| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08739311B2 |
Image force microscopy of molecular resonance
A new method in microscopy is provided which extends the domain of AFM's to nanoscale spectroscopy. Molecular resonance of nanometer features can be detected and imaged purely by mechanical detection of the force gradient between the interaction of the optically driven molecular dipole/multipole and its mirror image in a Platinum coated scanning probe tip. The method is extendable to obtain nanoscale spectroscopic information ranging from infrared to UV and RF. |
| US08739309B2 |
Method and apparatus of operating a scanning probe microscope
An improved mode of AFM imaging (Peak Force Tapping (PFT) Mode) uses force as the feedback variable to reduce tip-sample interaction forces while maintaining scan speeds achievable by all existing AFM operating modes. Sample imaging and mechanical property mapping are achieved with improved resolution and high sample throughput, with the mode workable across varying environments, including gaseous, fluidic and vacuum. |
| US08739304B2 |
Providing content using hybrid media distribution scheme with enhanced security
A method for use in providing content that is made up of data includes providing a first portion of the data making up the content to a user, and making available for a limited amount of time an ability to stream a second portion of the data making up the content to a device having the first portion of the data. The second portion of the data includes essential information for reconstructing the content from the first portion of the data. Also disclosed are a storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor based system to assist with providing content, and a system for use in providing content. |
| US08739303B2 |
Embedded device and state display control
A browser is requested to display a text file having a description of a screen structure. The state information on a current state of the embedded device is acquired. An access request for requesting the browser to update, with the acquired state information, a value of at least one node in a document object model (DOM) tree generated from the text file by the browser, is submitted by a state display control program. The at least one node is recorded in an access history list. At a subsequent time, it is determined whether to permit a subsequent access request. If the source of the subsequent access request is not the state display control program, and the at least one node is recorded in the access history list, the subsequent access request is denied. |
| US08739302B2 |
Method and apparatus for transitioning between states of security policies used to secure electronic documents
Techniques for dynamically altering security criteria used in a file security system are disclosed. The security criteria pertains to keys (or ciphers) used by the file security system to encrypt electronic files to be secured or to decrypt electronic files already secured. The security criteria can, among other things, include keys that are required to gain access to electronic files. Here, the keys can be changed automatically as electronic files transition between different states of a process-driven security policy. The dynamic alteration of security criteria enhances the flexibility and robustness of the security system. In other words, access restrictions on electronic files can be dependent on the state of the process-driven security policy and enforced in conjunction with one or more cryptographic methods. |
| US08739294B2 |
Reporting information about users who obtain copyrighted media using a network in an unauthorized manner
Methods and systems for reporting information about users who obtain copyrighted media illegally using a network are provided. A particular copyrighted media from a source of copyrighted media may be associated with a user's computer. Copyright fees have not been paid for the particular copyrighted media. Information about the user of the computer is reported. |
| US08739291B2 |
System and method for providing access to OMA DRM protected files from java application
A system and method for accessing content on an electronic device in an encrypted mode, a decrypted mode or a default mode. A request is transmitted to an application program interface to permit a requesting program to access at least one file. The request specifically identifies whether the requesting program wishes to access the file in an encrypted mode, a decrypted mode or a default mode. It is determined whether the specific form is supported by the application program interface being used by the system, whether the at least one file is protected; and whether the requesting program is permitted to access the at least one file. If the specific form is supported by the application program interface, if the at least one file is protected, and if the requesting program is permitted to access the at least one file, the at least one file is opened in the specific form for use by the requesting program. |
| US08739289B2 |
Hardware interface for enabling direct access and security assessment sharing
Native IPv6 capabilities are provided to an IPv4 network node, device, or endpoint using a hardware interface that supports network communication under a Direct Access model. The Direct Access model supports IPv6 communication with IPsec and enforces Network Access Protection (“NAP”) health requirement policies for endpoints that are network clients. A Direct Access-ready server is enabled using a hardware interface that implements IPv4 to IPv6 translation and optionally IPsec termination capability. A Direct Access-ready client is enabled using a hardware interface that implements IPv4 to IPv6 translation, IPsec termination capability, and which optionally provides NAP (Network Access Protection) capabilities for Direct Access-ready clients that are configured as mobile information appliances. The hardware interface may be implemented as a network interface card (“NIC”) or as a chipset. |
| US08739284B1 |
Systems and methods for blocking and removing internet-traversing malware
A computer-implemented method for blocking and removing Internet-traversing malware may include: 1) identifying a persistent storage object of an Internet client application, 2) identifying an attempt by an executable object to access the persistent storage object, 3) determining that the executable object is not authorized to access the persistent storage object, and then 4) performing a security action based on the determination. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08739279B2 |
Implementing automatic access control list validation using automatic categorization of unstructured text
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing automatic access control list validation using automatic categorization of unstructured text. Automatic categorization of unstructured text is performed on a plurality of documents of an access control list for determining an average term vector. Each of the documents is scored against the average term vector to identify a dissimilar document, flagged as a possible security risk. Automatic categorization of unstructured text is performed on user information of a plurality of members of a candidate access control list for determining a typical term vector. A similarity score is determined by user information and the typical term vector, members of an access control list that are dissimilar from other members of the access control list are identified. |
| US08739273B2 |
System and method for supporting subnet management packet (SMP) firewall restrictions in a middleware machine environment
A system and method can provide subnet management packet (SMP) firewall restrictions in a middleware machine environment. A secure firmware implementation can be provided on a host channel adaptor (HCA), wherein the HCA is associated with a host in the middleware machine environment. The secure firmware implementation operates to receive at least one SMP from the host or destined to the host, and prevent the host from sending or receiving the at least one SMP. Furthermore, the secure firmware implementation can include a proxy function that can communicate with external management components on behalf of the host. |
| US08739266B2 |
Universal authentication token
A universal authentication token is configured to securely acquire security credentials from other authentication tokens and/or devices. In this manner, a single universal authentication token can store the authentication credentials required to access a variety of resources, services and applications for a user. The universal authentication token includes a user interface, memory for storing a plurality of authentication records for a user, and a secure processor. The secure processor provides the required cryptographic operations to encrypt, decrypt, and/or authenticate data that is sent or received by universal token. For example, secure processor may be used to generate authentication data from seed information stored in memory. |
| US08739263B2 |
Communication apparatus, wireless communication system, and method of setting association information
A communication apparatus includes a first communication unit that performs a wireless communication with two storage media that store therein association information for establishing a wireless connection and user identification information for identifying a user, respectively, and receives the association information and the user identification from the two storage media; a determination unit that performs user authentication based on the user identification information, determines whether or not to validate the association information based on the user authentication, and if the association information is determined to be valid, sets the association information; and a second communication unit that establishes a wireless connection based on the association information set by the determination unit. |
| US08739262B2 |
Tokenized data security
Provided are devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for tokenizing data. In some examples, credit card numbers are tokenized using a pre-generated token map and absent the use of a networked database that stores a relatively large quantity of credit card numbers in a central location. The token map may be generated by a token map generator such that the token map can be used by a tokenizer to replace a portion of an account number with a token, and by a detokenizer to replace the token with the original portion of the account number. A pre-parser and parser may also be used to locate an account number and/or token in a message received over a network. |
| US08739261B2 |
Dynamically providing algorithm-based password/challenge authentication
Provided are a computer program product, method and system for dynamically providing algorithm-based password/challenge authentication. A page is provided to authenticate a presenter of a username including a string and a field for entry of a password. An entered password entered into the page is received. An algorithm associated with the username is applied to the string included in the page to generate a generated password. A determination is made as to whether the entered password matches the generated password. The username is successfully authenticated in response to determining that the entered password matches the generated password. |
| US08739249B1 |
Push notifications for web applications and browser extensions
A system includes a memory configured to store executable code and a processor operably coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute the code to receive a request from a developer of a first web application to provide a notification corresponding to the first web application, authenticate the developer using a client identifier, after authenticating the developer, receive a content of the notification and a first user identifier, and provide the content of the notification to at least one of a plurality of computing devices associated with the first user identifier, based on an account associated with the first user identifier. |
| US08739248B2 |
Wireless access to device functions
In an embodiment, a method includes permitting a wireless client to wirelessly access an internal network of a Wi-Fi capable device. The method also includes presenting a reduced set of device functions to the client when the device operates in an open mode, and presenting an increased set of device functions to the client when the device operates in a secure mode. |
| US08739245B2 |
Flexible supplicant access control
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with flexible supplicant access control are described. One example method includes collecting a network information associated with a network to which an endpoint is to be communicatively coupled. The network information comprises a network identification and information to facilitate the evaluation of network threats. The example method may also include classifying the network based, at least in part, on the network information, to assign a variable level access parameter (VLAP) to the network based on the policy locally configured on the endpoint or centrally managed by the administrator. The VLAP may establish three or more access levels for the network at the endpoint. The example method may also include communicating the network identification and the network VLAP to a second endpoint, a security agent, a security application, and so on. |
| US08739238B2 |
Method and system for a media processor
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a presentation device having a controller that performs operations including enabling a supply of power to a portable battery operated device from a presentation port where the presentation port is a high definition multimedia interface port by trickle charging a rechargeable battery of the portable battery operated device through the presentation port, and receiving from the portable battery operated device an audio-visual signal for presentation at the presentation device through the presentation port. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08739236B1 |
Method, apparatus, and system for invoking third-party call control via a cable-television host device
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for invoking third-party call control via a cable-television host device. A video signal is received into a cable-television host device, the video signal comprising an identifier associated with a first telephony endpoint. A command is received into the cable-television host device, the command requesting establishment of a communication session between the first telephony endpoint and a second telephony endpoint. A message is transmitted via a packet-switched network from the cable-television host device to a network entity, wherein the message comprises content based at least in part on the identifier, and wherein the message further comprises content for causing the network entity to invoke third-party call control to attempt to establish the communication session between the first telephony endpoint and the second telephony endpoint. |
| US08739232B2 |
IPTV data collection apparatus and method based on multi-cast
Disclosed is an Internet protocol television (IPTV) data collection apparatus including: a transmission path setting unit acquiring a transmission path of an IPTV provider and setting a communication path with respect to a terminal of the transmission path; a message transmitting and receiving unit transmitting a multicast message to at least one terminal belonging to the transmission path and receiving a response message including information related to the IPTV provider and corresponding to the transmitted multicast message; and a data storing unit storing the information related to the IPTV provider, and a method thereof. |
| US08739231B2 |
System and method for distributed video-on-demand
Various techniques for providing a video-on-demand (VOD) system based on distributed networks are disclosed. According to one aspect of the VOD system, individual client devices on a network are identified to supply each other with needed sources in pieces to render required services. As a result, the loading pressure on a central server or centralized servers is distributed into the network. A VOD system so contemplated can sustain a substantial growth in its subscribers. |
| US08739230B2 |
Manager/remote content architecture
Embodiments of a manager/remote content architecture are described herein. The architecture, for instance, may provide management of content received from a content provider, such as to determine which client devices are authorized to output the content. Techniques are also described which allow one of the remote client devices to act as a “limited manager” to allocate content usage by the architecture when the manager client device is not available. |
| US08739228B1 |
Vehicle display system
A vehicle entertainment system comprising media player, master unit which capable of running at least two different tasks concurrently, slave units being under control of the master unit and slave units are capable of executing at least two different actions corresponding to the at least two different tasks concurrently. A smart device that is capable of controlling the operation of master unit and slave units. A media placed in the media player can be played and shared between master and slave units. The media can be stored in a storage device to be played at a later time. |
| US08739226B2 |
Wireless television system
A wireless television system includes a transmitting device that transmits by wireless transmission a digital broadcast signal obtained by receiving a digital broadcast of a plurality of channels, and a wireless television receiver. The wireless television receiver can directly receive the digital broadcast, and can receive a digital broadcast signal carried in a LAN signal transmitted by the transmitting device. The wireless television receiver compares received levels and error rates of a digital broadcast signal received directly, and digital broadcast signals of a same channel as that of the digital broadcast signal received directly. based on a result of the comparison, the wireless television receiver selects and outputs a digital broadcast signal with a highest received level or a lowest error rate from among the plurality of digital broadcast signals of the same channel. |
| US08739225B2 |
Alternative audio delivery for television viewing
A viewer viewing audio-visual content on an audio-visual display (12) advantageously can receive information as to potential sources of alternative audio (241-24n) via a set-top box (14). The set-top-box collects metadata identifying the audio-visual content viewed by the viewer and provides that metadata to a database (26) that searches for and identifies to the set-top-box the source(s) of alternative audio-if any. The set-top box will alert the viewer who can then select one of the identified sources of alternative audio in place of the audio embedded in the currently viewed audio-visual content. |
| US08739220B2 |
Method and systems for providing information about programs available for viewing
A user interface is presented on a monitor of a media device for providing information about available programs. The user interface includes an array having three columns (channel, current show, and next show) with commonly aligned rows. Each row of the channel column includes an indicator. Each row of the current show column includes a title naming a program currently available on a channel of the media device corresponding to the indicator in a commonly aligned row of the channel column. Each row of the next show column includes a title naming a show available after the current program on the same channel. The currently available program may be displayed on the monitor in response to a viewer selected row, indicator, and/or title in the array. |
| US08739218B2 |
Data structure and methods for providing an interactive program guide
A program guide in which a video layer includes a plurality of video objects including title objects, each title object having associated with it a channel and at least one time slot, the video layer being formed in response to a received video stream; and a graphics layer comprising a plurality of graphics objects including title overlay objects, each of the title overlay objects selectively imparting at least a visual de-emphasis to a respective title object in the video layer, the visual de-emphasis being imparted to title objects not being associated with a desired time slot. |
| US08739217B2 |
Information processing apparatus, tuner, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus includes: a portal screen displaying unit configured to display a portal screen that serves as a source of transition for a plurality of screens related to the viewing of a program on a predetermined display device; an indicator acquisition unit configured to acquire an indicator indicative of the number of viewers viewing a program being broadcast from an information management server; and a popularity determination unit configured to determine the popularity of the program being broadcast in accordance with the indicator. The portal screen displaying unit displays on the portal screen an object to be selected to transition to a screen for viewing the program being broadcast and displays information indicating the popularity of the program. |
| US08739216B2 |
Simulated PIP window in EPG
A first signal representing a reduced size video program is transmitted from a central location to a plurality of user terminals in a television signal. A second signal representative of an EPG is generated at one of the user terminals. The first and second signals are linearly combined and applied to a display monitor to display the reduced size video program and the EPG on the screen of the monitor simultaneously in a PIG format. In one embodiment a plurality of reduced size video programs are transmitted in the television signal and one of them is selected for display in a PIG format by marking the program listing in the EPG corresponding to the selected reduced size video program with a cursor. |
| US08739214B2 |
Methods, computer program products, and virtual servers for a virtual collaborative environment
Methods, computer program products, and virtual servers for providing virtual service are provided. A user of a virtual service is authenticated. An input is received that identifies another user in which to operatively connect for virtual service. Permission is requested to operatively connect to the other user. The user is operatively connected to the other user, in response to receiving an acceptance to operatively connect from the other user. Acquired information is transmitted and received between the user and the other user, while broadcast content is being received by the user and the other user. The acquired information and the broadcast content may be displayed together on a television. |
| US08739209B2 |
Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same
A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel. |
| US08739207B1 |
Demographic classifiers from media content
Methods, systems and computer program products for classifying incoming data and identifying relevant demographic information from the incoming data. The incoming data may include media content, and the media content may be classified to determine demographic information such as the audience of the media content associated with the media content related to a topic. A content item presented in another medium on the same topic also may be identified. Subsequently, appropriate advertising based on the demographic information to be associated with the content item may be provided. |
| US08739206B2 |
Systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to a peripheral device via a local advertisement server
Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type. Certain exemplary embodiments provide revenue sharing among some or all of the central advertising network provider, the proprietors of locations, operators tasked with maintaining the local ad server and/or the peripheral devices, etc. |
| US08739205B2 |
Movie advertising playback techniques
An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer of the movie wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, then only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped, that is, the ad is unskippable; this technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, then the ad is moved to after the end of the skip; this technique is referred to as “slipad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic. |
| US08739204B1 |
Dynamic load based ad insertion
A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both. |
| US08739203B2 |
Method and system for integrating television brand advertising with promotional marketing
A method for integrating television brand advertising with promotional marketing includes providing an image to be displayed in different television commercials for products from different advertisers, the image indicating a website; and providing at the website coupon offers for the products from the different advertisers. The image will alert a viewer of the television commercial that a special coupon offer is available at a website. The viewer will go to the website and be able to select from one or more coupon offers available to consumers in their market area. The consumer then prints the coupons, or adds credit to a coupon card, which is then redeemed at the retailer. The system allows for Point Of Sale (POS) redemption, or more traditional redemption through a coupon clearinghouse. The television commercials may be encoded with information to be used at a television signal processing location for selecting the images, and different images may be provided to television signal processing locations associated with different market areas. |
| US08739200B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for distributing digital media
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for advanced distribution of digital media. A list of subscriber addresses to a new release of a digital media is retrieved at a server associated with a producer. An electronic copy of the digital media is sent from the server to a subscriber's address in the list of subscribers. The electronic copy of the digital media is stored in a memory of a device and may be retrieved at a specified date. The memory may have a partitioned portion that is dedicated to new releases of media offered by the producer. A cost associated with the device and/or the digital media is subsidized by the producer, such that only the producer, the subscriber, and/or a service/network provider have access to the partitioned portion of the memory. |
| US08739198B2 |
Simulcast resolution in content matching systems
Example methods disclosed herein to identify media sources comprise obtaining monitored signatures generated from monitored media, comparing the monitored signatures with reference signatures generated from reference media provided by a plurality of reference sources, determining tracking segments associated with respective ones of the reference sources, each tracking segment representing sequences of matches between the monitored signatures and respective reference signatures for a respective one of the reference sources, and evaluating time lengths of the tracking segments to identify which reference source in the plurality of reference sources provided the monitored media. |
| US08739187B2 |
Legacy application integration within a bundle framework
A bundle entering a set of starting and active bundles within a bundle framework is detected by a controller bundle executed by a processor. A determination is made as to whether a manifest of the bundle includes an extension header that identifies at least one legacy application. In response to determining that the manifest of the bundle includes the extension header that identifies the at least one legacy application, at least one application proxy object is created for at least one defined entry point class of the at least one legacy application identified by the extension header. The created at least one application proxy object is registered as a service within a service registry of the bundle framework. |
| US08739186B2 |
Application level speculative processing
One or more embodiments of the invention is a computer-implemented method for speculatively executing application event responses. The method includes the steps of identifying one or more event responses that could be issued for execution by an application being executed by a master process, for each event response, generating a child process to execute the event response, determining that a first event response included in the one or more event responses has been issued for execution by the application, committing the child process associated with the first event response as a new master process, and aborting the master process and all child processes other than the child process associated with the first event response. |
| US08739185B2 |
Event processing system, an event processing method, a rule distribution device and a rule distribution program
An event processing system which, even if large quantities of processing requests are generated from applications, may suppress the load growth of setting of a processing rule and a dispatch rule in event processing distribution, includes a plurality of local systems which receive an event from an event source and send a processing result of the event to an application server, and a dispatch rule distribution server which distributes a dispatch rule to the local systems. When receiving a processing rule from the application server, the local system generates the dispatch rule including own local system as a dispatch destination of the event. |
| US08739184B2 |
System and method for aggregating data from multiple sources to provide a single CIM object
Method and system for aggregating data regarding a system component from multiple data sources to provide a single aggregated Common Information Model (“CIM”) object are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises requesting data regarding a system component from a first one of the data sources; upon receipt of the requested system component data from the first one of the data sources, updating an aggregate CIM object for the system component using the received system component data in accordance with a priority of the first one of the data sources relative to the remaining data sources; and repeating the requesting and updating in connection with each of the remaining data sources in accordance with a relative priority of the remaining data source. |
| US08739182B2 |
Data transfer across a network
Requests for retrieval of data items from another data processing apparatus include embedded objects having executable class functions for performing operations at the target data processing apparatus. This has the advantages of the request implicitly sending data as well as requesting data and allows the request to perform a test on data within an object (such as a comparison with parameters of the request to determine whether the request may be satisfied). Objects within the request may be embedded within each other with different encryption and compression applied to the different objects. As well as achieving communication efficiencies, the ability to selectively encrypt components of a request may be used to provide greater security. For example, a store may be able to interpret the request, while credit details may be separately encrypted such that only a bank may decrypt that subcomponent of the request. |
| US08739179B2 |
Method and system for low-overhead data transfer
A method for low-overhead data transfer. The method includes initiating, by a first application, TCP connection with a second application, establishing, in response to the initiation, the TCP connection between the first application and the second application, providing, by the first application, pre-post buffer information to the second application, where the pre-post buffer information corresponds to a location in a physical memory of the first computer and where the location in physical memory corresponds to a virtual memory address of the first application. The method further comprising transferring data, by the second application, to the first application using the pre-post buffer information, where transferring the data comprises writing the data directly into a location in the physical memory of the first computer. |
| US08739177B2 |
Method for network interface sharing among multiple virtual machines
In a computing system, sharing a physical NIC device among multiple virtual machines may be implemented by a customer virtual machine by receiving, by a virtual network interface card (NIC) driver of a customer operating system (OS) running in the customer virtual machine on a computing system, a customer OS request packet for transmission by a physical NIC driver over a network coupled to the computing system, and copying at least a portion of the customer OS request packet into a free block of shared memory of the computing system and appending the block to a transmission queue in the shared memory. Next, a service virtual machine may support the implementation by fetching the block from the transmission queue by a virtual NIC driver of a service OS running in a service virtual machine and packaging the portion into a service OS request packet, passing the service OS request packet to a service OS network stack component of the service OS, routing the service OS request packet, by a bridge driver of the service OS network stack component, to the physical NIC driver, and sending the service OS request packet over the network by the physical NIC driver. |
| US08739174B2 |
Broadcast receiving terminal and program execution method
Under a resource manager, unexpected blocking is prevented without calling a handler for resolving a resource contention, by assigning a priority level depending on the program that has requested for a reservation of a resource as well as by assigning a special priority level which permits a reservation of a resource without any conditions in the case of a program which is urgently needed such as an EAS module. |
| US08739173B2 |
System and method of providing a fixed time offset based dedicated co-allocation of a common resource set
Disclosed are a system, method and computer-readable medium relating to managing resources within a compute environment having a group of nodes or computing devices. The method comprises, for each node in the compute environment: traversing a list jobs having a fixed time relationship, wherein for each job in the list, the following steps occur: obtaining a range list of available timeframes for each job, converting each availability timeframe to a start range, shifting the resulting start range in time by a job offset, for a first job, copying the resulting start range into a node range, and for all subsequent jobs, logically AND'ing the start range with the node range. Next, the method comprises logically OR'ing the node range with a global range, generating a list of acceptable resources on which to start and the timeframe at which to start and creating reservations according to the list of acceptable resources for the resources in the group of computing devices and associated job offsets. |
| US08739171B2 |
High-throughput-computing in a hybrid computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide high-throughput computing in a hybrid processing system. A set of high-throughput computing service level agreements (SLAs) is analyzed. The set of high-throughput computing SLAs are associated with a hybrid processing system. The hybrid processing system includes at least one server system that includes a first computing architecture and a set of accelerator systems each including a second computing architecture that is different from the first computing architecture. A first set of resources at the server system and a second set of resources at the set of accelerator systems are monitored. A set of data-parallel workload tasks is dynamically scheduled across at least one resource in the first set of resources and at least one resource in the second set of resources. The dynamic scheduling of the set of data-parallel workload tasks substantially satisfies the set of high-throughput computing SLAs. |
| US08739169B2 |
Method for monitoring operating experiences of images to improve workload optimization in cloud computing environments
An embodiment of the invention includes a method for workload optimization in a network (e.g., cloud computing environment). Usage of resources in the network is monitored in order to maintain a metadata catalog of operating experiences of the resources. A request for a resource in the network is received; and, resources that are available in the network are identified. Units that are included in the resources are also identified. The metadata catalog is queried for operating experiences associated with the requested resource. The requested resource is provisioned by the host system based on the operating experiences associated with the resource. This includes assembling the units that are included in the requested resource and/or automatically allocating workloads of the computing modules based on the cataloging of the workloads in the metadata catalog. The metadata catalog is updated with an operating experience associated with the provisioning of the requested resource. |
| US08739168B2 |
Information processing apparatus capable of setting processing priority of access, method of controlling the information processing apparatus, program, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus that gives priority to an access made by a usual manual operation for execution of original functions of the apparatus, even when automatically programmed access for index creation from an external apparatus to the storage and the access for execution of original functions occur concurrently. A CPU causes a priority to be set to each processing requested by an request. The CPU executes the processing based on the set priority, and causes a processing result to a requesting source. If the received request is a specific request, the CPU causes calculation of a number of times that a time period elapsed after returning of the response until receipt of a next processing is within a predetermined time period. The CPU determines whether or not to change the priority based on the calculated number of times. |
| US08739166B2 |
Progress-driven progress information in a service-oriented architecture
A system may include reception of the first instruction, execution of the business process in a first software work process, reception, during execution of the business process, of an indication of a business object process associated with the business process, determination of progress information associated with the business process based on the indication of the business object process, and storage of the progress information within a memory. Aspects may further include reception, at a second work process, of a request from the client application for progress information, retrieval of the progress information from the shared memory and provision of the progress information to the client application. |
| US08739159B2 |
Cache partitioning with a partition table to effect allocation of shared cache to virtual machines in virtualized environments
A mechanism is provided in a virtual machine monitor for providing cache partitioning in virtualized environments. The mechanism assigns a virtual identification (ID) to each virtual machine in the virtualized environment. The processing core stores the virtual ID of the virtual machine in a special register. The mechanism also creates an entry for the virtual machine in a partition table. The mechanism may partition a shared cache using a vertical (way) partition and/or a horizontal partition. The entry in the partition table includes a vertical partition control and a horizontal partition control. For each cache access, the virtual machine passes the virtual ID along with the address to the shared cache. If the cache access results in a miss, the shared cache uses the partition table to select a victim cache line for replacement. |
| US08739157B2 |
System and method for managing cloud deployment configuration of an application
A system is provided to manage cloud deployment configuration of a computing application. The system comprises a request detector, a retrieving module, a manager loader, a configuration change request detector, and a configuration module. The request detector may be configured to detect a request to install a manager agent on an instance of a virtual machine executing a computing application within a virtualization service. The retrieving module may be configured to obtain a manager agent object for loading the manager agent, and install the manager agent on the instance. The manager loader may be configured to invoke the manager agent to collect metrics for the computing application. The configuration change request detector may be configured to receive an instruction to alter cloud deployment configuration of the computing application. The configuration module may be configured to automatically alter the cloud deployment configuration of the computing application in response to the instruction. |
| US08739156B2 |
Method for securing the execution of virtual machines
A method for executing a privileged virtual machine (VM) in a secured environment. The method comprises mapping virtual address space of the privileged virtual machine (VM) to start at address zero of a physical memory; configuring memory address space of emulated and real peripheral devices on an interconnect bus; and blocking the privileged VM's operating system from re-configuring the memory address space of the interconnect bus. |
| US08739155B2 |
Providing guidance for software installation
A computer receives information from a user, which includes the identity of and installation preferences for the software to be installed on a second computer. Information about the environment of the second computer is gathered by the computer. The computer defines a set of search parameters based on the information received and the environment of the second computer. The computer searches for data stored on storage devices and the Internet. The computer retrieves the data, associated to a second installation of the software on a third computer, which relates to the installation of software on the second computer. The computer generates guidance for installation of the software on the second computer, based on the identity of the software to be installed, installation preferences for the software to be installed, the environment of the second computer, and the data associated to an installation of the software on a third computer. |
| US08739154B2 |
Method and system for implementing performance kits
Described is an improved method, system, and computer program product for implementing performance kits. Test data for the performance kit is preloaded into an installation image that is distributed with a vendor's product. This avoids the need for the customer himself to have to perform the tasks of installing the test data at the customer site. |
| US08739153B2 |
Centralized utility for automated retrieval, distribution/installation, and licensing management of software updates using peer-to-peer communication
A system for peer-to peer distributed client updates. The system includes an update server to which a list of target network accessible devices as devices that are to receive an update file is uploaded. The update server also receives an update file from a licensing server remote from the server. The generates a list of the targeted network accessible devices, which includes a plurality of superior nodes and a plurality of subordinate nodes, which are each subordinate to a respective one of the superior nodes. The server then sends the update file to each of said superior nodes, which send the update message to each of the nodes subordinate to the respective superior nodes. |
| US08739151B1 |
Computer system using in-service software upgrade
In-service upgrade of software can be achieved efficiently when software modules pass data using message or data queues. The use of data queues facilitates the transition from a software module's old behavior to a new behavior without risking a deadlock or dropped module call. Upgradeable objects connect to process objects that maintain the queues and their state data, and upgrade objects connect to the process objects of their predecessors. |
| US08739150B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamically replacing code objects via conditional pattern templates
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for dynamically creating a substitution template from a conditional pattern template to transform code objects from a source installation to a target installation. Variable tokens in a pattern template may be dynamically replaced with corresponding values from a source object, and conditional statements of the pattern template analyzed and dynamically applied to build a substitution template for creating a replacement object for the source object. |
| US08739147B2 |
Class isolation to minimize memory usage in a device
A method for class isolation to minimize memory usage may include receiving a request for a requested class object from an application running on a device. The method may also include retrieving a class instance for the requested class object from a memory and determining if the class instance for the requested class object corresponds to an isolated system class; determining if the class instance for the requested class object corresponds to an application class in response to the class instance not corresponding to the isolated system class; determining that the class instance for the requested class object corresponds to a shared system class in response to the class instance not corresponding to the application class and the isolated system class; and obtaining a proxy class object for the shared system class in response to the class instance for the requested class object corresponding to the shared system class. |
| US08739141B2 |
Parallelizing non-countable loops with hardware transactional memory
A system and method for speculatively parallelizing non-countable loops in a multi-threaded application. A multi-core processor receives instructions for a multi-threaded application. The application may contain non-countable loops. Non-countable loops have an iteration count value that cannot be determined prior to the execution of the non-countable loop, a loop index value that cannot be non-speculatively determined prior to the execution of an iteration of the non-countable loop, and control that is not transferred out of the loop body by a code line in the loop body. The compiler replaces the non-countable loop with a parallelized loop pattern that uses outlined function calls defined in a parallelization library (PL) in order to speculatively execute iterations of the parallelized loop. The parallelized loop pattern is configured to squash and re-execute any speculative thread of the parallelized loop pattern that is signaled to have a transaction failure. |
| US08739140B2 |
Conflict resolution in applications
A method, a system and computer program product for resolving conflicts in applications are disclosed, A first set of instructions configured to use a second set of instructions is identified during execution of a program having the first set of instructions. A third set of instructions couples the first set of instructions to the second set of instructions. I Incompatibility between the first set of instructions and the second set of instructions is identified, in response to compiling the first set of instructions and compiling the second set of instructions. A mechanism is provided for the third set of instructions to modify the second set of instructions, which result in a modified second set of instructions compatible with the first set of instructions. |
| US08739132B2 |
Method and apparatus for assessing layered architecture principles compliance for business analytics in traditional and SOA based environments
Computer-implemented methods, computer program products and computer systems that assess business logic architecture compliance by defining an ideal business logic architecture hierarchy of a desired application, retrieving one or more applications from a data repository, breaking down these applications into a plurality of processes and analyzing the plurality of processes for common inter-application processes. Common inter-application processes are located and store in the middleware layer. The desired application is developed using the applications and common inter-application processes from the middleware layer to provide a resultant application, followed by determining an actual business logic hierarchal structure of the resultant application. This actual business logic hierarchal structure of the resultant application is compared against the ideal business logic architecture hierarchy to calculate compliance thereof, which in turn, reflects the maturity level of the developed resultant application. |
| US08739126B2 |
Web services environment testing framework
A method of testing web services using a web service testing framework can include using a data parser to parse data for the web service to be tested. The data parser may be one of a plurality of data parsers in a test library for support of a plurality of data formats for the web service. If the web service is in a simple object access protocol (SOAP) protocol, the data can be converted into framework objects. These framework objects for the simple object access protocol (SOAP) protocol may then be converted into test objects. If the web service is in a representational state transfer (REST) protocol, the data itself can be converted into the test objects. A web service test can be accessed from the test library for testing the web service. The web service test can be executed using the test objects. |
| US08739125B2 |
Automated and unattended process for testing software applications
In one embodiment, a mechanism for business process-managed testing of software applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for business process-managed testing of software applications includes identifying, by a server computing device, all tools and services used to test a software application deployed on the server computing device, and determining, by the server computing device, an order of execution of the identified tools and services in testing the software application. The method further includes designing, by a business process management (BPM) service of the server computing device, a testing management process that integrates the identified tools and services in the determined order of execution for testing the software application in an automated and unattended manner, and deploying, by the server computing device, the testing management process to act as a controlling layer over the identified tools and services in the testing of the software application. |
| US08739120B2 |
System and method for stage rendering in a software authoring tool
Systems and methods are provided for rendering a stage in a software authoring tool. A run-time player component is employed for rendering the stage for presenting a preview of output of a software application being authored in the software authoring tool. Thus, a software authoring tool outputs a stage which presents a preview of the output of an application being authored, such as a multimedia application. The output presentation of a multimedia application being authored in the authoring tool is rendered to the stage by a run-time player component. Thus, rather than employing code integrated within the authoring tool for mimicking a run-time player in order to generate a preview of output on the stage, embodiments of the present invention utilize a run-time player component to generate such a preview of output on the stage. |
| US08739119B2 |
Method for inserting code into .net programs and apparatus therefor
The present invention discloses a method for inserting code into .Net program and an apparatus therefor, relating to the field of information security. The method comprises the steps of: writing information of code to be inserted to import table of a .Net executable file; adding address of the code to be inserted to import address table (IAT) of the .Net executable file to form a new import address table; change offset address of entry point of the .Net executable file to address of the new IAT; and change flag in header of metadata table of the .Net executable file to enable the .Net executable file to meet certification requirements when being executed. The apparatus comprises a writing module, a forming module, and a modification module. The method and apparatus provided by the present invention implement code insertion into .Net executable file without the dependency on assembly and disassembly tools and are easy to use. The problems of low efficiency, poor stability, and poor compatibility in inserting code into .Net executable file can be solved by the present invention. |
| US08739114B2 |
Using infeasible nodes to select branching variables
An optimization engine identifies an infeasible node in a tree data structure that corresponds to a programming model, and computes a fake objective value for the infeasible node. The optimization engine then updates a branching variable pseudocost using the fake objective value. Next, the optimization engine uses multiple branching variable pseudocosts corresponding to multiple branching variable candidates in order to select one of the branching variable candidates. In turn, the optimization engine branches to the corresponding branch of the selected branching variable. |
| US08739113B2 |
Tracking device and method for very large-scale software development projects
The present invention discloses a method, in a network, of synchronizing a plurality of software development teams, with each team working on an assigned subset of a code development project. A repository comprising all code base of the code development project is provided and each team's assigned subset is correlated with every other team's assigned subset within the code development project. The repository automatically merges all team member inputs so that each subset is linked in a visual representation of each team's assigned subset to stories within connected subsets so that the real-time status of a connected subset may be graphically displayed. A real-time status of each assigned subset, including all correlations between each subset in the project can be determined and any team member, upon demand, can activate and display the visual representation of the real-time status of each subset, the relations between subsets, and the real-time status of the whole development project. |
| US08739112B1 |
Developers' resource portal
A Web-based system and method including a multifunctional Web portal for extending the resources, capacities and services offerings of an enterprise's IT/IS and developer community. The portal allows for wider collaboration within the community and provides a variety of useful development features such as research, best practices, training and access to online expertise. |
| US08739110B2 |
Integrated system, tools, and methods for designing automated business process applications
According to aspects illustrated herein, a system, a method, and a machine-readable medium for designing business process applications is provided. The system includes: an application design interface and an object query language module. The application design interface provides an integrated development environment framework. The object query language module is operatively connected to the application design interface and a data source such that data flows between the application design interface and the data source. |
| US08739104B1 |
Systems and methods for forming an integrated circuit using a standard cell library
System and methods for forming an integrated circuit using a standard cell library are provided. In some aspects, a method includes arranging cells from the standard cell library into a row between upper and lower power rails. Each cell includes a plurality of lateral nodes, at least one boundary region, and at least one dummy transistor. The method includes identifying a connection pattern of adjacent ones of the cells. The connection pattern is between (i) the lateral nodes of the adjacent cells and (ii) the upper and lower power rails. The method includes removing adjacent boundary regions of the adjacent cells based on the identified connection pattern of the adjacent cells, and modifying an arrangement of adjacent dummy transistors of the adjacent cells based on the removal of the adjacent boundary regions. |
| US08739103B1 |
Techniques for placement in highly constrained architectures
Techniques for placement in highly constraint chip architectures are described herein. In an example embodiment, a computer system places a digital portion of an electronic design for a programmable chip. The programmable chip comprises multiple fixed-function blocks and a plurality of pins, where each one of the multiple fixed-function blocks can be coupled only to a respective subset of the plurality of pins. The electronic design comprises a particular fixed-function block (FFB) instance that is connected to a particular input-output (IO) instance. The computer system places (e.g., by using a backtracking search) the particular FFB instance on a particular fixed-function block and the particular IO instance on a particular pin from a particular subset of the plurality of pins, where in the programmable chip the particular fixed-function block can be coupled only to the particular subset of the plurality of pins. |
| US08739102B1 |
Method and apparatus for designing a system on multiple field programmable gate array device types
A method for designing a system to be implemented on a target device includes generating a register transfer language (RTL) representation of the system from a description of the system without pipelined delays. The RTL representation of the system includes pipelined delays to facilitate timing of the system as implemented on a target device identified by a designer. |
| US08739101B1 |
Systems and methods for reducing logic switching noise in parallel pipelined hardware
A method of configuring a hardware design for a pipelined parallel stream processor includes obtaining a scheduled graph representing a processing operation in the time domain as a function of clock cycles. The graph includes a data path to be implemented in hardware as part of the stream processor, an input, an output, and parallel branches to enable data values to be streamed therethrough from the input to the output as a function of increasing clock cycle. The data path is partitioned into a plurality of discrete regions, each region operating on a different clock phase and having discrete control logic elements. Phase transition registers to align data separated by a boundary between regions having different clock phases are introduced into the data path at the boundary. The graph and control logic elements define a hardware design for the pipelined parallel stream processor. |
| US08739088B1 |
Using constraints wtihin a high-level modeling system for circuit design
A computer implemented method for designing a circuit includes associating a high level design constraint with a first high level circuit component of a high level circuit design within a high level modeling system and translating the high level circuit design into a low level circuit design comprising at least one low level circuit component derived from the first high level circuit component. The method also includes automatically generating at least one low level design constraint from the high level design constraint for at least one low level circuit component and storing each low level design constraint in association with the low level circuit design. |
| US08739085B1 |
Vectorization of bit-level netlists
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for vectorization of bit-level netlists is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a bit-level netlist defining a plurality of registers; analyzing propagation of read data associated with the registers through logic of the bit-level netlist; and forming a plurality of vector-level bundles of registers based on the propagation of read data through the logic, wherein the plurality of vector-level bundles differ based on differences in references to memory arrays of the bit-level netlist by respective registers of the vector-level bundles. |
| US08739084B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing Boolean logic using organically-grown Karnaugh maps
Systems and methods for optimizing Boolean logic are provided. The systems generate a one-dimensional array having a plurality of values corresponding to a plurality of indices, and determine a first location of a Karnaugh map in a first dimension thereof. The first location is determined using a first value of the one-dimensional array corresponding to a first index of the one-dimensional array. The systems also determine a second location of the Karnaugh map in a second dimension thereof. The second location is determined using a second value of the one-dimensional array corresponding to a second index of the one-dimensional array. The systems evaluate a target location within the Karnaugh map corresponding to the first and second indices in the first and second dimensions of the Karnaugh map, respectively, and search for at least one of a simplified minterm and a simplified implicant having the target location using the one-dimensional array. |
| US08739083B1 |
Layout decomposition method and method for manufacturing semiconductor device applying the same
A layout decomposition method and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device applying the same are provided. According to the layout decomposition method, a design layout is received by the logic processer of a computing system. A design rule for layout decomposition is then identified by the logic processer, including identifying the loose areas (areas with loosely distributed features) and dense areas (areas with densely distributed features) on a substrate, and identifying first areas with odd-numbered features and second areas with even-numbered features on the substrate. Next, a first mask with a first pattern and a second mask with a second pattern are generated corresponding to results of design rule identification by the computing system. |
| US08739081B2 |
Method and system for computing fourier series coefficients for mask layouts using FFT
A method and system for computing Fourier coefficients for a Fourier representation of a mask transmission function for a lithography mask. The method includes: sampling a polygon of a mask pattern of the lithography mask to obtain an indicator function which defines the polygon, performing a Fourier Transform on the indicator function to obtain preliminary Fourier coefficients, and scaling the Fourier coefficients for the Fourier representation of the mask transmission function, where at least one of the steps is carried out using a computer device. |
| US08739080B1 |
Mask error enhancement factor (MEEF) aware mask rule check (MRC)
The present disclosure describes methods of forming a mask. In an example, the method includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) design layout, modifying the IC design layout data using an optical proximity correction (OPC) process, thereby providing an OPCed IC design layout, and modifying the OPCed IC design layout data using a mask rule check (MRC) process, wherein the MRC process corrects rule violations of the OPCed IC design layout data using a mask error enhancement factor (MEEF) index, thereby providing a MRC/OPCed IC design layout. |
| US08739078B2 |
Near-neighbor trimming of dummy fill shapes with built-in optical proximity corrections for semiconductor applications
Near-neighbor trimming of dummy fill shapes with built-in optical proximity corrections (OPCs) for semiconductor applications is provided. A method for the near-neighbor trimming includes adding one or more hole shapes onto a semiconductor design layout comprising a plurality of design shapes. The method further includes trimming adjacent ones of the plurality of which are covered by the one or more hole shapes. |
| US08739077B1 |
Methods of modifying a physical design of an electrical circuit used in the manufacture of a semiconductor device
Methods for modifying a physical design of an electrical circuit used in the manufacture of a semiconductor device, and methods for fabricating an integrated circuit, are provided. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a circuit design layout that has a plurality of element patterns. A first library of problematic sections is provided. An initial circuit section and an additional circuit section within the circuit design layout are determined to match problematic sections in the first library, and the initial and additional circuit sections have overlapping peripheral boundaries. A second library of replacement sections is provided. The replacement sections correspond to the problematic sections. The circuit sections that match the problematic sections are replaced with a replacement section that corresponds to the respective problematic sections to form the final circuit layout. Boundary characteristics of the replacement sections are substantially the same as the circuit sections replaced thereby. |
| US08739074B2 |
User interface generation apparatus for generating user interfaces of mobile terminals
A user interface generation apparatus is provided, the apparatus being capable of changing a composition of a compound UI by a simple operation even after compound of user interfaces of a plurality of application programs. The user interface generation apparatus includes a control unit, if an input unit receives a second input while the control unit controls to display a compound user interface object group, for performing re-compound processing of the compound user interface object group according to a position where the input unit starts receiving the second input and a position where the input unit ends receiving the second input and controlling to display a re-compound user interface object group. |
| US08739073B2 |
User interface for document table of contents
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a table of contents for a document viewer application. A document viewer application is provided that can display a document that has multiple pages of content. Upon receiving a selection from the user to access a table of contents for the document, a table of contents is displayed that contains a representation of at least some of the pages of content in a manner that is overlaid on top of a current position in the document. A navigation feature allows a user to navigate through the table of contents while retaining the current position in the document. A preview size adjustment feature allows the user to adjust a size of the representation of the pages of content for the document. |
| US08739072B1 |
Multi-selection widget for selecting multiple time periods at multiple levels within a time dimension hierarchy
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing analytical information. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of providing code for a multi-selection widget. The widget includes multiple user-selectable controls aligned on a grid. The multiple user-selectable controls include a first set of one or more controls that are each associated with a different instance of a first level reporting period. The multiple user-selectable controls further include a second set of two or more controls that are each associated with a different instance of a second level reporting period that are shorter than the instances of the first level reporting period. The actions further include receiving a user selection of at least one control of the first set and at least one control of the second set and providing analytical information based on the user selection. |
| US08739071B2 |
System and method for message display and management
A collating application for message display and management executes on a communication device. The communication device includes a plurality of message applications associated with various communication channels, each message application receiving and storing messages associated with one of the various communications channels. The collating application dynamically accesses messages stored by the plurality of message applications to retrieve messages that meet defined matching criteria. The collating application permits the user to select a listing of the heterogeneous retrieved messages in a single view on the communication device. Icons associated with the matching criteria are displayable and vary in accordance with the presence or absence of unread messages meeting the matching criteria. |
| US08739069B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, image sensing apparatus, and recording medium
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus including a slider display unit configured to display, on a slider bar, a slider used to change an adjustment value used upon execution of image processing of image data, a thumbnail display unit configured to display a plurality of thumbnail images which respectively indicate results of image processing of the image data using a plurality of different target values, a selection unit configured to select at least one of the plurality of thumbnail images, and a target value display unit configured to display a position indicating the target value corresponding to the thumbnail image on the slider bar to be discriminated from the slider. |
| US08739063B2 |
Localized exploded view
A method for providing an Integrated Development Environment comprises receiving input from a user identifying an area containing an edge shared by two or more objects, wherein said shared edge includes two or more individual edges corresponding to said objects, and visibly separating said two or more individual edges in a localized exploded view responsive to said receiving. |
| US08739062B2 |
Graphical playlist
A method may include playing a number of media files and outputting a graph illustrating at least two pieces of information associated with each of the media files. A first axis of the graph may be associated with a first piece of information and a second axis of the graph may be associated with a second piece of information. |
| US08739060B2 |
Method and system for displaying multiple aspect ratios of a viewport
A method and system for generating an image display plan is provided. In one embodiment, a planning system allows a user to create a display plan that specifies a sequence of images that are to be displayed and how the images are to be displayed. The planning system allows a user to specify different versions of the plan for different aspect ratios. When displaying the image, the planning system may display multiple viewports simultaneously on the image, one for each of the different aspect ratios. The planning system may allow the multiple viewports to be moved around and resized as a unit maintaining a common center point for the viewports. |
| US08739059B2 |
System for generating inspection reports for inspected items
An electronic inspection report system includes a central report generator and a data collection device. The central report generator is adapted to produce multiple types of inspection report template. The central report generator is adapted to select a type of inspection report template to provide to a data collection device based upon various criteria. The central report generator is adapted to receive electronic information from various databases and format the information such that the information can be used in inspection reports.While inspecting an item, an inspector uses a data collection device to access an inspection report template and fill in fields of the inspection report template. The data collection device can be configured to check the consistency of information carried in fields of the inspection report and signal the inspector when some of the information is inconsistent.The central report generator can include a repository of completed inspection reports. The central report generator can be configured to mine the repository of completed inspection reports and determine correlations between fields of the completed inspection reports. Software in the data collection device can updated such that the data collection device can perform consistency checks between fields that the central report generator has determined have a correlation. |
| US08739056B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying a dynamic list of virtual objects when a drag and drop action is detected
A computer-implemented method to display a dynamic list of virtual objects is described. An activity relating to a management object is detected. A dynamic list of virtual objects is displayed on a screen. The virtual objects are possible recipients of the management object. A determination is made as to whether the activity relating to the management object is terminated. The display of the dynamic list of virtual objects on the screen is terminated when the activity relating to the management object is terminated. |
| US08739054B2 |
Label data creating apparatus, label data creating method, and computer program product
In a case wherein a drop area of a capture window is clicked with a mouse and text is entered through a keyboard, a CPU of a computer device changes the drop area of a capture window to an edit area which displays text characters that were entered from the keyboard. The CPU changes the capture button to a print button used to enter a command for text printing. If the print button is clicked with the mouse, the CPU outputs the text which is displayed on the edit area to a tape printer as print data. |
| US08739049B2 |
Vehicle system modeling systems and methods
A vehicle simulation system includes a compiler module, a parser module, a wrapper module, a modeling module, and a simulation module. The compiler module generates object code that is compatible with a first type of operating system based on source code that is executable by a vehicle control module and that is compatible with a second type of operating system. The parser module generates a definitions file and an extensible markup language (XML) file based on the source code and the object code. The wrapper module generates a library file based on the object code and the definitions file. The modeling module generates model-based source code for a virtual model based on the XML file and a user configuration of the virtual model. The simulation module simulates operation of a plant of a vehicle with the virtual model. |
| US08739047B1 |
Integrated planning environment for agile software development
A method of managing agile software development includes displaying assets associated with an agile software development process. Selection of a first link corresponding to a respective asset of the displayed assets is detected; in response, one or more related assets associated with the respective asset are displayed. Selection of a second link corresponding to a first related asset of the one or more related assets is detected; in response, a user interface for editing attributes of the first related asset is displayed, wherein the user interface and the one or more related assets are displayed in a common window. |
| US08739046B2 |
Dynamic E-meeting summarization
A method, computer program product, and system for dynamic e-meeting summarization is described. A method may comprise monitoring behavior of an e-meeting participant and determining one or more portions of an e-meeting to summarize for the e-meeting participant based upon, at least in part, the behavior of the e-meeting participant. The method may further comprise determining a summary-content time-frame for the e-meeting participant based upon, at least in part, the one or more portions of the e-meeting to summarize for the e-meeting participant, the summary-content time-frame corresponding to an amount of time for the e-meeting participant to consume a summary of the e-meeting. The method may additionally comprise generating, during the e-meeting, the summary of the e-meeting in accordance with the summary-content time-frame for the e-meeting participant, the summary of the e-meeting based upon, at least in part, the one or more portions of the e-meeting. |
| US08739045B2 |
System and method for managing conversations for a meeting session in a network environment
An example method is provided and includes establishing a communication session involving a first endpoint and a second endpoint associated with a meeting in a network environment. The first endpoint is associated with a first identifier and the second endpoint being associated with a second identifier. The method also includes designating the first endpoint as a speaking leader for a segment of the communication session, the second endpoint operates in a listening mode while the first endpoint operates as the speaking leader. The method also includes rendering a symbol indicative of the first endpoint being the speaking leader for the segment. The symbol and the first identifier are associated on a user interface. |
| US08739043B2 |
Signing up to a person or entity
Various embodiments provide an individual with an ability to “sign up” or subscribe to an individual or entity so that they can automatically receive various content published by the individuals or entities. In at least some embodiments, sign up functionality can allow the individual to directly sign up to the person or entity. In yet other embodiments, sign up functionality is provided, at least in part, through the use of one or more services, such as a profile service. Using one or more services can obviate the need for an individual to remember sites, user names or log-in information while, at the same time provide the ability for the individual to synchronize content on their local computing device. In addition, using a profile service can provide an automatic, time-saving way to sign up to individuals or entities. In addition, in at least some embodiments, a user interface component is provided and serves to provide an aggregation view of information that is synchronized on the individual's local computing device. |
| US08739042B2 |
User interface design for telecommunications systems
In a particular embodiment, a display includes a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is organized by data communications network technology area and the second interface is grouped by operational function. Each operational function includes a summary view and a detailed functional view. |
| US08739040B2 |
Multimedia visualization and integration environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for retrieving and displaying multimedia information. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that displays multimedia information that may be stored in a multimedia document. According to the teachings of the present invention, the GUI enables a user to navigate through multimedia information stored in a multimedia document. The GUI provides both a focused and a contextual view of the contents of the multimedia document. |
| US08739034B2 |
Method and system for downloading and managing an edited media stream to a portable media device
In one aspect the present disclosure is directed to a media system having a base unit and a portable media player. The base unit may be adapted to playback and record media content being received from an external media source. The base unit may further be adapted to analyze the media content and to automatically extract therefrom, without intervention by a user of the system, intermittent, designated portions of the media content as the media content is received by the base unit, and to store the designated portions of the media content as media files for subsequent playback. The portable media player may be docked to the base unit so that stored media files from the base unit may be uploaded to the portable media player. |
| US08739033B2 |
Devices using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information
Devices using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information are described. One embodiment includes an electronic device comprising a housing comprising a user contactable region, a tactile element coupled to the user contactable region, and an actuator coupled to the tactile element and capable of outputting a haptic sensation localized to the tactile element. |
| US08739031B2 |
System and method for text translations and annotation in an instant messaging session
A system and method for translating received input from a sender to recipient in an instant messaging dialog is disclosed. The method comprises receiving instant messaging input from a sender for recipient, wherein the instant messaging input comprises at least one subculture specific term. A category is identified the defines a difference between the sender and the recipient and the received instant messaging input is modified from the sender by generating an output associated with the least one subculture specific term and based on the identified category. Multiple recipients in a chat session may also each receive a translated or annotated message according to characteristics of each individual recipient. |
| US08739019B1 |
Computer-implemented methods and computer program products for integrating and synchronizing multimedia content, including content displayed via interactive televisions, smartphones, electronic book readers, holographic imagery projectors, and other computerized devices
Computer-implemented methods and computer program products wherein a user's reviewing of select text in a synchronized news story, article, or electronic book generates a changed presentation of associated multimedia content, including photographs, videos, and computerized graphics. User's reviewing of select text is detected automatically or managed manually, with select embodiments integrating touch-screen controls. This process of changing multimedia continues with the user's reviewing of additional select text segments. Select multimedia is modified instead of completely replaced as the user advances to an additional select text segment, leading to uniquely flowing presentations. Multimedia is visually modified through zooming, panning, resizing, highlighting, and/or other approaches. Select embodiments include similarly modified holographic imagery, advertisements, securities charts, and shifted text. In select embodiments, the user's reading speed adjusts visual modifications. |
| US08739016B1 |
Ontology models for identifying connectivity between entities in a social graph
A system gathers information on important and influential people and uses an ontology to build a social graph. The information is organized based on this social graph and provided to users as a service. The system uses ontology models to identify connectivity between entities (e.g., people, organizations, events, and things) in the social graph. Through its ontology, the system can determine, interpret, and represent the relationships of people that occur in the real world. |
| US08739012B2 |
Co-hosted cyclical redundancy check calculation
A co-hosted cyclical redundancy check (CRC) calculations system is arranged to use a processor to generate initial addresses for reading the data from a mirrored device that has address ranges over which a CRC result is to be calculated. An memory mapping unit detects when the initial address falls within an address range over which the CRC result is to be calculated. A read snoop unit snoops the data read from a mirrored memory that has data stored using a mirrored address. A CRC co-generator receives the snooped data read from mirrored memory and uses the snooped data read from the mirrored memory to calculate the CRC result. |
| US08739010B2 |
Memory array with redundant bits and memory element voting circuits
An integrated circuit may have an array of memory elements. Each memory element may have multiple memory cells. Each memory element may have a voting circuit that receives signals from the memory cells in that memory element. The voting circuit can produce an output based on the signals. The signals stored by the memory cells of each memory element may be redundant so that the voting circuit can produce an accurate output even in the event that a radiation strike causes some of the memory cells to flip their states to erroneous values. The memory elements may be based on memory cells such as static random-access memory cells and thyristor-based cells. |
| US08739009B1 |
Methods and apparatus for defect detection and correction via iterative decoding algorithms
In iterative decoding, a data recovery scheme corrects for corrupted or defective data by determining reliability metrics for blocks of decoded data. Block or windowed detectors generate block reliability metrics for data blocks (rather than individual bits) of decoded data using soft information from the regular decoding mode or from new iterative decoding iterations performed during error recovery mode. An error recovery system triggers corrective decoding of selected data blocks based on the block reliability metrics, by for example, comparing the block reliability metrics to a threshold or by selecting an adjustable number of the least reliable data blocks. |
| US08739006B2 |
Reduced circuit implementation of encoder and syndrome generator
An error correction method and system includes an Encoder and Syndrome-generator that operate in parallel to reduce the amount of circuitry used to compute check symbols and syndromes for error correcting codes. The system and method computes the contributions to the syndromes and check symbols 1 bit at a time instead of 1 symbol at a time. As a result, the even syndromes can be computed as powers of the odd syndromes. Further, the system assigns symbol addresses so that there are, for an example GF(28) which has 72 symbols, three (3) blocks of addresses which differ by a cube root of unity to allow the data symbols to be combined for reducing size and complexity of odd syndrome circuits. Further, the implementation circuit for generating check symbols is derived from syndrome circuit using the inverse of the part of the syndrome matrix for check locations. |
| US08739005B2 |
Error correction encoding apparatus, error correction decoding apparatus, nonvolatile semiconductor memory system, and parity check matrix generation method
According to one embodiment, an error correction encoding apparatus includes a linear encoder and a low-density parity check (LDPC) encoder. The linear encoder supports a linear coding scheme enabling a parity check to be carried out by a division using a generating polynomial and applies the generating polynomial to input data to obtain linear coded data. The LDPC encoder applies a generator matrix corresponding to a parity check matrix for an LDPC code to the linear coded data to obtain output data. The parity check matrix satisfies Expression (1) shown in the specification. |
| US08739003B1 |
Method and apparatus for decoding a data sector including user data and non-user data
The disclosure provides a method that includes receiving a data sector of a plurality of data tiles, wherein each of the plurality of data tiles includes either nuisance data or user data, decoding the received data sector, using an error correction code, to generate a decoded data sector, and determining an error in the decoded data sector. The method further includes identifying, in response to determining the error, at least one data tile from a first plurality of data tiles, such that each of the identified at least one data tiles potentially includes nuisance data, and generating a modified data sector from the received data sector, by correcting at least one of the at least one data tiles in the received data sector. |
| US08739000B2 |
Multi-modal signal processing with linearization
A system for signal processing includes: a plurality of signal processing units associated with corresponding channels; a feedback channel for receiving a selected feedback signal through a selector of an output associated with each of the signal processing units; and a correlator connected to the feedback channel and having a receiving unit to receive the selected feedback signal, an error calculating unit to calculate an error based at least in part on the selected feedback signal, and a correction calculation unit to generate a correcting information based at least in part on the error. In some cases, the association between the signal processing units and the signal channels is configured based on a mode. |
| US08738998B2 |
Transmitting apparatus and transmitting method
A transmitting apparatus and a transmitting method wherein the systematic bit reception quality can be improved and the throughput performance can be improved. An IR parameter control part (101) controls, based on the number of retransmissions, the ratio of systematic bits to parity bits in mapping them to packets, and controls to map a parity bit to an initially transmitted packet, while mapping a systematic bit to a retransmitted packet. An encoding part (102) generates the systematic bits and parity bits and maps them to the packets in accordance with the IR parameters. A transmission power calculating part (105) calculates, based on reception quality information of the initially transmitted packet fed back from a receiving end, the transmission power of the transmitted packet to which the systematic bit is mapped. A transmission power control part (106) controls the transmission power of the retransmitted packet such that it is equal to the transmission power as calculated by the transmission power calculating part (105). |
| US08738997B2 |
Methods and systems using threshold switches for protocol accelerators
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure control whether or not certain protocol stack operation are performed in a hardware (HW) protocol stack accelerator based on ARQ/HARQ re-transmission rate. Latency penalties associated with using the HW accelerator are typically higher than the data movement overhead when this data does not need to be processed by the HW accelerator, such as when a re-transmission error occurs. According to certain embodiments, the HW accelerator is activated if the ARQ/HARQ re-transmission rate is below a threshold value. Otherwise, if the ARQ/HARQ re-transmission rate is above a threshold, at least a portion of the HW accelerator may be de-activated, which may reduce overhead associated with moving data between the protocol stack and the HW accelerator. |
| US08738994B2 |
Memory controller, memory system, and operating method
A memory controller and method of operating same are described. The memory controller includes a central processing unit providing re-transmission control signal, an error check block determining whether an error exists in data received from a host and generating a corresponding error check signal, and a re-transmission request unit receiving the control signal and the error check signal, communicating a request to the host for an error-correcting re-transmission operation when an error exists in the received data, and communicating a request for an extending re-transmission operation when error does not exist in the received data. |
| US08738992B2 |
Encoder, decoder, encoding method and decoding method
An encoding method and encoder of a time-varying LDPC-CC with high error correction performance are provided. In an encoding method of performing low density parity check convolutional coding (LDPC-CC) of a time varying period of q using a parity check polynomial of a coding rate of (n−1)/n (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2), the time varying period of q is a prime number greater than 3, the method receiving an information sequence as input and encoding the information sequence using Equation 1 as a g-th (g=0, 1, . . . , q−1) parity check polynomial to satisfy 0. |
| US08738990B2 |
Cyclic redundancy check generation via distributed time multiplexed linear feedback shift registers
Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) values are efficiently calculated using an improved linear feedback shift register (LFSR) circuit. CRC value generation is separated into two sub-calculations, which are then combined to form a final CRC value. A programmable XOR engine performs logic functions via a table lookup rather than via a random logic circuit. LCRC and ECRC calculations are performed using a single shared LFSR circuit. Multiple links share the same CRC value generator. One advantage of the present invention is that CRC values are generated using smaller and fewer LFSR circuits relative to conventional circuit designs. As a result, a CRC value generator utilizing the disclosed techniques consumes less surface area of an integrated circuit and consumes less power, resulting in cooler operation. |
| US08738984B2 |
Apparatus for processing retransmission failure in radio link control (RLC) layer
Provided are a data transmission apparatus and a data reception apparatus when a retransmission of a data unit repeatedly fails in a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. When a retransmission with respect to a particular data unit, for example, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) continuously fails, each of a transmission entity and a reception entity may detect the retransmission failure and locally process a corresponding packet. Accordingly, the transmission entity and the reception entity may continuously transmit and receive data. |
| US08738982B2 |
Method of communication in mobile communication system
A data processing method and a data re-transmission method in a broadband wireless access system are disclosed. A transmitting side generates a coded block set including coded blocks of a predetermined number and the coded blocks are transmitted to first and second base stations. The transmitting side sets a timer after transmitting a last coded block of the coded blocks. The coded blocks received by the second base station are transmitted to the first base station, and the transmitting side receives a control signal indicating whether there is a transmission error from the first base station. |
| US08738981B2 |
Method and apparatus for H-ARQ scheduling in a wireless communication system
Systems and methodologies are described herein that facilitate Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (H-ARQ) scheduling and coordination in a wireless communication system. As described herein, a network node capable of cooperation with other nodes for communication to respective users can coordinate a cooperation strategy across nodes based on a H-ARQ protocol to be utilized for a given user. In the case of a synchronous H-ARQ protocol, communication can be scheduled as described herein such that initial transmissions to a user are conducted cooperatively and re-transmissions are conducted without inter-node cooperation. In the case of a H-ARQ protocol utilizing persistent assignments, transmission intervals can be calculated and utilized based on application latency requirements, backhaul link latency, or other factors. In the case of an asynchronous H-ARQ protocol, repeat transmissions can be coordinated in a similar manner to initial transmissions or conducted without inter-node cooperation based on latency sensitivity of an associated application. |
| US08738979B2 |
Methods and structure for correlation of test signals routed using different signaling pathways
Methods and structure for correlating internal operational signals routed via different paths of a test signal selection hierarchy. The structure includes a functional block of circuitry operable to generate internal operational signals and clock signals. The integrated circuit also comprises a test signal selection hierarchy operable to receive the internal operational signals and the clock signals and to selectively route the internal operational signals and the clock signals. Further, structure includes a control unit operable to receive the clock signals from the test signal selection hierarchy, to determine a delay between received clock signals routed via different signaling pathways of the test signal selection hierarchy. The control unit is further operable to program a delay line based upon the delay between the clock signals and based upon internal operational signals correlated with the clock signals. |
| US08738976B2 |
Memory error detecting apparatus and method
A memory error detecting apparatus for detecting an error of a subject memory, the memory error detecting apparatus includes a memory bus connected to the subject memory, a mirror memory connected to the memory bus so as to receive the same data as data to be written into and read from the subject memory, the received data being written into the mirror memory, an address acquiring portion configured to acquire an address related to the data written into the subject memory, a mirror memory controller configured to control data writing or reading to or from the mirror memory on the basis of the acquired address, a comparator configured to compare data read from the subject memory and data read from the mirror memory, and an error detector configured to detect a data error on the basis of a result of the comparison. |
| US08738967B2 |
System and method for grammar based test planning
The present disclosure generally relates to the testing of a system that includes software or hardware components. In some embodiments, a testing framework generates a set of test cases for a system under test using a grammar. Each test case may perform an action, such as provide an input to the system under test, and result in an output from the system under test. The inputs and outputs are then compared to the expected results to determine whether the system under test is performing correctly. Prior to generating the set of test cases from the grammar, the testing framework processes the grammar to identify attributes of the test cases to be derived from the grammar and facilitates the modification of the grammar. |
| US08738966B2 |
Change management system and method
A method is provided for managing changes to a computer system. The method includes generating a database configured with fields identifying one or more component changes and potential problems associated with each one or more component changes; populating the fields of the database with information as a change is made to a computer system; monitoring the computer system for issuance of error alerts; comparing issued error alerts against entries of potential problems in the database; and identifying a set of at least one of the component changes as a potential cause of the issued error alert based on the result of the comparing step. The method executes a corrective process in response to the identification of the potential cause of the issued error and updates the database entry of the set of at least one of the component changes to reflect the issued error as a confirmed error thereof. |
| US08738964B2 |
Disk-free recovery of XA transactions for in-memory data grids
A data grid node that is hosted by a computing system receives a request to prepare transaction operations for a multi-operational transaction for a commit. The transaction operations are associated with other data grid nodes in the data grid. The data grid node stores transaction state data for the multi-operational transaction in local memory associated with the data grid node and identifies other data grid nodes in the data grid that manage the data pertaining to the transaction operations for the multi-operational transaction. The data grid node sends the transaction state data to the other data grid nodes and the other data grid nodes store the transaction state data in local memory associated with the corresponding data grid node. |
| US08738962B2 |
Memory mirroring with memory compression
Systems and methods to manage memory are provided. A particular method may include storing data in a primary memory that is in communication with a processor and storing in a mirrored data in a mirrored memory. The mirrored data may be compressed, and the mirrored memory may be in communication with the processor. A failure condition associated with the data of the primary memory may be detected. In response to the detected failure condition, the mirrored data in the mirrored memory may be accessed. |
| US08738959B2 |
Selective message loss handling in a cluster of replicated servers
A computer-implemented method, a computerized system and a product for providing a cluster of replicated servers. The method performed by a computerized server in a cluster of servers, wherein the cluster of servers are executing replicated instances of an application, wherein the replicated instances are configured to perform the same processing of the same input, comprising: detecting a message loss in the server; electively determining a responsive action to the message loss; and notifying the cluster of servers of the responsive action determined by the server, whereby other servers of the cluster of servers are able to mimic operation of the server by simulating the responsive action. |
| US08738955B2 |
Semiconductor device and semiconductor system including the same
A semiconductor device includes an internal circuit configured to perform a specified operation in response to a predetermined command; a normal data input/output section configured to input/output a normal data synchronized with a center of a source clock, in response to data input/output commands; and a data recovery information signal input/output block configured to receive and store a data recovery information signal synchronized with an edge of the source clock and having a predetermined pattern, in response to either a command of the data input/output commands or the predetermined command upon entry to a data recovery operating mode, and to output the data recovery information signal after the passage of a predetermined time period. |
| US08738952B1 |
Device controller low power mode
A device controller, such as a universal serial bus (“USB”) device controller, that is unattached to an external device is placed into a low power mode. During low power mode, interface components of the device controller are gated or placed into a reduced power state. For example, components such as a USB gadget PHY, which manages physical layer communication, USB direct memory access clock, secondary clocks, and so forth may be gated. Upon receiving a connection event indicating attachment of a device to the USB, the device controller resumes normal power operation. This device controller low power mode may work in conjunction with state retention modes or other low power modes affecting other components within an electronic device. |
| US08738950B2 |
Power management of electronic devices utilizing transitions between link states
A method and apparatus for intelligent power management for low power link states. Some embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for a device coupled to a controller via a link; a link power management engine to alter a power state of the link based on a transaction and some knowledge of future transactions between the device and the controller; and a memory or logic to store the link power management engine. In some embodiments, the memory stores information about at least one of the following: the power state of the link, the device buffering, the controller or device state or a history of transactions. In some embodiments, the device is a peripheral of a computer system. In some embodiments, the method may include transitioning the device to various link states. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08738948B1 |
Power management in a wireless local area network
A computer readable storage medium or media stores machine readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to, while a device in a communication network is operating in a first power management mode, simultaneously monitor for an expiration of a first period of time during which no message traffic is observed at all on a communication channel of the communication network, and an expiration of a second period of time during which no message traffic destined for the device is received by the device via the communication channel of the communication network. The instructions also cause the one or more processors to, responsive to the expiration of the first or second period of time, whichever comes first, initiate operation of the device in a second power management mode. |
| US08738944B2 |
Energy-based feedback for transmission reception in a communication network
In one embodiment, a communication device of a communication network determines its available power level, and also estimates a power requirement to receive an expected transmission from a transmitter of the communication network. By determining whether the available power level is sufficient for the estimated power requirement, the device may correspondingly provide feedback to the transmitter regarding whether the available power level is sufficient for the estimated power requirement (e.g., if insufficient, either ignoring the transmission or returning an explicit reply). In another embodiment, further power conservation may be afforded through a radio-triggered wake-up mechanism. |
| US08738942B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for controlling thread contention
An apparatus comprises a plurality of cores and a controller coupled to the cores. The controller is to lower an operating point of a first core if a first number based on processor clock cycles per instruction (CPI) associated with a second core is higher than a first threshold. The controller is operable to increase the operating point of the first core if the first number is lower than a second threshold. |
| US08738938B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input data, and a control unit configured to control a power mode of the information processing apparatus. When the input unit inputs data while the information processing apparatus is operated in the second power mode and when the data input by the input unit is data to be immediately processed by the first processing unit, the power mode of the information processing apparatus is shifted from the second power mode to the first power mode. When the data input by the input unit is data not to be immediately processed by the first processing unit, the power mode of the information processing apparatus remains in the second power mode. |
| US08738937B2 |
Method and apparatus to limit memory power
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a power manager to receive a memory power usage value, to determine an available power based at least in part on a power budget and the memory power usage value, and to change a memory power state based at least in part on the available power, wherein the memory power state comprises a memory frequency and a memory voltage. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08738936B2 |
Storage apparatus
A storage apparatus connectable to an external apparatus through a connection line for data communication includes: a storage for storing data; a system controller for controlling data communication with the external apparatus through the connection line so as to allow the external apparatus to access the storage; and a power controller for controlling power supply to the storage, wherein the system controller controls the power controller to initiate supply of a power to the storage after establishing a communication linkage with the external apparatus through the connection line. |
| US08738934B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting account numbers and passwords
A method and apparatus are provided for protecting confidential information. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of files where each file contains at least one item of secret information, such as a password for a private account. Access to the plurality of files is password protected with a master password. To access the plurality of files, the master password must be entered into a master password entry field. The files are deleted upon successive entry of incorrect passwords into the master password entry field a predetermined number of times. |
| US08738929B2 |
Auxiliary functionality for pixel data
The various methods and systems described herein are directed to supplying a secure channel for software executing on a host computer. The methods and systems address and provide solutions for an attack model in which rogue software executing on the host computer attempts to inappropriately obtain or otherwise manipulate data. Some embodiments can provide pixel data that can be kept confidential (in that untrusted software applications cannot read the data off of the display screen). In addition, other embodiments can preserve the integrity of the pixel data by detecting whether the pixel data has been inappropriately manipulated. Various embodiments are based on a decryption engine that is located on a video card very late in the video processing chain such that programmatic access to decrypted pixel data is denied. |
| US08738928B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing extension information in image files
The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for processing extension information in an image file, wherein, the method includes: editing the extension information for image file; encrypting the edited extension information, and additionally writing the encrypted extension information into the image file; and extracting the encrypted extension information from the needed image file, and decrypting the encrypted extension information. The apparatus comprises an editing module, an encrypting module and a decrypting module. The present invention realizes the method for editing the extension information for image files in various formats; and guarantees the security of the extension information, that is, even if the image information in the image file is leaked, there is no need to worry about the leakage of extended information in the image file, and a user can view the content of extended information as required at any time, and meanwhile, the application fields are wide. |
| US08738925B1 |
Wireless portable biometric device syncing
A notification signal, intended to be received by a wireless communication device, is intermittently broadcast by a portable biometric device that generates biometric data corresponding to activity of an individual bearing the portable biometric device. The notification signal conveys information that identifies the portable biometric device and that indicates whether or not the portable biometric device seeks establishment of a wireless communication link to enable transmission of the biometric data to the wireless communication device. |
| US08738923B2 |
Framework for notifying a directory service of authentication events processed outside the directory service
Authenticating an end user for a client application using a directory service can include receiving end user identity information and security information at the client application, sending a search request to the directory service for an entry associated with the end user identity information and, if a match is found, receiving a authentication token from the directory service associated with the end user identity information. The received authentication token can be compared with the security information. If the authentication token matches the security information, sending a request to update the directory service to indicate that successful authentication of the end user has occurred and if the authentication token does not match the security information, sending a request to update the directory service to indicate that a failed attempt at authentication of the end user has occurred. |
| US08738922B2 |
Method and device for electronically capturing a handwritten signature and safeguarding biometric data
A method and apparatus for encrypting an electronic document involves a computer having a first monitor and a signature capture apparatus configured to capture a handwritten signature on a second monitor. A hash sum of the electronic document generated in the computer is transmitted to the signature capture apparatus. The electronic document and the first hash sum thereof are displayed on the first monitor. The first hash sum is also displayed on the second monitor. After electronically capturing the handwritten signature, the signature data and the first hash sum are encrypted in the signature capture apparatus and then transmitted to the computer. The encrypted signature data, the first hash sum and the signed document are stored on a computer-readable medium. |
| US08738921B2 |
System and method for authenticating a person's identity using a trusted entity
A system and method are provided for authenticating a person's identity to a business using a trusted entity with a secure repository to store and protect the person's identity information. The person accesses their account on the trusted entity's server using a user name and a password. Then, the trusted entity grants the person a unique code so the person can authenticate their identity to the business. The person delivers the unique code to the transactional entity. The business makes a request to verify the unique code with the trusted entity. The trusted entity verifies the unique code, which authenticates the person's identity to the business. |
| US08738919B2 |
Control of the integrity of a memory external to a microprocessor
A method for recording at least one information block in a first volatile memory external to a circuit, a first digital signature being calculated based on information and data internal to the circuit and a second digital signature being calculated based on first signatures of a group of information blocks and on a digital quantity internal to the circuit and assigned to said group. A method for checking the content of an information block recorded by this recording method. |
| US08738917B2 |
Image data verification
An image verification system includes an image input apparatus, image verification apparatus, and database apparatus. The image input apparatus generates verification information for image data by using a private key and adds the verification information and predetermined information unique to the image input apparatus to the image data. The image verification apparatus verifies that the image data has been altered or not by using the verification information and a public key corresponding to the private key. The database apparatus stores the public key in association with the predetermined information in the a storage unit and provides the public key to the image verification apparatus. |
| US08738916B2 |
Secure peer-to-peer messaging invitation architecture
First and second communication devices respectively have first and second personal identification numbers (PINs). The first communication device transmits to the second communication device a first encryption key, and receives from the second communication device the second PIN that has been encrypted by the second communication device using the first encryption key. The first communication device receives from the second communication device a second encryption key, decrypts the encrypted second PIN, and encrypts the first PIN using the second encryption key, and transmits the encrypted first PIN to the second communication device. The first communication device conducts, with the second communication, device a peer-to-peer messaging session by transmitting to the second communication device peer-to-peer messages that contain the second PIN and receiving from the second communication device peer-to-peer messages that contain the first PIN. Each message is routed by a routing server based on the respective first and second PINs. |
| US08738913B2 |
Method of deriving and updating traffic encryption key
A method for efficiently deriving a traffic encryption key for data encryption is disclosed. A method of generating a traffic encryption key (TEK) comprises the steps of receiving, by a mobile station from base station, a first nonce and first security materials for deriving the traffic encryption key (TEK) and deriving the traffic encryption key (TEK) using one or more of the first nonce, the authentication key (AK), and the first security materials. |
| US08738912B2 |
Accelerated signature verification on an elliptic curve
A public key encryption system exchanges information between a pair of correspondents. The recipient performs computations on the received data to recover the transmitted data or verify the identity of the sender. The data transferred includes supplementary information that relates to intermediate steps in the computations performed by the recipient. |
| US08738911B2 |
Secure socket layer keystore and truststore generation
A method for managing keystore information on a computing device may include requesting a keystore from a distribution system, receiving the keystore from the distribution system, and populating a runtime environment with keystore information contained within the keystore. A method for generating a keystore may include receiving, by a distribution system, a request for a keystore from a computing device, generating a key pair including a public key and a private key, generating a certificate signing request, digitally signing the public key with the private key, generating the keystore, combining the signed public key with the private key in the keystore, and providing the keystore to the computing device. A method for generating a truststore may include receiving, by a distribution system, a request for a truststore from a computing device, generating the truststore, adding a certificate to the truststore, and providing the truststore to the computing device. |
| US08738905B2 |
Third party secured storage for web services and web applications
A system and method for providing third party secure hosting of an application. The system and method includes providing a host system with a main memory and a third party secured memory, the third party secured memory storing third party information; encrypting the third party information stored on the third party secured memory upon access by a user, the encrypting being via a security key, the security key being held at a customer location; and, enabling access to the third party information only to users having the security key. |
| US08738904B2 |
Electronic devices and methods for sharing encryption settings in dual operating systems
A method for sharing encryption settings in dual operating systems is provided. The method includes: activating and operating a first operating system; receiving system encryption settings from a user by the first operating system; recording a system encryption status value of the system encryption settings; switching to and activating a second operating system; checking whether a system encryption status value has been set when the second operating system attempts to enter a power saving mode, and when the system encryption status value has been set, temporarily switching to the first operating system and enabling the second operating system to enter the power saving mode; receiving a decryption input from the user by the first operating system; and if the decryption input matches the system encryption settings, switching from the first operating system to the second operating system and awaking the second operating system. |
| US08738902B2 |
Implicit SSL certificate management without server name indication (SNI)
Embodiments disclose a reverse lookup using an IP:Port-to-hostname table to identify a hostname when only an IP address and port is present in an SSL hello connection, which may occur, for example, when a non-SNI-capable client initiates the SSL hello. Once the hostname is successfully looked up, a naming convention is used to simplify the management and identification of SSL certificates. Different types of SSL certificates are supported. Multiple hostname matches may be associated with a given IP address and port in the IP:Port-to-hostname table. In such case, the first-matching hostname is always used with the naming convention to identify related SSL certificates. The naming convention is applied in such a way that it will first look for the most matching file name to the least matching file name. |
| US08738901B2 |
Automatic certificate renewal
A method and system for automatic certificate renewal is described. |
| US08738898B2 |
Provision of secure communications connection using third party authentication
The present invention relates to communications, and in particular though not exclusively to forming a secure connection between two untrusted devices. The present invention provides a method of securely connecting a first device (A) to a second device (B) using a third party authentication server (AS) coupled to the second device, the first device and the authentication server both having first device shared secret data (SSDa) and the second device and the authentication server both having second device shared secret data (SSDb). The method comprises receiving a request from the first device at the authentication server; the authentication server and the first device both generating a first device key (K_A) using the first device shared secret data in response to a first device random number (RANDa) sent from the authentication server to the first device; the authentication server and the second device both generating a second device key (K_B) using the second device shared secret data in response to a second device random number (RANDb) sent from the authentication server to the second device; and the authentication server securely forwarding to the second device (B) and the first device (A) a common key (K_AB) using the second and first device keys (K_B, K_A). |
| US08738895B2 |
Testing a configuration change
An approach is presented for testing a change (i.e., configuration change) in a configuration of a computing environment. A user identifier (ID) of a user is received from an administrative user having an administrative user ID. First configurable attributes of the user ID are determined. A temporary simulation user ID (TSID) having second configurable attributes is generated so that the values of respective first and second configurable attributes are identical. The configuration change is received. The configuration change is associated with the TSID and with no other user ID. Based on the configuration change being associated with the TSID and with no other user ID, a simulation is performed by tracking data record modifications made by the TSID and based on the configuration change. The user ID and administrative user ID are unaffected by the configuration change. After completing the simulation, the data record modifications are undone. |
| US08738893B2 |
Add instructions to add three source operands
A method in one aspect may include receiving an add instruction. The add instruction may indicate a first source operand, a second source operand, and a third source operand. A sum of the first, second, and third source operands may be stored as a result of the add instruction. The sum may be stored partly in a destination operand indicated by the add instruction and partly a plurality of flags. Other methods are also disclosed, as are apparatus, systems, and instructions on machine-readable medium. |
| US08738885B2 |
Method of selection of an available memory size of a circuit including at least processor and a memory and corresponding program and smart card
The invention relates to a method for selecting an available memory size of a circuit including at least a CPU and a total memory, the method includes a stage for the selection of an available memory size that is smaller than or equal to that of the total memory. The selection stage is implemented by the manufacturer of the product incorporating the said circuit, different from the circuit manufacturer, and includes a stage for the generation of a configuration signature intended for the circuit manufacturer, which information is representative of the size of available memory size selected in this way by the product manufacturer. |
| US08738884B2 |
Efficient loading of data into memory of a computing system
Machines, systems and methods for deploying one or more virtual machines on a host computing system, the method comprising: receiving mapping information from a data storage system, wherein the mapping information associates a first data chunk stored in the data storage system with a unique identifier; utilizing the mapping information to determine whether any copies of the first data chunk have already been loaded into a memory of the host computing system in association with deployment of a first virtual machine or a second virtual machine on the host computing system; and in response to determining that no copies of the first data chunk have already been loaded into the memory: retrieving the first data chunk from the data storage system; loading the first data chunk into the memory; and utilizing the first data chunk to deploy the first virtual machine on the host computing system. |
| US08738883B2 |
Snapshot creation from block lists
A method of operating a data management system includes establishing a base state for a data storage volume, generating a list of blocks associated with the data storage volume that have changed, and creating a snapshot from the list of blocks. |
| US08738879B2 |
Independent link and bank selection
Provided is a memory system that has a plurality of memory banks and a plurality of link controllers. For each memory bank, there is first switching logic for receiving output for each link controller, and for passing on the output of only one of the link controllers to the memory bank. For each link controller, there is second switching logic for receiving an output of each memory bank, and for passing on the output of only one of the memory banks to the link controller. According to an embodiment of the invention, there is switch controller logic for controlling operation of both the first switching logic and the second switching logic to prevent simultaneous or overlapping access by multiple link controllers to the same memory bank, and for preventing simultaneous or overlapping access to multiple banks by the same link controller. |
| US08738874B2 |
Storage controller and storage control method for snapshot acquisition and remote copying of a snapshot
Difference information between two snapshots from a first point-in-time snapshot, which has been copied, to an N.sup.th point-in-time snapshot, which constitutes the latest point-in-time snapshot, is acquired to a memory module. The memory module stores two or more pieces of difference information. The two or more pieces of difference information comprise difference information that shows the difference between a first point-in-time snapshot and any snapshot other than the first point-in-time snapshot of N snapshots. Copy difference information, which is information that shows the difference between the first point-in-time snapshot and a specified snapshot from among N snapshots, and which is used in copying the specified snapshot, is created on the basis of the two or more pieces of difference information. |
| US08738872B2 |
Methods for migrating data in a server that remains substantially available for use during such migration
Methods and software for “hot migration” of data an original storage unit for a target system to destination storage unit. In one embodiment, a virtual storage device is provided, having a control block mapped to both the original storage unit, as well as to the destination storage unit. The target system is stopped, the virtual storage device is substituted for the original storage unit, and the target system is restarted. The virtual storage device directs requests to the destination storage unit, and fulfills read requests from whichever of the two storage units has a valid copy of data requested (depending, e.g., on whether the data is as yet unchanged, has been re-written, or has been copied, during the migration process). Unchanged data blocks are copies from the original storage unit to the destination storage unit. The target system is stopped, the virtual storage device is disconnected from the target system, and the destination storage unit is connected in its place. Software may also be provided to automate these processes. |
| US08738871B1 |
Method and apparatus for mapping virtual drives
A method and apparatus for creating and utilizing a map of files related to a virtual disk of a virtual machine. In one embodiment, the method comprises inspecting file system entries within at least one volume of the virtual disk; converting information related to file system entries into a map, where the map comprises file locations within a physical disk for the files related to the virtual disk. In another embodiment, the method comprises examining a map of an image of at least a portion of a virtual disk, accessing the image, extracting and utilizing at least one file. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises creating a map related to an image representing stored files in a virtual disk, storing the map and the image, selecting a file, examining the map, accessing the image, extracting the file from the image and restoring the file to a storage system. |
| US08738869B2 |
Storage system including a plurality of modules having different control information
A storage system is disclosed that stores data across plural storage devices. The storage system includes plural modules. Each of the modules includes a storage device including a data storage section that has plural slice areas to store data elements one in each, and a control-information storage section that stores control information of the plural slice areas, a communications-function section having a function of sending and receiving the data elements stored in the slice areas in the data storage section. The modules communicate with each other to replicate the data element stored in the slice area into an unused slice area in another module so as to have data redundancy. |
| US08738860B1 |
Computing in parallel processing environments
A computing system comprises one or more cores. Each core comprises a processor. In some implementations, each processor is coupled to a communication network among the cores. In some implementations, a switch in each core includes switching circuitry to forward data received over data paths from other cores to the processor and to switches of other cores, and to forward data received from the processor to switches of other cores. |
| US08738859B2 |
Hybrid caching techniques and garbage collection using hybrid caching techniques
Hybrid caching techniques and garbage collection using hybrid caching techniques are provided. A determination of a measure of a characteristic of a data object is performed, the characteristic being indicative of an access pattern associated with the data object. A selection of one caching structure, from a plurality of caching structures, is performed in which to store the data object based on the measure of the characteristic. Each individual caching structure in the plurality of caching structures stores data objects has a similar measure of the characteristic with regard to each of the other data objects in that individual caching structure. The data object is stored in the selected caching structure and at least one processing operation is performed on the data object stored in the selected caching structure. |
| US08738853B2 |
Load reduction dual in-line memory module (LRDIMM) and method for programming the same
A load reduction dual in-line memory module (LRDIMM) is similar to a registered dual inline memory module (RDIMM) in which control signals are synchronusly buffered but the LRDIMM includes a load reduction buffer (LRB) in the data path as well. To make an LRDIMM which appears compatible with RDIMMs on a system memory bus, the serial presence detector (SPD) of the LRDIMM is programmed with modified latency support and minimum delay values. When the dynamic read only memory (DRAMs) devices of the LRDIMM are subsequently set up by the host at boot time based on the parameters provided by the SPD, selected latency values are modified on the fly in an enhanced register phase look loop (RPLL) device. This has the effect of compensating for the delay introduced by the LRB without violating DRAM constraints, and provides memory bus timing for a LRDIMM that is indistinguishable from that of a RDIMM. |
| US08738850B2 |
Flash-aware storage optimized for mobile and embedded DBMS on NAND flash memory
Reliable storage for database management systems (DBMS) running on memory devices such as NAND type flash memory utilizes minimum I/O overhead and provides maximum data durability. A virtual page map is utilized between the flash memory and a page access component to record changes to the DBMS pages and prevent overwriting or data loss. There is no need for journaling and logging, and performance is increased by reducing the write and erase counts on the flash memory. The logical page numbers of the DBMS are mapped to physical page numbers in the page map, such that the virtual page map allocates an available page from the physical pages when changes to a page occur, and the updated information is stored in the allocated page. The allocated page number is mapped to the logical page number of the original page, thus maintaining a modified page representation while preventing physical in-place updates. |
| US08738848B2 |
Methods, storage devices, and systems for promoting the endurance of non-volatile solid-state memory components
Solid-state mass storage devices, host computer systems, and methods of managing non-volatile solid-state memory components used therein. The memory components comprise memory cells organized in functional units that are adapted to receive units of data transferred from the host computer system and correspond to the functional units of the memory component. The level of programming for each cell is reduced by performing an analysis of the bit values of the units of data to be written to at least a first of the functional units of the memory component. Depending on the analysis of “0” and “1” bit values of the units of data to be written, the bit values are inverted before writing the units of data to the first memory component. |
| US08738845B2 |
Transaction-safe fat file system improvements
Concepts for enhancing operation of transaction-safe file allocation table systems are described. The concepts include writing a file to non-volatile memory media and rendering an update of file size to the TFAT storage medium; and receiving a request to locate data in a non-volatile memory having a TFAT file management system, selecting a sector of the memory to parse to locate the data, determining when the selected sector is a first sector of a directory or subdirectory of the memory and when determining reveals that the selected sector is a first sector, skipping reading data from the selected sector. The concepts also include flushing a cache and synchronizing FATs. |
| US08738844B2 |
Program method, data recovery method, and flash memory using the same
A program method for a multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory is provided. The memory array includes a plurality of pages and a plurality of paired pages, which correspond to the respective pages. The program method includes the following steps. Firstly, a program address command is obtained. Next, whether the program address command corresponding to any one of the paired pages is determined. When the program address command corresponds to a first paired page, which corresponds to a first page among the pages, among the paired pages, data stored in the first page to a non-volatile memory are copied. After that, the first paired page is programmed. |
| US08738843B2 |
Data manipulation during memory backup
Disclosed is a power isolation and backup system. When a power fail condition is detected, temporary storage is flushed to an SDRAM. After the flush, interfaces are halted, and power is removed from most of the chip except the SDRAM subsystem. The SDRAM subsystem copies data from an SDRAM to a flash memory. On the way, the data may be encrypted, and/or a data integrity signature calculated. To restore data, the SDRAM subsystem copies data from the flash memory to the SDRAM. On the way, the data being restored may be decrypted, and/or a data integrity signature checked. |
| US08738842B2 |
Solid state disk controller and data processing method thereof
A solid state disk controller includes a volatile memory having a memory area storing sector bit map values, and a memory controller. In a read operation, the memory controller selectively reads at least one sector among a plurality of sectors forming a page of an external non-volatile memory based on the sector bit map values stored in the memory area, indicated by a pointer. |
| US08738836B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and write-in method thereof
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device, comprising: a non-volatile memory array, storing multi-values by setting a plurality of different threshold voltages for each memory cell, and a control circuit, controlling a write-in operation to the memory cell array. When data have been written into the memory cell, the control circuit selects an adjacent word line, uses an erasing level to perform write-in which is weaker than the data write-in, and verifies soft programming of the amount of one page, such that a narrow-banded erasing level distribution is realized in an adjacent memory cell. |
| US08738835B2 |
HID over simple peripheral buses
In embodiments of HID over simple peripheral buses, a peripheral sensor receives inputs from a peripheral device, and the peripheral sensor implements an HID SPB interface to interface the peripheral device with a computing system via a simple peripheral bus (SPB) in an HID data format. The peripheral sensor can also receive extensibility data for a proprietary function of the peripheral device, and communicate the inputs from the peripheral device and the extensibility data via the simple peripheral bus in the computing system. Alternatively or in addition, a peripheral sensor can generate sensor data and the HID SPB interface interfaces the peripheral sensor with the computing system via the simple peripheral bus. The peripheral sensor can then communicate the sensor data as well as extensibility data for a proprietary function of the peripheral sensor via the simple peripheral bus in the HID data format to the computing system. |
| US08738831B2 |
Integrating universal serial bus devices to a computer system
A mechanism for integrating Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices is disclosed. A method of the invention includes retrieving an identifier of the USB device connected to a computer system, matching the identifier with a device identification stored in a systems library of the computer system. The systems library includes an application identifier corresponding to the device identification and an attribute corresponding to the application identifier. The method also includes executing instructions associated with attribute corresponding to the application identifier associated with the device identification matched to the identifier. |
| US08738828B2 |
System to operationally connect logic nodes
A system to operationally connect logic nodes may include an inter-nodal circuit to provide communications between any connected logic nodes. The system may also include a fabric bus that may be physically separate from the inter-nodal circuit, the fabric bus may provide logical connections restricted to any two connected logic nodes. The system may further include a clock circuit carried by the inter-nodal circuit that controls both the inter-nodal circuit and the fabric bus. |
| US08738825B1 |
Switch low power state in a blade server system
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising categorizing each data packet of a plurality of data packets into one of at least two priority groups of data packets; and controlling transmission of data packets of a first priority group of data packets during a first off-time period such that during the first off-time period, data packets of the first priority group of data packets are prevented from being transmitted to a switching module from one or more server blades. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08738824B1 |
Low power audio codec
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with a low power audio codec are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an audio codec having an audio buffer configured to store decoded audio data received from a processor. The audio codec is configured to provide the stored decoded audio data to an audio device while decoded audio data is not being received from the processor. According to another embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for decoded audio data from an audio codec with an audio buffer, entering a RUN mode and providing decoded audio data stored in processor memory to the audio codec for storage in the audio buffer. After receiving a buffer full signal from the audio codec the method includes entering a low power mode while the audio codec provides an audio signal to an audio device. |
| US08738822B2 |
System and method for controlling operation of a component on a computer system
The present invention provides a system and method for generating a control identity for binding together a component and a computer system including hardware devices and software applications. The binding system comprises a processor, a validator module for controlling the processor to generate the control identity, and a store for storing the control identity. The validator module is arranged to define a binding configuration for the component, representing a weighted combination of at least one of a set of hardware elements and a set of software elements needed within the computer system for operation of the component, the validator module also being arranged to prompt the processor to establish whether instances of the elements within the at least one set of elements are present in the computer system. The validator module assigns to each category of element that is established to be present an identity value and adds the identity value to data representing the binding configuration to define the control identity. The validator module then causes the control identity to be transferred to the store. |
| US08738820B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless network communication wherein a universal serial bus request block (URB) is generated that will vary parameters that controls wireless transmission commands between devices
In some embodiments a method is disclosed that includes creating a network connection status between a host device and a peripheral network device, determining characteristics of the peripheral device such as receive capacity or a quality of service classification for the transmission and flow control for performing control and data transfers. A transfer is initiated when a uniform serial bus request block (URB) is generated by a host application. The URB can have parameters that can be utilized to generate a transaction over a wireless network providing Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08738817B2 |
System and method for mapping a logical drive status to a physical drive status for multiple storage drives having different storage technologies within a server
An information handling system includes a backplane, a storage drive, and a board management controller. The board management controller is configured to discover a physical drive status of the drive from a storage enclosure processor, to receive a logical drive status of the drive, to read a backplane bay identification for the drive from a peripheral connector interface express extender or serial attached small computer system interface chipset logical drive number, and to construct a routing table for the drive to map the logical drive status with the physical drive status of the drive. |
| US08738812B2 |
Transfer of commands and storage data to a data storage device
A controller controls transfer of commands and storage data over a databus to a data storage device. The controller comprises a memory arranged to store a queue of commands prior to the commands being transferred over the databus. The controller identifies data access commands in the queue that specify the same type of data access and contiguous ranges of addresses. A concatenated data access command is transferred in place of so identified data access commands, the concatenated data access command specifying the same type of data access and the overall range of addresses. This improves the rate of data transfers. |
| US08738811B2 |
Fibre channel input/output data routing system and method
On embodiment includes a computer program product for performing a method including: obtaining information relating to an I/O operation at a channel subsystem in a host computer system; generating addressing information and forwarding the addressing information from at least one channel to a network interface between the channel subsystem and at least one I/O device, the addressing information specifying a location in a local channel memory; forwarding an I/O command message to the at least one I/O device via the network interface; responsive to the I/O command message, receiving a data transfer request from the network interface that includes the addressing information; responsive to receiving the data transfer request, accessing one of a plurality of address control words (ACWs), each ACW specifying an address of a location in a host computer memory; and routing the data transfer request to the host memory location specified in the ACW. |
| US08738809B2 |
Electronic device, display system, transmission method and display method
An electronic device includes an HDMI output terminal connectable to one of a first HDMI input terminal and a second HDMI input terminal of an external device, the first and second HDMI input terminals having a first physical address and a second physical address assigned thereto, respectively, a detection means for detecting a connection of the HDMI output terminal to one of the first and second HDMI input terminals, a read means for reading the first physical address from the external device when the connection of the HDMI output terminal to the first HDMI input terminal is detected and reading the second physical address from the external device when the connection of the HDMI output terminal to the second HDMI input terminal is detected, and a transmission means for transmitting one of the read first and second physical addresses to the external device via the HDMI output terminal. |
| US08738808B2 |
PLC system
Disclosed is a PLC system, the PLC system including a remote I/O module and an extended I/O module, thus configuring a ring topology with the remote I/O module and the extended I/O module. |
| US08738803B2 |
Communication method, communication device, and computer product for converting broadcast into unicast
A communication method, which is executed by a computer having access to a storage device having stored therein correlation relations between layer 2 addresses and layer 3 addresses set for a group of devices on a network, includes extracting from the storage device when an acquisition request for a layer 2 address is to be transmitted, a first layer 2 address that corresponds to a layer 3 address included in the acquisition request; converting the destination of the acquisition request, from a second layer 2 address representing the group of devices, to the first layer 2 address; transmitting the converted acquisition request whose destination has been converted; and updating when a response to the converted acquisition request has been received, the first layer 2 address in the storage device, to the first layer 2 address included in response. |
| US08738802B2 |
Forwarding traffic flow in intelligent resilient framework system
A method and member device for forwarding service messages in an Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) system and an IRF system. In the method, each member device in the IRF system is allocated to at least two virtual devices, and at least one stack link for each virtual device is configured in order to connect interface boards among different member devices. When it is determined according to a forwarding entry of an interface board in a first member device receiving a service message that the service message is to be transmitted to a second member device, the service message is forwarded via the at least one stack link configured for the virtual device of that interface board. |
| US08738800B1 |
Data structures and state tracking for network protocol processing
Described are data structures, and methodology for forming same, for network protocol processing. A method for creating data structures for firewalling and network address translating is described. A method for creating data structures for physical layer addressing is described. A method for security protocol support using a data structure is described. A method for creating at least one data structure sized responsive to whether a firewall is activated is described. A data structure for routing packets is described. A method of forming hashing table chains is described. Additionally, method and apparatus for tracking packet states is described. More particularly, Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”) tracking of states for packets is described. In an embodiment, a division between software states and hardware states is made as a packet is processed by both software and hardware. Additionally, method and apparatus for network protocol processing are described. For example, a packet for network address translation having a media access control header is obtained, from which information, including the media access control header, is obtained. The information is parsed into one or more data structures. It is determined whether a network processing unit is in a first round processing mode, or a second round pass-through mode. |
| US08738795B2 |
Media-aware and TCP-compatible bandwidth sharing for video streaming
Media-aware and TCP-compatible bandwidth sharing may be provided. In various embodiments, a network node may periodically update a virtual congestion level for a transmission stream in a network. The transmission stream may comprise at least one video stream and at least one data stream. The network node may then calculate, based at least in part on the virtual congestion level, a random packet marking probability or a random packet drop probability. In turn, the network node may either drop or mark transmission packets according to the calculated marking and dropping probability. The network node may further calculate an optimal video transmission rate for the at least one video stream and adjust a video transmission rate for the at least one video stream accordingly. Rate-distortions parameters for the at least one video stream may influence the optimal video transmission rate calculation for the at least one video stream. |
| US08738792B2 |
Server time protocol messages and methods
Server time protocol (STP) messages and methods of exchange thereof are provided for facilitating synchronization of processing units of a timing network. The STP messages include exchange time parameters (XTP) commands and responses, and STP control (STC) commands and responses. XTP message exchange processing includes: generating an XTP message command at a first processing unit including a command transmit timestamp field set by the first processing unit and a command receive timestamp field which is unset by the first processing unit; transmitting the XTP message command to a second processing unit; setting the command receive timestamp field in the XTP command with the time the XTP command is received at the second processing unit; and generating an XTP message response at the second processing unit, the message response including the command transmit timestamp set by the first processing unit and the command receive timestamp set by the second processing unit. |
| US08738789B2 |
Media service delivery system providing conditional access to media content from various client devices
A system for protecting the digital rights of content owners allows digital media to be delivered to only those media rendering client devices that have been approved for the media content. Before delivering requested media, the media service provider may determine whether the media rendering client device that requested the media is the type of device that is authorized to receive the request media. If it is, the media service provider may transmit the media to a middleman server over a network (such as the Internet). A middleman server may then serve the media to the client device over a local network. By allowing the media content to be distributed to approved devices only, the media service provider can prevent a user from using the media in a way that is not authorized by the content owner. |
| US08738786B2 |
Method for protecting client and server
A service provider provides a service to a service user using a client server based system executed in network, such as Internet, Intranet and Extranet. If the service user request a service to the service provider, the service provider installs a protection space within system of the service user and executes programs requested by the service user within the protection space, thereby both the system of the service user and the system of the service provider are securely protected. A software distritution based on distribution of virtual machine makes a user who is not familiar with a computer use the PC in a easy and speedy way. |
| US08738780B2 |
System and method for hybrid communication mechanism utilizing both communication server-based and direct endpoint-to-endpoint connections
A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support a hybrid solution that utilizes a centralized communication server as the main mechanism for communication between two clients (endpoints), but augments the server-based communication with an optional direct connection between the two clients whenever available while hiding the complexities and time spent dealing with the direct connection from the clients. The switch of the communication mode between the clients is kept transparent to them during their communication session without causing any inconvenience and/or disruption of the communication. When a direct endpoint to endpoint connection is not available the approach preserves the advantages of connecting through the intermediate communication server. |
| US08738777B2 |
Management and allocation of services using remote computer connections
A computer-implemented method for allocating services among a plurality of service operators where each capable of providing at least one service and each service operator operating a respective computer to receiving at a support server a request for service from at least one computer being operated by a user, generating a questionnaire to be answered by the user operating the at least one computer, selecting at least one service operator based upon the answered questionnaire, and establishing a service session between the at least one computer being operated by the user and the computer being operated by the at least one selected service operator for providing the requested service. |
| US08738776B2 |
System and method for facilitating distribution of limited resources
A method is provided for distributing limited resources. The method comprising the following steps. A plurality of limited resources about to expire on a given day is determined. The plurality of limited resources is made available simultaneously. Resource requests from a plurality of clients for a registration period are allowed starting at a predetermined time. The resource requests are processed after the registration period by correlating the limited resources with the received resource requests. |
| US08738770B2 |
Sending synchronous responses to requests from frontend applications
A system includes a first node and a second node. The first node includes a first memory storing executable instructions for configuring the first node to receive a service request from a frontend application. The first node identifies a timeout required for processing the service request and sends the service request to a backend application for processing. The second node includes a second memory storing executable instructions for configuring the second node to monitor for a response regarding results of processing of the service request. In response to the timeout for the service request elapsing before receiving a backend application response to the service request, the second node sends a response informing the frontend application from which the service request was received that the backend application has not responded to the service request. |
| US08738761B2 |
Method and system to capture and playback network activity
A method and system to capture and playback network activity are disclosed. The system comprises a recorder to continuously record data directly from a live network over a selected period of time. The system also comprises a simulator to create a simulated network based on the data recorded by the recorder, so that a network management application can be run against the simulated network. Conveniently, the system further comprises a selector to allow a user to identify at least one network device that is to be recorded. The selector may also be used to allow the user to specify the network device's parameters and/or properties that are to be recorded by the recorder, and to select the period of time that the recorder is to continuously record data from the live network. |
| US08738760B2 |
Method and system for providing automated data retrieval in support of fault isolation in a managed services network
An approach for supporting automated fault isolation is provided. An alarm is received indicating a fault within a customer network that includes one or more network elements. The customer network being monitored by a service provider. A script is retrieved for specifying a dialogue with the network elements for data collection. A command is transmitted to the customer network according to the one script to obtain data from the network elements, wherein the data is utilized to determine the fault. Further, a workflow event corresponding to the alarm is generated, wherein resolution of the fault is automated according to the workflow event. |
| US08738759B2 |
System and method for service response monitoring
A method, system, and computer program product for monitoring the response time for a web service provider is provided. In one embodiment, receiving a web service inbound transaction is received at a web service proxy server. The web service proxy server invokes a response time monitoring service and provides the response time monitoring service with a unique transaction identifier for the inbound transaction. The web service proxy server also invokes, on the web service provider, a web service requested by the inbound transaction. The proxy server later receives an outbound transaction from the web service provider corresponding to the original inbound transaction and invokes the response time monitoring service, once again, providing the unique transaction identifier to the response time monitoring service. The response time monitoring service determines a time for the inbound transaction and for the outbound transaction corresponding to the same unique transaction identifier and sets a response time as the difference in times between the time for the outbound transaction and the time for the inbound transaction. |
| US08738758B2 |
Remotely administering a server
Remotely administering a server, the server including non-volatile memory upon which is disposed one or more digital images representing the server, the server also including one or more components each of which includes non-volatile memory in which is disposed one or more digital images representing the component, where the server is connected for data communications to a management module, and remotely administering the server includes: retrieving, by the management module from the server, the digital images representing the server and the digital images representing the installed components; generating, by the management module with the digital images representing the server and the digital images representing the installed components, a graphical representation of the server with the installed components; and presenting, by the management module to a user through a GUI, the graphical representation of the server with the installed components. |
| US08738756B2 |
Enabling co-existence of hosts or virtual machines with identical addresses
A system and an article of manufacture for enabling co-existence of multiple machines with identical addresses within a single data center network. include assigning a unique pseudo identifier to each machine in the network that can be used for routing a packet to a destination machine, replacing a sender media access control address on an address resolution protocol request with a pseudo identifier of the sender at an edge network switch, retrieving a private network identifier from a mapping table based on the sender pseudo identifier and returning a pseudo identifier for the destination address based on the private network identifier, and replacing the pseudo identifier of the destination address with an actual identifier at a destination edge network switch for routing the packet to the destination machine. |
| US08738755B2 |
Providing external access to service versions via a bundle framework
A bundle entering a set of starting and active bundles within a bundle framework is detected by a controller bundle executed by a processor. It is determined whether a manifest of the bundle includes an extension header that identifies an application and an aliased additional version of the application. It is determined whether an active application proxy object that represents the application as an active service registered from a previously-started bundle already exists within a service registry. An inactive application proxy object that represents a defined entry point class of the application and an additional active application proxy object that represents a defined entry point class of the aliased additional version of the application are created. The created additional active application proxy object is registered as an additional service within the service registry of the bundle framework. |
| US08738751B2 |
Method and system for generating instruction signals for performing interventions in a communication network, and corresponding computer-program product
A system for generating instruction signals arranged in workflow for performing interventions on network equipment included in a communication network, wherein the equipment is associated with resource proxy agents, each responsible for managing a single equipment in the network. The system includes a distributed architecture of intervention management proxy agents to generate the instruction signals. The intervention management proxy agents are interactively coupled with the resource proxy agents, whereby the instruction signals are a function of the status of the equipment in the network on which the interventions are performed. |
| US08738748B2 |
Metadata driven automatic deployment of distributed server systems
Automatic and reliable deployment of system topology to computing devices within an enhanced communication system is provided. Specific roles and features associated with individual devices such as servers are defined in a centrally managed topology document, which is replicated to devices to be configured along with one or more modules for performing local configuration. Upon deployment, the module(s) determine a local device configuration, a desired configuration for the device, and update the device's configuration installing and activating roles and features assigned to the device by the topology document. Feedback regarding the results of the configuration is provided to a central management store such that administration can monitor status of devices within the system. Modifications to the assigned roles and prerequisites for supporting those roles are made dynamically through the same mechanism as system topology changes. |
| US08738746B2 |
Configuration management for real-time server
A Realtime Event Server comprising a component to operate on data from data streams; and a configuration system adapted to supply configuration for the realtime event server, the configuration including dynamic configuration, the dynamic configuration being changeable without restarting the component. |
| US08738740B2 |
Transmission of digital audio data
A system, method and computer-readable code for segmenting an audio stream into a plurality of small digital audio files using gaps in the natural language of the audio stream is provided. The small digital audio files are transmitted, loaded, and played in a specific order, such that from the user's perspective, the audio stream is reproduced in an apparently seamless manner. This is done without reassembling the audio stream, either in whole or in part. The small digital audio files are created using natural language gaps, and are generally small enough to ensure that a first small digital audio file can be downloaded and played without significant delay, while successive small digital audio files are downloaded to be played in the future. Accordingly, the user receives audio-on-demand in a timely manner. |
| US08738738B2 |
File transmitting apparatus, file transmitting method, and file transmitting program
A file transmitting apparatus carries out accepting client information of a client as a transmission target from a transmitting terminal 300 used by a client who is to transmit a file, identifying the client-specific application use authority information of the client as the transmission target in the storing device using the client information as accepted as a key, and storing the client-specific application use authority information as identified, accepting the file to be transmitted from the transmitting terminal 300, and transmitting information of the file to be transmitted with the client-specific application use authority information concerning the client as a transmission target stored in the storing device to an address of the terminal as a transmission target, and transmitting the file to be transmitted to a terminal address of the client as a transmission target according to an instruction from the transmitting terminal 300. |
| US08738736B2 |
Scalable content streaming system with server-side archiving
Some embodiments provide a scalable content streaming system that performs server-side archiving. The content streaming system includes a set of streaming server clusters, a remote storage server, and a set of distributed servers. Each streaming server cluster includes at least one streaming server and a local storage server. Each streaming server of a particular cluster distributes a content stream that is uploaded to the streaming server while also recording the content stream to the local storage server of that particular cluster. The remote storage server stores files from the local storage servers that are transferred when recording to those files is complete. The set of distributed servers distribute a live stream of content from a particular streaming server when the content is being uploaded to the particular streaming server and distribute a recorded stream of the content from the remote storage server when the upload is complete. |
| US08738732B2 |
System and method for performing follow up based on user interactions
A system and method for follow up management comprising determining if a user has an unexpired repository record, extracting information from the repository record associated with the user; and acting on instructions stored in the repository record. The method is practiced on a system for managing online interaction comprising a business rules engine a follow up repository, and a follow up engine. |
| US08738731B2 |
Method and system for providing secure access to private networks
Improved approaches for providing secure access to resources maintained on private networks are disclosed. The secure access can be provided through a public network using a standard network browser. Multiple remote users are able to gain restricted and controlled access to at least portions of a private network through a common access point. The solution provided by the invention is not only easily set up and managed, but also able to support many remote users in a cost-effective manner. |
| US08738730B2 |
System and method for remotely controlling network resources
A personal network may be established by interconnecting a plurality of satellites as part of the personal network. Each satellite may be configured to communicate with one or more other satellites. On any given one of the plurality of satellites, data indicating a connectivity status for the one or more other satellites is automatically received, and information indicating a capability of the one or more other satellites is automatically received. The given satellite may be configured to enable at least one other corresponding satellite in the plurality of satellites to be made available for use, so that a capability of the at least one other corresponding satellite is made available for the given satellite. |
| US08738728B2 |
Information processing apparatus that identifies transmission source, and control method and storage medium therefor
An information processing apparatus capable of correctly identifying an image processing apparatus from which an event notification has been transmitted. The information processing apparatus, e.g., a PC, transmits to image processing apparatuses, e.g., MFPs, an event notification request packet that requests the MFPs to transmit an event notification upon occurrence of an event therein, acquires transmission source addresses from response packets sent from the MFPs in reply to the event notification request, and registers the acquired addresses. When receiving an event notification packet from any of the MFPs, the PC acquires a transmission source address from the event notification packet and compares the acquired address with the registered addresses, and determines that the MFP from which the event notification packet has been transmitted is one of registered MFPs, if the acquired address coincides with one of the registered addresses. |
| US08738725B2 |
Community internet drive
Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to providing a community internet drive that may utilize a centrally-managed hub as well as storage devices distributed among various networked machines. In some embodiments, the community internet drive can also include features to enable its users to promote and utilize the user's trusted personal relationships while also enabling an open platform for peer-to-peer and/or other types of sharing schemes. |
| US08738723B1 |
Predictive forwarding of notification data
A computing system is described that receives notification data associated with a user, and responsive to determining that the user is interacting with a first computing device at a first particular time, outputs, for transmission to the first computing device, the notification data. The computing system determines that the user is interacting with a second computing device at a second particular time, and responsive to determining, based on the second particular time being less than a threshold amount of time after the first particular time, that the user did not view the notification data at the first computing device, outputs, for transmission to the second computing device, the notification data. |
| US08738715B2 |
System and method for processing messages in a messaging service
A method, system and server for processing messages sent from a client in a network are provided. The method comprises: for a message for a conversation to be transmitted from a client associated with a first user account associated with the network to a set of user accounts, upon activation of a command to send the message, sending to the set of accounts a request message requesting acceptance of the conversation; receiving replies from the set of accounts to the request message; and sending the message for the conversation to a first subset of accounts associated with the set of accounts that generated an acceptance message for the request message and updating a message log associated with the conversation to indicate that the first subset of accounts has accepted the conversation as participants in the conversation. A method, system and server for message archiving are also provided. |
| US08738714B2 |
Suggesting invitations to join a network
A method for suggesting invitations to a network. The method includes accessing information corresponding to a plurality of individuals, wherein a first user of the network is associated with the plurality of individuals. The method also includes determining whether any of the plurality of individuals merit an invitation to join said network with the first user. The determining is based on the information corresponding to a plurality of individuals. |
| US08738709B2 |
Automated email activity management
A system for organizing email includes a modeler operable to infer a temporal sequential process from a corpus of unlabeled email messages, and a categorizer operable to accept an incoming message and map the aforesaid incoming message to a transition in the aforesaid temporal sequential process. |
| US08738707B2 |
Limited-life electronic mail accounts
In one aspect, a method related to a limited-use electronic mail account. In addition to the foregoing, other method and system and program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application. |
| US08738706B1 |
Systems and methods for collaborative document editing
A collaborative development service manages a document that can be shared among multiple users. If multiple users are editing the document, the edits may need to have operational transformation rules applied thereon. The collaborative development service provides operational transformation rules to users of mobile devices that do not have copies of the operational transformation rules stored on their devices. When a change to the document is received by the collaborative development service, it is determined that a first user device has operational transformation capability. In response to determining that the first user device has operational transformation capability, the change is transmitted to the first user. The collaborative development service determines that a second user device does not have operational transformation capability and applies an operational transformation to the change to generate a transformed change. The transformed change is transmitted to the second user device. |
| US08738704B2 |
Publish/subscribe broker messaging system and method
A publish/subscribe broker messaging system and method for processing a data message based on a message broker scheduling algorithm. The scheduling algorithm can be configured in association with a message broker to receive and transmit the data message associated with one or more publishers to a subscriber. The subscriber can register a subscription with respect to the message broker to receive the data message based on a selected topic. An attribute can be added to the selected topic description based on the scheduling algorithm in order to schedule the data message from the publisher with respect to the selected topic via the message broker. The data message with respect to the selected topic from the publisher can be processed sequentially and the scheduling algorithm can process other topics simultaneously. The data messages from other publishers with similar topic can also be processed simultaneously in order to transmit a high volume of message while ensuring high levels of service. |
| US08738701B2 |
Arbitration of disk ownership in a storage pool
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing persistent reservation techniques for establishing ownership of one or more physical disks. These persistent reservation techniques can be employed to determine ownership of physical disks in a storage pool as well as in any other storage configuration. Using the persistent reservation techniques of the present invention, when a network partition occurs, a defender of a physical disk does not remove a challenger's registration key until the defender receives notification that the challenger is no longer in the defender's partition. In this way, pending I/O from applications executing on the challenger will not fail due to the challenger's key being removed until the proper ownership of the physical disk can be resolved. |
| US08738696B2 |
Single subscription management for multiple devices
System(s) and method(s) are provided that facilitate managing routing voice and data traffic, associated with a subscription, when there are multiple devices. A client component can manage which communication device of multiple communication devices of a subscriber is active on the network at a given time for the subscriber based in part on location of a mobile device associated with the subscriber, a subscriber profile, and predefined routing criteria, which can facilitate optimal device selection. The mobile device can communicate via a macro network when outside of an area served by consumer premise equipment of the subscriber; and when the mobile device is in the area served by the consumer premise device, voice and data traffic directed to the mobile device can be automatically routed to one of multiple communication devices connected to the consumer premise equipment. The subscriber profile can specify routing preferences of the subscriber. |
| US08738695B2 |
Joint analysis of social and content networks
A method and apparatus is provided to analyze social and content networks, to identify new relationships among users and content, and to more effectively link users to content. Embodiments of the invention also facilitate more relevant searches over both social and content data. One embodiment is directed to analyzing integrated social and content networks, and includes specifying a social network comprising multiple user nodes, and specifying a content network comprising multiple multimedia content nodes. Data elements associated with respective nodes of the user and content networks are analyzed, in order to detect a set of nodes comprising at least first and second user nodes and first and second content nodes, and to further detect at least three commonality links that join all the nodes of the set together. It is also determined whether a further link is a valid commonality link. The further link is initially inferred to extend between two of the nodes in the set, and to cooperatively join with the three identified commonality links to form a closed loop. |
| US08738692B2 |
Selectively processing cookies in a proxy
An intermediary (such as a web reverse proxy), which is located between a web browser and one or more backend applications, manages cookies that are provided by the backend applications and returned to the web browser during a user session. The intermediary decides which cookies should be sent to the browser and which cookies should be stored therein. Preferably, this determination is made in an automated manner by examining the response for any cookie-dependent code (e.g., scripting) included in the response. |
| US08738691B2 |
Systems and methods for caching and serving dynamic content
A web server and a shared caching server are described for serving dynamic content to users of at least two different types, where the different types of users receive different versions of the dynamic content. A version of the dynamic content includes a validation header, such as an ETag, that stores information indicative of the currency of the dynamic content and information indicative of a user type for which the version of the dynamic content is intended. In response to a user request for the dynamic content, the shared caching server sends a validation request to the web server with the validation header information. The web server determines, based on the user type of the requestor and/or on the currency of the cached dynamic content whether to instruct the shared caching server to send the cached content or to send updated content for serving to the user. |
| US08738687B2 |
Communication system having management apparatus and user apparatus, management apparatus, user apparatus, and method of controlling the same
To facilitate account information setting, in a communication system including a management apparatus which manages account information to be used to use a service provided by a server apparatus, and a user apparatus which uses the service, the management apparatus selects, based on device classification information acquired from the user apparatus, account information to be provided to the user apparatus from one or more pieces of account information stored in a storage unit, and provides the account information to the user apparatus. The user apparatus sends the device classification information of the user apparatus to the management apparatus, receives, from the management apparatus, the account information selected based on the device classification information, and uses the service provided by the server apparatus. |
| US08738680B2 |
Reuse engine with task list for fast fourier transform and method of using the same
An improved processing engine for performing Fourier transforms includes an instruction processor configured to process sequential instruction software commands and a Fourier transform engine coupled to the instruction processor. The Fourier transform engine is configured to perform Fourier transforms on a serial stream of data. The Fourier transform engine is configured to receive configuration information and operational data from the instruction processor via a set of software tasks. |
| US08738679B2 |
Offset-free sinc interpolator and related methods
An offset free sinc interpolating filter includes differentiators operating at a first sampling frequency, integrators operating at a second sampling frequency and one or more coefficient multipliers. The coefficient multipliers multiply a received value with a constant coefficient value to generate an output value. The differentiators, integrators and coefficient multipliers can be operatively coupled to each other, either directly or through other components such as adders and delay elements, or by a combination of the two. In operation, an input signal is provided to the sinc interpolating filter at the first sampling frequency. The input signal is processed by the differentiators, integrators and coefficient multipliers to generate an output signal at the second sampling frequency. Once the output signal is generated, the integrators are reset before the next input cycle begins. |
| US08738678B2 |
Methods and systems for determining an enhanced rank order value of a data set
The value of a median or other rank of interest in a dataset is efficiently determined. Each active bit of the dataset is serially processed to compute one bit of the output value from each bit of the input dataset. If any sample in the dataset has an active bit that differs from the determined output value for that bit, then that sample can be marked as no longer in consideration. After an active bit has been processed, the data for that bit may be discarded or subsequently ignored. These techniques allow the rank value to be efficiently determined using pipelined logic in a configurable gate array (CGA) or the like. Further implementations may be enhanced to compute clipped means, to identify “next highest” or “next lowest” values, to reduce quantization errors through less-significant bit interpolation, to simultaneously process multiple values in a common pipeline, or for any other purpose. |
| US08738677B2 |
Method of generating random numbers for a gaming system
Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for providing random numbers for a gaming system. A random number generator (RNG) processor is arranged to select a plurality of RNG system components and configure them in an RNG pipeline, to provide random numbers to a gaming system. In one embodiment, a true random number generator (TRNG) is used to generate seeds for a pseudo random number generator in the pipeline. Analysers, loggers and other elements may also be included in the pipeline. |
| US08738673B2 |
Index partition maintenance over monotonically addressed document sequences
Provided are techniques for partitioning a physical index into one or more physical partitions; assigning each of the one or more physical partitions to a node in a cluster of nodes; for each received document, assigning an assigned-doc-ID comprising an integer document identifier; and, in response to assigning the assigned-doc-ID to a document, determining a cut-off of assignment of new documents to a current virtual-index-epoch comprising a first set of physical partitions and placing the new documents into a new virtual-index-epoch comprising a second set of physical partitions by inserting each new document to a specific one of the physical partitions in the second set using one or more functions that direct the placement based on one of the assigned-doc-id, a field value derived from a set of fields obtained from the document, and a combination of the assigned-doc-id and the field value. |
| US08738666B2 |
Systems and methods for ontological and meta-ontological data modeling
According to one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method is provided for the association of conceptual and relational information. First, the structure information necessary to define types, relationships, attributes, and handlers is established. Then, the context in which the correlation of conceptual and relational information is to occur is established. Existing and/or new ontologies to be considered during the act of correlation are selected. Relational and conceptual information is recorded and source and/or content data is displayed. |
| US08738657B2 |
Distribution of key values
A computer apparatus and related method to reduce database congestion is provided. In one aspect, the computer apparatus and method may generate a new partition within a hierarchical data structure of interlinked nodes, if a distribution of key values stored in the hierarchical data structure is skewed in favor of a range of key values. |
| US08738656B2 |
Method and system for processing a group of resource identifiers
The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method of processing a group of resource identifiers. The method includes generating a node candidate based on a resource identifier, wherein the node candidate includes a component corresponding to a portion of the resource identifier according to a dimension of specificity. The method also includes adding the lattice node candidate to a corpus lattice based on whether a matching corpus node corresponding to the node candidate is already included in the corpus lattice. The corpus lattice includes corpus nodes corresponding to a plurality of resource identifiers. The method also includes generating a pruned corpus lattice by a process that includes determining that a child node in the corpus lattice is compatible with a parent node of the child node and removing the child node from the corpus lattice. The method also includes generating an output file corresponding to the pruned URL lattice. |
| US08738654B2 |
Objective and subjective ranking of comments
A system may receive a request for comments associated with a particular document, identify a comment associated with the particular document, generate an objective score for the comment that is independent of a user associated with the request, identify the user associated with the request, generate a subjective score for the comment based on parameters associated with the identified user, generate a combined score for the comment by combining the objective score and the subjective score, and provide the comment, ranked based on the combined score, to the user for presentation with the particular document. |
| US08738653B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for disambiguating a request for a media enhancement
The present invention is and includes a device, system and method for providing an image enhancement widget. The device, system and method include a javascript component that, upon execution, obtains at least one subject of primary content on a networked page, and at least one permission for enhancement of the primary content, ones of a plurality of content produced remotely from the javascript component and according to the javascript component, and an enhancement widget. The enhancement widget may be a flash widget. |
| US08738648B2 |
System and method for delivery of business information through an electronic address book
Systems and methods are provided to deliver business information to users through users' online address books. Data aggregation servers associate individual businesses with one or more unique identifiers. The data aggregation servers collect, store and periodically update business information relating to individual businesses from a variety of sources, such as the businesses themselves and third party sources, such as online publications and message boards. The data aggregation servers store the information in association with the unique identifier. Electronic address book applications hosted on user devices store address book entries for individual businesses in local address book databases. The entries for each business include the unique identifier, and the online address book applications use the unique identifier to retrieve business information relating to individual businesses from the data aggregation servers. |
| US08738647B2 |
Method and system for image matching
The present invention provides a method and system for image matching. The method includes receiving a query image at a query-server. Further, the method includes, sending a request to one or more image-matching servers of a set of distributed image-matching servers to conduct an image-search corresponding to the query image. Furthermore, the method includes receiving at the query-server, a list of identified matches from the image-matching servers corresponding to the query image, wherein the list of matches is identified based on the image-search at the image-matching servers. Moreover, the method includes selecting one or more matches from the list of identified matches based on a score corresponding to the identified matches. |
| US08738644B2 |
Single-tap input remote server access
The present invention provides a single-tap search method for a mobile phone or portable device having an ambiguity keyboard for searching a remote sever. Via a database on the remote sever, the present invention can provide more keywords for a given ambiguity string. Additionally, when the keywords are found on the database on the remote sever the present invention further searches the database for information related to the keywords. |
| US08738640B2 |
Method and system for managing the lifecycles of media assets
There is provided a method for managing the lifecycles of one or more media assets. The method comprises importing the one or more media assets into a system for managing the lifecycles of the one or more media assets, determining one or more metadata tags for association with the one or more media assets by evaluating the one or more media assets with one or more tagging filters, associating the one or more metadata tags with the one or more media assets after determining one or more metadata tags for association with the one or more media assets, and grouping the one or more media assets according to the one or more metadata tags associated with the one or more media assets by evaluating the one or more metadata tags with one or more grouping filters to generate one or more media asset groups. |
| US08738638B1 |
Map usage visualization
A system and method determines analyzes usage of an online mapping system by users, determines popularity of geographic regions and stores the processed data which is optionally in a visual data layer over the map. |
| US08738635B2 |
Detection of junk in search result ranking
Embodiments are directed to ranking search results using a junk profile. For a given corpus of documents, one or more junk profiles may be created and maintained. The junk profile provides reference metrics to represent known junk documents. For example, a junk profile may comprise a dictionary of document data that is automatically inserted into documents created using a particular system or template. A junk profile may also comprise one or more representations (e.g., histograms) of a distribution of a particular junk variable for known junk documents. The junk profile provides a usable representation of known junk documents, and the present systems and methods employ the junk profile to predict the likelihood that documents in the corpus are junk. In embodiments, junk scores are calculated and used to rank such documents higher or lower in response to a search query. |
| US08738633B1 |
Transformation invariant media matching
This disclosure relates to transformation invariant media matching. A fingerprinting component can generate a transformation invariant identifier for media content by adaptively encoding the relative ordering of interest points in media content. The interest points can be grouped into subsets, and stretch invariant descriptors can be generated for the subsets based on ratios of coordinates of interest points included in the subsets. The stretch invariant descriptors can be aggregated into a transformation invariant identifier. An identification component compares the identifier against a set of identifiers for known media content, and the media content can be matched or identified as a function of the comparison. |
| US08738632B2 |
Encoded matrix index
A method, apparatus, and program product are provided for creating an Encoded Matrix Index for a column in a database table. An element of the column for all rows in the database table is compared to a corresponding reference value in a reference data structure, and in response to at least one value for the element of the column not matching the reference value, indicating a variation in a variation data structure and creating a value data structure. Queries executed using the Encoded Matrix Index include terms associated with a sub-column defined in a column of a database table. The variation data structure is accessed to determine whether any variation exists between rows belonging to a sub-column of the database table. If no variation exists, a value is accessed from the reference data structure; otherwise, a value for each row of the sub-column is accessed from a value data structure. |
| US08738631B1 |
Inverted index and inverted list process for storing and retrieving information
A process is disclosed for the computer management of inverted lists and inverted indices, in which the standard representation and processing of inverted lists is changed in order to achieve a simpler, more compact and more efficient architecture. |
| US08738625B2 |
Log management system and program
A log management system for analyzing and managing a log acquired in a computer is provided. The system generates log groups each formed of log records with reference to the log. The system identifies active periods, in each of which a display area is active, in the log groups, and compares a start-to-end period from a start time to an end time of a reference log group selected from the log groups with active periods of subject log groups other than the reference operation log group individually to identify one or more subject log groups having an active period included in the start-to-end period. The system individually determines whether to include the identified one or more subject log groups in the same first cluster as the reference log group, based on an active period length of each of the identified one or more subject log groups within the start-to-end period. |
| US08738624B1 |
Increasing distributed database capacity
Disclosed are various embodiments for increasing distributed database capacity by adding new nodes while minimizing downtime. A database is partitioned among multiple nodes in a cluster. Each node stores a respective portion of the database. The portions of the database are replicated to corresponding physical standbys. For each portion, a first portion is mapped to an existing node, while a remaining portion is mapped to a physical standby. The cluster is updated to include the physical standbys as additional nodes among which the database is partitioned. |
| US08738622B2 |
Processing captured images having geolocations
Methods (105), apparatuses (600), and computer readable storage mediums for processing captured images having geolocations related to the captured images at the time of capture are disclosed. A representative geolocation is associated (110) with each group of images previously captured at the same location. For each representative geolocation, based on at least the timestamp of the images associated with the representative geolocation, the probability is determined (120) that a further image will be captured at or near the representative geolocation. For representative geolocations with a determined probability above a predetermined threshold, the respective representative geolocation is associated (130) with at least one personal place. |
| US08738620B2 |
Implementing enterprise level business information networking
Systems, apparatus, and methods for implementing enterprise level social and business information networking are provided. Users can receive relevant information about a database system and its users at an appropriate time. Users can then use this relevant information to reduce errors and limit redundant efforts. For example, an update of a record in the database can be identified, and a story created automatically about the update and sent to the users that are following the record. Which updates have stories created and which stories are to be sent to which users can be configured. Other events besides updating of records can also be tracked. For example, actions of a user that result in an event can be tracked, where such tracking can also be configurable. Subscriptions to follow an object can be automatic, and access checks can be used to ensure that unauthorized users do not see certain data. |
| US08738617B2 |
Providing answers to questions using multiple models to score candidate answers
A method, system and computer program product for generating answers to questions. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an input query; conducting a search to identify candidate answers to the input query, and producing a plurality of scores for each of the candidate answers. For each of the candidate answers, one, of a plurality of candidate ranking functions, is selected. This selected ranking function is applied to the each of the candidate answers to determine a ranking for the candidate answer based on the scores for that candidate answer. One or more of the candidate answers is selected, based on the rankings for the candidate answers, as one or more answers to the input query. In an embodiment, the ranking function selection is performed using information about the question. In an embodiment, the ranking function selection is performed using information about each answer. |
| US08738609B2 |
Capturing and presenting site visitation path data
Node sequence data, such as website visitation records, are filtered, analyzed, and summarized in reports. An administrator can designate particular target paths of interest in terms of a checkpoint node sequence. Node sequences are filtered based on the checkpoint node sequence, without regard to any additional or tangential nodes appearing in the sequences. In addition, node sequences can be specified in terms of specific nodes of interest along with wild cards. Reports depict the relative frequency of occurrence of node sequences using visual indicators such as line thickness and/or color. |
| US08738607B2 |
Extracting portions of an abstract database for problem determination
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for extracting portions of an abstract database for problem determination. An error may be detected when an application executes an abstract query against the abstract database. A portion of the abstract database may be extracted for problem determination. A defect entry may be created in a defect tracking tool, to store the extracted portion. One or more administrative users may be notified of the defect entry. |
| US08738606B2 |
Query generation using environment configuration
A query for a help system includes data about a user system and a task that the user is attempting. The query may be used by a search engine to generate relevant results to aid the user. The user system data may include configuration data about hardware and software. The task data may be derived from the current state of a device, or from operational history that may be developed from a single user or a group of users. The query may have a mechanism to weight various keywords or components of the query and a feedback system may adjust the weights for future queries. |
| US08738604B2 |
Methods for discovering sensitive information on computer networks
One embodiment of a method of the present invention for discovering sensitive information on computer network provides for discovering databases on a computer network, defining a pattern for a data discovery, discovering qualifying records by matching the pattern with field names and/or record values in the databases, sending electronic notification to a database administrator managing the qualifying database, receiving a selection choice from the database administrator managing the qualifying database identifying the status for the qualifying records. |
| US08738599B2 |
Purchase handoff in a travel search engine
A method and apparatus are provided for a dynamic information connection engine. User actions are detected on at least one client system. In response, a determination is made whether the user is searching for supported information. When the user is searching for supported information, information is extracted electronically from third party web sites, direct supplier connections, and intermediate databases. Potential information suppliers are automatically selected in response to the detected user search. Queries are formulated from the user search and transferred to each selected supplier over a network coupling. The queries include a request for information. Responses are received from the suppliers, and the responses are used to generate a result list for the user. The result list includes information and query status information. Further, an electronic link may be provided to a web site of each supplier from which the information was derived. |
| US08738598B2 |
Checkpointing iterators during search
Tools and techniques are described herein for checkpointing iterators during search. These tools may provide methods that include instantiating iterators in response to a search request. The iterators include fixed state information that remains constant over a life of the iterator, and further include dynamic state information that is updated over the life of the iterator. The iterators traverse through postings lists in connection with performing the search request. As the iterators traverse the posting lists, the iterators may update their dynamic state information. The iterators may then evaluate whether to create checkpoints, with the checkpoints including representations of the dynamic state information. |
| US08738595B2 |
Location based full text search
A method and system for a location based full text search is disclosed. The system generates interwoven bit vectors for documents that are stored in a database. The system may determine a location value based on a portion of a map that a user is viewing. The system may also receive at least one search term inputted by a user. Based on the location value and the search term, the system may generate one or more interwoven bit vectors, which may be used to query an index that identifies responsive documents stored in the database. |
| US08738587B1 |
Processing a system search request by retrieving results from both a native index and a virtual index
A search request received at a computer of a search support system is processed by analyzing the received search request to identify request parameters and connecting to a system index of the search support system that is referenced in the request parameters. An external result provider (ERP) process is initiated that establishes communication between the search support system and a data source external to the search support system, for a virtual index referenced in the request parameters. Thus, the ERP process provides an interface between the search support system and external data sources, such as by third parties. The ERP process can operate in a streaming mode (providing real-time search results with minimal processing) and/or a reporting mode (providing results with a greater delay and processing extent) and can switch between modes. The search request results are received from the connected system indexes and the referenced virtual indexes. |
| US08738585B2 |
Restore software with aggregated view of site collections
A system and method for restoring site collections stored in different content databases of a web application are disclosed. A restoration GUI may be displayed. Displaying the restoration GUI may include determining a plurality of databases used for the web application. For each respective database of the plurality of databases, one or more site collections stored in the database may be determined. Displaying the graphical user interface may further comprise displaying an aggregated view of the site collections stored in each database of the plurality of databases. The aggregated view may enable each site collection to be selected for restoration. |
| US08738582B2 |
Distributed object storage system comprising performance optimizations
A distributed object storage system includes several performance optimizations with respect to storing very small data objects, very large data objects and CRC calculations. |
| US08738581B1 |
Using multiple clients for data backup
Various systems and methods for using multiple clients for data backup are described. For example, one method involves accessing a namespace, where the namespace indicates locations of files. At least a portion of the namespace is divided into sets, where the sets correspond to a subset of the files. The files of the subset are accessed by plurality of nodes, and the accessing is based on the sets. Each of the nodes accesses the files of the subset. The nodes are used to store, at data storage, the files of the subset. |
| US08738570B2 |
File cloning and de-cloning in a data storage system
A file cloning mechanism allows for quickly creating copies (clones) of files within a filesystem, such as when a user makes a copy of a file. In exemplary embodiments, a clone of a source object is at least initially represented by a structure containing references to various elements of the source object (e.g., indirect onodes, direct onodes, and data blocks). Both read-only and mutable clones can be created. The source file and the clone initially share such elements and continue to share unmodified elements as changes are made to the source file or mutable clone. None of the user data blocks or the metadata blocks describing the data stream (i.e., the indirect/direct onodes) associated with the source file need to be copied at the time the clone is created. At appropriate times, cloned files may be “de-cloned.” |
| US08738569B1 |
Systematic verification of database metadata upgrade
A script is run on a database to transform the metadata and produce an upgraded database. A new database corresponding to the upgraded database is initialized, and the metadata in the new database catalog is verified by comparing it to the upgraded database metadata. A fast verification is performed on a partial upgrade by dumping the catalogs of master nodes and comparing the results, and a thorough verification is performed on a full upgrade by querying and comparing both master node catalogs and segment node catalogs. |
| US08738566B2 |
Lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) administrator task notification control
The illustrative embodiments provide for automatically and proactively retrieving administrative maintenance tasks or potential issues from a set of directory servers without direct intervention from an administrator. Responsive to an operation request being sent from a requesting application to the set of directory servers and an administrative maintenance control mechanism being active, an administrative maintenance control is automatically sent to the set of directory servers. Responsive to receiving the response to the administrative maintenance control, an end user application within the data processing system is notified that the at least one of the administrative maintenance tasks or the potential issues have been received. |
| US08738565B2 |
Collecting data from data sources
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for collecting data. The data is collected from a particular data source by an application portion of agent to form collected data. The application portion is associated with the particular data source in response to an event. The collected data stored in a temporary data store for transfer to a data storage system to form stored data. The stored data sent to the data storage system using a generic portion of the agent, wherein the generic portion of the agent is configured to send data to the data storage system. |
| US08738564B2 |
Method for pollen-based geolocation
A method for pollen-based geolocation. The method determines the probability P that a given location is part of the travel history of a given sample. Using simulated datasets and Monte Carlo simulation, the model parameters can be precisely associated with P, thereby allowing the algorithm to operate on real-life samples of interest. |
| US08738559B2 |
Graph partitioning with natural cuts
Graph partitioning techniques are based on the notion of natural cuts. A filtering phase performs a series of minimum cut computations to identify and contract dense regions of the graph. This reduces the graph size significantly, but preserves its general structure. An assembly phase uses a combination of greedy and local search heuristics to assemble the final partition. The techniques may be used on road networks, which have an abundance of natural cuts (such as bridges, mountain passes, and ferries). |
| US08738554B2 |
Event-driven universal neural network circuit
The present invention provides an event-driven universal neural network circuit. The circuit comprises a plurality of neural modules. Each neural module comprises multiple digital neurons such that each neuron in a neural module has a corresponding neuron in another neural module. An interconnection network comprising a plurality of digital synapses interconnects the neural modules. Each synapse interconnects a first neural module to a second neural module by interconnecting a neuron in the first neural module to a corresponding neuron in the second neural module. Corresponding neurons in the first neural module and the second neural module communicate via the synapses. Each synapse comprises a learning rule associating a neuron in the first neural module with a corresponding neuron in the second neural module. A control module generates signals which define a set of time steps for event-driven operation of the neurons and event communication via the interconnection network. |
| US08738553B1 |
Image selection based on image quality
An image quality subsystem computes quality scores for images that represent a measure of visual quality of the images. Initial quality scores and query specific quality scores can be computed for the images based on image feature values for the images and a transformation factor that represents a measure of importance of image quality for computing relevance scores for images. The initial quality scores are query independent quality scores that are computed for the images and can be used as a factor for computing relevance scores for the image relative to any query. Query specific quality scores are computed for images that are identified as relevant for a particular query based on the initial quality scores and a query specific transformation factor for the particular query. Adjusted relevance scores for the images can be computed based on the initial quality scores or the query specific quality scores. |
| US08738550B2 |
Risk factor engine that determines a user health score
A method for processing risk factors for a user is disclosed. The method may include receiving protocol data for creating a risk factor engine by an application stored and executed at a computing device. The risk factor engine may be stored in memory and executable by a processor to process a first set of stored user health data for a user. The protocol data may include a rule and one or more health attribute values. The rule and the one or more health attribute values may each include a computer programming expression editable by an administrator. The method may further include determining a user health score through execution of the risk factor engine by the processor and based on the user health data. |
| US08738543B2 |
Business intelligence based social network with virtual data-visualization cards
A method for sharing business intelligence information includes creating a plurality of data visualization cards from business intelligence data in response to create requests from a plurality of user accounts. Each data visualization card is associated with the user account that requested its creation. Data visualization cards are also associated with user accounts that did not request their creation in response to collect requests from those user accounts. A social network is created amongst the user accounts using the data visualization cards such that user accounts associated with data visualization cards created from common business intelligence data are linked. A first data visualization card that was created in response to a create request from a first user account may then be provided to a second user account in response to determining that the first user account and the second user account are linked in the social network. |
| US08738542B2 |
Method and system for indicating product return information
The invention relates to a method and system for indicating customer information having a computer, software executing on the computer for assigning each customer of a plurality of customers a unique customer identifier, software executing on the computer for determining an overall score for each customer based on criteria selected from the group consisting of a recent product purchase score, a frequency score, a monetary score, and combinations thereof, and software executing on the computer for displaying a plurality of indicators, each indicator representing a level of return for a product. The invention also includes a gauge directed to at least one indicator of the plurality of indicators, software executing on the computer for calculating returns for the product, and software executing on the computer for automatically adjusting the gauge based on the calculated returns for the product. |
| US08738540B2 |
Techniques for mobile transaction processing
Techniques for automated mobile transaction processing are provided. A consumer traverses to a web portal or other type of enterprise terminal device of an enterprise and proceeds to shop. During checkout, the portal contacts a transaction service and is delivered back an identifying barcode or Quick Response (QR) code. The consumer uses a mobile device to scan the code and send it to the transaction service. Previously registered payment details of the consumer are located and payment is received from the consumer. The portal is notified that payment is completed by the transaction service. |
| US08738539B2 |
Virtual account based new digital cash protocols
Virtual account based digital cash protocols employ two pairs of private and public keys. Each public key is certified separately and the protocols do not use any blind signature schemes. As a result, the virtual account based digital cash protocols provide strong protection of the user privacy by using two certified public keys instead of a blind signature. One pair of certified keys consists of one master user private key and one master user public key. A second pair of certified keys consists of one pseudonym user private key and one pseudonym user public key. The use of a master key pair and a pseudonym key pair circumvents the need for blind signatures. As a result, the proposed protocols do not require blind signatures and do not add additional overhead and security requirements necessitated by conventional blind signature schemes. The protocols use public key protocols, digital signatures and symmetric key protocols, which may be readily implemented in standard information security based systems based on cryptographic constructs. In addition, the protocols may be deployed in mobile, off-line, and on-line settings. |
| US08738534B2 |
Method for providing with a score an object, and decision-support system
The present invention is related to a decision-support system and method for providing with a score an object represented by a target item from a multidimensional space, said score being representative of the probability that the object satisfies a given binary property. The method and/or decision support-system may be performed in a computer environment comprising processing means connected to memory means. |
| US08738525B2 |
Method and system for processing vehicular violations
A method includes receiving paper comprising information regarding a vehicular violation, the information comprising a unique vehicle identifier and a violation classification, extracting from the paper the unique vehicle identifier and the violation classification via automated pattern recognition, uploading the extracted unique vehicle identifier and the violation classification to a database, determining whether the extracted unique vehicle identifier is associated with a predefined plurality of vehicles, responsive to a determination that the unique vehicle identifier is associated with a vehicle of the predefined plurality of vehicles, charging a violation fee for the vehicular violation to a party that was responsible for the vehicle at the time of the vehicular violation, responsive to a determination that the unique vehicle identifier is not associated with the predefined plurality of vehicles, disputing responsibility for the vehicular violation. |
| US08738522B2 |
Prioritizing potential transaction counter-parties with social network content
A user installs a Peer-to-Peer Payment Application (“PPA”) on their mobile device. The PPA transmits the location of the user device to a server located in a Peer-to-Peer Payment System (“PPS”). The PPS may search for other devices within a certain proximity to the user that may be active. The PPS may search the social network content of the user to determine if any of the proximate devices users are likely counter-parties. If more than one likely counter-party is identified, the PPS may rank the counter-parties according to a preconfigured set of factors that define the strength of the connection to the user. These factors may include their status in the user's social networks, frequency of contact, prior transactions, or other factors that further establish a relationship. The PPS may transmit the ranked list of likely counter-parties to the PPA for display to the user on the device. |
| US08738521B2 |
Method and system for processing internet payments using the electronic funds transfer network
Embodiments of the invention include a method and system for conducting financial transactions over a payment network. The method may include associating a payment address of an account with an account holder name, the account residing at a financial institution and the associated payment address of the account configured to allow withdrawals by the account holder only and to allow a plurality of deposits to be made at different times. The method further includes freely publishing the payment address and making it available to users of an internet portal or search engine. The method further includes receiving data over a network identifying a deposit to be made to the account, assigning the deposit to the account using the payment address, and notifying the payer of the assignment. At least one directory is used for associating the account holder with the payment address. |
| US08738517B2 |
Authentication data-enabled transfers
Some embodiments may provide a method comprising receiving an identification of an entity from a network-based commerce system and receiving authentication data associated with the entity from the network-based commerce system, a combination including the authentication data and the identification being operable to facilitate a transfer of value affecting a first account associated with the entity, the transfer of value further affecting a second account associated with the network-based commerce system, the authentication data and the identification of the entity being insufficient for the network-based commerce system to identify the first account. |
| US08738516B1 |
Debt services candidate locator
Methods and systems are disclosed that identify and locate debt settlement candidates based on credit data associated with the consumer. For example, candidacy may be based on a debt score, generated by an assessment of the consumer's credit data. Credit data may include the consumer's credit score rank, credit score, revolving credit to debit ratio, credit available, delinquent accounts, negative accounts, instances of negative information on their credit report, public record data, average account age, debit, or a combination thereof. |
| US08738512B2 |
Block placing tool for building a user-defined algorithm for electronic trading
Certain embodiments provide a block placing tool for building a user-defined algorithm for electronic trading. Certain embodiments provide for receiving by a block placing tool a selection of one or more blocks. Certain embodiments provide for receiving by a block placing tool a mapping definition including a mapping between block types and/or attributes. Certain embodiments provide for placing blocks based on a selection of blocks and a mapping definition. |
| US08738508B2 |
Order risk management for financial product processing
Systems and methods are provided for processing derivative product orders at an exchange. Traders provide derivative product order risk data to the exchange. The order risk data may include maximum delta, gamma and/or vega utilization values for derivative product contracts based on the same underlying product. Before executing a trade, a match system analyzes the trader's current utilization state and the utilization that would result after the trade. The match system may then execute all or a portion of the trade. |
| US08738503B2 |
Multiple coupon interest rate futures contracts
The disclosed system makes available multiple interest rate futures contracts (“IRFC”) for a given set of interest rate securities, such as US Treasury Notes, which may be used to satisfy the delivery obligation. The terms on which the delivery obligation of each such IRFC are met are governed by an associated conversion factor yield (“CFY”) value which is associated, in turn, with a corresponding set of conversion factors (“CF”), each of which corresponds to one member of the set of securities eligible for delivery, and which may be used at the time of delivery of such eligible interest rate security, to determine the delivery invoice price. Offering different CFY's and corresponding CF's may enable a market participant who seeks to use such futures to acquire or shed financial risk exposure to select from such array of futures contracts the member contract that most closely mirror the participant's intended risk profile. |
| US08738493B2 |
Instantaneous merchant information retrieval for financial transactions
A solution to resolve ambiguous merchant data in connection with processing a cashless transaction request in a real-time manner. Provided according to the present disclosure are a system and method including a binary-searchable non-transitory computer-readable medium is configure to store a first set of unambiguous merchant identification data having plural data entries therein, each entry corresponding to a merchant. A binary search of the first set of unambiguous merchant identification data is carried out using search keys based upon the ambiguous merchant identification data to determine whether one or more entries of the first set satisfies at least one of a second set of partial match criteria for comparing the ambiguous merchant identification data with the first set of unambiguous merchant identification data. An entry of the first set of unambiguous merchant identification data is assigned to correspond with the ambiguous merchant identification data where at least a predetermined number of the second set of partial match criteria are met. |
| US08738486B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing an ensemble merchant prediction system
A computer-based method for discovering patterns in financial transaction card transaction data for the purpose of determining group membership of a merchant within the transaction data is described. The data relates to merchants that accept the financial transaction card for payment. The method includes receiving transaction data from at least one database, predicting a membership of a merchant in a group using at least one prediction algorithm and the retrieved transaction data, the algorithm generating meta-data describing the predictions, inputting the at least one predicted group membership and the meta-data into a data mining application, and assigning a confidence value to each predicted group membership by the data mining application, utilizing the predicted group memberships and the meta-data. |
| US08738485B2 |
Contactless prepaid product for transit fare collection
Transaction processing in an offline environment for a prepaid product comprising a portable consumer device includes responding to presentation of the prepaid product at a reader for offline processing by initiating operation of the prepaid product, receiving data from the prepaid product at the reader that indicates the prepaid product is associated with a prepaid account balance, determining that the prepaid product is in a negative balance condition, and taking preventive action in response to the negative balance condition such that future acceptance of the prepaid product at a reader is prevented. |
| US08738483B2 |
Enhanced invitation process for electronic billing and payment system
Enhanced systems and methods for processing invoices, payments, and money transfers are described. One aspect of the invention is a computer-implemented method (and corresponding system and computer program product) for inviting an entity to open an account at a billing and payment system, the method comprising: receiving from a first entity an instruction to invite a second entity to open an account at the payment system, the first entity having an account with the payment system; receiving from the first entity a security question and an answer to the security question to accompany the invitation; transmitting to the second entity the invitation along with the security question; receiving from the second entity an acceptance of the invitation along with an answer to the security question; verifying the acceptance by comparing the answer received from the second entity to the answer received from the first entity; responsive to the two answers match, determining the acceptance verified and opening an account for the second entity; and creating a link between the accounts of the two entities for the purpose of sharing invoice information, making electronic payments, transmitting remittance information, and maintaining basic information about the invitor and invitee. |
| US08738482B2 |
Method for preparing an optimal alternative billing plan for mobile telephony users managed through a call center
The invention relates to a method for preparing an optimal alternative billing plan for mobile telephony users managed through a call center, which is applicable to the recommendation of an optimal telephony plan to the customers of an operator, considering the consumption of the customer, the risk of the customer migrating to another and the market strategy of the operator. It comprises the estimation of the real bill of a customer during a time period covering the last M months, a simulated estimation of the bill of the customer using any generic plan based on the mean traffic of the last M months, applying a simulation algorithm and the estimation of the churn risk of a customer according to the value of the said customer, the value of the operators on the market, number of better offers, number of the customers which he calls per operator and the simulations performed with the generic plans, applying an estimation algorithm. |
| US08738478B1 |
Methods systems and computer program products for applying tax refund as tax payment
Methods, systems and computer program products for paying tax owed with a refund through an intermediary when a taxpayer owes tax to one tax authority and is entitled to a refund from another tax authority. The intermediary may be an intermediate computer that electronically filed respective tax returns and may host the tax preparation application that was used to prepare the tax returns. The intermediate computer may wait to pay one tax authority until after a refund is received from a different tax authority. |
| US08738477B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated bill timeline
A computer-implemented method for displaying a plurality of bill due dates, the method comprising: displaying an account identifier for each bill in the plurality of bills; showing a timeline with a due date indicator for each bill in the plurality of bills, the timeline disposed proximate to the account identifier; and wherein each of the account identifiers and timelines are disposed along an axis relative to the other account identifiers and timelines. |
| US08738476B2 |
Architectural design for selling standardized services application software
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing selling standardized services. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include a Customer Quote Processing process component; a Sales Order Processing process component; a Service Confirmation Processing process component; a Financial Accounting Master Data Management processing component; a Customer Invoice Processing process component; an Accounting process component; a Balance of Foreign Payment Management process component; a Due Item Processing process component; and a Payment Processing process component. |
| US08738472B2 |
Systems and methods for vehicle lifecycle management
A computerized system for vehicle management and purchase. The system may include a database including information regarding vehicles in a set of vehicles, wherein a plurality of the vehicles in the set of vehicles are in arrangements wherein third parties use the vehicles, wherein the information includes configuration of respective vehicles. The system may also include a computer interface that provides access to the description of the vehicles in the database and provides for setting price of respective vehicles; an option on the user interface to search; an option on the user interface to indicate intent to purchase a vehicle; a computer interface that receives information regarding a vehicle returned; and a computer interface to facilitate a purchase of the returned vehicle. Also described are an Internet-based system including a web server; a method for vehicle management and purchase; and a vehicle management and purchase system. |
| US08738466B1 |
Dynamically created network sites
Disclosed are various embodiments for dynamically generating a network site for a topic. A set of search terms that are associated with one or more search engines are obtained. A respective set of items in an item catalog that are relevant for each of the search terms are identified. A respective network site is established for each of the search terms when the respective set of items includes at least a predefined number of items. The respective network site offers at least some of the respective items for sale. |
| US08738464B2 |
Method, medium, and system for online selection and ordering of custom furniture
The present invention relates to methods and computer systems for ordering customized furniture pieces to be upholstered and an upholstery covering. In particular, the methods of the present invention relate to calculating the amount of a covering needed based on the fabric repeat size in the case of a fabric covering, or based on hide inconsistencies in the case of a leather covering. |
| US08738463B2 |
Method, system and business model for a buyer's auction with near perfect information using the internet
A methodology, system and business model are disclosed for facilitating a fully automated buyer's auction in which the major types of transaction costs are significantly reduced by providing the buyer and the sellers with near-perfect information about one another, including information about buyer preferences and competing sellers' offers. The system implements a buyer's auction with multidimensional bidding that minimizes market intelligence, search, bargaining and transaction execution costs and thus creates more competitive, frictionless markets. Buyers and sellers can efficiently conduct the buyer's auction within a unified environment, thereby minimizing buyer integration costs as well. The buyer's auction generates commercially marketable proprietary information and a revenue stream for the auctioneer providing such a service. |
| US08738457B2 |
Methods of facilitating merchant transactions using a computerized system including a set of titles
A method of facilitating a transaction between a merchant and a buyer using a computerized system including a set of titles. The method includes storing the set of titles in a merchant site corresponding to a set of products for sale; browsing the merchant site using a client device and selecting a product for purchase; and generating a payment slip title for the product including information relating to a payment amount and a buyer identifier. The method further includes selecting a payment structure from a set of available payment structures; modifying the payment slip title to include information corresponding to the selected payment structure; releasing the product title to the buyer; and transmitting the payment amount to the merchant. |
| US08738454B2 |
Transferring digital receipt data to mobile devices
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products f0r transferring digital receipt data to mobile devices. A point-of-sale (“POS”) system generates digital receipt data as part of a sales transaction. The point-of-sale (“POS”) system and a mobile device, possibly also along with a receipt data server, interoperate with one another to transfer digital receipt data generated to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data for a sales transaction to the receipt data server. An identifier, such as, for example, an application identifier or transaction identifier, is stored along with the digital receipt data to match the digital receipt data with the mobile device. The mobile device subsequently uses the identifier to access the digital receipt data from the receipt data server. In other embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data directly to the mobile device. |
| US08738450B2 |
Audible transaction process and system
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer in an audible format. The system includes a consumer device and a payment terminal located proximate the point of sale. The consumer device, either a mobile device carried by the consumer or an immobile device also located proximate the point of sale, communicates with the payment terminal and receives transaction information such as product identity or amount information. The consumer device then produces sound waves audible to the consumer based on the communicated transaction information using one or more private and/or public listening devices. This audible transaction process can be performed automatically during a transaction or can be implemented based on consumer preference. |
| US08738449B1 |
Internet online order method and apparatus
A system and method for providing an online ordering machine that manages the distribution of products over a distributed computer system is herein disclosed. |
| US08738444B2 |
Spatial marketplace system
A method of managing the delivery of offers from suppliers to members via a spatial marketplace system involves registering potential customers as members of the spatial marketplace system by recording their names and contact details in a database. A spatial identifier is assigned to each database record, the spatial identifier being sourced from the contact details supplied during a registration process. Each member nominates one or more attributes corresponding to a commodity in relation to which the member is interested in receiving offers. Each supplier defines a geographic region in which the supplier wishes to do business and nominates one or more attributes corresponding to commodities, which the supplier wishes to sell. A spatial identifier location algorithm is used to identify the database records with spatial identifiers located within the geographical region defined by the supplier. Delivery of offers from a supplier is restricted to members associated with the identified database records which have nominated attributes matching the attributes nominated by the supplier. |
| US08738442B1 |
System and mechanism for guaranteeing delivery order of virtual content
A virtual content server and method are provided for virtual content providers to provide multiple items of their virtual to users as part of an ordered virtual content campaign. A provider may define the order for the presentation of the content items, such as a linear sequence or based on a particular logic, e.g., a state transition graph or matrix, and such order information is stored in a campaign database. The server stores information regarding the state of the campaign for a particular user, e.g., how many or which ones of the content items of the ordered campaign have been presented to the user. Additionally, the provider may define certain performable actions with respect to particular states or content items. Actions performed by the user may be detected, and the server may store information regarding performed actions in association with the user id. In this manner, the next virtual content item in the ordered campaign to serve to the user in response to a virtual content request may be decided based on the current state of the campaign and/or the actions performed with respect to the campaign. |
| US08738440B2 |
Response attribution valuation
A computer-implemented method is described for determining a response attribution value that represents a credit assignment to a communication, for an associated response received from a recipient during a marketing campaign. |
| US08738437B2 |
Passive mining of usage information in a location-based services system
A method and system for providing advertising effectiveness searching capabilities, predictive modeling capabilities and usage mining in a location-based services system is disclosed. During operation of the location-based services system, usage information for advertising campaigns placed on the location-based services system is stored. Advertisers are provided with the ability to enter a search request form on a remote terminal to mine the usage information. The search request is then transmitted to an application that searches usage information to generate a response to said search request. |
| US08738436B2 |
Click through rate prediction system and method
A computer implemented method comprises analyzing a plurality of attributes of a sample of online documents using a boosted decision tree and generating a model from it. The model is used to predict a click through rate (CTR) of an additional online document based on the analyzing. The predicted CTR is output to a display device, storage medium or network. |
| US08738435B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting personalized content relating to offered products and services
An apparatus and method use client information to automatically select products appropriate for the client. According to one aspect of the invention, client information, information about the products, ancillary data, and decision criteria pertaining to selection from among the products are stored in a storage device Decision-making logic circuitry use the stored data to select the products. An output device prepares a client communication identifying the selected products and incorporates a portion of the client information and a portion of the product information into the client communication. |
| US08738432B2 |
System and method for segmenting items in a shopping cart by carbon footprint
A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to provide a shopping cart for a shopper, and segment items in the shopping cart based on the carbon footprint associated with each item. Additionally, the method may include displaying substitute or complementary items in the shopping cart for selection by the user to reduce total carbon values, and awarding carbon certificates. |
| US08738427B2 |
Enhanced method of radio and TV advertising
A method of advertising within a radio broadcast program which features the playing of songs and broadcasting commercials, the method including the steps: A. establishing a contest whereby listeners of the program may become participants in the contest by following procedures of the contest, the contest including the broadcast of clues from time to time following broadcast of one of the commercials, with the contest requirement that a participant respond to at least one broadcasted clue and follow the required procedure of the contest, B. broadcasting at least one set of songs during the program, C. broadcasting at least one commercial during the program, D. broadcasting at least one clue following the at least one commercial, and E. providing a specified award to each participant whose response to the clue satisfied the contest requirements to win the award. |
| US08738424B2 |
Method and system for monitoring plant operating capacity
A monitoring system is disclosed for acquiring output activity, utilization capacity and/or effluent data from an facility on a facility-by-facility and/or an industry-by-industry basis. The system is designed to generate a plant and/or industry output activity database that is updated on a continuous, near continuous, periodic and/or intermittent basis so that subscribers are apprised of changes in plant or overall industry output. A clearing house is also disclosed for distributing the acquired data to subscribers to aid in analyzing, predicting trends, pricing, maintaining, adjusting, minimizing, and/or maximizing individual plant or overall industry output. |
| US08738423B2 |
Leveraging RFID generated consumer behavior through a web map service
An approach is provided to analyze consumer behavior data. In the approach, location data corresponding to the consumers is identified. Discarded tagged packages are received from the consumers. The discarded tagged packages include wireless tags that associate the discarded tagged packages product identifiers. At a refuse collection point, each of the wireless tags are read (e.g., using an RFID reader). The reading retrieves the product identifiers associated from the tags on the discarded packages. The product identifiers and the location data are stored in a data store. Consumer consumption maps are generated from the stored product identifiers and location data. |
| US08738422B2 |
Systems, techniques, and methods for providing location assessments
Methods and systems for providing location assessments are provided. Example embodiments provide a Location Assessment Provider System, which generates and provides assessments of various characteristics of specified locations. In one embodiment, the Location Assessment Provider System receives a specified location, determines a location assessment for the specified location, generates a visual representation of the determined location assessment, and provides the generated visual representation to a client system. Determining a location assessment may be based on geographic-related information about, or associated with, the specified location, such as the presence and location of geographic-related features associated with the specified location. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08738418B2 |
Systems and methods to enhance search data with transaction based data
In one aspect, a system includes a transaction handler to process transactions, a data warehouse to store data recording the transactions, a portal configured to communicate with a search engine and to provide a user interface to receive a request from a merchant, and at least one processor coupled with the data warehouse and the portal. In response to the request received from the merchant via the portal, the at least one processor identifies a set of first statistics based on search activities of the search engine, identifies a set of second statistics based on the transactions relevant to the search activities, and uses the portal to juxtapose the set of first statistics and the set of second statistics. |
| US08738417B2 |
Method and apparatus for product management
A method for product portfolio analysis includes selecting a set of solution points along a curve of order benefit as a function of the number of products in a product portfolio and performing a heuristic between an adjacent pair of solution points that approximates the curve between the adjacent pair of solution points. An apparatus that can perform the product portfolio analysis is also described. |
| US08738415B2 |
Automated workflow assignment to print jobs
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable mediums are provided that facilitate the automated merger of print workflow information into job tickets that express the characteristics of a document to be printed. In various embodiments, a job ticket that describes a number of characteristics of a finished document to be printed is automatically modified in a processor-based system. The modifications are performed by merging at least a portion of a print workflow with the job ticket where the print workflow specifies a process to print the finished document. |
| US08738414B1 |
Method and system for handling program, project and asset scheduling management
The invention comprises management of programs and mega-programs with emphasis on project level and above in a hierarchy that enables aggregation of information navigating up, and breakdown of details navigating down the hierarchy. It provides the flexibility of combining real-time management of budget with multiple editions, on call, asset tracking and capacity management of people and non-people resources within the same structure, vendor management, and real-time cross-program interlinking of dependencies and business considerations. The invention enables invocation of each function at every node in the hierarchy and localizes the related information at the invoking source. The functions encompass management of action items, status reports, approvals, meetings/decision making, issues, risks, change management and attachments with built in workflows that enable interactive collaboration and action triggering within the system and across external systems through condition and threshold setting. The universal structure enables management of organization layers and project initiatives. |
| US08738412B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting individualized selection rules for resource allocation
The present invention relates to the matching of resources to work entries. In particular, the present invention allows work items to be assigned to a particular resource based on the characteristics of the work item and on the qualifications and preferences of the resource. Furthermore, the present invention does not rely on queues, thereby allowing characteristics of a work item other than or in addition to the amount of time that a work item has been waiting for service to be considered in assigning the work item to a resource. The types of work items that may be validly assigned to a resource, or the preference rules used to select a valid work item for handling by a resource, may be altered by altering the validation rules and preference rules associated with the resource and/or work item. Accordingly, the rules for allocating work may be adjusted easily and quickly, including at run-time, and may represent any attribute desired for use in allocating work. |
| US08738410B2 |
Methods and systems for managing electronic work instructions for manufacture of product
Methods and systems for interfacing computer modeled design and manufacture data from an Manufacturing Process Planning (MPP) system to a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and allowing, via an integration server interface, electronic work instructions of the MPP system to be revised promptly and efficiently in mid-production manufacturing processes. |
| US08738409B2 |
System and methods for prioritizing and processing updated inventory information for event listings
A system and methods for prioritizing and processing updated inventory information for event listings are described. In one embodiment, a network-based system may receive updated ticket information from a seller for multiple event listings, categorize the updated ticket information from the seller by event, prioritize event categories comprising updated ticket information in accordance with a prioritization policy, and process a prioritized event category comprising updated ticket information for a particular event listing out-of-order with respect to one or more other event categories comprising previously-received updated ticket information for other event listings. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08738407B2 |
Computer readable medium containing a set of computer readable instructions for grid-based insurance rating
A computer readable medium containing a set of computer readable instructions that when loaded into a computer configure that computer to: receive demographic data, fire station data, or other data associated with a location; receive a coordinate pair including a longitude and latitude of a location; determine a coordinate grid block bounded by latitude and longitude lines, which grid block is associated with the coordinate pair; query a database for a plurality of existing data associated with the coordinate grid block; and determine a rate based at least in part on the plurality of existing data and the demographic data, fire station data, or other data associated with a location. |
| US08738405B2 |
Method for reimbursement from pre-tax spending accounts
A payment system for spending accounts is provided. The payment system includes a qualified vendor system, such as a point of sale system at a doctor's office, that generates purchase data and point of sale data, such as a co-pay amount, a credit card number, and a point of sale device identifier. An account management system receives the purchase data and point of sale data and generates authorized purchase data, such as by determining whether payment of co-pay can be automatically authorized based on pre-qualification of the doctor's office as an authorized source. |
| US08738399B1 |
Methods and systems for drug purchase validation
In an example embodiment, drug sale data is accessed from a prescription drug wholesaler regarding prescription drugs sold to the pharmacy by the prescription drug wholesaler during a period of time. Pharmacy claims data over the period of time is accessed, where the pharmacy claims data reflects a plurality of claims that were submitted for adjudication by the pharmacy during the period of time. A number of units of a prescription drug associated with the plurality of claims submitted during the period of time by the pharmacy for adjudication are determined based on the pharmacy claims data. This number of units of the prescription drug is compared with the number of units of the prescription drug sold to the pharmacy. A determination is then made as to whether a discrepancy exists based on the results of the comparison. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. |
| US08738395B2 |
Methods and systems for presenting an inhalation experience
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include monitoring at least one health attribute of an individual during an artificial sensory experience, associating a characteristic of the artificial sensory experience with the at least one health attribute of the individual, and modifying at least one of an inhalation device-dispensed bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least partially based on associating a characteristic of the artificial sensory experience with the at least one health attribute of the individual. |
| US08738393B2 |
System and method for targeted healthcare messaging
A system and method for targeted pharmaceutical messaging is provided. The system includes a central targeted messaging server for receiving targeted advertisements or messages from a plurality of data sources, a notification database for storing the targeted messages and associated, pre-defined criteria, and a web server which can communicate with a plurality of message requesters to receive requests for targeted messages and to convey same to the plurality of message requesters. A customized web site could be provided for allowing vendors (e.g., pharmaceutical companies, etc.) to upload targeted message text files and/or voice files to the system of the present invention. In response to prescription-related activity, requests for targeted messages are transmitted by the plurality of message requesters to the system of the present invention. The targeted messaging server queries the notification database to identify a matching targeted message, and responds with the location of a matching targeted message text and/or voice file. The matching targeted message can then be transmitted and conveyed to the recipient. |
| US08738390B1 |
Facilitating approval or disapproval of individual segments of content
Techniques described herein facilitate approval or disapproval of individual segments found within discrete pieces of content. By facilitating approval or disapproval on a per-segment basis, the described techniques allow for more granular feedback to the pieces of content than do traditional techniques. Furthermore, by indicating instances where individual segments receive broad approval or broad disapproval, the described techniques allow for better understanding of which individual segments of the content have been broadly deemed helpful and which individual have been broadly deemed unhelpful. This level of granularity contrasts with traditional techniques that simply indicate approval or disapproval of a piece of content in its entirety. |
| US08738389B2 |
Vehicle information communication
A mobile communications device comprising a gateway is provided. The device enables an automated discovery of a vehicle environment is enabled. Hereby context information relating to the vehicle environment can be automatically communicated to the service backend. Also context information from the service backend can be provided to the vehicle environment all utilizing SIP Presence technologies. The invention can in accordance with one embodiment be implemented in an IMS system. In accordance with one embodiment a communications device comprising gateway can be provided in the form of a mobile communications device, such as a mobile telephone. The gateway can for example be an IMS gateway. |
| US08738387B2 |
System and method for determining an element value in private datasets
A system and method is disclosed for determining a value of an element, having a k-th rank. The method discloses: calculating a total number of elements in a first and second dataset; prohibiting parties from accessing each other's dataset; ranking the elements within each dataset; computing a total number of elements in the datasets each having a value less than a test value; computing a total number of elements in the datasets each having a value greater than the test value; and setting the value of the element, having the k-th rank, equal to the test value, if the total number of elements having values less than the test value is ≦ the k-th rank minus one, and the total number of elements having values greater than the test value is ≦ the total number of elements minus the k-th rank. The system discloses means for practicing the method. |
| US08738386B2 |
Efficient multichannel signal processing by selective channel decoding
An input signal conveying encoded information representing one or more audio channels is decoded by determining the configuration of channels represented by the encoded information, obtaining from the channel configuration a channel selection mask that specifies which of the one or more audio channels are to be decoded, extracting encoded information from the input signal, and decoding the extracted encoded information for those audio channels specified in the channel selection mask. |
| US08738385B2 |
Pitch-based pre-filtering and post-filtering for compression of audio signals
Systems and methods for enhancing the quality of an audio signal produced by an audio codec are described herein. In accordance with the systems and methods, a pitch-based pre-filter adaptively filters an input audio signal to produce a filtered audio signal. An audio encoder encodes the filtered audio signal to generate a compressed audio bit stream. An audio decoder decodes the compressed audio bit stream to generate a decoded audio signal. A pitch-based post-filter adaptively filters the decoded audio signal to produce an output audio signal, wherein adaptively filtering the decoded audio signal comprises undoing at least part of a signal-shaping effect of the pitch-based pre-filter. |
| US08738383B2 |
Remotely and interactively controlling semi-automatic devices
An apparatus, system, method and computer program product are provided for enabling a user to remotely and interactively control, using voice commands, the processing tasks of multiple pieces of equipment, such as semi-automatic medication storing, dispensing and packaging devices. In particular, an apparatus may be configured to provide a user with a voice prompt associated with a dynamically prioritized task. In response, the apparatus may further be configured to receive, a voice command from the use and to transmit an instruction associated with the voice command to one of the multiple pieces of equipment for performance of the prioritized task. |
| US08738382B1 |
Audio feedback time shift filter system and method
Audio feedback time shifted filtering systems and methods are presented. The systems and methods facilitate separation of program audio feedback from received environmental audio (e.g., audio sensed by a microphone.) The separation of the program audio feedback reduces interference from program content audio feedback on performance of voice recognition operations. In one embodiment of a personal video recorder audio filter method, environmental audio patterns are received, an audio feedback time shift filter process is executed for separating out program content from the environmental audio patterns, and voice recognition is performed on the filtered environment audio patterns (without interference from program audio content feedback). The time shift or deterministic delay provides a closer correlation between program audio content and program audio content feedback received at the microphone and permits input timing compensation to compensate for feedback loop delays. |
| US08738381B2 |
Prosody generating devise, prosody generating method, and program
A prosody generation apparatus capable of suppressing distortion that occurs when generating prosodic patterns and therefore generating a natural prosody is provided. A prosody changing point extraction unit in this apparatus extracts a prosody changing point located at the beginning and the ending of a sentence, the beginning and the ending of a breath group, an accent position and the like. A selection rule and a transformation rule of a prosodic pattern including the prosody changing point is generated by means of a statistical or learning technique and the thus generate rules are stored in a representative prosodic pattern selection rule table and a transformation rule table beforehand. A pattern selection unit selects a representative prosodic pattern from the representative prosodic pattern selection rule table according to the selection rule. A prosody generation unit transforms the selected pattern according to the transformation rule and carries out interpolation with respect to portions other than the prosody changing points so as to generate prosody as a whole. |
| US08738376B1 |
Sparse maximum a posteriori (MAP) adaptation
Techniques disclosed herein include using a Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) adaptation process that imposes sparseness constraints to generate acoustic parameter adaptation data for specific users based on a relatively small set of training data. The resulting acoustic parameter adaptation data identifies changes for a relatively small fraction of acoustic parameters from a baseline acoustic speech model instead of changes to all acoustic parameters. This results in user-specific acoustic parameter adaptation data that is several orders of magnitude smaller than storage amounts otherwise required for a complete acoustic model. This provides customized acoustic speech models that increase recognition accuracy at a fraction of expected data storage requirements. |
| US08738374B2 |
System and method for the secure, real-time, high accuracy conversion of general quality speech into text
Described is a speech-to-text conversion system and method that provides secure, real-time and high-accuracy conversion of general-quality speech into text. The system is designed to interface with external devices and services, providing a simple and convenient manner to transcribe audio that may be stored elsewhere such as a wireless phone's voice mail, or occurring between two or more parties such as a conference call. The first step in the system's process ensures secure and private transcription by separating an audio stream into many audio shreds, each of which has duration of only a few seconds and cannot reveal the context of the conversation. A workforce of geographically distributed transcription agents who transcribe the audio shreds is able to generate transcription in real time, with many agents working in parallel on a single conversation. No one agent (or group of agents) receives a sufficient number of audio shreds to reconstruct the context of any conversation. The use of human transcribers allows the system to overcome limitations typical of computer-based speech recognition and permits accurate transcription of general-quality speech even in acoustically hostile environments. |
| US08738373B2 |
Frame signal correcting method and apparatus without distortion
In a signal processing method and apparatus, a predetermined correcting signal having a same frame length as a second frame signal in which predetermined processing is performed to a frequency spectrum of a first frame signal of a frame length to which a predetermined window function is performed and is converted into a time domain is adjusted so that amplitudes of both ends of the correcting signal become equal to amplitudes of both or one of frame ends of the second frame signal, and a corrected frame signal is obtained by subtracting an adjusted correcting signal from the second frame signal. |
| US08738366B2 |
Related-word registration device, information processing device, related-word registration method, program for related-word registration device, and recording medium
A search query of a search word entered by the user is received, the received search queries are stored in accordance with reception order, a preceding search query whose reception order is earlier than that of the received search query is extracted on the basis of a preset search query extracting condition, a preceding search word constructing the extracted preceding search query and a search word constructing the received search query are stored as a character string set, a character string set having the search word which is the same or similar to the preceding search word is extracted in accordance with a preset character string set extraction start condition (S51), a character set as a related word is specified from the extracted character string set on the basis of a preset registration condition (S53), and the specified character string set is registered as related words into a related-word database (S54). |
| US08738365B2 |
Evidence diffusion among candidate answers during question answering
Diffusing evidence among candidate answers during question answering may identify a relationship between a first candidate answer and a second candidate answer, wherein the candidate answers are generated by a question-answering computer process, the candidate answers have associated supporting evidence, and the candidate answers have associated confidence scores. All or some of the evidence may be transferred from the first candidate answer to the second candidate answer based on the identified relationship. A new confidence score may be computed for the second candidate answer based on the transferred evidence. |
| US08738364B2 |
Adaptation of vocabulary levels for enhanced collaboration
A mechanism is provided for adapting vocabulary levels in a collaborative session. A vocabulary level indicator is received for a first user in the collaborative session. During generation of an electronic communication by a second user in the collaborative session, text entered in the electronic communication is scanned in order to identify a vocabulary level associated with text. The vocabulary level associated with the text is compared to the vocabulary level indicator for the first user. Responsive to the text exceeding the vocabulary level indicator for the first user thereby indicating violating text, an indication is provided to the second user that the violating text is above a vocabulary level of the first user. |
| US08738363B2 |
System and method for suggestion mining
A system and method for extraction of suggestions for improvement form a corpus of documents, such as customer reviews, are disclosed. A structured terminology provided or a topic includes a set of semantic classes, each including a set of terms. A thesaurus of terms relating to suggestions of improvement is provided. Text elements of text strings in the documents which are instances of terms in the structured terminology are labeled with the corresponding semantic class and text elements which are instances of terms in the thesaurus are also labeled. A set of patterns is applied to the labeled text strings to identify suggestions of improvement expressions. The patterns define syntactic relations between text elements, some of which are required to be instances of one of the terms in a particular semantic class or thesaurus. A set of suggestions for improvements is output based on the identified suggestions of improvement expressions. |
| US08738362B2 |
Evidence diffusion among candidate answers during question answering
Diffusing evidence among candidate answers during question answering may identify a relationship between a first candidate answer and a second candidate answer, wherein the candidate answers are generated by a question-answering computer process, the candidate answers have associated supporting evidence, and the candidate answers have associated confidence scores. All or some of the evidence may be transferred from the first candidate answer to the second candidate answer based on the identified relationship. A new confidence score may be computed for the second candidate answer based on the transferred evidence. |
| US08738361B2 |
Systems and methods for extracting patterns from graph and unstructered data
A computing system receives input data having both graph and unstructured data and computes a current log likelihood of the input data. The computing system compares the current log likelihood with a previous log likelihood of the input data. If the current log likelihood is larger than the previous log likelihood, the computing system update topic modeling parameters, community modeling parameters, and the link generation parameter until the computing system obtains a maximal value of the log likelihood of the input data. Then, the computing system creates a graph indicating topic similarity between the input data based on the topic modeling parameters, creates another graph indicating community similarity between entities associated with the input data based on the community modeling parameters, and predicts a link existence between input data or entities based on the link generation parameter, the topic modeling parameter and the community modeling parameter. |
| US08738360B2 |
Data detection of a character sequence having multiple possible data types
A method of processing a sequence of characters, the method comprising converting the sequence of characters into a sequence of tokens so that each token comprises a lexeme and one of a plurality of token types. Each of the plurality of token types relates to at least one of a plurality of predetermined functions, wherein at least one said token type relates to multiple functions of the plurality of predetermined functions. |
| US08738354B2 |
Trans-lingual representation of text documents
A method of creating translingual text representations takes in documents in a first language and in a second language and creates a matrix using the words in the documents to represent which words are present in which language. An algorithm is applied to each matrix such that like documents are placed close to each other and unlike documents are moved far from each other. |
| US08738349B2 |
Gate-level logic simulator using multiple processor architectures
Techniques for simulating operation of a connectivity level description of an integrated circuit design are provided, for example, to simulate logic elements expressed through a netlist description. The techniques utilize a host processor selectively partitioning and optimizing the descriptions of the integrated circuit design for efficient simulation on a parallel processor, more particularly a SIMD processor. The description may be segmented into cluster groups, for example macro-gates, formed of logic elements, where the cluster groups are sized for parallel simulation on the parallel processor. Simulation may occur in an oblivious as well as event-driven manner, depending on the implementation. |
| US08738348B2 |
Method and system for implementing parallel execution in a computing system and in a circuit simulator
A method and mechanism for implementing a general purpose scripting language that supports parallel execution is described. In one approach, parallel execution is provided in a seamless and high-level approach rather than requiring or expecting a user to have low-level programming expertise with parallel processing languages/functions. Also described is a system and method for performing circuit simulation. The present approach provides methods and systems that create reusable and independent measurements for use with circuit simulators. Also disclosed are parallelizable measurements having looping constructs that can be run without interference between parallel iterations. Reusability is enhanced by having parameterized measurements. Revisions and history of the operating parameters of circuit designs subject to simulation are tracked. |
| US08738347B2 |
Method for extracting IBIS simulation model
A method for extracting an accurate IBIS simulation model of a semiconductor device including a plurality of semiconductor chips comprises: extracting an AC characteristics model of a first output buffer in an IBIS simulation model by treating first and second output buffers of first and second semiconductor chips connected to a single external connection terminal as a transistor model and executing a transistor-level circuit simulation; calculating an output capacitance model of the first output buffer as an IBIS simulation model by adding output capacitances of the first and second output buffers as a transistor-level circuit simulation model; and synthesizing an IBIS simulation model of the first output buffer viewed from the external connection terminal by using the AC characteristics model and the output capacitance model. |
| US08738344B2 |
Simulation of vessels in an image
A method for processing an image of a body region is provided, the region comprising a plurality of vessels capable of propagating a fluid of the body, the image comprising a plurality of pixels each being associated with an intensity. The method comprising determining, for each pixel, a probability that the pixel belongs to a vessel, based on the intensity of the pixel; simulating a propagation of the fluid from at least one source pixel towards the pixels of the image, the propagation being simulated to have a velocity that is function of the probability that the pixels of the image belong to a vessel; and inferring from the simulation a propagation time between the source pixel and each of the pixels of the image. |
| US08738341B2 |
Method for reservoir characterization and monitoring including deep reading quad combo measurements
A method is disclosed for building a predictive or forward model adapted for predicting the future evolution of a reservoir, comprising: integrating together a plurality of measurements thereby generating an integrated set of deep reading measurements, the integrated set of deep reading measurements being sufficiently deep to be able to probe the reservoir and being self-sufficient in order to enable the building of a reservoir model and its associated parameters; generating a reservoir model and associated parameters in response to the set of deep reading measurements; and receiving, by a reservoir simulator, the reservoir model and, responsive thereto, generating, by the reservoir simulator, the predictive or forward model. |
| US08738337B2 |
Methods for accurate use of finite dynamic range measurement data in radio path loss propagation model calibration
Methods for accurately predicting radio propagation from signal strength measurements. Dynamic range limitations in the measurement data are explicitly taken into account. The resulting propagation models accurately predict signal strength for calculation of coverage and interference. |
| US08738336B2 |
Systems and methods for enhanced cellular automata algorithm for traffic flow modeling
An embodiment generally relates to systems and methods for enhanced cellular automata (CA) models. A processing module can generate a traffic model that comprises a set of vehicles. The traffic model can be processed according to the enhanced CA model. In particular, a perceived gap between vehicles in the set of vehicles can be identified. Further, a subsequent velocity of a following vehicle can be calculated based on metrics such as a maximum velocity, the perceived gap, and various time components. |
| US08738333B1 |
Capacity and load analysis in a datacenter
One or more embodiments provide methods of creating datacenter capacity and/or load models for a datacenter in a virtualized environment; methods of simulating the capacity and/or load models (“What-if” simulations); and methods of visualizing simulation results for assessing the impact of the capacity and/or load models on the datacenter capacity. |
| US08738332B2 |
System and process for client driven automated circuiting and branch circuit wiring
A computer aided design application modifies a CAD drawing having one or more electrical components by optimizing a plurality of circuits and associated panels, and assigning circuit and panel identifiers to each component for producing an engineering drawing. Further such identified components can be placed in home run groups, implementing shortest path calculations for various wire types and using neutral wires sharing options for producing an engineering drawing illustrating the home run grouping and identifiers, panel schedules and complete bills of materials. |
| US08738329B2 |
Calibration method/system and verification method for digital torque tools
A calibration method/system and verification method for digital torque tools are disclosed, in which the calibration method comprises the steps of: transmitting a data containing usage records of a digital torque tool at a client end to a remote calibration platform; comparing the data of usage records with statistic data stored in the calibration platform so as to obtain a data relating to average degree of fatigue; performing a calculation based upon the data of usage record and the data of average degree of fatigue so as to obtain a calibration data; transmitting the calibration data to the client end while allowing the calibration data to overwrite the corresponding original torque data of the digital torque tool. |
| US08738328B2 |
Comparable diagnostics for renewable energy power systems
A computer processor implemented method of measuring, monitoring, comparing and diagnosing the power generated of at least two renewable power systems provided to at least two consumers and alerting at least one of consumers in the event of comparative underperformance, the method taking into account at least two diagnostic variables including weather and the renewable power system cover status (such as covered by snow), wherein the at least one computing device determines comparative information for a predetermined geographic area based upon at least two diagnostic variables, and at least two normalized performances to provide a comparative value; and informing the consumer of the comparative value in the event of an underperforming comparative value. |
| US08738326B2 |
Performance characteristic calculation and comparison
A method of performance calculation and comparison is provided and includes collecting, at a central location, data relating to a performance characteristic of a machine, calculating at the central location and from the collected data, the performance characteristic of the machine and comparing the calculated performance characteristic with a target performance characteristic. |
| US08738318B2 |
Dynamic electric power line monitoring system
A device and method of precise distance measurement of a transmission line to any object below it is disclosed, along with a network of such devices. The technique employs ultrasonic sensor technology to measure the distance to the nearest object, be it vegetation or a crossing conductor below, and reports that distance wirelessly to the system operator or transmission asset owner. The ultrasonic measurement package may be part of a Transmission Line Security Monitor, which mounts to a transmission line conductor and is powered by the transmission line, transmitting the data by radio links. The technology is equally applicable to encroachment of objects from the side (for example, other transmission lines), as well as to other electrical lines, such as distribution lines, or to other sensing. A built-in transceiver allows the device to communicate with other devices and forward alerts from these devices in a daisy-chain fashion to the intended recipient. |
| US08738314B2 |
High frequency measurement apparatus and calibration method for high frequency measurement apparatus
A method for calibrating voltage and current detected by a high frequency measurement apparatus is provided. By the method, a basic calibration parameter for a wide impedance range but with low accuracy and quadrant-specific calibration parameters for highly accurate calibration are calculated. This calculation is performed based, on values obtained by measuring three reference loads and true values of the reference loads. A first calibration unit of the apparatus calibrates the detected voltage and current by using the basic calibration parameter. A quadrant determining unit of the apparatus determines in which quadrant an impedance calculated from the calibrated voltage and current lies. A second calibration unit of the apparatus further calibrates the voltage and current by using a quadrant-specific calibration parameter corresponding to the determination result input from the quadrant determining unit. |
| US08738309B2 |
Battery pack maintenance for electric vehicles
A method of repairing a used battery pack from an electric vehicle include removing the battery pack from the vehicle. Battery tests are performed on at least some of the plurality of batteries and a battery test result for each of the batteries tested are obtained and stored in a database. A plurality of replacement batteries are tested and test results for each of the replacement batteries are stored in the database. The battery test results from the database are retrieved and used to create a refurbished battery pack. An apparatus includes a database for storing test results. |
| US08738308B2 |
Method, apparatus, and program for detecting decrease in tire air pressure
A method of detecting a decrease in tire air pressure includes calculating tire rotation information obtained from the wheel tires; computing a first determination value showing a difference between the sums of the wheel rotation information of pairs of wheel tires on two diagonal lines and a second determination value showing a difference between the sum of the wheel rotation information of right wheel tires and the sum of the wheel rotation information of left wheel tires; assuming the computed first and second determination values as points on orthogonal coordinates; determining position of tire(s) having a decreased pressure based on the argument of the points on the polar coordinates; and comparing the moving radii of the points on the polar coordinates with a predetermined threshold value to thereby determine a decrease in tire air pressure. |
| US08738300B2 |
Sequence assembly
The invention relates to assembly of sequence reads. The invention provides a method for identifying a mutation in a nucleic acid involving sequencing nucleic acid to generate a plurality of sequence reads. Reads are assembled to form a contig, which is aligned to a reference. Individual reads are aligned to the contig. Mutations are identified based on the alignments to the reference and to the contig. |
| US08738295B2 |
Shale analysis methods
Methods and systems are provided for rapidly estimating the hydrocarbon production potential of a subsurface hydrocarbon shale prospect or prospects. In short, the methods disclosed herein provide rapid mechanisms to determine sorbed gas storage of a shale reservoir with minimal delay and resource expenditure to aid operators in determining which prospects to exploit.In certain embodiments, an empirical implemented method for rapidly assessing hydrocarbon content of a shale reservoir comprises extracting one or more shale samples, performing a rock eval pyrolysis on the shale samples to determine certain geochemical properties of the shale, using the geochemical properties to determine a thermal maturity of the shale, determining a Langmuir volume of the shale, generating a adsorption isotherm of the shale, and determining a gas storage capacity of the shale. Advantages of the methods include a more efficient and rapid determination of shale gas storage with a minimal expenditure of resources. |
| US08738294B2 |
Determination of angle of internal friction of formation rock while slabbing core samples
Mechanical properties of formation rock from a subsurface reservoir are measured with a computerized system while a core sample from the formation is being cut, during a process known as slabbing, for other analytical purposes. Forces exerted during cutting of the slab from the original core sample are sensed and stored in the computer system. The recorded force data, cutting time and dimensions of the core sample and the cut slab are processed in the computer system. Measures of characteristics and mechanical properties of the rock, such as rock strength and angle of internal friction, are obtained with the computer system. Separate and specialized testing procedures performed on test core plugs using samples specially extracted from the original core sample are not required. |
| US08738292B1 |
Predictive transit calculations
A computing device is described that determines an exit location at which a user of a computing device exited a stop associated with a transportation service. The computing device determines a predicted duration of travel by the user from a current location of the computing device to the exit location at which the user exited the stop associated with the transportation service. The computing device outputs, for display, a notification based at least in part on the predicted duration. |
| US08738291B2 |
Method and system for representing pedestrian crosswalks in a geographic database used by a navigation system
A geographic database used by a navigation system includes data regarding which corners of an intersection are connected by a crosswalk and the type of crosswalk. The geographic database also includes data regarding locations of crosswalks at a location other than an intersection. Using this information, the navigation system can provide crosswalk information to a pedestrian regarding where to cross a road. |
| US08738288B2 |
System and method for searching for points of interest along a route
A method and system for searching for points of interest along a route is disclosed. A relation that includes records that associate link identifiers, point of interest identifiers, and distances between the links and the points of interest is generated during the compilation process of a first version of a geographic database. The relation is stored in compiled database products. When a compiled database product is being used by a navigation system, for example, navigation application software programs use the relation to accurately and efficiently find points of interest along a computed route. |
| US08738280B2 |
Methods for activity reduction in pedestrian-to-vehicle communication networks
Methods for pedestrian unit (PU) communication activity reduction in pedestrian-to-vehicle communication networks include obtaining safety risk information for a pedestrian at risk for involvement in an accident and using the risk information to adjust a PU communication activity. In some embodiments, the activity reduction is achieved without implementing understanding of surroundings. In other embodiments, the activity reduction is based on risk assessment provided by vehicles. In some embodiments, the activity reduction includes PU transmission reduction. In some embodiments the transmission activity reduction may be followed by reception activity reduction for overall power consumption reduction. |
| US08738277B1 |
Gas station recommendation systems and methods
A method for determining a preferred gas station comprises determining gas stations in range of a vehicle, receiving one or more factors associated with refueling preferences for a profile associated with the vehicle, the factor being derived at least in part from data associated with previous refueling of the vehicle, comparing the factor with information associated with the gas stations to determine the preferred gas station. A system comprises a receiver configured to enable communications with a remote server and receive a factor associated with refueling preferences, and a processor configured to determine gas stations in range of a vehicle, and compare the factor with information about the gas stations to determine a preferred gas station. |
| US08738269B2 |
Controller
A controller for controlling a plant comprises a predictor for calculating a predicted value of the future of a control output value based on a provisional value of a control input value including a periodic reference signal by using a plant model indicating the dynamic characteristics of the control output value from the control input value of the plant, an evaluation function value calculator for calculating an evaluation function value including the predicted value of the future of the calculated control output value, an extreme value search optimizer for calculating a provisional value of such a control input value as that the evaluation function value becomes the extreme value on the basis of a product of the calculated evaluation function value and a periodic reference signal, and an adder for calculating a control input value including the provisional value of the calculated control input value. |
| US08738268B2 |
Vehicle electrical power management and distribution
Vehicles, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing and directing first power, such as vehicle generator power, and alternate sources of power. In a particular embodiment, a vehicle includes a power distribution grid that includes a plurality of power sources and a plurality of distributions buses configured to distribute power from the plurality of power sources. The plurality of power sources include an engine-driven power source is configured to provide first power where the first power has first power characteristics. The plurality of power sources also includes a plurality of engine-independent power sources including a first alternate power source configured to provide first alternate power. The first alternate power has first alternate power characteristics that are different than the first power characteristics. The plurality of engine-independent power sources also includes a second alternate power source configured to provide second alternate power. The second alternate power has second alternate power characteristics that are different from the first power characteristics and different from the first alternate power characteristics. The vehicle also includes a global controller that sends control signals to control generation of power by the engine-driven power source, the first alternate power source and the second alternate power source via the plurality of distribution buses responsive to power demand of the power distribution grid. |
| US08738266B2 |
Vehicle having at least two single-wheel drive units
A vehicle has at least two drive wheels which can be driven in each case by single-wheel drive units which are in particular of structurally identical dimensions and which can be actuated by means of a control device, control device determines a target torque which, in a torque distribution unit, can be divided into a first target torque for the first drive unit and a second target torque for the second drive unit. The torque distribution unit is assigned an adjustment unit by means of which the first and/or the second target torque can be corrected with an adjustment factor which can be determined as a function of a torque difference, arising owing to manufacturing and/or component tolerances, between the drive units. |
| US08738264B1 |
Automatic reverse brake assist system
An automotive vehicle braking system and method for controlling the same. The system includes an electronic controller communicatively coupled to a vehicle braking system and a vehicle motion detection device. The braking system is configured to be automatically activated in response to detection of an object in a path of the vehicle. Once activated, the braking system is deactivated either by the driver or a pre-determined time period after detection that motion of the vehicle has stopped. Prior to deactivation of the vehicle braking system an HMI message is activated indicating imminent deactivation of the vehicle braking system. |
| US08738256B2 |
Automatic calibration of the torque transfer touch point in an electrically actuated clutch in a hybrid vehicle
A method of determining a torque transfer touch point of a clutch within a drive train includes applying a predetermined amount of current to an electric motor such that the electric motor will apply a torque to at least a portion of a clutch. The predetermined amount of current will not rotate a shaft of the motor when the clutch is at least partially engaged. The method also includes initiating disengagement of the clutch, detecting movement of at least a portion of the motor, and recording a clutch parameter that is generally coincident with the detecting movement of a least a portion of the motor. |
| US08738255B2 |
Systems and methods for control of transmission and/or prime mover
Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example. |
| US08738254B2 |
Non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilzing input torque signal
A non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, the on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. |
| US08738253B2 |
Automatic transmission control apparatus, control method, program for realizing that method, and recording medium on which that program is recorded
An ECU controls an automatic transmission that can be manually shifted. The ECU executes a program that includes i) the step of, when there are a plurality of allowed gears that are allowed at the time of a downshift operation, continuously determining whether the engine speed NE after a downshift will be in a preset overspeed region for each allowed gear when the second and subsequent allowed gears are lower than an output gear, and when there is an allowed gear that will result in the engine speed NE being in the overspeed region, ii) the step of cancelling that allowed gear. Thus this control appropriately suppresses overspeeding of the engine while executing a manual shift in response to an operation by the driver without bothering the driver. |
| US08738250B2 |
Power source speed control in a machine with a CVT
Methods and systems for controlling a power source of a mobile machine having a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, from an operator of the mobile machine, input selecting of one of a plurality of target travel speeds of the mobile machine and input indicative of a requested output speed of the power source. The method further includes calculating a difference between the selected target travel speed and an actual travel speed of the mobile machine. Finally, the method includes adjusting the requested output speed of the power source based on the calculated travel speed difference, and commanding the power source based on the adjusted requested output speed of the power source. |
| US08738245B2 |
Control apparatus
A control apparatus which is capable of enhancing the accuracy of control of a controlled object having characteristics that dead time and response delay thereof vary. The control apparatus includes an ECU. The ECU calculates four predicted values as values of a controlled variable associated with respective times when four dead times elapse, respectively, calculates four weight function values associated with an exhaust gas volume, and calculates four products by multiplying the predicted values by the weight function values, respectively. The ECU sets the total sum of the four products as a predicted equivalent ratio and calculates an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient such that the predicted equivalent ratio becomes equal to a target equivalent ratio. |
| US08738244B2 |
Agricultural machine having a system for automatic setting of a working parameter, and associated method
An agricultural machine comprises an electronic control device, an actuator, which is actuated under external power, for adjustment of at least one working parameter of the agricultural machine, and a sensor, which is connected to the control device, for detection of the vertical position of the agricultural machine. It is proposed that the control device can be operated so as to derive from the signals of the sensor which topographical zone of a number of topographical zones of a field the agricultural machine is situated in each case, and to activate the actuator as a function of the respective topographical zone. |
| US08738243B2 |
Planter monitor system and method
A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action. |
| US08738242B2 |
Automatic blade slope control system
The slope angle of a blade on an earthmoving machine is automatically controlled based on measurements from a three-axis gyroscope, a blade slope angle tilt sensor, and a blade tip angle tilt sensor mounted on the blade. A three-axis gyroscope has high dynamic response and high resistance to mechanical disturbances but is subject to potentially unbounded errors. A tilt sensor has bounded errors but has a slow dynamic response and a high sensitivity to mechanical disturbances. The combination of a three-axis gyroscope and two tilt sensors provides an advantageous measurement system. Algorithms for performing proper fusion of the measurements account for the lack of synchronization between the three-axis gyroscope and the tilt sensors and also screen out invalid measurements from the tilt sensors. The blade slope angle is controlled based on a reference blade slope angle and an estimate of the blade slope angle computed from properly fused measurements. |
| US08738238B2 |
Coordination of vehicle movement in a field
A number of other vehicles that are moved on a number of paths that is substantially parallel to, and offset to at least one of a first offset side and a second offset side of, the path for the first vehicle. The number of other vehicles is moved along at least a portion of the path in the turn in response to a turn in the path of the first vehicle. The number of other vehicles may be moved from the path to a number of second parallel paths that are substantially parallel to the path after the turn of the first vehicle and offset to an opposite offset side of the first vehicle than the at least one offset side before the turn in response to the first vehicle completing the turn. |
| US08738228B2 |
Vehicle and method of tuning performance of same
A method for tuning a vehicle's performance may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, characterizing the driver's dynamic control of the vehicle based on the margin, and altering at least one tunable vehicle performance parameter based on the characterization. |
| US08738226B2 |
Holonomic motion vehicle for travel on non-level surfaces
Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces. |
| US08738225B2 |
System and method for automatically managing current draw from a telematics device in transit
The described method and system provide for reduction of the current draw from a vehicle battery caused by a telematics unit while the vehicle is in transit. By programming the telematics unit with instructions to ignore the awake algorithm or awake parameters while the vehicle is being shipped, or by programming the telematics unit to apply a different set of load-saving awake parameters while the vehicle is being shipped, the current draw from the vehicle battery caused by the telematics unit during shipping can be reduced. The telematics unit may implement a typical awake algorithm or awake parameters (e.g., non-load-saving parameters) after the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, such as the telematics unit determining that the vehicle has reached a destination area. |
| US08738222B2 |
Method for controlling a multimedia system on a vehicle and device for implementing same
A method for controlling a multimedia system on an automobile that includes at least one module for executing a multimedia function, having at least one operation state controlled by an action of the user on an interface. The multimedia system includes a prestart state in which at least one prescribed task of the module that does not require any action by the user is initiated, a detection mechanism monitors the occurrence of a vehicle opening or unlocking event, the module is temporarily set in the prestart state following the detection of the event, the module being capable, when in the prestart state, of being switched to the operation state when the user acts on the interface. |
| US08738218B2 |
Pressure sensor diagnostic method and common rail fuel injection control device
A pressure sensor diagnosis method and a common-rail-type fuel injection control device to diagnose the presence or the non-presence of an abnormality of a pressure sensor without having a dedicated circuit. A time between energizing of injectors and the occurrence of a peak counter electromotive current is measured as a valve closing time. A rail pressure with respect to the measured valve closing time is obtained as an estimated rail pressure based on a correlation between a valve closing time and the rail pressure. When an absolute value of the difference between the estimated rail pressure and an actual rail pressure is equal to or less than a predetermined error, it is determined that the pressure sensor has no abnormality. Otherwise, it is determined that the pressure sensor has an abnormality. |
| US08738208B2 |
Propulsion control apparatus
In a configuration in which an auxiliary power supply is connected to an intermediate link circuit of a main conversion unit, intermediate link voltage as input voltage of the auxiliary power supply is set at higher voltage depending on the main conversion unit as a main unit, and loss generated in a main circuit element of the auxiliary power supply increases; therefore, a problem has occurred that a cooling unit has to be increased in size. The main conversion unit recognizes a low-speed and stop state by monitoring a vehicle speed, and varies the intermediate link voltage corresponding to the vehicle speed; thereby, the loss generated in the main circuit element of the auxiliary power supply is reduced at the low-speed and stop state where cooling ability is decreased; as a result, small sizing and light weighting of the cooling unit is achieved. |
| US08738207B2 |
Hybrid vehicle with electric transmission and electric drive module
A hybrid vehicle is provided with an electric transmission operatively connected to a first axle and an electric drive module operatively connected to a second axle. A transmission ratio of a differential gear set and a final drive of the electric transmission are selected so that a torque ratio of torque of the first axle over the torque of the engine is that at which any working chamber of the engine that is operated to expand the working fluid can operate without throttling, without torque of the engine torque exceeding a torque necessary to propel the vehicle at a steady vehicle speed, and with the second electric machine freewheeling. |
| US08738206B2 |
Main pump to auxiliary pump hand-off strategy for maintaining hydraulic pressure in hybrid transmission
A method and system of providing hydraulic pressure during a transition from gas-powered engine operation to electric motor operation in a hybrid electric vehicle. During the transition, main pressure arising from operation of a gas-powered engine with a main pump is matched with auxiliary pressure arising from operation of a battery-powered electric motor with an auxiliary pump. After matching the main and auxiliary pressures, the auxiliary pressure is boosted to an operational pressure in response to a triggering event. |
| US08738204B2 |
Electric motor vehicle
Various embodiments include an electric motor vehicle which does not have any active suspension components, gearbox, differential or other mechanical transmission components, in various embodiments including consists a chassis, at least one pair of integrated wheel and brushless DC electric motor assemblies mounted on the chassis with conventional suspension components including springs and dampers. In various embodiments, a battery pack on the chassis provides power to the integrated wheel and electric motor assemblies; and a control system operates each integrated wheel and motor assembly independently of each other integrated wheel and motor assembly. Various embodiments include the control system including a master controller connected to the battery pack, and, a separate slave controller connected to the battery pack and to each of the integrated wheel and motor assemblies as well as the master controller. |
| US08738200B2 |
On-board flight strategy evaluation system aboard an aircraft
The invention relates to a process and an on-board system for evaluating flight strategies aboard an aircraft, linked with a flight plan (13) of the aircraft, including: calculation means (5) for determining relations between the flight parameters including parameters of time, of fuel quantity, of altitude and of speed, interface means (9) for providing at least one envelope of values (25a-25d) representative of a domain of definition of a plurality of flight strategies, interface means (9) for providing at least one determined strategy defined by determined values assumed by the flight parameters at a reference point, interface means (9) to allow the selection and setting of the value of a first parameter among said flight parameters, generating and supplying another envelope of values allowing exploration of another plurality of possible strategies, and interface means (9) to allow the selection and setting of the value of a second parameter, generating and supplying another determined strategy. |
| US08738198B2 |
Robot surveillance system and method
A robot surveillance system includes a robot chassis, a drive subsystem for the chassis, a dock on the chassis, and a payout device associated with the chassis. A flying module is configured to be received in the dock and includes at least one rotor powered by a motor and a body portion including an imager. A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module for allowing the flying module to climb out of the dock when powered to gain elevation for surveillance and imaging via the imager and for retracting the flying module to land on the robot and reside in the chassis dock after surveillance. |
| US08738197B2 |
Automatic vehicle guidance system
A vehicle controller includes a communications unit for performing data communications with local servers; a local path generation unit for generating, in response to an automatic vehicle guidance service request, a local path based on a driving control command and sensing information received from the local servers via the communications unit; a path-following control unit for generating actuator control signals for controlling actuators of a vehicle to drive the vehicle along the local path; and a vehicle driving unit for driving the actuators according to the actuator control signals. Each local server pre-processes and merges sensor data received from the infra-sensor to generate the sensing information. A global server generates the driving control command based on the sensing information and transmits the driving control command to the local servers. |
| US08738196B2 |
Methods for linking motor vehicles to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy
Methods for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road are disclosed. The disclosed methods utilize a dynamic linking system that not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed. |
| US08738195B2 |
Inferencing energy usage from voltage droop
Methods and devices capable of measuring, analyzing, and monitoring electrical energy consumption of appliances and devices within a building are provided. Voltage sensors that are optionally connected to electrical socket outlets are employed within a building or section of a building to infer the identity of electricity-consuming devices and the amount of power the devices are consuming individually and collectively. Energy use inferencing devices according to embodiments of the invention provide ease of installation, simplicity, manageability, and ease-of-use that can engender deployment by electricity consumers, such as, home owners and businesses. |
| US08738194B2 |
Mobile micro-grid power system
Methods and control apparatus are presented for controlling supply of electrical power to a mobile micro-grid power system, in which a master controller automatically rebalances the micro-grid by activating and deactivating individual power supplies to preferentially activate non-fuel consuming power supplies and deactivate fuel consuming power supplies so as to minimize fuel consumption for the micro-grid power system. |
| US08738193B2 |
Demand control device, demand control system, and demand control program
For each of the electric apparatuses belonging to an electric apparatus combination that was created by an apparatus calculation unit according to a target power-saving amount, a demand control information creation unit creates demand control information including a predetermined power corresponding to the target power-saving amount and a predetermined time of operating at this power. A demand request creation unit creates a demand request which is a signal which requests operation based on the demand control information for the apparatuses in the combination. When the predetermined time elapses, the apparatus calculation unit selects at least one or more apparatuses other than the apparatuses which are currently selected and additionally creates a new combination that is different from the current combination according to predetermined rules, and a communication unit sends the demand control information to the apparatus selected by the apparatus calculation unit. |
| US08738187B2 |
Apparatus and method for pressure fluctuation insensitive mass flow control
A mass flow controller includes a thermal mass flow sensor in combination with a pressure sensor to provide a mass flow controller that is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in input pressure. The pressure sensor and thermal sensor respectively provide signals to an electronic controller indicating the measured inlet flow rate and the pressure within the dead volume. The electronic controller employs the measured pressure to compensate the measured inlet flow rate and to thereby produce a compensated measure of the outlet flow rate, which may be used to operate a mass flow controller control valve. |
| US08738186B2 |
Load reduction based on percentage change in energy price
A thermostatic controller is configured for curtailing load when energy price rate is high. One or more energy price rates received by a receiver device are stored in an electronic memory. A microprocessor is operable to select from the one or more energy price rates the lowest energy price rate received within a given time period for establishing a base energy price rate. The microprocessor is operable to determine if the energy price rate for a present time period exceeds the base energy price rate by more than a first percentage or multiplier factor of the base energy price rate. In response to an energy price rate that exceeds the base energy price rate by more than the first percentage or multiplier factor, the microprocessor is configured to select a first temperature offset corresponding to the first percentage or multiplier factor and change the set point temperature by the first temperature offset. |
| US08738182B2 |
Sample processing apparatus
A sample processing apparatus includes: a sample processing unit comprising a moving mechanism and configured to perform a sample processing operation by moving the moving mechanism; a cover configured to cover the moving mechanism of the sample processing unit; a lock mechanism configured to lock the cover to prevent the cover from being opened; and a controller configured to control the lock mechanism, wherein the controller is configured to set either of a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the cover is kept locked after the sample processing unit has completed the sample processing operation until an instruction to unlock the cover is received from a user, and in the second mode, the cover is automatically unlocked after the sample processing unit has completed the sample processing operation. |
| US08738179B2 |
Robot system
Teaching images are acquired at a plurality of separate teaching points on a running route extending from a running start position to a goal position, respectively, under a first light environmental condition and a light environmental condition different from the first light environmental condition, and the teaching images are stored. A present teaching image serving as a target for a robot body in a running direction at present is selected from the stored teaching images. A driving mechanism is controlled so as to increase the matching degree between the present teaching image and an actual image taken by a camera. |
| US08738173B2 |
Sewing machine and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing sewing machine control program
A sewing machine includes an imaging device that captures an image of a sewing target object, a notification device, a processor and a memory. The processor acquires settings related to a layout of a second pattern with respect to a first pattern, and identifies a marker layout position. The processor causes the notification device to notify the identified marker layout position. The processor acquires first image data indicating an image in a first holding position. The image includes a marker arranged on the sewing target object. The processor acquires second image data indicating an image in a second holding position after the first image data has been acquired. The image includes the marker. The processor determines a layout of the second pattern with respect to the sewing target object in the second holding position, based on the acquired settings, the first image data and the second image data. |
| US08738170B2 |
Sewing machine and an embroidery frame
A sewing machine includes a mounting adaptor, a memory, an imager, and a processor. The mounting adaptor may be mounted with an embroidery frame. The memory may store frame rotation data. The frame rotation data indicate a setting angle which is a predetermined rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame. The imager may image an area including the embroidery frame mounted on the mounting adaptor. The processor may control the sewing machine to detect a marker provided on at least one of the embroidery frame and the work cloth based on the image, determine a rotation angle of the frame with respect to the outer frame based on the detected marker, and control the driver to adjust a rotation of the frame based on the determined rotation angle and the frame rotation data. |
| US08738162B1 |
Independent source recording
Systems and methods for recording multiple channels of incoming data. A system and method can receive data streams from a number of sources and distribute the data streams to a number of users. The plurality of data streams are stored in a storage device for later redistribution. |
| US08738161B2 |
Mobile device and method for helping exercising using a mobile device
A mobile device and a method include setting a vibration intensity grade and activating a vibration sensor to detect vibration intensity of the mobile device. The mobile device and the method further include obtaining the output induced voltage amplitude, confirming a vibration intensity grade, and controlling a music adjuster to adjust a playing speed and a playing volume of a music player to the confirmed vibration intensity grade. |
| US08738159B2 |
System and method for accessing PLC data on demand
A system for providing programmable logic data on demand includes a portion for receiving a plurality of data requests at the programmable logic controller and a portion for processing the plurality of data requests asynchronously. An interface enables asynchronous processing to enhance and extend capabilities of the programmable logic controller. |
| US08738158B2 |
Apparatus and method for remote configuration of common objects across lighting controllers
A lighting system controller is provided that is adapted to configure a plurality of lighting controllers using a set of common configuration information referred to as a template. According to one example, the lighting system controller is configured to maintain a set of templates and to track associations between templates and elements of a lighting control system that are managed by the lighting system controller. Examples of managed elements include lighting controllers and configurable objects resident within the lighting controllers. |
| US08738156B2 |
Clap-off bra
A bra comprises a signal-activated fastener which may be utilized to unfasten the bra when the signal-activated fastener receives a clapping sound generated by a person clapping his/her hands. Specifically, a strapless bra includes a sensor, a controller, and a fastener assembly cooperating to cause the bra to unfasten upon reception of the clapping sound. |
| US08738155B2 |
System for determining relative position between neurostimulation leads
A method and neurostimulation control system for operating two leads disposed adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A plurality of cross-lead electrical parameters are measured to generate a measured electrical profile of the electrode leads. A plurality of cross-lead electrical parameters are estimated to generate a first reference electrical profile for the electrode leads in a first known staggered configuration. The first reference electrical profile is spatially shifted to generate a second reference electrical profile for the electrode leads in a second known staggered configuration. The measured electrical profile is compared to the first and second reference electrical profiles, and a longitudinal stagger between the electrode leads is quantified based on the comparison. |
| US08738154B2 |
Multiplexed multi-electrode neurostimulation devices
Implantable stimulation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include a multiplexed multi-electrode component configured for neural stimulation. The multiplexed multi-electrode component includes two or more individually addressable satellite electrode structures electrically coupled to a common conductor. The satellite structures include a hermetically sealed integrated circuit controller operatively coupled to one or more electrodes. Also provided are systems that include the devices of the invention, as well as methods of using the systems and devices in a variety of different applications. |
| US08738138B2 |
Implantable medical device for providing stimulation therapy
An electrical stimulation system provides stimulation therapy to a patient. The system includes a neurostimulation lead that contacts patient tissue and couples with an implantable stimulation device, such as an implantable pulse generator, that receives stimulation parameters for providing stimulation therapy to a patient. The implantable stimulation device includes a header with a plurality of connector assemblies that receive an end of the neurostimulation lead, and a case containing a charging coil and a telemetry coil coupled to programming circuitry on a printed circuit board, which is in turn coupled to the connector assemblies via a feedthrough assembly. The telemetry coil receives data from an external programmer and transmits the data to the programming circuitry, which in turn uses the data to communicate to the connector assemblies and the neurostimulation lead to provide stimulation therapy to a patient. |
| US08738137B2 |
System for transmitting electrical current to a bodily tissue
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substantially rigid base and a flexible substrate. The substantially rigid base has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and is configured to be coupled to an electronic device. The flexible substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and includes an electrical circuit configured to electronically couple the electronic device to at least one of an electrode a battery, or an antenna. The flexible substrate is coupled to the base such that a first portion of the second surface is in contact with the first protrusion. A second portion of the second surface is non-parallel to the first portion. |
| US08738136B2 |
Clustering of recorded patient neurological activity to determine length of a neurological event
Apparatus and method detect a detection cluster that is associated with a neurological event, such as a seizure, of a nervous system disorder and update therapy parameters that are associated with a treatment therapy. The occurrence of the detection cluster is detected when the maximal ratio exceeds an intensity threshold. If the maximal ratio drops below the intensity threshold for a time interval that is less than a time threshold and subsequently rises above the intensity threshold, the subsequent time duration is considered as being associated with the detection cluster rather than being associated with a different detection cluster. Consequently, treatment of the nervous system disorder during the corresponding time period is in accordance with one detection cluster. Treatment therapy may be provided by providing electrical stimulation, drug infusion or a combination. Therapy parameters may be updated for each mth successive group of applications of the treatment therapy or for each nth detection cluster. |
| US08738134B2 |
Handling improper device data in implantable devices
A system and method for handling data received from an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided. The method includes communicating a device parameter value of an IMD device parameter from the IMD to an external device and determining, at the external device, that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value. Additionally, in response to the determining that the communicated device parameter value is at an improper value, automatically performing at least one of re-programming the IMD device parameter with a selected substitute device parameter value, ignoring, or purging non-programmable data. |
| US08738132B1 |
Effective capture test
The present disclosure pertains to cardiac pacing methods and systems, and, more particularly, to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In particular, the present disclosure pertains to determining the efficacy of CRT through use of an effective capture test (ECT). One or more embodiments comprises sensing a signal in response to a ventricular pacing stimulus. Through signal processing, a number of features are parsed from the signal. Exemplary features parsed from the signal include a maximum amplitude, a maximum time associated with the maximum amplitude, a minimum amplitude, and a minimum time associated with the minimum amplitude. The data is evaluated through use of the ECT. By employing the ECT, efficacy of CRT is easily and automatically evaluated. |
| US08738131B2 |
Mechanical ventricular pacing capture detection for a post extrasystolic potentiation (PESP) pacing therapy using at least one lead-based accelerometer
A system and method for monitoring at least one chamber of a heart (e.g., a left ventricular chamber) during delivery of extrasystolic stimulation to determine if the desired extra-systole (i.e., ventricular mechanical capture following refractory period expiration) occurs. The system includes an implantable or external cardiac stimulation device in association with a set of leads such as epicardial, endocardial, and/or coronary sinus leads equipped with motion sensor(s). The device receives and processes acceleration sensor signals to determine a signal characteristic indicative of chamber capture resulting from one or more pacing stimulus delivered closely following expiration of the refractory period. A threshold optimization method optionally evaluates capture and at least one of: runs an iterative routine to establish or re-establish chamber capture for the PESP therapy, sets a logical flag relating to chamber capture status and stores parameter(s) relating to successful chamber capture for one or more subsequent cardiac cycles. |
| US08738129B2 |
Real-time evaluation of CPR performance
A computer-implemented method for providing summary information for lifesaving activities is disclosed. The method involves sensing one or more activities that are repeatedly and cyclically performed on a victim by a rescuer; identifying a cyclical timing interval over which performance is to be analyzed for a integer number of cycles of the one or more activities, and gathering data from the sensing of the one or more activities during the time interval; generating, from analysis of the one or more activities, summary data that condenses data sensed for the one or more activities into a summary of the one or more activities; and providing, for display to a user, a visual summary of the performance of the one or more activities over the identified time interval. |
| US08738126B2 |
Synchronization of vagus nerve stimulation with the cardiac cycle of a patient
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition of a patient, involving detecting a physiological cycle or cycles of the patient and applying an electrical signal to a portion of the patient's vagus nerve through an electrode at a selected point in the physiological cycle(s). The physiological cycle can be the cardiac and/or respiratory cycle. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle correlated with increased afferent conduction on the vagus nerve, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during inspiration by the patient. The selected point can be a point in the cardiac cycle when said applying increases heart rate variability, such as a point from about 10 msec to about 800 msec after an R-wave of the patient's ECG, optionally during expiration by the patient. |
| US08738123B2 |
System and methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments
The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system. |
| US08738118B2 |
Cable system for generating signals for detecting motion and measuring vital signs
The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform. |
| US08738114B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring and modeling in vivo manganese ion transport in a subject
Described herein are systems and methods for quantitatively measuring manganese ion efflux in a subject. In general, the systems and methods compare imaging data from a subject taken over specific periods of time to pharmacokinetic models in order to measure manganese ion efflux rates from an organ in a subject. By understanding the specific location and rate of manganese ion efflux and influx from the organ, it is possible to more accurately correlate calcium ion activity. Calcium ion efflux is associated with a number of biological mechanisms in the subject, and the methods and systems described herein can be used as a diagnostic tool not only for monitoring calcium efflux in the subject but also aid in the treatment of diseases associated with changes in calcium ion efflux. |
| US08738112B2 |
Electrocardiograph monitoring device and connector
The present invention relates to electrocardiography and to electrode arrangements used in electrocardiographic monitoring devices, and is more particularly related to a pad or patch containing said electrodes which may be used to passively and non-invasively monitor electrical activity generated by a patient's heart from the surface of that patient's chest, and to a connector which allows for fast and simple connection between the pad containing said electrodes and the devices and equipment typically used to monitor and view electrocardiographic information. |
| US08738110B2 |
Rigid spine reinforced polymer microelectrode array probe and method of fabrication
A rigid spine-reinforced microelectrode array probe and fabrication method. The probe includes a flexible elongated probe body with conductive lines enclosed within a polymeric material. The conductive lines connect microelectrodes found near an insertion end of the probe to respective leads at a connector end of the probe. The probe also includes a rigid spine, such as made from titanium, fixedly attached to the probe body to structurally reinforce the probe body and enable the typically flexible probe body to penetrate and be inserted into tissue, such as neural tissue. By attaching or otherwise fabricating the rigid spine to connect to only an insertion section of the probe body, an integrally connected cable section of the probe body may remain flexible. |
| US08738109B2 |
Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. |
| US08738107B2 |
Equilibrium non-consuming fluorescence sensor for real time intravascular glucose measurement
Embodiments of the present invention relates to analyte sensors. In particular, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to non-consuming intravascular glucose sensors based on fluorescence chemistry. |
| US08738103B2 |
Multiple-body-configuration multimedia and smartphone multifunction wireless devices
A multifunction wireless device having at least one of multimedia functionality and smartphone functionality, the multifunction wireless device including an upper body and a lower body, the upper body and the lower body being adapted to move relative to each other in at least one of a clamshell, a slide, and a twist manner. The multifunction wireless device further includes an antenna system disposed within at least one of the upper body and the lower body and having a shape with a level of complexity of an antenna contour defined by complexity factors F21 having a value of at least 1.05 and not greater than 1.80 and F32 having a value of at least 1.10 and not greater than 1.90. |
| US08738098B2 |
Devices and associated hinge mechanisms
A device comprising first and second housings arranged to swivel about a swivel axis, wherein the device is arranged such that relative turning of the first and second housings about the swivel axis in a first direction reveals a first device user operational area, and relative turning of the first and second housings in the second opposing direction reveals a second device user operational area. |
| US08738096B2 |
Input device for mobile terminal
An input device for a mobile terminal includes a touch unit disposed on a surface of a housing of the mobile terminal, a conductive member disposed on an inner surface of the housing in a position corresponding to the touch unit, and a touch sensor to sense an operation of the touch unit through the conductive member and generate a corresponding signal. The touch sensor is provided within the housing in a position corresponding to the conductive member. |
| US08738093B1 |
Proximity based algorithms to control transmit power of a user device
Methods and systems for selecting a number of requests for transmission information by a user device when a presence of an object is detected are described. A user device detects a presence of object that absorbs electromagnetic radiation, and in response, selects a number of requests for transmission of additional information. The user device transmits the additional information at the specified transmit power level using the selected number of scheduled requests when the presence of the object is detected. |
| US08738084B2 |
Local area cellular basestation
This invention relates to a cellular basestation, and in particular to a basestation for a cellular communications network, that can conveniently be used to provide a cellular service, for example within a home or office. |
| US08738083B2 |
Operating method, apparatus, and memory module integrated with wireless communication component
Disclosed herein is related to an operating method, and a memory module with wireless communication component. An exemplary example of the invention describes the memory module providing a control unit which coupled to both a wireless communication component such as an NFC chip, and anon-volatile memory unit. The memory module exemplarily uses an eMMC bus to interconnect a cellular phone system and the control unit. It is advantaged that when any data required to be transmitted between the NFC chip and the cellular phone system, a partition is specified to the chip according a partition table for further access task. |
| US08738082B2 |
Identity module device, method and computer program product
Device (10) comprising a communication network operator subscriber identity module (SIM) card (12) or a software-based network operator SIM (12) or means for receiving a communication network operator subscriber identity module (SIM) card (12). The device (10) also comprises a device vendor-specific subscriber identity module (SIM) card (16) or a software-based device vendor-specific SIM (16) and a control unit (20) arranged to connect said network operator SIM card (12) and/or said device vendor-specific SIM card (16) or said software-based device vendor-specific SIM (16) to a communication network. |
| US08738077B2 |
Mobile radio unit with a dosimeter-radiometer
The mobile radio unit (phone, smartphone) comprises body 16 with an incorporated processor 1. The processor 1 is connected with memory 2, display 3, audible alarm aids 4, keyboard 5, power unit 6, navigator 9, and transceiver 15. The radio unit is equipped with radiation detector 8, electronic amplifier 7 and interface 10 connected to the processor 1. The detector 8 provides measuring alpha-, beta-, gamma- and neutron emissions and solar radiation levels. The processor 1 is provided with software, which ensures both communication functions and control, warning of exposure levels, measuring background radiation, building diagrams illustrating state of human organs. The keyboard 5 comprises keys for dosimeter and/or radiometer mode control. The detector 8, the interface 10 and the amplifier 7 can be placed in the mobile unit body 16 or in separate detachable unit. Thus, there was constructed an efficient mobile unit, which ensures an extended functionality. |
| US08738074B2 |
Mobile communications radio receiver for multiple network operation
A mobile communications radio receiver for multiple radio network operation includes an RF unit for generating a first down-converted signal from a radio signal received from a first radio network and a second down-converted signal from a radio signal received from a second radio network. Further, the receiver includes a first receiving unit including a user data channel demodulator configured to demodulate a dedicated user data physical channel and a control channel demodulator configured to demodulate a common control data channel of the first radio network based on the first down-converted signal. Still further, the receiver includes a second receiving unit including a pilot channel demodulator configured to demodulate a pilot channel of the second radio network based on the second down-converted signal. A first data connection is configured to couple control data contained in the second down-converted signal to the control channel demodulator of the first receiving unit. |
| US08738071B2 |
Location based idle mobile frequency selection
A mobile network sector is served via at least an antenna and a mobile network base station transceiver to provide communications with a mobile station. The mobile station includes a mobile station antenna and a location determination device for identifying a geographic location of the mobile station. A transceiver in the mobile station is configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the mobile network base stations, via the mobile station antenna. A microprocessor controls the transmission and reception of the mobile communication signals and communicates with the location determination device. A spatial database identifies geographic positions related to sectors of mobile network base stations. The microprocessor compares the geographical location of the mobile station with the geographic positions of the mobile sectors to determine a preferred mobile network sector and redirect the transceiver to tune to a particular channel supported by the preferred mobile network sector. |
| US08738063B1 |
Power control based on multi-antenna mode distribution
A wireless device associated with a first profile is communicated with using a first multi-antenna mode. Communication is received from a plurality of wireless devices associated with a second profile. The plurality of wireless devices are determined to be located within a defined area of the wireless device. Based on the determination that the plurality of wireless devices are located within the defined area of the wireless device, at least one of the plurality of wireless devices is sent at least one control message that instructs the at least one of the plurality of wireless devices to transmit a future communication at a lower power level. |
| US08738059B2 |
System and method for permitting recordation of voice transmissions among group members of a communication group of wireless communication devices
The disclosure is directed to recording voice data transmissions between mobile communication devices. An embodiment of the disclosure receives, at a first mobile communication device, an indication that a subsequent voice transmission segment may or may not be recorded by at least one other mobile communication device, and transmits, from the first mobile communication device, an indication to said at least one other mobile communication device that the subsequent voice transmission segment may or may not be recorded. Another embodiment receives an indication from at least one other mobile communication device that a subsequent voice transmission segment may or may not be recorded by said mobile communication device, and if the received indication indicates that the subsequent voice transmission segment may be recorded, records at least a portion of the subsequent voice transmission segment, and stores the recorded portion in a memory associated with said mobile communication device. |
| US08738057B2 |
Wireless terminal device, wireless communication method, and wireless communication system and program
A wireless terminal device (TA) receives a downlink signal that is repeatedly transmitted from a pre registered home repeater when requesting communication, specifies an idle channel based on idle channel information that is included in the downlink signal, and using the frequency of the uplink signal of the idle channel requests communication permission from the relay device that provides the idle channel. When communication permission cannot be received from the relay device from which communication permission was previously requested, the wireless terminal device (TA) uses the same frequency as the frequency of the downlink signal from the home repeater to transmit a signal to the wireless terminal device (TB) of an intended other party requesting communication. |
| US08738053B2 |
Method and system for finding a threshold for semi-orthogonal user group selection in multiuser MIMO downlink transmission
Various aspects of a method and a system for finding a threshold for semi-orthogonal user group selection in multiuser MIMO downlink transmission are presented. Aspects of a system for semi-orthogonal user group selection may include a processor that computes an orthogonality measurement between one of a plurality of signals and at least one of a remaining portion of the plurality of signals. The processor may compare each of the orthogonality measurements to a threshold orthogonality value based on a computed probability. The processor may select a user group, based on the threshold orthogonality value, including one of the plurality of signals and one or more signals selected from the remaining portion of the plurality of signals. |
| US08738052B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating and using updated group aliases and incident IDs
An updated group alias, based on one or more of a location, function, and purpose of a group, is transmitted to a subscriber unit (SU) and displayed at the SU, in place of a previously provisioned group ID or group alias associated with the group, during communications with, or when the SU is tuned to, the group. An incident ID, associated with one or more groups and identifying an incident, is received and stored at a SU. The SU embeds the stored incident ID in all future communications with the one or more groups and, upon request, scans a set of groups and/or channels for communications having the incident ID embedded therein. An incident ID alias described one or more of a name, location, function, or purpose of the incident, may also be received and associated with the incident ID. |
| US08738051B2 |
Method and system for controlling message routing
A system and method for transmitting telephony messages that includes transmitting a first outgoing telephony message through a first channel using a first routing option selected from a plurality of routing options; receiving a message delivery report through at least a second channel; updating message routing data in response to the message delivery report; selecting a second routing option for at least a second outgoing message, the second routing option selected from the plurality of routing options prioritized by the updated message routing data; and transmitting a second outgoing telephony message through the first channel using the selected second routing option. |
| US08738050B2 |
Electronic-mail filtering for mobile devices
Systems and methods for dynamic electronic-mail filtering for mobile devices are provided. Incoming e-mail messages are received and provided to an e-mail inbox associated with the intended recipient. Those e-mail messages are evaluated to determine whether they may be desirable to the recipient. Desirability of an e-mail may be determined by such factors as the e-mail address of origin or key words in subject line. E-mail messages determined to be desirable are provided to a mobile device associated with the recipient. The recipient may then be notified concerning the desirable messages. |
| US08738049B1 |
Converged dialog in hybrid mobile applications
According to one aspect of the present disclosure a system and technique for converged dialog in hybrid mobile applications is disclosed. The system includes: a processor and a hybrid communications manager executable by the processor. The hybrid communications manager is operable to: responsive to receiving a short message service (SMS) request from an SMS device, determine a data policy corresponding to the request; initiate an SMS communication dialog with the SMS device to collect data corresponding to the data policy; determine whether the data policy indicates a need for a dialog with a hybrid device; and responsive to determining that the data policy indicates a need for a dialog with a hybrid device, initiate a non-SMS communication dialog with a hybrid device corresponding to the collected data. |
| US08738047B2 |
Terminal and method of having conversation using instant messaging service therein
A terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to execute a first conversation with at least one correspondent party using an instant messaging service, a memory configured to store contents of the first conversation, an input unit configured to input a selection signal to select a second conversation be executed using the stored contents of the first conversation, after the first conversation is terminated, and a controller configured to control the wireless communication unit to execute the second conversation with the at least one correspondent party using the stored contents of the first conversation according to the input selection signal. |
| US08738044B1 |
Method and system for paging a mobile station
A two-stage method is used to page a target mobile station. A wireless network transmits an initial page message into a plurality of wireless coverage areas (e.g., the wireless coverage areas defined by a paging zone) that includes the target mobile station's last reported location. The initial page message is received by a plurality of mobile stations, which then transmit a plurality of responses. The plurality of responses includes a target response from the target mobile station. The wireless network determines the target wireless coverage area that received the target response and then transmits a supplemental page message into the target wireless coverage area. The initial page message may be a very short message, such as a page indicator, that does not identify the target mobile station. The supplemental page message may be a longer message that identifies the target mobile station and the reason for the page. |
| US08738042B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for determining a closest base station to a multi-mode mobile device
Embodiments provide methods, systems, and/or devices to identify and/or determine a closest base station to a multi-mode mobile device among the multiple wireless communications technologies, such as different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Having identified a closest base station to the multi-mode mobile device among the multiple wireless communications technologies, the mobile device's location may be estimated using location information regarding the closest identified base station. In some cases, a handover or other procedure may be performed with respect to the mobile device and the closest identified base station. The multiple wireless communications technologies may include, but are not limited to, WiMAX, CDMA 1x, LTE, and/or EVDO. |
| US08738036B1 |
Method and system for wayfinding at a venue
A system and method for wayfinding at a venue is disclosed herein. The system includes a mobile communication device and a venue. The mobile communication device includes an application for wayfinding at the venue and a plurality of sensors. The mobile communication device is configured to track a path of the mobile communication device from the first fixed geographical location utilizing a plurality of sensors of the mobile communication device. |
| US08738033B2 |
Location of basestation
Techniques and mechanisms relating to a basestation for a cellular communication system, and in particular to a method and a system for determining the location of the basestation, are disclosed. Methods are provided for use in a basestation of a mobile communications network, or in the network itself, for determining information about the position of the basestation itself, and/or for determining the position of mobile devices having a connection to the basestation. According to other aspects of the invention, there are provided basestations and network nodes for performing these methods. |
| US08738031B2 |
Operating geographic location systems
Among other things, we describe a method that includes receiving, on a mobile device, an indication that an application executing on the mobile device has entered a background state, receiving, from the application, a value indicating a condition for providing location data to the application, disabling a resource associated with the application, while the resource associated with the application is disabled, storing location data received from a location system of the mobile device, and when the condition indicated by the value is met, enabling the resource associated with the application, and providing the stored location data to the application. |
| US08738027B2 |
Methods and apparatus for identifying and authorizing location servers and location services
Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to allow a mobile device to obtain certain location service(s) and/or the like from one or more computing devices that have been authorized for use. For example, in certain implementations, an authorizing location server may obtain a first message from a mobile device indicating a first set of location servers, determine a second set of location servers based, at least in part, on the first set of location servers, and transmit a second message to the mobile device indicating that the second set of location servers are authorized for location service related access by the mobile device. |
| US08738025B2 |
Mobile-server protocol for location-based services
Location-based services are provided in a communication system comprising a wireless network. In one aspect, a mobile user device sends a trigger message to a server over a wireless link of the network. The server in response to the trigger message sends an update message to the mobile user device over the wireless link. The update message is sent within a period of time after the trigger message that is less than a dormancy time of the wireless link. The update message may specify, for example, a defined area around a location identified in the trigger message, one or more stationary fences associated with the mobile user device that overlap with the defined area and that are active or become active within a designated time frame, and a projected time frame within which a proximity-crossing event is likely to occur for at least one user device pair that includes the mobile user device. |
| US08738024B1 |
Delivering content within a boundary with beacons
A system and method for delivering content within a boundary is described. The system includes a plurality of beacons, a location positioning module, and a networked component. The beacons transmit a signal containing identifying information. The location positioning module receives the beacon signal data communication from a wireless device. The location positioning module receives measured reference points that include a measured beacon identifier and a measured signal strength. The location positioning module uses the measured reference points to generate calculated signal strength values for at least one detected beacon, wherein some of the calculated signal strength values are associated with a geographic boundary. The location positioning module determines the location of the wireless device by comparing the beacon signal data to the calculated signal strength values. The networked component transmits to the wireless device a content item associated with the geographic boundary when the wireless device is within the geographic boundary. |
| US08738014B2 |
Dynamic VCC assignment
A VCC in a telecommunications network which also has an HLR, an S-CSCF, and an IMS mobile or UE. The VCC includes a network interface unit of the VCC which receives an indication that the mobile is registering with the network or attempting to make or receive an IMS communication session. The VCC includes a processing unit of the VCC which assigns a VDN or a telephony network routing identifier for the mobile, and assigns a VCC point code. The VDN is sent from the network interface unit through the network to the UE or the mobile. The VCC point code for the mobile or the UE is sent from the network interface through the network to the HLR to update the mobile's or UE's profile data in the HLR. A method for assigning a VCC to an IMS mobile or UE in a telecommunications network which also has an HLR and an S-CSCF. |
| US08738013B2 |
802.11 mesh architecture
A wireless network device includes a forwarding table and a mesh routing module. The forwarding table is configured to store direct and reverse entries, each including a destination address, a next hop address, and a metric. The metric of the direct entries corresponds to a route from the wireless network device to the destination address. The metric of the reverse entries corresponds to a route from the destination address to the wireless network device. The mesh routing module is configured to (i) wirelessly receive route discovery packets, including a first route discovery packet, and (ii) create, based on the route discovery packets, corresponding direct entries and reverse entries in the forwarding table. The mesh routing module is configured to, in response to receiving the first route discovery packet, create a corresponding direct entry in the forwarding table and create a corresponding reverse entry in the forwarding table. |
| US08738012B2 |
Method and femtocell base station for supporting wireless connectivity of a mobile station to a cellular network
A method for supporting wireless connectivity of a mobile station to a cellular network, wherein the mobile station is located within the coverage area of a femtocell base station of which it is a non-CSG mobile station, and wherein the mobile station experiences interference which it indicates to the femtocell base station, is characterized in that the femtocell base station, upon receiving the experienced interference indication from the non-CSG mobile station, triggers the non-CSG mobile station to report interference related information, wherein, based on the interference related information, the femtocell base station performs a first check whether it is originator of the interference experienced by the non-CSG mobile station. Furthermore, a corresponding femtocell base station for supporting wireless connectivity of a mobile station to a cellular network is disclosed. |
| US08738009B1 |
Method and system for maintaining a reverse-active set that defines which sectors receive reverse link signals
A mobile station receives forward link signals and transmits reverse link signals for a communication session conducted via a wireless network. A controller maintains a reverse-active set that defines which sectors of the wireless network are used to receive the reverse link signals. When the mobile station transmits a request signal requesting the communication session, the controller may create the reverse-active set to include the sector that received the request signal with the highest signal strength. During the communication session, the signal strengths of the reverse link signals may be monitored in each of a plurality of sectors to obtain reverse-link signal strengths. The controller may maintain the reverse-active set based on the reverse-link signal strengths, adding sectors that report reverse-link signal strengths greater than an add threshold and dropping sectors that report reverse-link signal strengths less than a drop threshold. |
| US08738008B2 |
Methods for controlling mobility state evaluation of user equipment and user equipment thereof
The present invention provides methods for controlling mobility state evaluation of user equipment and user equipment thereof. The method comprises the following steps: when the user equipment receives different evaluation parameters in a process of mobility state evaluation, the user equipment explicitly defines the currently set mobility state and a method for the following mobility state evaluation so as to avoid the confusion effectively when executing evaluation. The user equipment comprises a comparing module, an evaluation controlling module and an evaluation executing module, wherein the evaluation executing module comprises of a timer, a counter, an evaluation unit and a mobility state setting unit. |
| US08738002B2 |
Zone switching in mixed-zone air interface
Embodiments of a system and method for wireless communication are provided. In certain embodiments, a base station provides a first zone using a first version of the communication standard and a second zone using a second version of the communication standard. In certain embodiments, the base station determines whether a mobile station communicating with the base station in the first zone can support the second version of the communication standard used in the second zone. When the mobile station can support the second version of the communication standard, the base station can send a command to switch the mobile station to the second zone. |
| US08738001B2 |
Handover procedure in a coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission network
The invention relates to a method for performing a handover procedure in a wireless coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission network (200; 700) of a mobile station (100) from a first base station (1) to a second base station (2), wherein the first base station coordinates a first group (202) of base stations, the first base station being a member of the first group, and the second base station coordinates a second group (204) of base stations, the second base station being a member of the second group, and wherein a network component (102) is adapted to transmit data to the first base station and the first group of base stations and/or to the second base station and the second group of base stations. |
| US08738000B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation problem indications in a cellular radio system
In a method and an apparatus for indicating problems data from, typically automatically, entered cell relations is compared to site location information and mobile measurements, if available. An indication of a possible problem is triggered if the comparison indicates that the cell added as neighbors are not suitable as defined by one or many threshold functions. In accordance with one embodiment method of problem indication generation in a cellular radio system is provided. An apparatus receives a neighbor cell relation entries and site location information. The received information is compared and a problem indication is generated if the comparison indicates that cells entered neighbor cells are not close to each other as defined by at least one threshold values. |
| US08737997B2 |
Method and device for processing type of local network over base station
The present application discloses a method and an equipment for processing the local network type of a base station (BS). The method comprises: when a BS has determined its local network type, it indicates to a user equipment (UE) said local network type; and when the UE receives the indication carrying said local network type of the BS, it can determine, according to said indication, the local network type of the BS. The present application solves the problem of a user being unable to acquire the type of network connected to a BS and accordingly being unable to determine the corresponding connection means, and enriches user experience. |
| US08737996B2 |
Communication system, communication terminal and controller
A communication system of the invention includes a communication terminal correctable to first and second communication networks, and a controller for controlling service provision to the communication terminal according to which one of the first and second communication networks the communication terminal is connected to. The communication terminal includes: a reception determination unit for determining a reception condition of a control signal transmitted from the first communication network; and a notification transmitter for transmitting, to the controller, a notification indicating that the control signal can be received when the reception condition satisfies a certain requirement. The controller includes: a detector for detecting that the communication terminal can receive the control signal according to the notification; and a connection determination unit for determining that the communication terminal is connected to the first communication network when the communication terminal can receive the control signal while being connected to the second communication network. |
| US08737995B2 |
Mobile radio communication system
A mobile radio communication system having a mobile radio communication network and a mobile radio subscriber appliance, wherein a unit in the network layer of the core network of the mobile radio communication network is configured to transmit to the mobile radio subscriber appliance a first message, based on an occurrence of a predetermined event, with a request for a statement which describes at least one radio characteristic of the mobile radio subscriber appliance. |
| US08737994B2 |
Discontinuous transmission in femtocells
Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are described for discontinuous transmissions in a wireless communications system. In one example, a femtocell uses out-of-band (OOB) signals to detect the presence of user equipment (UEs) in a femtocell coverage area. In response to the detection, the femtocell may transmit in-band signals to facilitate communication with and registration of the detected UE. The femtocell may then perform discontinuous in-band transmissions to the registered UE. |
| US08737985B2 |
Methods and systems for zone creation and adaption
Methods and systems of updating a zone profile comprising obtaining a plurality of radio signal parameter measurements and, if the plurality of radio signal parameter measurements contains at least one measurement corresponding to a dominant element of the zone profile and if the plurality of radio signal parameter measurements contains at least one measurement corresponding to a candidate element (e.g., statistically unlikely element) of the zone profile, updating the profile by either adjusting an existing parameter value or by adding a new element to the zone profile corresponding to the candidate element. |
| US08737983B2 |
Method, connection and data carrier to perform repeated operations on the key-board of mobile communication device
When processing repeated operations on the keyboard of a mobile communication device, mainly at direct debits, used is a separate data carrier with a memory in which is stored at least one file with a sequence of keyboard orders of a macro type. Data carrier is energetically supplied contact-free by electromagnetic field of the mobile communication device while receiving the requiring order and, according to this order, chooses from the memory and encodes appropriate file with a sequence of keyboard orders. Data carrier sends the encoded file into the mobile communication device which decodes the received file and performs processes representing the keystrokes according to the sequence of keyboard orders. The invention also describes connection and data carrier to perform above described method where the data carrier consists of a processor, transmitting and receiving unit, block for transforming electromagnetic field and a memory to store a file of orders. |
| US08737979B2 |
Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system includes a first device having a communications control circuit configured to initiate transmission of a wireless communication signal, and a second device including a communication interface circuit and a number of other circuits. The communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to provide information carried by the wireless communication signal to at least one of the other circuits. Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface circuit may be responsive to the wireless communication signal to receive information specified by the wireless communication signal from at least one of the other circuits and to transmit another wireless communication signal carrying the retrieved information back to the first device. In either case, the communication interface circuit is unresponsive to control thereof by any of the number of other circuits. The communications control circuit controls all wireless communication between the first and second devices. |
| US08737978B1 |
Adaptable communication techniques for electronic devices
Improved approaches for users of electronic devices to communicate with one another are disclosed. The electronic devices have audio and/or textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences, prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or textual messages. |
| US08737977B2 |
Systems and methods for intergrating telephone communication with computing devices
An integrated communication system and method includes a primary unit and a secondary unit comprising transceivers for communicating therebetween and a communication management unit operable to manage communication with a telephone network. The system and method may be used to provide detachable headset units for a user to communicate via a communication management unit of the primary unit or for presenting useful second party related information to a user when communicating with the second party over a telephonic network connection. The system and method may provide a convenient system whereby a user may select between various communication devices to manage telephonic communication with a common client account. |
| US08737975B2 |
Audio-based text messaging
A device that enable users to send and receive a message in different formats may include a text message gateway, an audio message gateway, and a processor. The text message gateway may include a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway. The audio message gateway may include an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) unit and/or a client application interface that receives audio from a client application of a mobile communications device. The processor may be configured to convert text messages received at the text-message gateway into audio messages and then to send the audio messages via the audio message gateway. The processor may also be configured to convert audio messages received at the audio message gateway into text messages and then to send the text messages via the text message gateway. |
| US08737973B1 |
Enhanced voice calling using smart phone services
A system and method for enhancing voice telephone communications from a smart phone. The method is implemented on an app for a smart phone. Steps include capturing digits dialed on the smart phone; establishing a data connection with a database external to the smart phone; transmitting to the database the digits dialed on the smart phone; a telephone number for calling the smart phone; and any multimedia capabilities of the smart phone. Additional steps include receiving at the smart phone: a second telephone number sent from the database and any multimedia information accessible to the smart phone; displaying the multimedia information on the display screen when such multimedia information is displayable; and using the second telephone number received from the database to cause the smart phone to establish a voice connection through the public switched telephone network as if the second telephone number had been dialed by the user. |
| US08737970B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing release of connection resources
A method and an apparatus for processing release of connection resources are provided. The method includes: stopping transmitting a service message to a Mobile Switch Center (MSC) in a first preset duration after receiving a reset message transmitted by the MSC, and restoring transmission of the service message to the MSC after the first preset duration, where release of connection resources between a Base Station Controller (BSC) and the MSC is ensured to be completed in the first preset duration. Through the method and the apparatus for processing the release of the connection resources, after the MSC transmits the reset message, it is ensured that the services of other MSCs are not affected and also the connection corresponding to the MSC transmitting the reset message on the BSC is released, so new services are not affected accordingly, thereby improving Quality of Service (QoS) of the services. |
| US08737969B2 |
System and method for providing a descriptor for a location to a recipient
A method for providing a descriptor of a location to a recipient includes receiving location data of the location from a user and using the location data to identify a plurality of regions near or including the location. Each region is associated with a descriptor. The recipient's level of familiarity with each of the regions is determined and a region is selected based on the recipient's level of familiarity with the selected region. Once the region is selected, the descriptor associated with the selected region is provided to the recipient via the user. |
| US08737966B2 |
Mobile device supporting touch semi-lock state and method for operating the same
A mobile device and a method support a touch semi-lock state. When entering into the touch semi-lock state, a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon are provided on a touch screen. An output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen is defined as a touch event allowable region. A specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user input that moves the touch-lock icon onto the specific item. A particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item is activated. |
| US08737965B2 |
Wireless device monitoring systems and monitoring devices, and associated methods
Wireless device monitoring systems and monitoring devices include a communications module for receiving wireless communications of a wireless device. Processing circuitry is coupled with the communications module and configured to process the wireless communications to determine whether the wireless device is authorized or unauthorized to be present at the monitored area based on identification information of the wireless device. Methods of monitoring for the presence and identity of wireless devices are also provided. |
| US08737962B2 |
Method and system for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform
A system and method for preventing illicit use of a telephony platform that includes enrolling a plurality of accounts on a telecommunications platform, wherein an account includes account configuration; at a fraud detection system of the telecommunications platform, receiving account usage data, wherein the usage data includes at least communication configuration data and billing configuration data of account configuration and further includes communication history of the plurality of accounts; calculating fraud scores of a set of fraud rules from the usage data, wherein at least a sub-set of the fraud rules include conditions of usage data patterns between at least two accounts; detecting when the fraud scores of an account satisfy a fraud threshold; and initiating an action response when a fraud score satisfies the fraud threshold. |
| US08737961B2 |
Method and apparatus for incrementally determining location context
Techniques to derive or predict location context for a user of a mobile device include receiving signal data that indicates a set of one or more distinct signal sources from which signals are received at the mobile device for each of multiple different times. The method further comprises determining whether the mobile device is moving outside a specified area at a current time based on the signal data. The method further comprises incrementing a count for a stationary state associated with the set of one or more distinct signal sources at the current time, if the mobile device is determined to be not moving outside the specified area. The method also comprises delivering a service to the mobile device based on the stationary state. |
| US08737959B2 |
Managing recurring payments from mobile terminals
Equipments and methods are disclosed for facilitating service provisioning in a system that comprises a payment processor, a number of service providers and a mediator that mediates information exchange between the payment processor and service providers, and a mobile terminal operated by payment card holder. In some implementations, service provisioning can be facilitated in cases wherein the payment processor must reside in a strictly regulated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant environment and the service providers operate servers that are not PCI-compliant. |
| US08737958B2 |
Managing recurring payments from mobile terminals
Equipment and methods for facilitating service provisioning in a system that include a payment processor, a number of service providers and a mediator that mediates information exchange between the payment processor and service providers, and a mobile terminal operated by payment card holder. In some disclosed embodiments, service provisioning can be facilitated in cases where the payment processor must reside in a strictly regulated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant environment and the service providers operate servers that are not PCI-compliant. |
| US08737957B2 |
Automated device provisioning and activation
A method and network system for obtaining, from a management entity, a bill-by-account service policy applicable to a device group managed at least in part by the management entity, the device group including a plurality of devices including a particular device identified by a particular credential, the bill-by-account service policy comprising classification and accounting policies; identifying wireless access network data traffic associated with the particular device; based on the classification policy, identifying a particular service activity within the wireless access network data traffic, the particular service activity being a bill-by-account service activity; obtaining a record comprising the particular credential and a usage measure indicating a wireless access network usage associated with the particular service activity; and, based on the accounting policy, allocating the usage measure to an account associated with an entity that is financially responsible for usage of the wireless access network associated with the device group. |
| US08737952B2 |
Advertisement scheduling
Embodiments of the invention are concerned with a method and a system for scheduling the transmission of messages to a subscriber in a communications network based on communications events determined to have occurred from communications events generated by the communications network. The method includes identifying a communications event as one of a plurality of predetermined types of communications events on the basis of at least one said identified current or previous communications session, and, responsive to the identified communications event triggering a scheduling process for scheduling transmission of a message to the subscriber, in which the scheduling process is dependent on the type of communications event. Thus in embodiments of the invention, the transmission of messages is determined on the basis of communications events associated with the subscriber; typical communications events include making calls, sending messages, switching off, switching on, roaming, cell to cell handover, answering calls, and trends. |
| US08737950B2 |
Verifying calendar information through proximate device detection
A device stores a context aware application, and a calendar application that further stores data related to a scheduled meeting. The device receives local connectivity identification (LCID) information from one or more other devices that are proximate to the device. The device determines a likelihood that a user of the device is present at the scheduled meeting based on data related to the received LCID information from the one or more other devices that are proximate to the device. The device selectively executes a function associated with a context aware application based on the likelihood that the user is present at the scheduled meeting. |
| US08737948B2 |
Providing temporary callback number for emergency calls
A system, method, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for providing temporary callback number for emergency calls is disclosed. A determination is made as to whether a restriction is imposed on a mobile user for incoming calls. A temporary callback number for the mobile user is generated if the restriction is imposed. A request for a callback to the mobile user comprising the temporary callback number is detected. The callback is routed to the mobile user using the temporary callback number. |
| US08737946B2 |
Down-converter, up-converter, receiver and transmitter applying the same
A down-frequency conversion circuit and up-frequency conversion circuit, and a receiver and transmitter applying the same are provided. The down-frequency conversion circuit includes a harmonic mixer and general mixer, and thus becomes able to convert frequency using one LO (Local Oscillator) frequency, thereby reducing burden on generating LO frequency. |
| US08737941B2 |
Gain control systems and methods for controlling an adjustable power level
A system, such as a transceiver, for controlling an adjustable power level includes first and second power detectors, a network of attenuators, a compensator, a comparator, and a controller. The first power detector measures the power of a signal. The network of attenuators receives the signal and generates an attenuated signal. The compensator receives the attenuated signal and generates a compensated signal. The second power detector measures the power of the compensated signal. The comparator receives the respective outputs from the first and second power detectors and generates a first error signal. The controller enables the fixed attenuation, correspondingly adjusts the variable attenuation, receives a second error signal, and provides a control signal to the network of attenuators to nullify an attenuation mismatch introduced between the fixed attenuation and the variable attenuation. A corresponding method for controlling an adjustable power level is also disclosed. |
| US08737939B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting presence of an unmodulated RF carrier prior to a communication frame
A measurement signal, the measurement signal indicative of a bias in a signal received via a communication channel, is generated. A detection signal, the detection signal indicative of presence of an unmodulated radio frequency (RF) carrier prior to a communication frame in the signal received via the communication channel, is generated using the measurement signal. |
| US08737937B2 |
Distortion compensation apparatus, transmitter, and distortion compensation method
A distortion compensation apparatus includes an amplifying unit, a plurality of distortion compensation coefficient storage units, a first address generating unit, a second address generating unit, and a distortion compensating unit. The amplifying unit amplifies an input signal. A plurality of distortion compensation coefficient storage units store the distortion compensation coefficients for compensating for the distortion of the amplifying unit by being associated with two different addresses. The first address generating unit generates a first address based on the current input signal. The second address generating unit generates a second address different from the first address based on the previous input signal. The distortion compensating unit obtains the distortion compensation coefficient corresponding to a combination of the first and second addresses from each of the distortion compensation coefficient storage units and performs a pre-distortion processing for the current input signal to the amplifying unit using the obtained distortion compensation coefficient. |
| US08737932B2 |
Load aware power controlling
A User Equipment Apparatus is described, which include a Load Factor Determining Device and a Calculating Device. The Load Factor Determining Device is adapted for determining at least one load factor value of a neighbor sector. The Calculating Device is adapted for calculating a transmit power of the User Equipment Apparatus such that the at least one load factor value of a sector is considered. |
| US08737931B2 |
Antenna selection for diversity combining
A diversity combining receiver may employ a switching architecture that permits multiple receiver chains to be coupled to multiple antennas. |
| US08737930B2 |
Handheld apparatus and method for determining the reliability of a network connection at a site
A method includes receiving wireless signals from a wireless network at a handheld device located at a specified site. The wireless signals are associated with a network connection at the specified site. The method also includes determining one or more metrics related to a reliability of the network connection at the specified site. In addition, the method includes determining that a class of application or device is supported by the network connection using the one or more metrics. The one or more metrics could include signal strength, bandwidth, latency, average number of channels available, number of routing elements visible, and/or average latency. Determining that the class of application or device is supported by the network connection could include determining that each of the one or more metrics is suitable for the class of application or device based on a criticality of the class of application or device. |
| US08737929B2 |
Device, system and method of estimating a phase between radio-frequency chains
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of estimating a phase between radio-frequency (RF) chains. For example, an apparatus may include a power detector coupled between first and second RF chains; and a phase estimator to estimate a phase difference between the first and second RF chains based on a combined power value detected by the power detector responsive to simultaneous communication via both the first and second RF chains. |
| US08737928B2 |
Method and associated apparatus applied to receiver of wireless network for determining quantity of antennas of transmitter
A method applied to a receiver of a wireless network for determining an unknown quantity of antennas of a transmitter according to a received network is provided. The method includes: delaying the network signal according to a sum of a reference period and an estimated shift interval to provide a delayed signal; calculating a correlation between the network signal and the delayed signal to generate a correlation index; comparing the correlation index and a threshold to provide a comparison result; and determining the unknown quantity of transmitting antennas according to the comparison result. |
| US08737927B1 |
Method for configuring wireless links for a live entertainment event
A method of assigning channels (each having a center frequency from a frequency set) to a set of sound sources for a live entertainment event performance, said sound sources having a hierarchy of importance to entertainment event success. First, the frequencies are ranked in terms of susceptibility to interference from intermodulation products created by the frequency set. Then, high importance sound sources are assigned the most reliable channels—that is, those having a center frequency that has a relatively low susceptibility to interference from intermodulation products. |
| US08737926B2 |
Scheduling of beamformed data to reduce interference
A system and method are disclosed for coordinating the scheduling of beamformed data to reduce interference in a wireless system. A customer premise equipment (CPE) uses a plurality of bits to quantize the phase angle of the beamformed data received by CPE and reports it to its serving base station. The serving base station selects one of the phase adjustment angles based on the bits received from the CPE in order to schedule the data transmission to the CPE. The phase adjustment angles are in “n” degree steps. |
| US08737923B2 |
System and method for reducing radio frequency interference between a wireless communication device and a speaker
A device and method are provided that reduce interference between a wireless communication device and a speaker. Generally speaking, a microphone input is monitored for detecting noise created by the interference. If noise is detected, a power transmission level of the wireless device is reduced from a standard power transmission level. |
| US08737921B2 |
Communication system of detecting victim terminal and performing interference coordination in multi-cell environments
Provided is a method, and an apparatus and communication system to perform the method, of detecting a victim terminal and performing an interference coordination in a multi-cell environment. The multi-cell environment may include a heterogeneous cell environment including a small cell and a macro cell. The method includes determining whether a macro terminal is located within a cell coverage of a small base station, and adjusting the cell coverage according to the determination. |
| US08737914B2 |
Communication system with NFC transfer of different data sets based upon keyboard mode and related methods
A communication system may include a near-field communication (NFC) device, and a mobile wireless communications device having different selectable keyboard configuration modes. The mobile wireless communications device may include an NFC circuit, and a controller coupled to the NFC circuit and determining a selected keyboard configuration mode, and selectively communicating a respective set of data from among different sets of data with the NFC device based upon the selected keyboard configuration mode. |
| US08737913B2 |
Methods and systems for providing a wireless automobile key service
Systems and methods for providing a wireless automobile key service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting whether the mobile device is connected to the automobile over a first network, launching a wireless automobile key service application on the mobile device when it is detected that the mobile device is connected to the automobile over the first network, and receiving, via the application from an operator of the automobile using the mobile device, a request to issue a command to the automobile. The method further includes determining whether the requested command is a first command or a second command. The method further includes when the requested command is a first command, sending, from the mobile device to a server over a second network, a request to issue the first command to the automobile. The method also includes when the requested command is a second command, sending, from the mobile device to the sever over the second network, a request to issue the second command to the automobile, and receiving, at the mobile device from the server over the second network, status information associated with the automobile. |
| US08737908B1 |
Interactive book and spatial accountability method
The current invention promotes accountability in reading, in terms of spatial, causal, temporal, protagonist, and intentionality elements of a story. A book with interactive maps was developed to emphasize the spatial and other dimensions of stories and encourage more spatial mental models, and generally more accurate situation models of the story. The interactive maps were printed on microdot paper and interspersed throughout the book, sometimes with successful completion of the activities required to obtain the page number of the next section of the book, which had been reordered in a non-sequential manner. Wireless electronic pens with cameras track X-Y location information from the microdot paper. Auditory feedback may be provided through a secondary device, like a personal computer, or directly using the electronic pen. The interactive book was tested on a group of sixth-grade students and found to reinforce spatial accountability. |