient power supply unit utilizing a plurality of power-rails to supply electric power to the system components, a special-purpose processor configured to operate as an efficient general purpose server processor while maintaining high performance, and a platform manager configured to control the power supplied to the system components to minimize the system's overall power consumption. Some disclosed embodiments relate to a method of reducing power consumption in information handling server systems comprising configuring a special-purpose processor to be function as a general purpose server processor, selecting a set of power efficient system components based on performance and power efficiency, utilizing an efficient power supply unit and a platform manager to control the power supplied by the power supply unit, and adjusting the processor's frequency to achieve an optimal performance/power-consumption ratio. |
| US08489900B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a specific user interface in a system for managing content
A method and apparatus for managing use of protected content by providing a specific user interface to an application program used to render the content. The method includes identifying a user interface description associated with content, building a specific user interface based on the user interface description, and replacing the standard user interface of an application program used to render the content with the specific user interface. The specific user interface can be unique to the user, unique to a Web site, or otherwise customized. |
| US08489893B2 |
Encryption key rotation messages written and observed by storage controllers via storage media
Storage media is coupled to first and second storage controllers. When the first storage controller performs encryption key rotation, the first storage controller writes a key rotation message to a storage controller metadata section of the storage media indicating that key rotation is underway. The second storage controller observes the key rotation message indicating that key rotation is underway and suspends access by the second storage controller to encrypted portions of the storage media. |
| US08489888B2 |
Processor apparatus having a security function
A processor apparatus capable of operating in a security mode includes a hash value storage unit and a security control unit including a plurality of access authentication hash values. The hash value storage value stores a plurality of hash values including a user authentication hash value and a plurality of access authentication hash values. The security control unit checks whether a boot code transmitted from a boot memory and a hash value from among the hash values, which corresponds to the boot code, are identical, and determines whether a boot operation and a debugging operation of the processor apparatus are allowed and whether an external user is allowed to have access to a predetermined intellectual property (IP) block. The processor apparatus can ensure debugging, security for the processor itself or security for a predetermined block included in the processor apparatus. |
| US08489887B1 |
Biometric authentication for video communication sessions
Systems and methods for integrating biometric authentication with video conference sessions are described. An individual seeking to participate in a video conference may first be identified with a biometric parameter such as an iris scan based on a comparison of the scanned iris with a database of stored parameters. If authorized, the system may connect the individual to the video session. In addition, the system may generate dynamic tags that allow the participants to identify and locate individuals in the video conference. For example, if one of the participants is speaking and moving within the room, her tag may change color and move with her on the video screen. |
| US08489882B2 |
Third-party watermarking
A “third-party watermark” is inserted into a file or files uploaded by a client to a “storing party” such as a file backup server. The third-party watermark may contain information about the upload itself, such as time and date of the upload and the identity of the client. The third-party watermark may also contain authentication information received from the client or elsewhere that establishes that the client is in proper possession of the file, e.g., it is not a “bootlegged” copy. |
| US08489880B1 |
Remote execution of commands transmitted through an open network with decoupled feedback
A command processor providing user authentication and message tamper detection, comprising: an interface to read email; and a processor for (i) analyzing command processor messages to determine an authentication of a sender; (ii) analyzing command processor messages to determine if the command message has been altered from an authentic message content; and if the command processor message is from an authenticated sender and unaltered, passing the message to a command processor. |
| US08489875B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for transmitting DHCP messages
Methods, systems and devices for transmitting DHCP message are provided according to the present invention so that encrypted transmission of user sensitive information is achieved. The method includes receiving, by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, a DHCP request from a DHCP relay agent, wherein the request carries encrypted relay agent options; decrypting, by the DHCP server, the encrypted relay agent options to obtain the relay agent options. With the present invention, safe transmission of the user sensitive information in the DHCP message is ensured. |
| US08489872B1 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for a real-time desktop configurer utilizing a user identifier or an initialization request to retrieve a data-structure-tracking syntax-configured string
The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A REAL-TIME DESKTOP CONFIGURER (hereinafter “RTDC”) implement efficient and scalable monitoring, regulation, and allocation of computational processing, data, labor, and/or the like resources within an enterprise. In some embodiments, the RTDC may regulate access to and/or selectively provide application files to requesting users, such as may be based on access profiles linked to user identifiers. In one implementation, access profiles may be linked to user identifiers via intermediary codes configured as delimited strings in accordance with a descriptive business grammar. The centralized management of application access and use engendered by the RTDC may provide for unprecedented flexibility, security and control in a variety of networked computing contexts, including enterprise information technology management. |
| US08489871B2 |
Preboot execution environment test device and method
A preboot execution environment (PXE) test device includes a microprocessor, one or more indicators, a network interface, a power connector, and a storage device. The network interface connects the PXE test device with a computer. The power connector connects an external power source to supply a voltage to the PXE test device. The storage device stores a boot loader, an embedded operating system, and one or more programs. The microprocessor executes the boot loader and the embedded operating system to start the PXE test device. The one or more indicators indicate a power supply status and a starting status of the PXE test device. The microprocessor further executes the one or more programs to remotely boot the computer for test PXE of a network card in the computer. |
| US08489867B2 |
Monitoring events and incrementing counters associated therewith absent taking an interrupt
A monitoring facility that is operable in two modes allowing compatibility with prior existing monitoring facilities. In one mode, in response to encountering a monitored event, an interrupt is generated. In another mode, in response to encountering a monitored event, one or more associated counters are incremented without causing an interrupt. |
| US08489865B1 |
Device, system, and method for single thread command chaining instructions from multiple processor elements
A command chain system includes plurality of processing elements, a memory, and a chain engine. The chain engine is in communication with the memory and accesses instructions in the memory. The chain engine accesses a subroutine stored in the memory. The chain engine sends a command to a specialized hardware. The chain engine performs an action determined by one or more of the operation-code portion, the skip portion, and the loop-count portion of the instruction. |
| US08489862B2 |
Multiprocessor control apparatus for controlling a plurality of processors sharing a memory and an internal bus and multiprocessor control method and multiprocessor control circuit for performing the same
An object of the invention is to reduce the electric power consumption resulting from temporarily activating a processor requiring a large electric power consumption, out of a plurality of processors. A multiprocessor system (1) includes: a first processor (141) which executes a first instruction code; a second processor (151) which executes a second instruction code, a hypervisor (130) which converts the second instruction code into an instruction code executable by the first processor (141); and a power control circuit (170) which controls the operation of at least one of the first processor (141) and the second processor (151). When the operation of the second processor (151) is suppressed by the power control circuit (170), the hypervisor (130) converts the second instruction code into the instruction code executable by the first processor (141), and the first processor (141) executes the converted instruction code. |
| US08489851B2 |
Processing of read requests in a memory controller using pre-fetch mechanism
A memory controller provided according to an aspect of the present invention includes a predictor block which predicts future read requests after converting the memory address in a prior read request received from the processor to an address space consistent with the implementation of a memory unit. According to another aspect of the present invention, the predicted requests are granted access to a memory unit only when there are no requests pending from processors and the peripherals sending access requests to the memory unit. |
| US08489850B2 |
Memory apparatus and memory control method
A memory control method is disclosed which includes: a storing step of storing a logical to physical conversion table retaining relations of correspondence between addresses of logical blocks in a user data area on the one hand, and addresses of physical blocks assigned to the logical blocks on the other hand, along with addresses of physical blocks in a cache area, the physical block addresses corresponding to the physical block addresses in the logical to physical conversion table; a first writing step of writing, to a deleted new cache block in the cache area, data in excess of a designated logical boundary which defines a logical space size in units of a plurality of sectors within a user data block of the user data area; and a second writing step of writing the data starting from the beginning of the new cache block upon data write in the first writing step to the new cache block, regardless of the logical address space of the new cache block. |
| US08489842B2 |
System and method for finding kernel memory leaks
The invention provides a system and method for tracking memory information associated with dynamically loaded kernel modules with the help of a tracking system. The tracking system defines its own kernel memory allocation functions. Whenever, a dynamic kernel module is loaded/unloaded into/from the kernel space, these newly defined functions are called in response to kernel memory allocation/de-allocation requests from the kernel module. The newly defined functions are responsible for allocating and de-allocating kernel memory, as well as, keeping track of information relating to the kernel memory allocations/de-allocations. The tracked information may be used to identify the source of kernel memory leaks. |
| US08489839B1 |
Increasing memory capacity of a frame buffer via a memory splitter chip
The memory splitter chip couples multiple DRAM units to the PPU, thereby expanding the memory capacity available to the PPU for storing data and increasing the overall performance of the graphics processing system. The memory splitter chip includes logic for managing the transmission of data between the PPU and the DRAM units when the transmission frequencies and the burst lengths of the PPU interface and the DRAM interfaces differ. Specifically, the memory splitter chip implements an overlapping transmission mode, a pairing transmission mode or a combination of the two modes when the transmission frequencies or the burst lengths differ. |
| US08489834B1 |
Automatic class of service provisioning for data transfer within a data center
In general, techniques are described to provide integration between a network management system and a storage management system. A network management system is described in which a programmable processor is configured to receive a message that defines a storage data transfer operation within a storage network controlled by the storage management system, generate configuration data to program one or more managed network devices to service the storage data transfer operation, wherein the one or more managed network devices are connected to comprise a switch fabric, and send the configuration data to the one or more managed network devices to create a network in the switch fabric to service the storage data transfer operation of the storage network. |
| US08489832B1 |
System and method for duplicating electronically stored data
A method of duplicating electronically stored data that includes coupling a duplicating device between an original information storage device and a destination storage device, and streaming data from the original information storage device to the duplicating device. An embodiment of the method also includes segmenting the streaming data, determining a length of an uncompressed data segment, and calculating a length of the data segment when compressed. This embodiment further includes determining if the length of the data segment when compressed is less than some threshold, and copying a compressed data segment to the destination storage device if the length of the compressed data segment is less than the threshold, otherwise copying the uncompressed data segment to the destination storage device. |
| US08489826B2 |
Storage controller and storage subsystem with added configurable functions
Some functions of multiple structural elements are integrated into a specific structural element. The specific structural element controls transmission/reception of signals to/from the respective structural elements. A storage controller includes a Frontend I/F (Interface) Chip, Backend I/F Chip, CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and universal LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) connected to the respective units, and transmitting/receiving signals to/from the respective units. The universal LSI is configured by integrating functions of connecting and controlling the respective units, and when connecting to the respective units, the function blocks corresponding to the respective units are validated and become a Frontend control block, a Backend control block, a switch block, a CPU I/F block and a memory control block while the control functions which are not connected are invalidated. For the valid functions, signal transmission is performed with the outside of the LSI, whereas for invalid functions, signal transmission is blocked. |
| US08489820B1 |
Speculative copying of data from main buffer cache to solid-state secondary cache of a storage server
A network storage server includes a main buffer cache to buffer writes requested by clients before committing them to primary persistent storage. The server further uses a secondary cache, implemented as low-cost, solid-state memory, such as flash memory, to store data evicted from the main buffer cache or data read from the primary persistent storage. To prevent bursts of writes to the secondary cache, data is copied from the main buffer cache to the secondary cache speculatively, before there is a need to evict data from the main buffer cache. Data can be copied to the secondary cache as soon as the data is marked as clean in the main buffer cache. Data can be written to secondary cache at a substantially constant rate, which can be at or close to the maximum write rate of the secondary cache. |
| US08489813B2 |
Storage system that executes performance optimization that maintains redundancy
One storage area is selected from two or more storage areas of a high load physical storage device, a physical storage device with a lower load than that of the physical storage device is selected, and it is judged whether the redundancy according to the RAID level corresponding to the logical volume decreases when the data elements stored in the selected storage area are transferred to the selected low load physical storage device. If the result of this judgment is that the redundancy does not decrease, the data elements stored in the selected storage area are transferred to a buffer area of the selected low load physical storage device and the logical address space of the logical volume that corresponds to the selected storage area is associated with the buffer area. |
| US08489811B1 |
System and method for addressing data containers using data set identifiers
A system and method addresses data containers in a clustered storage system. Each instantiation of a volume, or other container set, is associated with a data set identifier (DSID). All instantiations of data that represent a single point in time are associated with a master data set identifier (MSID). A volume location database (VLDB), utilizing a replicated database among the nodes of the cluster, stores a data set data structure containing appropriate mapping information between the MSIDs and DSIDs. Clients of the clustered storage system utilize MSIDs to reference data that is desired to be accessed. When a storage system receives a data access request containing a MSID, the storage system accesses the VLDB to identify an appropriate DSID to which to forward the request. The data access request is then forwarded to the appropriate storage system for processing. |
| US08489810B2 |
Cache data transfer to a staging area of a storage device and atomic commit operation
In a method of synchronizing with a separated disk cache, the separated cache is configured to transfer cache data to a staging area of a storage device. An atomic commit operation is utilized to instruct the storage device to atomically commit the cache data to a mapping scheme of the storage device. |
| US08489802B2 |
Recordable memory device which writes data to reformatted user area of nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A recordable memory device includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and a controller controlling the nonvolatile semiconductor memory based on a recordable system. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory has a user area capable of directly making an access from a host, and a system area managed by the controller. A data writing to the reformatted user area of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory executes from a start point which is an unused area after the final physical address of old recordable data recorded in the user area before the reformat. The data writing executes from a start point which is a top physical address in the user area, when the start point exceeds the final physical address in the user area. |
| US08489801B2 |
Non-volatile memory with hybrid index tag array
Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an apparatus and associated method for a non-volatile memory with a hybrid index tag array. In accordance with some embodiments, a memory device has a word memory array formed of non-volatile resistive sense memory (RSM) cells, a first index array formed of volatile content addressable memory (CAM) cells, and a second index array formed of non-volatile RSM cells. The memory device is configured to output word data from the word memory array during a data retrieval operation when input request data matches tag data stored in the first index array, and to copy tag data stored in the second index array to the first index array during a device reinitialization operation. |
| US08489800B2 |
Virtualizing processor memory protection with “domain track”
Methods for providing shadow page tables that virtualize processor memory protection. In one embodiment, virtualization software maintains the following: (a) a mapping φ from guest domain identifier to a set of shadow L2 page tables that back guest L1 sections marked with a domain identifier; and (b) with each such shadow L2 page table, a set ω of back-pointers to “potentially referencing” shadow L1 descriptors. |
| US08489799B2 |
Efficient loading of data into memory of a computing system
A method for deploying one or more virtual machines on a host computing system is provided. The method comprises receiving mapping information from a data storage system. The mapping information associates a first data chunk stored in the data storage system with a unique identifier to support deployment of a first virtual machine on a host computing system. Once the mapping information is received, the mapping information is utilized to determine whether any copies of the first data chunk have already been loaded into a memory of the host computing system in association with deployment of the first virtual machine or a second virtual machine on the host computing system. If no copies of the first data chunk have already been loaded into the memory, the first data chunk is retrieved from the data storage system, loaded into the memory, and utilized to deploy the first virtual machine on the host computing system. |
| US08489797B2 |
Hardware resource arbiter for logical partitions
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and apparatus for hardware resource arbitration in a data processing environment having a plurality of logical partitions. A hypervisor receives a request for a hardware resource from a first logical partition, wherein the request corresponds to an operation. The hypervisor determines the hardware resource is free from contention by a second logical partition. The hypervisor writes the hardware resource to a hardware resource pool data structure, as associated with the first logical partition, in response to a determination the hardware resource is free. The hypervisor presents the hardware resource to the first logical partition. The hypervisor determines that the operation is complete. The hypervisor release the hardware resource from a hardware resource pool, responsive to the determination that the operation is complete. |
| US08489794B2 |
Processor bus bridge for network processors or the like
Described embodiments provide a system having a bridge for connecting two different processor buses. The bridge receives a command from a first bus, the command having an identification field having a value. The command is then entered into a buffer in the bridge unless another command having the same identification field value exists in the buffer. Once the command with the same identification field value is removed from the buffer, the received command is entered into the buffer. Next, the buffered command is transmitted over a second bus. A response to the command is eventually received from the second bus, the response is transmitted over the first bus, and the command is then removed from the buffer. By not entering the received command until a similar command with the same identification value is removed from the buffer, command ordering is enforced even though multiple commands are pending in the buffer. |
| US08489793B2 |
Connected input/output hub management
A method for implementing connected input/output (I/O) hub configuration and management includes configuring a first I/O hub in wrap mode with a second I/O hub. The hubs are communicatively coupled via a wrap cable. The method further includes generating data traffic on a computing subsystem that includes the hubs. Generating traffic includes: converting, via the first hub, a request to implement a transaction into an I/O device-readable request packet and transmitting the request packet over the wrap cable; converting, via the second hub, the I/O device-readable (IODR) request packet into a system readable request and transmitting the request over a system bus; converting, via the second hub, the response to an IODR response packet, and transmitting the response packet over the wrap cable; and converting, via the first hub, the IODR response packet into a system readable response packet, and transmitting the response packet over the system bus. |
| US08489787B2 |
Sharing sampled instruction address registers for efficient instruction sampling in massively multithreaded processors
Sampled instruction address registers are shared among multiple threads executing on a plurality of processor cores. Each of a plurality of sampled instruction address registers are assigned to a particular thread running for an application on the plurality of processor cores. Each of the sampled instruction address registers are configured by storing in each of the sampled instruction address registers a thread identification of the particular thread in a thread identification field and a processor identification of a particular processor on which the particular thread is running in a processor identification field. |
| US08489786B2 |
Acknowledgement management technique for supported command set of SMBUS/PMBUS slave applications
A slave device has an input/output adapted for connection to a serial data line of an I2C bus configuration, a clock input adapted for connection to a serial clock line of the I2C bus configuration, and an interrupt input adapted for connection to the serial clock line of the I2C bus configuration. The slave device senses transitions on the serial clock line through the interrupt input to trigger capturing of a command code on serial data line through the input output. In response to receipt of the command code, the slave device controls the serial data line through the input/output to send an acknowledgement of receipt of the command code. However, if the captured command code is not recognized the slave device inhibits sending of the acknowledgement of the command code. The pull up connection on the serial data line of the I2C bus configuration will, when the slave device is inhibited from acknowledging, produce a high logic state indicative of a no acknowledgement. |
| US08489784B2 |
Adaptive interconnection scheme for multimedia devices
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to adaptive interconnection for multimedia devices. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an apparatus that includes one or more ports, the one or more ports including one or more adaptable ports, where each adaptable port includes a receptacle to accept a plug of a connector element, the receptacle including multiple electrical contacts. The apparatus further includes an adaptable port device to process data including multimedia data received at the one or more adaptable ports, where the adaptable port device is to detect a multimedia signal format for multimedia data received at each of the adaptable ports, and adapt each of the adaptable ports to be compatible with the detected multimedia signal format for the adaptable port. |
| US08489777B2 |
Server for presenting interactive content synchronized to time-based media
Where multiple client devices are synchronized to multiple, asynchronous instances of a time-based media presentation such as live and time-shifted views of a television broadcast, interactive content can be delivered to each one of the various devices at a particular time (or “time offset”) within the presentation independent of when each instance of the time-based media presentation is viewed. |
| US08489770B2 |
Method and system for providing watermark to subscribers
A method for providing watermark to subscribers is provided. The method comprises observing a request for a first content from a subscriber, determining if the subscriber can receive a watermark, generating a second content comprising the watermark if the subscriber can receive a watermark, causing the subscriber to fetch the first content, and causing the subscriber to fetch the second content comprising the watermark overlaying the first content. |
| US08489766B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and computer-readable storage medium, for updating device information corresponding to a device among the device information stored in a storage unit, and for sending a notification for releasing an internet-protocol address assigned to the device to a dynamic-host-configuration-protocol server based on whether received information specifies a specific condition
An information processing apparatus connected via a network to a plurality of devices and a DHCP server adapted to assign an IP address to each of the devices includes a storage unit that stores device information for each of the devices, a receiving unit that receives from a second information processing apparatus a search request for searching for a device, a search unit that searches for a device in response to the search request received by the receiving unit, a sending unit that sends a search result obtained by the search unit to the second information processing apparatus, and a control unit that updates, when a device is no longer capable of communicating via the network, device information corresponding to the device among the device information stored in the storage unit and that sends a notification for releasing the IP address assigned to the device to the DHCP server. |
| US08489765B2 |
Dynamic directed acyclic graph (DAG) adjustment
In one embodiment, a root device may request that one or more devices of a computer network build a directed acyclic graph (DAG) for routing traffic within the computer network based on an objective function (OF), where the OF has one or more metrics to optimize the DAG against and optionally certain constraints. Particular devices that receive the request may then build the DAG based on the OF, and may determine and report OF feedback to the root device. Upon receiving the reports regarding OF feedback, the root device may then adjust the OF based on the feedback, and request a rebuild of the DAG from the devices based on the adjusted OF. |
| US08489763B2 |
Distributed virtual bridge management
Systems and methods to forward data frames are described. A particular method may include receiving a data frame at a switch of a plurality of networked switches coupled to a plurality of server computers. The data frame may be forwarded from a controlling bridge coupled to the plurality of networked switches. The data frame may be determined to include management data, and an operating parameter of the switch may be modified. |
| US08489762B2 |
Transmitting and receiving control information for use with multimedia streams
First control information, generated according to a first protocol version, for configuring an audiovisual device to present a multimedia stream, may be generated. A first data structure specifying that the first control information is of the first protocol version may be generated. A plurality of packets, including a multimedia stream, the first control information, and the first data structure, may be generated and transmitted. Second control information, generated according to a second protocol version, for configuring an audiovisual device to present a multimedia stream, may be generated. The first data structure may be modified to include information about the second control information. A second plurality of packets, including the modified first data structure, the first control information, a multimedia stream specified by the first control information, the second control information, and a multimedia stream specified by the second control information, may be generated. |
| US08489760B2 |
Media file storage format and adaptive delivery system
A method and apparatus for creating universal adaptive bit rate streams using a generic container format to store audio, video, and supplemental data that allows seamless trans-containerization from one adaptive streaming format to another. |
| US08489759B2 |
Service discovery and publication
A system and methods for service discovery and publication are disclosed. Application programs write requests for service discovery, publication, and subscription to a service discovery application programming interface. The service discovery application programming interface invokes one or more lower-level protocols to satisfy the discovery, publication and/or subscription request. Service information retrieved from lower-layer protocols is formatted into a consistent data model and returned to the client application. In addition, service information may be stored in a persistent data store managed by a discovery persistence service communicatively connected to the service discovery API. |
| US08489758B2 |
Method of transmitting data in a communication system
A method and system for transmitting data over a channel of a network. The method comprises: receiving data at a first node; encoding a first portion of the data at a first bit rate to generate a first encoded data stream; monitoring an indication of the capacity of the channel; transmitting to the second node a padded data stream via the channel, wherein padding bits are added to the first encoded data stream, in dependence on the indication of the capacity of the channel, to generate the padded data stream; determining if transmitting the padded data stream exceeds the capacity of the channel; and encoding a second portion of the data at a higher bit rate than the first bit rate, to generate a second encoded data stream for transmission over the channel, if it is determined that transmitting the padded data stream does not exceed the channel's capacity. |
| US08489755B2 |
Technique of detecting denial of service attacks
The invention detects a denial of service attack at a node by monitoring the number of discarded packets in relationship to the number of inbound packets. When an attack is detected, relevant inbound packet information is collected during the attack to help characterize the attack and at least to pinpoint the source of the last hop to the attacked node. |
| US08489754B2 |
Full mesh optimization for spanning tree protocol
An optimized spanning tree protocol (OSTP) minimizes latency and provides high throughput in a full-mesh portion of a network, and is compatible with external networks where a standard spanning tree protocol is used. The OSTP enables traffic traversing the full-mesh portion to take a shortest path from source to destination through use of full-mesh connectivity. In some embodiments, a cluster includes a plurality of servers connected in a full mesh, and the OSTP is used on internal ports of the servers. In some embodiments, the OSTP is configured on a per-VLAN basis. In some embodiments, the servers exchange special messages enabling determination of full-mesh connectivity. In further embodiments, sending of the special messages is suppressed on certain port types, such as external ports. In some embodiments, determination of the full-mesh connectivity disables use of a standard spanning tree protocol and/or enables use of OSTP on the full-mesh portion. |
| US08489751B2 |
Middlebox control
In order to carry out actions such as setting up a call from an entity in the address realm of one middlebox to an entity in the address realm of another middlebox, then a middlebox control node such as a call server is used. Previously, the middlebox control node has needed to have pre-configured information about all the middleboxes and which address realms they are associated with. The present invention provides one or more middlebox-identity-providing nodes which are separate from the middlebox control node, and which are more directly connected to the end users of the service than the middlebox control node. This provides greater flexibility in network design and removes the need for middlebox information to be pre-configured at the middlebox control node. Instead, this information is sent to the middlebox control node, as part of signalling messages, from middlebox-identity-providing nodes. |
| US08489750B2 |
Load-balancing cluster
A load-balancing cluster includes a switch having a plurality of ports; and a plurality of servers connected to at least some of the plurality of ports of the switch. Each server is addressable by the same virtual Internet Protocol (VIP) address. Each server in the cluster has a mechanism constructed and adapted to respond to connection requests at the VIP by selecting one of the plurality of servers to handle that connection, wherein the selecting is based, at least in part, on a given function of information used to request the connection; and a firewall mechanism constructed and adapted to accept all requests for the VIP address for a particular connection only on the server that has been selected to handle that particular connection. The selected server determines whether it is responsible for the request and may hand it off to another cluster member. |
| US08489749B2 |
Unicast/multicast media edge proxy with fast channel switching
A system, method, and media edge proxy, MEP, (17) for providing media data such as Internet Protocol Television, IPTV, or Internet radio channels to a media client (12). The MEP obtains the media data from a media server (18) utilizing a temporary unicast connection and provides the media data obtained from the server to the media client for an initial time period. Upon determining that the initial time period has expired, the MEP obtains the media data via multicast from a multicast router (27), provides the media data obtained from the router to the media client, and releases the temporary unicast connection. The invention reduces channel switching delay and thus improves quality-of-experience for the end-user. The invention also avoids excessive IGMP JOIN/LEAVE signaling when a user switches quickly through channels. |
| US08489747B2 |
Synchronized processing of data by networked computing resources
Systems 100, 1000, methods, and machine-interpretable programming or other instruction products for the management of data processing by multiple networked computing resources 106, 1106. In particular, the disclosure relates to the synchronization of related requests for processing of data using distributed network resources. |
| US08489746B2 |
Systems for suggesting domain names from a geographic location data
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for displaying, suggesting and registering available domain names on a client computer based on selected geographical locations from online mapping service software or a geo-location software. Any combination of an online mapping software and a domain name registration software may receive a selection of one or more geographical locations within a displayed geographical area. Alternatively, a location of a client computer may be detected using the geo-location software. One or more available domain names may be parsed for keywords related to the selected geographical area, and one or more available domain names may be suggested based on the selected keywords. |
| US08489745B2 |
Optimizing power consumption by dynamic workload adjustment
A system and associated method for optimizing power consumption of a data center by dynamic workload adjustment. A current workload distribution of the data center is shifted to an optimal workload solution that provides acceptable level of service with the least amount of power consumption. The sum of power cost and migration cost that corresponds to the optimal workload solution is the lowest among all sums that correspond to respective candidate workload solutions. The power cost is determined by a maximum temperature of the data center and accompanying cooling cost for each candidate workload solution. The migration cost is determined by performance degradation that occurs during shifting a workload distribution of the data center from the current workload distribution to each candidate workload solution. |
| US08489743B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing administrative registration
There is a need in the art for application servers to be able to exhibit the same behavior irrespective of the used access technology. In order to address this need the present invention provides methods and apparatuses for allowing one or more subscribers to be administratively registered. |
| US08489742B2 |
System and method for work management
A system is disclosed for facilitating relationship-centric authorization of transactions in a manner which provides optimum scalability and availability by logically partitioning key servers in conjunction with partitioning a resource associated with a group of consumers across the set of logical servers associated therewith. |
| US08489741B2 |
Policy enabled grid architecture
A self-governing, self-healing and self-optimizing policy oriented grid architecture. The architecture can include a hosting service configured for use in a computing grid. The hosting service can include a Web service; grid instrumentation coupled to the Web service; a Web service descriptive document; and, a service policy element disposed in the Web service descriptive document. The Web service descriptive document can include a WSDL type document. Moreover, at least one WSLA can be referenced in the WSDL type document. Notably, the service policy element can include at least one policy selected from the group consisting of a security assertion and a business rule. The security assertion can include a security assertion markup language (SAML) formatted authentication statement having a subject specifying a role identifier. |
| US08489730B2 |
Server location mapping
Embodiments of a method for determining locations of computers in a group of computers, which may be performed by a system, are described. During operation, the system receives a location of a first computer in the group of computers. Then, the system determines locations of one or more additional computers in the group of computers relative to the first computer based on vibration spectra associated with the first computer and the one or more additional computers. |
| US08489726B2 |
Distributed network construction method, system and task processing method
A distributed network construction method includes: determining a domain that covers a requesting node according to an address of the requesting node which requests to join a distributed network, where the domain has a domain identifier (ID); generating a peer ID of the requesting node according to the number of peers of the domain; concatenating the domain ID with the peer ID to form the node ID of the requesting node; and sending the node ID to the requesting node, where the requesting node obtains information about a neighboring node according to the obtained node ID to join the distributed network. |
| US08489724B2 |
CNAME-based round-trip time measurement in a content delivery network
Round-trip time (RTT) for communication between an edge point of presence (POP) in a content delivery network (CDN) and a local domain name server (LDNS) is determined by resolution of a canonical name (CNAME) record. A first server in a first edge POP in a CDN receives a request to resolve a domain name from a LDNS and transmits a CNAME record including a timestamp indicating when the CNAME record was transmitted to the LDNS. The first server subsequently receives a request from the LDNS to resolve the CNAME record and determines a RTT time indicating the time needed for round-trip transmission between the LDNS and the first server based on the time when the request to resolve the CNAME request was received by the first server and the time indicated by the timestamp. |
| US08489718B1 |
Torroidal backbone connections for network deployment
The efficiency of scaling of a network of computing devices can be improved by grouping highly-connected portions into deployment units wherein devices only have to be aware of other devices in the respective deployment unit. The various deployment units can be connected by a backbone mechanism. In some embodiments, the backbone utilizes a torroidal connection scheme to connect the backbone switches and pass routing protocol information. Host traffic can still utilize connections between tiers, such that standard routing and networking protocols can be utilized. In other embodiments, logical interfaces can be initialized in each backbone switch, such that each switch itself can function as a point backbone. The devices of the various deployment units then can communicate with each other via the point backbones using standard networking and routing protocols. |
| US08489716B2 |
Method and system of providing network addresses to in-premise devices in a utility network
One example embodiment provides a method and system where a node in a utility network receives a block of IPv6 network addresses from an access point in the utility network. The utility node allocates an IP network address from the block of IPv6 network addresses received from the access point to an in-premise device which communicates to the utility node over an in-premise network which is not IP based. The utility node proxies the allocated IP address to the utility network, allowing other nodes on the utility network to address and communicate with the in-premise device. |
| US08489707B2 |
System and method for transmission of data
A system and method for data communication connecting on-line networks with on-line and off-line computers. The present system provides for broadcast of up to the minute notification centric information thereby providing an instant call to action for users who are provided with the ability to instantaneously retrieve further detailed information. The notification centric portions of information is wirelessly broadcast to wireless receiving devices which are attached to computing devices. Upon receipt of the information at the personal computer, the user is notified through different multimedia alerts that there is an incoming message. Wirelessly broadcasted URL's, associated with the data, are embedded in data packets and provide an automated wired or wireless connection back to the information source for obtaining detailed data. |
| US08489703B2 |
Analysis system and analysis server
An analysis sever capable of performing analysis among a large amount of sensor data in order to obtain an analysis result that a reader desires and outputting the result instantaneously. The analysis server rearranges the sensor data acquired from a sensor node into time series data. The analysis is performed separately for time trigger analysis (D) and for event trigger analysis (F) depending on analysis contents. In the time trigger analysis (D), analysis processing that is basically needed when visualizing a state of an organization is performed. In the event trigger analysis (F), an analysis result obtained by the time trigger analysis (D) is processed using the reader's desired information and is outputted. |
| US08489698B2 |
Apparatus and method for accessing a metadata
Provided are an apparatus and a method for acquiring a consistent result even if one client accesses any metadata server in a circumstance that the cluster configuring many metadata servers exist. The apparatus as mentioned above includes a deletion file list unit that stores information about a deleted metadata during a predetermined period; and a metadata server selector that selects a metadata server to receive a operation request about a metadata among a plurality of metadata servers based on information from the deletion file list unit. |
| US08489695B2 |
Proxy communications on a social network
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method for establishing proxy communications between users on a social network. An exemplary method includes creating an alias on a primary social network when a user logs in to the primary social network, wherein the alias comprises the user's identity on a secondary social network. The method further includes creating a cache comprising a map relating a second user's identity on the primary social network to the second user's identity on a secondary social network, wherein the creation of the map is based, at least in part, on the user and the second user being identified as friends in the secondary social network. Communications from the user to the second user are directed through the primary social network based, at least in part, on the map. The communications are formatted to appear as if they were sent from the user's account on the secondary social network. |
| US08489693B2 |
System and method for context-based serialization of messages in a parallel execution environment
A messaging system and method which allows parallel execution of related requests according their context-based sequence. A serialization processor receives each incoming message request from a messaging client, extracts a transaction identifier (TI), searches a state table for the TI, and, if the TI is found active in the state table, stores the request in a serialization queue and makes an entry for that TI with the state “queued” in the state table. After execution of the active request, its entry in the state table is cleared, and the queued request with the same TI is executed, whereupon its entry is changed from queued to active. |
| US08489692B2 |
Establishment of a conference
An apparatus, method, computer readable medium, and system are provided for associating content with a conference. A viewer of content may elect to partake in a conference and may select one or more options associated with the conference. The viewer may be authenticated and billed based on the viewer's participation in the conference. The viewer may be assigned to a conference group based on a location of the viewer and/or the viewer's selections of conference options. A lookup may be performed to determine conference parameters, comprising one or more of a terminal identifier associated with the viewer, a conference code identifier and a participant code. A conference setup message may be transmitted to one or more of a switch and a customer premise equipment device (CPE) based on the conference parameters. |
| US08489691B2 |
Communication system and method
A method of initiating a communication event via a packet-based communication network in a media appliance having a processor executing a communication client, comprising: retrieving a stored list comprising a plurality of contacts associated with a user of the communication client; generating a first two-dimensional contact grid comprising a first arrangement of entries; displaying the first contact grid on a display means such that each of a plurality of the entries comprises a graphical representation of a respective one of the plurality of contacts, wherein the graphical representations are sized so as to fit in the entries of the first contact grid; receiving a selection of a subset of the graphical representations in the first contact grid from a user of the communication client; generating a second contact grid comprising a second arrangement of entries corresponding to the selected subset; displaying the second contact grid on the display means in replacement of the first contact grid, such that each of a plurality of the entries comprises a graphical representation of a respective one of the plurality of contacts, and wherein the graphical representations are resized so as to fit in the entries of the second contact grid; receiving a selection of one of the graphical representations in the second contact grid from the user of the communication client; and initiating a communication event with the contact represented by the selected graphical representation via the packet-based communication network. |
| US08489689B1 |
Apparatus and method for obfuscation detection within a spam filtering model
A computer-implemented system and method are described for detecting obfuscated words in email messages and using this information to determine whether each email message is spam or valid email (ham). For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: providing an obfuscation feature set for detecting obfuscation within email messages, the obfuscation feature set build from a group of obfuscation parameters including a similarity metric, the similarity metric using a set using a set of frequently obfuscated words (FOW) selected from a larger set of obfuscated words; analyzing an email message to detect whether the email message contains features within the obfuscation feature set, wherein the analysis includes determining the similarity of one or more words in the email message with each of the FOWs; generating the similarity metric based on the analysis, the similarity metric providing a relative likelihood that each of the one or more words is obfuscated; firing one or more of the obfuscation detection features based, at least in part, on the value of the similarity metric; analyzing the email message to detect whether the email contains one or more additional spam features unrelated to obfuscation; and determining whether the email message is spam based on the combined obfuscation detection features and the additional spam features. |
| US08489684B2 |
System and method for image inclusion in e-mail messages
While populating an e-mail message with, among other details, an e-mail address for a receiver, an image of the sender is included as part of the e-mail message. Advantageously, at a device in use to execute an e-mail client application on behalf of the receiver, the e-mail client application may automatically add the included image to an address book entry associated with the identity of the sender. Alternatively, the user may be prompted to allow the association of the image with the address book entry of the sender of the message. Later, upon receiving an incoming call from the sender with corresponding CLID information, the call display application may perform a lookup of the CLID information and display the image associated, in the address book, with the sender. |
| US08489683B2 |
System, network and method for multi-platform publishing and synchronized content
Methods, communications networks and systems for synchronizing content delivery to a plurality of delivery devices of a user. The delivery devices include at least one computer connected to internet and at least one mobile device. The method comprises retrieving profile data concerning the plurality of delivery devices of the user; sending an invitation to deliver content to the plurality of delivery devices of the user; receiving at least two responses to the invitation, for each response received: identifying a responding delivery device of the plurality of delivery devices from which the response is received using the profile data; retrieving a platform type of the responding delivery device accepting the invitation; and retrieving and providing a delivery version of the content in a delivery format acceptable for the platform of the responding delivery device. |
| US08489680B1 |
Transmission of input values using an unreliable communication link
In one general aspect, a method can include receiving at a host device via a remote desktop session a first carrier packet including a first set of event packets where each event packet from the first set of event packets includes an input value produced via an input device. The method can include receiving a second carrier packet including a second set of event packets duplicating at least a portion of the first set of event packets included in the first carrier packet, and identifying a portion of the second set of event packets as duplicates of the first set of event packets. The method can also include identifying an event packet excluded from the portion of the second set of event packets, and registering an input value included in the event packet in response to the identifying of the event packet. |
| US08489679B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring network traffic and determining the timing associated with an application
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for monitoring network traffic. In one embodiment, the method comprises monitoring, using a monitoring device located near a first end of one segment of a connection with a client and a server in a network, packets that are part of an initial TCP handshake between the client and the server and determining a network time, a server time, and a client time based on information collected when monitoring the one segment. |
| US08489675B2 |
Configurable offline data store
A method and apparatus for a configurable offline data store are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for a first set of one or more records from a client application, wherein the first set is remotely stored. The method further includes determining a second set of one or more records that is associated with the first set, wherein the second set is remotely stored. The method further includes fetching over a network the first set and the second set from a server data store unit; storing the first set and the second set in a client data store unit and providing access to the first set and the second set when the network is not operational. |
| US08489674B2 |
Distributed publish/subscribe system
In one embodiment, a first one of a plurality of message processors receives a request with respect to a topic, and determines whether the first message processor itself is currently responsible for the topic. If so, then the first message processor services the request. If not, then the first message processor determines whether any of the other ones of the message processors is currently responsible for the topic. If so, then the request is redirected to another message processor to be serviced. If not, then the first message processor selects one of the message processors to be responsible for the topic and to service the request. |
| US08489672B2 |
Content set based deltacasting
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for improving utilization of the satellite communications system through various “deltacasting” techniques for handling content sets (e.g., feeds or websites). Embodiments operate in a client-server context, including a server optimizer, a client optimizer, and, in some embodiments, a pre-positioning client. Within this client-server context, content sets are multicast (e.g., anticipatorily pre-positioned in a local dictionary) to end users of the communications system and are handled at the content set level, according to set-level metadata and/or user preferences. In some embodiments, when locally stored information from the content sets is requested by a user, deltacasting techniques are used to generate fingerprints for use in identifying and exploit multicasting and/or other opportunities for increased utilization of links of the communications system. |
| US08489670B1 |
Reducing TCP connection establishment time in an overlay network
Applications that run on an overlay network-based managed service achieve high performance gains using a set of TCP optimizations. In a first optimization, a typical single TCP connection between a client and an origin server is broken into preferably three (3) separate TCP connections. These connections are: an edge-to-client connection, an edge-to-edge connection, and edge-to-origin connection. A second optimization replicates TCP state along the connection to increase fault tolerance. In this approach, preferably a given TCP connection is maintained on two servers. When a packet is received by one server, called the primary, its state is updated and then passed to a second server, called the backup. Only when the backup sends an acknowledgement back to the primary can it then send a TCP acknowledgement back to the host that originally sent the packet. Another optimization reduces connection establishment latency. In particular, data is sent across the edge-to-edge connection before waiting for a SYN/ACK from a receiving region to be received by the sending region. This is achieved by generating a SYN/ACK packet (at the sending region) and feeding it back to the edge-to-edge connection. This causes TCP to treat the connection as established, thereby allowing data to flow. |
| US08489669B2 |
Mobile data processing system moving interest radius
Provided is a fully automated web service with location based services generally involved in transmission of situational location dependent information to automatically located mobile receiving data processing systems. The web service communicates with a receiving data processing system in a manner by delivering information to the device when appropriate without the device requesting it at the time of delivery. There are varieties of configurations made by different user types of the web service for configuring information to be delivered, and for receiving the information. The web service maximizes anonymity of users, provides granular privacy control with a default of complete privacy, and supports user configurable privileges and features for desired web service behavior and interoperability. The web service is fully automated to eliminate human resources required to operate services. Integrated with the web service are enhanced location based services providing map solutions, alerts, sharing of novel services between users, and complete user control for managing heterogeneous device interoperability through the web service. |
| US08489663B2 |
Decimal floating-point adder with leading zero anticipation
A decimal floating-point (DFP) adder includes a decimal leading-zero anticipator (LZA). The DFP adder receives DFP operands. Each operand includes a significand, an exponent, a sign bit and a leading zero count for the significand. The DFP adder adds or subtracts the DFP operands to obtain a DFP result. The LZA determines the leading zero count associated with the significand of the DFP result. The LZA operates at least partially in parallel with circuitry (in the DFP adder) that computes the DFP result. The LZA does not wait for that circuitry to finish computation of the DFP result. Instead it “anticipates” the number of leading zeros that the result's significand will contain. |
| US08489661B2 |
Signal processing system with a digital sample rate converter
A signal processing system includes a digital sample rate converter to convert a signal sampled at a first sampling frequency into a corresponding signal sampled at a second sampling frequency. In at least one embodiment, the sample rate converter includes a digital sample rate conversion filter. The digital sample rate conversion filter includes a digital filter that models a continuous time filter such as a low pass RC filter and generates filtered samples. The digital sample rate conversion filter also includes an interpolation filter that determines samples between the digital filtered samples. A sample selector selects the samples generated by the interpolation filter at the second sampling frequency. In at least one embodiment, the sample selector determines when to generate interpolated samples and the amount of time offset from an adjacent sample generated by the digital filter. |
| US08489657B2 |
Kiosk-based automatic update of online social networking sites
Systems and methods identify a current location of a user based on a known location of an electronic device including kiosk, beacon, or location-aware camera when the user interacts with the electronic device. The systems and methods automatically create a user status data file based on the known location. The user status data file contains data identifying that the user is currently at the known location and other data captured about the event or venue at that location. The systems and methods automatically upload the user status data file to a personal storage account which can then be used to post to a social networking web site associated with the user as an activity post associated with the user. |
| US08489656B2 |
Systems and methods for performing data replication
Preparing source data to be replicated in a continuous data replication environment. Certain systems and methods populate a file name database with entries having a unique file identifier descriptor (FID), short name and a FID of the parent directory of each directory or file on a source storage device. Such information is advantageously gathered during scanning of a live file system without requiring a snapshot of the source storage device. The database can be further used to generate absolute file names associated with data operations to be replayed on a destination storage device. Based on the obtained FIDs, certain embodiments can further combine write operations to be replayed on the destination storage device and/or avoid replicating temporary files to the destination system. |
| US08489654B2 |
Method and system for forming a virtual file system at a computing device
A method for forming a virtual file system associated with a distributed storage system is implemented at a computing device communicatively connected to the distributed storage system. The computing device retrieves one or more metadata blocks associated with the virtual file system from the plurality of storage devices. After rendering a commit tree for the virtual file system, the computing device builds an instance of the virtual file system by traversing a plurality of directory nodes and file nodes associated with the tree in a recursive manner. For a respective directory node, the computing device creates a directory in accordance with the metadata associated with the directory node; for a respective file node, the computing device retrieves one or more data blocks from the plurality of storage devices in accordance with the metadata associated with the file node and creates a file using the retrieved data blocks. |
| US08489650B2 |
System, implementation, application, and query language for a tetrahedral data model for unstructured data
Systems, implementations, applications, and a query language for a tetrahedral data model for unstructured data are disclosed. The tetrahedral data model includes a vertex, four facets, and lines between the facets. The vertex represents a unique identifier for the underlying unstructured data. The four facets represent basic attributes, semantic features, low-level features, and raw data. The lines represent relationships between connected elements. The tetrahedral data model is implemented in the logical schema in an Unstructured data Base Management System (UDBMS), which stores the basic attributes and the semantic features in XML files, stores the low-level features and the raw data using a three-dimensional big table, and stores the associations in an adjacency matrix. A tetrahedral annotation module creating and populating tetrahedrons can be integrated into unstructured data processing apparatuses. An unstructured data query language provides comprehensive query operations for unstructured data represented by the tetrahedral data model in an UDBMS. |
| US08489646B2 |
Drag and drop importation of content
A system allows a user to drag content from one application and drop the content into a separate application. In response to the user interface functions of dragging and dropping the content, an importation system can create a data object. The object can have fields that are defined based on the application or data being dragged. The object fields may be automatically populated using a search function that searches for data in the application that may be highlighted during the drag function. The drop is intercepted the information is formatted for the receiving application. The information is formatted to meet the specifications of the receiving application to optimize the storage and use of the information. Thus, the system can translate the information from its native format into a format understandable by the receiving application. |
| US08489644B2 |
System and method for managing virtual tree pages
A method for processing a request to display data includes receiving at a virtual tree server a request to display data stored in a database. The data is associated with a selected node of a virtual tree structure. The method continues by loading node definition data in response to the request. The node definition data defines the selected node of the virtual tree structure and how the node is displayed. The method also includes saving the node definition data in a page file and transmitting the saved page file. |
| US08489643B1 |
System and method for automated content aggregation using knowledge base construction
A method for enabling automated content aggregation based on deep Web sources, comprising: analyzing a plurality of deep web sources to detect a plurality of fields; selecting at least one field; and aggregating content provided to a plurality of deep web sources through said at least one field. |
| US08489636B2 |
Providing multiple concurrent access to a file system
Multiple computers are connected to a data storage unit that includes a file system, which further includes multiple data entities, including files, directories and the file system itself. The file system also includes, for each data entity, an owner field for indicating which computer, if any, has exclusive or shared access to the data entity, along with a time field for indicating when a lease of the data entity began. When a computer wants to lease a data entity, the computer uses a disk reservation capability to temporarily lock the data storage unit, and, if the data entity is not currently leased, the computer writes its own identification value into the owner field and a current time into the time field for the data entity, to claim the data entity for a renewable lease period. If a prior lease of a data entity has expired, another computer may break the lease and claim ownership for itself. |
| US08489633B2 |
Correlated query process (CQP) and peer-to-peer (P2P) execution
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for processing correlated queries in a collaborative, role-based, peer-to-peer (P2P) execution system. A correlated query is configured in accordance to a collaborative correlated query process (CQP) template. The collaborative CQP template defines roles and steps, each step being executable by one of the roles. A role is assigned to each peer node of the P2P system. A peer node having a designated role executes a step that is executable by the designated role. A message is communicated to other P2P nodes to indicate completion of the step. Another peer node having a matching role to a next step in the correlated query executes the next step in response to the message. |
| US08489631B2 |
Distributing a query
A method for distributing a query, wherein the query comprises one or more sub-clauses, wherein each sub-clause comprises a triple pattern having three components for use with a distributed system, the method comprising the steps of: identifying each sub-clause; analyzing three components of each sub-clause in accordance with one or more analysis rules in order to determine the proportion of values to variables; in response to the determination, testing the sub-clause against one or more execution rules, wherein the execution rules are associated with an order of processing of a sub-clause based on the proportion of values to variables; in response to the testing, generating a sub-query associated with a first sub-clause having the largest proportion of values to variables. |
| US08489623B2 |
Creating data in a data store using a dynamic ontology
In one embodiment, a method comprises creating and storing an ontology for a data store in response to receiving first user input defining the ontology, wherein the ontology comprises a plurality of data object types and a plurality of object property types; creating one or more parser definitions in response to receiving second user input defining the parser definitions, wherein each of the parser definitions specifies one or more sub-definitions of how to transform first input data into modified input data that is compatible with one of the object property types; and storing each of the one or more parser definitions in association with one of the plurality of object property types. |
| US08489621B2 |
System and method of creating and rating items for social interactions
A system and method for providing items to users and, more particularly, a system and method for rating items and placing such items into a queued list. The method includes providing an item from a web browser to a recipient on a preferred list and placing the item into a queued list with respect to other items based on a rating. The system includes a computer infrastructure being operable to provide a rated item from a web browser to a recipient on a preferred list and place the rated item in a queued list with respect to other items. |
| US08489617B2 |
Automated detection of null field values and effectively null field values
Disclosed are systems for, and methods of, automatically detecting and treating field values of a particular field as null field values in records of a database. The system and method provide automatic treatment of these field values as null field values by calculating a critical frequency for the field. Based on the critical frequency of the field, the system and method treats field values that occur more than the critical frequency of the field as null field values and treats field values that occur less than the critical frequency as non-null field values. |
| US08489615B2 |
System and method for predicting meeting subjects, logistics, and resources
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for predicting the subject, logistics, and resources of associated with a communication event. Predictions and suggestions can occur prior to, during, or in response to communication events. The user can confirm the prediction or suggestion via user input such as a click or a voice command. The system can analyze past behavior patterns with respect to the subject, logistics and resources of communication events, followed by preparing ranked listings of which subjects, logistics, and resources are most likely to be used in a given situation. The predicted logistics may then include people to invite, time and date of the meeting, its duration, location, and anything else useful in helping potential participants gather together. The resources may include files attached, files used, communication event minutes, recordings made, Internet browsers and other programs which may be utilized by the user. |
| US08489614B2 |
Ranking academic event related search results using event member metrics
A system receives a search query related to an academic event of multiple academic events, the academic event having a committee with one or more members. The system searches a corpus of documents associated with the multiple academic events based on the search query to produce a set of search result documents. The system ranks the set of search result documents based on metrics associated with the one or more committee members of the academic event. |
| US08489613B1 |
LSH-based retrieval using sub-sampling
A set of reference videos is indexed to a reference index in order to facilitate matching of video content. An indexing module receives a set of reference fingerprints representing a set of reference videos and identifies keys contained in the reference fingerprints. Reference identifiers for the reference videos are stored in bins of the reference index associated with the identified keys. The bins in the reference index are sub-sampled to limit the number of reference identifiers stored in a given bin. |
| US08489603B1 |
Automatic item categorizer
A categorization service is described that automatically categorizes items of interest to a user. The user may possess an item that they wish to offer for sale using the network-based service. The user may prepare an electronic description of the item and submit this item information to a categorization service for categorization. Upon receipt, the categorization service may compare the item information to item category descriptions representing item categories of the network-based server in order to determine category recommendations for the item of interest. The recommended categories are returned to the user to enable the user to assign a category, selected from the category recommendations, to the item of interest. |
| US08489602B2 |
Systems and methods for determining exclusion efficiencies of a plurality of keywords appearing in a search result
Determining exclusion efficiencies of a plurality of keywords appearing in a search result of an exclusion keyword for indicating efficient exclusion of an unwanted piece of data when the user narrows searching objects. The determining of exclusion efficiencies may involve a processor to calculate an exclusion efficiency for each of a plurality of keywords, if a search condition is applied to the search result and the keyword is applied as an exclusion keyword to the search result. The exclusion efficiency of each of the plurality of keywords provides an indication regarding the effectiveness of exclusion of the keyword. |
| US08489593B2 |
Compiling information obtained by combinatorial searching
Some embodiments, among others, include a search for sensitive information. Once a result of the search has been obtained, a score is assigned to the obtained result in accordance with a predefined criterion. |
| US08489589B2 |
Visual search reranking
An initial ranked list of a first plurality of visual documents is obtained from a first source in response to a query, and a second plurality of visual documents relevant to the query is gathered from a plurality of second sources. Visual patterns identified from the second plurality of visual documents are compared with the first visual documents for reranking the first visual documents. |
| US08489581B2 |
Method and apparatus for self optimizing data selection
A method, system, and article for improving performance of a Boolean combination of at least two filters to a data stream. Stream processing is applied to an expression having two or more logical operators. As the data stream is processed, efficiency of the operators in the expression is evaluated. A sort algorithm is dynamically invoked to ensure that a more efficient operator precedes processing of a less efficient operator. |
| US08489576B2 |
Methods and apparatus for using information regarding actions performed using traceable objects
An embodiment of a communication system includes a client device adapted to receive a traceable object that includes tracer information, and to perform one or more object-related actions using the traceable object. The client device stores the tracer information and object usage information, which describes the one or more object-related actions that have been performed using the traceable object. The client device also sends the stored information to a server. The system also includes the server, which is adapted to receive the object usage information and the tracer information reported by the client device. In an embodiment, the system also includes a service provider adapted to initiate a billing event, which may include generation and transmission of a bill to a sponsor entity based on an evaluation of the object usage information and the tracer information reported by the client device. |
| US08489574B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for searching content
Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for searching contents, including structured search are described herein. Embodiments of the present invention use tree structures (or more generally, graph structures), layout structures, and/or content category information to capture within search results relevant content that would otherwise be missed, to reduce the incidence of false positives within search results, and to improve the accuracy of rankings within search results. Embodiments of the present invention further use tree structures (or more generally, graph structures), layout structures, and/or content category information to extend search results to include sub-document constituents. Embodiments of the present invention also support the use of distribution properties as criteria for ranking search results. And embodiments of the present invention support search based on structural proximity, search expressions with recursively embedded operators, predicates, and/or quantifiers, and applications to selection of advertisements. |
| US08489573B2 |
Search engine
A search engine for generating an improved search query, the engine comprising: input means for receiving a search request, the search request comprising N search terms; processing means arranged to formulate a search query from the received search request; output means arranged to output the search query wherein the processing means is arranged to formulate the search query by generating a plurality of search strings, each search string comprising a different combination of a subset of the N search terms. |
| US08489572B2 |
Systems, methods, and interfaces for researching contractual precedents
The present inventors, devised among other things, an exemplary method of researching provisions of contracts. The exemplary method entails receiving user selection of one or more predefined queries for contractual precedents, and executing a search of one or more databases containing agreements based on the received user selection. After executing the search, the method entails displaying a subset of the search results based on a predefined filter stored in association with an identifier for the user. The predefined filter may filter based on traits such as jurisdiction, deal size, industry, or a list of companies. |
| US08489571B2 |
Digital resources searching and mining through collaborative judgment and dynamic index evolution
A method is disclosed for a search engine or part of a search engine which utilizes collective intelligence, evaluation, and judgment, including web intelligence, to create and adapt the content of a generalized index hierarchy for digital resources to be searched. Digital resources to be searched can be stored and managed as a localized or distributed repository of images, video, audio, graphical or other multimedia data objects, as well as structured composite items, services, programs, modules, files, documents, systems, applications, networked peers, and agents, which may be difficult or costly to be indexed. In particular embodiments the claimed invention focuses on the indexing of semantic contents and/or pragmatic characteristics of such digital resources. By tracking and analyzing the searching behavior of users, proxies, and/or meta-search-engines, a search index can be created, tuned, improved and optimized. The claimed method in certain embodiments also incorporates an adaptive and evolution mechanism which allows relevant digital resources that may otherwise be overlooked to be found. The claimed invention can be applied to databases, web searching, personal/local search, community search, and broad-based or vertical search engines for internet, intranet, extranet or other uses. |
| US08489569B2 |
Digital media retrieval and display
Retrieval and display of digital media items is described. For example, the digital media items may be photographs, videos, audio files, emails, text documents or parts of these. In an embodiment a dedicated apparatus having a touch display screen is provided in a form designed to look like a domestic fish tank. In an embodiment graphical animated agents are depicted on the display as fish whose motion varies according to at least one behavior parameter which is pseudo random. In embodiments, the agents have associated search criteria and when a user selects one or more agents the associated search criteria are used in a retrieval operation to retrieve digital media items from a store. In some embodiments media items are communicated between the apparatus and a portable communications device using a communications link established by tapping the portable device against the media retrieval and display apparatus. |
| US08489564B2 |
Registration in a de-coupled environment
A method, system and computer program product for registration in a de-coupled environment or system may include providing an identity of a spawned component to a manager. The method, system and computer program product may also include taking a predetermined action in response to the spawned component failing to report its status to the manager after a preset time period. |
| US08489560B1 |
System and method for facilitating the management of keyword/universal resource locator (URL) data
Disclosed in a system and method for facilitating the management of keyword/Uniform Resource Locator (URL) data. A first processor receives from a second processor, a request to transmit keyword/URL data. The first processor transmits to the second processor, the keyword/URL data. The first processor receives from the second processor, modified keyword/URL data. The first processor validates the modified keyword/URL data to determine if the modified keyword/URL data includes errors. The modified keyword/URL data can be used to perform keyword ranking using a search engine. |
| US08489558B2 |
Distributed file system logging
A method for consolidating data logged in log files in a network of servers, each server running at least one application that logs data into files on the server, the method comprising: providing a consolidating message queue for receiving the log data and file name; intercepting log data being written into a log file by a file system and sending that log data and the file name of the log file to a consolidating message queue; receiving the log data and file name in a consolidating message queue; and saving the log data in the consolidating message queue from all the servers to a consolidated file or data structure associated with the file name. |
| US08489556B2 |
Database instance decommissioning
A system, method and program product for decommissioning database instances. A computer system is disclosed that includes an agent processing system that deactivates agents associated with a database instance; an access processing system that restricts further access to the database instance; and a mailer processing system that deactivates mailing transactions associated with the database instance. |
| US08489554B2 |
Methods and systems for operating a sequence of events recorder
A method for recording a sequence of events is provided. The method includes operating a sequence of events recorder in a normal mode, wherein data stored is related to the sequence of events in a history buffer. The method also includes initiating a snap-shot mode of the events recorder after a triggering event occurs in the sequence of events. The snap-shot mode operates by freezing data related to a moment in the sequence of events that occurred prior to the triggering event, storing data related to the sequence of events at the time of the triggering event in the snap-shot buffer, and continuing to record the data related to the sequence of events to a snap-shot buffer until a predetermined event. |
| US08489549B2 |
Method and system for resolving conflicts between revisions to a distributed virtual file system
A method of resolving conflicts between revisions to a distributed virtual file system is implemented at a computing device that is communicatively connected to a plurality of storage devices. The virtual file system at the computing device has a first revision of the virtual file system. Upon receipt of a request to synchronize the first revision of the virtual file system with the storage devices, the computing device retrieves one or more blocks from the storage devices, which are associated with a second revision of the virtual file system. The computing device then merges a first component of the first revision with a corresponding component of the second revision if a first predefined condition is met or identifies a second component of the first revision as being conflicted with a corresponding component of the second revision if a second predefined set of conditions is met. |
| US08489547B2 |
System and method for transforming configuration data items in a configuration management database
A system, method and apparatus for performing information transformations on an information stream composed of configuration items (CIs) for improving data quality and extending the capabilities of a configuration management database (CMDB). In one embodiment the data transformations ensure that a CMDB can be used to manage environments that use Network Address Translation by the modification of the signatures of analyzed CIs so that the resulting set of CIs is unique. The modification is applied to augment the signature with a domain specific prefix so that, when loaded into the enterprise wide CMDB, a CI is uniquely identified. |
| US08489546B2 |
Clearinghouse systems and methods for collecting or providing quality, service, or asset information pertaining to wireless communications
A computerized system, method and process allows telecommunications carriers to find, evaluate and select locations for equipment through direct access to end users, while providing citizens the opportunity to offer the use of their dwelling or other assets to carriers. The system and method further provides a computerized mechanism for (a) creating an inventory and marketplace for available properties for use in telecommunications networks, (b) providing quality and/or performance monitoring and control for wireless communication systems based on data in the clearinghouse, and (c) providing localized content over wireless networks using the clearinghouse. |
| US08489544B2 |
System and method for prioritization and display of aggregated data
A computer enabled system and method aggregates data describing a particular subject. The data is then divided into a predetermined group of categories which are graphically displayed according to a predetermined pattern. Distortions in the data or anomalies in the data are made visually apparent. Associated with the display is a prioritized array of interventions recommended in response to the distortions in the data or anomalies appearing in the data. |
| US08489542B2 |
Integrated content publishing
Content objects may be incorporated as metadata in application systems in the same programming environment used to create the rest of the application. Although content objects may be included as part of the application systems, in some instances a central repository storing content object information from each application system may be used to facilitate communication and data sharing between applications. Alternatively, point-to-point communications between applications may also be supported so that applications may share content object data without relying on the central repository. Some embodiments may support both central repository communications and point-to-point communications between applications. Determinations may be made to identify the type of connectivity supported in different circumstances. |
| US08489531B2 |
Identification of co-regulation patterns by unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression data
A method is provided for unsupervised clustering of gene expression data to identify co-regulation patterns. A clustering algorithm randomly divides the data into k different subsets and measures the similarity between pairs of datapoints within the subsets, assigning a score to the pairs based on similarity, with the greatest similarity giving the highest correlation score. A distribution of the scores is plotted for each k. The highest value of k that has a distribution that remains concentrated near the highest correlation score corresponds to the number of co-regulation patterns. |
| US08489529B2 |
Deep convex network with joint use of nonlinear random projection, Restricted Boltzmann Machine and batch-based parallelizable optimization
A method is disclosed herein that includes an act of causing a processor to access a deep-structured, layered or hierarchical model, called deep convex network, retained in a computer-readable medium, wherein the deep-structured model comprises a plurality of layers with weights assigned thereto. This layered model can produce the output serving as the scores to combine with transition probabilities between states in a hidden Markov model and language model scores to form a full speech recognizer. The method makes joint use of nonlinear random projections and RBM weights, and it stacks a lower module's output with the raw data to establish its immediately higher module. Batch-based, convex optimization is performed to learn a portion of the deep convex network's weights, rendering it appropriate for parallel computation to accomplish the training. The method can further include the act of jointly substantially optimizing the weights, the transition probabilities, and the language model scores of the deep-structured model using the optimization criterion based on a sequence rather than a set of unrelated frames. |
| US08489525B2 |
Automatic model evolution
A system includes a storage medium. The storage medium includes a model generation module that generates a candidate model based on a discrepancy and a model template. The storage medium also includes a model evaluation module that selectively updates a system model based on the candidate model. |
| US08489523B2 |
Categorization automation based on category ontology
A method for categorization using multiple categories including obtaining multiple uniform resource locators (URLs) associated with the multiple categories, collecting multiple web pages identified by the multiple URLs, generating vocabulary terms based on the multiple web pages, generating an N-gram file including the multiple vocabulary terms, generating multiple classified URLs by labeling the plurality of URLs based on the multiple categories, generating multiple feature vectors by processing the classified URLs and the multiple web pages against the N-gram file, generating a categorization model by applying a machine learning algorithm to the multiple feature vectors, and loading a classifier with the categorization module and the N-gram file. |
| US08489522B1 |
Pattern learning system
According to one embodiment, a pattern learning system includes a pattern learning tool that receives event messages in a sequential manner from multiple sensors and forms multiple sub-sequences that each includes a trigger event message, a consequence event message, and one or more intermediary event messages. The pattern learning tool then generates multiple graphs that each represents a sub-sequence of the plurality of event messages. The pattern learning tool then combines the graphs into a combined graph according to a type of each event message, and determines a causal sequence from the combined graph according to a heaviest weighted directed path from the trigger event message to the consequence event message. |
| US08489521B2 |
Ink billing system with changeable billing rate table
An ink billing system is used between a client company X 200 that prints information and a printer manufacturer that supplies ink cartridges (or toner) to the company X 200. The company X 200 has a main server 210, a plurality of in-store servers 220, 230 in communication with the main server, and a plurality of inkjet (or laser) printers 240 each having an ink cartridge 20 (or toner) for printing according to commands from the in-store server 220, 230. When billing the company X 200 based on the number of ink shots (or drum charging time) used by the printers 240 and stored on the main server 210, the terminal device 100 of the printer manufacturer changes the billing rate per unit of ink according to the ink shot count (or drum charging time). |
| US08489517B2 |
Method, system, and storage device for clique based social networking and social graphing
A method, system, and storage device for clique based social networking and social graphing allowing users to create one or more networks each containing one or more connections, create postings or other information that trickles down to other users according to a set of rules wherein certain connections must be present to be in-network to a primary user. |
| US08489512B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for providing electronic media
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing electronic media to a customer. One method prompts a customer to license a right to electronic media. If the customer agrees to license the right, then the license is electronically stored on behalf of the customer. The licensed electronic media is communicated to the customer via a communications network. |
| US08489511B2 |
Privacy protection system and method
A method and system for asserting control over and protecting the privacy of individuals' personal and transactional information, to prevent unauthorized use thereof, and permit limited use thereof, with compensation, to the extent permitted the individual. Privacy notices are given in printed and electronic form to other parties involved in the individuals' transactions. The individuals' own data are collected and maintained in a privacy trust database. On a voluntary basis, abstracted, anonymous profile information can be made available to advertisers, in exchange for compensation to the individuals. One use is in a content broadcasting system, where receipt of profile based viewer-specific commercial messages provide financial compensation for the cost of user-selected content received by the individual. |
| US08489510B1 |
Barter for rights
Selling intangible property rights may include receiving content from a seller and determining one or more potential purchasers for the content's intangible property rights. The potential purchasers may be determined according to the subject of the content, the audience for the content, and the intangible property rights being sold. An offer to sell the intangible property rights may then be transmitted to one or more potential purchasers, along with a portion of the content. Upon receiving the one or more purchaser's acceptance of the offer, a complete copy of the content may be transmitted to the purchaser. |
| US08489499B2 |
System and method of detecting and assessing multiple types of risks related to mortgage lending
Embodiments include systems and methods of detecting and assessing multiple types of risks related to mortgage lending. One embodiment includes a system and method of detecting and assessing risks including fraud risks, early payment default risks, and risks related to fraudulently stated income on loan applications. One embodiment includes a computerized method that includes creating a combined risk detection model based on a plurality of risk detection models and using the combined risk detection model to evaluate loan application data and generate a combined risk score that takes into account interaction of different types of risks individually and collectively detected by the plurality of risk detection models. |
| US08489496B2 |
Financial data processing system
To process financial articles of trade and manage risk, data messages originating from a plurality of sources arranged to trade at least one of securities, commodities, options, futures and derivatives are collected. The collected data including information on submitted transactions and completed transactions of financial articles of trade. The collected data is analyzed against established user criteria to identify select portions of the collected data. If a match is detected a risk alert signal will be transmitted. |
| US08489495B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing post-matching trading
Systems and methods for implementing post-matching trading are provided. A financial instrument transaction system may include a database configured to store financial instrument information for reference entities; a memory for storing execution instructions; and a processor. The processor may execute the instructions. The processor may initiate a trading session for a predetermined duration. Prior to and during the trading session, the processor may receive from a plurality of trader clients trading instructions associated with the reference entity. The instructions may include either a buy or sell position and a price. At the end of the trading session, the processor may determine, based on predefined criteria, whether the trading session qualifies for a post-matching session. If the trading session qualifies for a post-matching session, the processor may provide a graphical user interface to a selected group of traders for trading in the post-matching session. |
| US08489494B2 |
System and method for business to investor exchange for raising capital and for creating a secondary market for private equity
The present invention creates a secondary market in private equities by auctioning venture-backed private equities over the Internet to qualified investors. Typical sources for the private equities will be interests in limited partnerships and pre-IPO or pulled-IPO securities. The operator of the system may sometimes take a position in certain private equities so as to have “inventory” to later sell on the system. In a typical buyer-driven transaction using the present invention, a qualified buyer puts out a bid for private assets in a particular area. Sellers who subscribe to the system receive notice of the bid and can then respond. In a typical seller-driven transaction using the present invention, a seller puts out a notice on the system of equities for sale. Buyers who subscribe to the system receive notice and can respond. Either the buyer or the seller may be charged by the system, depending on the transaction. |
| US08489491B2 |
Method of managing financial instruments, equipment lease derivatives and other collateral instruments, data architecture, application and process program
A computer-implemented process ad methodology that selects collateral instruments such as equipment leases, using mathematical models, based on selection criteria, risk-reward relationships, and maturity needs resulting in the creation of new financial instrument derivatives. These new derivatives allow for creation of secured private equity, public equity, mutual funds and venture capital funds where the investors' principal is safeguarded against loss regardless of the performance of the investments being made. A two-tier investment structure is created whereby the principal amounts from the fund are invested in specially identified high yield vehicles such as residual equipment leases with high yields over certain maturities. The high yield cash flow only is then invested in higher risk investments such as venture capital start-ups companies. |
| US08489488B2 |
Controlling markets during a stop loss trigger
A system mitigates market spike effects caused by conditional ordering triggering and election in an automated matching system. The system monitors trading as a result of cascading triggering of conditional orders. When an order is executed beyond a predetermined price threshold, an instrument may be flagged, allowing matching to occur only at or within the predetermined price threshold. Orders within the price threshold are matched at the price threshold against orders beyond it, dampening any instantaneous damaging effects of the price spike. The system may adjust the price threshold when market appropriate, allowing the order flow to bring the market back to whatever is the true price level. The system mitigates purely conditional order cascade driven price fluctuations, but allows the market to continuously trade in controlled price and time intervals ensuring that true market moves can still occur without price control mechanisms hindering trade matching and true price discovery. |
| US08489486B2 |
System and method for making positions held by a trader fungible
Positions held by a trader are made fungible by selecting a first position in a first futures contract that is deliverable and selecting a second position in a second futures contract, wherein the first and second futures contracts are traded in a first and second market, respectively. Offsetting the first and the second positions eliminates a delivery obligation of the trader. |
| US08489484B2 |
Method and system for reverse mortgage replication using remainder interests
Methods for providing remainder interests with protection to a seller and mitigation of the potential consequences suffered by related financial instruments. The protected remainder interest financial instrument includes submitting a seller to underwriting to accurately determine the seller's remaining life expectancy, and purchasing the protected remainder interest of an illiquid asset from the seller leaving the seller with a life estate. The method includes a client system for displaying information related to the transaction and inputting information related to the seller, illiquid asset, and the buyer. The client system is used to create a request to create the protected remainder interest. A server system accepts the request, stores the information in memory, and creates the protected remainder interest. The server system includes software for linking seller and buyers of protected remainder interests, which include terms of the protected remainder interest such as contingent sale or contingent purchase schedules. |
| US08489483B1 |
Transfer instrument
A method performed by a transfer instrument issuer involves issuing, to a recipient, a certificate which is linked to a national card account obtained by the transfer instrument issuer from an account issuer different from the transfer instrument issuer, without both issuing and providing a physical card for the national card account to the recipient of the certificate, the certificate having been purchased by a purchaser, who is not also the recipient, and containing all information necessary for the purchase of goods or services from any merchant who is capable of processing economic transactions involving one of the plurality national card accounts for which a physical card has issued, but without presentment of the physical card. |
| US08489482B2 |
Using commercial share of wallet to rate investments
Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. A mutual fund rating company can use this CSoW/CSoSW modeling approach to predict the performance of funds that invest in a particular industry or sector. In addition, since mutual funds often provide guidelines for selecting stocks, rating companies can use this modeling approach to predict the performance of companies in a fund's portfolio. |
| US08489480B2 |
Method and system for restructuring debt
A method and system for restructuring debt are disclosed. The method restructures debt by transferring ownership of defined debt packages from debt holders to third-party debt buyers who function as financial bridges between the debtors and the debt holders. The method accelerates the debt resolution process by executing the debt-restructure agreement early in the debt resolution period, thereby eliminating the need for the debtor to accumulate debt settlement funds in an escrow fund prior to the initiation of settlement negotiations (as is the case in debt settlement), and erasing delinquent debt as soon as the debt-restructure agreement is executed. The method is designed and adapted to execution on a computer network system. |
| US08489477B2 |
Prepaid account product peer scoring
Data from transactions conducted on prepaid accounts are accumulated for an issuer and its peers. The accumulated data is used for calculations for both the issuer and its peers to make comparison therebetween. The comparisons between the issuer and its peers are rendered graphically in a report. The issuers are in an open system payment processing network that includes merchants and their acquirers, and a transaction handler for authorizing, clearing and settling the transactions that are conducted on prepaid accounts. |
| US08489474B2 |
Systems and/or methods for managing transformations in enterprise application integration and/or business processing management environments
In certain example embodiments of this invention, systems and/or methods for managing transformations in Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) and/or Business Process Management (BPM) Environments are provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, when a process and/or transform is defined, design-time encoding data is extracted and stored as metadata. When the process or transform is implemented, runtime data is captured and/or managed, and also stored as metadata. When new processes and/or transforms are defined, and/or when an already-defined process and/or a transform is executed, heuristics may be applied so as to suggest one or more already-existing transformation chains for use in accomplishing at least a part of the same and/or a similar process or transform. |
| US08489473B2 |
Electronic acknowledgement of receipt of inventory
A method for tracking status of an inventory shipment sent to a recipient includes monitoring whether the recipient has transmitted an electronic acknowledgment of the status of the shipment; and automatically transmitting a message to the recipient requesting acknowledgment of receipt of inventory if the electronic acknowledgment is not transmitted by the recipient within a first predetermined amount of time. |
| US08489472B2 |
Proactive monitoring and intervention capabilities in a package delivery system
A system and method for proactively monitoring the status of packages shipped by a package delivery carrier including intervening when certain conditions arise. The system identifies certain packages are requiring proactive monitoring and intervention, and monitors a variety of conditions, including system-wide impacts and package-level specific impacts, which may necessitate intervention by carrier personnel. Intervention may include various exception handling actions, including upgrading the level of service, stabilizing the temperature of the package, inspecting damage to the package. The carrier may notify the consignee or consignor of such detected conditions and may then communicate with appropriate individuals involved with the package delivery to ascertain the most appropriate action necessary. The system facilitates communicating such information to appropriate carrier personnel. The system may also maintain a real-time case log regarding the package, which can be accessed by service representative, package handling personnel, and said appropriate individuals. |
| US08489471B2 |
Product management system and product management method
A product management system is disclosed. The product management system comprises a product detection device disposed on a product display rack and configured to detect presence/absence of a product on the product display rack, a wireless communication device disposed on the product display rack and configured to wirelessly transmit information about the presence/absence of the product detected by the product detection device, a relay device to relay communications between the wireless communication device and a network, a product management device to store and display the information transmitted from the wireless communication device via the relay device and the network, and a terminal device capable of wireless communications with the wireless communication device and configured to travel with a shopper. |
| US08489465B2 |
Tier-based dynamic incentive arbitration in an on-demand computing environment
A system for allocating resources which are anticipated to be available in an on-demand computing at some time in the future, wherein a producer trending agent (PTA) lists resources according to a trend prediction of resource availability in the past, a consumer trending agent (CTA) places bids for listed resources according to previous resource usage trends, and an arbitration system (REAS) matches the bids with the listings to determine if a match exists. If so, a binding contract for consumption of the matched listed resources is established. The PTA also produce tier-based dynamic incentive (TDI) schema which divides potential bidders into tiers, and offers additional resource incentives according to the tiers. Both PTA and CTA dynamically update their available/usage trends, listings and bids, over time. |
| US08489464B1 |
Method, medium, and system of presenting resale opportunities to purchasers of resalable items
Technologies are described herein for presenting resale opportunities to purchasers of resalable items. An identifier of a resalable item is received. A number of resale estimates are determined for the item and presented to the purchaser of the item, and the purchaser indicates whether or not he or she intends to resale the item at a future date. Upon receiving an indication that the purchaser intends to resale the item, a resale prospect is stored containing the identifier of the item, an identifier of the purchaser, the date for resale of the item, the resale estimates, and the like. The purchaser may then be presented with at least one reminder regarding the resale of the item on or near the date for resale. The reminder may further include the resale estimates and a facility allowing the purchaser to quickly and easily initiate resale of the item. |
| US08489462B2 |
Advanced sales system
A first entity maintains an advanced sales system on a server accessible over a global communications network. The first entity provides access to the server to a second entity which is a sales oriented business. The server houses at least a database, a product selection module, and a proposal generator. The database contains information on products for sale, information about the sales oriented business, and information about customers of the sales oriented business. The product selection module facilitates selection and accessorizing of products by the second entity. The proposal generator creates proposals based on input to the product selection module and information in the database. The advanced sales system provides structure to extremely large product offerings with large numbers of accessories associated with the product offerings. Some embodiments of the advanced sales system provide additional ordering support. |
| US08489461B2 |
System and/or method for handling returns involving products tied to post-paid subscriptions/services
The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to an improved electronic registration system that enables unique item-level tracking from an initial point-of-sale (POS) transaction involving a post-paid service/subscription and related device or product, to any cancellations in service and returns to the store or service provider. Certain exemplary embodiments thus advantageously “close the gap” between retailers and service providers, e.g., in connection with subscriptions/post-paid service agreements and related devices or products. In certain exemplary embodiments, an “interest” may be taken and charged in the event that the customer does not return the device when or after an associated service has been cancelled. |
| US08489457B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamic event production and management
Apparatus and methods for dynamically producing and managing events are disclosed. In various embodiments, an event sequence generator is used to generate a production schedule or script that includes content elements and event milestones. Methods of generating a production schedule and a promotion schedule are also disclosed. The production schedule and reports based on the event can be produced and accessed remotely. |
| US08489452B1 |
Systems and methods for providing a user incentive program using smart card technology
Systems and methods for providing a loyalty and rewards system that implements a user incentive program using smart card technology are provided. A loyalty system allows a user to systematically search, identify, store, and redeem electronic coupons and rebates associated with products from a large number of providers and manufactures. The loyalty system also integrates the activities associated with the user incentive program (e.g., coupon collection, storage, and redemption, etc.), with existing payment methods (e.g., charging a credit card, etc.) using smart card technology. Thus, the loyalty system allows the user to obtain savings and otherwise participate in the user incentive program without adding time consuming and tedious processing that is normally associated with coupon and rebate programs. |
| US08489451B2 |
Customer relationship management system for physical locations
A method for outputting information about a person includes identifying the person utilizing a wireless system upon entry into a physical location, and also includes locating the person within the physical structure. An engagement plan is retrieved based on the identification of the person and output. The engagement plan has information useful for interacting with the person. The engagement plan is created based at least in part on personal information of the person, the preferences of the person, and the past transactions of the person. A system for outputting information about a person, such as a customer, includes an object carried by the person, which is capable of being identified by a wireless system. A wireless interface communicates with the object. A computing device correlates the identification of the object with the person. An output device outputs information relating to the person. |
| US08489450B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating customer acquisition by businesses
Systems and methods are disclosed for facilitating acquisition of customers for merchants through targeted offers to prospective customers; improving the precision of targeting by Prospect Profiling and Intent Prediction. In certain embodiments, the system supports monetizing sources of data which contribute to Prospect Profiling and Intent Prediction, such as purchase history, third-party SNP data. In other embodiments, a “Customer acquisition fee” serves as the underlying business model for the Service Provider of the Platform. The system provides cost-effective marketing where merchants pay only after conversion of prospect to customer. Customers get higher savings through Opportunity Auctioning amongst merchants with the value of Discount offer as part of Bid. |
| US08489448B2 |
System, method and program to estimate cost of distributing software
Estimating the cost of an ESD for software and subsequent updates for the software. First program instructions determine a cost of the ESD associated with packaging together components of the software. Second program instructions receive a selection from an operator whether to push or pull the subsequent updates to a customer, and determine a cost for distributing the subsequent updates based on the selection. Third program instructions estimate a cost of the ESD associated with a type of program used by the customer to create images of the software. Fourth program instructions estimate a cost of the subsequent updates associated with distributing the updates to a remote distribution site. |
| US08489446B2 |
System and method for defining a sales promotion
A method of and system for defining a sales promotion is disclosed. The method includes receiving a hierarchical listing of items, including a plurality of levels, each level including at least one node. The method also includes selecting a first node to define a first sales promotion, and selecting a second node below the first node to define a second sales promotion, wherein the second sales promotion is more specific than the first sales promotion. The system includes means for receiving a hierarchical listing of items, including a plurality of levels, each level including at least one node. The system also includes means for selecting a first node to define a first sales promotion, and means for selecting a second node below the first node to define a second sales promotion, wherein the second sales promotion is more specific than the first sales promotion. |
| US08489443B2 |
Method and apparatus for collaborative selection of proposals
A method and apparatus for selecting a subset of proposals from a set of proposals submitted via a web site, including defining proposal attributes for the selecting, formulating selection requirements for the subset, establishing metrics for comparing proposals according to the proposal attributes and the selection requirements, evaluating each of the set of proposals according the established metrics, distributing the results of evaluating each of the set of proposals to the submitter of each proposal, formulating an optimization problem for determining the subset of proposals, determining the subset of proposals by solving the optimization problem, and accepting feedback about the determining including changing the optimization problem based on the feedback. |
| US08489442B1 |
Interface for meeting facilitation and coordination, method and apparatus
The present invention is directed to an overlay interface for facilitating and coordinating meetings. In particular, a central overlay interface tool having access to a plurality of applications is provided for scheduling meetings at dates and times at which desired meeting attendees are available. The tool allows for communications related to the meeting to be automatically generated and sent to participants. In addition, communications may be received and acted on by the tool. The tool may also provide for the identification of materials related to the meeting, and provide access to such materials to attendees. In a further aspect, the overlay interface allows for follow-up and sidebar meetings to be scheduled. |
| US08489439B2 |
Forecasting discovery costs based on complex and incomplete facts
The discovery cost forecasting system uses incomplete information to generate forecasts of discovery expenses. Models are generated with different levels of granularity depending upon the available facts and user preferences. An expert provides real-time information to improve the accuracy of the predictions. A scenario analysis is generated that evaluates how changes to the parameters of the matter could affect the forecasted cost. An estimate is generated of the degree of advancement of the matter in its lifecycle as part of the cost forecast. The cost associated with each data source and custodian is tracked and reported. A configurable and extensible cost equation is defined. A dashboard user interface is generated to monitor the entire portfolio to extract easy to understand facts, trends, and early warning signs related to discovery cost management. |
| US08489437B1 |
Method and system automatically to certify an agricultural product
A method automatically to certify an agricultural product includes receiving agricultural product data, writing to an agricultural product, at a management information system. The agricultural product data may reflect any one of multiple conditions (e.g., production conditions, processing conditions, packaging conditions and transport conditions) relating to the agricultural product. The agricultural product data is automatically contained against compliance requirements stored by the management information system. A compliance result is then automatically generated based on the comparison of the agricultural product data against the compliance requirements. |
| US08489433B2 |
System and method for estimating loss propensity of an insured vehicle and providing driving information
A system and method for estimating loss propensity of a vehicle and providing driving information are provided. A loss propensity estimation server receives information from a telematics device installed in a vehicle, determines at least one loss cost area through which vehicle has traveled, and calculates a numeric loss cost factor based upon the at least one loss cost area relative to the amount of risk indicated by the vehicle's garaging loss cost. The numeric loss cost factor can be transmitted to an insurer for subsequent use by the insurer in underwriting or pricing a future insurance policy. A driving information database in the loss propensity estimation server stores driving information obtained from the telematics device installed in the vehicle, which can subsequently be transmitted to an insurer. |
| US08489432B1 |
Systems and methods for a self insurance account
Insurance customers may establish and contribute to a self-insurance account. The insured may set aside an amount each policy period that is deposited to the self-insurance account. The value of the self-insurance account may further grow in value with earnings via common investment vehicles. The deposits and investment growth may continue until the account reaches maturity (self-insurance status). From that point forward customers can forego paying insurance premiums. The self-insurance account is accessible to the insured as a financial asset, and may be provided to the insured upon termination of the self-insurance account. |
| US08489431B2 |
System and method of remote reporting of radiation dose usage in image acquisition
A system and method to manage direction of an ionizing radiation toward an exposed subject is provided. The system can perform receiving a request from a customer to establish an internet connection to communicate between a remote office and the system directing the ionizing radiation toward the exposed subject; automatically communicating a status information and individual dose data associated with an event where direction of ionizing radiation that exceeds a threshold; automatically creating and communicating a report via the internet connection to the customer. The report can include an indication of the event where direction of ionizing radiation exceeds the threshold and a comparison of the individual radiation dose data and an individual status operation of system at time of the event relative to a benchmark defined by radiation dose data and status information acquired from a population of other systems. |
| US08489430B1 |
Method of coordinating and displaying a short name of a drug
A system and methods for coordinating and displaying a short name of a drug are disclosed. The short name may be a subset of the prescribed drug's name, it may be an independent name, or it may be a graphical symbol. Short names for multiple drugs of a patient may be related by a common naming convention. Short names may be printed onto a reference card along with an indication corresponding to the drug's dosing regime. Short names may also be printed onto medicament container labels, additional instruction sheets, labels used for stocking and the like. The short name may be selectable and may be stored. |
| US08489428B2 |
Remote health monitoring and maintenance system
A system and method is described that enables a health care provider to monitor and manage a health condition of a patient. The system includes a health care provider apparatus operated by a health care provider and a remotely programmable patient apparatus that is operated by a patient. The health care provider develops a script program using the health care provider apparatus and then sends the script program to a remotely programmable patient apparatus through a communication network such as the World Wide Web. The script program is a computer-executable patient protocol that provides information to the patient about the patient's health condition and that interactively monitors the patient health condition by asking the patient questions and by receiving answers to those questions. The answers to these health related questions are then forwarded as patient data from the remotely programmable patient apparatus to the health care provider apparatus through the communication network. The patient data may also include information supplied by a physiological monitoring device such as a blood glucose monitor that is connected to the remotely programmable patient apparatus. When the patient data arrives at the health care provider apparatus, the patient data is processed for further management of the patient's health condition by the health care provider, such as forwarding another script program to the remotely programmable patient apparatus. |
| US08489427B2 |
Wireless medical data communication system and method
A system and method is disclosed for indicating the loss of a wireless communication link within a healthcare facility. |
| US08489425B2 |
System and software of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long-term care facilities and related methods
A system, software and related methods of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server. |
| US08489423B2 |
System for communication of health care data
An apparatus for communicating health care data from a sender to a receiver is provided. The apparatus has a first computer system, a second computer system, and a rules engine. The first computer system has health care data stored therein. The second computer system is in operable communication with, and is configured to extract the health care data from, the first computer system. The rules engine normalizes the extracted health care data to a predefined format. |
| US08489421B2 |
Health care cost management marketplace
A health care cost management marketplace brings together health care payers and health care cost management vendors. The health care cost management vendors bid on lots of single-claims or multiple claims. Health care cost reduction contracts are awarded to vendors whose bids project the greatest net health care cost reduction savings. Auctions are timed and vendors may change their bids while time remains. Bids include a vendor fee percentage, and, for single claim lots, may further include an estimated cost savings amount. For the single-claim lots, vendors which fail to achieve actual cost reduction savings above a predetermined threshold compared to estimated savings can be penalized. |
| US08489420B2 |
Method of optimizing healthcare services consumption
A method of optimizing healthcare services consumption according to the invention includes the steps of assessing the healthcare situation of an employer providing healthcare benefits to a population, identifying a first group of patients from the population likely to generate expensive healthcare claims based on data representing past claims, periodically determining whether patients in the first group have satisfied certain predetermined healthcare requirements, identifying a first group of providers who provide high quality, cost efficient healthcare services based on the practice patterns of the providers, prompting patients who have not satisfied the predetermined healthcare requirements to obtain services from providers in the first group, and responding to healthcare requests from patients by determining whether the requesting patient is seeking services from a provider in the first group, and, if not, urging the patient to obtain such services from a provider in the first group. |
| US08489419B2 |
Transportation mode determination in non-mass casualty triage
Transportation mode determination in non-mass casualty triage is provided and involves receiving, from incident personnel at a casualty scene, patient screening information for a victim or victims at the casualty scene. Location screening information for the victim or victims is also established and received. Victim eligibility for Medevac transport is determined by logically factoring the patient screening information and the location screening information. The determination can be performed by computer implemented decision logic. In addition to determining eligibility of the victim or victims for Medevac transport, transportation mode determination (e.g., what type of transportation) can be established for those determined eligible, determination of whether to transport to a trauma center or care facility, determination/selection of a specific trauma center or care facility for treatment, and/or a determination of an order of treatment, or transport for treatment, for each of the victims. |
| US08489417B2 |
System for monitoring regulation of pharmaceuticals from data structure of medical and laboratory records
A system is provided that integrates of records of clinical laboratory services into the assessment and optimization of patient health care and, in particular, regulation of the use of pharmaceuticals. Laboratory test result records are used in conjunction with other health care benefits records to monitor regulation of use of pharmaceuticals by patients. The incorporation of laboratory tests and results into such a utilization system allows improvement in the management of a patient's therapy based on a more precise picture of the patient's level of illness as revealed by the laboratory test results. The system of the present invention also allows optimization of the selection of laboratory tests to be performed, and also provides an outcome assessment of the risk of hospitalization due to pharmaceutical treatments resulting in physician intervention, leading to a change in physician prescribing behavior and, accordingly, a decrease in drag induced hospitalizations and improved quality of patient care and savings of health care costs. |
| US08489416B2 |
Computer system and method for generating healthcare risk indices using medication compliance information
A healthcare risk index is generated using a patient or individual's pharmacy claims. The index may be used to explain and predict variation in pharmacy-related costs and variation in total healthcare costs or utilization. In particular, the index is generated by first examining the individual's pharmacy claims to identify any chronic conditions possessed by the individual. Similarly, the individual's pharmacy claims are examined to identify any compliance medications prescribed to the individual. The chronic condition information is used to generate a chronic condition score by summing regression coefficients for each chronic condition possessed by the individual. Likewise, the compliance medication information is used to generate a compliance medication score by summing products of regression coefficients for each compliance medication prescribed to the individual with associated medication supply weights. From there, a modified chronic condition score is generated by multiplying the chronic condition score by an overall chronic condition regression coefficient. The modified chronic condition score may then be further modified by subtracting a no-claims weight from the chronic condition score in cases where the individual has no pharmacy claims. Finally, the risk index may be determined by summing the modified chronic condition score and the compliance medication score. |
| US08489414B2 |
Physician office viewpoint survey system and method
A system and method for conducting surveys, and, more particularly, an at least partially automated and efficient system and method for collecting, processing, and displaying customer satisfaction survey information that enables a product or service provider to evaluate the quality of goods and/or services received based on ratings and reports obtained by performing surveys of customers, employees, and/or staff. The system utilizes an execution platform using a clinical process improvement methodology. The system provides the execution platform with software scripts implementing the clinical improvement process, using drill-down questioning techniques and verbatim comments tailored to the survey participants comments and/or status information to gain insights into the participants' reasons for their opinions. The system obtains raw survey data and processes that data into useful survey information, such as graphs and charts, for presenting to survey consumers (i.e., system users) who may be remotely located. In this way the system and method can be utilized in a quality improvement program for any service or product provider. |
| US08489411B1 |
Systems and methods for auditing fee calculations associated with claim reimbursement from pharmacy benefit management services
Systems and methods for auditing claim reimbursement transactions to ensure that pharmacy benefit management services (PBMs) are properly calculating the appropriate spread values and honoring existing contractual obligations with health plans and/or employer groups. When a discrepancy has been detected and is larger than preset tolerance parameters allow, the adjudicated claim will be sent to the corresponding PBM for explanation of the discrepancy and/or corrective action. Example embodiments of the auditing process may analyze transaction data in batch form, or in alternative embodiments of the invention, the adjudicated reimbursement claim transactions may be audited in real-time or near real-time. |
| US08489408B2 |
Medical equipment management apparatus which predicts future status of medical equipment
A medical equipment management apparatus for managing a medical equipment provided in a medical facility connected to the apparatus through a network. The apparatus comprises a reception unit, a storage unit, a prediction unit, a determination unit, and an informing unit. The reception unit is configured to receive a parameter data regarding the medical equipment more than once. The storage unit is configured to store the parameter data, and the prediction unit is configured to calculate an expectancy of the parameter data to be received in the future based on the stored parameter data. Further, the determination unit is configured to determine a level of the expectancy, and the informing unit is configured to give a notice to the medical facility through the network according to the determined level. |
| US08489406B2 |
Stereo encoding method and apparatus
A stereo encoding method and apparatus are provided, so as to reduce distortion caused by delay adjustment. The stereo encoding method includes: extracting a current interchannel delay of a stereo signal and a previous delay adjacent to the current interchannel delay; performing adjustment frame judgment according to characteristics of the current stereo signal when the current delay and the previous delay are different; and performing delay adjustment on the stereo signal by using the current interchannel delay if it is judged that a frame where the current delay occurs is an adjustment frame. |
| US08489402B2 |
Method of providing dynamic speech processing services during variable network connectivity
A client device for providing dynamic speech processing services during variable network connectivity with a network server includes a connection monitor that monitors network connectivity between the client device and the network server. The device further includes a simplified speech processor that processes speech data and is initiated based on an assessment from the connection monitor that the network connectivity is impaired. The device further includes a speech data storage that stores processed speech data from the simplified speech processor and a transmitter that is configured to transmit the stored speech data to the network. |
| US08489400B2 |
System and method for audibly presenting selected text
Disclosed herein are methods for presenting speech from a selected text that is on a computing device. This method includes presenting text on a touch-sensitive display and having that text size within a threshold level so that the computing device can accurately determine the intent of the user when the user touches the touch screen. Once the user touch has been received, the computing device identifies and interprets the portion of text that is to be selected, and subsequently presents the text audibly to the user. |
| US08489392B2 |
System and method for modeling speech spectra
A system and method for modeling speech in such a way that both voiced and unvoiced contributions can co-exist at certain frequencies. In various embodiments, three spectral bands (or bands of up to three different types) are used. In one embodiment, the lowest band or group of bands is completely voiced, the middle band or group of bands contains both voiced and unvoiced contributions, and the highest band or group of bands is completely unvoiced. The embodiments of the present invention may be used for speech coding and other speech processing applications. |
| US08489390B2 |
System and method for generating vocabulary from network data
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving data propagating in a network environment and separating the data into one or more fields. At least some of the fields are evaluated in order to identify nouns and noun phrases within the fields. The method also includes identifying selected words within the nouns and noun phrases based on a whitelist and a blacklist. The whitelist includes a plurality of designated words to be tagged and the blacklist includes a plurality of rejected words that are not to be tagged. A resultant composite is generated for the selected nouns and noun phrases that are tagged. The resultant composite is incorporated into the whitelist if the resultant composite is approved. |
| US08489385B2 |
Use of lexical translations for facilitating searches
A translation graph is created using a plurality of reference sources that include translations between a plurality of different languages. Each entry in a source is used to create a wordsense entry, and each new word in a source is used to create a wordnode entry. A pair of wordnode and wordsense entries corresponds to a translation. In addition, a probability is determined for each wordsense entry and is decreased for each translation entry that includes more than a predefined number of translations into the same language. Bilingual translation entries are removed if subsumed by a multilingual translation entry. Triangulation is employed to identify pairs of common wordsense translations between a first, second, and third language. Translations not found in reference sources can also be inferred from the data comprising the translation graph. The translation graph can then be used for searches of a data collection in different languages. |
| US08489384B2 |
Automatic translation method
The present invention relates to an automatic translation method.When a sentence in a source language is translated into a sentence in a target language, the method comprises: a step (1) of extracting the set of sentence portions of the target language from a textual database that correspond to a total or partial translation of the source sentence to be translated; a step (2) of determining all the assemblies of these target sentence portions that overlap the source sentence; a step (3) of choosing the best assemblies according to a criterion of maximum overlap between the target sentence portions assembled in the preceding step and according to a criterion of minimizing the number of assembled elements; a step (4) of determining the target sentence by choosing the best assembly according to coherence criteria. The invention is notably applicable to the translation of texts in a rare language.More generally, it applies to translation with no previously established bilingual texts. |
| US08489378B2 |
Silicon controlled rectifier modeling
A model for a silicon controlled rectifier includes three diode models connected in series, with the middle diode model being reverse biased. Each diode model corresponds to and can be configured to simulate DC operation of a junction in the silicon controlled rectifier. The model can be used to evaluate behavior of a circuit that includes the silicon controlled rectifier. For example, the circuit can include an electrostatic discharge protection circuit that includes the silicon controlled rectifier. |
| US08489374B2 |
Three dimensional well block radius determiner machine and related computer implemented methods and program products
Three dimensional well block radius determiner machines, systems, program products, and computer implemented methods are provided to determine a three dimensional equivalent well block radius of a perforated grid block cell, with three dimensional flow, of a three dimensional coordinate grid block constructed over a three dimensional simulated well formation in a finite difference petroleum reservoir simulator. Various embodiments of the invention, for example, can beneficially account for both horizontal and vertical flow of oil through a well perforation without the need for complicated, expensive, and time-consuming numerical or iterative solutions. Embodiments of the present invention, for example, can be used as a part of legacy simulators thereby providing more accurate well block radius calculations, by accounting for both horizontal and vertical perforation flow, without introducing significant implementation hurdles, development costs, or simulation runtime delays. |
| US08489368B2 |
Method for determining the deformability of a body
The invention relates to a method for determining the ability of an analysis body to change the shape thereof using mathematical models. The mathematical models are generated for geometric parameters, which are determined based on test experiments in which a reference body is reshaped or originally shaped in a defined manner. By means of the mathematical models, the ability of a test body to change the shape thereof is then calculated, for the geometry of which a finite element structure is available. For the geometry of the test body a shape factor is known, which characterizes said geometry. The ability of the test body to change the shape thereof is likewise calculated by a method based on the finite element method (FEM). |
| US08489361B2 |
Exhaust gas sensor diagnostic device
In a transient state caused by fuel cut, a normal output of an A/F sensor having normal response and a lowered output having response lowered by a predetermined value as compared to the normal output are estimated, and an actual output of the A/F sensor is sensed. S1 as an integration value of a deviation between the normal output and the lowered output and S2 as an integration value of a deviation between the normal output and the actual output are calculated respectively until the normal output and the lowered output converge to an oxygen concentration equivalent to an atmosphere. S2 changes in accordance with a lowering degree of the response of the actual output. Therefore, the lowering degree of the response of the A/F sensor can be diagnosed based on S2/S1. |
| US08489359B2 |
Surface measurement instrument
A surface measurement instrument for obtaining surface characteristic data of a sample surface is described. Relative movement between a reference surface and a sample support is caused to occur while a sensor senses light intensity at intervals along a scan path to provide a series of intensity values representing interference fringes produced by a region of a sample surface during said relative movement and from which series of intensity values surface characteristic data can be derived. The sample support is both translatable and tiltable in at least one direction perpendicular to a scan direction so that the sample support can be both tilted to cause the scan path to be normal to the sample surface region and translated to compensate for translation movement due to the tilting. |
| US08489358B2 |
Method for determining loads in clothes washing machines
The present invention refers to a method for determining loads in clothes washing machines which comprises the following steps: (E1) Acceleration of the mobile assembly of the washing machine until the mobile assembly reaches a low rotation speed; (E2) Acceleration of the mobile assembly until the mobile assembly reaches a medium rotation speed faster than the speed in the first step (E1); (E3) Deceleration; (E4) Acceleration of the mobile assembly and measurement of the engine current; (E5) Measurement, whereby parameters regarding the engine are measured; (E6) Shutdown of the engine and measurement of the deceleration time; (E7) Repetition, whereby the forth (E4), fifth (E5) and sixth (E6) steps are repeated at least once before the performance of the eighth step (E8); (E8) Calculation of the average of each one of the parameters measured in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh steps; and (E9) Obtainment of clothes load value. |
| US08489357B2 |
Current and temperature sensing of standard field-effect transistors
An apparatus and method of determining the junction temperature (Tj) and drain-source current (Ids) of a standard FET within a multi-FET module includes a control IC managing one or more 3 terminal standard FETs within the same package, calculating Tj and Tds for one or more FETs in one or more packages, and protecting each FET against short circuit faults while allowing high current transients, such as inrush currents from a lamp load. |
| US08489343B2 |
Detecting constrained motion of a component in a computer system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that detects the presence of constrained motion in one or more components in a computer system. First, a vibrational spectrum of the computer system is monitored while the computer system operates. Then, the vibrational spectrum is analyzed using a pattern-recognition model to detect constrained motion in one or more components in the computer system, wherein the pattern-recognition model classifies the vibrational spectrum as indicating constrained motion or as not indicating constrained motion. |
| US08489341B2 |
Method and apparatus for volumetric gas in-line sensing
A method and apparatus for monitoring fluid in a fluid line are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first capacitor and a processor in communication with the first capacitor. The first capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the first capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the first capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the first capacitor. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a second capacitor. The second capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the second capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the second capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the second capacitor. |
| US08489338B2 |
Method for estimating the concentration of a chemical element in the primary coolant of a nuclear reactor
In a process for estimating the concentration (C) of a chemical element in the primary coolant of a nuclear reactor, a dilution solution or a concentrated solution of said chemical element in a predetermined concentration (C*) is injected into the primary coolant within the reactor, and the reactor includes a sensor capable of measuring a quantity (Cm) representing the concentration of said chemical element. The process is an iterative process in which repeatedly in each time step k: a stage of acquiring quantities (qdk) and (qck) representing the injected flows of dilution solution and concentrated solution in step k, and a quantity (Cmk) representing the concentration measured by the sensor; a stage of calculating an estimated value (Cek+1) of the concentration of said chemical element in the primary coolant in step k+1 on the basis of representative quantities (qdk, qck, Cmk) acquired in stage k. |
| US08489335B2 |
Method of diagnosing the presence and/or severity of a hepatic pathology in an individual and/or of monitoring the effectiveness of a treatment for one such pathology
The invention relates to a method of diagnosing the presence and/or severity of a hepatic pathology and/or of monitoring the effectiveness of a curative treatment against a hepatic pathology in an individual, comprising the establishment of at least one non-invasive diagnostic score, in particular a diagnostic score for portal and septal fibrosis and/or an estimate score for the fibrosis area and/or an estimate score for the fractal dimension. |
| US08489333B2 |
Device orientation determination
In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to obtain hole azimuth data or inclination data associated with a chassis (e.g., comprising a measurement or logging tool) in a borehole using interpolated data or survey data, and to determine magnetic field orientation of the chassis using a portion of the hole azimuth data, a portion of the inclination data, relative bearing data, and Earth magnetic field orientation data by reconstructing at least a portion of borehole magnetic field data that is corrupt or missing. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08489329B2 |
Meeting notification and modification service
Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment. |
| US08489324B2 |
Retrieval of vehicular traffic information optimized for wireless mobile environments
Two-way communication between a mobile device and a server is used to provide increased relevance of traffic information at lower bandwidth. The complexity, amount of storage and processing power required of the mobile navigation device are minimized, since the server performs much of the required computing. A transactional billing model can be used to bill the driver based on usage or consumption of traffic information. A driver selects a destination and routing preferences on a mobile device, and the local system generates a routing. The mobile device sends the planned route and preferences to a server. The server uses real-time traffic flow and incident information to determine an estimated driving time for the planned route. The server may also generate alternative routes, with an estimated time for each alternative route. The traffic and time information for the planned and alternative routes are then transmitted back to the mobile device. |
| US08489313B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying through traffic
In a method and an apparatus for identifying through traffic, entry into and exit from a predefined area are ascertained and the transit time is used to determine whether unauthorized transit through the area has occurred. |
| US08489311B2 |
Method and device for failsafe control of alternator-starter of micro-hybrid type, and corresponding micro-hybrid system
A method is implemented in a vehicle having an electronic control unit (15), vehicle sensors, a data communication bus (16), and an on-board electrical network. The micro-hybrid system (1) comprises at least one rotary electrical machine (2) which is provided with a device (8) for detection of rotation, power circuits (14) comprising an inverter (7) and an excitation circuit (4) which supplies the rotary electrical machine (2), and a rectifier (11) which is supplied by the said rotary electrical machine (2), energy conversion circuits (12) which are connected to an energy storage device (9) which is supplied by the rectifier (11), a first circuit (13) to control the power circuits (14), and a second circuit (25) to control the energy conversion circuits (12). The method generates control signals (Dd. Exc., Dd. Ond., Auth. Exc., Auth. Ond.) on the basis of first information signals (Capt. Véh.) which are representative of a state of functioning of the vehicle, obtained from the vehicle sensors; and generates by means of the first control circuit (13) signals (Cd. Exc., Cd. Ond.) to control the power circuits (14) on the basis of diagnostic signals (Diag2. Exc., Diag2. Ond.) which are representative of a state of functioning of the system. The method additionally generates control signals (Dd. Exc., Dd. Ond., Auth. Exc., Auth. Ond.) by means of the second control circuit (25), under the control of the electronic control unit (15). |
| US08489310B2 |
Control apparatus for general-purpose engine
In an apparatus for controlling a general-purpose internal combustion engine having an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted on an electronic circuit board installed near a body of the engine and being connectable to a load such as an operating machine that consumes power generated by the engine, there are equipped with a first temperature sensor installed on the board at a position remote from the body and a second temperature sensor installed on the board at a position closer to the body than the first temperature sensor. A warm-up time period is determined based on an output of the first temperature sensor and a difference between outputs of the first and second temperature sensors, and an engine speed is controlled to a predetermined operating speed when the determined warm-up time period has elapsed (S18, S22), thereby improving the fuel efficiency and preventing engine stall. |
| US08489301B2 |
Closed-loop control of brake pressure using a pressure-limiting valve
A device for controlling the brake pressure in a hydraulic brake system with the aid of a pressure-limiting valve that limits the brake pressure to a predefined threshold value, and to that end is driven by an electronic device in accordance with a valve characteristic curve. The setting accuracy can be improved considerably if an estimating unit for estimating the brake pressure, a sensor system for measuring the brake pressure, a unit for determining a pressure difference between the measured brake pressure and the estimated brake pressure, as well as a controller unit which drives the pressure-limiting valve as a function of the pressure difference are provided. |
| US08489294B2 |
Transmission control device for automatic transmission
Transmission control device for automatic transmissions that changes rotation output speed of turbocharged engines. An intake-state detecting unit detects an engine intake state and at least one of intake air amount, intake pressure, and engine air-fuel ratio. An intake-state determining unit determines whether a target intake state is satisfied based on detecting unit detection results and sets the target intake state based on target torque and engine operating range. A transmission-pattern selecting unit has a first transmission pattern for setting a transmission gear ratio based on an operational state and a second transmission pattern for setting the transmission gear ratio such that an engine rotation speed is higher than that in the first transmission pattern. The first or second transmission pattern choice is based on whether or not the target intake state is satisfied or not. A transmission controller controls a transmission mechanism based on the transmission pattern selection. |
| US08489293B2 |
Method and apparatus to control input speed profile during inertia speed phase for a hybrid powertrain system
A method for controlling a powertrain includes executing a shift, determining a plurality of input acceleration profiles for controlling an engine and an electric machine, determining an input speed profile, and controlling operation of the engine and the electric machine based upon the input speed profile. |
| US08489287B2 |
Vehicle roll over prevention safety driving system and method
A vehicle rollover prevention safety driving system, comprising: at least an image sensor, used to fetch road images in front of said vehicle; an image processor, connected to said image sensor, and is used to identify a drive lane in road images, and calculate a drive lane curvature, an inclination angle of said road, and relative positions of said vehicle and a lane marking; a vehicle conditions sensing module, used to sense dynamic information of a vehicle turning angle, a vehicle inclination angle, and a vehicle speed; a microprocessor, connected to said image processor and said vehicle conditions sensing module, and it calculates a rollover prediction point and a rollover threshold speed, and it issues a corresponding warning signal or a control signal; and an accelerator and brake controller, connected to said microprocessor, and it controls deceleration of said vehicle according to said control signal. |
| US08489285B2 |
Control device and method for triggering personal protection means for a vehicle
A control device and a method for triggering personal protection arrangement for a vehicle are provided, an energy reserve supplying electrical energy for the triggering. A control circuit is provided, which, as a function of the personal protection arrangement to be triggered, forms from the electrical energy at least one individual firing pulse for triggering the individual personal protection arrangement, with respect to a first firing pulse amplitude and a first firing pulse duration. |
| US08489284B2 |
Automated dynamic vehicle blind spot determination
A driver's orientation within a vehicle is monitored. A change in the driver's orientation is detected. A change to a blind spot of the vehicle is calculated based upon the detected change in the driver's orientation. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08489282B2 |
Electric power steering control methods and systems
A control system for controlling a steering system is provided. The control system includes a first module that determines a hysteresis position based on handwheel velocity and handwheel torque. A second module selectively determines an assist curve based on the hysteresis position. A third module generates a final assist command based on the assist curve. |
| US08489272B2 |
Diagnostic system and diagnostic method for vehicle
A diagnostic system for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine acquires a diagnostic driving pattern defined by a vehicle speed; stores a drive train model for calculating a torque and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine backward from a vehicle speed and an acceleration; stores map data in which a fuel consumption is associated with a torque and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine; updates the map data on the basis of a result of actual control over the internal combustion engine; uses the drive train model to calculate changes in torque and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle is caused to drive in accordance with the driving pattern; and uses the calculated changes in torque and rotational speed and the map data to calculate a fuel efficiency when the vehicle is caused to drive in accordance with the driving pattern. |
| US08489269B1 |
Cross-platform graphical system display
A graphic user interface (GUI) display of computer status is provided across multiple computer platforms. A computer and physical layout are identified and this information is used to provide a desired set of displays. Data is parsed from an output from the computer and is stored in a data store in a predetermined common format as a part of a collection of parsed data. A graphic display depicting a physical layout of at least one aspect of a computer or the physical layout is provided along with data retrieved from the collection of parsed data and corresponding to the computer associated with the display depicting the physical layout in accordance with the identification of the computer and physical layout. |
| US08489264B2 |
Battery measuring device, battery control system and vehicle
A battery measuring device includes a temperature measuring unit which measures temperature T1 of a secondary battery, a resistance measuring unit which measures an AC resistance value and a DC pulse resistance value of a first discharging period of the secondary battery at the temperature T1, and an estimating unit in which an electric resistance Re1 and a reaction resistance Rc1 of the secondary battery at the temperature T1 are considered as, Re1=AC resistance value Rc1=DC pulse resistance value of the first discharging period−AC resistance value, and which estimates at least an internal resistance of the secondary battery using the temperature T1, electric resistance Re1 and reaction resistance Rc1. |
| US08489262B2 |
Electric vehicle controller
An object is to obtain an electric vehicle controller capable of reducing a total sum of losses of an AD motor and losses of a main circuit. In a vector-control-command-value calculating unit, according to a torque command T*, a DC-voltage command value EFCR and a magnetic-flux command value F2R for which a total sum of losses of an AD motor and losses of a second main circuit is minimized is calculated and selected. The vector-control-command-value calculating unit outputs the magnetic-flux command value F2R to a vector control unit, and outputs the DC-voltage command value EFCR to a converter control unit. |
| US08489253B2 |
Driver state assessment device
A driver state assessment device is provided in which when driver model identification means (M2) identifies a driver model showing a driver's input/output relationship using a difference between a target azimuth and an actual azimuth as a driver's input and an actual steering angle as a driver's output, driver model amount of operation acquisition means (M3) acquires a driver model steering angle by inputting a current azimuth deviation into the driver model, and driver state assessment means (M4) calculates a difference between a current actual steering angle and a driver model steering angle as a residual error and assesses the driver's state based on the residual error. Therefore, since the residual error is an index that represents a fluctuation component, a noise component, a non-linear component, etc. obtained from the driver model, it is possible to assess, with high precision, the driver's state, in particular a low wakefulness state of the driver, based on this residual error. |
| US08489250B2 |
Fan control system and method for a computer system
A fan control system for a computer system is provided. The fan control system includes a power sensor and a controller. The power sensor detects the power dissipated by a target device in the computer system. The controller calculates a suggested airflow speed required for the target device and thus outputs a control signal for controlling a fan within the computer system according to at least the dissipated power. |
| US08489249B2 |
Intelligent power saving system
An intelligent power saving system, disposed between a Utility Power Supply and at least a load, comprising: at least an energy storage device; at least a power supply line, connected to said Utility Power Supply and said load; at least an energy-storage-device-parallel-connection circuit, connecting said energy storage device electrically to said power supply line; and a power monitor, connected electrically to said Utility Power Supply, said energy storage device, and said energy-storage-device-parallel-connection circuit, thus determining whether said energy storage device is required to join in providing power to said load through said energy-storage-device-parallel-connection circuit, thus regulating percentage of total power supplied by said Utility Power Supply, preventing overload of said Utility Power Supply, hereby saving expense of the electric utility bills. |
| US08489241B2 |
Controlling a waste combustion process
An exemplary method is disclosed for controlling on-line the steam output of a waste incineration plant that is fed with waste of varying composition. Process or system quantities (u2, u3, xGC, xLL, w0) can be measured repeatedly, at different times during operation of the plant, and a relation with linear parameters (θi) as coefficients of non-linear expressions (φi) of the process quantities can be established by evaluating the measurements. From this relation, an optimal waste feed rate to obtain a desired steam output ({dot over (M)}steam) can be determined and applied to a waste feed actuator of the waste incineration plant. |
| US08489240B2 |
Control system for industrial water system and method for its use
A control system for industrial water systems that utilizes multiple measurements of information and models to decide optimal control actions to maximize corrosion/scaling/fouling inhibition and particulate dispersancy performance and minimize cost of water and treatment chemicals. This system is capable of automatic operation for a wide range of process conditions, ensures multiple performance objectives, achieves robust operation under a variety or un-measurable disturbances and achieves the least costly solution delivery. |
| US08489239B2 |
Robust operation of tendon-driven robot fingers using force and position-based control laws
A robotic system includes a tendon-driven finger and a control system. The system controls the finger via a force-based control law when a tension sensor is available, and via a position-based control law when a sensor is not available. Multiple tendons may each have a corresponding sensor. The system selectively injects a compliance value into the position-based control law when only some sensors are available. A control system includes a host machine and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a control process, which is executed by the host machine to control the finger via the force- or position-based control law. A method for controlling the finger includes determining the availability of a tension sensor(s), and selectively controlling the finger, using the control system, via the force or position-based control law. The position control law allows the control system to resist disturbances while nominally maintaining the initial state of internal tendon tensions. |
| US08489238B2 |
Robot control apparatus
A robot control apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a joint angle difference calculator calculating a joint angle difference; a torque command value calculator calculating a torque command value for a joint, based on the joint angle difference; an external torque calculator calculating an external torque that is a difference between the estimated drive torque and the torque command value, and determining an external force receiving joint shaft on which an external force from the external torque acts; a compliance model storage unit storing a compliance model at the external force receiving joint shaft; a compliance correction amount calculator calculating a compliance correction amount for a task coordinate system position at the external force receiving joint shaft in accordance with the external force; and a joint angle difference correction amount calculator calculating a joint angle difference correction amount from the compliance correction amount and the partial Jacobian matrix. |
| US08489235B2 |
Cooperative minimally invasive telesurgical system
Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods include selectably associatable master/slave pairs, often having more manipulator arms than will be moved simultaneously by the two hands of a surgeon. Four manipulator arms can support an image capture device, a left hand tissue manipulation tool, a right hand tissue manipulation tool, and a fourth surgical instrument, particularly for stabilizing, retracting, tool change, or other functions benefiting from intermittent movement. The four or more arms may sequentially be controlled by left and right master input control devices. The fourth arm may be used to support another image capture device, and control of some or all of the arms may be transferred back-and-forth between the operator and an assistant. Two or more robotic systems each having master controls and slave manipulators may be coupled to enable cooperative surgery between two or more operators. |
| US08489234B2 |
Mobile robot and controlling method thereof
Disclosed are a mobile robot and a controlling method thereof. The mobile robot comprises: a case; and a sensor unit having two or more sending portions and two or more receiving portions arranged on an outer surface of the case separately and alternately. The plurality of sending portions and receiving portions are arranged in an alternating manner, thereby having a directivity. Also, since signals received through the receiving portions are judged based on a reference value, an area unallowable to be detected for an obstacle sensing is minimized, which allows an obstacle to be detected more accurately. When the obstacle corresponds to a side wall on the basis of a moving path of the mobile robot, a distance between the side wall and the mobile robot is calculated based on signals received by the receiving portion closest to the side wall. Accordingly, the mobile robot can move with maintaining a constant distance from the side wall. |
| US08489233B2 |
Method of blending fuels and related system
A method and related system blend fuels and dispense a blended fuel to a vehicle at a fueling station. In one aspect, the method comprises selecting the desired proportion of at least one of the fuels available at the service station, blending that fuel with another one available, and delivering the blended fuel to the vehicle. Preferably, the first fuel is a non-renewable, petroleum based one, while the second fuel is a non-petroleum based, renewable one (such as ethanol or biodiesel). |
| US08489231B2 |
Loop mail processing
Methods to solve the costly “loop mail” problem (FIG. 4, 464) in automated sorting and delivery of mail pieces are disclosed. Loop mail is detected, and marked as such (FIG. 7, 738), in an automated reject encoding machine (REM) (FIGS. 9-10). In one case, loop mail is detected where a new image of a returned mail piece is captured (702), a new destination address is read (720), and the new address does not match the bar code on the piece (732), suggesting that the previous address resolution was erroneous. The bar code is over-labeled (734) and replaced with the new postal code (736). The mail piece is marked with a loop mail indicator (738), and then returned for automated DBCS sortation (740). The loop mail indicator (810) indicates that the piece has already gone around the sorting and attempted delivery loop at least once, and is used to prevent recurrence (704, 710). |
| US08489230B2 |
Recirculating sorting system
The apparatus is for sorting a range of machine-identifiable items received in random order such as meat products or cuts produced at an abattoir. In one example, the items are allocated into high, medium and low priority types (total 205 types). High priority items are allowed a smaller range of types than are low-priority items. Items are recirculated automatically for re-sorting once, twice or three times respectively into fully sorted sets of products. Preferably a freezing chamber surrounds the sorting apparatus so that the items become chilled or frozen while being sorted. |
| US08489226B2 |
Method for automatically and sequentially loading objects and corresponding equipment
A method is provided for automatically and sequentially loading objects onto a feed system, each having a respective axis of rotation and respective first and second indices of rotation about the respective axes. The loading of each object onto the feed system causes an orientation in a predetermined relative position. The method consists in particular in selectively operating a relative rotation of the object and of the handling device about their axis of rotation to achieve the orientation. |
| US08489224B2 |
Computerized tool path generation
An automated computer-implemented method for generating commands for controlling a computer numerically controlled machine to fabricate an object from a workpiece, the method including the steps of selecting a maximum permitted engagement angle between a rotating cutting tool and the workpiece, selecting a minimum permitted engagement angle between the rotating cutting tool and the workpiece, and configuring a tool path for the tool relative to the workpiece in which the engagement angle gradually varies between the maximum permitted engagement angle and the minimum permitted engagement angle. |
| US08489219B1 |
Process for making loose buffer tubes having controlled excess fiber length and reduced post-extrusion shrinkage
Disclosed is an improved buffering method for controlling excess fiber length (EFL) and reducing post-extrusion shrinkage in loose buffer tubes. In this way, the method yields first-quality loose buffer tubes not only during steady-state operation but also during ramping, thereby increasing production efficiency and reducing waste. |
| US08489217B2 |
Thermal cycling and gradient management in three-dimensional stacked architectures
A mechanism is provided for minimizing reliability problems in a three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit. A set of sensors are interrogated for current data. A direction of force and a magnitude of the force are determined based on the current data for each sensor in the set of sensors for each of one or more directions between the sensor and at least one neighboring sensor thereby forming a set of forces. Each of the set of forces is used to identify one or more points of stress that are at or above the predetermined force threshold. Responsive to identifying at least one point of stress that is at or above the predetermined force threshold, one or more temperature actuation actions are initiated in order to reduce at least one point of stress in the region where the at least one point of stress is identified. |
| US08489213B2 |
Portable digital media device with a force sensor
There is provided a portable digital media device, including: a storage device; a force sensor coupled to the storage device; a display; and a controller coupled to both the storage device and the display, wherein the display shows information. The device may also be used as a cursor control and input device when connected to a computer. Other applications of the device are also disclosed. |
| US08489211B2 |
Communication apparatus
There is provided a communication apparatus comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of pieces of audio contents, a playing member configured to produce a contents-based audio signal by playing a piece of audio contents stored in the memory, and a management circuit configured to identify a plurality of events occurring while the playing member is producing one of the contents-based audio signals, one of the events being associated with one of a plurality of event-associated audio signals and given a highest priority, to have the playing member pause and stop producing the contents-based audio signal and to produce one of the event-associated audio signals associated with the identified event in a case where the identified event is given the highest priority. |
| US08489209B2 |
Method for analyzing and diagnosing large scale process automation control systems
A method is provided for analyzing and diagnosing a large scale process automation control system having a plurality of control loops. Assessments for pre-defined key performance indicators (KPIs) are automatically generated for control, process and signal sections of each control loop. The automatically generated assessments of the pre-defined KPIs may be displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer. A user may change the automatically generated assessments of the pre-defined KPIs. Different data views may also be displayed in the GUI. The data views include time series trends for measured process variable, controller output, controller set point and error, as well as controller parameter clustering views in two-dimensional and three-dimensional plots. |
| US08489208B2 |
Key locking anchoring device for implanted lead
There is disclosed various embodiments of an implantable anchor for anchoring a medical lead within a patient. The implantable anchor includes a body having a cavity for receiving a medical lead, and a separate, removable key for insertion into the cavity. The key, upon insertion into the cavity, engages and locks the medical lead into place and prevents the movement of the medical lead with respect to the anchor. |
| US08489205B2 |
System for temporary fixation of an implantable medical device
A medical fixation system for temporary fixation of an implantable medical device such as a short lead pacemaker outside of the heart in a larger blood vessel such as the superior or inferior vena cava. The fixation mechanism or element is temporary in nature in that the fixation holds the implantable medical device in place until the implantable medical device is grown in to the wall of the vessel and the short lead attached to the implantable medical device and implanted in the heart is grown in. The cell tissue surrounding the implantable medical device and the short lead then keeps the implantable medical device in place without the temporary fixation element. |
| US08489197B2 |
System and method for receiving telemetry data from an implantable medical device
A system and method for receiving telemetry data from implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers with improved noise immunity is disclosed. Ambient noise levels and signal strength are monitored and used to adaptively adjust the detection sensitivity of the receiver. Filtering of the received signal is performed to remove both broadband and narrowband noise. Removal of narrowband noise is accomplished with notch filters that are dynamically adjusted in accordance with a detected noise spectrum. |
| US08489196B2 |
System, apparatus and method for interacting with a targeted tissue of a patient
A method and an apparatus are provided for interacting with targeted tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises a central control module, a satellite module, and a lead. The satellite module comprises a processor, a communication module, a switching module, a memory, a sense amp, and a A/D converter. The apparatus is adapted for subcutaneous implantation. The central control module is coupled to the satellite module. The lead is coupled to the satellite module. A programming word comprising information to be sent to the satellite module is provided. The programming word is converted into identifiable groups of pulses corresponding to bits of the programming word. The identifiable groups of pulses are sent to the satellite module. The identifiable groups of pulses are converted to information for providing a therapy to the patient. The energy from the identifiable groups of pulses is stored to power the satellite module. |
| US08489192B1 |
System and method for bronchial dilation
A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus. |
| US08489188B2 |
Ventricular capture testing by analysis of an endocardial acceleration signal in an active implantable medical device
An active implantable medical device such as a cardiac prosthesis, including ventricular capture testing by analysis of an endocardial acceleration signal. The device isolates in an endocardial acceleration (“EA”) signal an EA component, extracts from it, n representative indicators (PEA_i, LEA_i), and forms a vector EA (X_i) from these indicators. A classifier allows acquiring reference EA signals at a stimulation energy level sufficient to cause a capture, and in spontaneous rhythm in the absence of ventricular pacing and forms a corresponding plurality of first reference EA vectors. The n-dimensional space of the EA vectors is partitioned into two corresponding subspaces. The presence or absence of a capture is discriminated based on the position of the current EA vector (X_i) in one or other of these two sub-spaces. The representative indicators may be: the value of peak to peak amplitude, the width, the moment of occurrence of the peak, the starting time and the ending time of the EA1 and/or EA2 components, the signal to noise ratio (SNR), the contrast value, the entropy value, and the cumulative energy of the EA1 and/or EA2 component, or the value of the peak-to-peak amplitude of the EA 4 component. |
| US08489186B2 |
Devices and methods for treatment of myocardial conditions
Provided are devices and methods for treating a subject having a myocardial condition using sub-threshold electrical stimulation. |
| US08489183B2 |
Biometric apparatus
The invention provides a biometric apparatus which is able to determine the orientation of a measured person irrespective of the orientation of the measured person on the biometric apparatus or irrespective of the orientation of arrangement of the biometric apparatus and hence flow an electric current constantly through the same route and measure the voltage generated in the route, thereby providing accurate and reliable biometric data. The invention provides a biometric apparatus includes a plurality of weight measuring units provided on a casing for allowing a measured person to get on the upper surface thereof; a comparative determination unit for comparing measured values measured by the weight measuring units respectively and determining the orientation of the body of the measured person on the casing on the basis of the result of comparison; and a biometric data acquiring unit for acquiring a biometric data of the measured person on the basis of the result of determination by the comparative determination unit. |
| US08489182B2 |
System and method of quality analysis in acquisition of ambulatory electrocardiography device data
A quality control system in combination with an ECG data analysis system to analyze ECG data acquired by an ambulatory electrocardiography device via a cable having a plurality of leads connected to a subject is provided. The quality control system includes a memory having programmable instructions for execution by a processor to perform the steps of calculating a trend of a quality score in the ECG data dependent on a noise content in the ECG data; and calculating a probability that one of a hardware and the Hookup personal, each associated with collecting the ECG data from the subject, is a substantial cause of the quality score for the ECG data. The probability can be calculated based on a comparison the trend of the quality score associated with the Hookup personnel versus the trend of the quality score of the hardware employed in acquiring the ECG data. |
| US08489181B1 |
Heart electrical actions as biometric indicia
A method and associated system for use of statistical parameters based on peak amplitudes and/or time interval lengths and/or depolarization-repolarization vector angles and/or depolarization-repolarization vector lengths for PQRST electrical signals associated with heart waves, to identify a person. The statistical parameters, estimated to be at least 192, serve as biometric indicia, to authenticate, or to decline to authenticate, an asserted identity of a candidate person. |
| US08489178B2 |
Enhanced laser vein contrast enhancer with projection of analyzed vein data
It is known in the art to use an apparatus to enhance the visual appearance of the veins and arteries in a patient to facilitate insertion of needles into those veins and arteries. This application discloses a number of inventions that add additional data collection and presentation capabilities to a handheld vein enhancement apparatus and a set of processes for the collection of blood and the delivery of IV medicines that use the handheld device to mediate the process. |
| US08489174B2 |
Method to detect a breathing movement of an examination subject corresponding to signal data by magnetic resonance
In a method for the detection of signal data corresponding to a breathing movement of an examination subject by magnetic resonance (MR) first and second data sets are loaded, that each include complex k-space data acquired with a navigator sequence from a common excitation volume of the examination subject. The first and second data sets are processed to identify breathing movement at the acquisition time of at least one of the data sets, by comprising a transformation of the data sets in Cartesian space and calculating a phase difference between respective complex data pointes of the data sets having the same spatial position. The processing result is stored together with a time value that depends on a point in time of the acquisition of the first data set and/or the second data set. The data acquisition, processing and storage are repeated until a series of results has been stored that maps a breathing movement of interest, and in repetition at least one of the two data sets is acquired at a different point in time than the last two data sets. |
| US08489173B2 |
CT tomographic imaging process and system
A CT radiographic imaging process implements a processing operation on images in order to detect the use of a saline solution. When a saline solution is detected, it extracts a component or a portion of a component that does not appear to be contrasted in the initial images, for example, in the case of cardiac imaging, the right cavity of the heart. The imaging system comprises means for implementing this process. |
| US08489170B2 |
Surgical access and nerve surveillance
An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein. |
| US08489161B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device with reduced interfering energy into audio circuit and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board carried by the housing. RF circuitry and a processor are operative with each other and carried by the circuit board. A receiver speaker and microphone are carried by the housing. Audio circuitry is carried by the circuit board and operative with the RF circuitry and processor. A microphone audio switch and receiver speaker audio switch are carried by the circuit board and are connected with audio connection lines that interconnect the processor. A filter is operative with the audio connection lines and operatively connected to at least one of the microphone audio switch or receiver speaker audio switch to reduce conducted and radiated interfering RF energy from coupling into the audio circuitry. |
| US08489157B2 |
Handheld electronic device with extended dual-hinged interconnector
A clam-shell style handheld electronic device having a dual-hinged interconnector between a display housing and a keyboard housing. The dual-hinged interconnector can be configured to act as a handle when the device is being held during text entry and to act as a stand when the open device is placed on a substantially flat surface. |
| US08489155B2 |
Portable electronic apparatus
A portable electronic apparatus provided with a biaxial hinge mechanism that connects a first body and a second body to be openable and closable and rotatable via a hinge portion that allows for a reduction in thickness in a thickness direction and a size of a set of the bodies in a closed state, while securing sufficient strength in the biaxial hinge mechanism. |
| US08489152B2 |
Power management for multi-carrier transmission
A method of power management for a mobile station in a multi-carrier wireless network is provided. A primary connection between the mobile station and a serving base station is first established by performing initial ranging over a primary radio frequency (RF) carrier. A secondary connection between the mobile station and the base station is then established by performing periodic ranging over a secondary RF carrier. To achieve efficient power management, the mobile station performs Open Loop Power Control and obtains long-term link measurement (CSI) of the primary carrier. The mobile station then adjusts carrier-specific parameters based on the primary carrier CSI. For RF carriers that convey on-going data traffic, Close Loop Power Control is updated per RF carrier. When the mobile station enters sleep mode operation, it receives traffic indication messages on the primary RF carrier and then dynamically wakes up one or more corresponding RF carriers for data reception. |
| US08489150B2 |
Mobile terminal and operation control method thereof
Disclosed herein is a mobile terminal and an operation control method thereof in which a delay time of the screen lock execution is controlled according to the type of application, thereby improving the inconvenience of a user interface and effectively managing a battery according to an interrupt when required to continuously receive an input from the user or continuously provide visual information to the user. For this purpose, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input unit configured to receive a user input; an execution controller configured to execute screen lock if the user input is not received for a predetermined time; and a change controller configured to change the predetermined time based on a type of application. |
| US08489147B2 |
Simplified access to messaging services
A method for enabling direct provision of a message handling area at a server of a messaging service provider is provided. The method includes associating, in the portable communication device, a first user input unit with a function to be used for connecting to the messaging service provider, sending a request, in dependence of a user actuating the first user input unit, to the messaging service provider to set up a message handling area for the user, receiving an identifier from the messaging service provider, which identifier identifies a message handling area created for the user, as well as login data for logging into the area, and associating a second user input unit with a function of accessing the message handling area, which when selected by the user, allows the user to directly access the message handling area. |
| US08489146B2 |
User interface for optimized viewing of header information
A graphical user interface is used to display information on small screens that would otherwise be incomplete. The interface consists of a dialog box that appears over the existing screen, displaying the full information required, when a user makes an input to view the information. |
| US08489145B2 |
Radio base station and base station control apparatus
A base station control apparatus for controlling a radio base station which carries out radio communications with a mobile communication terminal is characterized in that it includes a control unit for performing a control process of making the radio base station selectively perform either of two or more processes with different throughputs according to the scale of the radio base station. With this structure, the radio base station can have only a function based on to the scale thereof. For this reason, by omitting unnecessary functions, the radio base station can be miniaturized and the manufacturing cost of the radio base station can be reduced. |
| US08489144B2 |
Push-button trigger manager for U/SIM toolkit applications
A push-button trigger manager for U/SIM Toolkit applications of a U/SIM card from a mobile terminal is provided which includes, a connection to a storage area associated to the trigger manager in order to register predetermined data related to, at least, one U/SIM Toolkit application loaded on the U/SIM card, being these predetermined data, at least, one identity of such application; manager activation to activate the trigger manager as a response to pushing a sequence of buttons and the call button in the mobile terminal, a display on the mobile terminal screen having a list of options corresponding to the U/SIM Toolkit application(s) registered in the sequence of buttons pushed by the user, and a trigger for the U/SIM Toolkit application selected by the user from the list of options. |
| US08489143B2 |
ME network parameters configuration by UICC
A mobile device is provided having a smart card. The smart card is programmed to generate a new configure command that can be used to configure network related parameters with in the mobile device. The configure command can be used to override existing network related parameters or to add additional network related parameters. The network related parameters may relate to different access points and an identifier may be associated with each set of network parameters to facilitate the subsequent identification of desired network related parameters. |
| US08489136B2 |
Wireless link to transmit digital audio data between devices in a manner controlled dynamically to adapt to variable wireless error rates
A communication system including a host transceiver, one or many device transceivers, and a wireless or wired link, in which encoded digital audio data and optionally also other auxiliary data are transmitted and received between the host transceiver and one or many device transceivers. The wireless link can but need not be a Certified Wireless USB (“CWUSB”) link, which utilizes WiMedia Ultra-Wideband (“UWB”) radio technology. For certain embodiments, packets of encoded audio data are transmitted from a host to a device or multiple devices over the wireless link utilizing a variety of data packet transfer methods, with the host adapting its algorithms dynamically to provide the digital audio content over a changing wireless error rate environment. The host intelligently controls the method of data transmission, including data encoding format, synchronization, latency, and transmission rate, in response to data transfer error information it detects or receives from each individual device in the system. Other embodiments are devices that employ audio-data-specific error concealment methods. Other embodiments concern host and device management of graceful muting and restart of audio on a device-by-device basis. |
| US08489132B2 |
Context-enriched microblog posting
Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture for context-enriched microblog posting. In one aspect, a message component is provided. A context data related to a context of a computing device used to generate the message component is provided. The message component and the context data are associated. The context data may be communicated to a web browser. The message component may be communicated to the web browser. The message component may be rendered in a format for communication as a short message service (SMS) message that includes a reference to the context data. The message component and the context data may be rendered in a format for communication as a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message. |
| US08489127B2 |
Context-based reverse geocoding
In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can perform reverse geocoding based on context, in addition to latitude and longitude coordinates. The reverse geocoding can be used to determine in which geofence among multiple geofences the mobile device is located. Thus, the mobile device can be associated with a street address, a postal code, a named land feature, or a commercial, cultural, or political entity associated with the geofence. The context can include a pattern of movement, as well as an accuracy of the latitude and longitude coordinates. Information in the context can be compared to selection criteria of the geofence. A geofence having selection criteria that match the context the best can be selected. |
| US08489125B2 |
Mobile apparatus, and location notification system and location notification method for mobile apparatus
A mobile apparatus, that has a calling function, includes: a location-information acquisition unit to acquire location information indicative of a location of the mobile apparatus, and a location-information notification unit to send the location information to a receiving-side apparatus when a call is made to the receiving-side apparatus, the location-information notification unit being further operable to provide, when the call is being made to a receiving-side apparatus, the location information in a manner such that, before a communication connection is established therewith, the receiving-side apparatus can recognize a physical location where the call is being originated based upon the location data. |
| US08489118B2 |
Systems and methods for event attendance notification
Systems and methods for event attendance notification are provided. A representative systems includes a mobile device operative to: receive member information corresponding to members of a social network; receive event information corresponding to a first event, designated to occur at a first location, wherein at least a first of the members is scheduled to attend the first event; and responsive to determining that the current location of the first of the members corresponds to the event information, enable attendance information to be sent to others of the members of the social network indicating that the first of the members is at the first event. |
| US08489116B2 |
Mobile communication method, mobile management node, positioning calculation node, and mobile station
To eliminate the problems when a handover by a mobile station UE over a radio base station eNodeB is performed during a positioning process of the mobile station UE. A mobile management node MME according to the present invention is configured to transmit a transfer signal “S1-AP Downlink NAS Transport” including an LPP signal received from a positioning calculation node E-SMLC and the identification information of the E-SMLC to a radio base station eNodeB, and when a transmission failure reason included in a transmission failure notification signal “S1-AP NON DELIVERY INDICATION” received from the radio base station eNodeB indicates a positioning failure, the mobile management node MME transmits the transmission failure reason and the LPP signal included in the transmission failure notification signal “S1-AP NON DELIVERY INDICATION” to the positioning calculation node E-SMLC identified by the identification information of the E-SMLC included in the transmission failure notification signal. |
| US08489115B2 |
Sensor-based mobile search, related methods and systems
A smart phone senses audio, imagery, and/or other stimulus from a user's environment, and acts autonomously to fulfill inferred or anticipated user desires. In one aspect, the detailed technology concerns phone-based cognition of a scene viewed by the phone's camera. The image processing tasks applied to the scene can be selected from among various alternatives by reference to resource costs, resource constraints, other stimulus information (e.g., audio), task substitutability, etc. The phone can apply more or less resources to an image processing task depending on how successfully the task is proceeding, or based on the user's apparent interest in the task. In some arrangements, data may be referred to the cloud for analysis, or for gleaning. Cognition, and identification of appropriate device response(s), can be aided by collateral information, such as context. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed. |
| US08489109B2 |
Portable wireless device
A mobile wireless device enables effective use of space in a case while reducing degradation of antenna gain and maintaining communication quality even if a plurality of antennas having different frequency bands are arranged close to one another. A magnetic antenna has a first switch unit, a second switch unit, and a concentrated constant circuit which are added to a wiring pattern at the side near to a main antenna, so that a first path and a second path can be selected. Under a predetermined condition, a CPU controls the first switch and the second switch to electrically connect terminal (A1) to terminal (B1) and electrically connect terminal (A2) to terminal (B2), thereby forming the first path; and electrically connect terminal (A1) to terminal (C1) and electrically connect terminal (A2) to terminal (C2), thereby forming the second path connected via the concentrated constant circuit. |
| US08489108B2 |
Method and system for load-balancing across multiple access networks
An approach is provided for interworking between radio access networks that utilize different radio access technologies. Loading information of a plurality of radio access networks that are accessible by a terminal is determined. A list of candidates from the radio access networks are output based on the loading information for use by the terminal. |
| US08489106B2 |
Method and system for providing quality of service assurance in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing a quality of service assurance in a wireless communication. The method primarily includes: defining lossless relocation indication information in a WiMax system, transferring the lossless relocation indication information between entities of the WiMax, and providing a quality of service assurance to a corresponding service flow according to the transferred lossless relocation indication information. The present invention also defines end to end MSS-ASN-CSN QoS parameters for WiMax, so that the WiMax may selectively carry out lossless relocation, thereby providing more appropriate QoS parameters for the WiMax system and improving the performance of the wireless communication system. The present invention also defines end to end MSS-ASN-CSN QoS negotiation procedures for WiMax, so that the QoS over the whole end to end MSS-ASN-CSN bearer may be assured for the WiMax, thereby providing differentiated services for WiMax users. |
| US08489105B2 |
Radio base stations, radio communication devices, methods for controlling a radio base station and methods for controlling a radio communication device
In an embodiment, a radio base station is provided. The radio base station may include a transceiver configured to transmit data to a radio communication device and receive data from the radio communication device using a plurality of component carriers, each component carrier including a pre defined frequency band including a plurality of resource elements; a component carrier determiner configured to determine a subset comprising at least one component carrier of the plurality of component carriers, wherein as the at least one component carrier of the subset may be used by the radio communication device for a pre-defined communication mode; and a message generator configured to generate a message including information specifying that the at least one component carrier of the subset may be used by the radio communication device for the pre-defined communication mode. |
| US08489103B2 |
Method and apparatus for reconfiguring a common channel
The present invention for reconfiguring a common channel, receives a first control message indicating modification of a first common channel configuration through the first common channel, and a second control message through a second common channel, based on the first control message. The first channel is reconfigured using the second control message. Also, the mobile terminal of the present invention comprises a processor unit by which the common channel is reconfigured. According the present invention, the common channel, such as the MCCH, may be reconfigured more efficiently. |
| US08489100B2 |
Uplink power control in long term evolution networks
A method for power control in a long term evolution (LTE) network is disclosed and includes configuring a user equipment (UE) with a plurality of transmit power levels where each transmit power level corresponds to a subframe type. A first power level is used in subframes protected by cooperative coordination between base stations. A second power level corresponds to unprotected subframes. The method also includes scheduling the UE to transmit in accordance with the configured transmit power levels. |
| US08489096B2 |
Inter-access handover with access specific policy control functions
A system and method are provided to exchange information relating to mobility management during an inter-access handover. The system and method exchange information when an inter-access handover occurs during an ongoing policy and/or charging controlled session. The system and method offer a seamless inter-access handover without any interruptions or delays. Signaling trafficking is minimized that may be required to update the new control element with the required session information. |
| US08489095B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing group service in wireless communication system
A group service providing method and apparatus suitable for use in a wireless communication system. A group registration method for providing a group service to a master terminal and a slave terminal, the group registration method may comprise receiving and storing subscriber profile information of the master terminal from an associated communication network server in response to a group service registration request from the master terminal; generating a group related to the group service registration request and a group key corresponding to the generated group and transmitting to the master terminal a group generation completion message including the group key; receiving and storing subscriber profile information of the slave terminal dependent on the master terminal from the communication network server; and transmitting the group key to the slave terminal with reference to the subscriber profile information of the slave terminal. |
| US08489094B2 |
System and method for providing location information to a mobile calling unit
A system for providing location information to a mobile calling unit operating within or among a plurality of communication networks includes at least one communication access unit for each respective network of the plurality of communication networks. The calling unit effects communications with a respective communication network of the plurality of communicate networks via a respective communication access unit of the at least one communication access unit. The respective communication network and the respective communication access unit cooperate to automatically effect providing at least one almanac entry to the calling unit substantially on occurrence of a predetermined event. The at least one almanac entry relates to geographic location of the calling unit while the calling unit effects the communications. |
| US08489093B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating efficient vertical handoffs in a wireless communication system
Systems and methods are provided for performing efficient vertical handoffs in a wireless user device are provided. The user device can comprise a mobile phone, computer table, handheld computer, or other computer system capable of connecting to more than one mobile wireless network that use different wireless communication protocols. Various efficient scanning methods are disclosed that are efficient in terms of battery usage, thermal performance, processing power, throughput performance, or a combination thereof. |
| US08489092B2 |
System information collection while camping on a cell
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate collecting consistent system information when entering a cell during cell selection and/or cell re-selection in a wireless communication environment. SIB(s) can be received while lacking modification period information (e.g., modification period boundary, modification period duration, . . . ). Further, the SIB(s) can be stored in memory with corresponding SFN(s) at which the SIB(s) are respectively received. Thereafter, the modification period information can be identified (e.g., from a SIB2, . . . ). Moreover, an evaluation can be effectuated to determine whether to retain or discard the SIB(s) from memory as a function of the modification period information and the corresponding SFN(s). Further, whether to retain or discard the SIB(s) from memory can be based upon a value tag. According to another example, subsequent reception of the SIB(s) can be inhibited within a minimum modification period employed as a default prior to identifying the modification period information. |
| US08489090B2 |
Aircraft wireless communication system
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for providing wireless service to devices located onboard an aircraft. For example, in one embodiment, a wireless base station is utilized onboard an aircraft for providing non-roaming cellular services to cellular devices onboard the aircraft. In addition, in some embodiments, the wireless base station may provide Internet access to Internet accessible devices located onboard the aircraft. Additionally, in some embodiments, the wireless base station is interfaced with an existing air-to-ground cellular transmission system of the aircraft. |
| US08489089B1 |
Human-readable, semi-persistent overlay that dynamically displays a changeable operational state of a radio base station
A radio base station for performing radio communication functions includes a human-readable, semi-persistent overlay fixed to a surface of the radio base station. A nonvolatile memory stores a current operational state of the radio base station. The human-readable, semi-persistent overlay indicates at least with text characters or symbols on the current state. If the current state of the radio base station changes, then the text characters or symbols on the human-readable, semi-persistent overlay are updated to reflect the changed state. The indication of the changed radio base station state on the human-readable, semi-persistent overlay remains human-readable even if the radio base station is powered-down. |
| US08489086B2 |
Use of powerlines for transmission of high frequency signals
Communication is provided which includes receiving a transmitted radio signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the wirelessly transmitted radio signal. The powerline is coupled to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the radio signal to the radio receiver. For calibration purposes a second antenna not coupled to powerline may be used. A method for powerline communication across transformers, open circuit breakers, and other devices is also provided. In addition, a method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline is provided. |
| US08489083B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing idle screen service
A method and apparatus for providing an idle screen service are disclosed. A mobile communication terminal receiving contents provided from at least one content provider server in a mobile communication system environment is also disclosed. The mobile communication terminal may include a content receiver module which receives contents provided through a mobile communication system by separating into layers, a handset operating system module which operates the terminal and runs an application and which has a user interface, and a content management application module which synthesizes the contents separated into layers received from the content receiver module into one idle screen layer and which provides it to the idle screen of the mobile communication terminal. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, several contents provided in a mobile communication system environment can be provided at once on a mobile communication terminal idle screen in an idle mode, to satisfy the demands of the user for DIY services and increase the content participation rate. |
| US08489082B2 |
Wireless connection setting program
A computer program product comprises computer readable instructions that cause a computer configured wirelessly connectable with at least one device to execute a wireless connection setting process. The wireless connection setting process comprises establishing a wireless connection with the at least one device, transmitting externally inputted settings of the wireless connection to the at least one device, and configuring the same settings as the settings transmitted to the at least one device for the computer. |
| US08489076B2 |
Method and apparatus for contact information management in mobile terminal
Provided is a contact management method in a mobile terminal that provides a contact synchronization function. A contact list editing screen is displayed, wherein, when a contact integrating function is performed, an entire contact list is scrollably displayed in a first area and a contact list for integrated management is displayed in a second area. Contacts selected from the first area are registered in the contact list of the second area. A primary contact in the contact list registered in the second area is maintained in the first area, while secondary contacts registered in the second area are deleted from the first area. |
| US08489075B2 |
System and method for augmenting features of visual voice mail
A method for delivery of a voice mail message to a recipient. The method includes determining content of the voice mail message, identifying a recipient of the voice mail message based on the determining step, converting the voice mail message to a format for delivery based on the identifying step, and delivering the converted voice mail message to the recipient. The method further includes identifying a voice mail box of the recipient and caching voice mail box information at a voice mail server. |
| US08489074B2 |
Systems and methods for providing enhanced voicemail services
A method for operating a mobile device to set a voicemail greeting includes providing the mobile device with a memory for storing a visual voicemail (VVM) application, an I/O interface, and a microphone for receiving an audio input. The method further includes: receiving a selection for an option to record the voicemail greeting, receiving the audio input, recording the audio input as the voicemail greeting for a voicemail account associated with the mobile device, storing the recorded voicemail greeting in the memory, and generating a request that includes the recorded voicemail greeting, a network address for a VVM system, and instructions to set the voicemail greeting as an active voicemail greeting for the voicemail account. The method further includes transmitting the request to the VVM system and receiving a response from the VVM system that includes an indication of whether the voicemail greeting was set as the active voicemail greeting. |
| US08489069B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for QoS control based on charging system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus, and a system for QoS control based on a charging system. In solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after a service resource reservation request from a PCEF is received, a preset QoS value for a service may be directly determined according to a service identifier of the service from a locally stored mapping relationship between service identifiers and preset QoS values of services, and a QoS value for the service is determined according to the preset QoS value, and the determined QoS value is directly delivered to the PCEF, so that the QoS value for the service may be determined and delivered without the participation of the PCRF, so as to significantly reduce the time for determining the QoS value for the service. |
| US08489066B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying caller locations
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method, system and device for determining information about a location of the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to contact a private response call center (PRCC), e.g., by pressing or selecting one or more buttons or a softmenu. A PRCC operator can identify a potential emergency situation and, upon such an identification, initiate a conference call between a PRCC operator, a user of the mobile device, and a public safety answering point (PSAP) operator. The mobile device may transmit location information previously determined before PRCC call and be commanded to gather new location information during the call. The mobile device may also, while on a call with the PRCC, determine and transmit to the PRCC location information. |
| US08489062B2 |
System and method for sending an emergency message selected from among multiple emergency message types from a wireless communications device
A wireless communications device and method for communicating an emergency message to a public safety answering point (PSAP) may include storing (i) data representative of a plurality of emergency messages being of different message types and (ii) a network address associated with each emergency message. In response to a user selecting one of the emergency messages, the selected emergency message and associated network address may be established as defaults for communication of the default emergency message to a PSAP over the communications network. In response to the user requesting to send an emergency message, the default emergency message may be generated by using the default network address to communicate the emergency message and communicated over the communications network to the default network address for routing the default emergency message to a PSAP local to the user. |
| US08489061B2 |
Method and system for relaying and managing call messages
The object of the invention is a method and a server for relaying and managing service calls. The invention is suitable, for example, for relaying and managing calls related to alarm and care services. The objective of the invention can be attained with a solution wherein the calls are routed from the customer terminal (230, 250) to a server (210) for relaying as an assignment to the service terminals (270) of service providers. The server (214) shall be programmed not only with the contact information of the service providers but also with additional service provider data based on which the service to which the assignment is to be sent is chosen. By using suitable additional data and selection criteria, the system can yield an efficient, quick, and affordable solution for relaying services. |
| US08489058B2 |
Receiver, system, and memory with memory protection during power supply transitions
A receiver includes a memory, processing circuitry, and a memory protection unit. The processing circuitry is coupled to the memory, and has an input for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an output for providing an output signal at another frequency. The processing circuitry includes one or more independently powered components adapted to write data to the memory. The memory protection unit is coupled to the memory, and monitors a power supply voltage level corresponding to each independently powered component and, if the power supply voltage level changes during a power supply transition of an independently powered component in which the power supply voltage remains sufficiently large to power the independently powered component, to prevent write operations received from a corresponding one of the one or more independently powered components from occurring at least while the power supply voltage level is changing. |
| US08489057B2 |
Method of controlling RF transmissions to mitigate interference with critical care medical equipment
Various methods of mitigating RF inference with one or more critical care medical devices is provided, wherein a predetermined threshold energy acceleration value is associated with the one or more critical care medical devices that, if exceeded, will cause RF inference with the one or more critical care medical devices. The methods includes generating and transmitting RF energy, wherein at least a portion of said RF energy follows an RF power profile of power versus time having a particular format designed to mitigate interference. |
| US08489055B2 |
Active interference suppression in a satellite communication system
The invention relates to active interference suppression in a satellite communication system, particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and method for using active interference suppression in order to suppress co-channel interference between user signals in the communication system. The communication system includes a receive or transmit antenna having a plurality of antenna elements, each antenna element associated with a respective antenna element signal. The method includes the steps of calculating complex weighting values for one or more of a plurality of beam signals, adjusting the beam signals in accordance with the calculated complex weighting values and cancelling co-channel interference in at least one of the beam signals using the one or more adjusted derived beam signals to provide an interference suppressed output signal. The complex weighting values can be calculated based on a constant modulus algorithm. |
| US08489053B2 |
Compensation of local oscillator phase jitter
Digital logic circuitry is disclosed. The circuitry includes local oscillator drift and phase compensation logic that compensates the frequency drift and the phase noise of a local oscillator generated by a digitally controlled oscillator. |
| US08489052B2 |
Variable gain amplifier for low voltage applications
An integrated communications system. Comprising a substrate having a receiver disposed on the substrate for converting a received signal to an IF signal. Coupled to a VGA for low voltage applications and coupled to the receiver for processing the IF signal. The VGA includes a bank pair having a first bank of differential pairs of transistors and a second bank of differential pairs of transistors. The bank pair is cross-coupled in parallel, the IF signal is applied to the bank pair decoupled from a control signal used to control transconductance output gain of the bank pair over a range of input voltages. A digital IF demodulator is disposed on the substrate and coupled to the VGA for low voltage applications, for converting the IF signal to a demodulated baseband signal. And a transmitter is disposed on the substrate operating in cooperation with the receiver to establish a two way communications path. |
| US08489050B2 |
Method for tuning to a radio broadcast frequency in a portable terminal
A method for tuning to a radio broadcast frequency in a portable terminal is disclosed. The method includes: determining whether a condition for requiring tuning information is satisfied; computing tuning information using received signal strength indication (RSSI) values of signals received by frequencies if a condition for requiring tuning information is satisfied; and tuning to a radio broadcast frequency corresponding to a radio broadcasting requested by a user, using the computed tuning information, and receiving radio broadcast signals. The tuning information includes: a threshold of RSSI serving as a reference value determine the presence of a radio broadcasting channel; and a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) value to minimize noise levels. |
| US08489049B1 |
Transmission and receiver system operating on different frequency bands
A receiver can extract digital data from wireless radio frequency signal. The digital data contains at least two compressed digital audio data each associated with a different audio program. One compressed digital audio data is delivered in a first frequency band and the other compressed digital audio data in a second frequency band. A user can select the audio program. The receiver also receives a command instructing the receiver to receive digital audio data from a communication channel in a frequency band. |
| US08489048B2 |
Selecting PA bias levels of RF PA circuitry during a multislot burst
Power amplifier (PA) control circuitry and PA bias circuitry are disclosed. During one slot of a multislot transmit burst from radio frequency (RF) PA circuitry, the PA control circuitry selects one PA bias level of the RF PA circuitry and the RF PA circuitry has one output power level. The RF PA circuitry has a next output power level during an adjacent next slot of the multislot transmit burst. If the one output power level exceeds the next output power level by more than a power drop limit, then the PA control circuitry maintains the one PA bias level during the adjacent next slot. If the one output power level significantly exceeds the next output power level, but by less than the power drop limit, then the PA control circuitry selects a next PA bias level, which is less than the one PA bias level, during the adjacent next slot. |
| US08489043B2 |
Distortion compensation apparatus and apparatus and method for transmitting signal
A distortion compensation apparatus and an apparatus and method for transmitting a signal are provided. The distortion compensation apparatus can extract precise distortion information by adding an additional signal to an input signal during the compensation of distortion in a nonlinear apparatus, and can linearize the nonlinear properties of the nonlinear apparatus using the distortion information. The apparatus for transmitting a signal can output a signal linearized by the same method as that used by the distortion compensation apparatus. |
| US08489032B2 |
System and method for sensitivity measurement in wireless mobile stations
A system and method is provided for performing a wireless reception performance test between a wireless device and a base station emulator. The method comprises generating a path loss correction factor. The path loss correction factor compensates for path loss from an antenna port of the base station emulator to an antenna port of the wireless device. The method further comprises transmitting from the base station emulator at least a further signal transmission. The further signal transmission includes the path loss correction factor such that the transmission power of the further signal transmission removes the effect of path loss from the wireless reception performance test. |
| US08489030B2 |
Radio apparatus having first and second amplifiers and which performs direct current offset correction of the first and second amplifiers
A radio apparatus capable of correcting a direct current offset with high accuracy in a short time is provided. A radio apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first amplifier amplifying a signal inputted to an input terminal with amplification gain determined by a variable resistor to generate a first amplified signal, and a second amplifier amplifying the first amplified signal to generate a second amplified signal. Further, the radio apparatus includes a first correcting unit correcting a direct current offset of the first amplifier, and a second correcting unit correcting a direct current offset of the second amplifier. The radio apparatus also includes a reference voltage source or reference current source supplying a reference voltage or reference current for referring a direct current offset to the first amplifier and the second amplifier, a gain controller controlling the amplification gain of the first amplifier; and a correction controller controlling the gain controller to set the amplification gain to maximum and controlling the first and second correcting units to perform correction of the second correcting unit based on the second amplified signal obtained by inputting the reference voltage or the reference current to an input terminal of the second amplifier, and thereafter perform correction of the first correcting unit based on the second amplified signal obtained by inputting the reference voltage or the reference current to an input terminal of the first amplifier. |
| US08489027B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating sound wave of human body
A method and apparatus for communicating a sound wave is provided. The apparatus includes: a sound wave converter converting a sound wave signal transmitted from a counter apparatus through the human body into an electrical signal when the sound wave is transmitted from the counter apparatus through the human body and converting an electrical signal on data to be output to the counter apparatus into a sound wave; a data processor receiving the converted electrical signal from the sound wave converter and transmitting an electrical signal on the data to be output to the sound wave converter when the data to be output exists; and a switch connected between the sound wave converter and the data processor, the switch transmitting the converted electrical signal to the data processor and transmitting the electrical signal on the data to be output to the sound wave converter. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently transmit a signal with a low loss of sound wave signal. Thus, it is possible to simply construct communication hardware at a low price. |
| US08489022B1 |
Arbitration between multiple wireless protocols in a wireless device based on predicted activites
Arbitration between two wireless protocols in a wireless device. The wireless device may include first wireless protocol circuitry, configured to receive and process first signals according to a first wireless protocol and second wireless protocol circuitry, configured to receive and process second signals according to a second wireless protocol. The wireless device may also include coexistence circuitry. The coexistence circuitry may be configured to receive a request from the first wireless protocol circuitry to perform transmission or reception and arbitrate the requested transmission or reception between the first wireless protocol circuitry and the second wireless protocol circuitry. The decision may be based on current or future priority information, current configuration, or other factors. The coexistence circuitry (or other circuitry) may be configured to determine position of switches controlling antennas or transmission using shared or unshared antennas (or chains). The two wireless protocols may be WLAN and Bluetooth. |
| US08489021B2 |
Communication between portable apparatus and counterpart apparatus
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a communication interface unit configured to receive reference biosignal data, and a wireless interface unit configured to receive a plurality of candidate biosignal transmissions from candidate biosignal transmitters. A comparison unit of the apparatus is configured to compare the reference biosignal data with the candidate biosignal transmissions, thus resulting in comparison data. The wireless interface unit is configured to execute a pairing protocol with a candidate biosignal transmitter of a candidate biosignal transmission by utilizing the comparison data. |
| US08489016B2 |
Method for data communication in a co-operative cellular network, and corresponding device and computer program product
A method is provided for communication between at least one source entity and one destination entity, in a cooperative network that includes a plurality of entities. The method includes a step of determining, for a given entity of the network, a temporal variation of an impulse response of a transmission channel established between the given entity and another entity. The method further includes: a step of determining a temporal variation of an impulse response of at least one global transmission channel intended to be established between the source entity and the destination entity and passing through at least one relay entity, on the basis of the temporal variations of the impulse responses of the transmission channels; and a step of selecting a global transmission channel from among the set of global transmission channels determined. |
| US08489015B2 |
Waveguide-based wireless distribution system and method of operation
The design and use of a simplified, highly efficient, waveguide-based wireless distribution system are provided. A low-loss waveguide is used to transport wireless signals from a signal source or sources to one or more receiver locations. One or more adjustable signal coupling devices partially insert into the waveguide at predetermined locations along the length of the system to provide variable, controlled extraction of one or more wireless signals. Low-loss impedance matching circuitry is provided between the waveguide coupling devices and output connectors to maintain high system efficiency and the capability of supplying signals of high strength and quality to a large number of receivers in a wide wireless coverage area via a plurality of signal radiators. Some embodiments of the system are adaptable for wireless distribution service in HVAC plenum spaces while others disclose the combined functions of fire extinguishing and waveguide wireless distribution. |
| US08489013B2 |
Intermediary conveyance apparatus and image forming system having a blower for control of sheets
When a sheet is brought into a sheet storage section (12), a fan 126 creates an air current towards the sheet storage part (12), and when the sheet is discharged from the sheet storage section (12), the fan stops air blow. Whereby, the conveyance of the sheet to the sheet storage section (12) is guided, and discharging of the sheet from the sheet storage section is smoothly carried out. |
| US08489012B2 |
Paper handler
An automated paper handling system for sending print media through a printer comprising a scan module for scanning print media and producing raw data regarding characteristics of the print media. The paper handling system also has a controller comprising a memory and a processor for receiving and processing the raw data to produce an information set. One or more connection ports connect the controller to a group of equipment, the group may comprise a printer, a paper detector, a cutting system, or an alignment system. |
| US08489011B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system
An image forming apparatus includes a developer bearing member configured to bear a developer to develop a latent image, a developer regulating member configured to regulate an amount of the developer carried on the bearing member, a voltage application unit that can apply a plurality of direct current voltages of different values between the bearing member and the regulating member, and a current detection unit that can detect a plurality of direct currents of different values flowing in the regulating member when the voltage application unit applies the plurality of direct current voltages, wherein the image forming apparatus sets a direct current voltage value Vb applied by the voltage application unit when developing the latent image, so that the following expression is satisfied: |Vb|>|Vbmin|, where Vbmin indicates a direct current voltage value when the direct current detected by the current detection unit is a minimum value. |
| US08489010B2 |
Image delete apparatus and recording medium carrying method of image delete apparatus
An image delete apparatus has a paper feed tray that feeds recording media, a group of sensors containing a double-feed detection sensor that senses double-feed of the recording media and a media sensor that senses thicknesses of the recording media, a folding unit, and an auxiliary carrying path, and includes a collecting unit that folds and collects the recording media. |
| US08489009B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing device includes an endless belt-shaped fixing member, a rotary pressing member disposed opposite the fixing member, a stationary member, a friction reducer, and a activation device. The endless belt-shaped fixing member formed in a loop moves in a predetermined direction and fixes a toner image on a recording medium by heating and fusing the toner image. The stationary member is provided inside the loop and pressed against the rotary pressing member through the fixing member to form a nip between the rotary pressing member and the fixing member through which the recording medium bearing the toner image passes. The friction reducer disposed between the fixing member and the stationary member reduces friction generated therebetween. The activation device provided inside the loop of the fixing member moves the friction reducer to change a portion of the friction reducer that comes between the fixing member and the stationary member. |
| US08489006B2 |
Externally heated fuser device with extended nip width
A fuser device for an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus. The fuser device includes an externally heated fuser roller having a thick elastomeric cover. An external heater assembly is positioned in operative association with the fuser roller. The external heater assembly has a low mass, fast-acting heating element to transfer heat rapidly to and from the external surface of the elastomeric cover of the fuser roller. A pressure film belt assembly is also in operative association with the fuser roller, spaced from the external heater assembly. The pressure film belt assembly has a pressure applicator which maximizes thermal contact and mechanical energy to define an optimum nip pressure profile providing an extended fusing nip with the fuser roller, thereby yielding quick starting, with superior energy efficiency and exceptional temperature control for the fuser device that provides proper image quality for photos, text, and graphics for high quality reproductions with consistent gloss (luster). |
| US08489004B2 |
Developer device and image forming apparatus
A developer device includes two developer rollers arranged opposite to an image carrier. A first developer bias voltage (waveform Z) of a rectangular waveform obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage is applied to one of the developer rollers. A second developer bias voltage (waveform A) obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage is applied to the other developer roller. The waveform A is a waveform obtained by deforming the rectangular wave in the first developer bias voltage such that toner adhered to the image carrier is prevented from being dislodged by toner being subsequently scattered. According to the developer device, an optimal image density can be obtained at a low-density potential. |
| US08489003B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a developer bearing body that rotates in a first direction, and a supply brush roller, out of contact with the body, that also rotates in the first direction. A brush contact member has a first contact portion in contact with bristles of the roller above a first horizontal plane passing through a rotational axis of the roller and upstream in the first rotational direction of the roller of a portion of the roller opposing the body. A thickness adjusting member has a second contact portion in contact with the body below a second horizontal plane passing through a rotational axis of the body and downstream in the first rotational direction of the body of the portion of the roller opposing the body. A first vertical plane passing through the first contact portion is closer to the axis of the roller than is a second vertical plane passing through the second contact portion. |
| US08489002B2 |
Method for delaying the start of a gage for tracking the life of a consumable item for an imaging device
A method for delaying the start of a gage for tracking the life of a consumable item for an imaging device according to one exemplary embodiment includes counting the number of revolutions of a rotating imaging component having a correlation with the life of the consumable item and determining whether a predetermined delay threshold is satisfied based on the number of revolutions of the imaging component counted. Until the predetermined delay threshold is satisfied, starting the gage and tracking the remaining life of the consumable item are delayed. |
| US08488997B2 |
Image forming apparatus controlling standby positions of developing devices
In an image forming apparatus of a rotary type, when a pause is made during continuous image formation, the time taken to restart image formation after the pause is shortened so as to reduce stress on the user. In the image forming apparatus, it is determined beforehand whether the next image formation mode is a color mode or a mono mode, and a developing device to be first used in the next image formation mode is moved to a developing standby position. |
| US08488995B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A cleaner-less image forming apparatus includes an LED which is arranged with a closest distance of 10 to 5000 μm to a photosensitive member and exposes the photosensitive member. In the image forming apparatus, an absolute value of an average charge of a developer is between 50 μC/g and 90 μC/g, and a contact angle of the photosensitive member with respect to pure water is not less than 90° and not more than 150°. |
| US08488990B2 |
Housing unit and image forming apparatus
A housing unit includes: a first housing that contains a cylindrical image holder; a second housing that contains a fuser unit for fixing an image to a recording medium by a heat roller; a protruding unit that protrudes outwardly from a surface of the first housing, which surface faces a circular surface of the image holder; a heat resistant member that is formed of a material having heat resistance higher than that of the protruding unit, and covers the protruding unit; a metallic supporting unit that supports an end of the heat roller; a connecting unit that is formed on the supporting unit and is shaped to contact and fit the heat resistant member; and a fixing unit that fixes the first housing to the second housing at such a position that the connecting unit is fitted to the heat resistant member. |
| US08488988B2 |
Printers and apparatus to reduce emissions from a print substrate exit port
Printers and apparatus to reduce emissions from a print substrate exit port are disclosed. An example apparatus to reduce emissions from a print substrate exit port includes a first member coupled to a hinge adjacent a printer substrate exit port, the first member to substantially cover a travel path of a print substrate in a first position and to pivot from the exit travel path of the print substrate in response to air pressure associated with the print substrate when the print substrate travels through the print substrate exit port. |
| US08488987B2 |
Image forming apparatus having first and second ground conducting routes
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus body, a cassette attaching section and a media cassette. The media cassette includes a loading plate, a pushing up member, a projecting portion and a plate holding portion that engages the loading plate. In a first position, the plate holding portion releases its hold on the loading plate so that the media contacts the media supplying roller. A release portion engages the plate holding portion to cause the plate holding portion to release its hold on the loading plate. A first ground conducting route is formed by electrically connecting the projecting portion with a ground portion. A second ground conducting route has a ground portion formed at a position to which the media contacts after the media cassette is attached to the first position and after the media is conveyed by the media supply roller. |
| US08488985B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for applying transfer voltage in the image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is configured such that a developer image is transferred by a transfer section from an image bearing body onto a recording medium. The image forming apparatus includes a memory, an apparatus usage information obtaining section, and a transfer voltage correcting section. The memory stores correction values for a transfer voltage, the correction values corresponding to changes in an operation status of the image forming apparatus. The apparatus usage information obtaining section obtains information on the operation status. The transfer voltage correcting section corrects the transfer voltage based on the correction values and the information on the operation status. |
| US08488982B2 |
Method and apparatus to control electric power of coil which performs induction heating in imaging apparatus
Provided is a method of controlling electric power of a coil which performs induction heating in an imaging apparatus. The method includes: detecting an input current of the coil; detecting a resonant current of the coil; calculating a difference between the detected resonant current and the detected input current; and controlling electric power supplied to the coil based on the difference. These operations are repeatedly performed whenever the detected input current is changed. |
| US08488979B2 |
Multi-level polarization multi-level phase modulator
An apparatus for use with an optical computation system may comprise a monolithic device with no free space optical components and may include a phase modulator and a polarization modulator. The phase modulator may be configured to receive a beam of light and two digital data streams and operable to modulate the phase of the beam of light to at least four phase states, the at least four phase states representing the two digital data streams. The polarization modulator may be configured to receive two additional digital data streams and the modulated beam of light from the phase modulator and operable to modulate the polarization of the beam of light to at least four polarization states, the at least four polarization states representing the two additional digital data streams. |
| US08488976B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting mobility of a mobile terminal that performs visible light communication
A method and apparatus for supporting mobility of a mobile terminal in a Visible Light Communication (VLC) system. The method includes activating only necessary light sources for VLC considering the mobility of the mobile terminal, instead of using total light sources for VLC. Consequently, power consumption can be significantly reduced. |
| US08488974B2 |
Enhanced SMF passive optical networks using polarization beamforming
The new invention relates to a novel high-performance Passive Optical Network (PON) upgrade architecture, based on adapting Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) beamforming techniques to polarization multiplexing. |
| US08488965B2 |
Network system and optical line terminal
It is necessary to completely remove overlapping of signals between plural PONs in order to make the PONs coexist. Accordingly, it is required to share or intensively manage bandwidth use conditions over an optical fiber that serves as a common band between plural systems. Therefore, transmission clocks should be synchronized with high accuracy between plural systems. A reference clock is provided from an external device or a representative OLT to the entire systems to perform clock synchronization between plural systems, so that the overall systems are synchronized by synchronizing each OLT with the reference clock. A hierarchical management method is selected that manages ONUs under the control of each OLT by managing band use information arranged for each OLT with respect to an external device or a representative OLT for sharing of bandwidth use conditions between plural systems. |
| US08488956B2 |
Focus adjusting apparatus and focus adjusting method
High-accuracy focus adjustment is achieved even when vignetting is caused by a taking lens. A first pixel group receives a light beam that passes through a first pupil area of an optical system that forms an object image, and a second pixel group receives a light beam that passes through a second pupil area. A first signal based on an output signal from the first pixel group and a second signal based on an output signal from the second pixel group are corrected using correction information with a sampling pitch that is changed in accordance with an amount of defocus. A focal state of the optical system is adjusted based on an amount of relative displacement between the corrected first signal and the corrected second signal after the image-signal correction process. |
| US08488955B2 |
Optical device and control method therefor
An optical device comprises a shake detection unit adapted to detect shaking of the optical device, an amplifying unit adapted to amplify a difference between an output of the shake detection unit and a reference voltage, an offset calculation unit adapted to calculate an offset component based on an output of the amplifying unit, a changing unit adapted to change the reference voltage so as to remove the offset component, a correction unit adapted to correct the output of the amplifying unit so as to cancel out a change made by the changing unit, and a focal length detection unit adapted to detect a focal length of the imaging optical system, wherein the changing unit changes the reference voltage when the offset component exceeds a threshold, and the threshold is higher when the imaging optical system is on a telephoto side than on a wide-angle side. |
| US08488948B2 |
Apparatus for and method of recording information, apparatus for and method of reproducing information, recording medium, and information recording medium
Provided is an information recording apparatus which, in a state where the content of moving picture image information, etc. can be prevented from being inadvertently recognized by the user due to inadvertent presentation to the user of a relevant representative picture image, enables recording the respective information into a recording medium. A reproduction list PL that is to be reproduced is not only recorded into an optical disc 1 but is there also recorded in it a reproduction list display prohibition flag PHF indicating at least whether limiting the display of a representative picture image that represents the content of the reproduction list PL. |
| US08488946B2 |
Reproducing apparatus, reproducing method and reproducing computer program product
An apparatus, computer program product and method provide a mechanism for independently allow a user to pause the display of a video stream from a given source, while also enabling the user to operate a menu function from a data stream from the same source. |
| US08488942B2 |
Bookmark exchange
A bookmark communicates precisely the location within an asset where a video clip referenced by the bookmark can be found as well as the start and stop times of the video clip. A subscriber watches a program on a video device or other platform. When the subscriber decides to create a bookmark, the subscriber pauses the program. A bookmark interface is initiated, wherein the subscriber creates a bookmark references a video clip of the program. The first subscriber then selects at least one other subscriber to send the bookmark to. A second subscriber receives the bookmark. The receipt of the bookmark activates a bookmark interface that is displayed on the video device of the second subscriber. The second subscriber initiates an action associated with the bookmark, which may include selecting to watch the video clip associated with the bookmark. |
| US08488935B2 |
Fiber to the premise service disconnect via macro-bending loss
It is determined that service is to be disconnected for at least a first subscriber of a video content network employing at least one fiber optic cable. The service to the at least first subscriber is provided from a cross-connect cabinet, over the at least one fiber optic cable, to a premises of the at least first subscriber. Sufficient macro-bending loss is induced in the at least one fiber optic cable so as to cause a signal-to-noise ratio at the premises to degrade such that the service is disconnected. The macro-bending loss is induced in a portion of the at least one fiber optic cable which services only the first subscriber. The macro-bending loss can be induced, for example, by winding about a single mandrel, two mandrels in a figure eight pattern, in a tortuous groove in a tray, and so on. |
| US08488933B2 |
Method and apparatus for mechanically cleaving a stripped end section of an optic fiber core
Apparatus for mechanically cleaving a stripped end section of an optic fiber core, including a receiving section including an optic fiber guide for receiving the stripped end section of the optic fiber core; a clamping section for receiving a terminal end section of the optic fiber core from the receiving section and securing said terminal end section in a fixed position; and a cleaving section including a cleaving member and cleaving blade, said member being operable to move between an optic fiber receiving position and an optic fiber cleaving position where the blade is positioned to at least partially fracture the optic fiber core extending between the receiving section and the clamping section, wherein movement of the cleaving member towards the cleaving position effects at least partial separation movement between the guide and the clamping section so as to tension and thereby cleave the optic fiber core extending therebetween. |
| US08488929B2 |
Tactical cable
Robust fiber optic cables and assemblies having low attenuation multimode optical fibers. The cables have low attenuation in tensile and mandrel wrap tests, and can have thermoplastic urethane jackets coextruded over tensile strength members that allow the cables to be pulled by the jackets. The cables have relatively small cross-sections yet have sufficient robustness to be deployed in extreme environments such as cellular tower applications. |
| US08488926B2 |
Photoelectric connector assembly with a lens member having lenses at opposite faces thereof
A photoelectric connector assembly includes a first lens member connecting with fiber cables and defining convex lenses opposite to fiber cables, a connector and a substrate embedded with waveguides. The connector defines a mating cavity running through a front face thereof and inserted with said first lens member. The connector includes terminals with contacting sections exposing to the mating cavity, a second lens members. The second lens member is located at back of the first lens member and defines first convex lenses at a front face thereof and second convex lenses at a rear face thereof. The first convex lenses are coupled with the convex lens of the first lens member. The substrate defines light ports at free ends of the waveguides. The substrate is seated with the connector and the light ports are coupled with the second convex lenses of the second lens member. |
| US08488921B2 |
Packaged multicore fiber optical transceiver module
A method and structure for coupling to a plurality of multicore optical fiber strands. A first plurality of optoelectronic devices is provided on a surface of a substrate, the first optoelectronic devices being arranged in a 2D array pattern that corresponds to a 2D array pattern corresponding to different light cores of a first multicore optical fiber. A second plurality of optoelectronic devices is provided on the surface of the substrate, the second optoelectronic devices being arranged in a 2D array pattern that corresponds to a 2D array pattern corresponding to different light cores of a second multicore optical fiber. Each optoelectronic device on the substrate surface provides one of a receive function and a transmit function for interacting with a corresponding core of a multicore optical fiber strand. |
| US08488918B2 |
Semiconductor optical device, optical transmitter module, optical transceiver module, and optical transmission equipment
Provided is a semiconductor optical device, which has a buried heterostructure structure and is formed in a structure capable of reducing a parasitic capacitance to further improve characteristics thereof, and also provided are an optical transmitter module, an optical transceiver module, and an optical transmission equipment. The semiconductor optical device includes a modulator portion for modulating light input along an emitting direction and radiating the modulated light, the modulator portion including: a mesa-stripe structure, which includes an active layer and extends in the emitting direction; and a buried layer provided adjacent to each side of the mesa-stripe structure, in which a distance between a lower surface of the buried layer and a lower surface of the active layer is 20% or more of a distance between the lower surface and an upper surface of the buried layer. |
| US08488912B2 |
Systems and methods for socially-based correction of tilted images
Systems and methods for socially-based correction of tilted images. In an embodiment, the present invention levels tilted images by (1) receiving an image; (2) rotating the image by a random angle; (3) requesting at least one user rotate the image to level the image; (4) determining a collective user-suggested angle based on the rotations of each user; and (5) transmitting, over a communication network, a correction angle, where the correction angle is based on the random angle and the collective user-suggested angle. |
| US08488911B2 |
Image processing apparatus for processing a binary image, image processing method, and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a count unit, a transform unit, a first calculation unit, a second calculation unit, and a binarization unit. The count unit counts the number of pixels of an original binary image. The transform unit transforms the original binary image into a transformed image based on a given transform level. The first calculation unit calculates the number of pixels of the transformed image, based on the given transform level and the number of pixels of the original binary image. The second calculation unit calculates a threshold level based on the number of pixels for each pixel value of the transformed image and the number of pixels of the transformed image. The binarization unit binarizes the transformed image based on the threshold level. |
| US08488905B2 |
Image processing method for reproducing one image by overlapping output images by first and second devices having different output modes
It is difficult to reproduce an input image more faithfully while enlarging a dynamic range and color gamut, in a reproduced image obtained by overlapping output images by a projector and printer. An image processing apparatus (102) transforms an input signal (101) into an RGB signal for a projector (103) and a CMY signal for a printer (104). In this case, the image processing apparatus (102) uses a transformation LUT, which is generated based on the spectral distribution characteristics of the projector (103) and the spectral reflectivity characteristics of the printer (104). By overlapping images formed by the projector (103) and printer (104) based on the transformed image signals, an input image can be reproduced more faithfully while enlarging the dynamic range and color gamut. |
| US08488904B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes: a transformation information calculating unit configured to calculate, based on the motion information of an imaged image making up an imaged moving picture, transformation information relating to a plurality of compositing target images serving as compositing targets of an imaged image making up the imaged moving picture; and a decoration image determining unit configured to calculate a shift quantity between a first compositing target image that is the compositing target image, and a second compositing target image that is the compositing target image after transformation according to the transformation information to determine a decoration image to be added to the periphery of the second compositing target image based on the shift quantity. |
| US08488903B2 |
Image processing device and information storage medium
An image processing device includes a normal light image acquisition section that acquires a normal light image including an object image that includes information within a wavelength band of white light, a special light image acquisition section that acquires a special light image including an object image that includes information within a specific wavelength band, an isolated point determination section that performs an isolated point determination process on a normal light processing target pixel based on a pixel value of the normal light processing target pixel, the normal light processing target pixel being a processing target pixel included in the normal light image, and a correction control section that controls a correction process performed on the special light image based on the isolated point determination process performed by the isolated point determination section. |
| US08488902B2 |
Detection values correction apparatus
The present invention relates to a detection values correction apparatus for correcting detection values of a projection image of a multi-energy imaging system. A scatter contribution providing unit provides scatter contributions for different intensities, different energies and different locations on the detection surface of the detection values. A scatter contributions combining unit combines scatter contributions for correcting a detection value, wherein the combined scatter contributions represent the contribution of the scatter, which is caused by radiation of the other detection values of the projection image, to the detection value to be corrected and wherein the scatter contributions are combined under consideration of the intensity, energy and location on the detection surface of the other detection values. A correction unit scatter corrects the detection value of the projection image by using the combined scatter contributions. |
| US08488898B2 |
Filter and method for removing image errors and associated display circuit
A filter for eliminating image errors, as well as associated method and TV signal display circuit, is provided to determine the filter coefficients according to the regularity of image errors in an image signal or a TV signal, thereby removing the image errors. The filter includes a plurality of multipliers and an adder. The multipliers receive a plurality of pixel values from a plurality of scan lines, multiply the pixel values by a plurality of corresponding weight coefficients and output the result; the adder sums up the outputs of the multipliers to generate an output pixel value. The errors have a regularity and the corresponding weight coefficients are associated with the regularity such that the errors of the pixel values may be canceled when the adder generates the output pixel value. |
| US08488891B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding and multi-view image
A Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a multi-view image are provided. The method of encoding a multi-view image includes determining whether each of pictures included in multi-view image sequences is a reference picture referred to by other pictures included in the multi-view image sequences for inter-view prediction, and encoding the pictures using at least one of inter-view prediction and temporal prediction based on the determination result, thereby efficiently encoding and decoding the multi-view image at high speed. |
| US08488890B1 |
Partial coverage layers for color compression
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for compressing image data with high contrast between pixels within a tile and between samples within pixels without any data loss. Partial coverage layers are generated and written to a tile that includes multiple pixels without reading the existing image data that is stored for the tile. A partial coverage layer encodes image data, such as colors, and sub-pixel coverage information for each covered pixel in a tile. The use of partial coverage layers reduces the bandwidth used to store image data when a tile is not fully covered. |
| US08488879B2 |
Image processing device and image processing method
An image processing device includes a hue calculation unit configured to calculate a hue of a pixel included in a target image; an extraction unit configured to extract a first group including a pixel, a hue of which is close to a hue of the target pixel; a chromaticity calculation unit configured to calculate a chromaticity of the pixel included in the first group and that of the target pixel; a diffuse reflection factor calculation unit configured to calculate an estimated diffuse reflection factor by using the chromaticity of the pixel included in the first group and that of the target pixel; and a separation unit configured to separate a diffuse reflection component from a pixel value of the target pixel by using the diffuse reflection factor, the diffuse reflection component representing a component in the pixel value that varies as the diffuse reflection factor varies. |
| US08488876B2 |
Method and system for managing color profiles during color device calibration
A method and system for managing the application of a color profile to a color device in connection with a calibration event associated with the color device. A color management module is configured to detect a request to inhibit application of color profile received from a calibration module. The color management module facilitates the removal of a current profile applied to the color device. The color management module monitors a connection used to communication with the calibration module to identify a termination event associated with the calibration module and/or calibration event. In response to identifying the termination event, the color management module facilitates the application of a color profile to the color device. |
| US08488874B2 |
Variable rate sprayer system and method of variably applying agrochemicals
Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for controlling a variable-rate sprayer for precision agriculture. Highly efficient digital image processing enables rapid and reliable control of the variable rate sprayer. In one embodiment, image processing uses only a subset of luminance, hue, saturation and intensity textural features to provide rapid image recognition. In another embodiment, an image is decomposed into RGB components and a G is ratio determined. For example, the textural method is useful in growing season where color differentiation is difficult. The G ratio method is useful in early spring and late fall where color differentiation is possible. These rapid computationally light methods enable a mobile sprayer system to identify crop or field conditions in real-time and to dispense an appropriate amount of agrochemical in a specific section of the sprayer boom where the target has been detected as the mobile sprayer advances. |
| US08488867B2 |
Inspection device for disk-shaped substrate
An inspection apparatus to precisely quantitatively inspect positions of formation of film layers formed on the surface of a disk-shaped substrate. It generates captured image data expressing a captured image corresponding to a field of vie based on image signals successively output from an image capturing unit capturing an image of a predetermined surface at an outer circumference part of the disk-shaped substrate and generates film layer edge position information expressing longitudinal direction positions at corresponding positions along the circumferential direction of an edge line of a film layer image pan corresponding to the film layer on the surface image with reference to, from the captured image data, longitudinal direction positions at the different positions along the circumferential direction of a boundary line between a surface image part corresponding to the predetermined surface on the captured image and its outer image part. |
| US08488865B2 |
Method and system for digital image analysis of ear traits
A method of evaluating one or more kernels of an ear of maize using digital imagery includes acquiring a digital image of the one or more kernels of the ear of maize, processing the digital image to estimate at least one physical property of the one or more kernels of the ear of maize from the digital image, and evaluating the at least one kernel of maize using the estimate of the at least one physical property of the at least one kernel of maize. |
| US08488864B2 |
Emission analysis device, method and system
An emission analysis device has an image obtaining module configured to obtain a plurality of first images and a plurality of second images by changing multiple times an end test pattern address, the first images being obtained by integrating an emission from a nondefective semiconductor device determined to be nondefective by a function test while test patterns from a predetermined start test pattern address to the end test pattern address are inputted to the nondefective semiconductor device, the second images being obtained by integrating an emission from a defective semiconductor device determined to be defective by the function test while the test patterns from the predetermined start test pattern address to the end test pattern address are inputted to the defective semiconductor device, and a comparator configured to compare each of the first images with each of the second images by the end test pattern address to determine whether there is a difference between the first images and the second images. |
| US08488863B2 |
Combinational pixel-by-pixel and object-level classifying, segmenting, and agglomerating in performing quantitative image analysis that distinguishes between healthy non-cancerous and cancerous cell nuclei and delineates nuclear, cytoplasm, and stromal material objects from stained biological tissue materials
Quantitative object and spatial arrangement-level analysis of tissue are detailed using expert (pathologist) input to guide the classification process. A two-step method is disclosed for imaging tissue, by classifying one or more biological materials, e.g. nuclei, cytoplasm, and stroma, in the tissue into one or more identified classes on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and segmenting the identified classes to agglomerate one or more sets of identified pixels into segmented regions. Typically, the one or more biological materials comprises nuclear material, cytoplasm material, and stromal material. The method further allows a user to markup the image subsequent to the classification to re-classify said materials. The markup is performed via a graphic user interface to edit designated regions in the image. |
| US08488858B2 |
Median plane determination apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging system
A median plane determination apparatus determines a median plane based on volume data of a brain of a subject. The median plane is determined based on voxel values of voxels which intersect with a reference surface cutting across the brain. |
| US08488850B2 |
Isotropic resolution image reconstruction
A nuclear imaging system (110) includes a radiation detector (112) having a distance dependent spatial resolution. A reconstructor (124) reconstructs projections acquired by the detector to generate image data. The reconstructor (124) applies a distance dependent projection filter (134) so as to reduce angular dependent resolution variations in the image space data. |
| US08488845B1 |
Semi-automatic extraction of linear features from image data
Method for editing a vector set associated with an extracted linear feature in a remotely sensed image, the vector set defining a path and being tied to a geographical location. The method includes displaying the path in a graphical display. Once the user activates a smart editing tool, the user establishes a region of influence centered around a cursor. The region of influence is configured to respond to cursor movements. The user specifies a point near the path and moves the cursor to it, bringing the region of influence along. Any error in the vector set of the path is automatically corrected in real time using image-based logic. The user then previews the correction on the graphical display and implements it, updating the path. The updated path is displayed in real time in the graphical display. |
| US08488841B2 |
Searchlight control apparatus and method
In a method for controlling a searchlight using a control apparatus, images of a target area are captured in real-time using an image capturing device when the searchlight is powered on. The captured images are analyzed to detect whether a moving object is in the target area, and position information of the moving object in a current image of the target area are calculated when the moving object is detected. The searchlight is controlled to aim at and illuminate the moving object using an actuating device according to the position information of the moving object. |
| US08488839B2 |
Computer program and apparatus for motion-based object extraction and tracking in video
A computer program and apparatus function to extract objects from a video by identifying regions to be tracked, tracking the regions across several frames, calculating motions of the regions, and identifying new regions to be tracked. Regions of a selected frame of the video that are appropriate for tracking are selected. Tracking of the identified regions is then performed across frames subsequent to the selected frame of the video. Motions of the identified regions are calculated, and new regions for tracking are identified. |
| US08488838B2 |
Combined watermarking and fingerprinting
Content fingerprints and watermarks are combined in various ways for content identification applications. Fingerprints are used to identify content generally while watermarks provide more detailed localization of parts within the content, and vice versa. Fingerprint techniques are further used for signal synchronization and other pre-processing steps to assist in digital watermark decoding. A variety of fingerprint/watermark techniques identify characteristics of the channel of content from content samples. |
| US08488837B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating constructively multi-patterned watermark, and apparatus and method for inserting and detecting the watermark using the same
An apparatus and a method for generating a constructively multi-patterned watermark, an apparatus and a method for inserting and detecting the watermark using the same. The method includes dividing user's hidden data into plural partial data and outputs the plural partial data, performing a message-encoding of the plural partial data, modulating the plural message-encoded data into image signal format and outputting plural message signals, generating a synchronization signal for synchronizing the constructively multi-patterned watermark with a two-dimensional translation of an image, generating, plural sub-base patterns using the plurality of message signals modulated into the image signal format, and the synchronization signal, and generating a base watermark that is the constructively multi-patterned watermark, using the plural sub-base patterns. Therefore, the invention increases the payload of the watermark, withstands robustly the two-dimensional translation of an image and general geometric transform of the image through the constructive characteristics of the watermark. |
| US08488832B2 |
Docking station for media player
A docking station for an iPad or the like, has a base, a support connected to the base and holding an iPad, a signal connector, an operating circuit for amplifying an audio signal received from the iPad via the connector, and speakers for reproducing sound based on an audio signal amplified by the operating circuit. The support is movable relative to the base between an erected position for operation of the docking station and a collapsed position when the docking station is not in use and is, in the erected position, movable between two angular positions, supporting the iPad in portrait and landscape orientations. The base has a recess for receiving at least part of the support in the collapsed position, and providing an unobtrusive profile to the docking station in the collapsed position of the support. |
| US08488827B2 |
Condenser microphone
A condenser microphone includes a cylindrical microphone case having a condenser microphone unit therein; a microphone connector having an insulating base, one ground pin and two signal pins are embedded in the microphone connector; and a cylindrical connector sleeve fitted in the microphone case and accommodating the microphone connector therein, in which the connector sleeve has a concave-convex part on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the concave-convex part is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the microphone case at a plurality of points after the connector sleeve is fixed into the end of the microphone case by fixing means, and thereby the connector sleeve is electrically conducted with the microphone case. |
| US08488823B2 |
Method for designing audio signal processing system for hearing aid, audio signal processing system for hearing aid, and hearing aid
A hearing aid tailored to a hard-of-hearing person is designed using sampled-data control theory. The method is for designing an audio signal processing system for a hearing aid, wherein the system comprises an AD converter for converting an analog audio input signal (yc) inputted to the hearing aid into a digital audio input signal, a hearing aid digital filter (K(z)) for performing a signal processing on the digital audio input signal outputted from the AD converter, and a DA converter for converting a digital signal outputted from the hearing aid digital filter into an analog audio output signal to be outputted to the hard-of-hearing person. The hearing aid digital filter (K(z)) is designed according to sampled-data control theory so as to reduce an error (ec) occurring between: a restored analog signal (zc) obtained from filtering the analog audio output signal outputted from the DA converter through an analog filter (P(s)) that has characteristics corresponding to auditory characteristics of the hard-of-hearing person; and the analog audio signal (yc) inputted to the hearing aid. |
| US08488822B2 |
Assistive listening system adapted for using DECT
The invention relates to an assistive listening system comprising an audio transmitting device adapted for transmitting an audio signal and/or a control signal to a multitude of receiving listening devices and at least one receiving listening device adapted for receiving said audio signal and said control signal from said audio transmitting device. The invention further relates to a method of operating an assistive listening system and to its use. The object of the present invention is to provide an assistive listening system suitable for servicing a multitude of body worn listening devices in a wireless environment. The problem is solved in that the system is adapted to establish a digital link according to the DECT-standard from the audio transmitting device to the at least one receiving listening device, wherein the system is adapted to provide that said link is uni-directional. The system has the advantage of providing a reliable channel selection in a wireless assistive listening system comprising low power, body worn listening devices. The invention may e.g. be used for public address systems, e.g. educational listening systems, comprising listening devices adapted for being worn by a user. |
| US08488818B2 |
Interior structural assembly for a vehicle
Disclosed herein is an interior structural assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes a defrost panel forming at least a portion of a defrost duct, the defrost panel has first and second panel extensions laterally extending at opposite ends of a defrost base and an instrument panel overlaying the defrost panel, the instrument panel having at least one defrost aperture and first and second ends generally horizontally extending across the interior width of the vehicle, wherein the first and second panel extensions extend to the first and second ends of the instrument panel, respectively. |
| US08488809B2 |
Calculating and adjusting the perceived loudness and/or the perceived spectral balance of an audio signal
The invention relates to the measurement and control of the perceived sound loudness and/or the perceived spectral balance of an audio signal. An audio signal is modified in response to calculations performed at least in part in the perceptual (psychoacoustic) loudness domain. The invention is useful, for example, in one or more of: loudness-compensating volume control, automatic gain control, dynamic range control (including, for example, limiters, compressors, expanders, etc.), dynamic equalization, and compensating for background noise interference in an audio playback environment. The invention includes not only methods but also corresponding computer programs and apparatus. |
| US08488807B2 |
Audio signal compensation device and audio signal compensation method
An audio signal compensation device includes: a signal processor configured to perform filtering on an input audio signal; a filter coefficients storage module configured to store a plurality of filter coefficients; a user interface configured to provide options for a determination of filter coefficients to a user and to obtain a selection result from the user; and a filter coefficients determining module configured to determine a set of filter coefficients among the plurality of filter coefficients based on the selection result. The options for the determination of filter coefficients are produced by selecting a first filter coefficient and a second filter coefficient from the plurality of filter coefficients, the first filter coefficient corresponding to a first characteristic quantity of external auditory canal characteristics, the second filter coefficient corresponding to a second characteristic quantity of the external auditory canal characteristics which is predicted based on the first characteristic quantity. |
| US08488805B1 |
Providing background audio during telephonic communication
Background audio can be provided during telephonic communication. Telephonic communication can be established via a network, such as between a user of a telephony device and a communication partner having a second telephony device. A voice signal may be received from the user via a microphone integral with the telephony device. An audio track can be retrieved, for example, from memory integral with the telephony device or from a third-party service provider via the communications network. Noise reduction is performed on the voice signal to produce a clean voice signal. The clean voice signal may be combined with the audio track to produce a combined signal, such that the audio track provides background audio to the clean voice signal. The combined signal can then be transmitted from the telephony device to the second telephony device via the communications network. |
| US08488802B2 |
Sound field control device
A sound field control device has an input part through which an audio signal is input. A storage part stores a first factor obtained by calculating a proportion of energy of direct sound in total energy of sound collected in an adjustment environment within a predetermined time. A sound field generation part generates a sound field effect sound from the audio signal input through the input part, and outputs the sound field effect sound at a volume corresponding to the first factor. A calculation part calculates a second factor which represents a ratio of an energy of a direct sound to an energy of sound which is collected in a reproduction environment and which contains the direct sound. A correction part corrects the volume of the sound field effect sound based on a ratio between the first factor and the second factor. |
| US08488794B2 |
Method for access control to a scrambled content
A method for access control to a digital scrambled content distributed to a set of installed reception terminals including one master terminal and at least one slave terminal dependent on the master terminal. In the method the slave terminal systematically or occasionally returns at least one item of information about the access condition to the master terminal through a point-to-point link, to enable the master terminal to control access of the slave terminal to the content. |
| US08488793B2 |
Efficient rebinding of partitioned content encrypted using broadcast encryption
Provided is a method for rendering media content wherein a request to render a first media content stored in a first partition is received, wherein the first partition stores the first and a second media content; the media content is correlated to a first management key block (MKB), binding ID (IDb) and authorization table (AT); the first MKB, IDb and AT are compared to a current MKB, IDb and AT; and if any of the first MKB, IDb or AT do not correspond to the current MKB, IDb or AT, respectively, generating a second partition by rebinding the first media content with respect to the current MKB, IDb and AT to generate a title key; and associating the first media content, the current MKB, IDb, AT and title key with the second partition, wherein the second media content remains associated with the first MKB, IDb, AT and partition. |
| US08488792B2 |
Wireless communications validation system and method
A wireless communications validation system comprises a validation module configured to determine an identity of an antenna disposed in a computer system and an identity of a wireless module disposed in the computer system, the validation module configured to validate permissible combination of the antenna with the wireless module. |
| US08488791B2 |
Securing two-party computation against malicious adversaries
Methods and apparatus are provided for securing two-party computations against malicious adversaries. A method is provided for secure function evaluation. The disclosed method is performed by a garbled circuit evaluator for the transfer of private information, and comprises receiving from a constructor (i) s garbled circuits (GCs), wherein each of the GCs having a plurality of input wires; and (ii) commitments for each of the input wires, wherein the commitments comprise s2 pair-wise cryptographic bindings of wire garblings of each given wire in the s GCs; requesting the constructor to reveal a selected check-set of s/2 of the s GCs; and verifying that the check-set was properly constructed using less than all of the commitments. In addition, the disclosed method optionally comprises the step of evaluating the remaining GCs that were not in the check-set. |
| US08488787B2 |
Management of secure access to a secure digital content in a portable communicating object
The invention concerns a terminal (T) comprising an agent (AS) for processing a secure content encrypted with a key (KCN) and transmitted by a first server (SCN). In order to manage a secure access to the secure content, an application (AG) of a portable communicating object, such as a chip card, associated with a terminal stores one type of related digital right (TDN) and a certificate and transmitted by the agent and stores an access right (DA) and the key (KCN) related to the secure content transmitted from a second server (SAD). The application adapts the access right and the key and modifies the secure content, based on the type of right, and produces a secure access file based on the adapted access right and the key and on the certificate, the produced file being accessible by the terminal so that the agent may process the modified content. |
| US08488786B2 |
Security method and device for managing access to multimedia contents
A method of managing the sending of multimedia contents to a mobile terminal (2) equipped with a security module (3), the multimedia contents being sent in encrypted form from a broadcast server (1) and via a communications network (4). The method comprises the following steps: a) sending to the mobile terminal (2) rights-of-use data for a multimedia content, b) storing said rights-of-use data in the security module (3) of the mobile terminal (2), c) generating a series of encryption/decryption keys, the series of decryption keys being generated from rights-of-use data stored in the security module (3), d) sending the multimedia content to the mobile terminal (2), the content being encrypted with successive keys from the series of encryption keys that has been generated, and e) the mobile terminal receiving the multimedia content and decrypting the multimedia content using the decryption keys from the series of decryption keys generated in the security module of the mobile terminal. |
| US08488783B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying recipient criteria in identity-based encryption
An approach is provided for reducing communication traffic and cost by applying recipient criteria in identity-based encryption. A recipient criterion application selects one or more recipient criteria for data, and encrypts the data using the selected one or more recipient criteria as a public key of identity-based encryption. |
| US08488780B2 |
Finite field calculation apparatus, finite field calculation method and recording medium
A calculation Πi=0N−1e(R(i, 0), . . . , R(i, K−1)) where a calculation of K elements R(i, k)εGF(pm) of a finite field GF(pm) over a finite field is expressed as e(R(i, 0), . . . , R(i, K−1)) is efficiently performed. Polynomials poly(R(i, 0), . . . , R(i, K−1)) that express a d-th-order extension field of the finite field GF(pm), which are obtained by the calculations e(R(i, 0), . . . , R(i, K−1)) for different values of i, are multiplied by each other, and a cumulative multiplication of the products is performed, for example. The polynomial poly(R(i, 0), . . . , R(i, K−1)) is a mapping from the input elements of the finite field GF(pm), and the coefficients of at least some of the terms thereof are 0. The same process is performed for different sets of values of i, and the calculation Πi=0N−1e(R(i, 0), . . . , R(i, K−1)) is performed using the result. |
| US08488778B2 |
Electronic device with hinge mechanism
An electronic device is described that has a base and a lid, where device can be opened so that part of the base is exposed and closed so that the same part of the base is hidden. The lid is connected to the base by two bars. The bars allow the lid to slide in a plane parallel to the base. The connection between the base and lid is such that there is little overlap between the base and the lid when the device is open. |
| US08488772B2 |
Grouping of contact center agents
Agents in a contact center are grouped dynamically by defining performance metrics against which agents are to be judged, and generating an evaluation score for each of a number of agents by comparing their actual performance data to the defined performance metrics. Agents are assigned to the groups based on their performance scores. This provides the ability to generate reports and route contacts according to actual agent performance judged relative to user-specified performance metrics. The sizes of groups can be adjusted in real time to take account of actual or anticipated levels of contacts with different requirements, and agents can be reallocated among the resized groups on the fly based on the ranking of their evaluation scores. |
| US08488768B2 |
System and method of providing a single service destination in a telecommunications network
A method and apparatus for providing a single service destination in a telecommunications network is disclosed. In particular, but not exclusively, disclosed embodiments relate to the provision of a single mailbox for multi-service users having access to a plurality of different telephony services. |
| US08488767B2 |
Technique for selective presentation of information in response to a request for information assistance service
In accordance with the present invention, when a user makes an information assistance call to an information/call center requesting a listing, the user can make arrangements for various services relating to the requested listing in the same call. These services may be presented to an operator as options, and in turn presented to the user for selection. However, the options undesired by the user, based on personal preferences stored in a personal profile, or unsupported by the telephone service to which the user subscribes are not presented to the operator and thus not made available to the user. If the user is interested in any of the available options, the operator accesses the selected option and makes an appropriate arrangement for the underlying service for the user. |
| US08488762B2 |
Program-specific presence
A system and method for providing application specific presence information are disclosed here. A system includes one or more processors, a first communication program executable by the one or more processors, and a second communication program executable the one or more processors. When executed, the first and second communication programs respectively provide a first mode and a second mode of user communication. The second communication program causes the one or more processors to provide user presence information to a communication server. The presence information includes a presence status provided by the first communication program and a separate presence status provided by the second communication program. The separate presence status provided by the second communication program is configured to avoid aggregation, by the communication server, with any other presence status. |
| US08488759B2 |
System and method for producing and transmitting speech messages during voice calls over communication networks
A system and method for producing and transmitting speech messages during voice calls over communication networks is introduced. The system and method for producing and transmitting speech messages during voice calls over communication networks include an advertisement server connected to a communication network. A user uses a calling device to call the advertisement server and record advertisement in his specific voice or voice samples off which an advertisement synthesizer can generate advertisements in the user's specific voice. These advertisements are later played during voice calls between a calling device and a destination device. A billing system is used to log and bill advertisers for the advertisements played. |
| US08488756B2 |
Electronic messaging exchange
A computer-implemented system and method for secure electronic message exchange including coupling a control platform to a workstation of a plurality of workstations via a communications medium, where the control platform includes one or more apparatuses for monitoring, controlling, conversion, and billing, related to messages exchanged between a plurality of local users and a plurality of remote users. The system prevents forwarding or copying of a message sent by a local user of the plurality of local users and received by a remote user of the plurality of remote users, to another party by the control platform. The system and method also provides for authenticating the remote user with the control platform. |
| US08488748B2 |
Meningitis diagnostic and intervention tool for emergency dispatch
Systems and methods to assist an emergency medical dispatcher in responding to emergency calls are disclosed. A computer-implemented emergency dispatch protocol is provided that includes interrogatories for a dispatcher to ask a caller to generate an appropriate response. A diagnostic tool is provided to aid a dispatcher in determining a likelihood that the patient has meningitis. The diagnostic tool determines a likelihood that the patient has meningitis based on caller-relayed information concerning the caller's observations of the patient. The diagnostic tool can be launched automatically by the emergency dispatch protocol, or manually, as desired by a dispatcher. The diagnostic tool presents a user interface that may provide, among other things, questions to guide the caller in identifying signs and symptoms that the patient has meningitis and input components associated with the questions. |
| US08488742B2 |
X-ray generator, X-ray imaging apparatus, and control methods therefor
In an X-ray generator which includes an electron beam generating unit which has a plurality of electron emitters and generates an electron beam corresponding to driven electron emitters, and a target electrode which generates X-rays with the irradiation position of an electron beam generated by the electron beam generating unit being an X-ray focus, the X-ray focus shape formed by a set of X-ray focuses on the target electrode is controlled by individually controlling driving of the plurality of electron emitters. |
| US08488735B2 |
Solid-state imager and X-ray CT apparatus including same
The present invention relates to a solid-state imaging device and the like having a structure for capturing a high-resolution image even when any of the reading-out wiring and row selecting wiring is disconnected. A pixel portion Pm,n of the photodetecting section (10) includes a photodiode PD generating charge of an amount according to an incident light intensity and a reading-out switch SW1 connected to the photodiode PD. The pixel portion Pm,n occupies a substantially square region, and most of the region is a region of the photodiode PD. A field-effect transistor serving as the reading-out switch SW1 is formed in one corner of the region. A channel stopper CS is continuously formed in a region sandwiched by pixel portions. In a region surrounded by any 2×2 pixel portions adjacent to one another, a dummy photodiode PD1 surrounded by the channel stopper CS is formed. |
| US08488721B2 |
Adaptive QRD-M algorithm based signal detecting method by using constellation set grouping in spatial multiplexing multiple-input multiple-output system
There is provided a signal detecting method using constellation set grouping in a spatial multiplexing multiple input multiple output system. The signal detecting method includes dividing a set of candidate symbols, a constellation set into a plurality of subsets by grouping the constellation set; dividing a tree search process of a QR-decomposition with M-algorithm (QRDM) algorithm into a plurality of partial detection phases; and performing the plurality of divided partial detection phases in parallel or iteratively. |
| US08488719B2 |
Wireless communications device with multiple demodulators and related methods
A wireless communications device may be configured to perform a first demodulation based upon a first sampling rate of a received signal to generate a first demodulated signal and determine therefrom whether a first error value is not greater than a first threshold, and, if so then decode the first demodulated signal. If the first error value is greater than the first threshold, a second demodulation is performed based upon a second sampling rate of the received signal greater than or equal to the first sampling rate to generate a second demodulated signal and determine therefrom whether a second error value is not greater than a second threshold, and, if so, then decode the second demodulated signal. If the second error value is greater than the second threshold, the second demodulation is performed at least one additional time with at least one change thereto. |
| US08488718B2 |
Correction of distortions in an emission chain
An emission chain, comprising a processing pathway for an input signal which includes a digital signal decomposition according to N signal components, with N an integer greater than or equal to 2. The N signal components being converted from a digital form into an analog form and following distinct physical pathways that induce first respective delays on the N signal components. A delayed input signal is obtained by applying a second delay (τ) having a value greater than or equal to the maximum value of the first delays. Next, N correction delays (τ−τi) are applied respectively to the N signal components based on a comparison between said input signal delayed by the second delay and the signal to be emitted. Finally, the signal to be provided to a power amplifier is obtained by combining the N signal components obtained on completion of the previous step. |
| US08488716B2 |
Transmitting system and method of processing digital broadcast signal in transmitting system, receiving system and method of receiving digital broadcast signal in receiving system
A transmitting system and a method of transmitting digital broadcast signal are disclosed. The method of transmitting digital broadcasting signal in a transmitter includes forming a data group including mobile data, known data sequences, trellis initialization data bytes, wherein the known data sequences are sequentially concatenated with the trellis initialization bytes, interleaving data in the data group, wherein the data group includes a plurality of data blocks and scalable data blocks, wherein the known data sequences inserted in a predetermined area of the data group, trellis encoding on the interleaved data and initializing memories for the trellis encoding using initial bits of the trellis initialization data bytes in the interleaved data, wherein the initial bits of the trellis initialization data bytes are calculated using exclusive or operation with predetermined memory values of the memories for the trellis encoding, transmitting a broadcast signal including the trellis encoded data during a slot. |
| US08488710B2 |
Multi-carrier incremental redundancy for packet-based wireless communications
In a particular embodiment, a method of providing redundancy for error recovery in multi-carrier wireless communications includes transmitting a primary version of information via a first carrier, transmitting a first portion of a redundancy version of the information via a second carrier, and transmitting a second portion of the redundancy version of the information via a third carrier. The primary version is encoded using a first encoding scheme and the redundancy version is encoded using a second encoding scheme. The primary version, the first portion, and the second portion are transmitted substantially simultaneously. |
| US08488709B2 |
Providing CQI feedback with common code rate to a transmitter station
Methods and apparatuses for providing CQI feedback with common code rate to a transmitter station are described herein. In one implementation, the methods may include a receiver station that is communicatively linked to a transmitter station via k spatial channels transmitting a first CQI to the transmitter station that indicates a modulation level for use by the transmitter station to transmit (i.e., to configure for transmission) a first of k streams of signals to be transmitted to the receiver station. The first CQI may further include a common code rate to be used by the transmitter station for transmitting the first of the k streams of signals as well as for transmitting the rest of the k−1 additional streams of signals to the receiver station. The receiver station may further transmit to the transmitter station k−1 additional CQIs to indicate to the transmitter station the k−1 modulation levels to be used by the transmitter station for transmitting the k−1 additional streams of signals to the receiver station. |
| US08488705B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating symbol for multiple antennas
The present invention relates a symbol generation apparatus for multiple antennas having low receiving complexity and having flexibility with respect to an increase in the number of antennas. The symbol generation apparatus includes a plurality of space-time channel encoders respectively corresponding to a plurality of channels, and an inverse fast Fourier transformer group. The respective space-time channel encoders receive a digital-modulated symbol group from the corresponding channel, perform a space-time encoding operation with respect to a plurality of space areas and at least one time area, shift phases by using a plurality of phase values, and generate a plurality of phase-shifted space-time codewords. The inverse fast Fourier transformer group performs an inverse fast Fourier transform operation by using the plurality of phase-shifted space-time codewords in a plurality of subcarriers respectively corresponding to the plurality of channels, and generates a plurality of inverse fast Fourier transformed signals. |
| US08488704B2 |
Method for selecting subchannel mode and MIMO communication system using the same
The invention relates to Method for Selecting Subchannel Mode and MIMO Communication System Using the Same. A method for self-adaptively selecting a code modulation sub-channel mode is suitably used in a MIMO communication system that comprises a base station and mobile terminals, wherein the method comprises the steps of: the mobile terminal estimating channel state information thereof, and determining a sub-channel structure most suitable for data transmission thereto, based on the channel state information; the mobile terminal feeding back information on the determined sub-channel structure most suitable for data transmission thereto to the base station; and the base station determining a sub-channel structure used for a down link, based on the information on the sub-channel structure fed back by the mobile terminal. According to the present invention, the subchannel structure in the communication system can be self-adaptively changed according to the actual communication environment, so as to improve the entire communication quality and efficiency. |
| US08488702B2 |
MIMO-OFDM transmitter
A MIMO-OFDM transmitter has a plurality of transmitting antennas transmitting OFDM signals to a receiver, and a generating unit generating direct spreading pilot signals of which pilot data for demodulating the OFDM signals transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas in the receiver are spread with direct spreading codes, and transmitting the direct spreading pilot signals from the plurality of transmitting antennas. |
| US08488696B2 |
Receiver device, communication system and receiving method
A receiver device receives a signal inputted to one or a plurality of ports as a plurality of received signals, and includes: a phase offset estimating unit that, on the basis of a unique word of each signal block contained in said received signal, estimates the phase offset, and a phase offset compensating unit that, on the basis of a phase offset estimated by said phase offset estimating unit, compensates the phase offset; the receiver device uses a known signal component (unique word) contained in a frequency-domain equalized signal to compensate the phase offset, whereby it compensates complex phase offset fluctuation, and estimates the phase offset of a signal obtained at each port. |
| US08488686B2 |
Communication channel calibration with nonvolatile parameter store for recovery
A communication channel is operated by storing a calibrated parameter value in nonvolatile memory during manufacturing, testing, or during a first operation of the device. Upon starting operation of the communication channel in the field, the calibrated parameter value is obtained from the nonvolatile memory, and used in applying an operating parameter of the communication channel. After applying the operating parameter, communication is initiated on a communication channel. The operating parameter can be adjusted to account for drift immediately after starting up, or periodically. The process of starting operation in the field includes power up events after a power management operation. In embodiments where one component includes memory, steps can be taken prior to a power management operation using the communication channel, such as transferring calibration patterns to be used in calibration procedures. |
| US08488682B2 |
System and method for extracting text captions from video and generating video summaries
Caption boxes which are embedded in video content can be located and the text within the caption boxes decoded. Real time processing is enhanced by locating caption box regions in the compressed video domain and performing pixel based processing operations within the region of the video frame in which a caption box is located. The captions boxes are further refined by identifying word regions within the caption boxes and then applying character and word recognition processing to the identified word regions. Domain based models are used to improve text recognition results. The extracted caption box text can be used to detect events of interest in the video content and a semantic model applied to extract a segment of video of the event of interest. |
| US08488674B2 |
Interpolation of video compression frames
Coding techniques for a video image compression system involve improving an image quality of a sequence of two or more bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames, where each of the frames includes multiple pixels. One method involves determining a brightness value of at least one pixel of each bi-directionally predicted intermediate frame in the sequence as an equal average of brightness values of pixels in non-bidirectionally predicted frames bracketing the sequence of bi-directionally predicted intermediate frames. The brightness values of the pixels in at least one of the non-bidirectionally predicted frames is converted from a non-linear representation. |
| US08488667B2 |
DTV transmitter and method of coding data in DTV transmitter
A digital television (DTV) transmitter includes a first randomizer randomizing enhanced data; a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame encoder generating an RS frame; a block processor encoding data in the RS frame, outputting data symbols, interleaving the data symbols, and converting the interleaved data symbols into data bytes; a group formatting unit mapping the data bytes into data groups; a deinterleaver deinterleaving data of the data groups; a packet formatter outputting enhanced data packets; a multiplexer multiplexing the enhanced data packets with main data packets; a second randomizer randomizing the multiplexed main data packets and MPEG header data in the multiplexed enhanced data packets; a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder RS encoding the multiplexed enhanced data packets; an interleaver interleaving data of the RS-encoded data packets; and a trellis encoding unit trellis encoding the interleaved data. |
| US08488664B2 |
Radio communication system, reception device, and reception method
A reception device which receives a signal transmitted by a transmission device that changes at least one of a modulation scheme and a coding rate based on information reported from the reception device, the reception device includes an equalization unit which equalizes a received signal in a frequency domain, a signal-noise ratio measuring unit which measures a signal-noise ratio from the received signal after equalization, and a notification signal generation unit which sets at least one of a modulation scheme and a coding rate from the quality of reception and generates a signal to be reported to the transmission device. |
| US08488663B2 |
Impulse noise mitigation under out-of-band interference conditions
A noise abatement method and system for impulse noise in an RF receiver where the RF analog signal is converted to a digital signal prior to being connected to a demodulator. Two filters are used to detect impulse noise signals even under out-of-band interferer conditions, and prevent the impulse noise from reaching the input to the demodulator. A first of the two filters detects impulse noise using signals lower than the frequency bandwidth of the desired signal, and a second of the two filters detects impulse noise using signals higher the frequency bandwidth of the desired signal. A mean magnitude of the signal is detected over a predetermined time T and is used to select which filter to use for noise abatement. |
| US08488662B2 |
Receiver bit rate processing
This patent application relates generally to wireless communications systems, and, more particularly, mobile station receiver architecture. |
| US08488661B2 |
Systems and methods for data streaming
A method performed by a network device may include determining a transmission bit rate associated with a content, determining a bit rate of a network, determining a number of data streams to be transmitted through the network based on the determined bit rate, where a combined bit rate of the number of data streams is equal to or greater than the determined transmission bit rate, receiving the number of data streams transmitted through the network and reassembling the number of data streams to provide a single data stream of the content. |
| US08488658B1 |
Transmitter linearization technique
According to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for improving linearization of a transmitter comprising transmitting, using the transmitter, a predetermined signal. The method further comprises receiving, using a receiver, the predetermined signal transmitted by the transmitter. The method further comprises determining, using a modem, one or more differences between the transmitted predetermined signal and the received predetermined signal. The differences are in at least one of a phase and an amplitude of at least a portion of the signal. The method further comprises altering, using the modem, at least one signal being transmitted over the transmitter based on the determined differences. |
| US08488655B2 |
PHY layer parameters for body area network (BAN) devices
In at least some embodiments, a communication device includes a transceiver with a physical (PHY) layer. The PHY layer is configured for body area network (BAN) operations in a limited multipath environment based on a constant symbol rate for BAN packet transmissions and based on M-ary PSK, differential M-ary PSK or rotated differential M-ary PSK modulation. The PHY layer is configured to transmit and receive data in a frequency band selected from the group consisting of: 402-405 MHz, 420-450 MHz, 863-870 MHz, 902-928 MHz, 950-956 MHz, 2360-2400 MHz, and 2400-2483.5 MHz. |
| US08488654B1 |
Spread spectrum communications using complex chip sequences
A method for spread-spectrum communication includes forming a complex valued chipping sequence and then using the complex valued chipping sequence to spread or despread data. According to another method, a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) radio performs the steps of receiving a radio-frequency signal and then identifying frequencies within the radio-frequency signal which are associated with noise sources. The DSSS radio then self-adjusts to reduce effects of the noise sources or to reduce interference created by the radio upon other communication channels. |
| US08488652B2 |
Systems and methods for blind equalization in a digital receiver
A digital receiver system to recover signals from inter-symbol-interference includes a finite impulse response (FIR) filter using convolution to recover signals; and a channel estimator coupled to the FIR filter to estimate FIR coefficients, wherein the channel estimator uses a second order expectation and a fourth order expectation from a convolution to calculate error function. |
| US08488645B2 |
Semiconductor device having a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and a protection diode integrated therein and having reduced capacitance to allow the VCSEL to achieve high operating speeds
A semiconductor device is provided that has a VCSEL and a protection diode integrated therein and that has an additional intrinsic layer. The inclusion of the additional intrinsic layer increases the width of the depletion region of the protection diode, which reduces the amount of capacitance that is introduced by the protection diode. Reducing the amount of capacitance that is introduced by the protection diode allows the VCSEL to operate at higher speeds. |
| US08488643B2 |
Photonic-crystal surface emitting laser, laser array using the laser, and image forming apparatus using the laser array
A laser structure is provided in which an influence caused by a concave-convex structure on laser characteristics is reduced when the Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth (ELO) technique is applied to a photonic-crystal surface emitting laser. A height of the mask structure is set such that a reflection peak wavelength of 0-th order diffracted light and a reflection peak wavelength of first-order diffracted light differ from each other for light that enters a concave-convex periodic structure, which is constituted by a first layer and a mask structure, from a photonic crystal. Further, reflection intensity of the 0-th order diffracted light from the concave-convex periodic structure is larger than reflection intensity of the first-order diffracted light from the concave-convex periodic structure at an oscillation wavelength λ. |
| US08488641B2 |
II-VI MQW VSEL on a heat sink optically pumped by a GaN LD
Light sources are disclosed. A disclosed light source includes a III-V based pump light source (170) that includes nitrogen and emits light at a first wavelength. The light source further includes a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) that converts at least a portion of the first wavelength light (174) emitted by the pump light source (170) to at least a partially coherent light at a second wavelength (176). The VCSEL includes first and second mirrors (120, 160) that form an optical cavity for light at the second wavelength. The first mirror (120) is substantially reflective at the second wavelength and includes a first multilayer stack. The second mirror (160) is substantially transmissive at the first wavelength and partially reflective and partially transmissive and the second wavelength. The second mirror includes a second multilayer stack. The VCSEL further includes a semiconductor multilayer stack (130) that is disposed between the first and second mirrors and converts at least a portion of the first wavelength light to the second wavelength light. The semiconductor multilayer stack (130) includes a quantum well that includes a Cd(Mg)ZnSe alloy. |