| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08583552B2 |
Processing payment transactions between enterprise resource planning systems
In some embodiments, a method for processing a payment transaction comprises receiving, by a payor an invoice generated from a first enterprise resource planning (ERP) system operated by a payee. The first ERP system formatted the invoice in a first format. The invoice is stored in a second format compatible with a second ERP system. The invoice has been converted from the first format to the second format, which is different from the first format. Approval of the invoice is received through the second ERP system. Authorization instructing a financial institution to transmit a payment to the payee is generated and transmitted to the financial institution. Confirmation of the payment to the payee is generated and transmitted to the payee. |
| US08583546B1 |
Electronic cash letter processing
Various embodiments are disclosed for processing image cash letter files comprising transactions directed to a first image exchange system and transactions directed to a second image exchange systems. First and second cash letter output files may be generated, where the first and second cash letter output files may comprise cash letter file headers based on a header of an input cash letter file. Each transaction record included in the input cash letter file may be directed to either the first output cash letter file or the second output cash letter file. The headers of the respective output cash letter files may be updated based on the records written thereto. |
| US08583545B1 |
Systems and methods for money fund banking with flexible interest allocation
A method, system and program product, the method comprising: accessing, electronic databases, comprising: (i) aggregated account information for a plurality of government backed-insured and interest-bearing aggregated deposit accounts held in a plurality of program institutions; and (ii) source institution deposit information; obtaining transfer data, by a source institution; obtaining time dimension interest rate data, wherein the time dimension interest rate varies depending on how long the deposit has been held in one or more other of the recipient institutions participating in the program; allocating the deposit funds to one or more other of the recipient institutions; generating data for instructions to deposit/transfer funds and/or to withdraw/transfer funds; calculating a respective interest amount for funds of the respective source institutions, based on time dimension interest rate for the period of time; and generating data for allocating interest. |
| US08583541B2 |
System and method for providing market updates in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for modifying how market updates are provided in an electronic trading environment upon detecting one or more triggering events. One example method includes defining an event to be used to trigger modification of how market updates are provided to a client entity, receiving a market update from an electronic exchange, and, when the event is detected, modifying how the market update is provided to the client entity. As an example, the modification of how the market update is provided to the client entity may include providing less data in relation to market updates, and sending the market updates less frequently. |
| US08583540B2 |
Systems and methods for routing trading orders
Systems and methods are provided for routing trading orders. The system determines that a first trading entity disclosed to the trading platform a reserve quantity of a first trading order received from the first entity. The system determines that a second trading entity did not disclose a reserve quantity of a second trading order received from the second trading entity. The system receives a third trading order. Based on these determinations, the system preferences the first trading entity over the second trading entity in the routing of trading orders, e.g., by routing the third trading order to the first trading entity. |
| US08583539B2 |
Enablement of exposure management to handle priced exposure
A message may be used to update computing system of a commodity transaction. The message may include a commodity identifier, a date term, a quantity term, and a price term. The price term may include a formula arrangement or reference to a formula arrangement for calculating a fractional exposure of the entity to the commodity on each date in which an event affecting commodity transaction occurs. Each of these fractional exposures may be calculated for each commodity transaction and stored as separate entries in a data structure. The entries may then be updated, queried, and/or reorganized to generate an exposure position. |
| US08583536B1 |
System and method for reducing the risks involved in trading multiple spread trading strategies
System and methods for reducing the risks involved in trading multiple spread trading strategies in an electronic trading environment are provided. Specifically, reducing the risks involved in trading multiple spreads that share a leg by, among other things, quoting a single order in the shared leg instead of quoting orders for each of the corresponding spread legs. Based on the computed quote price for the single order, associating the single order with the leaned on price that results in the price closest to the inside market in the shared leg. The single quote order is based on the market conditions in the spread legs and the desired spread price. Once the single order fills, a hedge order is sent to the leg that obtains the most advantageous price for the spread based on the other spread options. |
| US08583532B2 |
Systems and methods for determining an earnings portion of a distribution from a 529 plan
A method for determining an earnings portion of a distribution from a 529 plan. The method includes receiving information associated with a plurality of 529 plan accounts, identifying related 529 plan accounts, aggregating the information for related 529 plan accounts, and determining an earnings portion of a distribution from at least one of the 529 plan accounts. |
| US08583531B2 |
Decision support system for the management of energy use, contracting and capital investments for facilities
Disclosed herein is an energy management decision support system and methods for asset managers of buildings and facilities that can utilize energy usage data captured from meters, such as smart meters, and weather data to provide a systems-based cost reduction and optimization solution for end users. Building system components may be highly inter-dependent and changes to one system element can have substantial effects (positive and negative) upon other system elements. As described in further detail herein, system and method embodiments according to the present disclosure may apply predefined criteria to such building energy usage data to identify energy usage variances, and may graphically present to a user the identified energy usage variances. As a result, facility administrators are provided with more easily interpretable energy usage information. Such information may be applied by the administrators for adjusting operations, upgrading building equipment, or retrofitting building equipment to improve building efficiency. |
| US08583528B2 |
Point of service third party financial management vehicle for the healthcare industry
A method for adjudicating health care expenses, which includes receiving from the point of service provider purchase transaction data, adjudicating the transaction substantially in real-time to determine whether a health care related purchase is payable from an account associated with a customer, providing an adjudicated purchase transaction to the point of service provider substantially in real-time, and paying a portion of the healthcare related purchase from an account associated with a customer. |
| US08583525B1 |
Business method for creating collaterized debt instruments with two negotiable payment plans
A business method for creating, from a mortgage note, two negotiable collaterized debt instruments, each having a separate payment plan. The original mortgagee, or its assigns, use the method to alleviate the mortgagor's monthly payment burden thereby avoiding costly foreclosure proceedings that will result in an increase of inventory of non-performing assets. Additionally, the property values are preserved resulting in more stability. One of the resulting debt instruments with a first payment plan (non-toxic) maintains, or attempts to maintain, the original terms of the mortgage note, depending on market conditions, but reduces the monthly payments in proportion to the non-toxic to property value ratio. The toxic portion of the debt is deferred for a number of years at which time the principal and accrued interest is due. This secured payment plan is deferred. By that time the value of the property is expected to have increased. The original mortgagee, or its assigns, can then pool the debt instruments to issue binds secured by the pools. |
| US08583523B2 |
Method and system for providing financial services
A method and system for providing financial services are described. The method and system include receiving financial information. The financial information includes financial transaction(s) of a user. The method and system also include determining financial advice based on the financial information. The financial advice indicates a change corresponding to the financial transaction(s). The method and system further include displaying the financial advice to the user. |
| US08583522B2 |
Automated transaction machine
An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc. |
| US08583516B1 |
Importing accounting application data into a tax preparation application
Automatically mapping and importing accounting application data into to a tax preparation application. Account data including an account name is received from an accounting application. A tax category corresponding to the account name is determined automatically, and a tax line assignment or line of a form of the tax preparation application is automatically assigned to the account name such that the corresponding account data can be mapped to and imported into the appropriate section of a tax return. For this purpose, a table or spreadsheet of search terms may be used to correlate an account name selected by a user to a tax category, which is used to determine the appropriate tax line assignment or line of a tax form for that particular account. |
| US08583514B2 |
System and method for tracking information in a business environment
A system and method for tracking information in a business environment. The system uses a tree-view hierarchy whereby alerts and time triggers are set by the user and upon the triggering of an event, the visual attributes of the tree-view folders change to reflect the triggering event. |
| US08583513B1 |
Systems and methods for offer selection
A featured offer for an item in an electronic marketplace is selected based on factors such as estimated conversion rate and contribution profit. Qualified offers from various merchants are analyzed using a variety of filters, algorithms, and/or criteria to select an offer that meets the goal(s) of the marketplace provider, while providing customers with offers having terms that are also attractive to the customer. Secondary offers and/or advertisements also can be selected using similar approaches. |
| US08583511B2 |
Systems and methods for storing customer purchasing and preference data and enabling a customer to pre-register orders and events
A real time management system for marketing to customers and vendors with customer purchasing and preference data in specific consumer markets including restaurant, retail, travel, hospitality, entertainment, and combinations thereof. The management database allows the consumer to make Precision Purchasing™ transactions, reservation transactions, and Precision Gifting™ transactions via a web-based interface, POS based touch screen interface, and mobile device-based interface. The consumer profile database is comprised of mainly consumer inputted preference and consumer purchase data which is stored into each customer profile and can be accessed/verified with a GPS recognition of the customer's phone, biometric hand or finger scan, access card, retinal scan, password, key fob, or other terminal kiosk, touch screen, or mobile application of the like. Consumers may also gift dollars to each other's account using the customized, consumer authorized Precision Gifting™ system. All data inputted into the Precision Marketing™ system will be stored in each consumer's personal/business account. Only consumer-authorized parties may access the account holder's personal preference information for the purposes of Precision Gifting™ and Precision Purchasing™, but he/she may never access the customer's confidential information. All changes made to each profile and the purchase preference information will be updated in real-time. All reservations, fund transfers, purchases, and other transactions are stored in the central database system and used for the purposes of Precision Marketing™ and Precision Gifting™. |
| US08583505B2 |
Service automatic compensation device reflecting evaluation of purchaser
Provided is an automatic compensation device including a seller terminal supplying a service and a purchaser terminal purchasing the service, which are connected to each other via a communication network. In more detail, the automatic compensation device calculates a compensation to be provided to a purchaser by using the service evaluation information about a purchased service of the purchaser and the previously-stored purchase credit information about the purchaser, then updates the purchase credit information of the purchaser according to the compensation, and differentially paying an installment to the service supplier according to the compensation. |
| US08583504B2 |
Systems and methods to provide offers on mobile devices
Systems and methods to propagate and redeem offers via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes an interchange and a data storage facility storing a value in association with a first phone number. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and with the controllers in different formats. The common format processor is to re-associate the value with a second phone number and to use one converter of the converters to communicate a reference of the value to a telephonic apparatus at the second phone number, in response to a request from a telephonic apparatus at the first phone number, when the request includes the second phone number and a reference to the value. |
| US08583501B2 |
On-line payment transactions
A computer-implemented method includes generating on a user terminal a merchant web site associated with a merchant with code for a merchant web page, transmitting a product selection request for the user to a remote open payment system that is separate from the merchant, and displaying purchase information responsive to the product selection request using the code for the merchant web page. |
| US08583499B2 |
System for secured transactions over a wireless network
A system for implementing a method that books and pays a retailer having a POS connected to a transaction server storing confidential user information including a retailer identification, a user code, and a user wireless device phone number. The method includes: receiving at the transaction server, from the user wireless device which can be a cell phone, an SMS containing a retailer identification; reading at the transaction server the phone number of the wireless device communicated by the carrier transporting the SMS; authentifying the phone number and retailer identification with the stored confidential user information; sending the user confidential information to the retailer POS. The user enters on the POS the user code. The POS reads and authentifies the user code with the user confidential information received from the transaction server. The retailer enters the payment information on the POS and sends it with user information to the transaction server. |
| US08583494B2 |
Processing payments at a management server with user selected payment method
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization. |
| US08583492B2 |
Check processing and funds verification
A system and method of verifying sufficient funds in an account associated with a negotiable instrument, such as a check, money order, traveler's check, and the like, received for payment is provided. The verification of funds may be provided prior to accepting the check as payment. In some examples, the check may be scanned into a funds verification system at a back office or front end system, such as a check out lane, point of sale system, and the like, of a merchant, vendor, service provider, and the like receiving the check for payment. The scanned image of the check may be transmitted to a financial institution associated with the merchant, vendor, service provider, and the like and the financial institution may verify that sufficient funds exist. If sufficient funds exist, the check may be deposited into an account of the vendor, merchant, service provider, and the like at the financial institution. |
| US08583490B2 |
Freshly prepared food delivery methodology
The present invention is a methodology for the delivery of freshly prepared food to a plurality of vehicle-operating consumers. Freshly prepared foods means foods that have, in some manner, recently been transformed into an edible or consumable format. Thus, when frozen ice cream is scooped into a cone, it is freshly prepared; when a frozen or cool item is microwaved to cook it or to merely heat it up, it is freshly prepared; when coffee is taken from an urn or coffeemaker and put into a cup, it is freshly prepared; when soda is dispensed from a dispenser or cooler, it is, in accordance with the present invention, freshly prepared; when frozen pizza is heated, it is freshly prepared, etc. |
| US08583488B2 |
Generating advertisements using user assets
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for generating ads using user assets. In some implementations, a method includes receiving one or more assets associated with advertising in at least one printed publication. One or more ads compatible with ad slots in the at least one publication are automatically generated based, at least in part, on the received assets. |
| US08583482B2 |
Automated monitoring and verification of internet based advertising
Method for automatically monitoring and verifying advertising content during a campaign, delivered over a data network. Accordingly, one or more advertisers submit, via a user interface, a list (that may be generated manually or by the mapping crawlers) of sites or of sections per site, on which the advertising content should be placed according to a desired insertion order (the insertion order information may modified at any time point). In addition, one or more mapping crawlers are activated to visit these sites and locate pages with advertisements that belong to required sections, pages that do not belong to the required sections or pages with high probability for incidents. A list of pages to visit per every site is generated and autonomous or Plug-in visual crawlers are allowed to visit the list of pages, according to a predetermined site visiting plan. A crawlers' manager allocates the pages between visual crawlers, for obtaining required adequate incident coverage and load on the visual crawlers. An incident identifier compares the insertion orders with the delivery data and whenever an insertion order and its corresponding delivery data do not match, an incident report is generated. |
| US08583481B2 |
Portable interactive modular selling room
Disclosed is a portable interactive modular selling room that recreates the home environment in a retail business location to help educate the user for sales and training purposes. The plug and play selling system utilizes standard electrical connectors to allow for seamless integration within a store without the need of electricians or construction contractors. Encompassing all five senses in an interactive environment develops an intellectual and emotional connection with the user which allows the product implementation to demonstrate features and value in a more meaningful and engaging manner over traditional retail environments. The computer system implemented inside of the system encompasses an interaction engine which utilizes sensors and monitoring equipment to record and analyze the user to provide real-time responses and also feedback to a central database for future interaction development. Increased customer satisfaction improves sales which allows for the sales system to remain economically viable. |
| US08583480B2 |
System, program product, and methods for social network advertising and incentives for same
Program product, systems, and methods of providing to social network websites advertising and incentives from an electronic retailer, are provided. A system can include a social network website displaying social network content and also displaying a link that reroutes the consumer to an electronic retailer website when the consumer clicks on the link. The system can also include program product for tracking purchase and other information about the consumer by the electronic retailer, and generating a commission for the provider of the social network website based on the tracked information about the consumer. The link can be embedded within the social network content or the link can be part of an advertisement and displayed adjacent the social network content. Also, a product featured in the advertisement can be affiliated with one main subject of the social network content. |
| US08583477B2 |
Methods and apparatus to determine effects of promotional activity on sales
Example systems, methods, processes, and apparatus for determining expected base sales for a product include obtaining sales data for a product sold at a point of sale location. The sales data can be organized in a time series according to a predetermined time period. The method further includes identifying a promotional event for at least one of the product and the point of sale location and excluding sales data corresponding to the promotional event. The remaining sales data is processed using a smoothed moving average model involving a plurality of passes through the remaining sales data. Expected base data for the product is generated based on the smoothed moving average model and output to a user. |
| US08583470B1 |
Participant utility extraction for prediction market based on region of difference between probability functions
The present disclosure provides a system that implements a prediction market, used for making forecasts and, more particularly, for extracting participant utility. One or more forecasts of a specific participant or subset of participants are taken, and a measure of divergence of these forecasts from a group as a whole (or for that matter, any group) is calculated. This divergence may then later be employed in the prediction market (e.g., for present or future forecasting). For example, if it is known that “sales managers” are consistently too liberal in forecasting product release dates than others within a company, this tendency may be compensated for or used in a variety of manners, such as automatically correcting predictions or forecasts for perceived error, automatically discarding or modifying predictions, or automatically generating “virtual” predictions for future events. Other actions may also be taken. |
| US08583469B2 |
Facilitating growth investment decisions
A technique for performing securable market analysis involves establishing an empirically-derived structure and evaluating market size using analytical techniques within that structure. Inputs to a system that incorporates the technique can include a functional job and related emotional and consumption jobs, if any; importance levels; satisfaction levels; job executors; and willingness-to-pay. |
| US08583465B1 |
Supply management and reporting system and method for resource management
A method, system, computer program product, or a combination of the foregoing and apparatus for developing and maintaining a resource plan and allocating resources to the projects within the resource plan. A user interface allows adding, editing, or deleting of resources and a drag and drop feature for allocating a resource to a project, thus making resource planning and management easy, intuitive, and cost-effective for resource managers or other users. Resource plans or groups of resources may be checked out when edited, thus preventing other users from allocating the same resources to different projects. The resources plans are displayed in a plurality of dashboards that summarize the resource plan in a number of ways, including by resource plan, project, group, resource, cost, demand, capacity, and in graphical form. Users have the ability to narrow the display of the dashboards by resource plan, project, group, resource, or timeframe. |
| US08583464B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing market selection for entity operations location
Systems and methods for corporate workplace capacity planning and optimization are provided. A system according to the invention may include a computer. The computer may be configured to receive a plurality of characteristics relating to an entity or a portion of an entity. The computer may be further configured to receive a predetermined selection of buildings. The computer may also be configured to determine a plurality of solution sets. Each of the solution sets may express a subset of space located within the selected buildings for the location of the entity or the portion of the entity. The solution sets may be fixed for a predetermined amount of time into the future. The solutions sets can be based, at least in part, on the plurality of characteristics. The computer may also be configured to select a subset of the plurality of solution sets. Finally, a display device may be configured to display at least a portion of a single solution set. |
| US08583460B2 |
Pricing tickets based on constructing tables of pricing units for sub-portions of a ticket
Pricing of a sequence of transportation units includes receiving a set of sellable-units, encoding the set of sellable-units into a context-free grammar that represents possible ways that the sellable-units can be combined to produce valid tickets and producing a ticket from the encoded set of sellable units. |
| US08583458B2 |
Dynamic system and method for automated checking and transmitting of damage reports and damage claims
The present invention relates to a dynamic system and a corresponding method for automated checking and transmitting of damage reports and damage claims in multi-level damage coverage systems. The dynamic system comprises decentralized, cellular capturing units with assigned areas for capturing damage records, a central unit being bidirectionally connected via a network to the capturing units. The central unit comprises a filter module for selecting first and second damage records based on assigned threshold values, an analysis module for detecting and eliminating first damage records wrongly captured by means of the capturing units, and a regulator module for dynamic adjustment of the threshold values assigned to the respective areas based on the filtered first damage records. Finally, the filtered first damage records, without wrongly captured first damage records, are transmitted to the processing device and are released for multi-level damage coverage, by means of the central unit. |
| US08583453B2 |
Generation and data management of a medical study using instruments in an integrated media and medical system
In general, a computer-implemented method is described for receiving by one or more computers one or more responses to questions included in a medical study instrument generated through an instrument generation system, removing from the one or more responses patient information including at least one of name information and address information, generating a unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with a patient's physician, associating the unique identifier with the one or more responses from which the patient information has been removed, and storing the one or more responses from which the patient information has been removed and the associated unique identifier in a data repository. |
| US08583449B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing network based load balancing of medical image data
A method and apparatus for providing network based load balancing of medical image data among two or more image archive systems is disclosed. A network element is employed to interface to a network carrying medical image data that may include tasks to be performed on the data. A network service associated with the network element monitors the current load or the available capacity of each of the image archive systems. When a task is received the network service determines the level of complexity of the task and compares the level of complexity to the current load or available capacity of each of the image archive systems. The network service selects the one of the image archive systems to perform the task that has the lowest current load or highest available capacity relative to the level of complexity of the received task. |
| US08583442B2 |
Rhythm processing and frequency tracking in gradient frequency nonlinear oscillator networks
A method for mimicking the auditory system's response to rhythm of an input signal having a time varying structure comprising the steps of receiving a time varying input signal x(t) to a network of n nonlinear oscillators, each oscillator having a different natural frequency of oscillation and obeying a dynamical equation of the form r . = r ( α + β 1 z 2 + ε β 2 z 4 1 - ε z 2 ) + c x ( t ) cos ϕ - r ε ε r 2 - 2 ε r cos ϕ + 1 ϕ . = ω + δ 1 r 2 + ε δ 2 r 4 1 - ε r 2 - c x ( t ) sin ( ϕ ) ε r 2 - 2 ε r cos ( ϕ ) + 1 ω . = - k x ( t ) sin ϕ ε r 2 - 2 ε r cos ϕ + 1 wherein ω represents the response frequency, r is the amplitude of the oscillator and φ is the phase of the oscillator. Generating at least one frequency output from said network useful for describing said varying structure. |
| US08583432B1 |
Dialect-specific acoustic language modeling and speech recognition
Methods and systems for automatic speech recognition and methods and systems for training acoustic language models are disclosed. One system for automatic speech recognition includes a dialect recognition unit and a controller. The dialect recognition unit is configured to analyze acoustic input data to identify portions of the acoustic input data that conform to a general language and to identify portions of the acoustic input data that conform to at least one dialect of the general language. In addition, the controller is configured to apply a general language model and at least one dialect language model to the input data to perform speech recognition by dynamically selecting between the models in accordance with each of the identified portions. |
| US08583430B2 |
Semi-automated intermodal voice to data transcription method and apparatus
A semi-automated, intermodal transcription-formatted data input system utilizing one or more interconnected servers which receive communications links. The system identifies and validates a user, and receives, accepts and sends voice files to a distributed processing location where operators are assigned transcription tasks. The voice input from the user is transcribed according to a predefined format for that user which takes voice input information provided and transcribes it into user-defined data fields for retransmission to that user over a preferred communications system. A user may dictate predefined formatted information such as appointments, objective checklists such as a to-do list, contact information or other predefined data formats for processing and retransmission to the same user or other defined users for entry in an operating system or application desired by that user. Retransmission may be over conventional voice lines, internet or wireless internet or wireless data devices such as disclosed in the preferred embodiment. |
| US08583429B2 |
System and method for single-channel speech noise reduction
A system and method may receive a single-channel speech input captured via a microphone. For each current frame of speech input, the system and method may (a) perform a time-frequency transformation on the input signal over L (L>1) frames including the current frame to obtain an extended observation vector of the current frame, data elements in the extended observation vector representing the coefficients of the time-frequency transformation of the L frames of the speech input, (b) compute second-order statistics of the extended observation vector and of noise, and (c) construct a noise reduction filter for the current frame of the speech input based on the second-order statistics of the extended observation vector and the second-order statistics of noise. |
| US08583428B2 |
Sound source separation using spatial filtering and regularization phases
Described is a multiple phase process/system that combines spatial filtering with regularization to separate sound from different sources such as the speech of two different speakers. In a first phase, frequency domain signals corresponding to the sensed sounds are processed into separated spatially filtered signals including by inputting the signals into a plurality of beamformers (which may include nullformers) followed by nonlinear spatial filters. In a regularization phase, the separated spatially filtered signals are input into an independent component analysis mechanism that is configured with multi-tap filters, followed by secondary nonlinear spatial filters. Separated audio signals are the provided via an inverse-transform. |
| US08583426B2 |
Speech enhancement with voice clarity
A method for enhancing speech components of an audio signal composed of speech and noise components processes subbands of the audio signal, the processing including controlling the gain of the audio signal in ones of the subbands, wherein the gain in a subband is controlled at least by processes that convey either additive/subtractive differences in gain or multiplicative ratios of gain so as to reduce gain in a subband as the level of noise components increases with respect to the level of speech components in the subband and increase gain in a subband when speech components are present in subbands of the audio signal, the processes each responding to subbands of the audio signal and controlling gain independently of each other to provide a processed subband audio signal. |
| US08583422B2 |
System and method for automatic semantic labeling of natural language texts
Systems and methods for automatic semantic labeling of natural language documents provided in electronic or digital form include a semantic processor that performs a basic linguistic analysis of text, including recognizing in the text semantic relationships of the type objects and/or classes of objects, facts and cause-effect relationships; matching linguistically analyzed text against target semantic relationship patterns, created by generalization of particular cases of target semantic relationships; and generating semantic relationship labels based on linguistically analyzed text and a result of the matching. |
| US08583410B2 |
Method for obtaining consistent and integrated physical properties of porous media
A method and system for obtaining a consistent and integrated set of physical properties of a sample specimen of porous media, e.g., rock, in which a specimen is prepared for imaging. The specimen is imaged multiple times to yield a set of images that undergo a segmentation process to provide a digital representation of the sample specimen. The digital representation provides a view of the solid phase and pore space of the sample specimen. The digital representation may be used to determine a plurality of physical properties of the sample porous specimen, such that the sample porous specimen may remain intact throughout the method. |
| US08583407B2 |
Ultrasonic surface monitoring
A method of modeling a surface of an object using ultrasonic transducers mounted on the surface by: providing a model of the surface comprising a primary set of surface points indicative of the height of the surface, transmitting pulsed waves from a first transducer to one or more second transducers along respective paths along the surface, measuring travel times of the pulsed waves along each path, calculating travel times based on the model of the surface, adjusting the model of the surface in response to any discrepancies between the measured travel times and the calculated travel times. The above steps are repeated until the discrepancies are smaller than a predetermined threshold. The step of calculating the travel times comprises interpolating the primary set of surface points in order to obtain an expanded secondary set of surface points, and the travel times are calculated using the expanded set. |
| US08583402B2 |
Portable monitoring devices and methods of operating same
The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to an activity monitoring system including a portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a motion sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the user's motion, and an altitude sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of the change in the user's altitude. The system further includes a display to output data which is representative of a badge, wherein the badge is representative of an achievement computed using motion and/or altitude sensor data. The monitoring device may also include a physiological sensor to generate data which is representative of a user's physiological condition. Here, the display outputs data which is representative of a badge wherein the badge is representative of a physiological achievement. |
| US08583401B2 |
Method and device for analyzing positions
The method and device for analyzing position are disclosed. By analyzing sensing information with at least one zero-crossing, each position can be analyzed. The number of analyzed positions may be different from the number of zero-crossings. When the number of analyzed positions is different from the number of zero-crossing, the number of analyzed positions is more than one. |
| US08583397B2 |
Device for determination of thermal exchange coefficient and associated method
A device for determining the thermal exchange coefficient between a fluid and a wall at a point PN of a surface of the wall in contact with the fluid, including a measuring device (DT) which measures at least two temperature values TC1 and TC2 of the wall and a temperature value TF of the fluid, and a computer for calculating, from the temperature values TC1 and TC2, a temperature value Tp of the wall and a thermal flow Φ given by the following equation: Φ=−λgrad (TC1−TC2), where λ is the thermal conductivity of the wall, and for calculating, from the fluid temperature TF, the average temperature TP and the thermal flow φ the thermal exchange coefficient h in the following form: h=Φ/(TF−TP). |
| US08583394B2 |
Method, apparatus, and article to facilitate distributed evaluation of objects using electromagnetic energy
Objects such as manufactured goods or articles, works of art, media such as identity documents, legal documents, financial instruments, transaction cards, other documents, and/or biological tissue are sampled via sequential illumination in various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, a test response to the illumination is analyzed with respect to reference responses of reference objects. The sequence may be varied. The sequence may define an activation order, a drive level and/or temperature for operating one or more sources. Illumination may be in visible, infrared, ultraviolet, or other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Elements of the evaluation system may be remote from one another, for example coupled by a network. |
| US08583387B2 |
Ultrasonic level, on-board diagnostic assessment
A system and method for performing a diagnostic assessment of an ultrasonic sensor that measures a fluid level. A PWM signal is generated based on a reflection of an ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic sensor. The PWM has a period, and a plurality of pulses. Each pulse encodes a predetermined parameter and has a width. The PWM signal encodes the fluid level, fluid temperature, fluid speed of sound, and a status of the ultrasonic transducer. The PWM signal is received at a processor. The processor performs the diagnostic assessment of the ultrasonic sensor based on the period of the PWM signal and the widths of the plurality of pulses of the PWM signal. The processor is able to detect time reference shifts by assessing the PWM signal. |
| US08583383B2 |
Method of measuring axial force of bolt and instrument for measuring axial force of bolt
A bolt-axial-force measuring method and instrument capable of easily and precisely measuring an axial force of a bolt are provided. The bolt is screw-joined and coupled to a piston of a bolt tensioner, and a hydraulic pressure is supplied to its pressure chamber so that the bolt is elongated by applying a tensile force equal to or more than a necessary bolt-fastening force. A nut separating from a fastened member due to the elongation of the bolt is seated again on the fastened member, and the hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber is discharged to release the tensile force of the bolt. A pressure change of the pressure chamber from which the hydraulic pressure is discharged is detected by a pressure sensor, a point where a change rate of the pressure change detected by a measuring apparatus is suddenly reduced is detected as an inflection point, and a pressure value of the pressure chamber at the inflection point is multiplied by a pressure receiving area of the pressure chamber, whereby the axial force of the bolt is calculated. |
| US08583382B1 |
Torque data logging apparatus, system, and method
The apparatus, system, and method provides an instrumented container with a contour similar to that of a production container which includes two portions spaced apart and joined by a torque sensor. The instrumented container also includes a processor which directs the periodic sampling of data measured by the torque sensor during the capping process, and a memory which stores a plurality of data values. The apparatus, system, and method provides a reusable instrumented container form to which a portion of an actual production container may be attached. The instrumented container is indistinguishable, for purposes of the capping line, from a regular production container. It may thus be used to test individual spindles, randomly test application torque, verify set application torques, and provide accurate information as to the impact of a particular dye or other variable on bottle capping. |
| US08583381B2 |
Ultrasonic propagation time measurement system
High-quality and high-speed electronic pen drawing performance is ensured without being affected by noise of an ultrasonic signal which is generated by an apparatus using ultrasonic such as a motion detector. In an ultrasonic receiver for use in ultrasonic propagation time measurement, an external environment noise is measured to first determine a frequency. Thereafter, centered around the frequency, a band elimination filter having a several kHz band is structured as software to again measure an external environment noise. This sequence is repeated until a signal intensity lowers below a predetermined value. When the signal intensity fails to lower below the predetermined value even after a predetermined number of repetitions of the sequence, a transmission output on the side of an electronic pen as an ultrasonic transmission source is increased or an ultrasonic oscillation frequency is changed. |
| US08583376B2 |
Resonance calculation program and analyzing apparatus
[Problem to be Solved] To provide a resonance calculation program capable of evaluating a physical quantity such as an effective cross section in a radial direction of a circular region of a fuel rod by making a resonance calculation based on the equivalence principle.[Solution] A resonance calculation program for calculating an effective cross section by performing a resonance calculation based on an equivalence principle includes a radial-distribution calculation step S8 of calculating a distribution of the effective cross section in a radial direction of a circular region by calculating the effective cross section defined by a predetermined calculation expression including a geographical coefficient for each of a plurality of annular regions while a neutron escape probability in a resonance region is expressed by a polynomial rational expression including the geographical coefficient serving as a factor representing geographical shapes of a plurality of annular regions that are circumferentially annular and that are obtained by radially dividing the circular region that is an axial cross section of a fuel rod at predetermined intervals. |
| US08583374B1 |
Systems and methods for route summarization
Methods and systems for route summarization are described herein. The method includes generating a route from an origin to a destination, the route including a plurality of maneuvers. One or more maneuvers are removed from the plurality of maneuvers. A summarized route is generated that reflects the removal of the one or more maneuvers from the plurality of maneuvers such that the summarized route has fewer maneuvers than the route. |
| US08583372B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for facilitating compliance with marking specifications for dispensing marking material
Control of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site is based at least in part on marking specifications (e.g., government-based regulations, industry-based recommended guidelines/best practices, standard operating procedures of locate companies and/or facility owners, and/or contractual obligations relating to marking operations). In various examples, control signals are generated to alert a locate technician when to start and stop dispensing of a marking material, or control signals are generated to automatically or semi-automatically control dispensing of the marking material by a marking device, so as to facilitate compliance with marking specifications. |
| US08583363B2 |
Determining alternative routes
Alternative routes to an optimal route may be determined and presented to a user via a computing device. Alternative routes are selected from candidate routes that meet admissibility criteria. In an implementation, admissibility of a candidate route (in order for it to be considered an alternative route) may be determined based on three criteria: “limited sharing”, “local optimality”, and “stretch” such as “uniformly bounded stretch”. Limited sharing refers to the amount of difference between the alternative route and the optimal route, local optimality refers to lack of unnecessary detours, and uniformly bounded stretch refers to a length of the shortest path to travel between two points on the alternative route. |
| US08583359B2 |
Method for the input of a destination and navigation device
In a method for the input of a destination, first of all a category selection is made, destinations corresponding to the category selection subsequently being offered for selection, at least a portion of the destinations being assigned to at least one subordinate category that, in each instance, has a superordinate category, characterized in that a category selection is made such that in each case, a superordinate category is displayed for the category selection or the superordinate category is replaced by one or the plurality of categories subordinate to it, and in each instance, a replacement is made when the number of subordinate categories with respect to a superordinate category is less than a predefined first threshold value. |
| US08583358B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for testing crash avoidance technologies
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems. |
| US08583357B2 |
Target identification device and target movement prediction method
A target identification device in a user object includes: a user information obtaining part and a target information obtaining part obtaining a position, a speed over ground and a course over ground of the user object and a target object; a processor that calculates a CPA distance and a TCPA with respect to the target object relative and the user object, based on the positions, the speeds over ground and the courses over ground of the user object and the target object. The processor replaces the course over ground of the user object with a direction toward the target object and calculates the CPA and the TCPA when the speed over ground of the user object is a low speed determination value or less. |
| US08583354B2 |
Continuous computation of center of gravity of a vehicle
Systems and methods for computing the center of gravity of a vehicle. One method includes determining a first, second, and third acceleration of the vehicle along an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis; determining a first, second, and third angular rate of the vehicle along the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis; determining a total force acting on the vehicle; and determining an estimated mass of the vehicle. The method also includes computing a center of gravity of the vehicle based on the first acceleration, the second acceleration, the third acceleration, the first angular rate, the second angular rate, the third angular rate, the total force acting on the vehicle, and the estimated mass. |
| US08583353B2 |
Traveling apparatus and control method therefor
A traveling apparatus performs an inverted pendulum control to maintain an inverted state of a vehicle body and travels with a passenger thereon. The traveling apparatus includes a drive portion that drives the vehicle body; a riding detection portion that detects a start of riding on the vehicle body by the passenger; a command generation portion that generates a torque command value to perform the inverted pendulum control and a position control to move the vehicle body to a position that facilitates the riding, when the start of riding is detected by the riding detection portion; and a control portion that controls the drive portion based on the torque command value generated by the command generation portion. |
| US08583350B1 |
Microprocessor controlled automated mixing system, cogeneration system and adaptive/predictive control for use therewith
A microprocessor controlled automated, multi-fuel apparatus to blend hydrogen, bio-fuel and/or natural or propane gases. This novel multi-stage apparatus first converts cooking oils into bio-fuel. The system automatically blends the bio-fuel with at least one of or both hydrogen gas, generated by a self-contained on-board hydrogen electrolyzer, and/or natural or propane gases. This blended “Hyenrich” gaseous fuel drives various processes including, but not limited to, cogeneration systems and electrical generators to produce “green” electricity by utilizing an adaptive and predictive learning algorithms to significantly reduce cost per kilowatt and lessen dependency on the over taxed utility grid, while simultaneously reducing emissions of CO, CO2 and NOx, making the method and apparatus an environmentally-friendly energy device. |
| US08583345B2 |
Control chip for providing the basic functionality of a control unit
A control chip for providing the basic functionality of a control unit includes a voltage supply having at least two, in particular three, output voltages; at least two, in particular three, sensor power supplies, in particular having 5-V and/or 3.3-V output voltage; at least one driver for bidirectional interfaces; a CAN driver; a follower control; a main relay output stage having a diagnostic function; at least one bidirectional serial interface for controlling the output stages and for communicating with a microcontroller; at least six power output stages, in particular having rated currents of 0.6 A to 3 A; at least one low-level signal output, in particular having a rated current of 50 mA, and four ignition drivers. |
| US08583344B2 |
Method for controlling glow plugs in a diesel engine, particularly for motor-vehicles
A method for controlling glow plugs associated with respective cylinders of a Diesel engine, which includes, but is not limited to the steps of storing data indicative of the activation sequence of the cylinders and activating sequentially each glow plug according to the stored activation sequence of the cylinders. |
| US08583341B2 |
Method for the open-loop and closed-loop control of traffic flow
A method for the open-loop and closed-loop control of traffic flow by means of the automatic takeover of the longitudinal control a vehicle by a driver assistance system. First, the method detects the occurrence of a special situation. Then, a driver assistance system automatically takes over the longitudinal control of the vehicle. When the special situation ends, the driver regains the control over the vehicle, which he had before the activation of the driver assistance system. |
| US08583340B2 |
Model based method to assess road curvature effect on travel time and comfort for route planning
Methods and systems for assessing the effect of road curvature on the travel time and the comfort level of a path determined by a ground based route planning system. The methods and systems identify a path and determine an allowable speed profile of the path, wherein the allowable speed profile satisfies a cross track acceleration constraint. Thereafter, the methods and systems determine an optimal speed profile of the path, wherein the optimal speed profile satisfies both an along track acceleration constraint and a speed constraint. Using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be factored into a determination of the traversal time of the path. Additionally, using the optimal speed profile, the road curvature of a path may be used to derive a comfort level of the path. The optimal speed profile may be further used to provide driver assistance. |
| US08583337B2 |
Brake device for vehicle
A brake device for a vehicle is provided in which a slave cylinder stroke-target motor rotational angle conversion means (M4) converts a target stroke for a slave cylinder into a target rotational angle for an electric motor, and a target electric motor control means (M5) carries out rotational angle feedback control of operation of an electric motor in order to make an actual rotational angle of the electric motor detected by an actual rotation angle sensor (Sd) converge to a target rotation angle. In this process, since a communication means (M7) formed of CAN transmits an actual brake fluid pressure detected by a fluid pressure sensor (Sb) at predetermined time intervals, and correction means (M6, M3) corrects the target rotation angle for the electric motor (the target stroke for the slave cylinder) based on a difference or a ratio of the actual brake fluid pressure and the target brake fluid pressure that is transmitted by the communication means (M7), it is possible to make the slave cylinder generate brake fluid pressure according to the driver braking operation state without being influenced by individual differences of the slave cylinder, change over time of the slave cylinder, or environmental conditions such as temperature. |
| US08583335B2 |
Control device for vehicular drive apparatus
A control device for a vehicular drive apparatus, includes: a torque converter having a pump wheel, a turbine wheel and a stator wheel rotatably disposed between the turbine wheel and the pump wheel; an electric motor operative to drive and/or apply a brake to the stator wheel; a first connecting/disconnecting means operable to connect/disconnect the electric motor and the stator wheel to and from each other; a second connecting/disconnecting means operable to connect/disconnect the electric motor and an output shaft to and from each other; and mode switching means for switching a first mode in which the first connecting/disconnecting means is held in a connecting state to allow the electric motor to control a rotating state of the stator wheel and a second mode in which the second connecting/disconnecting means is held in a connecting state to enable the electric motor to perform power running and regeneration, depending on a running condition of a vehicle. |
| US08583331B2 |
Monitoring and automatic equipment control systems
The present invention relates to monitoring and automatic control systems. |
| US08583330B2 |
Vehicle car wash mode
A method of controlling a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a current car wash mode from a plurality of car wash modes; and controlling at least one vehicle component based on the car wash mode. |
| US08583322B2 |
Self-propelled crushing machine and method of controlling the same
A mobile crusher includes: a crusher that crushes raw material; a discharge conveyor being disposed on a downstream side of the crusher to discharge the material crushed by the crusher; an engine that serves as a driving source at least for the crusher and the discharge conveyer; a fuel injection quantity controlling unit that controls a speed of the engine; a crusher pressure sensor that determines a change in a load of the crushed material in the crusher; and a pressure sensor that determines presence or absence of the crushed material to be discharged on the discharge conveyor. When the crusher pressure sensor determines that the load on the crusher is reduced and the pressure sensor determines that the crushed material is not present on the discharge conveyor, the fuel injection quantity controlling unit lowers the speed of the engine to a decelerated speed. |
| US08583316B2 |
Checking of a communication system for an aircraft under development
The invention relates to a method and a device for checking a communication system (3) comprising a plurality of modules (7) adapted to be installed in an aircraft under development (5), said checking device including: means (11) for building an identification and synchronization database (17) for said communication system (3), said database contractually defining interfaces between said plurality of modules from change notes relative to an initial technical definition, means (11) for defining, in said database (17), signals configured to be exchanged between said plurality of modules (7) via a plurality of connections (3) interconnecting said interfaces, said signals being defined to be synchronized with each other as well as with the physical materialization of said connections, and means (11) for checking, before an evaluation of a maturation test of the communication system (3), an interface consistency for all of said signals of said database (17). |
| US08583314B2 |
Information system for industrial vehicles
Industrial vehicles communicate across a wireless environment and the wireless communication, data collection and/or processing capabilities of industrial vehicles are utilized to implement dashboard functions that thread status information from detail level views, up through intermediate views and to summary level views to facilitate efficient fleet maintenance, management and control. Further, industrial vehicle data may be communicated to a trusted third party server. As such, wirelessly collected industrial vehicle information is utilized within robust software solutions that aggregate and analyze data across multiple enterprises. |
| US08583312B2 |
Guidance system automatic wheel angle sensor calibration
In one embodiment, a wheel angle sensor calibration method, comprising, while a vehicle is moving, automatically causing movement of the vehicle to a first full steering position followed by automatic movement to a second full steering position; recording wheel angle sensor values at the first and second full steering positions, respectively; determining an average of the wheel angle sensor values, the average corresponding to a target center wheel position; automatically causing movement of the vehicle to the target center wheel position; and responsive to the wheel angle sensor having a value equal to the average, recording the wheel angle sensor value as the target center wheel position. |
| US08583305B2 |
System and method for detecting vehicle wake-up failure
A control system for a vehicle includes a wake-up module and a failure detection module. The wake-up module selectively powers on a vehicle control module, wherein the vehicle control module controls sub-systems of the vehicle. The failure detection module detects a failure of the wake-up module during a period when the vehicle control module is powered off and an enable condition is met, wherein the failure is detected based on (i) whether an internal wake-up is requested or an external wake-up is requested during a first predetermined period and (ii) whether a run/crank (R/C) operation is requested. |
| US08583300B2 |
Automatic stabilizing unit for watercrafts
An automatic stabilization unit for watercraft such as boats, yachts and the like. In order to ensure stabilization of the watercraft with a high level of movement comfort at the same time over the entire speed range and in all water conditions, an electronic regulator is provided which stabilizes the water attitude of the watercraft during movement, while moving straight ahead and turning, as a function of the movement-situation-dependent rotation rates and longitudinal accelerations and/or lateral accelerations and/or vertical accelerations, using the actuating elements which are normally available in the watercraft, thus preventing or reducing to a minimum any stress on, damage to or danger to the boat, its occupants and the surrounding are thereof. |
| US08583298B2 |
Signal system on railway vehicle, railway transportation system and railway vehicle
The invention solves the prior art problem of signals not being transmitted between ground and vehicle when a train stops so that a cross point of a loop coil or a boundary between two loop coils is positioned between antennas disposed on a front side and a rear side in a direction of travel of the train. The present invention provides an arrangement in which two or more antennas are disposed on a front side and a rear side in the direction of travel of the train and providing a difference in signal levels received via the respective antennas, so that even when the train stops with the cross point of the loop coil positioned between antennas disposed on the front side and the rear side in the direction of travel of the train and the signals received via the front-side antenna becomes reverse phase with the signals received via the rear-side antenna and the signals are cancelled out, the signals having a higher reception level remains without being cancelled out, and therefore, a given level of transmission and reception can be obtained. |
| US08583297B2 |
Method and device for optimization of the mass of a satellite
A method and a device are provided for the optimization of the mass of a satellite. The method includes: a step of calculation of an elliptical second orbit obtained by rotation of a first orbit about an axis connecting the periapsis and the apoapsis, the elliptical second orbit being associated with a second maximum eclipse duration less than a first maximum eclipse duration; a step of determination of a maneuver enabling the satellite to move to the second orbit; and a step of calculation of a second battery mass making it possible to maintain the satellite in operation during the second maximum eclipse duration and of calculation of a mass of fuel necessary to effect the maneuver. |
| US08583296B2 |
Low-altitude altimeter and method
A low-altitude altimeter (10) and a method of determining low altitudes for unmanned aerial vehicles (24). The altimeter includes at least two illuminators (12,14), at least one sensor (16), and a computing device (18). The illuminators (12,14) emit signals which are received by the sensor (16) in such a way that an angle at which they are received is determinable by the computing device (18). The computing device (18) processes each signal received by the sensor (16), determines the angle at which the sensor (16) received the signal, and, based thereon, determines the altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle (24). When a first pair of illuminators are arranged along a fuselage axis, and a second pair of illuminators are arranged orthogonally to that axis, the computing device can combine first and second altitude, pitch angle, and roll angle measurements to provide a more refined altitude determination. |
| US08583295B2 |
Method of controlling and regulating the deflection angle of a tailplane in a hybrid helicopter
A method of controlling and regulating a rotorcraft presenting a speed of advance that is high and stabilized, the rotorcraft including at least a main lift rotor (10), at least one variable pitch propulsion propeller (6), and at least one power plant for driving the main rotor(s) (10) and at least one propeller (6), said method consisting in using a first loop for regulating pitch or attitude, and a second loop for regulating speed by means of a control over the mean pitch of the propulsion propeller(s) (6), wherein the method further consists in controlling the deflection angle of a horizontal tailplane (30, 25, 35) by using a third loop for controlling and regulating said deflection angle of the horizontal tailplane (30, 25, 35) in order to minimize the total power consumed by the main rotor (10) and the propulsive propeller(s) (6), for a given speed and attitude. |
| US08583294B2 |
Actuation control system
A dual redundant actuation control system for controlling a plurality of actuators for positioning a plurality of moveable aircraft components. The actuation control system includes a component controller. The component controller includes two component control channels. Each of the plurality of actuators is electrically connected to each of the two component control channels such that either of the two component control channels may control any or all of the plurality of actuators. |
| US08583293B2 |
Flight control surface actuation force fight mitigation system and method
A system and method of mitigating a force fight between hydraulically-operated actuators that are coupled to a single flight control surface is provided. The differential fluid pressure across each hydraulically-operated actuator is sensed. The position of a user interface is sensed using a plurality of user interface position sensors. Flight control surface position is sensed using one or more position sensors. The sensed differential pressures, the sensed user interface positions, and the sensed flight control surface position are used to generate a plurality of substantially equal actuator commands. |
| US08583286B2 |
Hybrid control device
A brain-based device (BBD) for moving in a real-world environment has sensors that provide data about the environment, actuators to move the BBD, and a hybrid controller which includes a neural controller having a simulated nervous system being a model of selected areas of the human brain and a non-neural controller based on a computational algorithmic network. The neural controller and non-neural controller interact with one another to control movement of the BBD. |
| US08583281B2 |
Medication dispenser with integrated monitoring system
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station. |
| US08583278B2 |
Method and device for processing objects with a temporary storage device and sorting system
Objects such as flat items of mail are processed. In a registration sorting run, the objects pass through a registration sorting system and are moved thereafter into a temporary storage device. For each object, a response message is generated and transmitted to a message address. At each predetermined execution time, an execution pass is performed in which the objects are taken from the temporary storage device and passed through an execution sorting system. If a response message which specifies an action is present for the object, the object is moved to a workstation where the specified action is carried out. Otherwise, the object is moved back into the temporary storage device. In a preferably subsequent storage period, an object is taken from the temporary storage device, and moved to a workstation, when a response message is present for this object. |
| US08583274B2 |
Method for graphically providing continuous change of state directions to a user of medical robotic system
Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state. |
| US08583273B2 |
Laser welding method
A laser welding method basically includes providing a robot that is moveably in accordance with predetermined movement data, and controlling the controlling a laser beam emitting section of the robot to emit a laser beam onto a predetermined irradiation position of a workpiece to conduct welding. The laser welding method further includes: measuring a current movement position of the robot with respect to a movement position specified in the predetermined movement data; operating of the robot to change the current movement position of the robot to a prescribed position based on the predetermined movement data; and adjusting a laser emission direction by controlling an emission changing section of the laser beam emitting section based on the current movement position of the robot and the predetermined movement data such that a laser beam is emitted from the laser beam emitting section and strikes the predetermined irradiation position of the workpiece. |
| US08583272B2 |
Orthopods and equipment to generate orthopedic supports from computerized data inputs
Systems and methods for measuring feet and designing and creating orthopedic inserts are described. The method can include measuring a pressure the foot exerts during a stride at a plurality of points over a period of time, analyzing a pressure at the plurality of points over the period of time and designing the orthopedic insert based on the analysis. The system can include a device that measures a pressure exerted by a foot at a plurality of times at each of a plurality of points and a computer connected to the device, the computer having memory that stores the measured pressures and a program operable to analyze the measured pressures to create a design of an orthopedic insert. |
| US08583270B2 |
Gingiva former and method for producing a design of a gingiva former
The invention relates to a gingiva former (1), which has a connecting geometry (5) to an implant (10) and comprises a tailor-made edge (2), a tapering lower part (4) that is located beneath and has a tailor-made shape, and a tapering upper part (8) having a lateral surface (9), wherein the lateral surface (9) has an angle of inclination (α) of between 0.5° and 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis (A) of the connecting geometry (5). |
| US08583268B2 |
Synchronization and mixing of audio and video streams in network-based video conferencing call systems
In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream. |
| US08583263B2 |
Internet appliance system and method
An Internet appliance, comprising, within a single housing, packet data network interfaces, adapted for communicating with the Internet and a local area network, at least one data interface selected from the group consisting of a universal serial bus, an IEEE-1394 interface, a voice telephony interface, an audio program interface, a video program interface, an audiovisual program interface, a camera interface, a physical security system interface, a wireless networking interface; a device control interface, smart home interface, an environmental sensing interface, and an environmental control interface, and a processor, for controlling a data transfer between the local area network and the Internet, and defining a markup language interface communicated through a packet data network interface, to control a data transfer or control a remote device. |
| US08583262B2 |
Implantable medical device that uses electrical current steering by means of output impedance modulation
A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. Electrical stimulation current is conveyed from at least two of the electrodes to at least one of the electrodes along at least two electrical paths through tissue of the patient, and the electrical stimulation current is shifted between the electrical paths by actively adjusting one or more finite resistances respectively associated with one or more of the electrical paths. |
| US08583257B2 |
Various apparatus and methods for deep brain stimulating electrodes
An apparatus and related methods for a deployable deep brain stimulating probe with multiple, extendable tendrils capable of independently deploying from openings within the shaft of the probe into surrounding tissue. An electrode is disposed on at least one of the tendrils for treatment of deep brain tissue. |
| US08583255B2 |
Implantable cardiac prosthesis generator having protection from an MRI examination
A generator for an implantable cardiac prosthesis, having a safekeeping mode of operation during an exposure to a magnetic field. The generator is connected to a lead including a first conductor (18) connected to a distal electrode (14), and a second conductor (20) connected to a proximal electrode (16). The generator to which the lead is connected includes a switch that temporarily switches to the potential of the metal housing of the generator (i.e., the ground potential) a first terminal connection (26) coupled to the external conductor (20) of the lead, and connects to the electronic circuit of detection/stimulation a second terminal connection (24) coupled to the internal conductor (18) of the lead. The first conductor temporarily acts as a shield for the second conductor for the duration of an MRI examination ensuring protection against the deleterious effects of exposure of the lead to the magnetic field generated by the MRI apparatus, notably heating of the electrodes due to induced currents in the conductors. |
| US08583251B2 |
Implantable medical device which may be controlled from central station
An implantable medical device (IMD) comprises a transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for transmitting medical data sensed from a patient to, and for receiving control signals from, a medical expert (a human medical professional and/or a computerized expert system) at a remote location; an electronic medical treatment device for treating the patient in response to control signals applied thereto; and a sensor circuit, having a sensor circuit output, for producing sensor circuit output signal(s) representing medical data sensed from the patient. The IMD also includes logic device which analyzes the sensor circuit output signal(s) to detect a medical abnormality and, upon detecting an abnormality, either sends a notification signal representing a medical state of said patient to the medical expert at the remote location or sends a local treatment device control signal to the medical treatment device, or does both. |
| US08583248B2 |
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for configuring hearing prostheses
The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for fitting a hearing prosthesis to a hearing prosthesis recipient. Some embodiments include generating a first set of two or more stimulation signals via a corresponding set of two or more channels of a hearing prosthesis, reducing the corresponding stimulation levels of the stimulation signals of the first set of two or more stimulation signals in response to receiving an indication that a sound sensation corresponding to the first set of two or more stimulation signals is uncomfortably loud, and generating a second set of one or more stimulation signals at the reduced stimulation levels via a first subset of one or more channels. |
| US08583245B1 |
Methods and systems for archiving patient data used to fit a cochlear implant system to a patient
An exemplary method includes a fitting subsystem maintaining a plurality of patient data instances associated with a fitting of a cochlear implant system to a patient, displaying one or more of the patient data instances within one or more main views of a graphical user interface used to fit the cochlear implant system to the patient, receiving data representative of a request by a user to archive a patient data instance included in the plurality of patient data instances, and archiving, in response to the request, the patient data instance by preventing the patient data instance from being displayed within the one or more main views of the graphical user interface. Corresponding methods and systems are also described. |
| US08583243B2 |
Apparatus for stimulating and/or monitoring activity in tissue
A prosthesis is provided comprising a substrate having a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of electrodes located at or adjacent the distal end of the substrate. The distal end of the substrate is configured for insertion, via an incision, between first and second tissue layers, such as the sclera and choroid in the eye. The prosthesis tapers in thickness towards the distal end and has a substantially curved provide profile at least on one surface so that the prosthesis can be inserted into position without needing a guide and without causing damage to the tissue or the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an electrode interface unit located at or adjacent the proximal end of the substrate which locates between the tissue layers. An anchor portion can be provided that extends from the substrate into the incision. |
| US08583242B2 |
Subchoroidal retinal prosthesis
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to utilization of one or more arrays that are placed under the choroid. In this approach, an array is placed under the choroid. To achieve this, a scleral incision can be made without cutting the underlying choroid or retina. The array can then be inserted into the space between the sclera and choroid and is pushed to the desired place. It is possible to make several of such scleral incisions in each quadrant of the eye to insert arrays of similar or different shapes into the subchoroidal space. Following insertion of the electrode array the scleral wound may be sutured around the cable to make the array and the eye more stable. |
| US08583239B2 |
Implantable system enabling responsive therapy for pain
An implantable neurostimulator system for treating pain includes scheduled and responsive therapy capabilities including responsive stimulation applied to the brain and peripheral sections of the nervous system. Methods for treating chronic nociceptive, neuropathic, and psychogenic pain employ an inventive system to advantageously reduce multiple symptoms and components of pain and to address underlying causes of pain. |
| US08583238B1 |
Wearable, unsupervised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device for movement disorder therapy, and method of using
The present invention relates to a system and methods for noninvasively providing therapy for movement disorder symptoms. The present invention provides such a therapy system which provides trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in order to treat those symptoms and the disorders. The present invention further provides such tDCS therapy while the subject sleeps in order to minimize the time required and impact of the therapy on the subject's waking life. The system, methods, and devices of the present invention are intended to provide a low-dose electrical current, trans-cranially, to a specific area of the subject's brain while he or she sleeps in order to decrease the occurrence, severity, and duration of the symptoms of movement disorders. The present invention aims to reduce the amount of medication necessary, counteract the effects of medication wearing off during sleep, and to overall improve the quality of life of subjects suffering from movement disorders. |
| US08583234B1 |
System and method for left atrial pacing in patients with diastolic heart failure
Techniques are provided for use with an implantable medical device for delivering left atrial (LA) pacing to address Diastolic Heart Failure, also referred to as Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. In one example, pulse delivery times are selected for delivery of LA pacing pulses sufficient so that activation of the LA occurs when LA pressure (LAP) is lower than would occur in the absence of LA pacing. The pulse delivery times and also set so that subsequent activation of the right ventricle (RV) occurs when LAP is lower than would occur in the absence of LA pacing. LA pacing then is delivered by the implanted device at the selected pulse delivery times to mitigate Diastolic Heart Failure or to address other conditions. |
| US08583233B2 |
Modification of AV conduction time sampling rate
Methods and/or devices for modifying the sampling rate for measuring a patient's intrinsic AV conduction time during cardiac therapy. For example, the sampling rate for measuring a patient's intrinsic AV conduction time may be modified (e.g., decrease or increased) based on one or more monitored physiological parameters, such as activity level and/or heart rate. |
| US08583231B2 |
Method and system for characterizing supraventricular rhythm during cardiac pacing
A method and system for generating a characterization of one beat of a patient's supraventricular rhythm (SVR) involves performing such characterization while the heart is being paced. During SVR characterization, various pacing parameters are modified and the patient's supraventricular rhythm is characterized while the pacing parameters are modified. The SVR characterization process is effective in single and multiple chamber pacing modes. |
| US08583230B2 |
Systems and methods for selectively limiting multi-site ventricular pacing delays during optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy parameters
Techniques are provided for use with implantable cardiac stimulation devices equipped for multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) cardiac pacing. Briefly, intraventricular and interventricular conduction delays are detected for paced cardiac events. Maximum pacing time delays are determined for use with MSLV pacing where the maximum pacing time delays are set based on the conduction delays to values sufficient to avoid capture problems due to wavefront propagation, such as fusion or lack of capture. MSLV pacing delays are then set to values no greater than the maximum pacing delays and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is delivered using the MSLV pacing delays. In an example where an optimal interventricular pacing delay (VV) is determined in advance using intracardiac electrogram-based or hemodynamic-based optimization techniques, the optimal value for VV can be used as a limiting factor when determining the maximum MSLV pacing time delays. |
| US08583228B2 |
Automatic multi-level therapy based on morphologic organization of an arrhythmia
Methods and systems for selecting tachyarrhythmia therapy based on the morphological organization level of the arrhythmia are described. Morphological organization levels of arrhythmias are associated with cardiac therapies. The morphological organization levels are related to cardiac signal morphologies of the arrhythmias. An arrhythmia episode is detected and the morphological organization level of the arrhythmia episode is determined. A cardiac therapy associated with the morphological organization level of the arrhythmia episode is delivered to treat the arrhythmia. For example, the morphological organization levels may be associated with the cardiac therapies based on one or more of retrospective database analysis, patient therapy tolerance, and physician input. The associations may be static or may be dynamically adjusted based on therapy efficacy. |
| US08583222B2 |
ECG data display method for rapid detection of myocardial ischemia
Measured values of ST segment deviations obtained from a multi-lead ECG are transformed and displayed on a polar ST Circle Display, with zero ST deviation values located on a circle having a diameter that is greater than a maximum absolute ST segment deviation value obtained for any measured or derived lead. An ischemic condition and a location of the ischemia can thereby be easily determined. |
| US08583221B1 |
Method and apparatus for display of cardiac signal episodes with over- or under-sensing
A medical device system senses cardiac signals and generates and stores sensing data including sensed cardiac events. A processor receiving the sensing data is configured to detect undersensed and oversensed events. The processor generates an episode display comprising event identifying codes in response to the received sensing data and produces an adjusted episode display in response to an event being identified as an undersensed event or an oversensed event. |
| US08583215B2 |
Reduction of catheter electrode loading
A method for position sensing includes inserting a probe having a first probe-electrode and a second probe-electrode into a body of a subject, and coupling body-surface electrodes to a surface of the body. Currents passing between the first probe-electrode and the body-surface electrodes are measured, using first circuitry coupled to at least the first probe-electrode and having a first electrical ground, and position coordinates of the probe are determined responsively to the measured currents. Second circuitry, having a second electrical ground, is coupled to at least the second probe-electrode, and the first electrical ground is isolated from the second electrical ground. |
| US08583214B2 |
Method for visually supporting an invasive examination or therapy of the heart with the aid of an invasive instrument
To visually support a catheter ablation in the heart, three-dimensional image data have been used prior to the intervention. During ablation, the position of the catheter is pinpointed by an orientation system. The orientation system acquires electroanatomical 3D mapping data. The two-dimensional image data is assigned to the 3D mapping data in the correct position and dimensions which is a time-consuming step. The invention makes provision for the orientation system being in a fixed location relative to the X-ray system so that a positionally and dimensionally correct alignment of the X-ray image data set with the 3D mapping data is no longer required. An image or surface based 3D-3D alignment of the three-dimensional data acquired prior to the intervention with the three-dimensional X-ray image data is considerably less time-consuming than alignment thereof with the 3D mapping data and is more reliable because more structures is recognized in the three-dimensional X-ray image data. |
| US08583209B2 |
Method and system for monitoring cardiac function of a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure
A method for monitoring cardiac function of a patient during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, including: acquiring an MR image sequence of the patient's heart during a cardiac phase; segmenting a left ventricle of the patient's heart in the MR image sequence, wherein the segmentation produces endocardial and epicardial contours; representing at least one of the contours in polar or radial coordinates and computing its Fourier transform, wherein the Fourier transform produces Fourier descriptors for the contour; putting a vector of the Fourier descriptors into a classifier, wherein the classifier determines whether the contour reflects normal wall motion in the cardiac phase or whether the contour reflects abnormal wall motion in the cardiac phase; and alerting a medical practitioner when abnormal wall motion is detected. |
| US08583206B2 |
Sensor arrangement and method for monitoring physiological parameters
The invention refers to a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor and a method for monitoring physiological parameters of a person, a textile fabric and a use of a textile fabric. An sensor arrangement is described that is suited to improve signal quality and suppress noise, for instance in remote capacitive sensing of body parameters. To achieve this, certain textile fabrics are used, preferably integrated into textile used in a bed, e.g. the blanket, the bed cover, or the mattress. These textile fabrics allow for a suppression of electromagnetic interference from external sources and can be arranged to avoid charge build-up during measurements, in particular those caused by movements of the person. |
| US08583205B2 |
Analyte sensor calibration management
Methods, devices, and systems for calibrating an analyte sensor are provided. Embodiments include determining a sensitivity value associated with an analyte sensor, retrieving a prior sensitivity value associated with the analyte sensor, determining whether a variance between the determined sensitivity value and the retrieved prior sensitivity value is within a predetermined sensitivity range, determining a composite sensitivity value based on the determined sensitivity value and the retrieved prior sensitivity value, and assigning a successful calibration sensitivity value based on the retrieved prior sensitivity value when the variance is within the predetermined sensitivity range. |
| US08583202B2 |
Method of managing thermal contraction of a superconductor cable and arrangement for implementing this method
A method of managing thermal contraction of a superconductor cable (2) having a cable body surrounded by an external screen (2A) made form wound metal elements and installed between its ends in an enclosure (1) or cryostat filled with a cryogenic liquid, where the method includes mechanically applying a locking force loading only said screen (2A) at a so-called locking point (5A, 5B) in the vicinity of the ends of the cable. |
| US08583198B1 |
Active cover for electronic device
Systems and methods of providing a mobile phone cover are described. In some embodiments, the mobile phone cover may include, for example, a processor and lighting devices. The lighting devices may be operatively coupled to the processor. The processor may be configured, for example, to receive first signals based on second signals in which the second signals are generated by the mobile phone. The second signals may be indicative of an incoming call, an incoming message, a pending message, and/or a calendar alert (e.g., an upcoming appointment), for example. The processor may be configured to cause lighting of one or more of the lighting devices based on the first signals. |
| US08583187B2 |
Shielding structures for wireless electronic devices with displays
Electronic devices such as computers and handheld devices are provided. The electronic devices may have electrical components such as displays that are driven by driver circuitry. During operation, the driver circuitry may generate radio-frequency noise. Communications circuitry in the electronic devices may be shielded from the radio-frequency noise by radio-frequency shielding structures. The shielding structures may be mounted on portions of the display module, on a cover glass layer, or on other structures such as housing structures. The radio-frequency shielding structures may be formed from one or more metal segments. The metal segments may run along edges of the display. A device housing may have a ground formed from a conductive peripheral member that runs around peripheral edges of the housing and a conductive plate that is connected to the conductive peripheral member. The radio-frequency shielding structure may be connected to the ground using conductive structures. |
| US08583183B2 |
Transmission and reception parameter control
A system and method for implementing transmission parameter control at a transmitting station is described. The exemplary system and method comprises querying a transmission parameter control module for a transmission schedule. The transmission schedule comprises at least one schedule entry defining a set of transmission parameter controls as they pertain to a destination address. At least one packet of data is then transmitted to the destination address according to the transmission parameters controls of at least one schedule entry from the transmission schedule. A system and method for selecting an antenna configuration corresponding to a next transmission of packet data is also disclosed. |
| US08583182B2 |
Dynamic cell configuration employing distributed antenna system for advanced cellular networks
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for configuring remote antenna units with communication properties in a radio access communication system employing a distributed antenna system (DAS) are provided. The method including configuring each of the one or more remote antenna units with remote-antenna-unit-specific communication properties dynamically during communication. |
| US08583181B2 |
Management of unauthorized user equipments in a femto base station environment
A method of managing registration requests from unauthorized user equipments in a cellular communications network includes monitoring such further registration requests and maintaining a count of the total number of registration requests from said user equipment. Based on the counted number of unsuccessful registration requests, different mechanisms can be used to reject the registration request. |
| US08583179B2 |
Communication device comprising a battery and a near-field communication module
A mobile telecommunication device including at least one telecommunication circuit; at least one subscriber identification module; at least one assembly including at least one supply battery; and a switch of selection between a power supply of the subscriber identification module by the assembly and by the telecommunication circuit according to the presence or not of a near-field communication module in the assembly. |
| US08583173B2 |
Credit card imaging for mobile payment and other applications
A mobile payment device includes a contactless payment module, a processing module, and a display module. The contactless payment module is coupled to execute a credit payment transaction. The processing module is coupled to detect the executing of the credit payment transaction and retrieve credit image data based on the detecting. The display module is coupled to process the credit image data into a displayed credit image. |
| US08583172B2 |
Dual mode mobile terminal access to a wireless communication network
The present invention is directed to connecting a dual mode mobile terminal to a wireless communication network and includes connecting a dual mode mobile terminal to a wireless communication network using a mobile attachment mode or a fixed attachment mode. This includes detecting an operative transfer state of the dual mode mobile terminal triggering a transfer from the mobile attachment mode to the fixed attachment mode, and achieving a mobile attachment mode detach from the wireless communication network in the mobile attachment mode upon detection of the operative transfer state. This also includes achieving a fixed attachment mode attach to the same wireless communication network subsequent to execution of the mobile attachment mode detach to initiate the fixed attachment mode. |
| US08583170B2 |
Multi-band aggregated spectrum receiver employing frequency source reuse
Efficient carrier aggregation is enabled in a receiver employing a single frequency source, and dividing the frequency source by different frequency dividing factors to generate two or more RF LO frequencies. Received signals are down-converted to intermediate frequencies by mixing with the respective RF LO frequencies. By utilizing only a single high frequency source, embodiments of the present invention avoid spurious and injection locking issues that arise when integrating two or more frequency sources, and additionally reduce power consumption as compared to a multiple frequency source solution. |
| US08583169B2 |
Method and system for bluetooth transport sharing to carry GPS or other types of data
Aspects of a method and system for Bluetooth transport sharing to carry GPS or other types of data are provided. A multi-standard Bluetooth enabled device may operate via integrated radios such as a GPS radio. The Bluetooth transport path may be shared to carry both Bluetooth data and non-Bluetooth data. The non-Bluetooth data may be converted to Bluetooth vendor specific packets using the assigned vendor specific commands. The Bluetooth vendor specific packets may be multiplexed with other Bluetooth HCI packets and communicate over the Bluetooth transport path. The Bluetooth vendor specific packets may be de-multiplexed based on the assigned vendor specific command and routed properly. Non-Bluetooth devices may be an on-chip and off-chip devices. The multi-standard Bluetooth enabled device may enable a downloadable driver to ensure communication with the off-chip devices. The Bluetooth transport path may be UART, USB, SPI, and/or I2C. |
| US08583167B2 |
Mobile telephone sudden impact warning and reporting feature
A warning system for wireless mobile telephones that notifies designated users and broadcast an audible sound when suddenly de-acceleration. The telephone is coupled to a wireless telephone transmitter configured to operate with a nearby compatible wireless telephone network. The telephone includes a display, a speaker, an internal accelerometer and a programmable, impact-activated software program loaded into its working memory. The software program when executed continuously monitors for triggering signals from the internal accelerometer. When a triggering signal is produced, the software program is activated into an alarm state which then performs the notifications tasks designated by the user during the setup steps. The software program is configured to presents various input menus on the display that enables the user to turn the system ON and OFF, selective an alarm mode to be used, select a pre-alarm time period, an alarm duration period, and adjust the sensitivity of the accelerometer. |
| US08583166B2 |
Mobile terminal device
A mobile terminal device includes an input unit for inputting addressee information data relevant to an addressee of a videophone communication including at least a phone number, a data storage unit for storing a plurality of the addressee information data inputted by the input unit in a group, a retrieval unit for retrieving one of plural groups stored in the data storage unit, a set unit for executing a retrieval process from the plural groups stored in the data storage unit using the retrieval unit based on the set addressee information data of the addressee after setting the addressee of the videophone communication to set the addressee corresponding to the addressee information data of the retrieved group as the addressee of the videophone communication, and a communication unit for executing the videophone communication based on the addressee information of the addressee of the videophone communication set by the set unit. |
| US08583163B2 |
Transport format combination selecting method, wireless communication system, and mobile station
A mobile station calculates the transmission power of a first physical channel using each of first TFCs, and determines whether the mobile station is in a transmission capable state or not. Then, the mobile station calculates the sum of the transmission power of first and second physical channels, with respect to each of combinations of the first and second TFCs, and determines whether the mobile station is in the transmission capable state or not. Then, the mobile station selects a first TFC from the first TFCs wherein the mobile station is in the transmission capable state. Then, the mobile station selects a second TFC from the second TFCs which are included in combinations wherein the mobile station is in the transmission capable state among the combinations including the selected first TFC. Thereafter, data is transmitted using the selected first and second TFCs, respectively. |
| US08583161B2 |
Method of performing feedback load reduction and related communication device
A method of performing feedback load reduction for a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises measuring a signal from the network to get Channel State Information (CSI); comparing the measured CSI with at least one threshold and determining one region where the CSI falls in from a plurality of regions divided by the at least one threshold and ranked in order; and sending a rank for the determined region to the network. |
| US08583157B2 |
System and method for managing spectrum allocation
Disclosed are techniques for managing situations where spectrum use by one party is preempted by spectrum needs of another party. A revocation may be sent from a spectrum management system to secondary radio systems that are impacted by the presence of priority radio system. Remedial action may be taken if an acknowledgement of the revocation message is not received from a secondary radio system. Also, the secondary radio systems may transmit keep-alive messages to monitor operation of the communication pathway for the revocation messages. |
| US08583155B2 |
Method and system for frame timing acquisition in evolved universal terrestrial radio access (EUTRA)
Aspects of a method and system for frame timing acquisition in evolved universal terrestrial radio access (EUTRA) may include determining a received secondary synchronization sequence (SSS) based on a selected cyclic prefix length and on synchronization of a primary synchronization sequence (PSS). A first portion of information associated with the received SSS may be processed separately from a second portion of information associated with the received SSS. A frame timing and/or base station identifier may be determined by comparing the processed first portion of information with the processed second portion of information. The cyclic prefix length may be selected from a finite set of possible cyclic prefix lengths. The cyclic prefix length may be, for example, 9 samples or 32 samples. The primary synchronization sequence synchronization may be determined via correlation. |
| US08583148B2 |
Method and apparatus for suggesting a message segment based on a contextual characteristic in order to draft a message
An apparatus may include a messaging module configured to suggest a message segment in order to draft a message. A contextual characteristic determiner may be used to determine contextual characteristics of the apparatus, the recipient of a call, and/or the user of the apparatus and thereby the messaging module may suggest the message segment based on the contextual characteristics. The contextual characteristics may include user emotions, which may be recognized by an emotion recognizer. Message segments may also be based on prior messaging history. Thereby, the apparatus may suggest message segments in order to more easily draft messages when, for example, initiating or responding to attempted voice communications. Further, the apparatus may include a reminder scheduler which is configured to schedule a reminder to respond to an attempted voice communication. |
| US08583147B2 |
Verifying availability of idle-mode mobile subscriber station in wireless access system
A method of verifying availability of a mobile subscriber station that is in an idle-mode includes requesting to a base station by the mobile subscriber station to enter an idle-mode, wherein the base station is associated with a paging group comprising a plurality of base stations, and receiving from the base station an idle-mode response command to enter the idle-mode. The method also includes receiving from the base station a paging command comprising an action code associated with performing ranging while the mobile subscriber station is in the idle-mode to verify availability of the mobile subscriber station with respect to the base station, wherein if the ranging is not successfully performed with the base station during a predetermined period, the base station continues to transmit the paging command until a paging retrial count reaches a predetermined threshold. |
| US08583146B2 |
Indoor positioning using joint likelihoods
A method in a mobile terminal for estimating a position of the mobile terminal includes: receiving an expected measurement map indicative of expected measurement values of a parameter; receiving parameters of a matrix corresponding to the expected measurement map; capturing actual measurement values of the parameter for a plurality of communication devices; and utilizing the received parameters and actual measurement values to estimate a position of the mobile terminal, where the expected measurement map includes, for each of a plurality of hypothesis locations (Loc(i,j)), a set of expected measurement values ({right arrow over (μ)}Loc(i,j)) containing expected measurements for the parameter, each of the expected measurements corresponding to a respective communication device of the plurality of communication devices. |
| US08583144B2 |
I-bed for cooperating personal electronic device
An accessory for use with a cooperating portable electronic device (PED) is provided. The accessory includes a station that can support a PED, and also charge it in some embodiments. A cooperating PED transmits an action signal when it receives an incoming call or text. When the station senses the action signal, it further generates a human-perceptible indication to help notify the user, who might have walked away. The human-perceptible indication can include a call sound or a light signal. This way, when the PED is only vibrating, the call sound can be such that the station rings like a regular home telephone. As such, the user can keep the PED at the “Silent” annunciation mode continuously, confident that they will learn about a call, even if they do not have it on their person. |
| US08583143B2 |
Network-based implementation of velocity controls for a mobile communication device
A communication network includes a wireless network, a location platform, and a network component. The wireless network includes a base station to send data to and receive data from a mobile station via radio frequency communication signals. The location platform is operably coupled to the wireless network. In one embodiment, the location platform computes a velocity of the mobile station in response to a velocity request. The network component is operably coupled between the wireless network and the location platform. In one embodiment, the network component compares the computed velocity of the mobile station with a velocity threshold in response to an attempted communication involving the mobile station. The network component also implements a restrictive action for the attempted communication involving the mobile station in response to a determination that the computed velocity exceeds the velocity threshold. |
| US08583140B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving radio location accuracy with measurements
A method and apparatus to utilize a set of measurements (either partial or compete) to improve the accuracy of an initial position estimate for a wireless terminal. The initial position estimate for the terminal is first obtained (e.g., based on a cell-ID or an enhanced cell-ID solution). Measurements are obtained for the terminal. The initial position estimate is then updated with the measurements to obtain a revised position estimate for the terminal. The updating may be performed by (1) deriving a measurement vector based on the initial position estimate and the measurements, (2) forming an observation matrix for the measurements, (3) determining a matrix of weights, (4) deriving a correction vector based on the measurement vector, the observation matrix, and the weight matrix, and (5) updating the initial position estimate with the correction vector. |
| US08583139B2 |
Context diary application for a mobile terminal
The invention provides a presentation of contextual information to a digital device in relation to a period of time. As such the invention provides for efficient user access to historical, as well as, current and future or forecasted contextual information. In addition, the present invention provides for current contextual information to be presented in an idle mode view, a scrolling bar mode view or another inconspicuous view. Additionally the present invention provides a novel means of using context information to create multimedia file presentations; image or video file presentations that can be associated with previous periods of time, locations or other context data. |
| US08583138B2 |
Communications system with efficient multiprotocol-aware channel selection and interference avoidance
In one example, a method and system for selecting a channel for use with a mobile communication device is described. A shared frequency band shared between a first wireless communications protocol and a second wireless communications protocol is scanned to identify an active second wireless communications protocol channel. One or more first wireless communications protocol channels corresponding to the active second wireless communications protocol channel are removed from a list of selectable channels. A first wireless communications protocol channel is selected from the list of selectable channels. |
| US08583136B2 |
Device, method, and system for adjusting a mobile communication service area
There are provided a communication device, service-area adjusting method, and mobile communication system capable of accurately executing an optimization algorithm on an actual field. An EMS (a communication device) acquires an index value indicating downstream reception quality of a mobile station in a communication area from the mobile station via a base station in the communication area with respect to each mobile station. Then, the EMS determines whether to start or end the execution of arithmetic processing of a transmission parameter of each base station in the communication area by comparing a value based on at least any of average communication quality between the base station and mobile station in the communication area, throughput, and received power, which is obtained based on an index value of each mobile station, with a reference value. |
| US08583129B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquiring available channel information in a wireless local area network system
Methods and apparatuses for acquiring/providing available channel information using Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) protocol in a wireless local area network (WLAN) are disclosed. AP (Access Point) station has a capability to acquire information for available channels from a database using a specific protocol related to an operation within the White Space (e.g. Access Network Query Protocol (ANQP)). And, non-AP station can retrieve the information for available channels by transmitting a Generic Advertisement Service (GAS) initial request frame to the AP station, wherein the GAS initial request frame comprises an Advertisement Protocol Element whose element ID indicates the specific protocol, and receiving a GAS initial response frame comprising a White Space Map (WSM) the specific protocol. The WSM comprises one or more white space channel units, and each of the white space channel units comprises a channel number field indicating one of the available channels and a power constraint field indicating a maximum allowable power on the indicated channel. |
| US08583128B2 |
Apparatus and method for mapping physical control channels
An apparatus and method that map physical control channels onto radio resource elements are described. The method may include mapping physical control channels of a first mobile radio technology onto a first set of radio resource element groups, mapping physical control channels of the second mobile radio technology onto a second set of radio resource element groups, generating mapping information specifying the mapping of physical control channels of the first mobile radio technology onto the first set of radio resource element groups, and generating mapping information specifying the mapping of physical control channels of the second mobile radio technology onto the second set of radio resource element groups. |
| US08583126B2 |
Methods and apparatus for line selection in a communication device
Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for selecting a communication line from two or more lines on a communication device are described herein. The communication device comprises a display module, an input module, a line selection module, and a communication module for making a call over a network to a target recipient. In at least one broad aspect, priority rankings are determined based on a number of factors and selection of a communication line accessible at the communication device on which an outgoing call may be placed is made based on the priority rankings. A list of communication lines ordered by priority rankings may also be displayed. |
| US08583124B2 |
Base station and mobile communication method to change a transmission power of communication channel
A femto base station according to the present invention includes: a downlink perch channel signal transmission power controller unit configured to change a transmission power of a downlink perch channel signal when a first condition is satisfied; and an uplink reception sensitivity controller unit configured to change an uplink reception sensitivity when a second condition is satisfied after the first condition is satisfied. |
| US08583123B2 |
Methods for controlling radio links in a cellular communication system
A method for controlling radio links in a cellular communication system. The method comprises: receiving an active set update message from the system controller via at least one of the first radio link and the second radio link at the first user equipment to direct the first user equipment to terminate the first radio link, determining a communication status of the first radio link according to a current quality of the first radio link and a current quality of the second radio link after receiving the active set update message, and managing the first radio link and the second radio link according to the communication status. |
| US08583119B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of automatic neighbor relation function in wireless networks
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate management of automatic neighbor relation functions in wireless networks. The system can include components and/or devices that ascertain whether or not to add or remove a neighbor relation based on information associated with an operations and management system, wherein the operations and management system dispatches add or remove requests to a base station that establishes, updates, and/or maintains a neighbor relations table and/or set of neighbor relations that includes neighbor relations between cells. |
| US08583114B2 |
Channel searching method and apparatus
A method of identifying an available channel of a plurality of frequency channels defined in a radio frequency spectrum for use by a transmitting station, wherein scanning for an available channel in a frequency spectrum is performed by a scanning method in which a bidirectional search is performed away from an initial channel frequency. The method may include steps to take when a boundary of the spectrum is encountered, and may also take into account existing information concerning channel reservation. A related scanner and radio apparatus is also described. |
| US08583112B2 |
End user controlled temporary mobile phone service device swapping system and method
User controlled temporary mobile phone and/or data service device swapping systems and methods including particular implementations and embodiments comprising a plurality of mobile phone user control accounts at least a first telephone number or other registration number registered with each of the plurality of phone service or cellular service user control accounts, and at least two different phone devices registered with each of the plurality of user control accounts, and a mobile phone user interface configured to receive input from the mobile phone user to indicate which of the at least two different mobile phone or cellular devices associated with the mobile phone user control account is to be associated and to transmit data indicating the association to a phone number or other service access number registry. |
| US08583111B2 |
Switch circuit and method of switching radio frequency signals
An RF switch circuit and method for switching RF signals that may be fabricated using common integrated circuit materials such as silicon, particularly using insulating substrate technologies. The RF switch includes switching and shunting transistor groupings to alternatively couple RF input signals to a common RF node, each controlled by a switching control voltage (SW) or its inverse (SW_), which are approximately symmetrical about ground. The transistor groupings each comprise one or more insulating gate FET transistors connected together in a “stacked” series channel configuration, which increases the breakdown voltage across the series connected transistors and improves RF switch compression. A fully integrated RF switch is described including control logic and a negative voltage generator with the RF switch elements. In one embodiment, the fully integrated RF switch includes an oscillator, a charge pump, CMOS logic circuitry, level-shifting and voltage divider circuits, and an RF buffer circuit. |
| US08583110B2 |
Distributed policy services for mobile and nomadic networking
A method of disseminating topology information related to a subscriber in a system having one or more networks, each network having access devices and policy functions, includes identifying a current location of the subscriber by a serving policy function. The method further includes forwarding information relating to the current location from the serving policy function to an anchor policy function associated with the subscriber. The process of identifying the location of the subscriber and forwarding the information to the anchor policy server is repeated each time the subscriber changes its physical location. The system uses the current location information to route policy information from the anchor policy function to the policy function that is serving the subscriber. The system may use a push model, a pull model, or a combination thereof, to disseminate the topology information. |
| US08583109B2 |
Method and system for exchanging NRTRDE files between a visited network and a home network in real time
The present invention provides a method for facilitating exchange of roaming information between a first gateway and either a Near Real Time Roaming Data Exchange (NRTRDE) agent or second gateway in real time. The method includes obtaining, by a first gateway associated with the VPMN, one or more event parameters in real time from mobile communication of the VPMN's inbound roamer coming from the HPMN. The method further includes generating the roaming information at the first gateway in real time, using one or more obtained event parameters such that the generated roaming information is comprehendible to either an NRTRDE agent associated with the VPMN or a third party vendor, or a second gateway associated with the HPMN. The method further includes providing the roaming information by the first gateway to either the NRTRDE agent or the second gateway in real time. |
| US08583099B2 |
Method for uplink communication in mobile communication environment
A method of recognizing states and locations of user equipment in a network by using a random access (RA) channel at a base station without alteration of the conventional network environment or configurations of user equipment. A mobile communication system of an embodiment includes a first base station; and one or more second base stations having service regions smaller than a service region of the first base station. The first base station is operable to broadcast configuration information to the user equipment for connecting to at least one of the one or more second base stations. The user equipment is operable to transmit an uplink signal to at least one of the one or more second base stations in accordance with the configuration information received from the first base station, and at least one of the one or more second base stations is operable to transmit information on the user equipment that transmitted the uplink signal to the first base station after receiving the uplink signal. |
| US08583098B2 |
Call forwarding system and method for forwarding a call to a terminal through near-field wireless communication
In a call forwarding system, a management apparatus of the call forwarding system determines service terminals capable of near field wireless communication within a reception range of near field wireless communication, generates a terminal list, and receives a call event message reporting the receipt of a call from a reference terminal. The management apparatus may transmit a call report message including the terminal list to the reference terminal and the service terminals. The management apparatus may forward the call initially received by the reference terminal to a terminal which transmitted a receipt request message by transmitting a call forwarding request message to the reference terminal. The management apparatus may transmit, to the reference terminal and the service terminals, a receipt report message reporting the call was forwarded. According to a change receipt message or upon non-receipt by an intended terminal, the call may be reforwarded to another terminal. |
| US08583097B2 |
Method for conference call prompting from a locked device
A method for joining a conference call from a communication device, the communication device having a locked state and an unlocked state. The method includes displaying an interface on the communication device while the communication device is in the locked state, the interface including an option to join a scheduled conference call, receiving an input for selection of the option while the communication device is in the locked state, unlocking the communication device to the unlocked state, and sending a communication to a second communication device for establishing a conference call session. |
| US08583095B2 |
Mobile terminal device
A mobile telephone includes a display, a memory which stores at least an originator name associated with a telephone number or a mail address as originator information, and a display controller which controls display in notifying the arrival of an incoming telephone call or incoming electronic mail. It is determined whether the mobile telephone is moved in a preset pattern based on output from an acceleration sensor in notifying the arrival of an incoming call. In the case where the mobile telephone is moved in the preset pattern, the display controller causes the display to display an originator name from originator information. |
| US08583094B2 |
Incoming-call management method of a mobile telecommunication device
An incoming-call management method of mobile telecommunication devices is provided. The method includes offering options for telephone holder and caller, and controls the procedure according to the telephone holder's setting and caller's decisions. |
| US08583092B2 |
Method and system for a persistent request generated by a wireless device, executed remotely and output to configurable local resources
Methods and systems for a persistent request generated by a wireless device, executed remotely and output to configurable local resources are disclosed and may include generating via a handheld wireless communication device (HWCD) a persistent request for a user that may be communicated to remote devices for execution and storage of results. The stored results may be received from local resources local which may be configured by the remote devices based on user preferences to deliver the stored results to the user. The stored results may be received by the user via the HWCD or another wireless communication device, and the identity of the user may be authenticated prior to receiving the stored results. The remote devices may discover the local resources based on the detection of the user logging into the network. User preferences may be stored in networked devices or may be stored in the HWCD. |
| US08583084B2 |
Ping feature for electronic devices
A pinging electronic device, a pingable electronic device and a network for the devices are disclosed. The ping electronic devices comprising a ping function and a transmitter wherein the ping function is adapted to generate and the transmitter is adapted to transmit over an ad hoc wireless network at least one associated ping control message to at least one pingable electronic device paired to the pinging electronic device for actuation of at least one indicator element of the at least one pingable electronic device. |
| US08583079B2 |
Rich presence status based on location, activity, availability and transit status of a user
A method and system for determining and sharing rich presence status of a user is presented. Multiple types of presence status options are associated with user's status based on location, activity, availability, transit status, and user's text updates, which the user can selectively share on their mobile device with different groups of users, and make one or more aspects of their presence status broadly available to everyone. Also a system to determine status based on auto-updates and manual updates is presented. |
| US08583076B2 |
Emergency communication system and method
A method and system for providing an emergency contact service are disclosed. The emergency contact system monitors presence off users with respect to various user devices in order to determine at which devices each user is present. An emergency message is then transmitted to devices at which the user is present. The emergency contact service is then capable of receiving a confirmation message to confirm receipt of the emergency message. The emergency contact service can track the users by retrieving location information, such as a GPS location, associated with a device at which a user is present. The emergency contact service can then identify whether a user in is the vicinity of an emergency location, and transmit an emergency message to the user is the user is in the vicinity of the emergency location. |
| US08583074B2 |
Wireless security messaging model
Reducing power consumption and interference in wireless communication is provided. For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that listens for radio frequency (“RF”) activity on a receiver utilizing a first receiver antenna. When no RF activity is detected the receiver is switched “on” and a command is transmitted. If a reply to the transmission is not received the receiver is turned “off.” After an expiration of time, the receiver is again switched “on” and another command is transmitted on a second antenna coupled to the receiver. Thereafter, if a reply is not received the receiver is again turned “off.” Embodiments of the invention also include other methods, computer-readable mediums, apparatuses, and systems that contain features similar to the features in the above described method. |
| US08583071B2 |
Methods and circuits for detecting and reporting high-energy particles using mobile phones and other portable computing devices
Described are mobile phones that incorporate radiation detectors formed using commonly available semiconductor memories. The radiation detectors require little or no additional hardware over what is available in a conventional phone, and can thus be integrated with little expense or packaging modifications. The low cost supports a broad distribution of detectors. Data collected from constellations of detector-equipped mobile phones can be used to locate mislaid or stolen nuclear materials or other potentially dangerous radiation sources. Phone users can be alerted to radiation dangers in their vicinity, and aggregated phone-specific error data can serve as user-specific dosimeters. |
| US08583069B2 |
Method and arrangement for reducing interference in a received signal
A method and arrangement reduce an interference which is caused in a received signal from a reception antenna by a transmitted signal with transmitted data which are distributed stochastically over time from a transmission antenna which is physically close by. The transmission of the transmitted signal from the transmission antenna is activated and deactivated by a control signal from a control circuit over time such that reception dropouts in the received signal which are caused by the interference are corrected by an error correction unit for the received signal. |
| US08583067B2 |
Apparatus and method for improved wireless communication reliability and performance in process control systems
An apparatus includes a transceiver configured to transmit wireless signals to and receive wireless signals from wireless nodes associated with an industrial process. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to initiate transmission of the wireless signals and to process data contained in the received wireless signals. The transceiver includes a diversity receiver configured to process the wireless signals from the wireless nodes. The transceiver may be further configured to perform beam-shaping in order to transmit a directional beam to at least one of the wireless nodes. Also, the controller may be configured to perform spatial routing by identifying a target of a wireless transmission and to initiate transmission of the directional beam towards a known or estimated location associated with the identified target. |
| US08583066B2 |
System and method for frequency offsetting of information communicated in MIMO-based wireless networks
A communications system includes a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) architecture for high capacity switched mesh networks. The MIMO architecture has a plurality of radio frequency chains. One of the plurality of radio frequency chains is configured to apply a first frequency offset to a base frequency of an output signal to generate a first transmitting frequency; and another of the plurality of radio frequency chains being configured to apply a second frequency offset to the base frequency to generate a second transmitting frequency. The system uses the carrier frequency offset to lock the clock of the master subsystem to the clock of the slave subsystem, thereby enabling bandwidth expansion to be employed on the MIMO data streams. |
| US08583065B2 |
Digitally controlled antenna tuning circuit for radio frequency receivers
A novel digitally controlled antenna tuning circuit that enables the implementation of low cost, wideband tuning circuits for antennas in receive applications. The invention is operative to switch a plurality of tuning elements into and out of a main receive signal path. Each individual tuning element is switched into or out of the receive signal path using a single PIN diode. For series connected tuning elements, the diode is connected in parallel to the tuning element. For tuning elements connected in parallel, the diode is connected in series with the tuning element. The diodes are switched in accordance with control voltages which forward bias the diodes to effectively create a low resistance path thus either inserting or removing a tuning element from the receive signal path depending on its configuration in the circuit. |
| US08583063B1 |
Antenna configuration selection by a wireless communication device
A wireless communication device comprises an antenna interface, a user interface, and a processing system. The antenna interface is configured to physically connect to an antenna mounting unit. The user interface is configured to receive wireless communication usage information from a user. The processing system is configured to process the wireless communication usage information to select one of a plurality of antenna configurations. The user interface is configured to display an image of the selected antenna configuration installed on the antenna mounting unit. |
| US08583062B2 |
Methods for determining optimum power supply voltages for radio-frequency power amplifier circuitry
Electronic devices with wireless communications capabilities are provided. The electronic device may include storage and processing circuitry, power amplifier circuitry, power supply circuitry, etc. The storage and processing circuitry may direct the power amplifier circuitry to operate using a desired gain mode, in a particular radio channel, and at a given output power level. The power supply circuitry may bias the power amplifier circuitry with a power supply voltage. The performance of the power amplifier circuitry may be characterized by an adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) margin. The power consumption of the power amplifier circuitry may be characterized by a current savings ratio. A cost function may be calculated by taking the product of the ACLR margin and current savings ratio. A minimum point for each cost function curve may be determined. It is desirable to bias the power amplifier circuitry with a supply voltage corresponding to the minimum point. |
| US08583058B2 |
Method and system for chip-to-chip mesh networks
A wireless device comprising a plurality of chips may be operable to communicate wireless signals via a mesh network comprising a plurality of integrated directional antennas on the plurality of chips. Wireless signals may be communicated between the plurality of the chips and/or with devices external to the wireless device via the mesh network. Beam-formed wireless signals may be communicated via the plurality of integrated directional antennas. The plurality of chips may be integrated on a single package or on a plurality of packages, which may comprise one or more circuit boards. Wireless signals may be communicated with devices external to the single package via the mesh network. The directional antennas may comprise patch antennas and/or dipole antennas. |
| US08583056B2 |
Wireless/wired mobile communication device with option to automatically block wireless communication when connected for wired communication
A mobile wireless communication device also has at least one wired communication port. Enhanced security is achieved by permitting the device to automatically disable one or more wireless ports when connected to a wired port. Specific combinations/permutations of such automatic control may be effected by use of an IT Policy also resident on the device. |
| US08583051B2 |
Apparatus for removing interference between neighbor cells in a radio communication system, and method for same
The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing interference between neighbor cells in a radio communication system, and to a method for same. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit which receives receiving power information and signal-to-noise ratio information of a neighbor cell base station from multiple receiving antennas, a first determination unit for determining the number of major neighbor cell interference signals by using the received receiving power information and the signal-to-noise ratio information, a second determination unit for determining a candidate signal vector of a target signal in accordance with the determined number of major neighbor cell interference signals, the received signal-to-noise ratio, and the number of the multiple receiving antennas, a third determination unit for determining a candidate signal matrix of the major neighbor cell interference signals on the basis of the determined candidate signal vector of the target signal, and an estimation unit for estimating signals transmitted from the target base station or the neighbor base station by applying the determined candidate signal matrix of the major neighbor cell interference signals to the method of maximum likelihood. |
| US08583050B2 |
Building influence estimation apparatus and building influence estimation method
Appropriate and easy estimation is achieved for influence of a building on a mobile communication terminal. A building influence estimation apparatus 10 to estimate influence of a building on a mobile communication terminal 20 has: a reception information acquiring unit 12 which acquires reception information indicative of a reception intensity of a radio wave received by the mobile communication terminal 20 from a base station 30 and indicative of the base station 30; a location information acquiring unit 13 which acquires location information indicative of a location where the radio wave was received; a reception intensity estimating unit 14 which estimates a reception intensity of the radio wave according to the location indicated by the location information; a comparing unit 15 which makes a comparison between the estimated reception intensity and the reception intensity of the radio wave indicated by the reception information; a building influence estimating unit 16 which estimates influence of the building, based on the result of the comparison; and an outputting unit 17 which outputs information indicative of the estimated influence of the building. |
| US08583049B2 |
Self-optimizing integrated RF converter
Techniques are disclosed for optimization of RF converters. The techniques can be employed, for instance, in RF converters implemented in semiconductor materials (system-on-chip, or chip set) or with discrete components on a printed circuit board. In any such cases, the RF converter system can be configured with one or more actuators to adjust performance, one or more sensor to assess the performance (e.g., linearity of RF converter) and parameters of interest (e.g., ambient temperature, and a control block for controlling the sensors and actuators. The configuration allows the RF converter to autonomously self-optimize for linearity or other parameters of interest such as gain, noise figure, and dynamic range, across a broad range of variables. |
| US08583047B2 |
Frequency band adaptive wireless communication
A system, apparatus and method is disclosed for multiband wireless communication. Frequency bands and/or transmission formats are identified as available within a range for wireless communication. Signal quality metrics for each frequency band are evaluated by a receiver to identify qualified frequency bands. The qualified frequency bands can be ranked according to one or more signal quality metrics, where the list of qualified bands can be communicated to a transmitter. The transmitter is arranged to evaluate the list of qualified bands and select a communication method based on the available frequency bands and a selected communication optimization scenario. Multiple frequency bands and communication methods can be utilized by the transmitter such that a combination of licensed, unlicensed, semilicensed, and overlapped frequency bands can be simultaneously used for communication. The receiver continually monitors communications and can report link performance to the transmitter for adaptive control of the selected communication methods. |
| US08583046B2 |
Method and system for portable data storage with integrated 60 GHz radio
Aspects of a method and system for portable data storage with an integrated 60 GHz radio may include establishing a microwave communication link between a wireless portable storage device and a wireless transmitter and/or wireless receiver. Beamforming parameters of a first antenna array coupled to said wireless portable storage device and a second antenna array coupled to said wireless transmitter and/or wireless receiver may be adjusted automatically and/or dynamically. The wireless portable storage and the wireless transmitter and/or wireless receiver may exchange data via said first antenna array and said second antenna array. A secondary wireless communication link may be established to initialize the establishing of the microwave communication link. The secondary wireless communication link may be established via Bluetooth protocol. The wireless portable storage and the wireless transmitter and/or wireless receiver may receive and transmit in the 60 GHz frequency band. |
| US08583044B2 |
Near field communication (NFC) enabled wireless media system and player and method of operation
A wireless media player and a related system and methodology are disclosed. One aspect of the wireless media player system pertains to a virtual connector system, apparatus, and method for the automatic establishment of wireless connectivity with other electronic devices. In one embodiment, the media player device employs the use of integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to exchange communication settings, media capability, and other parameters with an external device that also has integrated RFID technology. The automatic exchange of settings and other information via a proximity-based RFID data exchange allows a media player to quickly establish a secure communication link with another device via a commonly supported wireless protocol such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or Bluetooth. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a method of using the captured media capability of the connecting device to customize certain menu options and software parameters in the media player. |
| US08583037B2 |
Inductive data communication
Data transmission systems and methods are disclosed in which a transmitter and a receiver, each having an inductor, are configured for wirelessly transferring data and power between them. Error detection is implemented for implementing error correction techniques by making corrections at the receiver, at the transmitter, or both. In preferred embodiments of the invention, error correction approaches include oversampling, power adjustments, and frequency adjustments. In preferred implementations, the systems and methods are used for transmitting both power and data using a single pair of inductors. |
| US08583035B2 |
Multiple input multiple output user equipment radio frequency assistant system
A user equipment and a wireless radio frequency assistant in a communication system that supports multiple input multiple output. The wireless radio frequency assistant and the user equipment operate together as a single system. The user equipment controls and activates the wireless radio frequency assistant to transform a first frequency of a radio frequency signal transmitted to the system of user equipment and the wireless radio frequency assistant to a second frequency. The wireless radio frequency assistant transmits the second frequency to the user equipment. |
| US08583034B2 |
Verifying and mitigating oscillation in amplifiers
A method is provided for detecting and mitigating oscillation in a booster amplifier. The booster amplifier is configured to sample a signal being amplified to determine whether the booster amplifier is oscillating. In addition, the status of the booster amplifier can be verified based on the apparent signal levels of the signals being amplified. The gain of the booster amplifier is then adjusted in accordance with whether the booster amplifier is oscillating or as necessary to maintain gain that is compatible with the system within which the booster amplifier is operating. |
| US08583033B2 |
Oscillation protected amplifier with base station overload and noise floor protection
An amplifier is provided for optimizing gain. The amplifier determines an optimal gain from inputs including the forward link and reverse link input power. The inputs are processed to determine an optimal gain of the amplifier. The optimal gain may be accessed from a lookup table that accounts for characteristics of the amplifier, the cell phone (or other device), and the base station (or base stations). The optimal gain is set to account at least for industry standards, amplifier oscillation issues, base station overload protection, and base station noise floor protection. |
| US08583032B2 |
Communication system, communication relay apparatus, and communication relay method
A communication relay method and others are disclosed in which even when the channel quality varies, the communication data from MS can be relayed without degrading the throughput of the communication system. In this method, the channel quality between RS and BS is estimated (ST1010), and a determination criterion, which is used to determine whether to relay communication, is established based on the estimated channel quality (ST1020). More specifically, a severe determination criterion is set for a relay route having a bad channel quality between RS and BS, while a less severe determination criterion is set for a relay route having a good channel quality between RS and BS. On the other hand, the channel quality between MS and RS is also estimated (ST1030). Then, after both ST1020 and ST1030 are completed, the channel quality between MS and RS is compared to the determination criterion established in ST1020 to ultimately determine whether to relay the communication data from MS in ST1040. |
| US08583027B2 |
Methods and systems for authorizing computing devices for receipt of venue-based data based on the location of a user
Methods and systems for authorizing access by a user of at least one service associated with an event at a venue based on a location of the user as determined by assets of a data communications network (e.g., Internet protocol based networks, computer network, telecommunications network, wireless network, Internet, etc). A location of at least one user can be determined based on communications of at least one computing device utilized by the at least one user with the data communications network supporting data communications of the at least one computing device. The at least one computing device can be authorized to receive the at least one service based on the location as determined by the data communications network and/or a server. The data communications network can further comprise at least one of a server, a gateway, a home location register and a visiting location register. |
| US08583026B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body of the image forming apparatus; a component of the image forming apparatus attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus; a medium re-feeding path formed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, wherein a medium is turned over while being conveyed through the medium re-feeding path for a double-sided printing; and a guide provided at the component, the guide being adjacent to the medium re-feeding path and configured to guide the medium along the medium re-feeding path. |
| US08583018B2 |
Fusing device and image forming apparatus using the same
A fusing device includes a fusing roller, a compression roller, and a cam; a first link having an end as a rotation support point, another end with a contact point with the cam, and an intermediate point between the end and another end thereof; a second link having a first end, a second end, and a third end, the first end rotatably connected to the intermediate point of the first link, and the second end configured to rotatably support the compression roller; a third link having an end rotatably supported and another end rotatably connected to the third end of the second link; and an elastic compression member configured to elastically compress the compression roller against the fusing roller via the first link. |
| US08583014B2 |
Powder holding container with an opening and closing member having a resilient tab surrounded by a cutout
A powder holding container includes: a tubular shaped section that is formed in a tubular shape with a hole formed in a tube wall for letting powder pass through; an opening and closing member that moves in a straight line inside the tubular shaped section to open and close the hole; a projection portion that projects out from the opening and closing member and enters the hole; and a resilient tab that is formed by a cutout provided in the opening and closing member, and is resiliently deformable in directions in which the projection portion enters or exits the hole. |
| US08583013B2 |
Developing unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing unit of an image forming apparatus includes a developer cartridge detachably mounted on the developing unit, a developing case in which a developing member and a first supply member are provided, a developer supply passage to supply a developer stored in the developer cartridge to the developing case, and a developer supplement unit mounted in a portion connecting the developing case and the developer supply passage, to agitate the developer supplied through the developer supply passage and to supply the agitated developer to the developing case. |
| US08583011B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a positively charged single layer type electrophotographic photoreceptor
An image forming apparatus includes a positively-charged single layer type electrophotographic photoreceptor, a charging device with a contact charging roller for charging a surface of the photoreceptor and an exposure device for exposing the charged surface of the photoreceptor to light to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. A developing device develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image and a transfer device transfers the toner image to a transferred body. The charging roller is made of electrically conductive rubber having an Asker-C rubber hardness of 62 to 81°. A roller surface roughness of the charging roller has an average distance (Sm) between asperity peaks on a cross-sectional curve of 55 to 130 μm and that a ten-point average roughness (Rz) is 9 to 19 μm. The image forming apparatus is capable of preventing carrier trapping, film peeling and uneven charging in the photoreceptor. |
| US08583008B2 |
Apparatus for preventing damage to a photoconductor
A system for in situ replacement of a cartridge for an electrophotographic printer includes a photoreceptive member in the cartridge; a retractable shield enclosing the photoreceptive member; and a retraction mechanism in the cartridge for retracting the retractable shield when the cartridge is inserted into the printer. |
| US08583007B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. A coupling member is provided adjacent to one axial end of the developing roller. The coupling member includes a driven portion, and an intermediary portion configured and positioned to engage with the driven portion. The intermediary portion is also configured to be movable relative to the driven portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the driven portion. The coupling member further includes a driving portion configured and positioned to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller. The driving portion is also configured to engage with the intermediary portion, and to be movable relative to the intermediary portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the intermediary portion. |
| US08583006B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus and process cartridge with electrical contacts that urge developer roller to photosensitive drum
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a movable member including a mounting portion for detachably mounting a cartridge, with the movable member being movable from an outside toward an inside of a main assembly of the apparatus while supporting the cartridge. The apparatus further comprises an output contact and an intermediary electrical contact configured and positioned to supply a bias voltage received by the output contact to the cartridge, with intermediary electrical contact being disposed on the mounting portion and being elastically deformable in a moving direction in which the movable member is movable between the outside and the inside. The cartridge includes an input electrical contact and a cartridge side contact portion. |
| US08583003B2 |
Tubular skiving seal for a rotary toner metering mechanism and methods for forming the tubular skiving seal
A skiving seal for blocking toner from entering a gap between adjacent a rotatable member in a toner container system of an image forming apparatus. The skiving seal includes a flexible sheet having a surface and a length. The skiving seal includes a tubular portion formed by folding the flexible sheet over itself from an edge extending along the length of the flexible sheet without creasing the fold and adhesively adhering a portion of the folded portion of the flexible sheet to the surface of the flexible sheet along the length of the flexible sheet. The skiving seal includes an adhesive-coated area unobstructed on the surface of the flexible sheet for adhesively affixing the skiving seal in the toner container system. |
| US08582993B2 |
Image forming apparatus that changes a permissible range of a correction value
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a manual acquiring unit which is configured to receive a user input to acquire a correction value; an image forming unit which is configured to form an image while adjusting at least one of positional deviation and density deviation of the image based on the correction value; and a changing unit which is configured to execute at least one of a first changing process of changing a permissible range of a correction value for positional deviation according to a status of a factor causing a change in a position of an image, and a second changing process of changing a permissible range of a correction value for density deviation according to a status of a factor causing a change in a density of an image. |
| US08582992B2 |
Image forming apparatus and storing medium
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes: a forming unit configured to form an image on a relatively moving object, the image including a mark; a first detection unit configured to detect the mark formed by the forming unit so as to obtain a first detection result; a correction unit configured to execute a correction process in which an image forming condition of the image forming unit is changed based on the first detection result; a setting unit configured to set the correction process not to be executed when a value related to a correction accuracy of the correction unit is lower than a reference value; and a control unit configured to control the correction process based on the setting by the setting unit. |
| US08582991B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a separator presser that presses against a plurality of separators to separate the plurality of separators from a fixing rotary body that contacts an opposed rotary body to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium bearing a toner image passes. A single driver is connected to the separator presser to separate the separator presser from the plurality of separators. An entering recording medium detector is disposed upstream from the fixing nip in a conveyance direction of the recording medium to detect the recording medium. A controller is connected to the driver to control the driver based on a detection signal sent from the entering recording medium detector to change a contact time period for which the plurality of separators contacts the fixing rotary body. |
| US08582988B2 |
Effectively using a consumable in two printers
In a multi-printer system with two marking engines, the jobs printed are monitored and the remaining lives of consumables in replaceable units (RUs) in the engines are estimated. A decision unit responsive to the estimated lives of the consumables determines that the first RU in the first marking engine should be moved to the second marking engine at a selected service time, so that a remaining amount of the consumable in the first RU is not discarded. |
| US08582987B2 |
Printing device
In a printing device, the conveying mechanism has a first path from a accommodating unit to the printing position and a second path that conveys the sheet that has once passed through the printing position to the printing position in an inverted state. The controller controls the conveying mechanism to perform an automatic duplex print. Printing on the one side is executed by using the first path and printing on the another side is executed by using the second path. The another side printing error disables printing of an image, by using the second path, on the another side of the sheet, whose one side has already been printed. When the another side printing error occurs, the controller controls the conveying mechanism to convey, through the first path, a sheet and controlling the printing unit to print the image on the sheet based on the set of image data to be printed on the another side. |
| US08582983B2 |
Method and system for generation of coherent subcarriers
A method and system for generating multi-subcarriers is disclosed. Re-circulating frequency shifters—based on the frequency shifting in two cascading phase modulators—are used to generate 112 subcarriers with stable architecture since there is no direct current bias in phase modulators. |
| US08582976B2 |
Transmission of broadband signals
The invention is concerned with the transmission of broadband signals onto to a telephony connection having constraint profile limiting the maximum allowed power as a function of frequency. As a result, broadband signals can be delivered using low power equipment to a telephony line whilst respecting the constraint profile associated with that line. |
| US08582975B2 |
Wavelength division multiplexed passive optical network
Consistent with the present disclosure, an optical communication system, such as a passive optical network (PON), is provided that includes an optical line terminal (OLT) and a plurality of optical network units (ONUs). The OLT includes a plurality of photonic integrated circuits that have both optical transmitters and receivers provided therein. Accordingly, the OLT may have fewer components and a simpler, more reliable and cost-effective design than a conventional OLT including discrete components. In addition, various ONU configurations are provided that also have a simple design and fewer components. Thus, ONUs consistent with the present disclosure may also have reduced costs. |
| US08582974B2 |
Inter-transceiver module communication for firmware upgrade
An operational optical transceiver configured to update operational firmware using an optical link of the transceiver. The optical transceiver includes at least one processor and a system memory capable of receiving firmware. The optical transceiver receives an optical signal over the optical link containing the update firmware. The optical transceiver then recovers the firmware from the optical signal. Finally, the optical transceiver provides to the system memory the recovered firmware, which when executed by the at least one processor alters the operation of the transceiver. |
| US08582973B2 |
Data communication apparatus, electronic camera, and data communication system
A data communication apparatus comprises a storage unit that stores network connection information required for establishing a connection via a network with an external device, a light emission element that emits light, a light emission control unit that converts the network connection information into an optical signal and emits the optical signal from the light emission element by controlling an operation of the light emission element based upon the network connection information stored in the storage unit, and a reception unit that receives data transmitted from the external device via the network. |
| US08582971B2 |
Method and apparatus to deploy fiber optic based access networks
Methods and apparatus to deploy fiber optic based access networks are disclosed. An example access network comprises a first fiber optic cable segment to couple an optical access head-end to a first pedestal and to transport user data, a second fiber optic cable segment to couple the first pedestal to a second pedestal and to transport a first portion of the user data to the second pedestal, a drop cable segment to couple the first pedestal to a customer premises and to transport a second portion of the user data to the customer premises, and a switch at the first pedestal to route the first portion of the user data between the first and second fiber optic cable segments and to route the second portion of the user data between the first fiber optic cable segment and the drop cable segment. |
| US08582967B2 |
Device for multicast of optical signals in the internet and other networks
Device for multicast of optical signals in the Internet and other networks is formed by an electronic part and an optical part. The electronic part consists of a control module, an interface module formed by a power supply block, a block for measuring basic operational parameters of the whole device and an interface, and by a power supply part. The power supply block of the interface module is connected to the power supply part, to the optical part and to the control module. The interface is connected to the optical part and to the control module, and the block for measuring basic operational parameters of the whole device is connected to the power supply part and to the control module. Input/output interfaces involving a standard interface for communication with a user and/or an interface for communication in an Ethernet network and/or an interface via RS 232 and/or an interface for communication via a serial USB bus are connected to the control module. The optical part of the device is designed as a double-stage with a first stage formed by M passive wide-spectrum optical splitters, each of which is equipped with N outputs and a second stage is realized by N wide-spectrum optical switches, each of which is equipped with M inputs. |
| US08582965B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, method for controlling image capturing apparatus, and method for predicting photometric value
An image capturing apparatus comprises: a photometry unit configured to perform photometry on a subject and output a photometric value; an obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of photometric values from the photometry unit during a predetermined period of time; and a calculation unit configured to perform a prediction calculation to predict a luminance of the subject based on the plurality of photometric values obtained by the obtaining unit. |
| US08582960B2 |
Storage medium storing moving-image data that includes mode information, and reproducing apparatus and method
A method of reproducing moving-image information recorded on a storage medium, including: reading mode information from the storage medium including an object of a first type for reproducing the moving-image information, an object of a second type for providing additional functions related to the moving-image information, and system data for controlling the reproduction of the object of the first and second types, including: information indicating an object to be automatically reproduced when the storage medium is loaded, menu information for displaying a menu, and title information for each object of the first type and the object of the second type, the title information including identification information of the corresponding object, the mode information indicating the type of the corresponding object, determining the type of an object to be reproduced based on the read mode information, and reproducing the object based on the result of the determination. |
| US08582959B2 |
Apparatus for recording and/or playing back catalog information
A storage medium which stores catalog information and a catalog information recording and/or playback apparatus and method therefor. Using the method, catalog information including a still picture and additional information together with audio data are recorded on a storage medium such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), which is an optical record storage medium, and the catalog information is played back during playback of the audio data, to thereby provide various information on the audio data. Also, the apparatus includes a buffer memory for catalog playback which maintains a predetermined standard and compatibility, and is capable of real-time reading during playback of the audio data, and automatically plays back the catalog content, corresponding to the playback state of the audio data, when there is no additional selection of a user. |
| US08582951B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program
A data recording structure supporting an AVCHD format is provided. The data recording structure allows a playing process, an editing process and a write-once recording process to be quickly performed. When data recording is performed in a data recording format having a layered management structure such as an AVCHD format, identification information is stored in an index file containing index information for record data. The identification information is needed to perform one of the playing process on the record data, the editing process on the record data and the write-once recording process on data. This arrangement eliminates the need for reading a variety of files and retrieving information when one of the record data playing process, the record data editing process and the write-once recording process is performed. Each process is thus quickly performed. |
| US08582944B2 |
Optical cable exit trough
A cable exit trough is mountable to a lateral trough section either during initial assembly of the cable routing system, or at a later date. The exit trough includes a bracket portion mountable to the top edge of one of the sides of the lateral trough section. Two lead-ins are provided to lead the cable in an upward direction from the lateral trough section to the exit trough. The exit trough includes an exit trough portion extending from the bracket portion upwardly away from the lateral trough section. The exit trough portion includes a convexly curved bottom trough surface, and two convexly curved upstanding sides. The exit trough portion and the lead-ins define a cable pathway from the lateral trough section to an exit point of the exit trough portion which can either lead downwardly relative to the lateral trough section, or horizontally. |
| US08582941B2 |
Micromodule cables and breakout cables therefor
Micromodule breakout cables are constructed to pass selected burn tests while maintaining a desired degree of accessibility and durability. The micromodule cables can be incorporated in data centers and are robust enough to serve as furcation legs while allowing hand accessibility. The cables can incorporate optical fibers with low delta attenuation and can have low skew. |
| US08582940B2 |
Fiber optic cables with extruded access features and methods of making fiber optic cables
Cables are constructed with embedded discontinuities in the cable jacket that allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of polymer material coextruded in the cable jacket. |
| US08582938B2 |
Fiber optic distribution cables and structures therefore
Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The fiber optic distribution cables present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. In one fiber optic distribution cable, a length of distribution optical fiber that is removed from the distribution cable and presented outward of the protective covering is longer than the opening at access location. In another embodiment, a demarcation point is provided for inhibiting the movement (i.e., pistoning) of the distribution optical fiber into and out of the distribution cable. In still another embodiment, an indexing tube is provided for indexing a tether tube within the indexing tube for providing the distribution optical fiber with a suitable excess fiber length. Additionally, other embodiments may include a fiber optic distribution cable having a dry construction and/or a non-round cross-section. |
| US08582936B2 |
Separating and combining single-mode and multimode optical beams
Techniques for combining initially separate single mode and multimode optical beams into a single “Dual Mode” fiber optic have been developed. Bi-directional propagation of two beams that are differentiated only by their mode profiles (i.e., wavefront conditions) is provided. The beams can be different wavelengths and or contain different modulation information but still share a common aperture. This method allows the use of conventional micro optics and hybrid photonic packaging techniques to produce small rugged packages suitable for use in industrial or military environments. |
| US08582931B1 |
Optical XOR gate
An optical XOR gate is formed as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) from two sets of optical waveguide devices on a substrate, with each set of the optical waveguide devices including an electroabsorption modulator electrically connected in series with a waveguide photodetector. The optical XOR gate utilizes two digital optical inputs to generate an XOR function digital optical output. The optical XOR gate can be formed from III-V compound semiconductor layers which are epitaxially deposited on a III-V compound semiconductor substrate, and operates at a wavelength in the range of 0.8-2.0 μm. |
| US08582929B2 |
Ultra-sensitive electric field detection device
An electric field detection device. In one embodiment, the electric field detection device includes an interferometer having a reference arm and an active arm. The reference arm comprises a first electro-optic waveguide. The active arm comprises a first electrically conductive plate, a second electrically conductive plate spaced apart from the first electrically conductive plate defining a first gap therebetween, a third electrically conductive plate disposed in the first gap and vertically extending from the first electrically conductive plate to define a T-shape structure and a second gap between the third electrically conductive plate and the second electrically conductive plate, where the second gap is substantially smaller than the first gap; and a second electro-optic waveguide disposed in the second gap and being in electrical communication with the second and third electrically conductive plates. |
| US08582927B1 |
High-efficiency optical modulators and implementation techniques
A new High-Z optical modulator has a waveguide and electrodes on a substrate, a buffer layer with a low dielectric constant between the waveguide and the substrate, and a substance between the waveguide and the substrate with a dielectric constant lower than a dielectric constant of the substrate to the side and below the plane of the waveguide, thereby improving electro-optic field overlap, increasing RF speed and increasing transmission line impedance. The material with a dielectric constant lower than the substrate extends between the waveguide and the electrodes to a depth below the waveguide equal to or greater than the lateral distance between the waveguide and electrodes. This material may be air and may be introduced by cutting away portions of the substrate around the waveguide with a precision dicing saw. The electrodes may be placed even with the waveguide or below the waveguide on the cut-away portion of the substrate. |
| US08582920B2 |
Presentation device
A presentation device comprises an image capture portion for capturing an image of a subject and generating a raw image thereof; a detection portion adapted to analyze whether a first marker is present in the raw image, and if the first marker is present in the raw image, to detect an existing position of the first marker within the raw image; a storage portion for storing a positional relationship of a synthesis position at which a mask image for masking at least a portion of the raw image is synthesized with the raw image relative to the existing position of the first marker; a synthesized image generation portion adapted to determine the synthesis position according to the positional relationship with the detected existing position, and to synthesize the mask image at the determined synthesis position within the raw image to generate a synthesized image; and an output portion for outputting the synthesized image. |
| US08582917B2 |
Data conversion method and data conversion device
A data conversion method and a data conversion device convert a large cubic three-dimensional image data to a plurality of pieces of small cubic one-dimensional image data, or convert a plurality of pieces of small cubic one-dimensional image data to a large cubic three-dimensional image data. The data conversion method includes the following steps, marking a three-dimensional index on three-dimensional image data; converting the three-dimensional index to a writing sequence index; inputting the three-dimensional image data to a buffer memory in sequence according to the writing sequence index; computing a reading sequence index according to the writing sequence index; outputting data blocks from the buffer memory in sequence according to the reading sequence index. Through the method and the device, use of the memory is reduced, and time for conversion is lowered. |
| US08582914B2 |
Tone mapping with adaptive slope for image sharpening
A method for sharpening a captured image (14) includes (i) selecting a pixel (240) in the captured image (14); (ii) selecting a selected high intensity value (302); (iii) selecting a selected low intensity value (302); (iv) normalizing the intensity value to establish a normalized intensity value using the selected high intensity value and the selected low intensity value (304); (v) determining an adjusted normalized intensity value for the normalized intensity value using a contrast correction function (306); and (vi) scaling the adjusted normalized intensity value to get a transformed intensity value (308). Subsequently, the adjusted image (16) can be generated using the transformed intensity value for each pixel (240). The contrast correction function can be selected that provides the desired amount of sharpening. Thus, the amount of sharpening that is applied to the image (14) can be specifically selected. |
| US08582909B2 |
Adaptive multi-grid contrast optical flow
Systems and methods for applying a contrast optical flow algorithm to fixed image data and moving image data are disclosed. Applying the contrast optical flow algorithm may include determining a deformation field and a scalar brightness field. Applying the contrast optical flow algorithm may also include applying an affine transformation to changes in intensity between the fixed image data and the moving image data. |
| US08582907B2 |
Method for reconstruction of magnetic resonance images
A method for constructing an image includes acquiring image data in a sensing domain, transforming the acquired image data into a sparse domain, approximating sparse coefficients based on the transformed acquired image data, performing a Bayes Least Squares estimation on the sparse coefficients based on Gaussian Scale Mixtures Model to generate weights, approximating updated sparse coefficients by using the weights and acquired image, constructing an image based on the updated sparse coefficients, and displaying the constructed image. |
| US08582906B2 |
Image data compression and decompression
Compression and decompression of image data, including a first image of an object. The first image may be divided into portions. For each portion, it may be determined whether the portion includes a part of the object. The image data may be compressed based on said determining. If a threshold ratio of portions that do not include a part of the object is reached, portions including a part of the object may be compressed according to a first compression method and portions not including a part of the object may not be compressed, where background information is stored for the portions not including a part of the object. If the threshold ratio of portions that do not include a part of the object is not reached, each portion of the object may be compressed according to the first compression method. The compressed data may be decompressed in a reverse fashion. |
| US08582905B2 |
Methods and systems for rate control within an encoding device
This disclosure describes techniques for adjusting encoding variables of an encoding device. In response to a request to resize a segment of data, an encoding module adjusts at least one encoding variable used to encode one or more subsequent segments of data such that the subsequent segments of data are encoded at a bit rate that is different than the bit rate at which the subsequent segments of data would have been encoded had there been no request to resize. At some point, the encoding module re-adjusts the encoding variables used to encode the segments of data such that the subsequent segments of data are encoded to achieve a desired encoding result. For example, the encoding module may re-adjust the encoding variables after a period of time or may incrementally adjust the encoding variables until the encoding variables result in achieving the desired encoding result. |
| US08582894B2 |
Electronic apparatus and character string recognizing method
An electronic apparatus includes a character detector, a feature detector, a character string combiner, and a controller. The character detector detects a first character candidate and a second character candidate from an image. The feature detector detects first feature data and second feature data, the first and second feature data including at least character size, color, or line width of the first and second character candidate. The character string combiner combines the first and second character candidates to form a character string when a degree of coincidence between the first and second feature data at least satisfies a threshold coincidence value. The controller detects a portion of the character string indicative of an attribute and activates a function corresponding to the attribute. |
| US08582892B2 |
Method and apparatus for face determination
Provided are a method and an apparatus for processing digital images, and more particularly, a method and an apparatus for face determination, wherein it is determined if a subject is a true subject based on distance information regarding a distance to the subject and face detection information. In an embodiment, the face detecting apparatus is a digital image processing apparatus and includes a digital signal processor for determining if a subject is a true subject based on distance information regarding a distance to the subject and face length information. |
| US08582888B2 |
Method and apparatus for recognizing boundary line in an image information
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of detecting boundary line information contained in image information comprising a plurality of pixels in either one of first and second states, comprising: detecting a first group of pixels in the first state disposed continuously in said image information to determine first line information and detecting a second group of pixels in the first state disposed adjacently with each other and surrounded by pixels in the second state to determine edge information based on the contour of the second group of pixels; and determining the boundary line information on the basis of the information of the relation of relative position of the line information and the edge information and the size of the first and second group of pixels. |
| US08582883B2 |
Simultaneous model-based segmentation of objects satisfying pre-defined spatial relationships
The invention relates to a system (100) for segmenting a plurality of objects in image data using simultaneous model-based image segmentation. A surface mesh is adapted to each object to be segmented. To avoid or reduce the possibility of mesh collision, a plurality of connecting edges for connecting two proximal meshes are used. A connection energy defined for the plurality of connecting edges allows controlling the spatial relationship between the first and second mesh. This is achieved by including in the connection energy expression terms that will increase the connection energy when the lengths of edges of the plurality of connecting edges connecting the first and second mesh decrease. Using the reference configuration of the plurality of connecting edges defined based on the pre-positioned first and second mesh allows taking into account prior knowledge about a typical spatial relationship between the first and second object of the plurality of objects. |
| US08582880B2 |
Method and apparatus for calculating features of image data
A feature extraction apparatus includes a pixel feature calculator configured to calculate a plurality of pixel features for each of pixels included in a plurality of pieces of image data; a co-occurrence frequency calculator configured to calculate co-occurrence frequencies of the pixel features by comparing the pixel features among corresponding pixels in the pieces of image data; and a co-occurrence frequency output unit configured to output the co-occurrence frequencies. |
| US08582870B2 |
Method for (semi-) automatic dental implant planning
A method for (semi-) automatic dental implant planning (A) is described including (a) creating 3D models of a tooth setup (b) and/or creating 3D models of parts of the jaw, (c) detecting zones in the jaw where implants can (or optionally cannot be placed), (d) detecting restorative elements in the tooth setup, (e) determining candidate implant dimensions, positions, orientations and configurations, (f) obtaining implant plans, (g) comparing implant plans to each other or to given criteria, (h) selecting or improving an implant plan. |
| US08582866B2 |
Method and apparatus for disparity computation in stereo images
A method and system for generating a disparity map. The method comprises the steps of generating a first disparity map based upon a first image and a second image acquired at a first time, acquiring at least a third image and a fourth image at a second time, and determining one or more portions comprising a difference between one of the first and second images and a corresponding one of the third and fourth images. A disparity map update is generated for the one or more determined portions, and a disparity map is generated based upon the third image and the fourth image by combining the disparity map update and the first disparity map. |
| US08582865B2 |
Ultrasound imaging with ray casting and software-based image reconstruction
Systems and methods are presented for increasing the frame rate of real-time 3D ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the frame rate for generating a pseudo-shaded 2D projection image may be increased by controlling the image reconstruction process. Rather than beamforming, scan converting, and interpolating a 3D voxelized data set of an entire scanned volume, only samples required for generating the 2D projection image may be reconstructed. The element data measured from each transducer array element may be combined to directly reconstruct those 3D image samples required by the volume rendering algorithm to generate the 2D projection image. |
| US08582863B2 |
Winding device and assembly comprising a winding device
A string emanating from a packaging machine is arranged in a slot by means of a feed inlet and placed in a winding shaft (12). This placement is assisted by the use of positioning brushes (4). After the initial introduction, winding up takes place upon rotation of the winding shaft and upon further engagement of the string in the slot (14) in the winding shaft. The winding shaft is provided on a carrying disc (5) and said carrying disc is also arranged so as to be rotatable. During the first stage, the section of the string emanating from the supply path is pulled with constant force. After the string has been separated from the remaining material, the winding is carried out. Subsequently, the rotating shaft with the string, through rotation of the carrying disc, reaches a next position in which pressing the reel and thus adhesion of the reel end moves the winding shaft out of the reel. The reel has already been checked prior to entering the winding device to determine whether it has to be inspected. |
| US08582861B2 |
Method and apparatus for segmenting biological cells in a picture
A method of segmenting biological cells in a picture so that the biological cells represent a foreground of the picture includes a step of applying a first fast marching algorithm to the picture or to a pre-processed version of same in order to obtain a first fast marching image. In addition, the method includes a step of segmenting the first fast marching image or a further-processed version of same into a plurality of homogeneous regions. Furthermore, the method includes a step of mapping each of the homogeneous regions to one node of a graph, respectively. In addition, the method includes a step of classifying each homogeneous region either as background or foreground on the basis of the graph. Moreover, the method includes a step of applying a second fast marching algorithm within the homogeneous regions classified as foreground so as to segment the foreground into individual biological cells. |
| US08582855B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program for producing a corrected image of a region of interest from acquired projection data
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a corrected image of a region of interest from acquired projection data (60), wherein an uncorrected intermediate image (74) is reconstructed. The uncorrected intermediate image (74) is corrected and image elements of the corrected intermediate image (85) are classified. Image elements of the corrected 5 intermediate image (85) that are of a high density or low density class are replaced by image elements having values depending on values of the low density class to generate a synthetic image (90). Synthetic projection data (96) are generated by forward projecting the synthetic image (90), and acquired projection data contributing to the high density class are replaced by corresponding synthetic projection data (96) to generate corrected projection data (112). 10 The corrected projection data (112) are used for reconstructing the corrected image. |
| US08582849B2 |
Viewing digital slides
Virtual slide image data and corresponding information are stored in a data storage area on a virtual slide image server. A client viewer requests image data at a particular resolution. The image server obtains corresponding image data from the data storage area at a resolution nearest to the requested resolution. The image data is then sent to the client viewer. The client viewer receives the image data and scales the image data to the requested resolution prior to displaying the image data. |
| US08582847B2 |
System for verifying data integrity in an X-ray imaging system
An error detection system is used by an image processing subsystem for detecting error in processing medical image data by multiple sequential subsystems using an image data processor. The image data processor in the image processing subsystem analyzes data representing a medical image to identify a sequence identifier associated with a subsystem preceding the image processing subsystem of the multiple sequential subsystems and identifies a position of the image relative to other images in an image sequence comprising multiple consecutive images. The image data processor uses the identified sequence identifier to detect an error in response to identifying at least one of, an unreadable sequence identifier and a missing sequence identifier. The image data processor incorporates a sequence identifier, in image data representing an area of the image associated with the image processing subsystem and initiates generation of an alert message in response to a detected error. |
| US08582844B2 |
Medical image processing device and method
Extraction means configured to extract a blood vessel region from medical image data, detection means configured to perform evaluation regarding the shape or signal value distribution information in the periphery of a blood vessel including blood vessel contour points and the margin of blood vessel contour points in the blood vessel region extracted by the extraction means and detecting an abnormal portion on the basis of the evaluation result, and display means configured to display information regarding the abnormal portion detected by the detection means are provided. |
| US08582843B2 |
Morphometry of the human knee joint and prediction for osteoarthritis
Apparatus and method for analyzing the morphometry of a human knee joint. The apparatus comprises: image receiving means for receiving a digital image of a knee joint; image analysis means comprising an Active Shape Model (ASM) configured to identify a set of landmark points on said image, wherein said set of landmark points includes points which define regions of the knee formed by the femur and the tibia, the ASM being further configured to generate an image data-set from the co-ordinates of said landmark points; and data comparison means for comparing said image data-set with one or more comparative data-sets to thereby obtain value(s) for one or more output modes which characterize the variation of the image data-set from the comparative data-set(s), to thereby provide an indication of the presence and/or severity of osteoarthritis in the knee and/or the risk of the knee joint developing osteoarthritis. |
| US08582841B2 |
System and method for pre-treatment planning of photodynamic light therapy
A system for providing interstitial photodynamic and/or photothermal therapy on a region of tissue in a body, comprising at least one light source adapted to deliver a therapeutic light to the region of tissue, such that the light source is interstitially inserted into the tissue for interaction with a photosensitizer agent and/or for providing a controlled thermal environment of the tissue; and a unit for determining an optimized number of the light sources and individual position of each of the light sources in the region of tissue as well as individual control parameters for each of the light sources. |
| US08582836B2 |
Face recognition in digital images by applying a selected set of coefficients from a decorrelated local binary pattern matrix
A solution for face recognition. The solution includes detecting a face from a digital image constructed of multiple pixels, selecting a neighbor-hood for a pixel under observation, obtaining a combination of pixel values weighted with at least one set of coefficients, and determining information on face similarity between the observed face and at least one face. |
| US08582835B2 |
Liveness detection
The present disclosure concerns a method of verifying the presence of a living face in front of a camera (112), the method including: capturing by said camera a sequence of images of a face; detecting a plurality of features of said face in each of said images; measuring parameters associated with said detected features to determine whether each of a plurality of liveness indicators is present in said images; determining whether or not said face is a living face based on the presence in said images of a combination of at least two of said liveness indicators. |
| US08582834B2 |
Multi-image face-based image processing
Some embodiments provide a method for detecting and/or identifying a set of faces in a video frame and performing a set of image processing operations based on locations of the set of faces. In particular, the method identifies a set of respective locations of the set of faces in the video frame and applies one or more image processing operations based on the locations of the set of faces found in the video frame. The image processing operations include color correction operations, non-color correction operations, and image processing operations that modify areas inside or outside of the detected and/or identified faces. Additionally, some embodiments provide a graphical user interface for automatically applying image processing operations to an area of a video frame isolated by an ellipse-shaped mask. Furthermore, some embodiments provide a system for automatically applying image processing operations to an area of a video frame isolated by an ellipse-shaped mask. |
| US08582830B2 |
System and method for applying a reflectance modifying agent to change a persons appearance based on a digital image
A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, which is an area of human skin, and applies a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level to automatically change the appearance of human features based on one or more digital images. The change may be based on a digital image of the same frexel, for as seen in a prior digital photograph captured previously by the computer-controlled system. The system scans the frexel and uses feature recognition software to compare the person's current features in the frexel with that person's features in the digital image. It then calculates enhancements to the make the current features appear more like the features in the digital image, and it applies the RMA to the frexel to accomplish the enhancements. Or the change may be based on a digital image of another person, through the application of RMAs. |
| US08582822B2 |
Moving object detection apparatus and moving object detection method
A moving object detection apparatus includes: an image input unit which receives a plurality of pictures included in video; a trajectory calculating unit which calculates a plurality of trajectories from the pictures; a subclass classification unit which classifies the trajectories into a plurality of subclasses; an inter-subclass approximate geodetic distance calculating unit which calculates, for each of the subclasses, an inter-subclass approximate geodetic distance representing similarity between the subclass and another subclass, using an inter-subclass distance that is a distance including a minimum value of a linear distance between each of trajectories belonging to the subclass and one of trajectories belonging to the other subclass; and a segmentation unit which performs segmentation by determining, based on the calculated inter-subclass approximate geodetic distance, a set of subclasses including similar trajectories as one class. |
| US08582819B2 |
Methods and systems for improving yield in wanted vehicle searches
In response to determining that a target vehicle is at large, identification information associated with the target vehicle's license plate may be retrieved and used to generate one or more synthetic license plate images. The synthetic license plate images may be subjected to one or more transformation to cause them to resemble authentic license plate image captures and/or to mimic authentic license plate image captures from existing and operational ALPR system cameras. Target signatures may then be calculated from the synthetic license plate images. Upon capturing an authentic license plate image using an ALPR system camera, a signature of the authentic license plate image may be calculated. If a match is found between the signature of the authentic license plate image and a target signature, law enforcement may be alerted that the target vehicle was detected at the location of the ALPR system camera. |
| US08582811B2 |
Unsupervised parameter settings for object tracking algorithms
A method for automatically optimizing a parameter set for a tracking algorithm comprising receiving a series of image frames and processing the image frames using a tracking algorithm with an initialized parameter set. An updated parameter set is then created according to the processed image frames utilizing estimated tracking analytics. The parameters are validated using a performance metric that may be manually or automatically preformed using a GUI. The image frames are collected from a video camera with a fixed set-up at a fixed location. The image frames may include a training traffic video or a training video for tracking humans. |
| US08582810B2 |
Detecting potential changed objects in images
A method of detecting potential changed objects in a first image and a second image, where the first and second images at least partially overlap. The method includes obtaining data describing first and second images and detecting sets of objects in images. A common coordinate system for the sets of objects is calculated. Objects in the sets are eliminated based on positions of the objects and objects outside an area of overlap of the images are eliminated. Data indicating the zero or more remaining objects in the sets is output to indicate potential changed objects. |
| US08582808B2 |
Methods for identifying rooftops using elevation data sets
In an embodiment, a method for identifying building unit rooftops, and their associated heights and locations is provided. The method includes subtracting a bare earth layer from a first return layer within a LIDAR data set for a geographic area of interest to form an above ground level (AGL) layer data set. A height mask is then applied to the AGL layer data set to form a building units data set. The building units data set includes data representative of potential building unit rooftops. This data set is refined through the application of a series of filters and masks to remove clutter (e.g., trees, bushes and other non-building unit structures) to refine the data set. |
| US08582804B2 |
Method of facial image reproduction and related device
To modify a facial feature region in a video bitstream, the video bitstream is received and a feature region is extracted from the video bitstream. An audio characteristic, such as frequency, rhythm, or tempo is retrieved from an audio bitstream, and the feature region is modified according to the audio characteristic to generate a modified image. The modified image is outputted. |
| US08582797B2 |
Portable electronic device with a magnetic-locking speaker
A portable electronic device includes a housing. An opening is formed on the housing and a containing space is formed inside the housing. The portable electronic device further includes a speaker installed inside the containing space in a rotatable manner, a first magnetic component installed on a side of the speaker, a second magnetic component installed inside the housing and disposed on a side of the containing space for attracting the first magnetic component so as to position the first magnetic component on a first location, and a restoring component connected to the speaker for driving the speaker to rotate to a second location so as to expose the speaker outside the opening on the housing when magnetic attractive force between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component disappears. |
| US08582795B2 |
Robust diaphragm for an acoustic device
A rigid, flat plate diaphragm for an acoustic device is illustrated. The internal supporting structure of the diaphragm provides a combination of torsional and translational stiffeners, which resemble a number of crossbars. These stiffeners brace and support the diaphragm motion, thus causing its response to not be adversely affected by fabrication stresses and causing it to be very similar in dynamic response to an ideal flat plate operating in a frequency range that extends well beyond the audible. |
| US08582793B2 |
Method for determining of feedback threshold in a hearing device and a hearing device
A method for determining feedback thresholds in a plurality of frequency bands and/or at a plurality of frequencies processed by a hearing device is disclosed. The feedback thresholds are defined as gains, at which feedback occurs while a hearing device user is wearing the hearing device. The method comprises the step of determining feedback thresholds in an order of precedence, wherein the order of precedence being defined according to a degree of importance that the feedback threshold is determined in a particular frequency band or at a particular frequency, respectively. |
| US08582788B2 |
MEMS microphone
A microphone includes a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm coupled to the first diaphragm by a closed air volume. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm each constitutes a piezoelectric diaphragm. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are electrically coupled so that movement of the first diaphragm causes movement of the second diaphragm. |
| US08582784B2 |
Method and device for extension of low frequency output from a loudspeaker
A method and device for enhancing low frequency content of an input signal (X), e.g. bass boosting of an audio signal. An overdriving (ODR) of a low frequency signal part (LS1) of the input signal (X) is performed to produce a boosted low frequency signal (LS3), wherein the overdriving (ODR) includes amplifying the low frequency signal part (LS1) by a first gain (G1) to form an amplified low frequency signal (LS2), and hard-clipping (CLP) the amplified low frequency signal (LS2) to form the boosted low frequency signal (LS3). A first low-pass filtering (LPF1) is then performed, resulting in a processed low frequency signal (LS4). A cut-off frequency of the first low-pass filtering (LPF1) is selected so as to reduce distortion components introduced by the overdriving (ODR). Finally, the processed low frequency signal (LS4) is combined with at least part of the input signal (X) to form an output signal (Y). Preferred embodiments further include adding a part of the input signal (X) after a gain (G2), to the low frequency signal part (LS1), hereby taking into account possible high frequency peak in the overdriving (ODR) process. Preferably, a second low-pass filter (LPF2) serves to low-pass filter the input signal (X) to form the low frequency signal part (LS1). A second cut-off frequency of the second low-pass filter (LPF2) is preferably selected coincident with the first cut-off frequency. Further, the first and second cut-off frequencies are preferably selected equal to, or within one octave from, a low frequency cut-off frequency for a loudspeaker intended to reproduce the output signal (Y). Thus, the preferred method introduces a level dependent bass boost below the loudspeaker s low frequency cut-off frequency. |
| US08582781B2 |
Echo modulation methods and systems
Methods and systems for echo modulation are described. In one embodiment, intensities of a plurality of values in multiple windows of an audio signal may be obtained. The windows may be subject to a periodic boundary condition. A plurality of echo values may be calculated for each of the respective windows. The audio signal may be altered in one or more of the windows using a windowing function and echo values. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. |
| US08582778B2 |
Integrated key server
A computer program product for integrated key serving is provided. The computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes using a smart card of two or more smart cards with a support element of two or more support elements to create an encryption key and storing the encryption key in an encrypted file that can only be decrypted by the smart card and the support element used to create the encryption key. |
| US08582775B2 |
Method of securing and authenticating data using micro-certificates
A method of securing wireless communications includes storing a recipient's micro-certificate at a vehicle, a call center, or a certificate authority, transmitting the micro-certificate from its place of storage, extracting the public key from the micro-certificate, encrypting the vehicle communication using the public key, transmitting the encrypted vehicle communication to the recipient, and decrypting the vehicle communication using a private key after receiving the vehicle communication. The micro-certificate can include identifying data for the recipient and can have a length that is less than twice the length of the public key contained in the micro-certificate. |
| US08582769B2 |
Secure communication over passive optical network (PON) with quantum encryption
Systems and methods to communicate securely includes communicating quantum encryption data on a first wavelength-division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM-PON); and communicating data over separate classical channels of a second WDM-PON, wherein the second WDM-PON synchronizes with the first WDM-PON while providing data communication over the classical channels. |
| US08582768B2 |
Recovery from decryption errors in a sequence of communication packets
A method in a receiver includes receiving from a transmitter a sequence of communication packets, which carry data encrypted with an encryption scheme. The encryption scheme depends on a counter value that is incremented independently by each of the transmitter and the receiver. Attempts are made to decrypt the data of a received packet multiple times using different, respective counter values, to produce multiple respective decrypted outputs. A decrypted output in which the data has been decrypted correctly is identified, the counter value is corrected, and the data of the received packet is recovered from the identified decrypted output. |
| US08582767B1 |
Cryptographic device sharing among a plurality of communication links
A self-synchronizing cryptographic device can be shared among a plurality of communications links. Blocks of data can be transferred to the cryptographic device, wherein each block of data includes a head portion which is the tail portion of a previous block of data for the same communication link. The head/tail portion is sufficient to reestablish cryptographic synchronization of the cryptographic device. |
| US08582764B2 |
Device and method for concealing customer information from a customer service representative
A method of concealing customer-provided information from an operator during a telephone conversation between the operator and a customer includes receiving dual-tone-multi-frequency-encoded customer information via a telephone connection to a customer telephone and generating a request asking the customer to confirm the information. The method also includes converting the dual-tone-multi-frequency-encoded customer information into an ASCII data stream and sending the ASCII data stream to a computing device, whereby the operator is unable to discern the customer information. |
| US08582756B2 |
Reduction of side-channel information by interacting crypto blocks
A cryptography device which reduces side channel information including a first computing block adapted to either encrypt or decrypt received first input data and to output the encrypted or decrypted first input data as first output data at a first data output, a second computing block adapted to either encrypt or decrypt received second input data and to output the encrypted or decrypted second input data as second output data at a second data output, and a control unit connected to the first and second computing blocks and adapted in a first operating condition on the one hand to partially or completely assign the first output data to the first computing block as the first input data and on the other hand to completely or partially assign the first output data to the second computing block as part of the second input data. |
| US08582754B2 |
Method and system for echo cancellation in presence of streamed audio
During playing of a streamed audio while engaging in a voice communication session, a communication device may be operable to generate a background audio during an echo cancellation operation for the voice communication session, using known information associated with the streamed audio. The streamed audio may comprise audio content that is received from one or more external sources and/or locally generated within the communication device. The known information associated with the streamed audio may comprise an echo replica corresponding to an echo associated with the streamed audio and/or a modified version of the streamed audio. In instances when a residual echo suppression is operational during the echo cancellation operation, the communication device may be operable to suppress a residual echo based on a signal level of the echo replica corresponding to the echo associated with the streamed audio and/or a signal level of the modified version of the streamed audio. |
| US08582753B1 |
Agent training sensitive call routing system
A call-management method and system for distributing calls to agents, wherein each agent has a profile, e.g., defining agent skills, efficiency, etc. The call center management system implements an algorithm for selecting an agent to receive a call to optimize caller utility, call center efficiency, and agent training. Therefore, the algorithm does not seek to necessarily route a call to the agent having the skill set most suited to the call; rather, the call may be routed to an agent who needs experience in the area of the call, and thus serves as a training exercise. Skilled agents may be made available to shadow the training agent when available. |
| US08582752B1 |
System and method for optimal outbound dialing in virtual contact center
A method for determining a number of calls to generate in an automated contact center based upon a prediction of agent occupancy in a future time period. The automated contact center comprises a dialer for dialing generated calls, a queue where successfully connected dialed calls await agent handling, and an agent pool where calls are handled by agents. The method estimates a number of calls presently in the dialer, the queue, and the agent pool that would be in the agent pool in the future time period. Based upon the estimations, the method predicts a future agent occupancy in the future time period, which is used to determine the number of calls to generate in the automated contact center. Calls are generated based upon the number of calls to generate. |
| US08582751B2 |
Systems and methods for discovering customer center information
A method for discovering customer center information includes receiving a plurality of customer center information from a plurality of respective information sources, and correlating the plurality of customer center information to determine an identity of a customer center agent accessing customer center resources. |
| US08582750B2 |
Connection recovery in a call center
In one embodiment, a method includes detecting termination of a first connection between a first caller and a first agent during a communication session between the first caller and the first agent. The method also includes storing information indicating a state of the communication session at the termination of the first connection, and communicating the information to the first agent or to a second agent in response to establishment of a second connection between the first caller and the first agent or the second agent to facilitate a continuation of the communication session. |
| US08582741B2 |
Unification of rosters in a communication system
In one embodiment, a method for unifying rosters is provided. A client receives an escalation request associated with a first roster and responds to the escalation request. The client subscribes to the first roster as a participant in response to accepting the escalation request or subscribes to the first roster as an observer in response to denying the escalation request. The client identifies a second roster within the first roster that the client is not subscribed to and subscribes to the first roster as an observer. The client updates an entry associated with the client in the second roster to indicate that the client is subscribed to the first roster as one of a participant or an observer. The client additionally updates an entry associated with the client in the first roster to indicate that the client is subscribed to the second roster as an observer. |
| US08582740B2 |
Method for automated management of a telecommunication service
Method for automatically managing a telecommunication service. In one embodiments, the method comprises collecting data associated with use of the telecommunication service by a user; determining, based on the data, an activation state associated with the use of the telecommunication service by the user; and executing, based on the activation state, a management process to automatically enable the use of the telecommunication service by the user, wherein the steps of collecting, determining, and executing are automatically performed by a processor of a controller associated with the telecommunication service. |
| US08582732B2 |
Automatic digit map generation for access gateway during call setup
The invention relates to a method for generating a digit map for a call setup, wherein leading digits of a call number are collected by a gateway and transmitted to a call control server where a call-specific digit map is generated by comparing the leading digits to a numbering plan. |
| US08582731B2 |
Method for recording telephone conversations
In a method for recording telephone conversations between a subscriber to a service provider and a telephone conversation partner, the subscriber dials the number of the service provider and interacts with a menu-driven IVR user interface, entering his subscriber number as well as a corresponding PIN-number to authenticate himself. After the verification, the subscriber can chose one or more of the following options: (a) listen to one or more of his previously recorded telephone conversations, (b) delete one or more of his previously recorded telephone conversations, (c) arrange that all incoming and outgoing calls are to be automatically recorded, (d) deactivate the setting that all incoming and outgoing calls are automatically recorded, and/or (e) record the next telephone conversation. At the beginning of each conversation to be recorded, the service provider informs the telephone conversation partner, via a warning voice message, that the telephone conversation will be recorded. |
| US08582728B2 |
Web-type audio information system using phone communication lines (audio net pages)
A web-type audio information system using phone communication lines including a computer based host accessible to phones, supporting multiple indexed stored audio information segments, wherein the content of the segments are substantially selected and supplied by multiple independent subscribers, and the host supports an interactive directory system providing for connecting a phone line with an audio segment in accordance with supplied segment identification. |
| US08582727B2 |
Communication of information during a call
A request is received from a user of a telephonic device to invoke an application on the telephonic device. A form is displayed to the user using the application. Information input into the form is received by the application along with an indication to submit the form information with a service request to a call handling system. A data communications session between the telephonic device and an application server of the call handling system is established using the application. The form information is provided to the application server. A telephone number of the telephonic device is identified from the form information using which a voice communications session is established with the telephonic device from an interactive voice response system of the call handling system. Voice information is exchanged with the user and text, image or video information is communicated to the user via the voice and data communications sessions respectively. |
| US08582726B2 |
Method and an apparatus for handling multimedia calls
The present invention relates to a system and method for setting up communication between a first and a second user equipment in a mobile radio communications system, wherein said first user equipment is attempting a multimedia call to said second user equipment. The method is characterized by the steps of: receiving a multimedia call request in a video gateway relating to said multimedia call; sending a voice call request from said video gateway towards said second user equipment in order to set up a voice connection between the video gateway and said second user equipment; setting up a multimedia connection between the video gateway and said first user equipment; and forwarding audio, received over said multimedia connection, onto said voice connection and forwarding audio, received over said voice connection, onto said multimedia connection. |
| US08582723B2 |
Rotatable anode and X-ray tube comprising a liquid heat link
In a rotatable anode (4) of an X-ray tube, a heat transfer between the rotating disc of the anode (4a) and the second bearing element (11) is achieved by providing a contact material (14) within a gap (16a, b) between the anode disc (4a) and the second bearing element (11). Contact elements (15) protrude from the second bearing element (11) into the contact material (14), thus allowing a heat transfer from anode disc (4a) to second bearing element (11) via contact material (14) and contact element (15). |
| US08582720B2 |
Time of flight backscatter imaging system
The present application discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus for determining a surface profile of an object under inspection that is positioned at a distance from the apparatus. The X-ray imaging system has an X-ray source for producing a scanning beam of X-rays directed toward the object, a detector assembly for providing a signal representative of an intensity of X-rays backscattered from the object, and processing circuitry to determine a time difference between when the X-ray source is switched on and when the backscattered X-rays arrive at the detector assembly. The processing circuitry is adapted to output data representative of the surface profile of the object under inspection. |
| US08582709B2 |
Bandwidth synchronization circuit and bandwidth synchronization method
Example embodiments are directed to a bandwidth synchronization circuit and a bandwidth synchronization method. The bandwidth synchronization circuit includes an upsizer and a syncdown unit. The upsizer includes a sync packer and a sync unpacker operating according to a first clock. The syncdown unit is connected to the upsizer and performs a syncdown operation on data of the upsizer in response to a second clock of a frequency lower than a frequency of the first clock. |
| US08582708B2 |
Clock and data recovery circuit
A clock and data recovery circuit includes a multiphase clock generator circuit which generates a multiphase clock having a plurality of clocks, a sampling circuit which samples a received data signal transferring serial data in synchronism with each of the plurality of clocks, and generates a plurality of data signals, a data recovery unit which generates a selection signal indicating a data signal having an appropriate phase among the plurality of data signals, and a storage unit which stores the selection signal. The data recovery unit selects one of the plurality of data signals, based on the selection signal read from the storage unit, and a clock corresponding to the selected data signal. |
| US08582707B2 |
Programmable universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) based on reference frequency
In one embodiment, a method includes determining pre-calculated information. The pre-calculated information is used to determine a counter pattern for a reference clock. The counter pattern include, for at least one data bit, a number of reference clock cycles of the reference clock that is determined based on a frequency of the reference clock and a data rate of a serial data stream. The serial data stream is sampled to read a plurality of data bits based on the counter pattern. A data bit is sampled based on the number of reference clock cycles associated with the data bit. |
| US08582704B2 |
Communications unit and method for detecting pulse interference
A communication method for use in a first cellular communications system is proposed for minimizing the interference caused by strong interfering pulses in the same frequency band as the system or an adjacent frequency band. The method comprises the steps of Receiving an incoming signal Bandpass filtering the incoming signal to filter out a first frequency band (B1) used by the communications system and forwarding the bandpass filtered signal to a receiver unit (35) for processing and forwarding the processed signal to a signal detector (37) arranged to detect the wanted signal. Redirecting a fraction of the received signal and detecting the power of the redirected fraction. Using the detected power to modify the function of the signal detector (37). |
| US08582701B1 |
Post-distortion filter for reducing sensitivity to receiver nonlinearities
Methods and apparatus for reducing sensitivity to nonlinearities in the receiver of a digital communications system are disclosed. One aspect can be referred to as a Post-Distortion Decision Feedback Equalizer (PDFE). A gain stage is often implemented as a variable gain amplifier (VGA), and can introduce significant nonlinearities, a problem exacerbated by signals with a large peak-to-average ratio (PAR). One embodiment provides feed forward information from the VGA regarding its status to a DFE, and the DFE adjusts its filtering based on the provided information. The advantages are also applicable to fixed-gain amplifiers and to transversal filters. |
| US08582698B2 |
Reduced complexity timing estimation for locating the position of a mobile terminal
A method and corresponding apparatus are provided to reduce the complexity of calculations needed to determine the time of arrival of position reference signals transmitted from multiple cells. A scheduler determines at a given instance what portions of a search grid or search window to search. A timing estimation circuit operating under the control of the scheduler computes timing estimates and reports the timing estimates back to the scheduler. The scheduler uses the timing estimates reported by the detection circuit to scheduler subsequent searches of the search grid or search window. |
| US08582697B2 |
Method and system for decoding single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) and redundancy processing adaptation using burst process
Aspects of a method and system for decoding single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) and redundancy processing adaptation using burst process are provided. A wireless receiver may decode bit sequences based on a first decoding algorithm that may utilize redundancy in the data and that may impose physical constraints. The receiver may also decode a received bit sequence based on a second decoding algorithm that utilizes SAIC. Received data may be processed in a burst process portion in either decoding algorithm. Burst processed data from one of the decoding algorithms may be selected based on signal-to-noise ratio and/or received signal level measurements. The selected burst processed data may be communicated to a frame processing portion of the corresponding decoding algorithm. |
| US08582696B2 |
Method and apparatus for data quantization and packing with variable bit width and period
The various embodiments provide circuitry and methods for packing Log Likelihood Ratio (“LLR”) values into a buffer memory in a compressed format which reduces the amount of buffer memory required. Various embodiments use a type of quantization which reduces the bit width of the LLR values that are stored, with the particular level of quantization depending upon the code rate of the data. The degree, pattern, and periodicity of bit width compression employed may depend upon the code rate of the received transmission. Bit width patterns use for LLR value quantization may be generated by a shift register circuit which provides an efficient mechanism for controlling an LLR packer circuit based upon the code rate of the received signal. |
| US08582695B2 |
Method for selecting transmitting points in a communication system
The present invention provides a method for identifying a specific number of communicating points having relatively smallest accumulated path values from a plurality of transmitting points for a receiving point in a communication system. The method includes steps of: (a) defining a first coordination of each of the plurality of transmitting points and the receiving point on a complex plane; (b) transferring the first coordination of the receiving point to a second coordination thereof, in which the second coordination of the receiving point is near an origin of the complex plane; and (c) identifying the specific number of transmitting points having relatively smallest accumulated path values based on the second coordination of the receiving point. |
| US08582691B2 |
Receiving apparatus and receiving method
A receiving apparatus for receiving a downlink signal in which pilot symbols are mapped discontinuously, includes: a unit configured to extract reference signals from the downlink signal that is Fourier transformed by a Fourier transform unit; a unit configured to generate a first signal having a first window size by arranging the extracted reference signals on the frequency axis and by performing inverse Fourier transform on the reference signals; a unit configured to divide the first signal into a plurality of signals to extract a signal included in a second window; a unit configured to generate a second signal that includes the signal included in the second window and that has a window size similar to the first window size; a Fourier transform unit configured to generate a third signal from the second signal; and a unit configured to calculate received power based on the third signal. |
| US08582690B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining signal power
An apparatus for determining signal power comprise an oscillating circuit and a determining circuit. The oscillating circuit generates an oscillating signal. When a to-be-detected signal has signal power greater than a threshold, the oscillating signal has a first frequency; when the signal power is smaller than the threshold, the oscillating signal has a second frequency. The determining circuit determines whether the oscillating signal has either the first frequency or the second frequency, and generates a determination result accordingly. |
| US08582689B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data in communication system
An apparatus for transmitting data in a communication system includes: a processor configured to process broadcasting data regarding various types of digital broadcasts to be provided to users; an S/P converter configured to convert additional data of the broadcasting data into a parallel type; a phase selector configured to generate a phase selection value using additional data bits, except for a first additional data bit, of the converted parallel-type additional data; a sequence generator configured to generate a sequence using the first additional data bit and the phase selection value; and an adder configured to couple the generated sequence with the processed broadcasting data. |
| US08582685B2 |
Apparatus and method for encoding a signal
An apparatus and method for encoding a signal are provided. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure identify the various portions, or bytes, of an incoming packet in a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoded packet as either data bytes, RS parity bytes, or trellis reset synchronization bytes. The data bytes are passed through without change. The trellis reset bytes are provided to a trellis encoder to determine new byte reset values. These new values are then stored and later retrieved when needed and used to modify the appropriate incoming parity bytes. The new incoming parity bytes are computed using the new trellis reset byte values multiplied by, or added to, a weighting value retrieved from a table stored in memory based on a location of the parity byte and a location of the trellis reset byte in the RS encoded packet. |
| US08582679B2 |
Method of transmitting of data and configuring a codebook in multi antenna system
Methods of controlling a transmission power and configuring a codebook in a multi-antenna system to solve a transmission power unbalance between antennas are disclosed. The method of transmitting data in a multi-antenna system includes (A) transmitting one or more pilot signals within a first symbol region through a first antenna unit, and (B) transmitting one or more pilot signals within a second symbol region through a second antenna unit, wherein data within the first symbol region is transmitted through the second antenna unit, and data within the second symbol region is transmitted through the first antenna unit. According to the present invention, since a transmission power unbalance between antennas is solved, a transmission power can be uniformly assigned to each antenna and channel estimation can be easily performed. Moreover, a power amplifier having a uniform amplification range can be used and designed. |
| US08582675B1 |
Pre-channelized spectrum analyzer
A pre-channelized spectrum analyzer utilizes a channelizer as a preprocessor for parallel-configured low-resolution spectrum analyzers so as to perform as a high resolution spectrum analyzer. The pre-channelized spectrum analyzer has a polyphase filter that channelizes a signal input and an IFFT that generates filter bank outputs derived from the channelized signal. Spectrum analyzers are in communications with the filter bank outputs so as to generate a spectral decomposition of a subset of those outputs. The spectrum analyzers each perform a window and an FFT function on a corresponding one of the filter bank subset. |
| US08582674B2 |
Apparatus and method for channel estimation using compressive sensing based on Taylor series expansion
An apparatus and method for channel estimation comprising determining a channel impulse response using a Taylor series expansion with a plurality of Taylor series coefficients; determining a channel frequency response based on the channel impulse response; collecting the channel frequency response over a plurality of symbols to obtain a composite channel frequency response; generating a sensing matrix based on the Taylor series expansion; and determining the plurality of Taylor series coefficients based on the composite channel frequency response and the sensing matrix using compressive sensing channel estimation. |
| US08582673B2 |
Method for mapping physical random access channels
A method for mapping physical random access channel (PRACHs) is provided in the present invention, wherein W PRACHs have the same time domain location and the serial number of each PRACH is w=0, 1, 2, . . . , W−1. The method includes: mapping the PRACHs with the odd w numbers from high frequency to low frequency, or from low frequency to high frequency in a usable frequency band, mapping the PRACHs with the even w numbers from low frequency to high frequency, or from high frequency to low frequency in the usable frequency band. One PRACH occupies 6 continuous resource blocks in the frequency domain, and the frequency bands occupied by the two adjacent PRACHs in the frequency domain do not overlap, furthermore the same mapping process is used for each version number r. The PRACHs which need to be processed by the same station could be distributed evenly in the time domain, and at the same time the inter-cell interference of the second type PRACH could be reduced to the greatest extent through the present invention. |
| US08582669B2 |
Noise reduction circuit in a digital isolator system
The invention is directed to a digital isolation system including an isolation barrier, a transmitter circuit receiving an input signal and transmitting a positive pulse upon detecting a first type of edge in the input signal and transmitting a negative pulse upon receipt of a second type of edge in the input signal and a receiver circuit receiving the transmitted signals, removing noise in the received signal and reconstructing the input signal using a differential comparator. |
| US08582667B2 |
Transmitter for automatically detecting power-down of receiver and system including the same
A transmitter of a transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) system includes a current source, a pair of switches configured to be connected to the current source and switch a current of the current source, and a monitoring unit configured to monitor a potential of a connection node between the current source and the pair of switches. The pair of switches is connected to a receiver of the TMDS system through a first line and a second line, respectively. The monitoring unit monitors the potential of the connection node based on a power supply voltage applied to the receiver and current switching of the pair of switches. |
| US08582662B2 |
Method of coding a video signal
The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding of a video sequence. In connection with encoding/decoding a video sequence it is desirable to increase the video quality without having to increase the bit-rate for the encoded video too much, thereby still providing a bit-efficient representation of the video. If multiple descriptions of the video sequence is used the invention improves the video quality without any increase of the bit-rate. According to the invention, this is achieved by using two or more coding units for encoding the same video sequence, wherein the encoding units perform their encoding operations displaced in time in relation to each other. Correspondingly, two or more decoding units are used for decoding the same video sequence, wherein the decoding units perform their decoding operations displaced in time in relation to each other. |
| US08582661B2 |
Bitstream decoding device having reconfigurable functional units and a corresponding decoding method
Disclosed are a bitstream decoding device and a method thereof. The decoding device can include a parser, configured to receive schema information for analyzing a bitstream and convert the bitstream to a meaningful datum to output the datum; and a decoding solution, configured to output a video datum by performing a bitstream decoding by use of the datum. With the present invention, it is possible to decode the bitstream encoded in various ways according to each standard by using the same information recognizing method. |
| US08582656B2 |
Method and system for video encoding and decoding
Methods and systems are provided for encoding and decoding a video stream. Each picture in a video stream can be divided into slices, each of which contains a contiguous row of macroblocks. All the blocks corresponding to a single video component within each slice can then be used as the basis for encoding the picture. By decomposing each picture into slices, the video stream can be efficiently converted for displays of varying size and/or quality. The encoded bitstream can include a slice table to allow direct access to each slice without reading the entire bitstream. Each slice can also be processed independently, allowing for parallelized encoding and/or decoding. |
| US08582655B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium
An image processing apparatus includes: a modeling unit, in video image data composed of frame images having an X direction and a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction, separating a motion from a standard image, which is one frame before a reference image subjected to a process, until the reference image into motions in the X and Y directions and representing the motions in the X and Y directions respectively as vector fields composed of a translation component composed of identical magnitude and direction regardless of positions in the X and Y directions, an X dependent component primarily changing with the position in the X direction, and a Y dependent component primarily changing with the position in the Y direction; and a calculation unit respectively calculating the translation component and the X and Y dependent components corresponding to the X and Y directions represented by the modeling unit. |
| US08582651B2 |
Method of decoding a current image block
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining reference picture information, and determining at least one reference picture of the current image block from a plurality of pictures stored in a reference buffer based on the reference picture information. The reference picture information indicates a reference picture type of the reference picture. The reference picture type is based on temporal distance between a current picture including the current image block and the reference picture. At least one motion vector of the current image block is obtained according to the reference picture type. This obtaining step includes obtaining a motion vector of a co-located image block, and generating the motion vector of the current image block based on the motion vector of the co-located image block and the reference picture type. The current image block is decoded by motion-estimating the current image block using the motion vector of current image block. |
| US08582640B2 |
Adaptive joint source channel coding
Adaptive joint source channel coding associates multiple predictors with a reference data unit, such as a macroblock or frame of video data. An encoder determines a sub-codebook in which each of the selected multiple predictors decodes to the reference data unit. An identifier for the sub-codebook is transmitted through a channel to a decoder for subsequent decoding of the reference data unit. The reference data unit itself does not need to be sent. The multiple predictors are contained within a decoding region and the identifier for the sub-codebook specifies the decoding region. The decoder uses the identified sub-codebook and one of the predictors to decode the reference data unit. If none of the original predictors are correctly received, different types of error handling are employed based on the type of channel. |
| US08582639B2 |
Methods and devices for data compression using adaptive reconstruction levels
Encoding and decoding methods that perform quantization using adaptive reconstruction levels are presented. The reconstruction levels for a given partitioning of the data space may be selected based upon the distribution of data points within each sub-part defined by the partitioning. In some cases, the adaptive reconstruction levels may be based upon an average of the data points within each sub-part. In some cases, the adaptive reconstruction levels may be selected using a rate-distortion analysis including the quantization distortion associated with the levels versus the data points and the rate associated with transmitting the encoded adaptive reconstruction levels. The methods relate to data compression in a range of applications including audio, images and video. |
| US08582638B2 |
System and method for channel state feedback in carrier aggregation
A method for communicating channel state information (CSI) to a base station is presented. The method includes identifying a number of allocated resources for CSI within at least one of a Physical Uplink Control CHannel (PUCCH) payload and a Physical Uplink Shared CHannel (PUSCH) payload. The method includes encoding channel state information (CSI) for activated carriers on a user equipment into the allocated resources for CSI. When a number of activated carriers on the user equipment is less than the number of allocated resources for CSI, the method includes using repetition encoding to duplicate the CSI for at least one of the activated carriers on the user equipment into the allocated resources for CSI. |
| US08582635B2 |
Sparse and reconfigurable floating tap feed forward equalization
In described embodiments, a Floating Tap, Feed Forward Equalizer (FT-FFE) achieves performance comparable to a full size, long FFE when equalizing wire line channels in, for example, SerDes receivers. A FT-FFE might be employed as a standalone datapath equalizer, or might be employed in conjunction with other equalization techniques. |
| US08582634B2 |
OFDM signal demodulation method and device thereof
The present invention discloses an OFDM signal demodulation method and device thereof. The method comprises: adding a pre-obtained timing offset estimation value of an OFDM signal demodulation device to the initial position of an OFDM symbol of a received signal to obtain a window deviation value of the OFDM symbol; adding a channel time delay extension to the window deviation value to obtain a combined prefix initial position; calculating the combined OFDM signal value starting from the prefix initial position; processing the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for the combined OFDM signal value to obtain a frequency domain data subcarrier signal; calculating the frequency domain original channel estimation value processing the channel estimation based on the original channel estimation value phase modification of the OFDM symbol according to the channel estimation compensation indication value; and processing equalization and detection for the frequency domain data subcarrier signal according to the channel estimation result. The present invention uses the cycle prefix of the received signals to promote the demodulation performance of the OFDM signal demodulation device. |
| US08582632B2 |
Decoding a signal
Method, receiver and computer program product for processing a signal transmitted from a plurality of spatially separated transmit antennas using a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output transmission over a wireless network. The signal is received at a plurality of spatially separated receive antennas, the signal comprising a plurality of data streams and the quality/reliability of each of the data streams in the received signal is determined. Based on the determined quality/reliability of the data streams, a decoding technique is selected to be one of (i) a successive decoding technique for successively decoding data streams in which one of the data streams is decoded and a signal corresponding to said one of the data streams is removed from the received signal prior to decoding further data streams in the received signal, and (ii) a non-successive decoding technique in which each data stream is decoded from the received signal by treating the other data streams as noise in the received signal. The received signal is then decoded using the selected decoding technique. |
| US08582631B2 |
Managing communication operations of wireless devices
Management of communication operations of wireless devices is provided. A traffic-control parameter is generated, for example at a base station, indicative of desired aspects of communication operations of the wireless devices. The one or more traffic-control parameters may comprise a delay parameter, such as a maximum value for generating random backoff times, and/or a connection-time parameter, indicative of the maximum length of time a wireless device can hold a connection. A bit sequence indicative of the one or more traffic-control parameters is generated and communicated to the wireless devices. A wireless device determines the traffic-control parameter based on the communicated bit sequence and adapts its operation based thereon. |
| US08582626B2 |
Transmitting spread signal in communication system
A method for receiving Acknowledgement/Negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information in a mobile communication system includes receiving a first signal including first spread ACK/NACK information and second spread ACK/NACK information from a first antenna set of a transmitting end in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol; receiving a second signal including third spread ACK/NACK information and fourth spread ACK/NACK information from a second antenna set of the transmitting end in an OFDM symbol; and de-spreading at least the first and third spread ACK/NACK information or the second and fourth spread ACK/NACK information for identifying the ACK/NACK information. |
| US08582625B2 |
Receiver for producing phase corrected signals
A method for receiving at least one of a plurality of channels in a communication signal includes receiving a spread spectrum communication signal, demodulating the spread spectrum communication signal using a rake receiver and a pseudo-noise pilot signal for a selected channel, despreading the demodulated signal of a selected channel, performing a QPSK hard decision in association with a complex conjugate of the despread signal to produce a correction signal, and mixing the correction signal to a rake receiver output to remove relative phase error without an absolute phase reference, to produce a corrected signal. |
| US08582623B2 |
Multiplexed CDMA and GPS searching
Searcher hardware is multiplexed to perform simultaneous searches in either an IS-95 CDMA mode or a GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, the search hardware is time-multiplexed into a number of searcher time slices, each of which can generate a PN sequence to despread a data sequence. In the GPS mode, the search hardware is configured as a number of distinct GPS channels, each of which can generate a Gold code sequence for tracking a GPS signal from a particular GPS satellite. This configuration allows the searcher to perform multiple GPS signal searches simultaneously. Signal searching in both IS-95 and GPS modes is performed at significantly higher speeds compared to conventional searcher hardware. Moreover, the search hardware can be dynamically configured to operate in either the IS-95 or the GPS mode, eliminating the need for dedicated circuitry for each mode of operation. |
| US08582622B2 |
Spread-spectrum coding of data bursts
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for generating spread-spectrum coded signals for transmission in a wireless communication system, and particularly for generating spread sequences of data with spreading codes that facilitate computationally efficient frequency-domain processing at a receiver. |
| US08582613B1 |
Laser apparatus using anisotropic crystals
Disclosed is a laser apparatus of amplifying a laser pulse output using an anisotropic laser crystal through chirped pulse amplification. The laser apparatus includes a laser resonator. The laser resonator includes a plurality of anisotropic laser crystals, generates a shorter femtosecond pulse by widening a spectrum bandwidth through a combination of different gain spectrum distributions using the anisotropic laser crystals, and allows a laser beam to travel in axial directions with different thermal characteristics of the anisotropic layer crystals in order to reduce a thermal effect. |
| US08582607B2 |
Geographically-diverse redundant servers over optical connections with managed path differential delay
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for geographically-diverse redundant servers and the like interconnected via wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) systems with managed path differential delay of the WDM systems. The present disclosure provides transport systems and methods incorporating absolute time references, such as global positioning system (GPS) time references and/or the like, and selective buildout delays, such as first-in, first-out (FIFO) buildout delays and/or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the transport systems and methods of the present invention are used in conjunction with the International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) Geographically-Dispersed Parallel Sysplex (GDPS) integrated, automated application and data availability solution to meet and/or exceed the associated 10 microseconds transmit/receive path differential delay requirement. Other comparable uses are also contemplated herein, as will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. |
| US08582604B2 |
Uniquely decodable codes and decoder for overloaded synchronous CDMA systems
A recursive method for constructing uniquely decodable codes for overloaded synchronous CDMA systems, where large signature codes with growing overloading factors are reconstructed from the small ones. A class of uniquely decodable signature matrices (or encoders) for overloaded synchronous CDMA are also devised. A decoder for synchronous CDMA systems to extract the user data by a number of comparisons with respect to some predefined thresholds. |
| US08582602B2 |
Communicating a message request transaction to a logical device
A general input/output communication port implements a communication stack that includes a physical layer, a data link layer and a transaction layer. The transaction layer includes assembling a packet header for a message request transaction to one or more logical devices. The packet header includes a format field to indicate the length of the packet header and to further specify whether the packet header includes a data payload, a subset of a type field to indicate the packet header relates to the message request transaction and a message field. The message field includes a message to implement the message request transaction. The message includes at least one message that is selected from a group of messages. The group of messages to include a message to unlock a logical device, a message to reset a logical device, a message to indicate a correctable error condition, a message to indicate an uncorrectable error condition, a message to indicate a fatal error condition, a message to report a bad request packet, a message to indicate power management and a message to emulate an interrupt signal. |
| US08582601B2 |
Terminal access method and terminal
The present invention discloses a terminal access method and a terminal, wherein the method comprises: calculating a length of an access message body of an access message (201); constructing an access time-slot according to a configured length of an access message prefix and the length of the access message body (202); transmitting the access message prefix to a base station when the access time-slot is aligned (203); and transmitting the access message body to the base station (204). The present invention shortens the access time of the terminal, improves the access rate of the terminal and the utilization ratio of the access channel, increases the access capability of the system, and reduces the collision probability of access messages. |
| US08582600B2 |
Method and device for delineating a data stream and communication system comprising said device
A method for delineating a data stream transmitted by a communication system using a protocol stack includes: analyzing the redundancy of sequences, the content of which is set on one or more layers in a protocol stack to delineate packets, errored or not, in a continuous data stream; the method to this end including searching in the receiver for sequences corresponding to a known sequence SP present in the received stream, and doing so by detecting sequences similar to this known sequence, the non-similar sequences not being retained; the method further including, in the presence of similar sequences, storing their position to determine the start of the packets. |
| US08582598B2 |
Local area network for distributing data communication, sensing and control signals
A network for carrying out control, sensing and data communications, composed of a plurality of nodes. Each node may be connected to a payload, which includes sensors, actuators and DTE's. The network is formed using a plurality of independent communication links, each based on electrically-conducting communication media composed of at least two conductors and interconnecting two nodes, in a point-to-point configuration. During network operation, nodes can be dynamically configured as either data-generating nodes, wherein data is generated and transmitted into the network, or as receiver/repeater/router nodes, wherein received data is repeated from a receiver port to all output ports. |
| US08582596B2 |
Coding and modulation for broadcast and multicast services in a wireless communication system
Techniques for transmitting data in a wireless communication system are described. Physical channels to be sent in a super-frame are identified and allocated time slots in the super-frame. The coding and modulation for each physical channel are selected based on its capacity. The data for each physical channel is selectively encoded based on an outer code rate, e.g., for a Reed-Solomon code, and further encoded based on an inner code rate, e.g., for a Turbo code. The encoded data for each physical channel is mapped to modulation symbols based on a selected modulation scheme. The modulation symbols for each physical channel are further processed (e.g., OFDM modulated) and multiplexed onto the time slots allocated to the physical channel. Data to be sent using another radio technology (e.g., W-CDMA) is also processed and multiplexed onto time slots allocated for this radio technology. |
| US08582595B2 |
Activation of code multiplexing
The present invention relates to a system and a method for transmitting data between a first terminal and a communication network access point. The method may comprise the steps of defining a first set of scrambling codes and a second set of scrambling codes different from the first set of scrambling codes. Further, the method may comprise defining a first selection scheme for a first parameter. The method may still further comprise determining a current parameter value for the first parameter and evaluating the current parameter value on the basis of the first selection scheme and selecting a scrambling code from the first set of scrambling codes or the second set of scrambling codes based on the evaluation. Even further, the method may comprise packaging and transmitting data between the first terminal and the communication network access point using the selected scrambling codes. |
| US08582591B2 |
Method and system for establishing a queuing system inside a mesh network
Wireless mobile communication (WMC) devices located in operating proximity of each other may be enabled to form a mesh (ad hoc wireless) network. WMC devices in a mesh network may form a queuing system wherein each WMC device may store data forwarded to and/or from other WMC devices in the mesh network. Each WMC device in the mesh network may have different queuing capability based on a plurality of factors that may comprise internal factors such as processing, storage, power, and/or connectivity. The mesh network may comprise an internal addressing scheme that may enable utilization of the queuing system whether or not WMC devices in the mesh network are communicatively coupled to external networks. |
| US08582589B2 |
Use of wireless circuit-switched connections for transferring information requiring real-time operation of packet-switched multimedia services
A system includes a terminal, a wireless access network, a multimedia core network and a network device, which connects the wireless access network to the multimedia core network, expanded location updating to the registration procedure of the multimedia core network, and performs double registration of the user to the multimedia core network. The terminal performs expanded location updating relaying the registration point identity of the multimedia core network, the user's phone number and the private user identity to the network device in connection with normal location updating signaling. In the double registration performed by the network device, two addresses are registered for the user of the terminal, one of which is associated with the domain name of the terminal in question or a numeric IP address, and the other to a domain name of the network device or a numeric IP address. |
| US08582587B2 |
VPN composing method, interwork router, packet communication method, data communication apparatus, and packet relaying apparatus
A data communication apparatus to be coupled to a first network and a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network, includes a receiving unit which receives a data including header information indicating a destination and first header information used to identify a first Virtual Private Network (VPN) in the first network. The apparatus also includes a transmitter which transmits data having added thereto a MPLS header information used to identify one of the plurality of second VPNs in the MPLS network, the MPLS header information corresponding to both the header information indicating the destination and the first header information used to identify the first VPN in the first network included in the received data. |
| US08582586B2 |
Vehicle onboard gateway apparatus
In an onboard gateway apparatus, when data is received from one network, the received data is stored in the buffer. The buffer includes a first storage area for storing data in the order of priority of an identifier (ID) attached to the data and a second storage area for storing data in the order in which the data is received. A control means stores the received data in one of the first and second storage areas based on the attached identifier, and sends the data to another network in accordance with the priority of the ID of the data. As to data passing through the first storage area, sending in the order of priority is ensured. As to data passing through the second storage area, sending in the order in which the data is received is ensured. |
| US08582581B2 |
Dual-port ethernet traffic management for protocol conversion
At least two communications cards are utilized to communicate with at least two Ethernet ports, each having unique MAC and IP addresses, and at least two different protocols. At least two central processing units (CPUs) are coupled to the at least two communications cards through a manageable Ethernet switch. One of the at least two CPUs is a primary (main) CPU and is capable of communicating using a limited number of native Ethernet protocols. Another one or more of the at least two CPUs is dedicated to performing conversion of additional, more complicated protocols to be sent to the primary CPU in at least one of its native Ethernet protocols. This off-loads the primary CPU from having to handle these additional, complicated protocols, thereby reducing the amount of protocol software/firmware required to be integrated with the primary CPU with a subsequent savings in boot-up time and background software overhead. |
| US08582579B2 |
Priority packet processing
A network node in a vehicular network processes packets based on a prioritization scheme. The prioritization scheme uses packet type, priority, source, destination, or other information to determine a priority of the packets. Packets can be stored in one of multiple queues organized according to packet type, or other criteria. In some cases, only one queue is used. The packets are time stamped when put into a queue, and a time to live is calculated based on the timestamp. The time to live, as well as other factors such as packet type, packet priority, packet source, and packet destination can be used to adjust a packet's priority within the queue. Packets are transmitted from the queues in priority order. In some cases, the network node can identify a top-priority packet, and transmit the top priority packet without first storing the packet in the queue. |
| US08582576B2 |
Method of bus configuration to enable device bridging over dissimilar buses
Several local IEEE1394 buses are bridged together over a second bus type to create a global bus wherein each local bus node is able to address nodes across the global bus without the local nodes being aware of the bridging operation. A bridging device operates by translating local bus node addresses to a global bus for communication over the second bus type. Alternatively, the local bus node identification process is controlled by the bridging device operating as the root node to cause the local nodes to be identified with a node address that is unique for the global network. The second bus type operates as a backbone for the global network and can be any type of communication bus or network with capability to transport the local bus traffic. The bridging devices that interface the local IEEE1394 buses to the backbone contain portals specific to each bus type that can communicate data between the dissimilar buses. |
| US08582575B2 |
Backbone edge switching apparatus and packet processing method of the backbone edge switching apparatus
Provided is a backbone edge switching apparatus and a packet processing method of the backbone edge switching apparatus. The backbone edge switching apparatus may generate and manage an integrated service flow by performing a lookup according to multiple layers with respect to an input packet. Accordingly, it is possible to provide various and effective transmission services. |
| US08582574B2 |
Access device for preventing transmission of copyrighted content to external network and method for the same
An access device and method for preventing transmission of copyrighted contents to an external network and a method for the same. The access device includes a packet-header analyzer analyzing a header of a packet received from a home network device, a copyrighted-content sensor detecting whether the packet includes copyrighted content as a result of the analysis, an address converter for converting a packet source IP address into an IP address supported by the external network if a packet destination address is an external network address as a result of the analysis, a mapping-table generator generating a mapping table for managing a mapping a relationship between the packet source IP address and the converted IP address, and a packet transmitter transmitting the packet to the IP address supported by the external network and discarding the packet to block transmission of the copyrighted content to the external network if the copyrighted-content sensor detects that the packet includes the copyrighted content. |
| US08582571B2 |
Personal area network apparatus
A peripheral device comprises a first entity and a second entity. In operation, the first/second entities are configured to respectively: receive a first/second entity-related message from at least one other device to indicate the availability of the at least one other device for attachment, send, to the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related message indicating the availability for communication with the at least one other device, receive, from the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related signal including a first/second entity-related peripheral device identifier, send a first/second entity-related response to the at least one other device, receive, from the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related device response, and send, to the at least one other device, a first/second entity-related second peripheral response including the first/second entity-related peripheral device identifier. |
| US08582570B2 |
Automatic attachment and detachment for hub and peripheral devices
A network (100) includes a hub device (110) and at least one unattached peripheral device (120). The hub device comprises circuitry and a transceiver in communication with the circuitry. In operation, the hub device is configured to cause the transceiver to i) send a message to indicate the availability of the hub device for attachment to a first peripheral device, ii) receive, from the first peripheral device, a message indicating the availability of the first peripheral device for communication with the hub device, iii) send, to the first peripheral device, a signal including a first peripheral device identifier, iv) receive, from the first peripheral device, a response, v) send a hub response to the first peripheral device, and vi) receive, from the first peripheral device, a second peripheral response including the first peripheral device identifier. |
| US08582567B2 |
System and method for providing network level and nodal level vulnerability protection in VoIP networks
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for providing network level and nodal level vulnerability protection in VoIP networks by receiving a communication, filtering the received communication using three or more stages selected from the group comprising a media protection and filtering plane, a policy based filtering plane, a signature based filtering plane, a protocol anomaly detection and filtering plane and a behavioral learning based filtering plane, and either allowing or denying the received communication based the filtering step. The stages are applicable to one or more protocols including SIP, IMS, UMA, H.248, H.323, RTP, CSTA/XML or a combination thereof. In addition, the stages can be implemented within a single device or are distributed across a network (e.g., SIP network, a UMA network, an IMS network or a combination thereof). |
| US08582566B2 |
Method and system of forwarding capability information of user equipment in internet protocol multimedia subsystem network
Disclosed is a method and system for mutually exchanging capability information of UEs for communication between a Circuit-Switched (CS) and IMS services (CSI) UE, which can use a CS call for voice communication while using an IMS session for PS service, and an IMS UE which uses an IMS session for both voice communication and PS service. A MGCF performs interworking of capability information between a CS message and an IMS message so that the IMS UE can process UE capability information through an IMS session request/response. When a call request message containing no capability information is created from a UE not supporting capability exchange, a CSI AS transfers the call request message to a peer UE after inserting estimable capability information of the UE into the call request message, and stores capability information of the counterpart UE for the UE. |
| US08582565B1 |
System for streaming audio to a mobile device using voice over internet protocol
This disclosure describes embodiments of systems and methods that use protocols and techniques that can stream audio from a video device to a separate device while reducing or eliminate audio/video synchronization errors. In some embodiments, these systems and methods use Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to stream audio to mobile devices with low latency, resulting in little or no user-perceivable delay between the audio stream and corresponding video presentation. As a result, users can enjoy both the audio and video of any video display in an establishment. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in the home or other locations to allow viewers who may be hard of hearing to listen to audio clearly via headphones. |
| US08582561B2 |
Method of handling P-TMSI change in a wireless communication system and related communication device
A method of handling a packet-temporary mobile subscriber identity, hereinafter called P-TMSI, for a network of a wireless communication system includes sending a first message through a first procedure to assign a first P-TMSI to a mobile station using a second P-TMSI, receiving a second message corresponding to a second procedure and the first P-TMSI before the network receives a response message of the first message corresponding to the first procedure, and then accepting the second message. |
| US08582554B2 |
Similarity searching in large disk-based networks
Techniques for determining a shortest path in a disk-based network are provided. The techniques include creating a compressed representation of an underlying disk resident network graph, wherein creating a compressed representation of an underlying disk resident network graph comprises determining one or more dense regions in the disk resident graph and compacting the one or more dense regions into one or more compressed nodes, associating one or more node penalties with the one or more compressed nodes, wherein the one or more node penalties reflect a distance of a sub-path within a compressed node, and performing a query on the underlying disk resident network graph using the compressed representation and one or more node penalties to determine a shortest path in the disk-based network to reduce the number of accesses to a physical disk. |
| US08582551B2 |
Device, system and method of wireless communication over non-contiguous channels
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of wireless communication over non-contiguous channels. For example, a device may include a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting symbols of a wireless communication packet to a wireless communication device over a plurality of non-contiguous wireless communication channels, wherein the wireless communication unit is to transmit, as part of a preamble of the packet, signaling information defining transmission characteristics over the plurality of non-contiguous channels. |
| US08582548B2 |
Frequency division multiple access schemes for wireless communication
Techniques for transmitting data using single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) multiplexing schemes are described. In one aspect, data is sent on sets of adjacent subbands that are offset from one another to achieve frequency diversity. A terminal may be assigned a set of N adjacent subbands that is offset by less than N (e.g., N/2) subbands from another set of N adjacent subbands assigned to another terminal and would then observe interference on only subbands that overlap. In another aspect, a multi-carrier transmission symbol is generated with multi-carrier SC-FDMA. Multiple waveforms carrying modulation symbols in the time domain on multiple sets of subbands are generated. The multiple waveforms are pre-processed (e.g., cyclically delayed by different amounts) to obtain pre-processed waveforms, which are combined (e.g., added) to obtain a composite waveform. A cyclic prefix is appended to the composite waveform to generate the multi-carrier transmission symbol. |
| US08582547B2 |
High frequency circuit, high frequency component and communication device
An inventive high frequency circuit includes a switch circuit (SPDT1), connected to an antenna terminal (Ant1), using a field-effect transistor for switching between a connection with first to third transmitting terminals (Tx1-1, Tx2-1, Tx3-1) and a connection with first to third receiving terminals (Rx1-1, Rx2-1, Rx3-1); a transmitting-side triplexer (Trip1) for branching a transmitting path connected to the switch circuit into transmitting paths of first to third frequency bands; and a receiving-side triplexer (Trip2) for branching a receiving path connected to the switch circuit into receiving paths of the first to third frequency bands. The switch circuit can be formed as an IC to downsize the circuit. For example, in constructing the high frequency circuit with a laminated module using a ceramic laminated substrate or the like, particularly when the number of triplexers occupying a large space is large, the switch circuit is formed as an IC and mounted on the laminated body, whereby the whole structure can be downsized. |
| US08582545B2 |
Method and apparatus preventing plurality of stations in WLAN from colliding with each other when attempting to access medium
A method and apparatus for preventing a plurality of stations in a wireless local area network (WLAN) from colliding with each other when accessing a medium are provided. In the method, an access point (AP) determines the transmission capabilities of a plurality of stations in a basic service set (BSS) of the AP, determines the format of control frames or data frames which have a high throughput (HT) format to be used in the BSS of the AP, and notifies the stations of the result of the determination. Therefore, it is possible to adaptively choose and use an optimum method of preventing a plurality of stations in a WLAN from colliding with each other when accessing a medium according to the circumstances in a WLAN by referencing the transmission capabilities of a plurality of stations in the WLAN. |
| US08582540B2 |
Power management in a wireless ad hoc network
In a wireless ad hoc network (20) of nodes (22), a method (64) of power management entails monitoring (82) a current traffic load of the network (20), and in response to the current traffic load, selecting (106, 132) a subset (102) of epochs (80) within cyclically repeating time windows (78) for network communication. A message (122) is communicated (120) between the nodes (22) in the network (20). The message (122) identifies the subset (102) of epochs (80) for using in communicating network traffic (32). Following receipt of the message, each of the nodes (22) modifies (124) a transmit capability mode by entering a run state (40) during the epochs (80) within the subset (102) to enable communication of network traffic (32) and by entering a low power consumption idle state (42) during the remaining epochs (80) within the time window (78). |
| US08582538B2 |
Scheduling grant information signaling in wireless communication system
A wireless user terminal includes a controller communicably coupled to a transceiver. The controller is configured to determine scheduling grant information and additional scheduling grant information from a channel encoded scheduling grant received at the transceiver, wherein the channel encoded scheduling grant includes encoded parity bits combined with the scheduling grant information and the encoded parity bits include the additional scheduling grant information exclusive OR-ed with parity bits obtained from the scheduling grant information. |
| US08582530B2 |
Expedited reporting of neighbor cell signal strength
A wireless mobile device/station (MS) sends measurement reports of neighbor cells to a serving base transmitter station (BTS). The MS receives information messages transmitted by the BTS at a signaling period, while the MS is in a first cell. The MS is configured to receive a first information message and a subsequent second information message following a handoff. When both information messages are received, the MS transmits a measurement report to the base station, based on contents of the current, received information messages. Responsive to the MS failing to receive/detect the second information message, the MS transmits a measurement report to the BTS based on (a) a current/first information message(s) and (b) a previous information message of the same type as the undetected second information message. The BTS initiates another handoff based on the information in the second type of measurement report. |
| US08582529B2 |
Resource management for mobility between different wireless communications architectures
A method of and apparatus for handover between a 3GPP based network and a non-3GPP network is disclosed where a policy update to a new gateway is requested. A confirmation of the policy update is sent from the policy and charging rules function (PCRF) to the 3GPP packet data network gateway (PDN GW). The new gateway also confirms the policy update to the currently serving gateway. The tunnel endpoints and radio resources are released between the PDN GW and the evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG), thereby freeing the resources previously used by the wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU). A release acknowledgement is sent from the serving gateway to the PCRF confirming the policy update process is complete. The method may be used for handover between 3GPP and non-3GPP networks and vice versa. The method and apparatus may be practiced over the S2b or S2c interfaces. |
| US08582528B2 |
Apparatus for managing media independent handover and method using the same
A method and apparatus for managing a Media Independent Handover (MIH) service is provided. The MIH service management method includes setting state information of a Media Independent Handover Function (MIHF), and managing MIH services based on the set state information of the MIHF. |
| US08582526B2 |
Method and apparatus for the use of multiple-input, multiple output (MIMO) systems for multi-packet reception (MPR)
A method for multipacket communication in an asynchronous wireless system includes the steps of transmitting at least two packets of 2M digital signals from a plurality of transmitters without other transmission taking place within a predetermined number of symbol durations from each side of each packet. Each transmitter generates digital signals denoted as at least two super-symbols according to an Alamouti coding scheme corresponding to M symbols of first set of super-symbols in a first transmission interval and a second set of super-symbols in a second transmission interval. The received packets include inter-symbol interference of the super-symbols when imperfectly synchronized which expands the time interval of the received packets. A symmetric Alamouti structure for the received packets is generated by folding the expanded received signal on itself, multiplying by a factor of −1, and decoding using the Alamouti structure for the received packets at each antenna of the receiver. |
| US08582522B2 |
Handling physical uplink shared channel transmissions
Systems, apparatus and methods can be implemented for handling physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmissions. A user equipment (UE) can decode, on a physical hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) indicator channel (PHICH), a negative acknowledgement (NACK) associated with an HARQ process. The UE can also receive, from a base station, an uplink grant without an associated transport block. The decoded NACK and the received uplink grant can trigger a respective transmission during a PUSCH transmission opportunity. The UE can then perform, during the PUSCH transmission opportunity, one of transmission of a PUSCH transmission associated with the HARQ process, transmission of control information based on the received uplink grant, or disregarding the decoded NACK and the received uplink grant. |
| US08582517B2 |
De-correlation of sub-bands using cyclic shifts
Techniques are provided to de-correlate sub-bands of a packet to be transmitted. At a communication device, a signal (packet or frame) is generated for transmission. The packet or frame comprises a plurality of subcarriers in each of a plurality of sub-bands. Different cyclic delays are applied to the plurality of sub-bands of the signal. The signal is amplified after applying the different cyclic delays for transmission from the communication device. |
| US08582512B2 |
Method of transmitting and receiving downlink data in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting data through a downlink common transport channel in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving measurement information transmitted from a user equipment at an upper network node, forwarding control information of the common transport channel, which is acquired from the measurement information, from the upper network node to a base station, and transmitting downlink data from the base station to the user equipment through the common transport channel in accordance with the control information. |
| US08582509B2 |
Scalable frequency band operation in wireless communication systems
To support mobile stations that are not capable of demodulating the entire bandwidth or that can be made to demodulate less than the entire bandwidth, a system, apparatus and method are provided to schedule users on less than all of the bandwidth. Further, certain users can be scheduled on more of the bandwidth than others. |
| US08582507B1 |
All-in-one wireless network device
A system to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network. The system includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store a first queue, a second queue, and a processor queue. The processor is configured to: selectively execute a first virtual machine using the processor queue; while executing the first virtual machine, maintain the first queue as a copy of data in the processor queue; selectively execute a second virtual machine using the processor queue; and while executing the second virtual machine, maintain the second queue as a copy of data in the processor queue. |
| US08582505B2 |
Apparatus and method for physical broadcast channel (PBCH) decoding for multiple cells
A method of wireless communication includes generating a list of cells for physical broadcast channel (PBCH) decoding. The method also includes allocating memory for decoding and cancelling a subset of cells from the generated cell list. The method further includes storing information related to subsets of cells from the generated list in the allocated memory during different time periods. The allocated memory is sufficient for attempting, at each time period, decoding of each subset of cells and cancelling of decoded cells in each subset. The method further includes cycling through the generated cell list by processing each subset of the cell list during the different time periods. |
| US08582502B2 |
Robust multipath routing
Implementations related to robust multipath routing are disclosed. |
| US08582493B2 |
Implicit wireless relay station based upon observed communications between a subscriber station and a base station
Disclosed in some examples is a method performed by a relay station, the method including receiving at a relay station a data packet transmitted from a base station to a subscriber station; receiving a non-acknowledgement (NACK) message transmitted from the subscriber station to the base station in response to the data packet; receiving resource allocation information transmitted from the base station to the subscriber station; and transmitting, in response to the received NACK message at the transmission time, the data packet to the subscriber station in a resource allocation allocated for a retransmission of the data packet from the base station to the subscriber station, wherein the resource allocation is determined from the resource allocation information. |
| US08582492B2 |
Methods and apparatus supporting adaptive decentralized traffic scheduling including a dynamic receiver yielding threshold
Methods and apparatus relating to scheduling of air link resources, e.g., traffic segments, in a wireless communications system are described. Various described methods and apparatus are well suited to wireless peer to peer networks in which traffic scheduling is decentralized, e.g. an ad hoc peer to peer network. An individual wireless terminal corresponding to a peer to peer connection which desires to communicate traffic signals makes a receiver yielding decision. The receiver yielding decision, in some embodiments, includes comparing a link quality estimate corresponding to its own link, to a dynamically generated receiver yielding threshold. The dynamically generated receiver yielding threshold is determined based on at least one of: quality of service information corresponding to its own link and historical link quality information corresponding to its own link. |
| US08582488B2 |
Acquiring method, acquiring apparatus and user equipment for multicast control channels (MCCHs) information
The present disclosure discloses a method for acquiring Multicast Control Channel (MCCH) information, which includes that: in a Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) area which includes more than two MCCHs, when User Equipment (UE) detects that a interested MBMS service is started, the UE further determines whether a correspondence relationship between the interested MBMS service and the MCCHs exists, and the UE only acquires MCCH information corresponding to the interested MBMS service when the correspondence relationship exists, otherwise the UE acquires all MCCH information in the MBSFN area. The disclosure further discloses an apparatus and UE for acquiring MCCH information. It is ensured that UE in an overlapped MBSFN area receives a presently started MBMS service in time. |
| US08582487B2 |
Method and system for transmitting a multimedia broadcast multicast service control signaling
The present invention discloses a method for transmitting a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) control signaling, comprising: a network side sends the indication information of a radio frame and/or a sub-frame carrying an MBMS control channel to a terminal via a high-level signaling and sends an MBMS control signaling to the terminal via the radio frame and/or the sub-frame carrying an MBMS control channel; and the terminal acquires the radio frame and/or the sub-frame carrying an MBMS control channel through analysis according to the acquired indication information of the radio frame and/or the sub-frame and reads the MBMS control signaling from the radio frame and/or the sub-frame. The present invention further discloses a system for transmitting an MBMS control signaling, which realizes the configuration of an MBMS control channel at a system side, provides a method for the transmission of an MBMS control signaling, and eliminates the randomness in the transmission of an MBMS control signaling at a system side signaling and the reception of an MBMS control signaling at a terminal at a low signaling overhead. |
| US08582485B2 |
Scheduled clear to send (CTS) for multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications
Scheduled clear to send (CTS) for multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. Before sending transmissions, a request to send (RTS)/clear to send (CTS) exchange takes place between a transmitting wireless communication device and multiple receiving wireless communication devices may take place therein. The transmitting wireless communication device (e.g., an AP) may generate and transmit a multi-user request to send (mRTS) frame to a number of receiving wireless communication devices (e.g., STAs). The mRTS frame can include information and instructions therein to direct the manner by which all or a subset of the receiving wireless communication devices are to provide CTS responses back to the transmitting wireless communication device. The mRTS frame may be an OFDMA frame, a MU-MIMO frame, or a combination thereof. The CTS responses may be received in accordance with any one or combination of OFDM signaling, OFDMA signaling, and MU-MIMO signaling. |
| US08582479B2 |
Method and system for transmitting and receiving control information in broadcasting communication system
Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for transmitting and receiving control information for receiving a service in a broadcast communication system. The method includes inserting first control information for receiving at least one different service at a next frame in each of multiple service data pieces of a current frame and transmitting a frame including the first control information, making it possible to efficiently transmit and receive a frame, which includes multiple services configured through a combination of one or more radio frequencies, and thereby enabling rapid receiving of a switched service in the case of service switching. |
| US08582466B2 |
Flow statistics aggregation
There are disclosed apparatus and methods for testing a network. An apparatus for testing a network may include first and second memory banks configured to alternate between being active and inactive in a complementary manner. A traffic receiver may receive traffic comprising a plurality of packets from the network, accumulate traffic statistics, store the accumulated traffic statistics in the active memory bank of the first and second memory banks, and copy contents of the first memory bank, when inactive, to a third memory bank, and copy contents of the second memory bank, when inactive, to a fourth memory bank. A port processor may aggregate at least selected traffic statistics stored in the third memory bank and the fourth memory bank. |
| US08582464B2 |
Terminal device, method and apparatus for configuring terminal device
A terminal device, a method and an apparatus for configuring the terminal device are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a message sent by a service provider device, where the message includes configuration information about a terminal device; setting up a wireless connection to the terminal device by using a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) technology; and transmitting the configuration information about a terminal device to the terminal device through the wireless connection. The present invention brings the following benefits: receive a message that includes configuration information about a terminal device, and transmit the configuration information to the terminal device according to the message; therefore, the problem of insecurity and complexity involved in the provisioning for configuring the terminal device is resolved, and the configuration information for the terminal device is provisioned securely and simply. |
| US08582462B2 |
Network communications over shared links in a virtualized environment
A physical host executes a virtual machine monitor (VMM) that instantiates a plurality of virtual machines (VMs). The VMM supports processing of a virtual link manager (VLM) that deploys and configures a plurality of Layer 2 virtual links sharing bandwidth of a Layer 2 physical link between the physical host and an access switch. The VMM communicates parameters of the plurality of virtual links with the access switch. |
| US08582461B2 |
Analytical computation of cubic metric
A method includes determining attributes of multiple Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) signals, which are to be superimposed to form a composite CDMA signal for transmission by a wireless transmitter. A predefined analytical formula, which computes a Cubic Metric of the composite CDMA signal as a function of the attributes, is evaluated. Transmission of the composite CDMA signal by the wireless transmitter is controlled based on the computed Cubic Metric. |
| US08582452B2 |
Data link configuration by a receiver in the absence of link training data
A receiver is enabled to perform self-configuration of the main data link to receive and display video data. A video data signal is received through a data link having multiple channels or lanes at a specific bit rate. No link configuration data normally associated with the video signal is received. It is then determined which one or more of the channels of the data link are active in transmitting the data signal. A symbol pattern in the data signal is then identified. The symbol rate of the data signal is then synchronized with the local clock frequency. The local clock frequency is set to correspond to the actual bit rate of the data signal, thereby creating a signal-based clock frequency. This local clock frequency is set using only the data signal since no link configuration data associated with the signal is received. In this manner, the receiver configures or trains the link itself using only the video data signal and therefore, the receiver may be described as self-sufficient. |
| US08582450B1 |
Status reporting system
A supervisor entity comprises an entity status module for maintaining status of its subordinate entities and updating the supervisor entity with status updates for itself and the subordinate entities. The entity status module comprises an entity status controller for receiving a status message from a first subordinate entity, a subordinate determination module for determining a second subordinate entity that is subordinate to the first subordinate entity, a status update module for updating the status of the second subordinate entity based on the received status message from the first subordinate entity, a status reporting module for reporting the updated status of the second subordinate entity to a supervisor entity and a status storage for storing the status of the second subordinate entity. |
| US08582448B2 |
Method and apparatus for power throttling of highspeed multi-lane serial links
A method for managing the power consumption of an information handling system including a multi-lane serial link having a lane setting that identifies the number of active lanes in the multi-lane serial link. The method may include determining a number of lanes required for the multi-lane serial link based on one or more I/O devices connected to the information handling system, triggering a reduction of the lane setting of the multi-lane serial link if the lane setting of the multi-lane serial link is greater than the determined number of lanes required, and automatically reducing power to the multi-lane serial link in response to the reduction of the lane setting. |
| US08582447B2 |
Loopback device and mirroring method
A transmission destination of a packet to be transmitted by a web server (11) and an application server (21) incorporated in the same machine (30) is set to a loopback device (50). When a packet is received from one of the servers (11 and 21), the loopback device (50) decides whether or not a combination of a source IP address, a source port number, and a destination port number in the packet is known. If the combination is known, the source IP address and a destination IP address of the received packet are exchanged, and the packet is transmitted to the other server. Further, the packet received from the one of the servers and the packet transmitted to the one of the servers are copied, and the copied packets are transmitted to a communication state visualizing machine (90). |
| US08582440B2 |
Oversubscribed packet stream-based interconnect protocol
A network device includes a receiver component that generates flow control information. The network device also includes a transmitter component that receives a packet for forwarding to the receiver component, receives flow control data for the packet from the receiver component, and provides the packet and the flow control data for the packet to a fabric component. The fabric component performs a congestion management operation for the packet, and forwards the packet to the receiver component based on the flow control data and results of the congestion management operation. |
| US08582439B1 |
Buffer overflow prevention for network devices
A network device including a buffer and a processor. The buffer is configured to store a packet received by the network device. The buffer has a predetermined size. The packet includes a first transmit window size for a first communication session handled by the network device. The processor is configured to modify the first transmit window size based on i) the predetermined size of the buffer, and ii) a second transmit window size for a second communication session handled by the network device. The second communication session is different than the first communication session. |
| US08582434B1 |
Generalized auto media selector
A media selection system includes a plurality of media ports. Each of the plurality of media ports is coupled to a corresponding physical medium, and each of the plurality of media ports is configured to generate an activity signal and a link status signal. A priority storage module is configured to contain priority information, which sets forth a priority for establishing a link through each of the plurality of media ports. A media selector module is configured to select a first media port through which a link will be maintained based on the link status signal generated by each of the plurality of media ports and the priority information. The media selector module is further configured to block all other links through media ports of the plurality of media ports other than the first media port. |
| US08582430B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless LAN (WLAN) data multiplexing
Embodiments addressing MAC processing for efficient use of high throughput systems are disclosed. Data associated with at least one MAC ID can be aggregated into a single byte stream. The single byte stream can be formatted into MAC PDUs and then muxed. The muxed MAC PDUs can then be transmitted on a single MAC frame. Muxing of the MAC PDUs can be based on the priority of the MAC PDUs or other criteria. A MAC header can comprise information about the muxed PDUs, such as a pointer, that identifies the location of the MAC PDUs within the MAC frame. A MAC frame can contain partial MAC PDUs. The transmitted muxed MAC PDUs can be retransmitted, and an acknowledgment or feedback scheme may be used to help manage the transmission of the protocol data units. |
| US08582429B2 |
Resource allocation and signalings for group scheduling in wireless communications
Method and apparatus for resource allocation formatting, signaling, and procedures in wireless communications, the method reducing signal overhead. Wireless transmit/receive units are divided into one or more semi-static groups. Resource allocation takes place to a group and the resource sets are signaled to an individual unit needing the resources. The method is applied to resource allocation for services, including both real time and non real time services. |
| US08582426B2 |
Reception of redundant and non-redundant frames
The present disclosure relates to highly available communication networks, e.g., for industrial or utility applications such as substation automation. The devices are connected to two redundant lines through two independent transceivers and bus controllers, i.e. the physical layer and the link layer of the corresponding protocol stack is duplicated. For seamless operation, a sender sends frames simultaneously over both lines and a receiver accepts whichever frame of a pair comes first and ignores the late frame. An exemplary method is disclosed for discarding duplicate frames at the link layer without considering the higher protocol layers, based on a counter inserted in the frame and an algorithm for rejection, with a corresponding means to detect which frames operate according to the redundancy protocol. |
| US08582425B1 |
Systems and methods for cancelling crosstalk in satellite access devices
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for cancelling crosstalk in satellite access devices, such as DSLAMs. In one exemplary embodiment, a satellite DSLAM is configured to employ a vectored DSL modulation format, such as vectored VDSL, on both a customer premises (CP) side of the DSLAM and a network side of the DSLAM. For at least one tone communicated by the DSLAM, the DSLAM is configured to maintain a set of coefficients indicative of crosstalk contributions from interferers on both sides of the DSLAM. Based on such coefficients, the DSLAM is configured to cancel crosstalk that couples from one side of the DSLAM to the other. |
| US08582424B2 |
Ring coupling nodes for high availability networks
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a network coupling device connected over a respective first and second port in a communication network with a ring topology operating with full duplex links. When sending information, the coupling device inserts two duplicate frames in the ring, one over each of its ports. The frames containing information that identifies these two frames as a pair of duplicates of the same frame. Each similar device in the ring includes a Switching Element that receives a frame from one port and forwards the frame to the other port without modification. The Switching Element discards a frame that was originally sent by that same node, discards a frame that it already forwarded in that direction, and/or discards a frame that it cannot recognize as being a member of a pair. A further similar device on the ring is able to receive the two duplicate frames and pass the earlier received frames of a pair to the application, while discarding the later, received frames based on the identification within the frames. |
| US08582422B2 |
Access point configuration propagation
A method of access point configuration propagation includes receiving, at a controller, a connectivity request from a number of access points; with a master controller, creating a configuration for the access points; and sending configuration data based on the created configuration to a number of slave controllers. A master controller for propagating access point configurations within a wireless network system includes a processor that creates a configuration for each of a number of access points requesting connectivity within the wireless network system, and a data storage device that stores configuration data based on the created configuration in an access point configuration table. |
| US08582419B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting signal in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting a signal of a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting a first signal to the relay station through the transmission period in a subframe including a transmission period and a guard time for transmission/reception switching of a relay station, and transmitting a second signal to a macro user equipment through the guard time. Accordingly, a signal can be effectively transmitted in the wireless communication system employing the relay station. |
| US08582418B2 |
Packet mode auto-detection in multi-mode wireless communication system, signal field transmission for the packet mode auto-detection, and gain control based on the packet mode
A method for automatically detecting a packet mode in a wireless communication system supporting a multiple transmission mode includes: acquiring at least one of data rate information, packet length information and channel bandwidth information from a transmitted frame; and determining the packet mode on the basis of the phase rotation check result of a symbol transmitted after a signal field signal and at least one of the data rate information, the packet length information and the channel bandwidth information acquired from the transmitted frame. |
| US08582417B2 |
Pilot pattern design for a STTD scheme in an OFDM system
A transmitting device for transmitting data and pilot symbols in an OFDM transmission system having transmission antennas. The device includes symbol generating means for generating data and pilot symbols, means for transmitting the data and pilot symbols using subcarriers of the OFDM system. The symbol generating means generates a first and second type pilot symbol, the second having an inverted value of the first so that a first pilot symbol pattern to be transmitted by using one of said plurality of transmission antennas has a different pattern in the frequency and time dimension from a second pilot symbol pattern to be transmitted by using another transmission antenna. First and second pilot symbols are comprised in respective first and second pilot symbol patterns, where at least some of the first and second pilot symbols have the same time allocation and being alternately identical and inverted to each other. |
| US08582416B2 |
Heat-assisted magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reading apparatus
The heat-assisted magnetic recording medium of the present invention has a substrate, an under layer formed on the substrate, and a magnetic layer formed on the under layer, in which the magnetic layer includes an alloy having a L10 structure as a principle component, and the under layer is constituted by a first under layer made of an amorphous alloy or an alloy having a microcrystalline structure, a second under layer made of Cr or an alloy which contains Cr as a principle component and has a BCC structure, a third under layer made of a metal or an alloy having a BCC structure with a lattice constant of 2.98 Å or more, and a fourth under layer made of MgO. |
| US08582410B2 |
Master strategy adjustment method and disc manufacturing method
A master strategy adjustment method includes performing first recording on a master with a predetermined strategy, performing first measurement of an evaluation value of the master of the first recording, forming a first optical disc based on the master after the first recording, performing second measurement of an evaluation value of the optical disc formed as the first optical disc, calculating a target value of the evaluation value of the master based on a difference with the first measurement evaluation value and the second measurement evaluation value, and adjusting the strategy so that the evaluation value with regard to the master matches the target value, performing recording on the master with the adjusted writing strategy, performing measurement of the evaluation value of the master, and performing determination of whether the evaluation value is within a predetermined range with the target value as a reference until an affirmative result is obtained. |
| US08582407B2 |
Information recording medium, apparatus for recording and/or reproducing data on and/or from information recording medium, method of recording and/or reproducing data on and/or from information recording medium, and computer-readable recording medium storing program for executing the method
An information recording medium includes a lead-in area, a user data area, and a lead-out area, wherein at least one of the lead-in or lead-out areas includes a compatibility information area in which compatibility information, specifying whether each area on the information recording medium is recordable and/or reproducible. The compatibility information may include state information on whether the user data area is recordable and/or reproducible, state information on whether the lead-in/lead-out area is recordable and/or reproducible, state information on whether the compatibility information area is recordable and/or reproducible, or state information on whether a defect management area (DMA) is recordable and/or reproducible. Accordingly, an existing drive or apparatus for recording and/or reproducing data on and/or from an information recording medium can smoothly record and/or reproduce data on an information recording medium that is of a higher version than the existing drive or apparatus. |
| US08582406B2 |
Information recording device detecting issues in a laser included therein and a method of controlling the same
An information recording device in accordance with the present invention obtains drive information of a semiconductor laser which is included in a magnetic head by means of a drive information obtaining section and successively records the information in a drive information storing section. A magnetic head control section controls the magnetic head in accordance with a condition of the semiconductor laser on the basis of the drive information thus obtained by the drive information obtaining section. |
| US08582405B1 |
Matched pattern signal decoding
An optical tape decoding system includes a decoder that may apply a matched pattern signal representing an address index to a track address signal including a multi-cycle wobble block representing the address index such that a signal is output having a peak corresponding to the multi-cycle wobble block. The decoder may also identify the address index based on an amplitude of the peak. |
| US08582402B2 |
Optical recording medium and recording device
An optical recording medium in which recording is performed by a recording device that is configured such that tracking servo control of recording light is performed by irradiating the recording light and ATS light for an adjacent track servo and by an adjacent track servo based on reflected light of the ATS light, wherein while a recording layer in which a mark is formed according to an irradiation of the recording light is included, a mark row is formed in advance by a pitch that is twice a distance between an irradiation spot of the recording light and an irradiation spot of the ATS light or greater in the recording layer. |
| US08582399B2 |
Information storage medium, recording method, and recording apparatus
According to one embodiment, an information storage medium in which layer 0 and layer 1 are arranged from a read surface, a system lead-in area, data lead-in area, data area, and middle area are arranged from an inner circumference of the layer 0, and a system lead-out area, data lead-out area, data area, and middle area are arranged from an inner circumference of the layer 1. A guard track zone is arranged on a side of the data area in the data lead-out area, and a reference code zone, R physical format information zone, recording management zone, and drive test zone are arranged in the data lead-in area of the layer 0 and padding of the guard track zone of the data lead-out area is performed after padding of the drive test zone of data lead-in area and recording of the recording management zone. |
| US08582395B2 |
Marine vibroseis motion correction
A method for processing seismic data. The method includes receiving the seismic data acquired at one or more receivers due to one or more marine vibroseis sources that emit one or more vibroseis sweeps. The method then applies a receiver motion correction algorithm to the received seismic data to generate receiver motion corrected seismic data. After generating the receiver motion corrected seismic data, the method transforms the receiver motion corrected seismic data into a temporal Fourier domain to generate seismic data as a function of frequency. The method then reconstructs the transformed seismic data as a function of frequency to correct for one or more motions of the one or more marine vibroseis sources. After reconstructing the transformed seismic data, the method transforms the reconstructed seismic data to the time domain. The method then generates a seismic image of a subsurface of the Earth based on the transformed reconstructed seismic data. |
| US08582391B2 |
Adjusting clock error across a circuit interface
A system is provided with clock skew measurement and correction technology. A first circuit or memory controller 4 includes measuring circuits to measure relative timing or phase offsets of multiple clock signals of a second circuit or memory 6. One measuring circuit is configured for incremental changing of the phase of a transmitted test data sequence to measure and correct timing of a memory receiver circuit's quadrature clocks based on results of a data comparison of transmitted and received test data. Another measuring circuit is configured to scan a received test data sequence for data transitions to measure and correct timing of a memory transmitter circuit's quadrature clocks based on spacing or timing between detected transitions. Individual memory clock generators 30 are controlled with adjustable delay circuits 47 for changing phase of different clock signals of the memory to set the clock signals based on the measurements of the controller. |
| US08582386B2 |
Internal voltage generator and semiconductor memory device including the same
A semiconductor device including an internal voltage generator circuit that provides an internal voltage having a different level depending on the operation speed is provided. The semiconductor device includes an internal voltage generator circuit configured to receive operation speed information to generate an internal voltage having a different level depending on the operation speed; and an internal circuit operated using the internal voltage. |
| US08582384B1 |
Process variability tolerant programmable memory controller for a pipelined memory system
In an embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit includes a pipelined memory array and a memory control circuit. The pipelined memory array contains a plurality of memory banks. Based partially on the read access time information of a memory bank, the memory control circuit is configured to select the number of clock cycles used during read latency. |
| US08582382B2 |
Memory system having a plurality of serially connected devices
A semiconductor memory device and system are disclosed. The memory device includes a memory, a plurality of inputs, and a device identification register for storing register bits that distinguish the memory device from other possible memory devices. Circuitry for comparing identification bits in the information signal with the register bits provides positive or negative indication as to whether the identification bits match the register bits. If the indication is positive, then the memory device is configured to respond as having been selected by a controller. If the indication is negative, then the memory device is configured to respond as having not been selected by the controller. A plurality of outputs release a set of output signals towards a next device. |
| US08582381B2 |
Temperature based compensation during verify operations for non-volatile storage
A non-volatile storage system that performs programming and reading processes. The programming process includes coarse/fine programming and verify operations. Programming is verified by testing for two different threshold voltage levels while applying the same voltage level to the control gate of a memory cell by testing for current levels through the memory cells and adjusting the current levels tested for based on current temperature such that the difference between the two effective tested threshold voltage levels remains constant over temperature variation. |
| US08582380B2 |
Systems, circuits, and methods for charge sharing
Systems, circuits, and methods are disclosed for charge sharing. In one such example system, a first line is configured to be driven to a first voltage representative of data to be placed on the first line and then precharged to a first precharge voltage. A second line is configured to be driven to a second voltage representative of data to be placed on the second line and then precharged to a second precharge voltage. A charge sharing device is coupled between the first line and the second line. The charge sharing device is configured to selectively allow charge from the first line to flow to the second line after the first and second lines are driven to the respective first and second voltages representative of data to be placed on the respective lines. |
| US08582379B2 |
Single ended sensing scheme for memory
A memory having a single-ended sensing scheme includes a bit line, a memory cell coupled to the bit line, and a precharge circuit. The precharge circuit is configured to precharge the bit line to a precharge voltage between a power supply voltage and a ground. |
| US08582378B1 |
Threshold voltage measurement device
A threshold voltage measurement device is disclosed. The device is coupled to a 6T SRAM. The SRAM comprises two inverters each coupled to a FET. Power terminals of one inverter are in a floating state; the drain and source of the FET coupled to the inverter are short-circuited. Two voltage selectors, a resistor, an amplifier and the SRAM are connected in a negative feedback way. Different bias voltages are applied to the SRAM for measuring threshold voltages of two FETs of the other inverter and the FET coupled to the other inverter. The present invention uses a single circuit to measure the threshold voltages of the three FETs without changing the physical structure of the SRAM. Thereby is accelerated the measurement and decreased the cost of the fabrication process and measurement instruments. |
| US08582377B2 |
Redundant memory array for replacing memory sections of main memory
Memories and methods for replacing memory sections of a main memory array by mapping memory addresses for an entire main memory section to at least one memory section of a redundant memory array. One such memory includes a fuse block having programmable elements configured to be programmed to identify main memory sections to be mapped to redundant memory sections of the redundant memory array. The memory further includes a redundant memory logic circuit coupled to the redundant memory array and the fuse block. The redundant memory logic is configured to map the memory for a main memory section identified in the fuse block to at least one of the redundant memory sections of the redundant memory array. |
| US08582369B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In writing, a first write operation to a first memory cell is executed; and a second write operation for providing a first threshold-voltage distribution to a second memory cell adjacent to the first one, is executed. The first threshold voltage distribution is a lowest threshold-voltage distribution among the positive threshold voltage distributions. It is verified whether a desired threshold voltage distribution has been obtained in the first memory cell or not (first write verify operation), moreover, it is verified whether a first threshold voltage distribution or a threshold voltage distribution having a voltage level larger than the first threshold-voltage distribution has been obtained in the second memory cell or not (second write verify operation). A control circuit outputs results of the first write verify operation and the second write verify operation. |
| US08582366B2 |
Semiconductor device using charge pump circuit
A semiconductor device including a plurality of capacitance units connected in parallel between a first voltage and a second voltage. Each of the plurality of capacitance units includes: a capacitance element connected with the first voltage; and a capacitance disconnecting circuit connected between the second voltage and the capacitance element. The capacitance disconnecting circuit includes a non-volatile memory cell with a threshold voltage changed based on a change of a leakage current which flows from the capacitance element, and blocks off the leakage current based on a rise of the threshold voltage of the non-volatile memory cell when the leakage current exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08582364B2 |
Fast programming memory device
In an embodiment of a memory device including a matrix of memory cells wherein the memory cells are arranged in a plurality of memory cells strings each one including at least two serially-connected memory cells, groups of at least two memory cells strings being connected to a respective bit line, and wherein said memory cells are adapted to be programmed into at least a first programming state and a second programming state, a method of storing data comprising exploiting a single memory cell for each of the memory cells string for writing the data, wherein said exploiting includes bringing the single memory cell to the second programming state, the remaining memory cells of the string being left in the first programming state. |
| US08582363B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of over-erasure in NAND-based NOR-type flash memory
A method and apparatus for operating an array block of dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory cells by erasing the dual charge retaining transistor NOR flash memory cells to set their threshold voltage levels to prevent leakage current from corrupting data during a read operation. Erasure of the array block of NOR flash memory cells begins by selecting one of block section of the array block and strongly and deeply erasing, over-erase verifying, and programming iteratively until the charge retaining transistors have their threshold voltages between the lower voltage limit and the upper voltage limit of the first program state. Other block sections are iteratively selected and erased, over-erase verified, and programmed repeatedly until the charge retaining transistors have their threshold voltages between the lower voltage limit and the upper voltage limit of the first program state until the entire block has been erased and reprogrammed to a positive threshold level. |
| US08582362B2 |
Circuit for precharging bit line and nonvolatile memory device including the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array configured to comprise a number of cell strings, a number of page buffers each coupled to the cell strings of the memory cell array through bit lines, and a bit line precharge circuit configured to precharge a selected bit line up to a voltage of a first level before one of the page buffers precharges the selected bit line. |
| US08582358B2 |
Memory system, controller, and method for controlling memory system
A memory system includes nonvolatile memory having a plurality of memory cells of storage capacity of a specified number of bits equal to or greater than two bits, and a number-of-rewrites management table managing numbers of rewrites of the memory cells. The memory system includes a controller writing to the memory cells in a number of bits in accordance with a write request of a host, dividing the memory cells into groups in dependence on storage capacity after the numbers of rewrites of the memory cells managed by the number-of-rewrites management table exceed a specified number, and writing to the memory cells of the group corresponding to storage capacity of the number of bits in accordance with the write request of the host. |
| US08582355B2 |
Magnetic memory element and nonvolatile memory device
According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory element includes a stacked body including first and second stacked units. The first stacked unit includes first and second ferromagnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer. A magnetization of the first ferromagnetic layer is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the first ferromagnetic layer. A magnetization of the second ferromagnetic layer is variable. The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The second stacked unit stacked with the first stacked unit includes third and fourth ferromagnetic layers and a second nonmagnetic layer. A magnetization of the third ferromagnetic layer is variable. The fourth ferromagnetic layer is stacked with the third ferromagnetic layer. A magnetization of the fourth ferromagnetic layer is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the fourth ferromagnetic layer. The second nonmagnetic layer is provided between the third and fourth ferromagnetic layers. |
| US08582354B1 |
Method and apparatus for testing a resistive memory element
Methods and apparatus for testing a resistive memory element are provided. In an example, an initial test resistor in a resistance network coupled to a first input of a sense amplifier is selected, where the resistive memory element is coupled to a second input of the sense amplifier and an output of the sense amplifier is measured. Another test resistor is selected based on the output of the sense amplifier and both the measuring the output step and the selecting another test resistor step are repeated until the output of the sense amplifier changes. A resistance of the resistive memory element is estimated based on the last test resistor selected, where the selected test resistors and the resistive memory element pass respective currents having substantially similar amplitudes and are coupled to respective access transistors having substantially similar properties. |
| US08582351B2 |
Methods and systems for adjusting wordline up-level voltage to improve production yield relative to SRAM-cell stability
Methods of setting wordline up-level voltage in as-fabricated SRAM. In one example, the method includes determining the relative speed, or strength, of 1) the combination of the pass-gate and pull-down devices and 2) the pull-up devices in the bitcells of the SRAM. These relative strengths are then used to adjust the wordline up-level voltage, if needed, to decrease the likelihood of the SRAM experiencing a stability failure. Corresponding systems are provided for determining the relative strengths of the devices of interest, for determining the amount of up-level voltage adjustment needed, and for selecting and setting the up-level voltage. |
| US08582347B2 |
Floating source line architecture for non-volatile memory
A method and apparatus for writing data to a non-volatile memory cell, such as an STRAM memory cell or an RRAM memory cell. In some embodiments, a plurality of N non-volatile memory cells, where N is a greater than two, are connected to a common floating source line. A write circuit is adapted to program a selected memory cell of the plurality to a selected data state by passing a write current of selected magnitude through the selected memory cell and concurrently passing a portion of the write current in parallel through each of the remaining N−1 memory cells of the plurality via the common floating source line. |
| US08582343B2 |
Semiconductor storage device, semiconductor storage device manufacturing method and package resin forming method
A ferroelectric capacitor comprising a transistor layer superimposed on a semiconductor substrate, a ferroelectric capacitor layer provided superior to the transistor layer, a wiring layer provided superior to the ferroelectric capacitor layer, and a passivation film. Further, at least one layer of barrier film capable of inhibiting penetration of moisture and hydrogen into the underlayer is provided between the ferroelectric capacitor layer and the passivation film, and the passivation film is characterized by containing a novolac resin. |
| US08582342B2 |
Non-volatile one-time-programmable and multiple-time programmable memory configuration circuit
A programmable non-volatile configuration circuit uses a pair of non-volatile memory devices arranged in a pull-up and pull-down arrangement. The non-volatile memory devices have floating gates that overlaps a variable portion of a source/drain region. This allows a programming voltage for the device to be imparted to the floating gate through variable capacitive coupling, thus changing the state of the device. The invention can be used in environments to store configuration data for programmable logic devices, field programmable arrays, and many other applications. |
| US08582341B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
According to an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a memory array provided on a substrate, and a control circuit provided on a surface of the substrate between the substrate and the memory array, includes steps of forming, in an insulating layer covering a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region of the control circuit, a first contact hole communicating with the p-type semiconductor region; forming a contact plug, in contact with the p-type semiconductor region, within the first contact hole; forming, in the insulating layer, a second contact hole communicating with the n-type semiconductor region; and forming an interconnection contacting the contact plug and the n-type semiconductor region exposed within the second contact hole. |
| US08582336B2 |
Power supply circuit capable of handling direct current and alternating current and power supply control method
According to one embodiment, a power supply circuit includes an input terminal, a rectifier circuit, a power factor improvement circuit, a DC/DC converter, and a control module. The DC/DC converter converts the level of a DC voltage output from the power factor improvement circuit. The control module determines on the basis of the output voltage of the rectifier circuit whether an input power supply supplied to the input terminal is AC or DC. The control module generates a DC power supply by use of the power factor improvement circuit and DC/DC converter when the input power supply is AC and generates a DC power supply by controlling the operation of the power factor improvement circuit and DC/DC converter according to the voltage of input DC power supply when the input power supply is DC. |
| US08582335B2 |
Inverter apparatus
An inverter apparatus according to one embodiment includes switching elements and freewheel diodes which are connected to a direct-current power supply, a temperature detector provided near at least one of the switching elements, and a temperature estimation unit. The temperature estimation unit estimates temperatures of switching elements not provided with the temperature detector, based on an estimated-temperature increase value calculated by a loss model of the switching elements and freewheel diode and others, and a temperature of the switching element detected by the temperature detector. |
| US08582331B2 |
Inverter topologies usable with reactive power
The present invention generally relates to power electronic switching circuits and in particular to inverter modules employing two or more controlled switches that can be used with reactive loads. An inverter circuit is provided which includes first and second input terminals for being connected to a DC power source; first and second output terminals for outputting an AC voltage; at least one metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, MOSFET, having a parasitic body diode. The inverter circuit further includes at least one disabling element for disabling said body diode. This may result in an improved efficiency of the inverter circuit in combination with a reactive power capability. Further, a semiconductor switching device is disclosed, comprising at least one metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, MOSFET, and at least one insulated gate bipolar transistor, IGBT, wherein said MOSFET and said IGBT are connected in parallel. |
| US08582323B2 |
Control circuit for a primary controlled switched mode power supply with improved accuracy of the voltage control and primary controlled switched mode power supply
The invention under consideration refers to a controller for a primary-side regulated control power supply unit for the regulation of the output of the primary regulated control power supply unit. The invention also concerns a method for the operation of a control power supply unit of the generic type and a pertinent control power supply unit. The controller comprises a control output (B), which can be connected with the control input of a primary-side switch (Q1) of the control power supply unit; a voltage measurement input (U), which can be connected with a primary-side auxiliary winding (L4) of a transformer (200) for the sensing of an auxiliary voltage, which is induced as a function of the secondary-side output voltage; a sample-and-hold element (SuH, SuH1) for the sensing of the auxiliary voltage; and an error amplifier (202) for a comparison of the sensed auxiliary voltage with a reference value (Vref2) and for the amplification of the deviation between the sensed auxiliary voltage and the reference value. The controller (IC2) also has a return branch for the return of the output signal of the error amplifier (202) to the voltage measurement input (U). |
| US08582316B2 |
Electronic device display alignment system
A display alignment system aligns an internal display device with an outer cover glass such that planes defined by both are substantially parallel. A subject electronic device includes an outer housing having a back portion and multiple mounting bosses, a transparent display cover coupled to the outer housing, a display device disposed between the back portion and the display cover, and mounting brackets coupling the display device to the mounting bosses. The exact positions of the mounting brackets are adjusted to compensate for the specific dimensions of the mounting bosses, outer housing and/or display device, which is done using a separate assembly fixture having spring-loaded and locking pins to record individual mounting boss heights. Recorded boss heights are used to position the mounting brackets on sides of the display device so that the combination thereof is customized for the recorded outer housing and mounting bosses. |
| US08582315B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method related thereto
An electronic apparatus includes a first printed circuit board on which a first connector is provided, a first member connected with the first printed circuit board and having a first hole, a second member connected with the first printed circuit board and including a projecting portion extending in a standing direction on the first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board that includes a second connector connected to the first connector, a first end portion that penetrates the first hole, and a second end portion having a second hole, where the projecting portion of the second member penetrates the second hole. |
| US08582314B2 |
Interconnection structure, interposer, semiconductor package, and method of manufacturing interconnection structure
There is provided an interconnection structure. An interconnection structure according to an aspect of the invention may include: a plurality of side portions provided on one surface of a substrate part and a plurality of cavities located between the side portions and located further inward than the side portions; and electrode pattern portions provided on surfaces of the side portions and the cavities. |
| US08582307B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication apparatus in one embodiment includes a bag body and a radio frequency device. The bag body has at least a first slot, which extends to an edge of the bag body. The radio frequency device including a wireless integrated circuit chip is for radio-frequency signal transmission or receiving, and is disposed across a portion of the first slot and coupled to two connection ends of the bag body so that the bag body between the two connection ends serves as an inductance circuit. The inductance circuit of the two connection ends of the bag body is based on metallic material. An impedance of the inductance circuit is for conjugate matching with that of the radio frequency device and is determined according to a plurality of geometric parameters including: a distance from the edge to the wireless integrated circuit chip, and size of the first slot. |
| US08582304B2 |
Fixing apparatus for storage device
A fixing apparatus includes a board presenting a number of engaging portions and a post, and a casing for containing a data storage device. The casing includes a bottom wall defining a number of engaging holes, an end wall perpendicularly connected to the bottom wall, and a fixing member pivotably mounted to the end wall. Each engaging hole may engage and lock an engaging portion. The fixing member forms a sliding portion having a slanted outer surface, and a protrusion connected to the sliding portion and is pivoted to move the casing away from the post, until the second holes engage with the corresponding engaging portions, and the protrusion resists against the post. |
| US08582301B2 |
Mounting bracket
A mounting bracket includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a top plate, a bottom plate, a pair of dividing plates, and a pair of metal plates. The top plate is connecting top edges of the first side plate and the second side plate. The bottom plate connecting bottom edges of the first side plate and the second side plate. The dividing plates are located between the top plate and the bottom plate and parallel to the first side plate and the second side plate. The metal plates are mounted on the first side plate and the second side plate respectively. The mounting bracket further includes a first accommodating space defined between the first side plate and one of the dividing plates, and a second accommodating space defined between the second side plate and the other one of the dividing plates. |
| US08582299B1 |
System with movable computing devices
A system for providing computing resources includes a mounting bar and one or more computing devices supported on the mounting bar. The computing devices are coupled to the mounting bar such that the computing devices can slide along the mounting bar from one position to another while the computing devices remains in service and installed on the mounting bar. |
| US08582298B2 |
Passive cooling enclosure system and method for electronics devices
An apparatus for passively cooling electronics. The apparatus for passively cooling electronics includes at least one heat sink configured to be thermally coupled to at least one cabinet. When the at least one cabinet is thermally coupled to the at least one heat sink, the at least one heat sink draws heat from the at least one cabinet. |
| US08582292B1 |
Integrated ventilation system for electronic equipment
One embodiment of a method of providing ventilation to electronic equipment comprises receiving exhaust air flow from first electronic equipment positioned next to a ventilation structure; directing the exhaust air flow out of exhaust fan assembly of the ventilation structure; receiving cold air from an intake fan assembly of the ventilation structure; and directing the cold air to an intake vent of second electronic equipment positioned next to the ventilation structure. |
| US08582291B2 |
Power conversion apparatus
In a power conversion apparatus, electronic components and a cooler are integrated in a frame as an internal unit. The internal unit is fixed within a case through the frame. The frame has such a shape that the electronic components are surrounded by the frame, and includes a first wall section, and second and third wall sections extending from both sides of the first wall section. The cooler includes a coolant introduction tube and a coolant discharge tube. The coolant introduction tube and the coolant discharge tube project outward from to the frame. The first to third wall sections include a support wall section supporting at least one of the coolant introduction tube and the coolant discharge tube, and a frame wall section not supporting the coolant introduction tube and the coolant discharge tube. The thickness of the support wall section is larger than the thickness of the frame wall section. |
| US08582290B2 |
High density computer equipment storage system
This relates to the manner in which computers are configured in a given area in order to conserve space and to deal with cooling issues associated with the close housing of a large number of computers. Efficient arrangements for efficiently increasing the density of computer configurations are shown, particularly when used in a network server or host environment. |
| US08582289B2 |
Docking station and electronic device
A docking station includes a housing, and a connecting mechanism rotatably received in the housing. The connecting mechanism includes an interface. The connecting mechanism rotates from a first position exposed out of the housing to a second position hidden in the housing. When the connecting mechanism rotates to the first position, the interface is exposed out of the housing. When the connecting mechanism rotates to the second position, the interface is hidden in the housing. |
| US08582287B2 |
Drive carrier with pivoting handle
A drive carrier comprises a base adapted to receive a drive, two opposing sides extending from the base with each side having first and second stand-off receiving apertures that each receives a stand-off from a surface on which the drive carrier is positioned. The carrier comprises a handle coupled to each side via a hinge. The handle has a stand-off receiving notch associated with each side and each stand-off receiving notch receives one of the stand-offs when the drive carrier is locked in place on the surface. Each notch applies insertion and removal forces against the received stand-off during insertion and removal of the carrier. The hinge defines a plane through the hinges and parallel to the base. The handle pivots downward toward the plane and base to lock the drive carrier to the surface. When the drive carrier is in a locked position, the handle rests above the plane. |
| US08582285B2 |
Mounting apparatus for expansion card
A mounting apparatus for an expansion card includes a chassis, a mounting frame, a hull, and a mounting member. The mounting frame is secured to the chassis and is adapted to secure a first end of an expansion card. The hull is secured to the chassis, and is adapted to maintain a second end of the expansion card opposite to the first end. The mounting member is rotatably attached to the hull, and comprises two limiting boards. The mounting member is rotatable between a lock position and an open position. In the lock position, the mounting member abuts the top surface of the expansion card. In the open position, the mounting member disengages from the expansion card. |
| US08582284B2 |
Media display fixture for an electronic kiosk
A media display fixture includes a main body, a bracket and at least one first fastener. The main body includes a first side portion, a second side portion and a central portion coupling the first side portion to the second side portion. The central portion includes a ring binder for receiving media for display. The bracket includes a first side portion, a second side portion and a central portion coupling the first side portion to the second side portion. The at least one first fastener directly couples one of the first and second side portions of the main body to one of the first and second side portions of the bracket. |
| US08582283B2 |
Fixing mechanism for fixing a display device
A fixing mechanism for fixing a display device includes a display casing whereon a hole is formed, a shielding wall connected to a side of the display casing, and a bracket wedged inside the shielding wall in a detachable manner and installed on the side of the display casing. An opening is formed on the bracket. The fixing mechanism further includes a screwing component. An end of the screwing component passes through the hole on the display casing and is screwed inside the opening on the bracket. The other end of the screwing component is installed inside a wall mount. The shielding wall is for shielding the end of the screwing component. |
| US08582277B2 |
Laminated type ceramic electronic parts
A multilayer ceramic electronic component comprising an element body in which a dielectric layer and an internal electrode layer are stacked. The dielectric layer is constituted from a dielectric ceramic composition including; a compound having a perovskite structure expressed by a formula of ABO3 (A is at least one selected from Ba, Ca, and Sr; B is at least one selected from Ti, Zr, and Hf); an oxide of Mg; an oxide of rare earth elements including Sc and Y; and an oxide including Si. The dielectric ceramic composition comprises a plurality of dielectric particles and a grain boundary present in between the dielectric particles. In the grain boundary, when content ratios of Mg and Si are set to D(Mg) and D(Si) respectively, D(Mg) is 0.2 to 1.8 wt % in terms of MgO, and D(Si) is 0.4 to 8.0 wt % in terms of SiO2. |
| US08582271B2 |
Over-voltage protection for power and data applications
A power supply device is described comprising a DC voltage supply, a power section connected to the DC supply for supplying DC power from the DC voltage supply to first and second outlet ports for connection to a remote device via a cable connection, a voltage boosting circuit for generating a voltage above that of the DC supply, an energy absorbing circuit connected between an output of the voltage boosting circuit and a ground potential, and a diode connection means between the first outlet port and the energy absorbing circuit. The major components of the power supply device may be implemented as an integrated circuit. |
| US08582270B2 |
PTC device, protective circuit module including the same, and secondary battery including the protective circuit module
A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) device, a Protective Circuit Module (PCM) including the PTC device, and a secondary battery including the Protective Circuit Module (PCM) are provided. A support portion is formed at one end of a conductive plate of the PTC device, a conductive layer disposed on the upper portion of the PTC main body is fixed to the Protective Circuit Module (PCM), and the support portion is fixed by a coated adhesive that is melted at a high temperature and then hardens when the high temperature is removed, thereby preventing the PTC device from swaying or twisting. |
| US08582269B2 |
Overcurrent protection apparatus for secondary battery, protection method and battery pack
An overcurrent protection apparatus for a secondary battery includes a main relay, an auxiliary relay connected in parallel with the main relay, a current limiting resistor connected in series with the auxiliary relay and a controller for detecting an overcurrent and protect the battery module. The controller turns on the main relay and turns off the auxiliary relay in a normal state where the battery module is recharged by the generator. When the overcurrent is detected, the controller turns on the auxiliary relay and turn off the main relay so that a limited current flows through the current limiting resistor. |
| US08582266B2 |
Current-monitoring apparatus
A local area networking apparatus comprises a power stage for connecting to a network cable for carrying carry power and data. The power stage comprises a main current flow path which includes a switch comprising at least one transistor positioned in the main current flow path and a current monitoring apparatus for monitoring current flow in the main current flow path, and wherein the current monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor which is not placed in series with the main current flow path. The current monitoring apparatus can comprise a current mirroring stage which is arranged to mirror current flowing in the main current flow path to a monitoring current flow path. The switch can be implemented as a set of switches. |
| US08582264B2 |
Overvoltage protection element
An overvoltage protection element with a housing, with at least one overvoltage limiting component which is located in the housing, with terminal elements for electrical connection of the overvoltage protection element to the current or signal path which is to be protected, and with a state display which has a display element for display of the state of the overvoltage protection element. A conclusion about the state of the overvoltage protection element is easily possible as a result of a thermally activatable, endothermic material being both in thermal contact with the overvoltage limiting component and also in mechanical contact with the display element of the state display. When the overvoltage limiting component is heated above a certain minimum temperature, expansion of the thermally activatable, endothermic material produces a change in position of the display element whose magnitude is a measure of the heating of the overvoltage limiting component. |
| US08582263B2 |
Digitally controlled AC protection and attenuation circuit
A protection and attenuation circuit for sensitive AC loads is described. The circuit provides AC power protection and attenuation utilizing high-efficiency switch-mode techniques to attenuate an AC power signal by incorporating a bidirectional, transistorized switch driven from a pulse width modulation signal, PWM. The circuit monitors characteristics of the AC power signal driving a known load and characteristics of the load or other elements and determines the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal, PWM, based upon the duration and amplitude of the over-voltage, over-current, over-limit or other event. |
| US08582261B2 |
Apparatus and method for electronic circuit protection
Apparatus and methods for electronic circuit protection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an actively-controlled protection circuit includes a detector, a timer, a current source and a latch. The detector is configured to generate a detection signal when the detector determines that a transient signal satisfies a first signaling condition. The timer is configured to receive the detection signal, and to generate a current control signal. The current control signal is provided to a current source, which produces a trigger current at least partly in response to the control signal. The trigger current is provided to a node of the latch, thereby enhancing the conductivity modulation of the latch and selectively controlling the activation voltage of the latch. |
| US08582260B2 |
Integrated circuit
According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a first external terminal, a second external terminal, a third external terminal grounded, an output transistor connected to the second and third external terminals, an ESD protection circuit connected between the second external terminal and the third external terminal, a diode connected between the first and second external terminals, a power supply circuit connected between the first and third external terminals, an internal circuit connected between the power supply circuit and the third external terminal, a current source circuit, and a drive circuit having a first and second input terminals and an output terminal connected to the control electrode of the output transistor. When a voltage larger than a maximum rating voltage is applied to the second external terminal, the drive circuit turns off the output transistor and the ESD protection circuit operates. |
| US08582259B2 |
Semiconductor device and switching regulator using the device
The semiconductor device according to the present invention has an n-channel output transistor wherein an input voltage is impressed on a drain, and a pulsed switching voltage that corresponds to a switching drive of the transistor is brought out from a source; a bootstrap circuit for generating a boost voltage enhanced by a predetermined electric potential above the switching voltage; an internal circuit for receiving a supply of the boost voltage to generate a switching drive signal, and supplying the signal to a gate of the output transistor; an overvoltage protection circuit for monitoring an electric potential difference between the switching voltage and the boost voltage, and generating an overvoltage detection signal; and a switching element for establishing/blocking electrical conduction between the internal circuit and the end impressed with the boost voltage, in accordance with the overvoltage detection signal. |
| US08582256B2 |
Superconducting resistive fault current limiter
A high-temperature superconductor fault current limiter elements (1) of standardized modular design and a high-temperature superconductor fault current limiter unit to protect an electrical application such as power network from damage in case of fault event. |
| US08582254B2 |
Switching array having circuitry to adjust a temporal distribution of a gating signal applied to the array
A Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) switching array includes circuitry, which may be coupled to a gate line of the array to adjust a temporal distribution of a gating signal applied to a plurality of MEMS switches that make up the switching array. The temporal distribution may be shaped to reduce a voltage surge that can develop in the switches during switching of electrical current. This voltage surge reduction is conducive to improving the durability of the array. |
| US08582252B2 |
Magnetic layer with grain refining agent
A magnetic sensor includes a magnetic layer comprising magnetic material and a grain refining agent. The magnetic layer having a grain-refined magnetic layer surface. A layer adjacent the magnetic layer has a layer surface that conforms to the grain-refined magnetic layer surface. |
| US08582250B2 |
Double biasing for trilayer MR sensors
A trilayer magnetoresistive sensor has at least first and second ferromagnetic layers separated by a nonmagnetic layer. A high coercivity permanent magnet bias element biases the first ferromagnetic layer in a first direction. A high moment permanent magnet bias element biases the second ferromagnetic layer in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. |
| US08582247B2 |
Magnetic element with increased scissoring angle
An apparatus and associated method is presently disclosed for a data sensing element capable of detecting changes in magnetic states. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a magnetically responsive lamination that has a spacer layer disposed between a first and second ferromagnetic free layer. The lamination having at least one free layer with a shape feature that increases a scissoring angle between the free layers. |
| US08582242B2 |
Magnetic transducer including basecoat and overcoat
A magnetic head that includes: a slider having a leading edge and a trailing edge; and a transducer, the transducer formed on the trailing edge of the slider and the transducer including: a substrate; a basecoat positioned adjacent the substrate, wherein the basecoat includes a material having a Young's modulus that is less than that of alumina and a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than that of alumina; a reader; a writer; a heater; and an overcoat encasing at least a portion of the transducer, wherein the overcoat includes a material having a Young's modulus that is less than that of alumina and a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than that of alumina. |
| US08582239B2 |
Microwave assisted magnetic recording head and magnetic recording method therewith
A microwave assisted magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole; a trailing shield, a main coil for causing the main magnetic pole to generate a perpendicular recording field, at least one secondary coil for generating an in-plane alternate-current (AC) magnetic field with a frequency in a microwave band from a magnetic recording gap between the main magnetic pole and the trailing shield, nonmagnetic films formed on magnetic recording gap facing surfaces that are defined by the main magnetic pole and the trailing shield, the main magnetic pole and the trailing shield being configured with first soft magnetic films, and second soft magnetic films formed further on the surfaces of the nonmagnetic films. The second soft magnetic films have larger anisotropy fields than the first soft magnetic films have. |
| US08582234B2 |
Shaped magnetic write pole
A magnetic shield is adjacent a write pole. The write pole has a body portion with a body thickness and an extension portion with parallel first and second sides that each tilt towards the magnetic shield at a predetermined angle proximal to an air bearing surface (ABS). The extension portion may be capable of enhancing a write field gradient of the magnetic shield by reducing magnetic saturation. |
| US08582226B2 |
Write delay stabilization
Apparatus and method for write delay stabilization. A write driver is adapted to output bipolar write currents to write data to a memory. A preconditioning circuit is adapted to output first and second thermal preconditioning currents through the write driver to stabilize a write delay associated with the write driver to a steady-state level prior to the writing of data to the memory. |
| US08582225B2 |
Microwave-assisted magnetic recording head and magnetic read/write apparatus using the same
A microwave-assisted magnetic recording head includes: a main magnetic pole that generates a recording magnetic field to be recorded on a magnetic recording medium; a shield; and an oscillator that is provided between the main magnetic pole and the shield and generates a microwave magnetic field. The microwave-assisted magnetic recording head is provided with a thermal expansion device for adjusting a relative position between the oscillator and the main magnetic pole so as to be able to independently adjust a recording magnetic field from the main magnetic pole and a microwave magnetic field from the oscillator. |
| US08582222B2 |
Autofocus module
The present invention provides an autofocus module including: a supporting base, an electrical focusing element and an conductive element, wherein the supporting base at least accommodates one lens element, the electrical focusing element is disposed at one end of the supporting base so that the electrical focusing element and the lens element are positioned along a common optical lens, and the conductive element is embedded in the supporting base and connected to the electrical focusing element and an external power source respectively. The electrical focusing element obtains power through the conductive element, and by controlling the power magnitude supplied to the electrical focusing element, the focal length thereof can be changed accordingly, thereby carrying out the autofocus operation. |
| US08582217B2 |
Optical system for endoscope
An optical system for an endoscope includes a negative lens-group, an aperture diaphragm and a positive lens-group in this order from an object side, wherein the negative lens-group includes a negative first-lens and a negative second-lens in this order from the object side; and wherein the optical system meets conditional expressions (1) and (2): 0.05 |
| US08582216B2 |
Wide-angle image lens module having long flange back distance
An image lens module includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, and an image plane and satisfies: FB/TTL>0.16, G1R1/F1>1.04, and D1/D2<4.47. FB is a distance between an apex of an image-side surface of the third lens and the image plane. TTL is a distance between an object-side surface of the first lens and the image plane. G1R2 is a curvature radius of an image-side surface of the first lens. F1 is focal length of the first lens. D1 is a distance between the end of the effective diameter of an image-side surface of the second lens and an optical axis of the image lens module in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. D2 is a distance between the end of the effective diameter of the image-side surface of the second lens and an apex of the image-side surface of the second lens along the optical axis. |
| US08582212B2 |
Zoom lens, and imaging apparatus incorporating the same
The invention provides a zoom lens, characterized by comprising, in order from an object side thereof, a first lens group of positive refracting power, a second lens group of negative refracting power, a third lens group of positive refracting power, and a fourth lens group of negative refracting power, upon zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end of the zoom lens, a separation between the respective lens group changes, a separation between the first lens group and the second lens group becomes narrow, and a separation between the second lens group and the third lens group grows wide; upon focusing from a focusing-on-infinity state to a close-range focusing state, the fourth lens group moves in an optical axis direction; and Conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied at the wide-angle end. |
| US08582207B2 |
Hard coating film, manufacturing method thereof, antireflective film, polarizing plate and image display unit
A hard coating film is provided and includes a transparent plastic substrate film, and a hard coating layer. The transparent plastic substrate film has mutually independent microscopic pits in at least one surface thereof, the microscopic pits each independently have a depth of 3 μm or below, the microscopic pits have an average length of major diameters of from 0.5 μm to 20 μm, and the number of the microscopic pits is from 25 to 3,000 per mm2. |
| US08582205B2 |
Lens barrel and optical apparatus including the same
The lens barrel has an image blur correction function for correcting an image blur, including: a movable member movable in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis while holding a lens and a driving magnet; and a fixed member for positioning the movable member in an optical axis direction and holding a driving coil and a magnetic member, in which: the driving magnet and the magnetic member constitute a driving portion for moving the movable member in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis; and in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis, a width of the magnetic member in a direction orthogonal to a direction of driving the movable member is larger than a width of the driving magnet in the direction orthogonal to the direction of driving the movable member. |
| US08582203B2 |
Optical arrangement for oblique plane microscopy
An optical arrangement for oblique plane microscopy includes a first optical subassembly having an objective lens that receives light from a sample in use, and configured to produce an intermediate image of the sample, and a second optical subassembly focused on the intermediate image. Optical axes of the first and second subassemblies are at an angle to each other at the point of the intermediate image, such that the second subassembly images an oblique plane in the intermediate image, corresponding to an oblique plane in the sample. An oblique plane microscopy method is performed by directing an incident light beam through the objective lens to illuminate or excite the oblique plane in the sample, and receiving light from the sample through the same objective lens. The incident light beam is incident on the sample at an angle of substantially 90° relative to the light beam received from the sample. |
| US08582196B2 |
Electrophoretic particles and processes for the production thereof
In electrophoretic media, it is advantageous to use pigment particles having a polymer chemically bonded to, or cross-linked around, the pigment particles, the polymer comprising repeating units derived from a fluorinated acrylate or fluorinated methacrylate monomer. The polymer desirably has a branched chain structure with side chains extending from a main chain. Desirably, the fluorinated acrylate or fluorinated methacrylate monomer comprises from 1 to 5 mole percent of the polymer. |
| US08582195B2 |
Systems and methods for relative positioning
Systems and methods for generating a position reference grid and relative positioning of an object are presented. Radiation is emitted towards a digital micro-mirror device including a plurality of micro-mirrors. Additionally, one or more of a plurality of micro-mirrors are modulated such that at least a portion of the radiation reflected from the plurality of micro-mirrors is projected on to a designated location in a designated pattern representative of a position reference grid. The radiation reflected from the plurality of micro-mirrors is detected. Further, the detected radiation is interpreted as location coordinates in the position reference grid. Additionally, the location coordinates are communicated to the object moving in relation to the digital micro-mirror device for positioning the object at a designated position in the position reference grid. |
| US08582194B2 |
Thermally responsive crystalline colloidal arrays
A thermally responsive material comprising an ordered periodic array of particles received in a substantially nonaqueous matrix composition. The material diffracts radiation in a first wavelength band when the material is at a first temperature and the material diffracts radiation in a second wavelength band when the material is at a second temperature. |
| US08582193B2 |
Electrochromic devices
Conventional electrochromic devices frequently suffer from poor reliability and poor performance. Improvements are made using entirely solid and inorganic materials. Electrochromic devices are fabricated by forming an ion conducting electronically insulating interfacial region that serves as an IC layer. In some methods, the interfacial region is formed after formation of an electrochromic and a counter electrode layer. The interfacial region contains an ion conducting electronically insulating material along with components of the electrochromic and/or the counter electrode layer. Materials and microstructure of the electrochromic devices provide improvements in performance and reliability over conventional devices. |
| US08582190B2 |
Two-dimensional scanning device
A two-dimensional scanning device possesses: a light source for emitting light; a mirror for scanning on a test surface in the X direction; a mirror for scanning on the test surface in the Y direction; a lens which has different powers in relation to the X direction and the Y direction; and a lens which has different powers in relation to the X direction and the Y direction. The mirrors are arranged between the light source and a lens group including the lenses. |
| US08582188B2 |
Spot color press emulation color transformation method and system
A spot color rendering system and method that incorporates spot color press emulation color transformation to preserve spot color on a target rendering device. A spot color rendering option implemented in a graphical user interface can be selected in order to render the spot color via an intermediate emulation space. The spot color name calls can be first associated with a color value in an ICC profile connection space (PCS), as CIE L*a*b* or XYZ. A database relation of the spot color name with its associated PCS numerical value enables association of the name with the resultant color transformed output. Thereafter, a color transformation with respect to the spot color value can be performed in order to compute a color on an emulation press and then the color can be preserved to the target rendering device. Such an approach enables a color consistent rendering to the target rendering device similar to that of the emulation press. |
| US08582184B2 |
Image reader and document conveying method
An image reader and document conveying method shorten times necessary for a discharge process that discharges a document in being conveyed and for an idle feeding process of a document that is left on a paper feed tray.If during double-sided reading, a stop key is operated to issue an instruction to cancel reading, a conveyance controller outputs a path specifying signal to select a single-sided path, and thereby a conveyance route is switched from a double-sided path to the single-sided path. For this reason, the discharge process that discharges a document being conveyed at the time of the reading cancellation to a paper discharge tray, and the idle feeding process that discharges a document left on a paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray are performed with use of the single-sided path that is shorter than the double-sided path, and therefore the times necessary for the discharge and idle feeding processes can be shortened. |
| US08582181B2 |
Optical reading device, control method for an optical reading device, and program
Restart shifting in the scanned image data is minimized and the resulting image quality is improved even when scanning pauses and resumes. A dot impact printer 10 issues a command to stop media conveyance when available capacity in the image buffer 41A goes below a stop buffering level, and continues scanning by the scanner 111, 112 until a conveyance stop delay period passes and then stops scanning. When the available capacity exceeds a resume buffering level after the conveyance stop delay period has passed, the dot impact printer 10 applies a command to resume media transportation and scanning, prohibits storing the scanned image data from the scanners 111, 112 until a resume drive delay time passes, and resumes storing data after the resume drive delay time passes. |
| US08582178B2 |
Method for adjusting the amount of marking material in a printed image
A method for reducing an amount of marking material for printing a binary image on a receiving material uses a printing process configured to apply print pixels and to associate each image pixel with at least two print pixels. A print signal is generated indicating for each print pixel whether marking material is to be applied. The print signal is filtered by a predefined mask that defines for which print pixels no marking material will be applied independent of the pixel value of the associated image pixel. The print pixels that are blocked by the mask define a regular pattern to avoid graininess in the printed image. The main effect on print quality is a reduction of the contrast in the image. By choosing one of a set of at least two masks, the user selects the amount of reduction that is realized in the print process. |
| US08582173B2 |
Color processing apparatus and method
A color processing apparatus includes an input range obtaining unit configured to obtain an input range of input color data represented by a first color space that is an extended color space, a setting unit configured to set grid point coordinate values for each of a plurality of color components included in the input color data, and a generating unit configured to generate a look-up table by performing conversion processing on each of look-up-table coordinate values corresponding to grid point coordinate values set for the plurality of color components, and storing a result of the conversion processing in the look-up table. The setting unit sets the grid point coordinate values such that each of the primary colors in a second color space that is a base color space is located at a grid point and the color components have the identical grid point coordinate values among the primary colors. |
| US08582172B2 |
Image scanning apparatus and method to control a light source that an intensity of light irradiated to any one of a plurality of lines of the document from the light source equal to an intensity of light irradiated to another line
The image scanning apparatus includes a light source including at least one light emitting diode (LED) to irradiate light to a document which is a scan target, a light source control unit to control a lighting-up point of time of the light source, an image sensor to transform an image formed by light reflected from the document into an electric signal according to a result of controlling the lighting-up point of time, and an output unit to output image data corresponding to the transformed electric signal. |
| US08582165B2 |
Document processing apparatus
A document processing apparatus includes: a unit configured to detect a leading-edge point of an object in a page; a unit configured to calculate an association of objects to determine whether they should be merged into one based on the area matching rate between the leading-edge points of the objects; a unit configured not only to slide the objects in a normally appropriate direction for merging but also to perform fine-tuning in the vicinity thereof so as to derive a maximum area matching rate and improve the completeness of finished form of merging; a unit configured to merge the mating leading edges of the objects and further merge sets of overlapping objects; a unit configured to calculate the association by comparing attribute values included in the objects instead of using the area matching rate between the mating leading-edge points thereof, depending on a kind of the objects; and a unit configured to reduce the merged objects so that they fit into one page. |
| US08582164B2 |
Generating merged documents
A method and apparatus for generation of electronic documents, such as a merge utility, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the merge utility merges two types of documents at least one of which is first converted from a format that is not supported by an output device to one that is. In an embodiment, one document may contain information related to an overlay and the other may contain information related to a background. In an embodiment, the conversion is performed in a format that is supported by an output device. |
| US08582163B2 |
Systems and methods for improving performance of trigonometric and distance function calculations during printing and display
Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for optimizing printing of a print job comprising graphics by a printer are presented. In some embodiments, the method calculating optimal granularity for the print job, based on specified resolution and page size; generating at least one trigonometric table with the calculated granularity; determining if a job command in the print job comprises a trigonometric function; and, if so, obtaining at least one trigonometric value from the at least one trigonometric table based on information in the job command. A similar process may be used to optimize printing by reducing the number of distance calculations performed by using sub tables. |
| US08582162B2 |
Information processing apparatus, output method, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus may include a conversion unit, a transmission unit, and an instruction unit. The conversion unit acquires document data from a document management apparatus in response to a conversion request transmitted from an external device in a case where it is detected that a predetermined document operation is performed on the document data and converts the acquired document data into print data to be used by an image forming apparatus to output the document data. The transmission unit transmits to the image forming apparatus the print data converted from the document data by the conversion unit. The instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to output document data transmitted from the transmission unit in response to an output request transmitted from the external device in a case where it is detected that an output operation of outputting the document data is performed. |
| US08582158B2 |
Image input/output apparatus and image input/output method
An image input/output apparatus includes an execution unit configured to execute a job for inputting or outputting image data, a storage unit configured to store the image data or reference information referring to the image data as history information, an output unit configured to output image data identified based on history information, and a control unit configured to perform control not to store the history information in the storage unit if an attribute of the job indicates that the job is a media print job for printing image data stored in an external storage media and perform control to store the history information if the attribute does not indicate that the job is the media print job. |
| US08582157B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a tag reader changing reading position by movement of front cover
An image forming apparatus including a wireless tag reader is described. The wireless tag reader is configured to be located in a first position to read wireless tags associated with consumables when the consumables are inserted into, stationary in, or removed from the image forming apparatus, and in a second position to read wireless tags outside of the image forming apparatus. |
| US08582155B2 |
Wireless location based rendering job delivery system and method
A wireless location based rendering job delivery system and method. An account with respect to a remote recipient can be subscribed to a globally accessible network cloud and GPS location data with respect to the remote recipient can be transmitted to the network cloud via a mobile communication device. A rendering job including job metadata with respect to a submitter can be transmitted to the network cloud and a list of recipients capable of receiving the rendering job in the network cloud can be provided. The rendering job metadata can be matched along with the recipient GPS location data to determine an appropriate print center in order to submit the rendering job. The rendering job can then be delivered to the recipient based on the location data thereby maintaining complete privacy. |
| US08582153B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
Provided is an image forming apparatus including a plurality of resources (for example, circuits) for implementing a plurality of functions and executing jobs in order of priority by using these resources. A conflict judging section determines whether any one of the resources required for a particular one of pending jobs is the same as any one of the resources required for pending jobs having a priority higher than that of the particular job. When it has been determined by the conflict judging section that any one or more of the resources required for the particular job is not the same as any of the resources required for pending jobs having a priority higher than that of the job, a job managing section provides the particular job a right of execution. |
| US08582152B2 |
Image forming apparatus with multi-view display
An image forming apparatus comprises: an operation part having a display area and operable to receive an input from a user; a first display part operable to display, in a part of the display area, (i) a first image to be visible only from a range of a first viewing angle and (ii) a second image to be visible only from a range of a second viewing angle that does not overlap with the range of the first viewing angle; an audio output part operable to output an audio explaining the first image; and a second display part operable, while the audio explaining the first image is being output, to display, in a remaining part of the display area, a notification indicating that the audio explaining the first image does not correspond to the second image, such that the notification is visible from the range of the second viewing angle. |
| US08582147B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus, and computer program
An information processing apparatus configured to control an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus configured to execute post-processing on a product output by the image forming apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register a job ticket, a searching unit configured to search for a job ticket that can be used for issuing an instruction to the post-processing apparatus from among the job tickets registered by the registration unit, and an instruction unit configured to issue an instruction to the post-processing apparatus by utilizing the job ticket extracted as a result of the search by the searching unit. |
| US08582143B2 |
Image reading apparatus and control method
An image reading apparatus comprising a conveying unit configured to convey a document; a reading unit configured to read an image of the document conveyed by the conveying unit; a storage unit configured to store data of the image read by the reading unit; a transfer unit configured to transfer the data stored in the storage unit to an external unit during a reading operation of the reading unit; and a reading control unit configured to control the reading unit to perform or stop the reading operation according to a threshold value related to a free space available for storing the data in the storage unit. |
| US08582137B2 |
Method and system for managing security of a remote device using a multifunction peripheral
A multifunction peripheral that can set appropriate criteria of security levels for another device, and improves usability while lowering a risk of data alteration, information leakage and the like by including a holding part 11 holding therein security criteria set for the image processing functions in one-to-one correspondence; a receiver 12 that receives, from an external terminal, a request for an access that is necessary for executing at least one of the image processing functions; an acquisition part 13 that acquires, from the external terminal, security information that is a security indicator regarding the access from the external terminal; a judgment part 15 that judges whether or not one of the security criteria set for the at least one of the image processing functions is met, based on the acquired security information; an access controller 16 that permits the access if the judgment part 15 judges affirmatively, and prohibits the access or permit the access with a limitation if the judgment part 15 judges negatively; and an execution part 19 that executes the at least one of the image processing functions, if the access controller permits the access. |
| US08582136B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and recording medium for ensuring the authenticity of a document
A detector detects a first key information piece embedded on one side of one sheet or more than one respective sheets from which image data is read out by a reader, and a second key information piece embedded on the other side thereof or on another sheet. And a comparator compares to each other, the detected first and second key information pieces and judges whether or not these key information pieces are related to each other. Then, a controller permits an output portion to output image data read out from all judgment target sheets if it is judged about all these respective sheets that the first and second key information pieces are related to each other, meanwhile the controller prohibits the output portion from outputting image data read out from one sheet if it is judged about this sheet that those key information pieces are not related to each other. |
| US08582132B2 |
Print format transform mechanism
A method disclosed. The method includes receiving a Portable Document Format (PDF) print job file, applying a first transform to generate an Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) image print job data stream and applying a second transform to generate an AFP text print job data stream. |
| US08582131B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a document reader, a storage for storing image data, an image output unit and a control unit. The control unit includes a display image generator for generating a display image, a display panel and a control unit-side controller having a function of presenting the display image based on the image data input in a preview representation and an output processing function of implementing an output process. As the output processing function, two schemes are provided: a first output scheme wherein, when image data has been input through the input unit, the images are output after displaying the images to be output in a preview representation on a display panel, and a second output scheme wherein, when image data has been input through the input unit, the image is directly output without displaying the image to be output in a preview representation on the display panel. |
| US08582130B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus includes a microprocessor unit which acquires information about the attribute of a print job from the received print job, determines which method is suitable as a printing method for the print job, performs a first printing method in which a print process is started before a raster image processing (RIP) process on all pages included in the print job is ended or a second printing method in which a print process is started after the RIP process on all pages included in the print job is ended, based on the attribute information, and decides the printing method determined as suitable for the print job as the printing method to be executed on the print job. |
| US08582123B2 |
Apparatus for determining thickness of a banknote
An apparatus (100) for determining thickness of a banknote (1), comprising: a light generator (8) to emit a light beam (12); and a sensor array (10) to detect at least a portion of the emitted light beam (12); wherein the thickness of the banknote (1) is determined by detection of a change from a predetermined position of the emitted light beam (12) by the sensor array (10). |
| US08582115B2 |
Tunable and switchable multilayer optical devices
A multilayer optical device includes an arrangement, on a substrate, of a first layer, a second layer, and a space therebetween. The second layer is a thin-film. The arrangement of the first and second layers and the space therebetween produces transmitted, reflected, or dispersed spectrally modified electromagnetic energy from electromagnetic energy incident upon the arrangement. An optical function of the device is dependent at least in part on interference effects. An optical detector system includes a similar multilayer optical device. The space within the device is in fluid communication with structures for receiving a fluid such that the device operates in a first or second mode depending on absence or presence of the fluid within the space. The system includes a detector for receiving the modified electromagnetic energy, and a controller in fluid communication with the space that establishes the absence or presence of the fluid in the space. |
| US08582114B2 |
Overlay metrology by pupil phase analysis
The present invention may include measuring a first phase distribution across a pupil plane of a portion of illumination reflected from a first overlay target of a semiconductor wafer, wherein the first overlay target is fabricated to have a first intentional overlay, measuring a second phase distribution across the pupil plane of a portion of illumination reflected from a second overlay target, wherein the second overlay target is fabricated to have a second intentional overlay in a direction opposite to and having the same magnitude as the first intentional overlay, determining a first phase tilt associated with a sum of the first and second phase distributions, determining a second phase tilt associated with a difference between the first and second phase distributions, calibrating a set of phase tilt data, and determining a test overlay value associated with the first and second overlay target. |
| US08582113B2 |
Device for determining the position of at least one structure on an object, use of an illumination apparatus with the device and use of protective gas with the device
A device for determining the position of a structure on an object in relation to a coordinate system is disclosed. The object is placed on a measuring table which is movable in one plane, wherein a block defines the plane. At least one optical arrangement is provided for transmitted light illumination and/or reflected light illumination. The optical arrangement comprises an illumination apparatus for reflected light illumination and/or transmitted light illumination and at least one first or second optical element, wherein at least part of the at least one optical element extends into the space between the block and an optical system support. At least one encapsulation is provided, encapsulating at least one optical component of at least one optical arrangement and/or at least one optical element. |
| US08582111B2 |
Optical coherence tomography apparatus and operating method thereof
An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes a light source, a light coupling module, and an optical path difference generating module. The light source emits a coherent light. The light coupling module divides the coherent light into a first incident light and a second incident light. The first incident light is emitted to an item to be inspected and a first reflected light is generated. The second incident light is emitted to the optical path difference generating module, a second reflected light is generated according to the second incident light by the optical path difference generating module through changing the transparent/reflection properties of at least one optical devices of the optical path difference generating module, so that there is a optical path difference between the first reflected light and the second reflected light. |
| US08582108B2 |
Integrated plasmonic sensing device and apparatus
An integrated plasmonic sensing device is monolithically integrated and provides marker-free detection (eliminating the need to use fluorescent or absorbing markers) and in-situ monitoring of conditions at each detection region. The integrated plasmonic sensing device includes a plasmonic backplane disposed on a monolithically integrated image sensor. One or more plasmonic scattering regions and one or more plasmonic via regions laterally offset from the plasmonic scattering regions are provided in the plasmonic sensing device. Guided plasmonic modes mediate power transfer through the plasmonic backplane to one or more underlying image sensor pixels. |
| US08582106B2 |
Automatic optical measurement system and method
An automatic optical measurement system (100) is provided. The measurement system (100) includes a sample vial (10) and an automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) configured to receive the sample vial (10). The automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) is configured to detect a presence of the sample vial (10) in the automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) and measure a light intensity of light substantially passing through the sample vial (10) if the sample vial (10) is present. The measured light intensity is related to sample material properties of a sample material within the sample vial (10). |
| US08582100B1 |
Remote multisensor optical particle monitor for flowing fluid systems
An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment. |
| US08582099B2 |
Monitoring network based on nano-structured sensing devices
A monitoring network system for inspecting and controlling harmful substances includes probe assemblies that each includes a sensor comprising nano structured surfaces or nano particles in a solution, configured to adsorb molecules of a sample material captured adjacent to the sensor, a laser that can emit a laser beam to illuminate the molecules adsorbed to the nano structured surfaces, a spectrometer that can produce spectral data from light scattered by the molecules adsorbed to the nano structured surfaces, and a ID reader that can retrieve identification information about the sample material. A central office can determine a spectral signature matching spectral signatures stored in a database and to identify a harmful substance in the sample material. An alert and response system can send out an alert signal about the sample material when the harmful substance is identified in the sample material. |
| US08582097B2 |
Phase detection of Raman scattered light
An apparatus for phase detection of Raman scattered light emitted from a sample includes a first polarizer positioned along a first optical path containing a first beam and a second polarizer positioned along a second optical path containing a second beam. The first polarizer and second polarizer polarize the first beam and the second beam in one of mutually perpendicular and mutually parallel first and second directions. The apparatus also includes an optical phase modulator positioned along the second optical path to controllably modulate a phase of the second beam, a beam splitter positioned to join the first beam and the second beam together, and a spectrometer to receive the joined first beam and second beam and to measure a phase shift of the first beam and the second beam. |
| US08582092B1 |
Alignment and focus of mirrored facets of a heliostat
Various technologies pertaining to aligning and focusing mirrored facets of a heliostat are described herein. Updating alignment and/or focus of mirrored facets is undertaken through generation of a theoretical image, wherein the theoretical image is indicative of a reflection of the target via the mirrored facets when the mirrored facets are properly aligned. This theoretical image includes reference points that are overlaid on an image of the target as reflected by the mirrored facets of the heliostat. A technician adjusts alignment/focus of a mirrored facet by causing reflected reference markings to become aligned with the reference points in the theoretical image. |
| US08582090B2 |
Testing hardened fiber optic connector housing
A system includes a first assembly including a fiber optic connector. The system also includes a second assembly to which one end of a rigid arm is rotatingly affixed. Another end of the arm is affixed rigidly to a mass. The system further includes a mechanical device for applying a force to the mass. After the mechanical device applies the force to the mass, the mass swings from and about the second assembly and strikes the fiber optic connector. |
| US08582086B2 |
Range measurement device
A range measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a flash laser radar configured to produce a first laser pulse at a first time. The device receives, at a second time, reflections of the first laser pulse from at least one object within a 360 degree field of view. The device further comprises a timing electronics module, an image sensor in communication with the timing electronics module, a mirror element coupled between the image sensor and the laser radar, and a lens. The mirror element includes a first reflector configured to disperse the reflections of the first laser pulse within at least a portion of the 360 degree field of view and a second reflector configured to collect returning reflections of the first laser pulse from the at least one object into the image sensor. The lens is configured to focus the returning reflections onto the image sensor. |
| US08582084B2 |
Movable body drive method and movable body drive system, pattern formation method and apparatus, exposure method and apparatus, position control method and position control system, and device manufacturing method
Positional information of a movement plane of a wafer stage is measured using an encoder system such as, for example, an X head and a Y head, and the wafer stage is controlled based on the measurement results. At the same time, positional information of the wafer stage is measured using an interferometer system such as, for example, an X interferometer and a Y interferometer. When abnormality of the encoder system is detected or when the wafer stage moves off from a measurement area of the encoder system, drive control is switched to a drive control based on the measurement results of the interferometer system. Accordingly, drive control of the wafer stage can be performed continuously in the entire stroke area, even at the time when abnormality occurs in the encoder system. |
| US08582080B2 |
Stage assembly with measurement system initialization, vibration compensation, low transmissibility, and lightweight fine stage
A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) about a first axis and along a first axis includes a first stage (238), a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), a measurement system, and an initialization system (1081A). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) about the first axis. The measurement system (22) monitors the position of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is positioned within a working range about the first axis. The initialization system (1081A) facilitates movement of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is rotated about the first axis outside the working range. The second mover assembly (244) can include a mover (255) and a dampener (410) that reduces the transmission of vibration from the first stage (238) to the second stage (240). In addition, the stage assembly (220) can include a control system (24) that directs power to the mover (255) to position the second stage (240) and to compensate for vibration of the first stage (238). |
| US08582076B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid crystal panel comprising application of seal printing plate including mesh portion
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal panel including two glass substrates, which face each other and are bonded by a circumference seal of a display area, and which hold a liquid crystal therebetween, comprising the steps of: disposing a seal printing plate comprising a mesh cross-points; and applying the circumference seal on either one of the two glass substrates by using the seal printing plate, wherein the mesh cross-points of the seal printing plate contact with a light shielding region of pixels in the display area. |
| US08582075B2 |
Method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device
A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes preparing a lower substrate and an upper substrate; forming a plurality of seal patterns on any one of the upper and lower substrates, each seal pattern including a main pattern and an injection port pattern, wherein a width of the injection port pattern is smaller than a width of the main pattern; bonding the upper and lower substrates to each other using the plurality of seal patterns; and cutting the bonded upper and lower substrates into a plurality of unit cells. |