| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07694111B2 |
Processor employing loadable configuration parameters to reduce or eliminate setup and pipeline delays in a pipeline system
A deep-pipeline system substantially reduces the overhead of setup delays and pipeline delays by dynamically controlling access of a plurality of configuration register sets by both a host central processing unit (CPU) and the stages of the pipelines. A master configuration register set is loaded with configuration parameters by the host CPU in response to an index count provided by a setup-index counter. A plurality of other counters are employed to track timing events in the system. In one embodiment, a run-index counter provides a run-index count to the first stage of the pipeline that is propagated along the stages, enabling configuration register sets to transfer configuration parameters to the stages of the pipeline when required to enable processing of a task. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of D flip-flops sequentially propagates a state for successive registers, so that the setup-index counter is not required. |
| US07694108B2 |
Reconfigurable semiconductor device capable of controlling output timing of data
An arithmetic unit capable of reconfiguring circuitry in accordance with configuration data supplied includes a data processing unit performing a processing using input data; an output data maintenance unit maintaining the result of the processing to output it as an output data; and an output valid signal control unit outputting an output valid signal indicating whether or not the output data is valid, in which an output timing of a valid data to outside the arithmetic unit can be controlled optionally by controlling the output timing of the output valid signal. |
| US07694107B2 |
Dynamic performance ratio proportionate distribution of threads with evenly divided workload by homogeneous algorithm to heterogeneous computing units
In at least some embodiments, a system, comprises a first computing unit having a first type of processors. The system further comprises a second computing unit having a second type of processors, the second computing unit being coupled to the first computing unit. The first and second computing units are configured to provide parallel processing of an application based on an algorithm that distributes work evenly to a plurality of threads. The number of the threads assigned to each of the first and second computing units is based on a number of processors associated with each of the first and second computing units and a per-processor performance of the first and second computing units. |
| US07694102B2 |
Systems and methods for self-tuning memory
There are disclosed systems, computer program products, and methods for self-tuning memory. In an embodiment, a method for self-tuning memory comprises setting a tuning interval and a target range for free memory for a memory pool. If memory consumption falls outside of the set target range for free memory during a tuning interval, a new target size for the memory pool is set based on the target range for free memory. Memory allocation for the memory pool is increased or decreased for the next tuning interval, such that the new target size for the memory pool is reached. A decrement rate may be used to provide a controlled decrease of the memory pool over a plurality of tuning intervals if necessary, until the new target size for the memory pool is reached. |
| US07694100B2 |
Managing system memory resident device management queues
In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides determining if a management queue can be created, and if a management queue can be created, allocating virtually contiguous memory to a management queue associated with a device, registering the management queue, and creating a management queue context. |
| US07694097B2 |
System and method for managing an electronic storage volume
A system and method for managing an electronic storage volume is described. The method includes assigning a threshold to a constrained storage space to define a first state in which an amount of data stored in the constrained storage space exceeds the threshold and a second state in which the amount of data stored in the confined storage space does not exceed the threshold. The method also includes comparing the amount of data to be stored in the constrained storage space and the threshold, and performing a predefined action if the comparison indicates that the amount data to be in the confined storage space would cause a transition between the first state and the second state. |
| US07694092B2 |
Storage subsystem and back-up/recovery method
One or more random access-type storage devices comprise a volume group and a journal volume. The volume group contains a volume pair configured from a primary volume and a secondary volume. Whenever data is received from a host device, this received data is written in the primary volume, a journal containing the write sequence of the data and the data is produced, and the journal is written in a journal volume. A plurality of journals accumulated in a journal volume are written in a sequential access-type storage device. Based on the write sequence recorded in each of the plurality of journals recorded in the sequential access-type storage device, the data of the journals is restored to the primary volume for storing the data and to a secondary volume from which the volume pair is configured. |
| US07694091B2 |
Non-volatile storage for backing up volatile storage
One embodiment of a non-volatile memory system comprises block-accessible non-volatile memory, random access memory arranged to be linearly addressable by a processor as part of the processor's memory address space, to be read from and written to by the processor, and logic interposed between the block-accessible non-volatile memory and the random access memory and arranged to write parts of the content of the random access memory in blocks to blocks of the non-volatile, block-accessible memory. The logic is arranged to monitor processor writes to the random access memory, and to write blocks of the random access memory that differ from a most recent copy in the non-volatile, block-accessible memory to the non-volatile, block-accessible memory. |
| US07694090B2 |
Storage system with journal reflecting area control function
This invention relates to data backup and data recovery in a computer system. An outputting unit updates data stored in a first area based on an update request of data from the host computer, a creating unit stores update data for the update request in a second area, a marker processing unit creates a marker containing information of the range, in which the data is stored, and information indicating whether or not the data is allowed to be stored in a third area based on a request of creating the marker from the host computer to store the created marker in the second area, and a reflecting unit refers to the marker, obtains the update data corresponding to the data storing range, which is stored prior to the marker, and reflects the obtained update data to the third area. |
| US07694088B1 |
System and method for efficient creation of aggregate backup images
A system for efficient creation of aggregate backup images includes a plurality of backup images of a source data set, including a first and a second backup image, and a backup manager. The second backup image may include at least one data block containing an updated version of a corresponding data block in the first backup image. The backup manager may be configured maintain a first and a second image map corresponding to the first and second backup images, respectively, where each image map includes a plurality of entries pointing to data blocks of the corresponding backup image. In response to a request to create a first aggregate backup image of the source data set, the backup manager may be configured to establish a first aggregate image map including indirect pointers that point to one or more entries in each of the first and second image maps. |
| US07694087B2 |
Duplicate data storing system, duplicate data storing method, and duplicate data storing program for storage device
Provided is a data storing system which holds only updated data by a snapshot action of a disk array subsystem. When there is generated a writing request to snapshot duplicate volumes as the duplicate data storing areas, unused pages for the requested amount is searched from a common logical-volume which is used in common as a real data storage area within the disk array subsystem, and address conversion of the page is performed. The result of the address conversion is held in a directory which is provided for each of the snapshot duplicate volumes. When making an access to the page thereinafter, the directory is always being referred to, and the address conversion is performed from the page of the snapshot duplicate volumes to the corresponding page of the common logical-volume. |
| US07694085B2 |
Warming large dynamic data in redundant functional unit
The present invention describes a warming procedure for warming redundant functional units. The solution described in the present invention keeps the functional unit during most of the warming in a state where it is able to serve new configuration requests. The working unit side may still be locked but for a shorter amount of time than earlier. The present invention makes it easy to warm various kinds of data areas in multiple clients without a need to organize or classify the data for warming purposes. Data is treated as bulk bytes.The present invention further describes a warming manager which controls the warming procedure. The warming procedure is based on the fact that the warming manager takes one or more snapshots of the dynamic data of the warmable objects, and transfers only differences in the dynamic data between two consecutive snapshots to the warming manager of the spare unit side. |
| US07694082B2 |
Computer program and method for managing resources in a distributed storage system
A resource management system uses a virtual resource pool distributed across a set of storage devices to manage resources in a distributed storage system. The storage devices dedicate a resource in an allocation pool available to the virtual resource pool. The virtual resource pool is a virtual storage server in which an application receives at least a predetermined amount of storage capacity, a predetermined level of performance, or a predetermined reliability, represented by tokens. A virtual resource pool manager gives the tokens to an application. The application transmits the tokens along with the commands to the storage device. The token represents a right to consume up to some limit of resources on a specific storage device in a computing session. The storage device locally tracks resource consumption through the token. |
| US07694081B2 |
Storage system and method for controlling storage system
The invention aims at improving the scalability of a storage system using a switch with a small number of ports.A storage system includes a plurality of host connection control units 10 connected to host computers; a plurality of drive control units 12 connected to disk drives 13; and a plurality of 4 by 4 switching units 11 located between each of the host connection control units 10 and each of the drive control units 12, and switching a plurality of paths connecting each host connection control unit 10 and each drive control unit 12, wherein the plurality of 4 by 4 switching units 11 is arranged in multiple stages in the direction of information transmission and the 4 by 4 switching units 11 in each stage are connected so that only two paths are defined from a given host connection control unit 10 from among the host connection control units 10, to every drive control unit 12, and the two paths have no parts in common. |
| US07694079B2 |
Tagged sequential read operations
In some embodiments, a storage device, comprises a processor, a memory module communicatively connected to the processor, and logic instructions in the memory module which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to receive a read input/output operation, and configure a prefetch disk data into cache memory in response to a prefetch tag embedded in the read input/output operation. |
| US07694071B1 |
Disk drives and methods allowing configurable zoning
A disk drive capable of being configured into a plurality of data storage zones, wherein some of the zones have different performance characteristics than other zones; a method for performing such a zoning configuration; and, a host device utilizing such a disk drive. The disk drive comprises a disk having a plurality of sectors for storing data, a head for reading and writing the data, and a disk drive controller for controlling the head, wherein the plurality of the sectors are organized into the plurality of zones. In one embodiment of the present invention, the performance characteristics of the zones are dictated by configuration settings in the disk drive controller. The configuration settings may include settings for a plurality of parameters. In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of parameters comprises a CCT (command completion time) parameter, a Write Verify parameter, a Write Continuous parameter, a Read Continuous parameter, and an Error Re-allocation parameter. In other embodiments of the present invention, the configuration settings may also include a group of addresses associated with each zone. |
| US07694068B1 |
Re-entrant processing in a content addressable memory
A processing system includes a network processor and a CAM device having a re-entrant processor coupled to a CAM array. The re-entrant processor is configured to selectively modify an initial search key provided by the network processor by replacing portions of the initial search key with portions of one or more previous search keys and/or one or more previous results. The re-entrant processor is also configured to initiate a series of subsequent compare operations between new search keys and data stored in the CAM array without receiving additional instructions or search keys from the network processor. |
| US07694063B1 |
System and method for dynamically loadable storage device I/O policy modules
Systems, methods, apparatus and software can implement a multipathing driver using dynamically loadable device policy modules that provide device specific functionality for providing at least one of input/output (I/O) operation scheduling, path selection, and I/O operation error analysis. Because the device policy modules include device specific functionality, various different devices from different manufacturers can be more efficiently and robustly supported. |
| US07694061B2 |
Discarding a partially received message from a data queue
Devices in a process control system communicate by data messages over a communication medium segment. Each device includes a communication controller that includes a received data memory and a plurality of received message objects. When a message is received, a received message object is activated, and the initial position of a write pointer in the received data memory is stored in the received message object. During message reception, if a hardware device determines that the message is to be ignored, the received message object is deactivated, thereby preventing further writing of the message to the received data memory. The write pointer is then preferably returned to its initial position as stored in the received message object. |
| US07694060B2 |
Systems with variable link widths based on estimated activity levels
In some embodiments, a chip includes transmitters and receivers, and control circuitry. The control circuitry to cause some of the transmitters and receivers to be inoperative in response to an estimated activity level being in a first range, while others of the transmitters and receivers remain operative. Other embodiments are described and/or claimed. |
| US07694057B2 |
Portable computer apparatus with thermal enhancements and multiple modes of operation
A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation. |
| US07694052B2 |
Processing apparatus and processing module
A processing apparatus has a master processing module and a plurality of slave processing modules. The master processing module has a master recording unit and a slave recording unit recording part of the data recorded in the master recording unit. The slave processing modules access the master processing module when it is necessary to access the data recorded in the master recording unit. When the data to be accessed from one slave processing module is recorded in the slave recording unit, the master processing module transmits the data to be accessed, from the slave recording unit to the one slave processing module. In the processing apparatus such as a base transceiver station communicating with transceivers such as mobile telephones, a reduction in the overall cost of the apparatus and an efficient internal communication are realized, and the overall processing time is reduced. |
| US07694042B2 |
Instantaneous data-driven clock-gating device and hard-wired streaming processing system including the same
Digital logic processing devices capable of reduced power consumption may be provided. A digital logic processing device may include one or more processing elements, an input FIFO for storing data, a processing unit, and a clock controller circuit. The processing unit may process data from the input FIFO and the clock controller circuit may control a clock signal supplied to the input FIFO and the processing unit. The clock controller circuit may monitor whether there is data to be transferred to the input FIFO and states of the input FIFO and the processing unit and may control the clock signal. |
| US07694040B2 |
Method and apparatus of arranging priority queue and arbitrating for memory access requests
A method and an apparatus of memory access request priority queue arbitration comprises sorting the requests into plurality of different priority levels firstly. The priority queues of different priority levels are arranged respectively according to the following steps: counting the cycles and latencies of each access request; counting the total cycles; comparing the latencies of each access request and total cycles respectively, if the total cycles is larger than the latency of a request, then arranging one more the same request in the priority queue, else executing the priority queue in order. |
| US07694039B2 |
Data transmission interface system and method for electronic component
A data transmission interface system includes a first electronic component having a first pin, a second electronic component having a second pin electronically connected with the first pin via a wire. The first electronic component includes an encoding module for converting a command into a pulse code. The second electronic component includes a decoding module for converting the pulse code into the command. The first pin is capable of switching between a first state and a second state. The second pin is in the same state as the first pin. Switch of the first pin from the first state to the second state triggers a beginning of data transmission between the first electronic component and the second electronic component. A related method is also provided. |
| US07694037B2 |
Information processing apparatus and command multiplicity control method wherein commands are sent from a host to a target using iSCSI control protocol
Provided are an information processing apparatus and a command multiplicity control method that enable easy and proper control of command multiplicity assigned to each host. The information processing apparatus, which executes processing in accordance with a command sent from each of plural hosts, dynamically determines each host's command multiplicity with respect to the information processing apparatus in accordance with command issue frequency of each host, and sets the determined multiplicity for the host. Accordingly, an information processing apparatus that enables easy and proper control of the command multiplicity assigned to each host can be realized. |
| US07694036B2 |
System and product for DMA controller with multi-dimensional line-walking functionality
A system and product for a DMA controller with multi-dimensional line-walking functionality is presented. A processor includes an intelligent DMA controller, which loads a line description that corresponds to a shape or line. The intelligent DMA controller moves through a memory map and retrieves data based upon the line description that includes a major step and a minor step. In turn, the intelligent DMA controller retrieves data from the shared memory without assistance from its corresponding processor. In one embodiment, the intelligent DMA controller may analyze a line using the rate of change along its minor axes in conjunction with locations where the line intersects subspaces and store array spans of contiguous memory along the line's major axis. |
| US07694034B1 |
Data flow manager for device mobility
A system and method for transferring data flows, such as streaming video or audio signals, between end devices that are members of the same end device group is provided. A network examining module identifies end devices having an active data flow. A data session populating module populates a data store for an end device group identifying end devices having active data flows. A managing module determines which end devices are compatible for a data flow to be transferred. The data flow transferring module transfers the active data flow from one group member end device to another group member end device. |
| US07694032B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling USB operation
An apparatus and method for controlling a USB operation, whereby the USB operation can be controlled without unplugging a USB cable while maintaining a charge state from a host device. The USB apparatus includes a USB connector to which a USB cable connected to a host device is connected, and a switching unit to switch to one of a first operation mode, in which data communication with the host device is enabled, and a second operation mode, in which an operation depending on a user input is enabled and data communication with the host device is disabled, by controlling power lines and data lines of the USB cable via the USB connector, wherein power can be charged from the host device in both the first operation mode and the second operation mode. Accordingly, a user can switch a USB operation mode without unplugging the USB cable. |
| US07694030B2 |
Automatic protocol migration when upgrading operating systems
Automatic protocol migration when upgrading operating systems includes checking, after upgrading at least a portion of an operating system of a host device, whether a new driver supporting enhanced functionality for a portable device is now available, where a driver supporting base functionality would have been previously used for communicating with the portable device. If such a new driver supporting enhanced functionality for the portable device is now available, then the host device installs the new driver supporting enhanced functionality for the portable device. |
| US07694029B2 |
Detecting miscabling in a storage area network
A mechanism is provided for unique identification of each endpoint in a storage area network interconnect that is bridged by a specialized cable. Each endpoint is capable of querying peer endpoints for a unique identification. Once a unique identifier is obtained for all peer connections to a given endpoint, the endpoint may perform a comparison to validate that the cable connection terminations are connected to valid endpoints. If all endpoints are valid, then the mechanism enables the ports connected to the cable. |
| US07694025B1 |
Method and device for base address sorting and entry into base address registers
A base address sorting device in a serial switch is disclosed which includes an array of shadow registers, each shadow register in the array being electrically coupled to a base address register, in an array of base address registers, each of the base address registers having a base address, and control logic circuitry electrically coupled to the array of shadow registers and to the array of base address registers with the control logic circuitry being operable, when it receives a configuration command, to implement a method, for reconfiguring the contents of the array of base address registers, including: inserting a new base address from the configuration command into a shadow register in the array of shadow registers, sorting the array of shadow registers into a predetermined order, and then copying the contents of the array of shadow registers into the array of base address registers. |
| US07694021B1 |
Firewall for gateway network elements between IP based networks
Techniques for implementing a firewall in a gateway network element between two IP based networks is provided. Packets can be filtered out that specify the gateway network element as the source, where the packet comes from the network that is not visible to the other network. For example, if a packet on DCC going to the gateway network element specifies the gateway network element as the source, the packet can be discarded. |
| US07694017B2 |
Communication apparatus, IP address acquisition method and roaming method
In a wireless network in which an addressing server allocates an IP address, there are provided an IP address acquisition method, a communication apparatus and a roaming method whereby a terminal can automatically acquire an IP address from the addressing server. An IP address acquisition method for acquiring an IP address for a terminal 14 from a addressing server 18 comprises the steps of: providing the terminal 14 with a temporary IP address in a case that a first communication apparatus 10 is not capable of connecting with a second communication apparatus 12 when the first communication apparatus 10 receives an IP address request message from the terminal 14; discarding the temporary IP address from the terminal 14 when it becomes possible to connect with the second communication apparatus 12 and a communication path is established; and acquiring an IP address for the terminal 14 from the addressing server 18 via the communication path. |
| US07694014B2 |
Automatic relaxing and revising of target server specifications for enhanced requests servicing
A method, system and computer program product for dynamically modifying target server specifications to improve the success rate of client requests in a data network. A client's initial request is transmitted by a client router to a dynamically updating target server, based on information in a client's routing table. A Dynamic Server Specifications (DSS) utility automatically revises one or more target specifications of a client's request that is not initially fulfilled. The DSS utility then initiates the transmission of the modified request to an alternate server. If the request to the alternate server is also not fulfilled, the DSS utility may further modify the request to target an arbitrary server in order to download a current routing table. When the client receives a current routing table, the initial request is revised based on the current routing information, with full constraints re-established, and forwarded to the relevant target server. |
| US07694011B2 |
Techniques for load balancing over a cluster of subscriber-aware application servers
Techniques for distributing control plane traffic, from an end node in a packet switched network to a cluster of service gateway nodes that host subscriber-aware application servers, include receiving a control plane message for supporting data plane traffic from a particular subscriber. A particular service gateway node is determined among the cluster of service gateway nodes based on policy-based routing (PBR) for the data plane traffic from the particular subscriber. A message based on the control plane message is sent to a control plane process on the particular service gateway node. Thereby, data plane traffic and control plane traffic from the same subscriber are directed to the same gateway node, or otherwise related gateway nodes, of the cluster of service gateway nodes. This approach allows currently-available, hardware-accelerated PBR to be used with clusters of subscriber-aware service gateways that must also monitor control plane traffic from the same subscriber. |
| US07694010B2 |
Method for exchanging data between data processing units
In a method and arrangement for exchanging data between a first processing unit, containing first status information about the first data processing unit, and a second data processing unit, containing second status information about the first data processing unit, data are exchanged between the first and second units during transactions that include a status-changing transaction, which can be of two different types. Upon a successful completion of the status-changing transaction, the first and second status information are revised so that they match. Upon an unsuccessful completion of the status-changing transaction, at least one of the first and second status information is set dependent on the type of the status-changing transaction. |
| US07694008B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing performance of HTTP over long-latency links
The invention increases performance of HTTP over long-latency links by pre-fetching objects concurrently via aggregated and flow-controlled channels. An agent and gateway together assist a Web browser in fetching HTTP contents faster from Internet Web sites over long-latency data links. The gateway and the agent coordinate the fetching of selective embedded objects in such a way that an object is ready and available on a host platform before the resident browser requires it. The seemingly instantaneous availability of objects to a browser enables it to complete processing the object to request the next object without much wait. Without this instantaneous availability of an embedded object, a browser waits for its request and the corresponding response to traverse a long delay link. |
| US07694001B2 |
Configuration state management system, method and apparatus
A communication system, method, computer program product, and apparatus include common equipment shared between multiple independently administered networks. The common equipment is reconfigurable and expandable and provides changed communication capacity and functions when additional elements are added or reconfigured. Configurable features include, for example, communication bandwidth, Quality of Service, and a number of communication satellites included in the communication system. The common equipment includes expandable elements including, for example, a single hub modem chassis that can expand to communicate with more than one communication satellite and a protocol processor that can share a protocol processing task with another protocol processors. |
| US07693999B2 |
System and method for session reestablishment between client terminal and server
Disclosed is a system and a method for session reestablishment between a client terminal and a server for a messenger service. In a session reestablishment system including a client terminal capable of accessing a communication network, a session information database and a server for providing a messenger service to the client terminal, the client terminal sends a synckey exchanged and stored during previous access to the server when sending a request for session reestablishment (reaccess) to the server after lapse of a predetermined time period from termination of the previous access due to log-off or timeout. The server searches the session information database to detect last session information corresponding to the client terminal based on the synckey, compares the last session information with current session information to detect any updated data, and sends only the updated data to the client terminal. |
| US07693998B2 |
System and method for message-based scalable data transport
The invention deploys a message-based data transport platform, in which a communication engine controls the delivery of server or other backup data or other large quantity data to a remote site based on message objects as fundamental units. Data sessions from one or more servers or other data sources may be buffered over established pipes for delivery to a remote data host which likewise contains messaging control. Relatively large message units may wait for communication over the channel in a queue, and be released when prior messaging is complete. Completion port or other polling or other mechanisms may indicate that connections have become open for use. In embodiments the message objects may be signed, or encrypted to safeguard against alteration or unauthorized viewing. The communication engine may rely upon TCP or other underlying transport mechanisms to effect lower level transmission. |
| US07693995B2 |
Arbitration apparatus for allocating computer resource and arbitration method therefor
In a business system which allocates a request for one business application to one or more of the computer resources executing such business application, the computer resources are accommodated among the plurality of the business systems so that the load covered by each of the business systems is averaged out. The arbitration apparatus for resource allocation 101 calculates a margin rate for each business system by measuring load for respective business systems, and by calculating a ratio of the measured load and the allowable execution amount allowable under current constitution. When a computer resource 1241 which is not allocated to business system is found, this computer resource is allocated to the business system indicating low margin rate while if such computer resource 1241 is not found, the computer resource 1241 is reallocated by being released from the business system having high margin rate. |
| US07693994B2 |
Intermediary apparatus, distributed processing system, data-transfer method, program and recording medium
An intermediary apparatus for intermediating communications between a first communications apparatus and multiple second communications apparatuses is disclosed. The intermediary apparatus includes first receiving means for receiving from the first communications apparatus at least an operational request, first transmitting means for transmitting to a second communications apparatus to be a forwarding destination each operational request received by the receiving means according to a type of the operational request, second receiving means for receiving from one of the second communications apparatuses at least an operational response to the operational request transferred from the first communications apparatus, and second transmitting means for transmitting to the first communications apparatus each operational response received by the second receiving means. |
| US07693993B2 |
Method and system for providing dynamic hosted service management across disparate accounts/sites
A hosted service provider for the Internet is operated so as to provide dynamic management of hosted services across disparate customer accounts and/or geographically distinct sites. |
| US07693990B2 |
Multifunction device including command control and authentication, and recording medium storing program for causing computer to function as the same
A multifunction device includes: a control command receiving section for receiving a control command from a control device; a criterion storage section for storing criterion in which command type information indicating control command types is associated with information indicating whether an authentication process is necessary or not; a command type determining section for determining whether the authentication process is necessary or not for the control command received by the control command receiving section; an access key checking section for performing the authentication process by matching the access key with an authentication key stored in advance, the access key checking section performing the authentication process if the access key checking section determines that the authentication process is necessary; and an Web service layer for executing a process as instructed by the control command, the Web service layer performing the process if the access key checking section that authentication is successful, or if the command type determining section determines that the authentication process is not necessary. This makes it possible to attain a multifunction device with a high security and with an ability to perform a process with a workload that is reduced as much as possible. |
| US07693986B2 |
Test flight on-board processing system and method
A system for onboard processing of flight tests, which includes a group of standard interchangeable computers connected to an Ethernet network identical software being installed on each computer. |
| US07693984B2 |
Systems and methods for providing current status data to a requesting device
Systems and methods for providing status data to a requesting device are disclosed. A request for status data is transmitted from a requesting device to a providing device. The request includes prior values of variables stored at the requesting device. At the providing device, the transmitted prior values are compared with current values of the variables stored at the providing device. Changed variables, which comprise variables for which the current value is different from the prior value, are identified. A variable map is formulated that identifies the changed variables. Current values for the changed variables and variable map are organized into a pre-defined format to form status data. The status data is transmitted to the requesting device. |
| US07693983B1 |
System and method providing application redeployment mappings using filtered resource usage data
A system for providing application redeployment mappings using filtered resource usage data includes a meter agent and an optimizer. The meter agent may be configured to collect measurements quantifying usage of one or more source resources by one or more applications. In response to a specification of a set of constraints associated with a deployment of one or more applications to a target execution environment, the optimizer may be configured to obtain a filtered aggregation of the measurements collected by the meter agent, and use the filtered aggregation to generate a mapping of at least one application to one or more target resources of the target execution environment in accordance with the set of constraints. The optimizer may implement a mathematical model to generate the mapping based on a determination of an optimum value of an objective function. |
| US07693980B2 |
Integrated service management system
The present invention provides techniques for creation, operation, management, and access control of network-based storage services. Specific embodiments provide improved efficiency of the service management tasks used for designing, operating and accounting the robust and profitable network services, for example. In representative embodiments, techniques for constructing integrated network and storage services are provided. In a specific embodiment, the service comprises of three major service components: virtual private networks (VPN), application servers and storage area networks (SAN). Each of these service components has its own customer identification information, such as VPN identifier for VPN services, process identifier for application servers and logical unit number (LUN) for storage devices. |
| US07693977B2 |
Systems and methods for virtualizing functions and decentralizing service delivery in a flat network of interconnected personal devices
Systems and methods are described herein to virtualize functions and decentralize services in a flat-graph network of client devices. Other embodiments include apparatus and systems of devices comprising virtual node modules to perform a variety of service functions. Further embodiments include methods for overlaying service functions on flat-graph network of client devices. |
| US07693974B2 |
System and method for providing a graphical user interface to, for building, and/or for monitoring a telecommunication network
A system and method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for network development, management, and monitoring includes a GUI front end that provides a graphical representation of a telecommunication network comprised of communication devices represented by GUI network elements. A network proxy provides a communication layer between the GUI and a network server and allows the GUI to connect to multiple instances of a network server without having to hard code the connections to the network servers. The network proxy transmits commands and messages between the network server and the GUI. The network server determines how to handle traffic in the network model, such as how to provide call setup, call routine, and call tear down. The network server transmits call routing commands and messages to the network proxy which dispatches them to the GUI. An external systems interface provides the mechanism for which the network server communicates with communication devices in an external system. |
| US07693972B2 |
Directory service in an automation system
The invention relates to a directory service that simplifies the provision of information within an automation system. The directory service serves to provide information regarding access possibilities, functionalities, interfaces and topologies of components of the automation system and is Web service-based. |
| US07693967B2 |
Method and apparatus for assisting system configuration activities
A configuration assistance manager provides configuration assistance to an operator attempting to configure a configurable system by identifying one or more valid configurations that are nearest to matching a current invalid configuration. In at least one embodiment, the configurable system is configurable via the selective installation of system components, and the manager represents the detected combination of installed system components as a first code word that is compared to a set of second code words corresponding to valid (permitted) combinations of installed components. The comparison may comprise determining the mathematical distances between the first code word and one or more of the second code words. The closest matching valid configurations are identified as those having the smallest comparison distances, and the manager may thus provide detailed instructions for changing from the current invalid configuration to the closest matching configuration(s). |
| US07693965B2 |
Analyzing audio, including analyzing streaming audio signals
The presently claimed invention relates generally to analyzing audio signals including analyzing streaming audio signals. One claim recites a method including: a) utilizing a programmed electronic processor, analyzing a streaming audio signal to extract identifying information therefrom, the identifying information being extracted from the audio signal through an analysis of data representing the audio signal; b) accessing a remote repository with the identifying information, the remote repository including a plurality of records that link identifying information to a pointer which identifies a remote computer; c) obtaining a pointer from the database with at least reference to the identifying information; and d) using the pointer to establish communication with the remote computer to obtain information associated with the audio signal. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too. |
| US07693961B2 |
Method and system for supplying programs
An operating environment of an image forming apparatus 3 is judged, and a program list which indicates programs which can be operated in this operating environment is generated by a server 1. The program list is then supplied to the image forming apparatus 3, and the server 1 is requested to transmit a program selected from the program list. The program is then supplied to the image forming apparatus 3 from the server 1. That is, a program is selected from the program list which indicates programs which are judged to be operable in the operating environment of the image forming apparatus 3. Thereafter, the program is supplied to the image forming apparatus 3. |
| US07693960B1 |
Asynchronous data storage system with geographic diversity
A data storage system comprises a first storage system, a second storage system, and a third storage system. The first storage system receives individual data files from a customer system, and on an individual file-by-file basis substantially in real time from receiving each of the individual data files, determines individual file types for the individual data files and transfers the individual data files based on the individual file types over a bonded time division multiplex connection. The second storage system receives and stores the individual data files on the individual file-by-file basis, and subsequently forms blocks of data including the individual data files, and transfers the blocks of data over an internet protocol connection. The third storage system receives and stores the blocks of data. |
| US07693958B2 |
Instant messaging with data sharing
Instant messaging with data sharing is described. One or more of the described techniques may be employed to share data in conjunction with an instant messaging session, even if one or more clients which are to share the data are not currently available. |
| US07693948B2 |
Email traffic integration into a knowledge management system
A plurality of e-mails are received, a portion of which contain attachments. The e-mails and the attachments are stored in one or more data repositories. The header information from the e-mails and the content from both of the e-mails and the attachments can be used to generate an index. Thereafter, the e-mails and the attachments can be logically associated to generate a plurality of hierarchical taxonomies characterizing the e-mails and the attachments. |
| US07693945B1 |
System for reclassification of electronic messages in a spam filtering system
A method for indicating probability of spam for email comprises tracking network traffic characteristics for the email, and comparing the tracked characteristics for the email to characteristics for email from trusted or known spam sources. |
| US07693944B2 |
Recipient control of source audio identifiers for digital communications
Enabling a recipient to control presentation of an audio identifier informing the recipient of an arrival of a digital communication from a sender in a communication session includes receiving a digital communication from a sender directed to a recipient. A sender-designated first audio identifier or sender-related information that identifies the sender to the recipient is accessed upon arrival of the digital communication. The first audio identifier or sender-related information is presented to the recipient contemporaneous with receipt of the digital communication. The recipient is able to specify, upon presentation of the first audio identifier or sender-related information, whether to enable subsequent presentation of the first audio identifier prior to or concurrent with receipt of a future digital communication from the sender. |
| US07693942B2 |
Method and system for postal service mail delivery via electronic mail
A system and method for processing mail includes receiving a mail item, the mail item having recipient address information and one or more pages enclosed in the mail item, and scanning the mail item including the recipient address information and the enclosed one or more pages into an image file. A subscriber is identified from the recipient address information in the image file. An e-mail message is transmitted to the identified subscriber, the e-mail message indicating the reception of the mail item. |
| US07693941B2 |
Method and apparatus for predictively and graphically administering a networked system in a time dimension
A method and apparatus are generally disclosed for presenting predictively and graphically administering a networked system in a time dimension. According to one aspect of the present application, a method is disclosed for presenting a projected status of at least one network system component. The method comprises identifying a present reference time and defining a status time associated with at least one network system component. The status time is future time relative to the reference time. The method also comprises identifying the network system component for presentation. The method further comprises determining a projected status associated with the network system component as of the status time. A representation of the projected status of the network system component is output for presentation. The outputting of the representation includes displaying a three-dimensional depiction of the network system component. |
| US07693932B1 |
System and method for locating a resource locator associated with a resource of interest
A system for accessing a resource locator (RL) associated with a resource wherein a RL search string is used to search a list of valid RLs to identify valid RLs similar to a predetermined specified RL. A list of valid RLs meeting criteria specified by the search string is generated and displayed for user review or selection. |
| US07693930B2 |
Asynchronous full adder, asynchronous microprocessor and electronic apparatus
An asynchronous adder permits asynchronous design in which dual-rail encoding is employed, not only for a control part but also for a datapath part including an ALU. An asynchronous adder of an exemplary embodiment includes a combinational circuit to perform full addition with, as an input value, an addend X, an augend Y and a carry-in Cin that are dual-rail encoded, and to output a sum output Z and a carry output Cout that are dual-rail encoded as an output value. |
| US07693929B2 |
Hardware extension for accelerating fractional integer division within 3D graphics and MP3 applications
An apparatus and method for allowing a digital signal processor (DSP) in a data processing system to perform high speed division operations. In one embodiment of the invention a division operation is performed in no more than two cycles. In another embodiment of the invention, the division operations are in fractional format. The data processing apparatus comprises a random access memory, a processor (12, 168), and an interface (102) coupling said random access memory (104) to said processor, said interface enables high speed division operations associated with said processor. The interface of the present invention can also be combined with a dual or co-processor system to increase the data processing efficiency. |
| US07693928B2 |
Galois field linear transformer trellis system
A Galois field linear transformer trellis system includes a Galois field linear transformer matrix; an input selection circuit for providing to the matrix a number of input bits in one or more trellis bit streams and a trellis state output of the matrix and a programmable storage device for configuring the matrix to perform a multi-cycle Galois field transform of the one or more trellis bit steams and trellis state output to provide a plurality of trellis output channel symbols and a new trellis state output in a single cycle. |
| US07693927B2 |
Data processing system and method
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a data processing system comprising a first arithmetic unit comprising at least one finite field multiplier and at least one finite field adder for selectively performing at least two finite field arithmetic calculations; the data processing system comprising means to use a previous finite field arithmetic calculation result in a current finite field arithmetic calculation to determine at least part of a polynomial. |
| US07693909B2 |
Method for integrating quantitative measurements of imaging systems with reporting applications of medical recording systems
A method and system for reporting quantitative measurement information includes forming a message with quantitative measurement information; converting the data format of the message to a data format which allows the message to be sent over a communication network; converting the data format of the message received over the communication network to a data format corresponding to that of a data recording system; and generating a report with the recording system using the quantitative measurement information contained in the message. |
| US07693908B2 |
Determination of time dependency of search queries
Techniques for analyzing and modeling the frequency of queries are provided by a query analysis system. A query analysis system analyzes frequencies of a query over time to determine whether the query is time-dependent or time-independent. The query analysis system forecasts the frequency of time-dependent queries based on their periodicities. The query analysis system forecasts the frequency of time-independent queries based on causal relationships with other queries. To forecast the frequency of time-independent queries, the query analysis system analyzes the frequency of a query over time to identify significant increases in the frequency, which are referred to as “query events” or “events.” The query analysis system forecasts frequencies of time-independent queries based on queries with events that tend to causally precede events of the query to be forecasted. |
| US07693907B1 |
Selection for a mobile device using weighted virtual titles
Embodiments are directed towards selecting news formatted for a mobile device that is similar to currently popular desktop formatted news. Words are extracted from the desktop news and weighted based on various criteria. A comparison is then performed between the weighted words and available mobile news to identify similar mobile news. If an insufficient amount of mobile news is identified, then a revised similarity comparison is performed by modifying the keyword list using a virtual title weighted and/or sorted based in part on relevancy to the currently popular desktop formatted news. The resulting news articles formatted for mobile computing devices are then made available using a push and/or pull mechanism, instead of making available one of the news articles formatted for non-mobile computing devices. |
| US07693902B2 |
Enabling clustered search processing via text messaging
Methods and apparatus for searching data, grouping search results into categories that are ordered according to search relevance, and reviewing the search results via text messaging. In one embodiment, a search term is submitted via a search request text message to a short code for a search service. The search service searches for content based on the search term and context data, such as location of a submitting client device. The search results are clustered into categories and ranked by relevance to the search term and context within each category. The categories are also ranked relative to each other. The most relevant search result from the most relevant category is transmitted in an initial result text message, which also includes instructions to access additional results via subsequent text messages. Each result text message also includes a link to a web page of categorized search results for display in a browser. |
| US07693901B2 |
Consumer-focused results ordering
A vertical search engine may rank items based on both the quality of data associated with each item and the popularity of each item. The vertical search engine may access data associated with items from a variety of different sources, including feed sources and crawl sources. Data quality inputs are determined for each item based on the quality of the data associated with each respective item. In addition, popularity inputs are determined for each item based on user interest in each respective item. A global rankings score is then calculated for each item based on the data quality inputs and popularity inputs for each respective item. The global ranking score may be used to order search results for search queries in such a way that items from feed data and items from crawl data may be displayed in a unified manner, rather than being segregated by data source. |
| US07693899B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for constructing a query with a graphical user interface
A feature of at least one object from a first computer database is selected with a graphical user interface. The feature is characterized by a value. The feature can be selected from a table in which the feature is represented as a field in the table. A subrange of values of the feature is selected with the graphical user interface from a graph of a range of values of the feature. The graph can be a histogram, a scatter plot, or the like. The query is constructed so that it can identify an object from at least one of the first computer database and a second computer database if the value of the feature of the object is within the subrange of values. |
| US07693898B2 |
Information registry
Systems and methods allow independent users to both search and classify third party information, in inconsistent ways, using lists of predefined topics. Users can preferably add their own topics, with the system providing information as to frequency of use of various topics to encourage conformity. Users are encouraged to classify third party material by having the ability to add and publish their own editorial or other comments on that third party material. |
| US07693893B2 |
Distributed handling of associated data sets in a computer network
A networked database includes the automatic creation of follow-on data sets from initial data sets. A dialogue routine is implemented for initiating a dialogue-type communication that includes inputting and confirming data required for creating the follow-on data sets. The database is provided with a plurality of data sets and is capable of generating and displaying a list of data sets according to user-defined criteria. For a data set in the generated list that allows for the automatic creation of a follow-on data set, a related, configurable, user-activated control element is displayed. Upon user-activation, the control element, generates a control signal for initiating the automatic creation of the follow-on data set based on data derived from the selected data set and/or any data set associated with the selected data set. The newly created follow-on data set is then associated with the selected data set. |
| US07693892B2 |
NFS server, NFS server control program and NFS server control method
An NFS server, an NFS server control program and an NFS control method can reduce the extended lock reacquisition period. The NFS server comprises a prior-to-restart lock acquiring client information recording section for recording the identifiers of the NFS clients that have acquired locks before a restart of the NFS server and the number of the first files that is the number of files for which locks have been acquired, a lock acquiring client information recording section for recording the identifiers of the NFS clients that have reacquired locks after the restart of the NFS server and the number of the second files that is the number of files for which lock have been reacquired and an NSM that ends the reception of any lock reacquisition request from any of the NFS clients when the number of the second files of all the NFS clients acquired by the prior-to-restart lock acquiring client information recording section becomes equal to the number of the first files. |
| US07693891B2 |
Apparatus for policy based storage of file data and meta-data changes over time
A time domain server includes a version storage. The time domain server declares epochs for a source server, then requests events from the source server. As the time domain server receives events, it uses the events to update the version storage to store versions of files from the source server. |
| US07693890B2 |
Methods and systems for moving data objects
A method comprising selecting a data object from a first storage location; assigning an identifier (ID) to the data object; storing the ID in a transactional type lock object; determining whether the ID is stored successfully in the transactional type lock object, and upon a successful storage, storing the ID in a permanent type lock object; determining whether the ID is stored successfully in the permanent type lock object, and upon a successful storage, deleting the ID from the transactional type lock object; storing the data object at the second storage location; assigning the second storage location to the ID in the permanent type lock object; deleting the data object from the first storage location; and deleting the ID from the permanent type lock object after the respective data object assigned to that ID has been deleted from the first storage location. |
| US07693888B2 |
Data synchronizer with failover facility
A data management system with data stored in multiple disparate formats in synchronized stores, method of synchronizing the data and recovering from synchronization failures and program product therefor. Data changes in one data store are cached in a universal format in an active synchronizer and forwarded to a second store from the universal format cache. Standby synchronizers provide failover handling by identifying synchronization failures and self-selecting a replacement synchronizer to serve as the active synchronizer. |
| US07693884B2 |
Managing storage systems based on policy-specific proability
The invention relates to a method and data processing system of managing a storage system, wherein the storage system comprises a first storage space and a second storage space, wherein the first storage space comprises a plurality of files, wherein for each file of said plurality of files at least one attribute is specified, and wherein a policy is assigned to each attribute. The method comprises the steps of determining a policy-specific probability distribution for each policy and of determining a policy-specific probability for each file by use of the policy-specific probability distribution. The method further comprises the step of determining a total probability for each file by use of each policy-specific probability and of moving each file of the plurality of files having a total probability equal to 1 from the first storage space to the second storage space. The method further comprises the step of moving files of the plurality of files having a total probability between 0 to 1 if the storage space used on the first storage space reaches a high threshold value until a low threshold value is reached, wherein the low threshold value and the high threshold value are predetermined. |
| US07693883B2 |
Online data volume deletion
A system to delete a data volume may include storage of a plurality of data pages of the data volume of a data area into a cache, prevention of writing of data pages to the data volume, and designation of each of the plurality of data pages in the cache as modified. The system may also include writing of all data pages in the cache that are designated as modified to a respective location in one or more other data volumes of the data area, and updating, for each of the written data pages, a converter page of the cache to associate the written data page with its respective location in the one or more other data volumes. |
| US07693880B1 |
Mirrored storage at the file system level
A file system includes a plurality of entries, wherein each entry is configured to store an indication of data block locations corresponding to a specified file, and wherein each entry is further configured to store an indication of mirrored data block locations corresponding to the specified file. Each entry may include one or more dirty indicators to identify out-of-sync data blocks. In yet another embodiment, the system may be configured to resynchronize a plurality of instances of data blocks depending upon dirty indicators corresponding to the plurality of instances of data blocks. |
| US07693879B2 |
Database system including center server and local servers
A database system includes a center server and local servers. The center server includes a replication requesting unit, a data consolidating unit including a center DB freeze requesting unit and a center DB freeze release requesting unit, a replication source managing table and a data consolidation completion notifying unit. Each of the local servers includes a local DB freeze requesting unit, a remote volume split requesting unit, a remote volume split completion notifying unit and a local DB freeze release requesting unit. The center server permits replications of local DB's in local storage subsystems to be created in the center storage subsystem and accesses shadow images of the replications to give a consolidated access to the plurality of local DB's. |
| US07693878B2 |
Hierarchical storage management using dynamic tables of contents and sets of tables of contents
A system, apparatus, and process creates a table of contents (TOC), including one or more table of contents (TOC) entries, to manage data in a hierarchical storage management system. Each TOC entry contains metadata describing the contents and attributes of a data object within an image, which is an aggregation of multiple data objects into a single object for storage management purposes. The TOC is stored in a storage hierarchy, such as magnetic disk, for fast access of and efficient operation on the aggregated TOC entries. The system, apparatus, and process also provide for aggregating the TOC entries from one or more TOCs into a TOC set in the storage management server database. The TOC set may be manipulated and queried in order to find a particular data object or image referenced by a TOC entry. The TOC entries, TOCs, and TOC sets may be dynamically managed by the hierarchical data storage management system through implementation of a set of policy management constructs that define appropriate creation, retention, and movement of the objects within the database and storage hierarchy. |
| US07693875B2 |
Method for searching a data page for inserting a data record
A method of searching a data page in a table space of a database for inserting a data record to a first table, wherein the table space comprises space map pages and sets of data pages, wherein each space map page comprises information about the available storage space of one set of data pages, wherein each space map page and the corresponding set of data pages is further assigned to a table range for each table to which at least one data page in the set of data pages belongs to, wherein the database further comprises a clustering index for the first table in the database management system, wherein the database management system comprises a space usage information database, and wherein the space usage information database holds space usage information for each table range. |
| US07693874B2 |
Method and system for object linking
Disclosed is a mechanism and method for object linking. According to an aspect of one embodiment of the invention, name linking information is co-located with the storage object, rather than being stored only at a computer node. By maintaining name liking information with a storage object, that name linking information can still be used to correctly associate an alternate name with that storage object, regardless of configuration changes that move or delete storage objects in the system and regardless of any changes to internal identifiers for that storage object. |
| US07693873B2 |
System, method and program to synchronize files in distributed computer system
System, method and program for making same data available from different file systems to clients. The data is transferred to each of the file systems. Respective time periods required to rename the data in the file systems from a first name to a second name are estimated. The data with the first name is not available to the clients. The data with the second name is available to the clients. Renaming of the data in the file systems from the first name to the second name is scheduled. The scheduling is based at least in part on the estimated respective time periods to rename the data in the file systems. Preferably, the scheduling is timed to result in completion of the renaming of the data in all of the file systems at approximately a same time. Preferably, one of the time periods to rename the data in the file systems is based at least in part on a time period to transfer the data to a server associated with the file system and a wait time within the server to schedule the renaming. |
| US07693863B2 |
Method and device for publishing cross-network user behavioral data
The present invention relates to summarizing cross-network user behavioral data. The summarizing cross-network user behavioral data may particularly include publishing the data to one or more data structures that become accessible to a server hosting an authorized domain when a user accesses the authorized domain. |
| US07693861B2 |
Schematization of establishing relationships between applications
Establishing relationships between one or more entities of a first application and one or more entities of a second application using metadata. At least one entity of the second application is identified for establishing a relationship with at least one entity of the first application. Metadata from the second application is received at the first application. The metadata includes information associated with the identified entity of the second application. An expression is generated, based on the metadata, specifying a relationship between the entity of the first application with the identified entity of the second application. |
| US07693860B2 |
Method and system to associate cell and item metadata
The present invention generally relates to new and improved embodiments of methods and systems for capturing and providing arbitrarily rich data to be stored or manipulated within a spreadsheet. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating spreadsheet metadata comprises receiving an item in a spreadsheet, receiving item metadata about the item, and associating the item metadata with the item to create spreadsheet metadata. |
| US07693858B2 |
Systems and methods for extensions and inheritance for units of information manageable by a hardware/software interface system
By modeling real-world application objects with complex structures, behaviors, and operations described by a schema which is enforced by the hardware/software interface system, various embodiments of the present invention provide rich sub-typing functionality by extending Items (and Item types) using “Extensions” which provide additional data structures (Properties, Relationships, etc.) to already existing Items type structures. Extensions are strongly typed instances that cannot exist independently and must be attached to an Item or a Nested Element. Extensions are also intended to address “multi-typing” issues by enabling the overlap of type instances (e.g., a Document may be a “legal document” as well a “secure document”). |
| US07693857B2 |
Clinical genomics merged repository and partial episode support with support abstract and semantic meaning preserving data sniffers
Method, apparatus and article of manufacture for processing and storing medical episode data with workflow status designations. In one embodiment, a patient episode data is moved from differentiated data stores, via an information broker, to assigned data handlers. The data handlers then pass their respective data to a loader and shredder application. The shredder application is tasked with storing the episode data in the database repository and updating each episode's status. |
| US07693856B2 |
Methods and systems for managing data
Systems and methods for managing data, such as metadata or indexes of content of files. In one exemplary method, notifications to update a metadata database or an index database are combined into a combined notification. According to other aspects, an order among logical locations on a storage device is determined in order to specify a sequence for scanning for files to be indexed. According to another aspect, a method includes determining whether to index a file based on a path name of the file relative to a plurality of predetermined path names. |
| US07693855B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for managing data associated with a document stored in an electronic form
A method, system, and computer program product for managing data associated with a document stored in an electronic form. The document can be a part of a file. Computer processed algorithms, user-operated computer graphics tools, or both can be used to derive data from or assign data to the document or the file. First data is derived from the document, second data is assigned to the document, or both. The first data, the second data, or both are organized as attributes of an object of a first computer database. At least one attribute is organized as a child object of the object. The at least one attribute is associated with a feature of the document. Optionally, an attribute is moved from the object of the first computer database to an object of a second computer database and an address of a location in a memory at which the object of the second computer database is stored is added as a new attribute of the object of the first computer database. |
| US07693847B1 |
Administering workload groups
A method, system and computer program for mapping business concepts related to the processing of requests on a database system to database system feature settings is disclosed. Rules limit the requests that will be submitted to the database system for processing and establish workload definitions that can be used to map each request submitted to the database system for processing to database feature settings, based on business concepts associated with each request. |
| US07693843B2 |
Image management apparatus and image management method as well as program and storage medium therefor
An information management apparatus which is capable of managing products owned by a user by making the products easily registered in a device on a network. A user ID is registered in correspondence with model information on an image-pickup device. The user ID is received from a user terminal. When it is determined that the uploading of the image is permitted, on the basis of the received user ID and the registered user ID, the image uploaded from the user terminal is stored. Model information on an image-pickup device used for photographing the image stored in the storing unit is acquired from attribute information of the image. When the model information corresponding to the acquired model information is not registered, the acquired model information is further registered in correspondence with the received user ID. |
| US07693836B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining peer groups based upon observed usage patterns
The invention comprises a set of complementary techniques that dramatically improve enterprise search and navigation results. The core of the invention is an expertise or knowledge index, called UseRank that tracks the behavior of website visitors. The expertise-index is designed to focus on the four key discoveries of enterprise attributes: Subject Authority, Work Patterns, Content Freshness, and Group Know-how. The invention produces useful, timely, cross-application, expertise-based search and navigation results. In contrast, traditional Information Retrieval technologies such as inverted index, NLP, or taxonomy tackle the same problem with an opposite set of attributes than what the enterprise needs: Content Population, Word Patterns, Content Existence, and Statistical Trends. Overall, the invention encompasses Baynote Search—a enhancement over existing IR searches, Baynote Guide—a set of community-driven navigations, and Baynote Insights—aggregated views of visitor interests and trends and content gaps. |
| US07693835B2 |
Client apparatus, device verification apparatus, and verification method
A client apparatus for utilizing services by executing service programs includes a policy holding unit, a verification unit, a verification result holding unit, and a verification result notification unit. The policy holding unit holds a service-specific verification policy pre-checked by a device verification apparatus. The verification unit verifies an operation and configuration of the client apparatus itself by using the verification policy when the service program is executed. The verification result notification unit notifies the verification result to the device verification apparatus, which requests the verification result. |
| US07693829B1 |
Search engine with fill-the-blanks capability
A method of searching for information is described. A sequence of terms, including one or more term segments and one or more identifiers corresponding to one or more missing terms, is received. The sequence of terms is converted into a corresponding search pattern, including a set of one or more query expressions and one or more ordering constraints. The search pattern is compared with a plurality of documents to identify a set of documents. Match scores for one or more matches between the search pattern and documents in the set of documents are determined. Content in the set of documents corresponding to the one or more missing terms in the search pattern are identified and a ranked set of information items containing the identified content is provided in accordance with the match scores. |
| US07693828B2 |
Performing a search through sensing a search form with a sensing device
A method of enabling users to perform a search using a search request form. The search request form has coded data indicative of an identity of the search request form and of a plurality of reference points, with some of the coded data being coincident with a search field. In use, the computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device, which is generated when the sensing device is moved within the search field. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the search request form, movement of the sensing device within the search field and, an identifier stored in a store within the sensing device. The computer system determines the movement of the sensing device within the search field and uses this to perform the search, with the results being provided to the user using the identifier. |
| US07693825B2 |
Systems and methods for ranking implicit search results
Systems and methods for ranking implicit search queries are described. In one embodiment a method comprising receiving an event, the event comprising user interaction with an article on a client device, wherein the article is capable of being associated with at least one of a plurality of client applications, extracting at least one keyword from the event, generating a query based at least in part on the at least one keyword, performing a search based at least in part on the query to determine a result set, wherein the result set comprises one or more article identifiers associated with articles comprising the at least one keyword, and determining a ranking for each of the one or more article identifiers comprising the result set is described. |
| US07693824B1 |
Number-range search system and method
A system and method is disclosed for generating numerical index terms for numbers encountered in documents indexed by a search engine. The numerical index terms include information about the indexed number (e.g., fieldname, characteristic, sign) and each digit, or a subset of the digits, of the number (e.g., position, value). Also, disclosed is a system and method of processing number-range search queries having one or more number ranges and generating expressions (e.g., Boolean expression tree) of numerical index terms based on a boundary number associated with the number range. An expression is used to control the search of a document index so as to identify documents that contain numbers that satisfy the expression. |
| US07693823B2 |
Forecasting time-dependent search queries
Techniques for analyzing and modeling the frequency of queries are provided by a query analysis system. A query analysis system analyzes frequencies of a query over time to determine whether the query is time-dependent or time-independent. The query analysis system forecasts the frequency of time-dependent queries based on their periodicities. The query analysis system forecasts the frequency of time-independent queries based on causal relationships with other queries. To forecast the frequency of time-independent queries, the query analysis system analyzes the frequency of a query over time to identify significant increases in the frequency, which are referred to as “query events” or “events.” The query analysis system forecasts frequencies of time-independent queries based on queries with events that tend to causally precede events of the query to be forecasted. |
| US07693819B2 |
Database access system and method for transferring portions of an ordered record set responsive to multiple requests
Each record added to a database is assigned an identifier, for example, based on or at the time the record is added to the database. A database server receives a request for a first group of records that satisfy a condition, and searches and sorts on the basis of the identifier field all records in the database that satisfy the condition, to create an ordered set of records. The server sends the first group of records from the ordered set, in response to the request, and also sends a starting point in the ordered set from which to begin to send a second group of records from the ordered set that satisfy the condition. |
| US07693815B2 |
Automatic subscriptions to documents based on user navigation behavior
A network device such as a server monitors user behavior and provides subscriptions to documents based at least in part on that behavior. Subscription triggers include requesting at least a predetermined percentage of the entire document, requesting at least a predetermined number of pages in a document, and requesting a document at least a predetermined number of times. If documents are organized in a root and branch structure, the subscription may be triggered based on the extent to which documents are requested in the structure, e.g., triggered upon request for a branch document related to a root document. Subscriptions may also be limited to a portion of a document, such as a branch document associated with a root document. |
| US07693814B2 |
Data repository and method for promoting network storage of data
In general, the invention features methods by which more than one client program connected to a network stores the same data item on a storage device of a data repository connected to the network. In one aspect, the method comprises encrypting the data item using a key derived from the content of the data item, determining a digital fingerprint of the data item, and storing the data item on the storage device at a location or locations associated with the digital fingerprint. In a second aspect, the method comprises determining a digital fingerprint of the data item, testing for whether the data item is already stored in the repository by comparing the digital fingerprint of the data item to the digital fingerprints of data items already in storage in the repository, and challenging a client that is attempting to deposit a data item already stored in the repository, to ascertain that the client has the full data item. |
| US07693812B2 |
Querying data and an associated ontology in a database management system
A method, apparatus, and computer program for querying data and an associated ontology in a database. An ontology is associated with data in database. Responsive to receiving a query from a requestor, relational data in the database is identified using the query to form identified relational data. Ontological knowledge in the ontology is identified using the identified relational data and the ontology. A result is returned to the requestor. |
| US07693811B2 |
Generating unique identifiers for logical partitions
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer-usable program code to generate unique identifiers for a logically partitioned and/or virtualized data processing system. A number of computing entities supported by the data processing system are identified to form a number of identified entities. A set of unique identifiers is generated based upon the number of identified entities. A unique identifier from the set of unique identifiers is assigned to a logical computing entity during operation of the data processing system. |
| US07693806B2 |
Classification using a cascade approach
A system and method that facilitates and effectuates optimizing a classifier for greater performance in a specific region of classification that is of interest, such as a low false positive rate or a low false negative rate. A two-stage classification model can be trained and employed, where the first stage classification is optimized over the entire classification region and the second stage classifier is optimized for the specific region of interest. During training the entire set of training data is employed by a first stage classifier. Only data that is classified by the first stage classifier or by cross validation to fall within a region of interest is used to train the second stage classifier. During classification, data that is classified within the region of interest by the first classification is given the first stage classifier's classification value, otherwise the classification value for the instance of data from the second stage classifier is used. |
| US07693803B1 |
Hybrid postage printer systems and methods
Systems and methods which implement hybrid postage printer technology are shown. Embodiments provide a postage printing apparatus having a printable area larger than that associated with a postage meter stamp printed thereby and which can accommodate a variety of mail item and other media sizes. Embodiments employ a movable platen to accommodate various media thicknesses. Embodiments accommodate any size mail item or other media using a “C” configuration to allow a mail item or other media to extend beyond the print mechanism in at least three directions. According to an embodiment, the postage printer includes a web browser for hosting postage generation client software and to communicate with a postage generation server via the Internet or other network. Embodiments utilize a commercially available ink cartridge filled with a ink unique to postage metering applications and one or more color ink cartridges. |
| US07693801B2 |
Method and system for forecasting commodity prices using capacity utilization data
The present invention includes a method and system for creating a price-forecasting tool for a commodity. The method and system comprise providing price data and industry capacity utilization data related to the commodity, and establishing the price-forecasting tool based on a statistical relationship between the price data and the industry capacity utilization data. A method of doing business is disclosed comprising creating a price forecasting tool based on a statistical relationship between price data and industry capacity utilization data of the commodity, and utilizing the price forecasting tool to generate a plurality of scenario prices for the commodity for a plurality of forecast horizons. A computer program product is disclosed for creating a price forecasting tool comprising a computer usable medium having computer readable program means for causing a computer to perform the steps of providing price data and industry capacity utilization data related to the commodity, and establishing the price forecasting tool based on a statistical relationship between the price data and the industry capacity utilization data. |
| US07693799B2 |
Wireless communication terminal suspending interrupt during RF payment and method thereof
Provided is a wireless communication terminal for mobile commerce that can suspend events during Radio Frequency (RF) payment, and a method thereof. The terminal for mobile commerce can secure integrity of the mobile commerce by suspending events generated during the RF payment of a mobile commerce. The terminal includes: a storage for storing a pre-established authentication number; a keypad for receiving a mobile commerce request and an authentication number; a controller for requesting authentication for the mobile commerce to an authenticator in response to the mobile commerce request, analyzing an authentication response message from the authenticator; and the authenticator for authenticating the mobile commerce; an RF antenna for transmitting/receiving an RF signal for a function of the mobile commerce under the control of the controller; and a display for displaying the mobile commerce process. |
| US07693797B2 |
Transaction and payment system security remote authentication/validation of transactions from a transaction provider
A mobile terminal is equipped for SMS payment and service authentication with a remote transaction provider. The remote provider uses common secrets & a seed in a keyed Hash Machine Address Code (HMAC) executing a Message Digest Algorithm to generate a list of authentication token (username-password) for the purchase of services an/or goods. The common secrets and seed are shared with local redemption devices which also generate the list of authentication token. A subscriber conducts payment with the remote transaction provider and receives an authentication token corresponding to the purchased service. The subscriber provides the authentication token to the redemption device which compares the authentication token with sets of valid authentication tokens generated by the redemption terminal. If the comparison indicates a match, the redemption device provides the service to the subscriber. |
| US07693790B2 |
Method and system for remote delivery of retail banking services
A practical system and method for the remote distribution of financial services (e.g., home banking and bill-paying) involves distributing portable terminals to a user base. The terminals include a multi-line display, keys “pointing to” lines on the display, and additional keys. Contact is established between the terminals and a central computer operated by a service provider, preferably over a dial-up telephone line and a packet data network. Information exchange between the central computer and the terminal solicits information from the terminal user related to requested financial services (e.g., for billpaying, the user provides payee selection and amount and his bank account PIN number). The central computer then transmits a message over a conventional ATM network debiting the user's bank account in real time, and may pay the specified payees the specified amount electronically or in other ways as appropriate. Payments and transfers may be scheduled in advance or on a periodic basis. Because the central computer interacts with the user's bank as a standard POS or ATM network node, no significant software changes are required at the banks' computers. The terminal interface is extremely user-friendly and incorporates some features of standard ATM user interfaces so as to reduce new user anxiety. |
| US07693788B2 |
System and method for account reconciliation
An account reconciliation system having a particular usefulness in the reconciliation of centrally billed accounts and more specifically, in the reconciliation of centrally billed accounts in the travel industry is provided. The system and methods of the present invention expand on the traditional match/non-match techniques and provide complete transaction management for every item on a client's account. In another sense, reconciliation is redefined to include each and every transaction on an account regardless of it's reconciliation status, i.e., matched, unresolved, pending, etc. Consequently, the present invention reconciles the client's account to the account balance. |
| US07693783B2 |
Universal merchant platform for payment authentication
A method is provided for supporting processing of a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor. The method includes: receiving payment information over a communications network at a server operatively connected to the communications network, the payment information identifying a particular payment option used by the second party for the transaction, and the server being equipped to format and route messages over the communications network in different manners to accommodate the plurality of different authentication protocols; determining from the payment information received at the server which of the different authentication protocols is prescribed for the type of payment option identified in the payment information; selecting, in accordance with the determination, a particular authentication protocol from the plurality of different authentication protocols supported by the server; and, obtaining an authentication determination for the transaction in accordance with the selected authentication protocol, including formatting messages and routing the formatted messages over the communications network in accordance with one or more mandates of the selected authentication protocol. |
| US07693780B2 |
Trading system and method having a configurable market depth tool with dynamic price axis
A system and method for the electronic trading of investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, options, commodities, stock and futures index contracts, and the like, is disclosed. The system and method provide a graphical user interface having a versatile and efficient market depth tool with a dynamic price axis for executing trades. The tool facilitates the display of and the rapid placement of trade orders within the market. The system provides for user initiated functionality to control, among other things, the manner in which the dynamic price axis moves in response to market conditions. |
| US07693774B2 |
Credit limit storage in an anonymous trading system
An anonymous trading system comprises a network of broker nodes each of which perform price matching, deal execution and market distribution. Trader terminals on trading floors are connected to a given broker node via a trading agent node. Credit may be stored for a given trading floor at its trading agent node or at a credit agent node which stores credit limits for a group of trading floors. Where the credit limits of a party to a proposed deal are stored at a credit agent node, the deal execution process is routed through that credit agent node to check for available credit. The system allows institutions to adopt any combination of local and global credit assignments with counterparties with which it wishes to trade. |
| US07693772B1 |
Investment structure and method having fixed and contingent components
An investment structure including a fixed component and a contingent component for investing funds. The fixed component invests a portion of the funds in fixed income securities and generates principal plus fixed interest. The contingent component invests another portion of the funds in non-fixed income, securities and generates contingent interest. The fixed interest is selectively distributed or re-invested in the fixed component, and the contingent interest is re-invested in the contingent component in order to boost the trading pool for that component and potentially increase the return on investment. |
| US07693766B2 |
Financial activity based on natural events
A financial activity network includes a central managing system connected to a plurality of participant terminals. Rules governing operation of the financial activity are stored for future reference. A participant provides investment information such as a map location for the predicted strike by the natural event and, optionally, one or more secondary parameters relating to the natural event, such as the time interval between the time of investment and the time of an event strike and/or the severity of the event strike according to an established scale. In one example, an external objective independent information source is consulted, with the external objective independent information source providing monitoring, interpretation and derived determination of parameters pertaining to the natural event. Methods and articles of manufacture are also disclosed. |
| US07693765B2 |
System and method for creating electronic real estate registration
A system for providing a registered land asset includes a property transaction database in communication with a computer network the property transaction database provides information related to transactions associated with each registered land asset parcel, each land parcel having a registered land asset identifier representing global coordinates particular to the parcel. The system also includes a location characteristic database in communication with the computer network. The location characteristic database provides socioeconomic data regarding the location wherein the land parcel associated with the registered land asset is situated. A registered land asset contract may give a leaseholder an option to purchase the land by the end of a given term. A computer receives data from the property transaction database and the location characteristic database via the computer network and calculates prices and values associated with a registered land asset contract associated with the land parcel and a registered land asset contract is recorded in association with the land asset identifier corresponding to the land parcel in an electronic land title registry in communication with the computer network. |
| US07693755B2 |
Auction program with auctioneer character figure, closeout countdown and bid paddle displays
The computerized auction couples with bidder computers and an auction clearinghouse computer displaying data for the auction goods. The clearinghouse computer accepts bids, sorts bids by value, creates a bid paddle display showing the then highest bid and a bidder identifier. Bidders can incrementally increase bids substantially in real time and clearinghouse displays these further bids. The clearinghouse also accepts high value override bids. The system processes all bids until a maximum bid is accepted and displayed for a predetermined period of time. An auctioneer character figure executes a closing sale routine, first, second and third and final call, for additional bids. In the absence of a higher bid, the auctioneer closes the auction with a sold item routine. The sold item display routine visually and audibly identifies that the auction item is sold. If an additional bid is received during close sale, the system restarts the routine. |
| US07693752B2 |
Mobile commerce framework
A subscription-based system for providing commerce information for one or more mobile devices for one or more merchants. Some techniques employed feature a subscription-based method for presenting commercial resources to a mobile device. The method involves receiving mobile device user information relating to a geographic location to locate one or more merchants within a subscription-based shopping network, and receiving mobile device user information relating to a merchant type within the subscription-based shopping network. The method also involves receiving, from a database over a communication network, information for one or more merchants associated with the mobile device user information for the geographic location and the merchant type, and presenting the associated merchant information on the mobile device. The associated merchant information can include a merchant name and address, a merchant telephone number, a merchant advertisement, a merchant coupon, or a merchant product or service offering to subscribers of the shopping network. |
| US07693747B2 |
Methods, system, and medium for initiating an online auction utilizing a line item detail report
A system and method of initiating an online auction. The system receives a request to acquire at least one line item using the online auction from a buyer and presents a data collection template to the buyer, where the data collection template is being used to collect data having a plurality of attributes relating to the line item being auctioned in the online auction. The system also generates, in response to at least one of the attributes of the data collected from the buyer, a report showing the data including at least one of the attributes relating to the line item and transmits the report to at least one supplier. |
| US07693746B2 |
Musical contents storage system having server computer and electronic musical devices
A musical contents system comprises a contents providing server comprising a connecting unit that connects to a communication network, and a contents storage unit that stores musical contents in a storage area corresponding to a user of an electronic musical device; and an electronic musical device comprising a connecting unit that connects to the contents providing server via the communication network, an accessing unit that accesses to the contents storage unit via the communication network, and a contents operating unit that performs an operation to the musical contents stored in the contents storage area corresponding to the user. The musical contents purchased or created by the user can be stored in a data center; therefore, convenience of using the musical contents is improved and the cost is decreased or cut off. |
| US07693739B2 |
Automated generation of reports reflecting statistical analyses of supply chain processes
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for collecting data concerning a supply chain, for performing statistical analysis on the collected data to facilitate identification of anomalies or inefficiencies in the process, and for communicating results of such statistical analysis to those responsible for the supply chain. A method for performing statistical analysis on monitored aspect of a product supply chain involves storing, in memory accessible to processor, first data reflecting first monitored aspect of a first shipment of first item occurring in the supply chain, and storing, in memory accessible to the processor, second data reflecting second monitored aspect of a second shipment of second item occurring in the supply chain. The processor is used to automatically generate report reflecting statistical analysis of the first and second data. |
| US07693733B2 |
Method of and system for analyzing, modeling and valuing elements of a business enterprise
An automated system (100) and method for analyzing, modeling and valuing elements of a business enterprise on a specified valuation date. The performance of the elements are analyzed using search algorithms and induction algorithms to determine the value drivers associated with each element. The induction algorithms are also used to create composite variables that relate element performance to enterprise revenue, expenses and changes in capital. Predictive models are then used to determine the correlation between the value drivers and the enterprise revenue, expenses and changes in capital. The correlation percentages for each value driver are then multiplied by capitalized value of future revenue, expenses and changes in capital, the resulting numbers for each value driver associated with each element are then added together to calculate a value for each element. |
| US07693732B2 |
Lab reservation system
The present invention provides a computer implemented lab reservation system including a reservation engine and a reservation database. The reservation database contains data concerning the computer systems and target operating environments in the lab. The reservation engine manipulates the reservation database in order to efficiently match user requests to specific lab computer systems and target operating environments. The reservation system also manipulates the reservation database in order to efficiently configure computer systems and target operating environments. The reservation engine also manipulates the reservation database in order to efficiently reinstall computer system default settings, when users return configured systems, so that the computer systems can be reallocated to new requests. |
| US07693730B2 |
System for communication of health care data
An apparatus for communicating health care data from a sender to a receiver is provided. The apparatus has a first computer system, a second computer system, and a rules engine. The first computer system has health care data stored therein. The second computer system is in operable communication with, and is configured to extract the health care data from, the first computer system. The rules engine normalizes the extracted health care data to a predefined format. |
| US07693728B2 |
System and method for administering health care cost reduction
A system and method for the efficient administration of health care plans, particularly as to the reduction and/or elimination of avoidable medical costs for select individuals who participate in the plan, is disclosed. Existing health care data is processed to determine an indication as to the relative desirability of an intervention in a plan participant's health care regimen. The data is also processed to determine the status of one or more flags, each of which potentially indicates the relative desirability of an intervention in a plan participant's health care regimen. A predictive model is used to determine the status of a flag relating to the likelihood of an insurance plan participant making a disability claim within a certain period of time. The information relating to desirability of an intervention in a plan participant's health care regimen, as well as a plan participant's medical information and claim history, is presented to case managers and/or health care providers in a user-friendly format. |
| US07693727B2 |
Evidence-based checklist flow and tracking system for patient care by medical providers
Interactive methods and systems for directing, integrating, documenting, and tracking steps taken by medical providers during the process of care for a patient's given condition. Doctors' actions are directed by a prescriptive protocol—a checklist of discrete steps designed for efficient or optimal care of an individual patient's specific condition. The step-by-step checklist is abstracted from decision tree guidelines for the optimal work up and treatment for the condition using probability-based methodology. The care protocols can be derived from widely available and non-proprietary guidelines and decision trees based on public medical research literature.In one embodiment, the invention can be employed by a primary care clinician at the point of referral into the specialist sector, and at the specialist level when proposing a risky or expensive or otherwise problematic medical or surgical diagnostic or treatment intervention. At these two critical transaction points in care, the checklist functions like a lock, based on a hidden clinical decision algorithm (an explanation of which can be displayed upon request). The system asks the clinician for data and then generates the patient's optimal checklist, displaying it as a point and click form keyed to the stage of care being undertaken by each doctor. As the clinician enters data into the checklist, a decision engine determines whether the checklist data satisfies predetermined criteria for authorization of the proposed action. The system can also document each transaction taken in the process of care to create an electronic record that can be made accessible to all clinicians involved in the process of care. |
| US07693725B2 |
Method and system for greenhouse gas emissions performance assessment and allocation
The present invention provides a system and method for determining equivalency factors for use in comparative performance analysis of industrial facilities by determining a target variable and a plurality of characteristics of the target variable. Each of the plurality of characteristics is ranked according to value. Based on ranking value, the characteristics are divided into categories. Based on the sorted and ranked characteristics, a data collection classification system is developed. Data is collected according to the data collection classification system. The data is validated, and based on the data, an analysis model is developed. The analysis model then calculates the equivalency factors for use in one embodiment in performance measurement and equitable benchmarking of green house gas (GHG) emissions from industrial facilities for the purposes of allocating GHG emission allowances for permits, licenses, etc. |
| US07693724B2 |
Multidiscipline site development and risk assessment process
A software application is provided designed to encourage collaboration between professional disciplines related to land development and construction projects. A graphical risk analysis system is provided based on answers to interdisciplinary questions related to risks. Use of the system promotes a complete checklist of interdisciplinary and informational consultation which, when completed, reduces the risk related to land development. |
| US07693719B2 |
Providing personalized voice font for text-to-speech applications
A method for synthesizing speech from text includes receiving one or more waveforms characteristic of a voice of a person selected by a user, generating a personalized voice font based on the one or more waveforms, and delivering the personalized voice font to the user's computer, whereby speech can be synthesized from text, the speech being in the voice of the selected person, the speech being synthesized using the personalized voice font. A system includes a text-to-speech (TTS) application operable to generate a voice font based on speech waveforms transmitted from a client computer remotely accessing the TTS application. |
| US07693713B2 |
Speech models generated using competitive training, asymmetric training, and data boosting
Speech models are trained using one or more of three different training systems. They include competitive training which reduces a distance between a recognized result and a true result, data boosting which divides and weights training data, and asymmetric training which trains different model components differently. |
| US07693708B2 |
System and method for adaptive transmission of comfort noise parameters during discontinuous speech transmission
Apparatus is provided that includes at least one entity for transmitting speech signals in a discontinuous transmission mode including transmitting speech frames interspersed with frames including comfort noise parameters during periods of speech pauses. The entit(ies) include a first entity for estimating a current noise value. In addition, the apparatus includes a second entity for selectively controlling a rate at which the frames including comfort noise parameters are transmitted during the periods of speech pauses based upon the estimated current noise value. |
| US07693704B2 |
Automated system and method for generating reasons that a court case is cited
A computer-automated system and method identify text in a first “citing” court case, near a “citing instance” (in which a second “cited” court case is cited), that indicates the reason(s) for citing (RFC). The automated method of designating text, taken from a set of citing documents, as reasons for citing (RFC) that are associated with respective citing instances of a cited document, has steps including: obtaining contexts of the citing instances in the respective citing documents (each context including text that includes the citing instance and text that is near the citing instance), analyzing the content of the contexts, and selecting (from the citing instances' context) text that constitutes the RFC, based on the analyzed content of the contexts. A related computer-automated system and method selects content words that are highly related to the reasons a particular document is cited, and gives them weights that indicate their relative relevance. Another related computer-automated system and method forms lists of morphological forms of words. Still another related computer-automated system and method scores sentences to show their relevance to the reasons a document is cited. Also, another related computer-automated system and method generates lists of content words. In a preferred embodiment, the systems and methods are applied to legal (especially case law) documents and legal (especially case law) citations. |
| US07693702B1 |
Visualizing space systems modeling using augmented reality
A visualization system for a computer system includes a modeling portion configured to specify the virtual geographic location in response to a three-dimensional model of the virtual geographic location and in response to the position of the viewer with respect to the virtual geographic location, a satellite data portion configured to specify a representation of satellite status data in response to the position of the viewer with respect to the virtual geographic location and in response to the satellite status data, and a three-dimensional output portion configured to provide at least two images of the virtual geographic location and the representation of the satellite status data to the viewer. |
| US07693699B2 |
Incremental update of virtual devices in a modeled network
In a network simulation system, a compiler is provided to support incremental updates to the configuration data associated with the modeled network. Each incremental change is identified and logged, to facilitate configuration management and select roll-backs to prior configurations. Because each update is processed and managed individually, and integrated automatically into the overall system configuration, the overhead associated with keeping a configuration database up-to-date is substantially reduced, thereby increasing the likelihood that all configuration changes will be reflected in the modeled network. In a preferred embodiment, the same data is used to incrementally update the configuration model and to execute the change in the actual system, thereby further reducing the overhead and assuring a correspondence between the modeled network and the actual network. |
| US07693697B2 |
Anesthesia drug monitor
A method, system and apparatus for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic drug display system is disclosed. This invention provides for the rapid cognitive grasp of the overall state of drug combination effects with respect to a dynamic system. The system provides for displayed objects, which change in real-time to show the changes of the functions of the system. In particular, this invention is directed to the processing and display of drug data for the use of doctors in the process of monitoring or administering drugs to patients. |
| US07693693B2 |
Stabilizing solutions to output feedback pole placement problem with parameter drift and automated alerting of system parameter changes
Output feedback pole placement problems with parameter drift are solved with stabilizing solutions. Changes in system parameters trigger alerts in an automated manner. A representative method includes determining a set of solutions for an output feed pole placement problem, based on parameters of a physical system. The solutions are stable and well-conditioned for monitoring changes to the parameters of the physical system. The physical system is adjusted, or controlled, based on the solutions determined. Updated parameters of the physical system are acquired. A set of updated solutions for the output feedback pole placement problem are determined based on the updated parameters. The physical system is then adjusted, or controlled, based on the updated solutions determined. A system manager may also be notified of the updated parameters and/or the updated solutions. Furthermore, changes within the system may be monitored, and/or potentially critical changes within the system may be detected. |
| US07693689B2 |
Noise-component removing method
A noise-component removing method for removing a noise component from multipoint spectral data that has been generated through measurements performed at measurement points of a sample surface, the method comprising: a PLS analysis step of determining components of the multipoint spectral data for each measurement point in a descending order of eigenvalues of the components by subjecting the multipoint spectral data to multivariate analysis based on the partial least squares regression using a value obtained by quantifying characteristic information about a characteristic of each measurement point, other than spectral information of the measurement point and using the spectral information as an independent variable in the partial least squares regression; and a spectrum reconstruction step of reconstructing the multipoint spectral data for each measurement point to eliminate a component having an eigenvalue lower than a predetermined value, from the components determined in the PLS analysis step. |
| US07693688B2 |
Field bus distribution unit
A field bus distribution unit (VE) designed for use in process automation technology involving several field devices. The unit is equipped with a microcontroller μC, which is connected to the field bus (FB) and transmits device-specific information of the field devices that are connected to a field bus distribution unit (VE). |
| US07693685B2 |
Digital reordering unit, ultrasonic front-end device and operating method thereof
A digital reordering unit, an ultrasonic front-end device and operating method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic front-end device may be connected between a probe and a detector of the ultrasonic system and controlled by a primary controller of the ultrasonic system; the ultrasonic front-end device having an ultrasonic transmission part and an ultrasonic reception part, wherein the ultrasonic transmission part includes a transmission beamformer and M transmission driving units, and has M transmission channels; the ultrasonic reception part includes M high-voltage isolation circuits, RC amplifiers, RC ADCs and a beamformer electrically connected in said order and has RC reception channels, where RC=[N,2N,3N . . . p*N], N being an integer larger than or equal to 1, being characterized in that, M low-voltage analog switches and a network of resistors are serially connected between the M high-voltage isolation circuits and the RC amplifiers. |
| US07693684B2 |
Process, sensor and diagnosis device for pump diagnosis
A process for detecting the operating state of a pump of a pump system, involves the steps of: detecting at least one pressure and/or flow profile P(t) in the pump system, computing of at least one characteristic value Kkal from the pressure and/or flow profile P(t), comparing the computed characteristic value Kkal with at least one defined characteristic value Kvor or with a range bordered by the characteristic value Kvor, the defined characteristic value Kvor or the characteristic value range corresponding to the operating state of the pump of interest, and outputting the operating state determined by the comparison. With the process, the operating states of pumps, pump systems and hydraulic systems is determined by the computed characteristic value Kkal characterizing the pulsation of the pressure and/or flow profile P(t) in a computation time interval ΔtB, the pulsation quotient being computed as the computed characteristic value Kkal. |
| US07693683B2 |
Information classifying device, information classifying method, information classifying program, information classifying system
An information classifying device calculates, for a plurality of populations containing pieces of sample information, evaluation distance between a center of gravity of the pieces of sample information belonging to each population and a piece of sample information as an object of classification (object sample), calculates statistical information such as mean, variance and standard deviation of the evaluation distance for each population, evaluates the evaluation distance of the sample information to the population based on the evaluation distance and the statistical information and evaluates degree of assignment relevancy of the object sample to the population, determines to which population the object sample is to be assigned in accordance with the degree of assignment relevancy, and assigns the object sample to the population. Evaluation distance between the center of gravity of each updated population and the object sample belonging to each population is calculated. If the degree of assignment relevancy to every population is out of a prescribed range, a new population is formed, and the object sample is assigned to the new population. Thus, autonomous and stable classification of object sample to a population becomes possible. |
| US07693682B2 |
Method for measuring critical dimensions of a pattern using an overlay measuring apparatus
A method for measuring critical dimensions of a pattern using an overlay measuring apparatus is provided. The method includes setting a first scan range, inputting a step pitch for the overlay measuring apparatus, inputting X and Y coordinates of a point on a reticle, and inputting a size of the reference pattern. The method further includes inputting a position of the reference pattern, inputting a second scan range, measuring the size of the reference pattern, and inputting an ideal pattern size. The method still further includes measuring a size and a first Z-axial focus position of a top region of the reference pattern, storing the first Z-axial focus position, measuring a size of the selected pattern of the first wafer using stored reference information, and determining whether the size of the selected pattern is suitable relative to the ideal pattern size. |
| US07693679B1 |
System and method for configuring a thermal imaging instrument
A graphical user interface for configuring parameters associated with a portable infrared imager is provided. The interface can be used to manually or automatically set range and span parameters. The interface can also be used to configure one or more alarms to notify a user that a detected temperature is outside a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a non-linear temperature scale can be displayed. |
| US07693675B2 |
Method for protection of sensor node's data, a systems for secure transportation of a sensor node and a sensor node that achieves these
Methods of confidential data sharing and mutual authentication between a sensor node and a router are established, and data in the sensor node is protected from a physical attack. Sensor node issuing processing is performed on a sensor node having a tamper resistant device. The sensor node issuing processing is processing in which data and a function that are deactivated are loaded in the tamper resistant device of the sensor node from the time of manufacture of the sensor node to the time the sensor node reaches a system that runs the sensor node. Activation data is used to activate the deactivated data and function. The activation data is shared between stages of the issuing processing with the use of a data management system. |
| US07693672B2 |
Adaptive self-linearization
A signal processing method includes receiving an unknown signal that includes a distorted component and an undistorted component, and performing self-linearization based at least in part on the unknown signal to obtain an output signal that is substantially undistorted, wherein performing self-linearization includes adaptively generating a replica distortion signal that is substantially similar to the distorted component, and subtracting the replica distortion signal from the unknown signal to obtain the output signal. |
| US07693670B2 |
Cognitive electric power meter
An electric power meter includes an embedded decomposition module that is configured to decompose a power meter signal into constituent loads to segregate and identify energy consumption associated with each individual energy consumption device within a plurality of energy consumption devices coupled to the power meter. |
| US07693669B2 |
Method and circuit for detecting a brown out condition
A brown out detection circuit includes a sense amplifier for sensing a current level exhibited by a flash cell. Combinatorial logic is coupled to the sense amplifier for identifying a program condition of the flash cell based on the sensed current level, including a brown out condition, in order to provide a warning to avoid potential malfunction from a brown out condition. |
| US07693666B2 |
Method, system, and program product for controlling chemical reactions in a digital microfluidic system
The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a method, system, and program product for controlling chemical reactions in a digital microfluidic system that include logically partitioning cells of a digital microfluidic system array into a plurality of virtual components wherein at least one of the virtual components is capable of handling droplets of reactants associated with distinct chemical reactions concurrently. In a second aspect, a respective next cell is determined for each of a plurality of chemical droplets in the digital microfluidic system array, which may include droplets of reactants associated with distinct chemical reactions. In another aspect, a method, system, and program product for controlling chemical reactions in a digital microfluidic system in accordance with the present invention induce a chemical droplet of the plurality of chemical droplets in the digital microfluidic system array to move to the respective next cell determined for the chemical droplet. |
| US07693663B2 |
System and method for detection of earthquakes and tsunamis, and hierarchical analysis, threat classification, and interface to warning systems
A computer implemented method of producing macro-view conclusion data related to a seismic event. The method includes receiving at a processing center a set of data related to a parameter of a seismic event. The parameter is measured using a vibration sensor of a hard disk drive of a computer at a known, fixed location, wherein the vibration sensor produces the set of data. The method further includes processing the set of data at the processing center to produce the macro-view conclusion data. The macro-view conclusion data is then stored in a storage device. |
| US07693662B2 |
Drive recorder for vehicle
A drive recorder stores information regarding a dangerous location where a vehicle collision or a dangerous driving situation occurred in the past. When it is determined that the vehicle approaches the dangerous location based on a position signal from a GPS receiver for detecting the present position of the vehicle, a warning is provided to the vehicle driver. According to the warning, the vehicle driver can recognize that the vehicle is approaching the dangerous location where the vehicle collision or the dangerous driving situation occurred in the past. |
| US07693659B2 |
Satellite navigation system using multiple antennas
A satellite navigation system using multiple antennas for providing the position of multiple fiduciary points on an object even when fewer than four satellites are visible to some or all the antennas. Satellite signals from the multiple antennas are fed into at least one receiver. The receiver or receivers utilize constraint information, which is independent of the satellite signals. These external constraints are used to augment the signals received from the satellites, to obtain the position solution for each antenna. In a preferred embodiment, a common reference clock is used to provide an external constraint. Examples of other external constraints that can be used in the current invention are distance between the antennas, inertial measurement of attitude, rotational or linear position sensors, etc. |
| US07693658B2 |
Navigation apparatus
A navigation apparatus includes a display control unit that displays a roadmap by using road data and an intersection arrangement at an intersection by using the intersection arrangement data. The intersection arrangement data include intersection coordinate data containing coordinate information corresponding to an intersection as well as display data used to display an intersection arrangement at an intersection. When approaching a specific intersection on the roadmap, the display control unit makes a decision as to whether or not the intersection coordinate data include coordinate information corresponding to coordinate information for the specific intersection on the roadmap, and if the intersection coordinate data are determined to include coordinate information corresponding to the coordinate information for the specific intersection, the display control unit judges that the road data and the intersection arrangement data match up, and displays the intersection arrangement at the specific intersection by using the intersection arrangement data. |
| US07693652B2 |
Waypoint adjustment and advertisement for flexible routing
A unique routing system and method that facilitates adjusting waypoint locations to optimize a cost function and presenting more relevant contextual advertisements based in part on the waypoint locations. The system and method involve examining waypoint locations including a start, end, and any in-between waypoint to determine whether they are reachable or routable according to the preferred mode of transportation. Adjustments can be made to one or more of the waypoint locations in order to accommodate this mode of transportation in view of a given cost function. Adjustments can be made that optimize the cost function to minimize overall costs. Multi-modal routing can be initiated as well to configure a route using the selected or adjusted waypoints and multiple modes of transportation in order to optimize the cost function. Adjustments and the selection of contextual advertisements can be based on user intention and several other route related factors. |
| US07693649B2 |
Monitoring unit state chart and a debounce logic
A method of logging faults in an electronic controlled internal combustion engine that passes any fault readings through a debounce logic to determine whether the fault indication is real. |
| US07693648B2 |
System and method for detecting misassembly of an exhaust aftertreatment system of a machine
A method of detecting an assembly condition, such as, for example, a misassembly, of an exhaust aftertreatment system of a machine includes a step of executing an aftertreatment assembly diagnostic algorithm. The executing step includes detecting an electronic identification feature of an aftertreatment component of the exhaust aftertreatment system, and comparing the electronic identification feature to an expected value. |
| US07693647B2 |
Intake air amount calculating system and method of internal combustion engine
When it is predicted that an engine is going to be started in the near future, a heater portion of an air flow meter is energized so as to be heated in advance. Prior to the pre-heating, an intake air temperature is sensed by a temperature sensing portion of the air flow meter. After completion of start-up of an intake air temperature sensor, a difference between the intake air temperature sensed by the intake air temperature sensor and the previously sensed intake air temperature is obtained. When the difference is above a predetermined value, it is judged that the intake air temperature sensor or the air flow meter is in an abnormal condition. |
| US07693645B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling low pressure EGR valve of a turbocharged diesel engine
A low pressure EGR valve is controlled by mixing EGR gas into an intake air. Steps of the method include detecting temperature and pressure of an intake air passing through an air cleaner, detecting temperature and pressure of the intake air at a downstream side of an intercooler, detecting temperature and pressure of an EGR gas at an upstream side of an EGR cooler, determining a control duty of the low pressure EGR valve on the basis of the detected temperature and pressure of the air passing through the air cleaner, the detected temperature and pressure at the downstream side of the intercooler, and the detected temperature and pressure at the upstream side of the EGR cooler, and controlling the low pressure EGR valve based on the determined control duty. An apparatus for executing the method is also provided. |
| US07693644B2 |
Regulator device for compensating for dispersions of injectors
Injectors each having a piezo actuator are assigned to cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A regulator device is configured for furnishing a cylinder-specific controlled variable and a command variable to a controller whose primary manipulated variable is a variable representing an electrical power supplied to the piezo actuator during a control cycle. A manipulated variable splitting unit is provided whose input variable is a regulator-determined regulator value of the primary manipulated variable and is configured for determining a total value of the primary manipulated variable according to the regulator value. It is also configured for splitting the total value into a primary value of the primary manipulated variable and into a secondary value of a secondary manipulated variable according to a lower and/or upper threshold value of the total value. |
| US07693643B2 |
Fault detection system and method for turbine engine fuel systems
A system and method is provided that facilitates improved fault detection. The fault detection system provides the ability to detect symptoms of fault in the fuel system of a turbine engine. The fault detection system captures selected data from the turbine engines that is used to characterize the performance of the fuel system. The fault detection system includes a feature extractor that extracts salient features from the selected sensor data. The extracted salient features are passed to a classifier that analyzes the extracted salient features to determine if a fault is occurring or has occurred in the turbine engine fuel system. Detected faults can then be passed to a diagnostic system where they can be passed as appropriate to maintenance personnel. |
| US07693640B2 |
Lateral acceleration sensor breakdown detection device
A lateral G sensor breakdown detection device configured to carry out a breakdown determination control that determines that the lateral G sensor has a breakdown when the difference between the actual lateral G acting on a four wheel drive vehicle measured by the lateral G detection sensor installed on the vehicle and the estimated lateral G estimated and calculated from predetermined parameters that express the condition of the vehicle; while the vehicle is turning when the rotation speed of the outer wheel is equal to or less than the rotation speed of the inner wheel and when the actual lateral G is less than the estimated lateral G and the difference is greater than a predetermined value, the breakdown determination control is suspended. |
| US07693639B2 |
Vehicle dynamics control apparatus
A vehicle dynamics control (VDC) apparatus for an automotive vehicle with a differential limiting device capable of limiting at least one of a differential motion between front and rear wheel axles and a differential motion between left and right wheel axles, includes a VDC system that controls a braking force of at least one of road wheels to control vehicle cornering behavior depending on a vehicle's turning condition independently of a driver's braking action. The VDC system advances a VDC initiation timing used in a differential limited state in which at least one of the front-and-rear wheel axle differential motion and the left-and-right wheel axle differential motion is limited, in comparison with a VDC initiation timing used in a differential non-limited state in which the front-and-rear wheel axle differential motion and the left-and-right wheel axle differential motion are allowed. |
| US07693638B2 |
Commanded clutch diagnostic for hybrid vehicles
A method of regulating operation of a hybrid transmission in a vehicle includes determining a desired transmission state using a first module, generating transmission control signals based on the desired transmission state using a second module and receiving at least one transmission parameter signal at the second module. An actual transmission state is determined based on the at least one transmission parameter signal at the second module. Whether a fault is present within the hybrid transmission control system is determined based on the desired transmission state and the actual transmission state at the first control module. |
| US07693637B2 |
Hybrid vehicle control system
A vehicle control system is comprised of a controller which is arranged to select an optimal mode adapted to a driving point of a vehicle from an optimal mode map of defining a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, to detect a generation of a mode transition in the optimal mode map, and to hold a current running mode selected before the transition for a holding time period when the generation of the mode transition is detected. |
| US07693636B2 |
Vehicle drive control system and method
A drive control system for an automotive vehicle includes an engine, an automatic transmission, a torque converter, a start clutch, an oil pump, a hydraulic pressure control unit, an engine control unit, an automatic engine stop/restart control unit and a torque transmission control unit configured to calculate target start clutch engagement time and torque based on an accelerator opening of the vehicle, calculate a target engine torque based on the target clutch engagement torque and cause the hydraulic control unit and the engine control unit to control the engagement state of the start clutch and the output torque of the engine according to the target clutch engagement time and torque and the target engine torque at a restart of the engine. |
| US07693633B2 |
Machine operational data collection and reporting system
A data system for work machines is disclosed. The data system has a first communication device associated with a first work machine, and a second communication device associated with a second work machine. The data system also has an offboard system in communication with the first and second communication devices. The offboard system is configured to request a first data transmission from the first work machine in response to a second data transmission being received from the second work machine. |
| US07693632B2 |
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is provided with a fork-like wheel carrier, on the lower end of which a front wheel is supported, a handlebar by which the wheel carrier can be steered in a steering direction to the left or the right during travel, and a transmission unit by which the handlebar is coupled to the wheel carrier. The transmission unit is provided for transmitting steering forces, introduced into the handlebar, to the wheel carrier and bringing same into a corresponding steering position. The wheel carrier is mounted so as to be pivotable with respect to the handlebar, such that for a specified steering position, the wheel carrier can be moved, at least over a certain range, relative to the handlebar in the steering direction. |
| US07693629B2 |
Onboard fog determining apparatus
An image process for determining whether an image is foggy determines a shape of a road for driving of a vehicle in an image captured by an onboard camera based on white road line recognition. Based on the road shape, the process determines, in the image, a distant road area on the road for driving at a specified distance from the vehicle. The process processes, of the entire image captured by the camera, an image portion corresponding to the distant road area to determine whether an image is foggy. Thus, a load on image processing decreases compared with analysis of the entire image. The distant road area is located on the road at the specified distance far from the vehicle in the image. Generally, a road continues in the distance. Since the corresponding area possibly captures a distant part, the fog determination accuracy can be ensured. |
| US07693628B2 |
Controller with communication of multi-source tasks
A method and apparatus for synchronous communication in a control system is disclosed. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task. |
| US07693627B2 |
Tire condition notification apparatus
A tire steer condition detection and notification apparatus calculates a tire steer angle based on a steering wheel operation when a parked condition of a vehicle is detected, and provides a notification (i.e., warning) regarding a tire steer condition when the tire steer angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. Further, when the vehicle is determined to be in the parked condition and has a predicted travel course diverted away from a road shape based on the tire steer angle at the time, the tire steer condition detection apparatus provides a notification (i.e., warning) regarding the tire steer condition. |
| US07693625B2 |
State of health monitoring and reset methods and systems for on-board device driver integrated circuits
A control module for a vehicle is provided. The control module includes at least one device driver implemented by the control module. The at least one device driver generates a control signal to a device of the vehicle and generates a state of health signal based on an operational status of the device driver. A processor implemented by the engine control module monitors the state of health signal from the at least one device driver and generates a running reset command to the at least one device driver based on a fault status of the state of health signal. |
| US07693624B2 |
Vehicle control system including related methods and components
A vehicle control system and related sub-components together provide an operator with a plurality of specific modes of operation. The various modes of operation incorporate different levels of autonomous control. Through a control user interface, an operator can move between certain modes of control even after vehicle deployment. Specialized autopilot system components and methods are employed to ensure smooth transitions between control modes. Empowered by the multi-modal control system, an operator can manage multiple vehicles simultaneously. |
| US07693623B2 |
Railroad snow removal system
A snow removal system wherein snow removers located in remote locations can be monitored and controlled at a computing device. Data collected by sensors on the snow removal unit or data collected from a secondary source can be used to control the operation of the snow removers. In one embodiment, data regarding whether it is snowing at a particular location can be collected by moister sensors on the snow removal device and verified by on-line contemporaneous weather reports corresponding to the same location. |
| US07693621B1 |
Apparatus and methods for displaying arrival, approach, and departure information on a display device in an aircraft
Systems and methods of the present disclosure are used to determine and display arrival, approach, and departure information on a display device in an aircraft, such as a moving map on a multi-function display. An arrival, approach, and/or departure may be received by a flight computer such that the arrival, approach, and/or departure information may be determined based on related approach procedures. Adjustments to navigational instruments may also be made. A pilot may then use the arrival, approach, and/or departure information to safely fly the arrival, approach and/or departure. |
| US07693618B2 |
System for monitoring RNP for safe terrain clearance
Systems and methods for monitoring Required Navigational Performance (RNP) Procedures and reducing nuisance Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System warnings including a processor, a memory with RNP instructions and data, and a communication device. The processor accesses the RNP data and instructions from the memory, and uses the communication device to obtain flight information from a Flight Management System of an aircraft. When the processor determines that the aircraft is in RNP space, the processor projects an RNP envelope and modifies a warning envelope of an EGPWS to coincide with the RNP envelope if the EGPWS warning envelope extends farther than the RNP envelope. |
| US07693617B2 |
Aircraft precision approach control
An aircraft control system for operations close to the ground includes a camera having a rangefinder for measuring the azimuth, elevation and slant range from a fixed point on the aircraft relative to a selected target point on a surface below the aircraft, a navigation system for measuring the latitude and longitude of the aircraft on the surface, a computer for computing the position of the fixed point on the aircraft relative to the target point from the respective measurements of the camera and the navigation system, and a controller for controlling the movement of the aircraft such that the fixed point is positioned at a selected position above the selected target point on the surface. The controller may also include an automatic tracking mechanism for maintaining the position of the fixed point on the aircraft at the selected position above a moving object. |
| US07693614B2 |
Airplane emergency navigational system
An emergency navigational system that monitors the navigation of an aircraft by comparing actual flight parameter data to predefined flight parameter data to thereby determine if the actual flight parameter data deviates beyond a defined value, and if so, activating a navigational controller to at least partially control the navigation of the aircraft. |
| US07693613B2 |
Curvilinear distance estimation method for a moving vehicle with limited maneuverability
In distance maps used in order to facilitate the navigation of craft such as an aircraft, the distances estimated take into account obstacles to be circumvented but not the maneuverability of the craft. The adaptation route required by the craft in order to take the right direction is not taken into account so that certain distance estimates for accessible points located in the neighborhood of the craft are unrealistic. In order to make a distance map more realistic, it is proposed that an obstacle of concave shape associated with the craft be added behind the position of the craft, forcing the estimations of distances to be circumvented an area that is inaccessible to the craft for reasons of maneuverability. |
| US07693612B2 |
Method and system for updating code embedded in a vehicle
A system, method and computer program for updating computer programs embedded in a vehicle is disclosed. Wireless communication means are used to detect and contact one of a plurality of neighbor vehicles. Information is exchanged with the contacted neighbor vehicle related to a plurality of computer programs embedded in the vehicle and the neighbor vehicle. One of a plurality of computer programs is requested and retrieved from the contacted neighbor vehicle. Another of the plurality of computer programs is delivered to the neighbor vehicle. The retrieved computer program is validated and installed. |
| US07693611B2 |
Power supply control using supply power transition control and dynamic controller parameter(s)
A variable power supply is controlled to supply power at approximately a first supply level for an electronic device. The variable power supply is controlled to control a transition of the power from approximately the first supply level toward a second supply level prior to controlling the variable power supply to supply power at approximately the second supply level for the electronic device. One or more power supply controller parameters are dynamically controlled. |
| US07693604B2 |
Multi-axis robot provided with a control system
The robot comprises: —a controller (C), including power modules (22) for supplying the motors (10) of the arm (A) of the robot (R), a CPU unit (26), for calculation and processing and connection means (52, B), between the arm (A), the power modules (22) and the CPU unit (26). The connection means (52, B) comprise a single functional bus (B) which connects a control unit (30), associated with the CPU unit (26), firstly to the power modules (22) and, also, to the digital interfaces (14) with the sensors (12) of the arms (A). Said interfaces (14) are either integrated with the arm (A) or located in the immediate vicinity thereof. |
| US07693603B2 |
Pharmaceutical dispensing system with coordinate guidance
The invention describes improved methods and mechanisms for providing secure access to pharmaceutical and supply items in a clinical setting. In one version of the invention, a dispensing unit has an interior housing one or more drawers. Each drawer has one or more storage locations. The fronts of the drawers are covered with one or more locking doors, preventing access to a particular drawer, unless the covering door is unlocked. Indicators are mounted on the side of the enclosure, to guide the user to a drawer covered by an associated unlocked door. The unit further includes indicators on the sides of the drawers, to guide the user to the right storage receptacles or pockets within the drawer. Some pockets may have lids. Some of the lids may have locks. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual pocket lids may be provided to detect the lifting of a lid. Means to automatically detect the entry of a hand or fingers into a pocket may be provided. One or more loudspeakers may be mounted on the unit, to provide auditory guidance and confirmation of correct access, by sounds and voice prompts. One or more video cameras may be mounted on the unit. A processor is mounted in the unit, or, in the case of an auxiliary unit, the auxiliary unit is connected to the processor on the main unit. The processor is connected to receive signals from sensors in the dispensing unit, from the video camera, and to send signals to the indicators, and to send auditory information to loudspeakers which are designed to focus the sound specifically to the user. Modular locking drawers may be mounted in this unit also, dispensing individual doses using a method where the drawer has to be fully closed for each unit dose of medication taken. |
| US07693593B2 |
Production planning method and production planning system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a production planning method and system. Where a manufacturing apparatus is shared by a plurality of products in a production line, if a manufacturing (production) availability number is changed, a cause parameter is automatically investigated so that a production plan with high precision can be prepared in a short time. With respect to a production plan as the previous/current comparison objects, a production process used in the production plan in which a change occurs, is extracted. From the production process, a parameter item to be used in the production capacity evaluation is extracted for all products, a difference comparison is made between the value of the previous parameter and the value of the current parameter, so that the parameter item as the cause is specified. The combination of the cause parameter items is calculated, and a cause parameter list is prepared. Next, from the specified parameter list, the parameter item is sequentially changed, and the manufacturing (production) availability number is recalculated. An influence index given to the manufacturing (production) unavailability number by the cause parameter, is calculated. |
| US07693591B2 |
HVAC zone control panel with checkout utility
A zone control panel may be adapted to accommodate a method of verifying communication and/or connections between the zone control panel and one or more thermostats that are electrically connected to the zone control panel. In some cases, the one or more thermostats may be set to a particular state or condition, and the zone control panel may be adapted to sequentially or simultaneously display the particular state or condition of each of the one or more thermostats. |
| US07693583B2 |
HVAC zone control panel with constant function buttons
A zone control panel that is easy and intuitive to use and to program. In some embodiments, a zone control panel may be configured to have an easy to use, single level menu structure with, for example, a configuration mode and/or a checkout mode. The configuration mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. Likewise, the checkout mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. A mode selector may be provided to select a particular mode, after which, the menu screens that correspond to the selected mode may be sequentially displayed to the user. Other features and aspects are also disclosed. |
| US07693582B2 |
Controller interface with multiple day programming
A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine. |
| US07693581B2 |
Application and service management for industrial control devices
The subject invention provides systems and methods that facilitate accessing and management of information (e.g., instructions, executables, classes, objects . . . ) associated with a control system. The systems and methods enable a control system entity the ability to leverage functionality of another control system entity, for example, to employ a service and/or execute an application within an execution environment of the other control system entity. Other capabilities include, but are not limited to, installing and uninstalling, registering and deregistering, loading and/or unloading instructions, commencing, pausing and terminating instruction execution, passing parameters and variables to instructions, modifying, overriding instructions and removing instructions, reliable messages, files, executables, classes, data structures, schema, objects, services, notifications, behaviors, alerts, etc. Optionally, a security mechanism can be utilized to determine the scope of access to the control system entity and/or instructions, applications, and services therein. |
| US07693580B2 |
Radiant therapeutic wrist heating pad
A radiant therapeutic wrist heating pad, which is not hot to the touch, provides substantial infrared radiation to a user's wrist to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user's wrist. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater. Preferably the flexible heat generating layer is comprised of a fiberglass material impregnated with a resistive material, which material provides a surface temperature, when current is conducted therethrough, which is no greater than about 54 degrees Celsius. Current limiting thermostats are provided to prevent energy and temperature spikes in the event that any of the electrical components are creased or bent. A stiffening element helps protect the electrical components, and also orients the user's hand with respect to the forearm so as to place the wrist in a therapeutic position. |
| US07693576B1 |
Capacitor-integrated feedthrough assembly for an implantable medical device
A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device. |
| US07693571B2 |
Method and apparatus for terahertz imaging
In an apparatus and method for imaging a sample: a) the sample to be imaged is irradiated with pulsed electro-magnetic radiation with a plurality of frequencies in the range from 50 GHz to 84 THz; b) an area of the sample is subdivided into a two dimensional array of pixels, and radiation from each pixel is detected over a plurality of frequencies; and c) an image is generated from the radiation detected in step (b) preferably using a frequency or a selection of frequencies from the plurality of frequencies in the pulsed electro-magnetic radiation. The method can be used as a medical imaging technique and can be used to image cancer tumors. |
| US07693562B2 |
Nerve surveillance cannulae systems
An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between adjacent petals, each petal comprising a nerve sensing electrode disposed therein. |
| US07693560B2 |
Dual electrode system for a continuous analyte sensor
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure analyte or non-analyte related signal, both of which electrode include an interference domain. |
| US07693558B2 |
Wireless communication terminal for transmitting and receiving data and method thereof
A wireless communication terminal transmitting/receiving data with a folder closed and a method thereof are disclosed. The wireless communication terminal includes: a wireless transceiver for transmitting and receiving data through a wireless communication network; a storage for storing the transmitted data and the received data; a detector for detecting a state of the folder of the wireless communication terminal in order to determine whether the folder is opened or closed; an outputting unit for indicating a result of the data transmission/reception; and a controller for analyzing the transmitted/received data to detect the last packet of the data, and continuing to perform the data transmission/reception without regard to the detected state of the folder until the last packet of the data has been detected. |
| US07693556B2 |
Key input method in a mobile telecommunication terminal
A key input method for diversifying key functions in a mobile telecommunication terminal. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of detecting whether or not a user has inputted a key, detecting whether or not the user has consecutively inputted the same key before elapse of a predetermined time, and if so, performing a function newly set according to the consecutive input of the same key. The method further includes the steps of detecting whether or not the user has inputted a key set for a scroll function, and if so, detecting whether or not the key input state of the corresponding key is maintained for a predetermined period of time, and controlling a cursor positioned at a particular item of a menu screen displayed according to a maintenance of the key input state for the predetermined period of time to be positioned at a next menu item in an opposite direction. |
| US07693552B2 |
Text messaging device
A hand-held wireless communication device for creating and sending text messages including ideograms, wherein the communication device includes an input interface for a user to make a phonetic input, and a processor for controlling a display device to display thereon one or more ideogrammatic representations of the phonetic input according to a first language, which are each selectable by the user for incorporation into a text message according to further information relating thereto in a second language. |
| US07693549B2 |
Integrated smart card and battery for mobile devices
An electronic device for a mobile device and a mobile device comprising the electronic device are provided. The electronic device comprises: a battery including: a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two or more side surfaces; one or more battery cells within the housing; and a battery interface positioned on a surface of the housing; and a smart card having a smart card interface positioned on a surface of the housing. |
| US07693546B1 |
Compact removable voice handset for an integrated portable computer system/mobile phone
A compact removable voice handset for an integrated palmtop computer system/mobile phone is presented. The present invention is used in conjunction with a personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA comprises electronics for wireless communications and a contact information database and a means for coupling the handset to the PDA. The present invention is compact such that when coupled to the PDA, there is minimal increase to the overall size and weight of the PDA. The present invention comprises a microphone and a speaker, and is communicatively coupled, via either a wireless connection or a wired connection, to the PDA. The handset comprises control elements such that the handset can be operated independent of the PDA. In one embodiment, the handset comprises a display and control elements configured for accessing the contact information database of the PDA, adjusting the volume of the handset, and for initiating or ending wireless communications. |
| US07693537B2 |
Transmission rate control method, transmission rate control system, and mobile station
A transmission rate control method for controlling a transmission rate of a channel to which the transmission rate control method is applied, include: notifying, at a radio network controller, at a timing of a call setup or the like, a primary allowable transmission rate of the channel to which the transmission rate control method is applied; starting, at a mobile station, after the call setup, transmission at a transmission rate below the primary allowable transmission rate, when data to be transmitted is generated; and controlling, at the mobile station, the transmission rate of the channel to which the transmission rate control method is applied, based on an Absolute Grant Channel transmitted from a radio base station. |
| US07693534B1 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic selection of complete or referenced group indication when initiating a group communication session
A method and apparatus are disclosed for dynamically selecting a complete or referenced group indication when initiating a group communication session in a communication system. A client device may include logic through which the device will decide, at the time of group session initiation, whether to initiate the session by reference to a complete group listing or rather whether to initiate the session by reference to a group identifier (e.g., group-ID). The client device may be capable of maintaining group data in order to indicate whether the client device and a communication server have agreed on a group-ID to correspond with a particular group. When a user directs the client device to initiate a session with a particular group, the client device will initiate the session by reference to the group-ID if the client device and communication server have agreed on a group-ID to correspond to the particular group. On the other hand, if not, the client device will initiate the session by reference to the complete group listing for the particular group. |
| US07693529B2 |
Method of scheduling for mobile stations in wireless communication networks
In the method of scheduling, an order in which mobile stations are scheduled is changed based on at least one transmit beam criteria. |
| US07693528B2 |
Method and system for message modification and content selection
Embodiments of the invention are concerned with modification of messages en route to a destination. In one aspect embodiments of the invention provide a method of modifying a message transmitted from a sending party to a receiving party through a communications network, the method including: intercepting the message in the communications network; selecting a plurality of channels of data on the basis of the sending party or the receiving party, each channel comprising a plurality of data items and being accessible by parties in addition to the sending party or the receiving party; applying one or more predetermined rules to at least some of the selected data items so as to identify a data item therefrom; and pending data derived from the identified data item to said intercepted message. |
| US07693527B2 |
Restricted frequency band remote device communication authorization by geographic location
A system and method are provided for controlling access to a wireless network by a remote terminal in a restricted frequency band in accordance with authorization conditions defined by geographic location. The remote terminal has a geographic self locating capability from which a location specifier is generated. The location specifier is compared to a geographic zone map which has information pertaining to conditions for authorizing communications in the restricted frequency band for various different geographic zones. Depending upon which geographic zone the remote terminal is in or nearby, power level, and time period of communication vary. |
| US07693525B2 |
Radio frequency assigning apparatus, wireless communication system, and radio frequency assigning method
A radio channel allocation apparatus of a node in a radio communication system which controls to allocate a radio channel between nodes by a virtual carrier sense is disclosed. The radio channel allocation apparatus includes a node information collecting unit which collects information of a neighboring node to which the node can directly transmit data, and a radio channel determining unit that determines a radio channel, which is allocated to a communication link between a node which has transmission inhibition conditions and another node which does not have the transmission inhibition conditions by communications between predetermined nodes. The determined radio channel is a different radio channel from a radio channel between the predetermined nodes, based on node information of the node and the neighboring node. |
| US07693523B2 |
Implementation of collaborative telecommunications services
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for establishing the flexible connections required to serve collaborative Telestar service requests. Telestar refers to services frequently described as being Tele* services such as teleeducation, teleconsultation and telemedicine. A customer node, such as a doctor's office, is connected via a high speed link to a switch which in turn is connected to a broadband network for interconnecting high speed links. The broadband network is connected to a Telestar service provider node. The customer signals requests for connections within the Telestar service provider nodes. These requests are processed by a Tele* service controller to generate request messages to the source and destination nodes to establish a requested connection. Advantageously, the highly flexible arrangements needed for providing optimum Telestar service can be readily controlled by a calling customer. |
| US07693521B1 |
Method and system for mobile station handoff
A mobile station is associated with a first wireless coverage area that has a first pilot signal. A second wireless coverage area that has a second pilot signal is in the mobile station's neighbor list. The mobile station measures E1, the energy per chip of the first pilot signal, and I1, the total received power at the first pilot's frequency. The mobile station also measures E2, the energy per chip of the second pilot signal, and I2, the total received power at the second pilot's frequency. If E2 exceeds E1 by at least a first predetermined amount and E2/I2 exceeds E1/I1 by at least a second predetermined amount, then a handoff of the mobile station from the first wireless coverage area to the second wireless coverage area is effected. |
| US07693518B2 |
Handoff control method and mobile station
First, the strength A of a first pilot signal currently transmitted by a base station and strength B of a second pilot signal transmitted by a base station other than the foregoing base station are measured, the correction value D of a handoff threshold value according to the multicast service availability and radio configuration information of the multicast content is obtained, and handoff threshold value C is obtained, as well. Next, if the difference between the strength B of the second pilot signal and the strength A of the first pilot signal is greater than the sum of the handoff threshold value C and the correction value D, the idle handoff is started. Through this, idle handoff to neighbor base stations delivering the same multicast content is facilitated and idle handoff to other base stations is made difficult. |
| US07693517B2 |
System and method for handoff between base stations
A system and method for handoff are provided. A mobile station performs a make-before-break handoff of a control channel between a serving and target base station and a break-before-make handoff of a traffic channel between the serving and target base stations. The traffic channel handoff is performed after the control channel handoff has completed. |
| US07693514B2 |
Information gathering robot
In an event site or the like, a visitor may waste time and effort trying to find a spot where an event of interest may be taking place because the visitor is unable to look through the entire site from any particular spot. An information gathering robot roams in such an event site typically along a prescribed route, and notes spots of interest to transmit this information to a data server. The visitor can access the data server to find a spot of interest of his or her choice substantially on a real time basis. |
| US07693513B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transferring service flow context of mobile broadband wireless access networks
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for transferring service flow context are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US07693512B1 |
Systems and methods for location-based forwarding of communication services
Disclosed is a personal identity beacon, which can be attached to a keychain, integrated into jewelry, and the like. The personal identity beacon can include a GPS receiver and a transmitter for communicating with a wireless macro network. The subscriber is also provided with universal service identifiers (e.g., telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and the like). The beacon periodically determines its current location and forwards its determined location to the wireless macro network. A subscriber registers geographic locations for forwarding communication services, such as home, the office, and the like, and corresponding communication service identifiers. When the wireless macro network receives a geographic location from the beacon identifying a new location, which corresponds to one registered by the subscriber, the wireless macro network automatically forwards communications destined for the universal service identifiers to the subscriber's communication service identifiers registered for that location, e.g., phone calls to a landline phone, e-mail to a particular e-mail account, etc. Because the personal identity beacon is integrated with, or attached to, an article, which a consumer will always carry with them, the personal identity beacon simplifies the automatic forwarding of communication services. |
| US07693508B2 |
Method and apparatus for broadcast signaling in a wireless communication system
Methods and apparatus for providing broadcast overhead information interleaved with a broadcast session in a transmission on a broadcast channel of a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, the information identifies parameters and a protocol stack for processing broadcast content. In one embodiment, the information is stored at the receiver to provide quick updating when a user changes to an alternate broadcast channel. |
| US07693505B2 |
Signal detector
The present invention relates to a signal detector, which discerns the presence of signals in a circumscribed area, and a warning is given if a signal is detected. The signal detector adjusts its conditions for the background noise elimination depending on the detected environments in order to discern the presence of signals more efficiently and correctly. Moreover, the present invention shows on a display device the protocol of the detected signal, and enables the user to know the type of the detected signal. Besides, the user can also choose to control the signal detector in a wired or wireless way through the signal connection port, and the user can manually adjust detecting conditions to its environment. |
| US07693501B2 |
Techniques to deterministically reduce signal interference
Techniques are described that can be used to reduce interference in a desired channel by one or more other channels. A radio includes a level detect logic that is responsive to both the frequency offset and amplitude of undesired signals and sets the gain applied to received signals based on the offset frequency and determined amplitude of undesired signals. For example, detection of a signal amplitude in an interfering signal in a channel adjacent to the desired channel may be made. Detection of a signal amplitude in an interfering signal in a channel other than the adjacent channel and desired channel may also be made. Based on detection of one or more interfering channel, a gain of an input signal may be adjusted. Interference arising from at least spectral re-growth of noise and clipping noise may be reduced. |
| US07693500B2 |
Panoramic display for a wireless device
Various embodiments of a panoramic display for a wireless device are described. In one embodiment, a wireless device may include a display comprising a plurality of display regions. The display regions may include a central display region and multiple lateral display regions arranged to provide a panoramic display. Image compression and/or scaling may be applied to media content that is to be displayed in one or more of the lateral display regions based on the proximity of the lateral display region to the edge of the display. |
| US07693499B2 |
Transmission path and method for signal processing in a transmission path
In a transmission path, an input signal is amplified in a manner dependent on a digital control word present and is processed by an arrangement for signal processing to form an output signal. A digital setting word is read out from a memory device in a manner dependent on the digital control word, setting signals being derived from said setting word. The gain setting of the amplifier and the operating mode of the arrangement for signal processing are influenced by the setting signals. |
| US07693497B2 |
Spurious energy correlation for control of linear power amplifiers
A control system for a linear feed-forward amplifier, using the ratio of measured spurious energy. Measuring receivers are coupled to two monitoring points to measure the spurious energy content in the error signal and at the main output of a feed-forward amplifier. The control system measures the ratio of these detected spurious, and uses this to optimize the settings of the second loop distortion cancellation. With the addition of an extra monitoring point, the same technique may also be used to control an adaptive predistorter prior to the main amplifier. |
| US07693496B2 |
Polar transmitter arrangement and method
A transmitter arrangement, a polar modulator arrangement, a polar modulation method and a polar transmitter arrangement are disclosed. A polar modulator arrangement includes a polar generator to provide a phase component and an amplitude component of a complex signal, a filtering block to filter the phase component, and a combiner to combine the amplitude component and the filtered phase component. |
| US07693495B2 |
Transmitting arrangement and method for impedance matching
A transmitting arrangement includes a matching circuit, a reference circuit and a comparator. The output of the matching circuit can be coupled to an antenna and comprises an adjustable impedance. The reference circuit is connected to an input of the matching circuit and comprises a reference impedance. Inputs of the comparator are coupled to the matching circuit and the reference circuit and its output is coupled to the adjustable impedance via a control input of the matching circuit. |
| US07693489B2 |
Method and apparatus for migrating seamlessly in a wireless communication system
A wireless communication system includes: an access point used the first channel or second channel to transmit the data, wherein the center frequency of the first channel is an initial frequency and the center frequency of the second channel is an target frequency; and a client terminal. When the client terminal receives the data from the first channel, the access point and the client terminal are operated by a first working frequency and second working frequency respectively. Initially, both working frequencies are located at the initial frequency. When the first channel is desired to switch to the second channel, the first working frequency is added an offset frequency. The second working frequency is adjusted and followed so as to keep up with first working frequency. By adding the offset frequency to the working frequency repeatedly, the first and second working frequencies are shifted until both of them arrive at the target frequency. |
| US07693488B2 |
System and method for asymmetric enhanced mode operation in a digital communication system
A method for reducing interference from a wireless communications system. The interference threshold is set based on a quality criterion that can be measured during operation of the system. The quality criterion is measured during system operation. Preferably, a separate quality criterion measurement is performed for each of an uplink and a downlink of the wireless communications system. The quality criterion is compared to the information containing the set interference threshold. A breach of the interference threshold for the uplink or the downlink is determined when the measurement indicates that the measured quality criterion is sufficiently poor that operation of the system should be modified. Upon determination of an interference breach in either the uplink or downlink, the system initiates an asymmetric enhanced mode operation in which redundant data transmission is established over the link exhibiting the interference breach, while standard, non-redundant transmission continues on the other link. |
| US07693487B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
A radio communication apparatus includes a carriage path through which a radio communication medium is carried, a communication antenna provided in the carriage path, and a detector provided on an upstream side of the antenna in a carrying direction of the moving radio communication medium. The detector detects the passing radio communication medium. A radio main unit detects the radio communication medium by using the detector, and transmits a polling command to the radio communication medium at a proper timing on the basis of a detection signal from the detector. Thereby, it is possible to transmit a polling command from the radio main unit to the radio communication medium at a proper timing when the radio communication medium comes to a communication area of the antenna. |
| US07693486B2 |
Distributed multiradio controller
A system for managing the simultaneous operation of a plurality of radio modems in a single wireless communication device (WCD). The multiradio control may be integrated into a WCD as a subsystem responsible for scheduling wireless communications by temporarily enabling or disabling a plurality of radio modems. The multiradio control system may include a plurality of distributed control components, some or all of which are coupled to a dedicated radio interface. The radio interface is dedicated to quickly conveying delay sensitive information to and from the distributed control components. This information may be requested by any or all of the distributed control components, or provided by any or all of the radio modems if a change occurs during operation. |
| US07693485B2 |
Bluetooth polling with fewer poll packets
A Bluetooth master unit polls a slave unit to enable the slave to resynchronize to the master, by sending POLL packets with sufficient frequency to maintain a connection to the slave, and in the intervals between such packets, sending NULL packets with sufficient frequency to maintain synchronization of the slave. By replacing some POLL packets with NULL packets, since the slave does not have to respond to a NULL packet, it can save some power, and there is reduced interference on other piconets. The frequency of the remaining POLL packets is set according to a Link Supervision Timeout (to avoid having this timer expire and thus keep the Bluetooth Link to the slave alive) and according to the time since the master received the last packet from the slave. |
| US07693481B2 |
Device and method to store product information
A device and a method are provided for receiving items of product information over a satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) network and locally storing the information therein. A mobile device is provided that comprises a control section and mobile information storage in electrical communication with the control section. The control section is adapted to communicate the items of product information received over the SDAR network to said mobile information storage. |
| US07693480B2 |
Sheet post-processing apparatus, and image forming system including the same
A sheet post-processing apparatus, e.g., that is included in an image forming system, includes: a sheet stacking unit configured to stack a plurality of sheets of one or more printable media; a sheet alignment unit configured to align the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit; a pressing mechanism configured to press and hold the plurality of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit; and a stapling unit configured to staple the plurality of sheets aligned by the sheet alignment unit, the stapling unit being displaceable to a given position that avoids interference with the pressing mechanism while the sheet alignment unit performs a sheet alignment with respect to the plurality of sheets in the sheet stacking unit. |
| US07693479B2 |
Duplex image forming apparatus and duplex image forming method
A duplex image forming apparatus including a main body, a recording medium receiving unit disposed on one side of the main body to receive at least first and second recording media, a recording medium supplying unit to feed the first recording medium to a recording medium supplying path, an image forming unit to form an image on a first side of the fed first recording medium, an exiting and reversing unit to discharge the first recording medium formed with the image on the first side from the main body through a direct exiting path in an exiting mode, or to reverse a feeding direction of the first recording medium in a reversing mode, and a duplex feeding unit to resupply the image forming unit with the first recording medium, a rear end of the first recording medium and a front end of the second recording medium being overlapped, to feed the overlapped first and second recording media along the duplex feeding path, and to separate the first recording medium and the second recording medium on the duplex feeding path after a predetermined time. |
| US07693478B2 |
Image-forming apparatus having an approach and separation mechanism
An image-forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a latent image-forming unit for forming a latent image on the image carrier; a cleaning unit including a residue removal member a residue transport member; a residue collecting unit having an receiving port adapted to be able to connect to and be away from the ejecting port and to receive the residue ejected from the ejection port; a shield member capable of shifting between an ejection position and a shield position; and an approach and separation mechanism that moves the latent image-forming unit between an approach position where the latent image-forming unit approaches the image carrier and a separate position where the latent image-forming unit is separated from the image carrier, the approach and separation mechanism allowing the latent image-forming unit to move to the separation position as the shield member shifts to the shield position. |
| US07693477B2 |
Image forming member, toner removing apparatus, developing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
An image forming member includes: an electrostatic latent image holding member that holds an electrostatic latent image; a developing unit that develops a toner image formed by a toner on a surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member; a toner removing member that removes a residual toner remaining on a surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member; a conveying path including a conveying member that is internally provided in the conveying path and that returns the residual toner removed from the surface of the electrostatic latent image holding member to the developing unit; and a trapping portion that traps a foreign matter conveyed by the conveying member, the electrostatic latent image holding member, the developing unit, the toner removing member, the conveying path, and the trapping portion of the image forming member being integrally and detachably attached to an image forming apparatus body. |
| US07693473B2 |
Fuser assembly having complaint stopping flange
A fuser assembly configured to fix a toner image to a sheet of print media includes a fuser belt having a first side edge and a second side edge. A plurality of end cap assemblies is positioned to locate the fuser belt. The plurality of end cap assemblies include a first end cap assembly having a first compliant stopping flange positioned to engage the first side edge of the fuser belt, and a second end cap assembly having a second compliant flange positioned to engage the second side edge of the fuser belt. |
| US07693464B2 |
Stabilizer for a toner cartridge and related method
A user-removable stabilizer for a toner cartridge assembly comprises of at least one member that becomes inserted in the toner cartridge assembly for capturing a first movable section of the toiler cartridge assembly and interconnecting at least the first movable section with a second movable section of the toner cartridge assembly, and a stopping member protruding upwardly from the at least one member for limiting insertion of the stabilizer into the toner cartridge assembly. A method of stabilizing movable sections of a toner cartridge assembly is also provided. |
| US07693462B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus using image developer providing reduced toner cohesion
An image developer, including a rotatable developer bearer; a rotatable developer feeding member contacting the developer bearer; a developer container located above the developer feeding member, wherein the developer container includes a pressure reducing member configured to reduce a pressure applied to the developer feeding member; and a first stirring bar located directly below the pressure reducing member and configured to stir a developer such that a gap between an end of the pressure reducing member and an outer diameter of the stirring bar is 6 mm. |
| US07693458B2 |
Charging device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
Toner having spindle-shaped particles is used to form images in an image forming apparatus. Each spindle-shaped particle has a ratio of a length in a minor axis to a length in a major axis in a range from 0.5 to 0.8 and a ratio of a thickness to the length in the minor axis in a range from 0.7 to 1.0. A charging device applies an electric charge onto an electrostatic latent-image carrier of the image forming apparatus. The charging device includes a charging roller, a surface roughness of which is equal to or smaller than 10 micrometers. |
| US07693455B2 |
Conductive member, process cartridge having conductive member, and image forming apparatus having process cartridge
A conductive member to be disposed so as to abut on an image carrier is provided. The conductive member includes an elongate conductive supporter, an electrical resistance adjusting layer formed on a circumferential surface of the supporter, and a pair of gap maintaining members provided respectively to the two ends of the adjusting layer. A gap with a certain clearance between an outer circumferential surface of the adjusting layer and an outer circumferential surface of the image carrier provided in parallel to the adjusting layer is formed. A stepped portion is formed in a joint section between the adjusting layer and each of the gap maintaining members with the joint section. An inclination is formed so as to be continuously inclined from the outer circumferential surface of each of the gap maintaining members to the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting layer in the stepped portion. |
| US07693454B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus composed of a combination of multi-layered electrophotographic photoreceptor wherein an undercoat layer is made of at least fine titanium oxide particles and a binder resin and has a thickness of 3 μm or less and the fine titanium oxide particles are surface treated with alumina and silica and have a number average primary particle size of 20 nm or less, and exposing means by LED exposure. Thus, an electrophotographic photoreceptor having good balance between dispersibility of titanium oxide and electrical insulation properties is obtained and image fog does not occur under high temperature and high humidity environment and also excellent image quality can be maintained during continuous printing under low temperature and low humidity environment. |
| US07693450B2 |
Developing unit and an image forming apparatus including the developing unit
A developing unit and an image forming apparatus having the developing unit are disclosed. The developing unit includes a developing unit main body having a supporting groove that contacts and is supported by the supporting protrusion of a frame when the developing unit is mounted on the mounting frame. A photoconductor is rotatably disposed in the developing unit main body and has ends that form a supporting shaft and are supported by a supporting unit. A driven unit is disposed in the developing unit main body and geared with the driving unit when the developing unit main body is mounted on the mounting frame. One of side surfaces of the developing unit main body includes an interference unit that interferes with the mounting frame and push the developing unit main body into engagement with the driving gear when the developing main body is mounted on the mounting frame. |
| US07693447B2 |
Developing device having improved sealing structure
A developing device has a sealing unit that seals a gap between an inner wall of a housing that stores developer and a blade that controls a thickness of developer attached on a developing roller. The sealing unit of the developing device includes a first sealing member inserted into a gap between the inner wall of the housing and an end portion of the blade, a second sealing member placed on the blade to contact the first sealing member, and a pressing member that presses the first and second sealing members so as to prevent gaps between the first and second sealing members. Therefore, the gap between the blade and the inner wall of the housing can be blocked efficiently without damaging the developing roller, and a stable and efficient developing process can be performed. |
| US07693443B2 |
Image forming apparatus and developing cartridge
In a developing cartridge, the contact plate of the electrode member is disposed to contact the developing bias terminal within a plane of projection when a driven coupling part is projected in a first direction. A first axis line, which is an axis of the developing roller shaft, and a second axis line, which is an axis of the input gear, are disposed in parallel and equidistant in the front-rear direction. A part of the contact plate is disposed on the second axis line. A first line connecting an axis about which the input gear rotates and the developing roller shaft and a second line connecting the contact plate and the developing roller shaft are disposed parallel to each other. The distance between the first axis line and the second axis line equals the distance between the first axis line and the contact plate. |
| US07693441B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a toner removing device operable in two modes for removing residual toner on an intermediate transfer member
An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image bearing members, an electrostatic image forming device for forming an electrostatic image on the image bearing members, a plurality of developing devices for developing as developer images the electrostatic images formed on the plurality of image bearing members by using developer charged to a predetermined polarity, a primary transferring device for primarily transferring the developer images borne by the plurality of image bearing members to an intermediate transfer member at a plurality of primary transfer portions, a secondary transferring device for secondarily transferring the developer images primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer member to a recording material at a secondary transfer portion, a cleaning device for cleaning the developer on the intermediate transfer member, and a controlling device for, when a secondary untransferred developer image, which is a developer image that has not been secondarily transferred after the primary transfer, is cleaned from the intermediate transfer member, variably controlling a cleaning condition of the cleaning device in accordance with one of an image ratio and a position of the secondary untransferred developer image. |
| US07693440B2 |
Image forming apparatus for forming image with fixing device power supply control method for controlling the image forming apparatus and power supply control program for controlling the image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming an image with a fixing member, which fixing member includes a first heating member and a plurality of second heating members is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a capacitor, a charging part for charging the capacitor, a first drive part for lighting on/off the first heating member by controlling a first power supply to the first heating member, a second drive part for lighting on/off at least one of the plurality of second heating members by controlling a second power supply to the plurality of second heating members, and a control part for dividing the plurality of second heating members into groups and permitting at least one of the groups to receive the second power supply during a waiting period of the image forming apparatus. |
| US07693437B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member having a photosensitive layer; toner image forming means for forming a detection toner image not to be formed on a recording material on the image bearing member; detecting means for optically detecting the detection toner image; control means for controlling a toner image forming condition of the toner image forming means on the basis of a result of detection of the detecting means; a transfer member for electrostatically transferring a toner image from the image bearing member onto a transfer material at a transfer region; constant voltage control means for providing a constant voltage applied to the transfer member; and voltage applying means for applying to the transfer member, when the detection toner image passes the transfer region, a predetermined voltage, controlled by the voltage control means, which has the same polarity as a charge polarity of toner. |
| US07693435B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device has a heating roller with a heat source therein. A power supply operates the heat source for heating a transfer material and fixing a toner image thereon. A pressure roller is spaced from the heating roller and a facing member faces the heating roller. An endless fixing belt is mounted on the facing member and the heating roller and contacts the pressure roller to form a nip. A temperature detector faces the outer surface of the fixing belt for detecting the surface temperature thereof. An excessive temperature preventer faces part of the outer surface of the heating roller where the fixing belt is not mounted for detecting the surface temperature of the heating roller and cutting off the power supply to the heat source when the surface temperature rises above a preset temperature. |
| US07693434B2 |
Image forming method and apparatus with renewal of toner residual amount
When copying control (copying/printing job) is finished, the main CPU checks whether the scanner control is being executed in the scanner portion. If the scanner control is not being executed, the main CPU checks whether there is any scanner control executing request. If there is no scanner control executing request, the main CPU locks a scanner control resource, reads out a count value of a toner residual amount stored in a non-volatile RAM, renews the control information of EEPROM of the toner cartridge through an interface, releases the lock of the scanner control resource and finishes the copying operation. |
| US07693430B2 |
Burst optical receiver with AC coupling and integrator feedback network
A burst optical receiver includes an optical signal inlet, an optical-electrical signal converter, an AC coupling network, an integrator feedback network, and an electrical signal outlet. The AC coupling network is electrically communicated with the optical-electrical signal converter, and blocks the electric signal having the frequency ranges lower than a predetermined threshold frequency, and allows the electric signal having the frequency ranges above the threshold frequency to pass through. The integrator feedback network is electrically communicated with the AC coupling network, and recurrently modifies the electric signal from the AC coupling network in such a manner to minimize noise mixed with the electric signal such that the electric signal is sufficiently contrasted with the noise for maximizing a signal-to-noise ratio of the electric signal. |
| US07693429B1 |
Optical OFDM transmission with improved efficiency
A method of transmitting digital information over a dispersive optical channel includes encoding the digital information into a series of data blocks, wherein each block comprises a plurality of substantially orthogonal frequency domain subcarriers. Each data block is then divided into at least two frequency bands, each band comprising a plurality of contiguous subcarriers. A frequency/time transformation is then performed, in order to form a corresponding plurality of transformed bands, each transformed band comprising a sequence of time domain data samples. A time delay is applied to at least one of the transformed bands relative to at least one other of the transformed bands. The bands are then combined to produce an electrical signal waveform embodying the digital information. Finally, an optical source is modulated using the electrical signal waveform, to produce a corresponding optical signal for transmission over the dispersive optical channel. The invention enables a reduction in the duration of guard intervals that may need to be inserted into the transmitted data blocks, in order to avoid received signal degradation due to inter-symbol interference caused by dispersion in the optical channel. Transmission overheads may thereby be reduced, resulting in an improvement in transmission efficiency. |
| US07693428B2 |
Optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexed communications with nonlinearity compensation
The present invention discloses a transmitter and receiver for optical communications system, which provide compensation of the optical link nonlinearity. M-PSK modulating is used for data embedding in an optical signal in each WDM channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique. At the receiver side electrical output signals from a coherent optical receiver are processed digitally with the link nonlinearity compensation. It is followed by the signal conversion into frequency domain and information recovery from each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. At the transmitter side an OFDM encoder provides a correction of I and Q components of a M-PSK modulator driving signal to compensate the link nonlinearity prior to sending the optical signal to the receiver. |
| US07693427B2 |
Modulator, optical transmitter and optical transmission apparatus
An object of this invention is to provide a modulator, an optical transmitter and an optical transfer device which can modulate a channel signal while suppressing residual AM signals regardless of the frequency of a channel signal and suppressing deterioration of the channel signal due to impossibility of giving a sufficient FM demodulation amplitude. A modulator 2 according to this invention is a modulator 2 for modulating an input signal, comprising: a branching circuit 21 for producing an inverted signal with an inverted phase of the phase of a first input signal transferred within a first frequency bandwidth; a first semiconductor laser 22a for FM-modulating the first input signal to produce a first FM-modulated light beam; a second semiconductor laser 22b for FM-modulating the inverted signal to produce a second FM-modulated light beam; an optical phase-modulating unit 23 for changing the phase of one of the first FM-modulated light beam and the second FM-modulated light beam on the basis of a second input signal transferred within a second frequency bandwidth, thereby producing a phase-modulated light beam; an optical merging unit 24 for merging the other of the first FM-modulated light beam and the second FM-modulated light beam and the phase-modulated light beam thereby to produce a modulated light beam; and a photoelectric converting unit 25 for converting the modulated light beam in a modulated signal through optical heterodyne detection. |
| US07693426B2 |
Laser-based communications with a remote information source
System and techniques for transmitting information from a remote information source use a reflector for reflecting a laser beam or other light source back to its originating location. A reflector coupled to an information source receives a laser beam from a laser source. A movement of at least one surface of the reflector is controlled to modulate the laser beam, and the modulated laser beam is reflected toward the laser source. The modulated laser beam can be received by a receiver at or near the laser source to detect and decode data embedded in the modulated laser beam. |
| US07693425B2 |
Method and system for compensating for optical dispersion in an optical signal in a hybrid optical network
A system and method for dispersion compensation of an optical signal in a hybrid network includes generating optical traffic in a first set of one or more channels, wherein the traffic in the first set of channels is modulated using a first modulation technique. Optical traffic is generated in a second set of one or more channels, wherein the traffic in the second set of channels is modulated using a second modulation technique. An optical dispersion pre-compensation is applied to the second set of channels. The first set of channels and the second set of channels are combined to form an optical signal, and the optical signal is transmitted over an optical network. |
| US07693424B1 |
Integrated proximity-to-optical transceiver chip
A system that facilitates high-speed data transfer between integrated circuit chips. The system contains a first integrated circuit chip, which includes a capacitive receiver and an electrical-to-optical transceiver. The capacitive receiver receives a capacitively coupled voltage signal transmitted from a corresponding capacitive transmitter located on a second integrated circuit chip and converts the capacitively coupled voltage signal into an electrical signal. The electrical-to-optical transceiver converts the electrical signal to an optical signal and transmits the optical signal to an optical device through optical coupling. |
| US07693421B2 |
Optical packet buffering device and method
A device that accepts input of asynchronously-arriving variable-length optical packets transmitted over a plurality of lightpaths, and outputs same to a single optical path, comprising: in order to prevent the optical packets from overlapping in the output lightpath, a controller that uses the delay times of the delay elements and the optical packet length and arrival gap time thus read to determine by computation the delay element used for temporary storage, where a plurality of stages of processors is provided. Thus, the processing required to determine the delay time is performed by parallel processing with the results of processing the prefix-sum operation used in parallel pipelined processing along with the queue length, optical packet length and arrival gap time of the buffering device. |
| US07693420B2 |
Thermal drift compensation system and method for optical networks
A system and method for detecting and compensating for thermal drift in an optical network in a manner that enables an increased number of optical channels to be used on a given optical medium, such as on a single optical fiber. A pair of narrow band, closely spaced optical signals from an optical transmitter function as a “temperature probe” signal. The two narrow band signals are centered within one passband of a filter of an optical device, such as an optical router. When the two narrow band signals are transmitted back to an optical receiver via the router, the magnitudes of the two signals are compared and a determination can be made as to the magnitude and direction of thermal drift of the passbands of the filter of the optical router. A control subsystem is then used to control a heating/cooling subsystem to either heat or cool the transmitter to induce a shift in the optical signals being generated by the transmitter that causes the transmitted optical signals to effectively track the centers of the passbands of the optical router. |
| US07693419B1 |
Optical spectrum analysis using optical interferometry
Techniques and devices that use polarization rotation and optical interferometry to provide optical spectrum analysis of an optical signal. |
| US07693418B2 |
Camera accessory mount using shoulder strap loop
This invention discloses a system to attach various photographic accessories to a camera by using an apparatus that attaches to the existing shoulder strap loop of a camera. The apparatus has a body, a strong hook to attach to the shoulder strap loop, and a thumbscrew that tightens the apparatus to the camera. The apparatus also incorporates an additional shoulder strap loop to replace the one covered when this system is used. Various mounting plates then attach to the body of the apparatus to which the various accessories are mounted. |
| US07693416B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and foreign substance removing method thereof
In a case that a cleaning mode is designated, it is determined whether or not a lens unit is attached to a camera main body. If it is determined that the lens unit is not attached to the camera main body, a quick return mirror is moved upward and a shutter is opened, and a photoelectric conversion device, or a cover glass or an optical filter of the photoelectric conversion device is vibrated, thereby foreign substances attached to the photoelectric conversion device and the like are removed. |
| US07693415B2 |
Camera with electronic finder, image display method, and corresponding program
A main electronic imaging device takes in as a taken-image an image of a subject obtained through an imaging lens. An electronic finder device photoelectrically first generates the image of the subject and generates an image signal. Based on the generated image signal, the electronic finder device places the imaging range PA substantially at the center, generates an image of finder range FA that is one size larger than the imaging range PA, and provides the image of finder range FA that is generated with an imaging frame 47a that expresses the outer border of the imaging range so as to obtain the image as a finder image, and controls so that the finder image is displayed on a display 47. As a result, the imaging range PA is smaller than the finder range FA but is smaller by only one size. The ratio occupied by the imaging range PA within the finder range FA is accordingly sufficiently large, and the imaging range PA can be recognized easily and without fail. |
| US07693412B2 |
Aureolegraph
An aureolegraph includes a reflective screen with an aperture therein, a lens for focusing an image onto the screen, an imager for imaging the image on the screen, and a light trap for preventing light passing through the aperture in the screen from passing back out through the aperture. |
| US07693410B2 |
Optical apparatus and focus adjustment method
An optical apparatus is disclosed which can perform accurate focus control even when an image of an object at low contrast is picked up in high resolution. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of band-pass filters for different frequency bands and extracts a focus signal from the image signal through each of the band-pass filters, and a controller which performs focus control based on the extracted focus signal. In the focus control by the controller, the band-pass filters are selectively used to extract the focus signal depending on a resolution for recording the image signal. |
| US07693407B2 |
Anti-shake apparatus
An anti-shake apparatus for image stabilizing comprises an angular velocity sensor and a controller. The angular velocity sensor detects an angular velocity. The controller controls the angular velocity sensor and performs an anti-shake operation on the basis of an output signal from the angular velocity sensor. The controller performs a modification of an offset output in the value of the output signal during a predetermined period of the anti-shake operation, and does not perform the modification except for during the predetermined period. |
| US07693402B2 |
Thermal storage unit and methods for using the same to heat a fluid
A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit. |
| US07693401B2 |
Recording apparatus using disc-like recording medium
A recording/reproducing apparatus for recording as a QuickTime file a photographed motion image on a disc-like recording medium having plural recording areas different in characteristic. The plural areas include a first area guaranteeing a quick access speed and a second area which ensures a slower access speed than the first area. The recording/reproducing apparatus records a “movie” portion constituting the QuickTime file in the first area and a “media data” portion in the QuickTime file format in the second area. |
| US07693397B2 |
Watching support apparatus and program recording system
A watching support apparatus and a program recording system recording a currently broadcasted program or a program to be broadcasted by an in-home recording apparatus set in a user's residential area even in the case where the user goes to a different location from the user's residential area. A watching support apparatus includes: a recording apparatus position obtainment unit which obtains information indicating a location where the recording apparatus is positioned; a recordable-program guide obtainment unit which obtains a program guide including broadcast content of the recording apparatus setting position; a watching possible program guide obtainment unit which obtains a program guide including broadcast content in the current location; a same program judgment unit which compares a program included in the watching possible program guide with a program included in the recordable-program guide, and judges sameness of the respective programs; and a display unit which displays whether or not the currently watched program can be recorded by the recording apparatus based on the sameness judged by the sameness judgment unit. |
| US07693396B2 |
Recording/playback apparatus and recording/playback control method
A designated program is recorded in a hard disk by a hard disk controller according to a program reservation database. A unique number is indicated at the head block of a video cassette tape for identifying the tape, and a genre of programs is recorded in the subsequent block of the tape. When the video cassette tape is loaded, the information concerning the genre is read, and if there is record information of the same genre as that of the tape contained in the hard disk, it is additionally recorded in the video cassette tape. |
| US07693395B2 |
Information storage medium having multi-angle data structure and apparatus therefor
An information storage medium which stores data structures supporting multi-angles includes clip AV streams for respective angle data of multi-angle motion picture data. As additional information for each clip AV stream, clip information is recorded on a separate storage area from that of the clip AV streams. The clip information includes jumping-point information for jumping into another angle. Each of the clip AV streams may be recorded in a contiguous recording area, or divided into smaller interleaved units that are interleaved with units of the other clip AV streams. |
| US07693392B2 |
Image recording and reproducing system for displaying a state of recording medium and displaying method thereof
An image recording and reproducing system and method for displaying a state of a recording medium. The image recording and reproducing system capable of recording and reproducing an input image signal has a record medium for storing an image data, a key-input unit for inputting a display command to display a current state of the record medium, an on screen display (OSD) unit for generating an OSD signal corresponding to a visual information showing the current state of the recording medium, a display unit for receiving the OSD signal, and displaying the OSD signal overlapping the displayed image, and a control unit, upon receiving the display command, for controlling to calculate the current state of the recording medium to transmit to the OSD unit, and transmit the OSD signal to the display unit. |
| US07693387B2 |
Cable management system
A cable management system for use with a rack having at least a first and a second side configured to be coupled to at least one piece of electronic equipment comprises a first and a second support configured to be disposed along at least a portion of a first and a second side of the rack. The first and second supports each include a strut configured to be secured to a respective side of the rack and an arm support including at least one mounting area. The cable management system also comprises a plurality of arms configured to be removably coupled to the mounting areas of the first and second arm supports. At least one of arms comprises a first and a second row of notches arranged in a first and a second direction, respectively. The first and second rows of notches are configured to engage with at least one cable associated with said at least one piece of electronic equipment. |
| US07693385B1 |
Workstation for fiber optic splicer
A portable workstation for splicing fiber optics has slots that slip over a side of a bucket of an aerial bucket truck. The slots provide for a secure attachment of the workstation to the bucket. The workstation has hand slots so that the workstation is easily manipulated for attaching or removing the workstation to/from the bucket. Within the workstation is a pocket having a cavity for securely holding a fusion splicer. The workstation has a work area, adjacent to the splicer, for holding splicing tools and other materials used for making a fiber optic splice. |
| US07693384B2 |
Waveguide structure
A waveguide structure is provided. The waveguide structure includes: a slot channel waveguide including first and second patterns, which are spaced apart from each other to define a slot; a first upper layer covering at least a portion of the slot channel waveguide; and a second upper layer covering the remaining portion of the slot channel waveguide. A thermo-optic coefficient (TOC) of the channel waveguide times a TOC of the second upper layer is a negative number. |
| US07693383B2 |
Silicon-containing polymers and polymers and optical waveguides formed therefrom
Provided are polymers comprising the condensation product of silicon-containing reactants. Also provided are compositions suitable for use in forming optical waveguides which include such polymers, as well as optical waveguides formed from such polymers. The polymers, compositions and optical waveguides have particular use in the formation of printed wiring boards having electrical and optical functionality. |
| US07693381B2 |
Optical device, and production method for photonic crystal slab
An optical device which includes a GI-type photonic crystal slab which includes: a first member which has a distribution of refractive indexes reduced in both directions from an optical axis of incident light as to a first direction vertical to the optical axis; and a second member periodically placed in substance among the first members as to a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the distribution of refractive indexes of the first member which relates to the first direction, a thickness which relates to the first direction of the GI-type photonic crystal slab, a wavelength of the incident light and an incident end beam spot radius ω1 which relates to the first direction inside an incident end of the GI-type photonic crystal slab entered by the light of the incident light are determined to have the incident light substantially confined inside the GI-type photonic crystal slab as to the first direction. |
| US07693378B2 |
Holey fiber and method of manufacturing the same
A holey fiber has a core region, a cladding region surrounding the core region, air holes arranged around the core region, and a connection section extending from at least one end portion of the holey fiber. A refractive index of the core region in the connection section is higher than a refractive index of the cladding region without air holes in the connection section. |
| US07693376B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing unwanted exposure of a device to an undesirable substance
Apparatus for preventing unwanted exposure of one or more devices to one or more undesirable substances includes at least one barrier disposed between the device and the undesirable substance. At least one shield substance is provided between the barrier and the device. The shield substance is capable of permeating the barrier sufficient to preclude at least substantial permeation of the undesirable substance through the barrier from the exterior of the barrier, preventing unwanted exposure of the device to the undesirable substance. |
| US07693369B2 |
Hollow core optical ring resonator sensor, sensing methods, and methods of fabrication
The present invention is directed to hollow core optical ring resonators (HCORRs), methods of fabricating HCORRs, and methods of using HCORRs in sensing applications. In particular, the evanescent field and whispering gallery modes of the HCORRs may be used to detect a target analyte within the hollow core of the HCORR. Other features of the present invention include utilizing the HCORR as part of a multiplex sensing device, including using the HCORR in capillary electrophoresis and chromatography applications. |
| US07693360B2 |
Optoelectronic hybrid integrated module and light input/output apparatus having the same as component
On the back surface of a transparent plate having a light extracting part for outputting lights to the outside, an electrode for wiring, and an electrode for an electromagnetic shield, an optical device is flip-chip mounted right under the light extracting part, an a driver IC is flip-chip mounted at a desired position with metal bumps. When currents driving the optical device flow from the driver IC according to an electric logical signal from the outside, an optical signal is emitted from the optical device, and is output to the outside through the light extracting part. The light extracting part may be provided with a light coupling material or an optical axis converter. |
| US07693358B2 |
Fiber optic distributed sensor apparatus
A distributed fiber optic sensor device that employs a photonic band gap fiber as a sensing medium, in which: the photonic band gap fiber, which is the sensing medium, includes: a quartz section; and a plurality of high refractive index portions provided in the quartz section along the longitudinal direction of the fiber, the high refractive index portions being photonic band gaps periodically arranged to form a triangular-lattice pattern; the photonic band gap fiber has a bandwidth in which a wavelength band of a Stokes beam generated due to stimulated Raman scattering is included; and the photonic band gap fiber has a band gap width in which a wavelength band of an anti-Stokes beam generated due to the stimulated Raman scattering and a wavelength band of an optical signal incident into the photonic band gap fiber are included. |
| US07693357B2 |
Methods and systems for eliminating deleterious polarization effects in an optical fiber dispersion compensation module
The present invention provides methods and systems for mitigating polarization changes associated with an optical communication signal caused by mechanical disturbances to an optical fiber dispersion compensation module of an optical communication network. The methods include disposing a first damping material between an optical fiber and a housing associated with the optical fiber dispersion compensation module; wherein the first damping material is selected and positioned such that it mitigates relatively fast polarization changes. Optionally, the methods also include disposing a second damping material between the optical fiber and the housing associated with the optical fiber dispersion compensation module; wherein the second damping material is selected and positioned such that it mitigates relatively slow polarization changes. Thus, frequency range specific optical fiber dispersion compensation module mechanical perturbation isolation methods and systems are provided. |
| US07693356B2 |
Lithium niobate optical modulator
An optical modulator comprises a Z-cut lithium niobate substrate on which is formed a Mach-Zehnder interferometer having two generally parallel waveguides lying beneath a buffer layer of dielectric material. First and second ground electrodes and a hot electrode are disposed on the buffer layer, the first and second ground electrodes being spaced either side of the hot electrode, the hot electrode and the first ground electrode being proximate to at least apart of the respective waveguides. The electrode structure is unsymmetrical in that (a) the hot electrode and the first ground electrode each have a width substantially less than that of the second ground electrode and or (b) the spacing between the first ground and hot electrodes is different from the spacing between the second ground and hot electrodes. whereby a range of chirp values can be obtained. When the spacing between the first ground and hot electrodes is smaller than the spacing between the second ground and hot electrodes, and preferably the hot and first ground electrodes have a width not exceeding 15 .μm, the modulator is capable of operation at frequencies above 10 GHz, possibly up to around 40 GHz. |
| US07693354B2 |
Salicide structures for heat-influenced semiconductor applications
A salicide heater structure for use in thermo-optic and other heat-influenced semiconductor devices is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a system is provided that includes a silicon substrate, and a salicide heating element formed on the substrate, for delivering heat radiation to a heat-influenced semiconductor device. Another example embodiment is a salicide semiconductor system that includes a silicon substrate and a salicide structure formed on the substrate, wherein the salicide structure is for delivering heat radiation to a heat-influenced semiconductor device. |
| US07693353B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method of the same, and program for the same
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store sightseeing information in a storing unit, a detection unit configured to detect sightseeing information corresponding to a predetermined sightseeing site stored in the storing device, a display unit configured to display the sightseeing information detected by the detection means on a display unit, and an image-capturing unit configured to capture an image of an object. The storage unit links an image obtained as a result of capturing an image using the image-capturing unit to the sightseeing information detected by the detecting unit and stores the image. |
| US07693348B2 |
Method of registering and aligning multiple images
A method of registering and vertically aligning multiply-layered images into a mosaic is described. The method comprises performing an iterative process of vertical alignment of layers into a mosaic using a series of defined alignment correspondence pairs and global registration of images in a layer using a series of defined registration correspondence points and then redefining the identified alignment correspondence pairs and/or registration correspondence points until a satisfactory result is obtained. Optionally, an initial global registration of each layer could be performed initially before commencing the alignment process. The quality of the result could be determined using a least squares error minimization or other technique. |
| US07693346B2 |
Tally image generating method, decoding method, tally image generator, and decoder
First, a set of seed images that tally with each other are prepared (S101). Next, a set of threshold matrices are created from the set of seed images (S102). Next, a plurality of tally images are created from an input gray-scale image by using the set of threshold matrices (S103). The tally images are combined, whereby the confidential image is decoded. |
| US07693344B2 |
Method and device for image processing and a night vision system for motor vehicles
A method and a device for image processing and for a night vision system for motor vehicles, in which a standard camera that is sensitive in the near infrared delivers images which are displayed on a display arrangement having a lower resolution than the camera. In addition, the image processing method improves the raw images of the sensor using image-sharpening methods and/or contrast-enhancing methods, so that display on a display arrangement is made possible for viewing by a viewer. |
| US07693335B2 |
Deterministic wavelet thresholding for general-error metrics
Novel, computationally efficient schemes for deterministic wavelet thresholding with the objective of optimizing maximum-error metrics are provided. An optimal low polynomial-time algorithm for one-dimensional wavelet thresholding based on a new dynamic-programming (DP) formulation is provided that can be employed to minimize the maximum relative or absolute error in the data reconstruction. Directly extending a one-dimensional DP algorithm to multi-dimensional wavelets results in a super-exponential increase in time complexity with the data dimensionality. Thus, novel, polynomial-time approximation schemes (with tunable approximation guarantees for the target maximum-error metric) for deterministic wavelet thresholding in multiple dimensions are also provided. |
| US07693332B2 |
Image processing apparatus capable of generating distributable image while maintaining readability and security
An image input from an image input unit is divided into a ground portion and a document other than the ground portion in an image divider, and a latent image is extracted from a ground pattern included in the ground portion in a latent image extractor. Lightness of the latent image is corrected to be closer to lightness of the document in a lightness corrector, and a color of the latent image is converted into a gradation A in a latent image converter. A color of the document is converted in a document converter into a gradation B including the same plurality of colors as gradation A and having a different manner of gradation. The latent image and the document are integrated in an image integrator to generate an image including the latent image and the document having similar lightness with a difference in hues superposed on each other. |
| US07693331B2 |
Object segmentation using visible and infrared images
A method tracks an object. A sequence of visible images and a sequence of infrared images are acquired concurrently of a scene. A visible background image is maintained from each current visible image, while an infrared background image is maintained from each current infrared image. Each current visible image and the visible background image, and each current infrared image and the infrared background image are compared to generate corresponding changed pixels. Shadow pixels and reflectance pixels are discarded from the changed pixels to identify foreground pixels associated with an object in the scene. |
| US07693328B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing processing method, and storage medium
A printing apparatus includes a hard disk, an image compressing device, an image decompressing device, and a printing engine. The printing apparatus divides image data into plural pieces of divided image data, classifies one or more pieces of the divided image data as compressible image data and classifies one or more other pieces of the divided image data as non-compressible image data. In storing the image data in a storage section, the printing apparatus causes the image compressing device to compress the compressible image data and writes the compressible image data thus compressed into the hard disk, and writes the non-compressible image data into the hard disk. Further, in causing the printing engine to perform printing, the printing apparatus reads out the non-compressible image data and the compressible image data thus compressed from the hard disk, transmits the non-compressible image data to the printing engine, causes the image decompressing device to decompress the compressible image data thus read, and transmits the compressible image data thus decompressed to the printing engine. This makes it possible to realize a printing speed higher than in a conventional technique, without increase in the cost and technical difficulties in packaging and controlling. |
| US07693327B2 |
Image rendition using sequential color rendition
The invention relates to a method for rendering an image sequence. wherein an individual image is rendered by rendering monochromatic subimages in temporal succession. A subimage sequence obtained by temporal sequencing of the subimages is generated in motion-compensated fashion. |
| US07693323B2 |
Multi-detector defect detection system and a method for detecting defects
A method for inspecting a substrate for defects, including: A method for inspecting a substrate for defects, the method including the steps of: (i) obtaining at least two wafer element detection signal; each wafer element detection signal reflects light scattered to a distinct direction; each wafer element detection signal having a wafer element detection value; (ii) calculating at least one wafer element attribute value in response to the at least two wafer element detection signals; retrieving at least one reference wafer element attribute value, each wafer element attribute value corresponding to a reference wafer element attribute value; and (iii) determining a relationship between the at least one reference wafer element attribute value, wafer element attribute value and at least one threshold to indicate a presence of a defect. |
| US07693320B2 |
Three time point lung cancer detection, diagnosis and assessment of prognosis
A malignancy classification method and medium for classifying a region of lung tissue are disclosed. The classifying includes: setting time points T1 and T2 measured from injection of a contrast agent. TI represents a wash-in time point for malignant lung tissue at which a first concentration value of the injected contrast agent is substantially equal to or near a peak for injected contrast agent concentration in the region of lung tissue. Patient concentration values of the contrast agent for the area of lung tissue at time points T1 and T2 are obtained, and a malignancy classification for the region of lung tissue is provided by comparing the obtained sample concentration values with a predetermined malignancy profile. A visual representation of the malignancy classification of the region of lung tissue is outputted. |
| US07693313B2 |
Personal authentication device
An identification card includes a fingerprint sensor, an antenna, a dual-mode radio frequency modulator connected to the antenna and digital circuitry having memory to store a digital word, the digital word including a representation of a fingerprint initially scanned by the fingerprint sensor to identify an individual associated with the identification card. The identification card further includes a control processor connected to the digital circuitry and the radio frequency modulator to communicate a signal to the antenna indicative of a successful match between the fingerprint initially scanned by the fingerprint sensor and newly scanned fingerprint. With such an arrangement, a technique is provided biometrically authenticating the identity of an individual passing through a checkpoint without requiring the individual to stop or exit a vehicle and eliminates the need for a central database of biometric data on individuals. |
| US07693312B2 |
Method for authenticating an electronic signature
A method for determining whether a disputed electronic signature is that of a purported signator includes the steps of (a) creating in a single step an ink on paper signature and an identical electronic signature of the purported signator; (b) verifying that the ink on paper signature is consistent with known ink on paper signatures of the purported signator; and (c) comparing the disputed electronic signature with the electronic signature of the purported signature to determine whether the disputed electronic signature is that of the purported signator. |
| US07693309B2 |
Image processing method, apparatus therefor and memory medium storing program
The invention intends, in preparing so-called ID photograph by cutting out an area from the image of a person, to obtain an appropriate area with simple operations. The method the invention comprises a designation step s201 of designating a rectangle circumscribed about a face area on an original image including a human face, an acquisition step s202 of acquiring the vertical length and the horizontal length of the rectangle designated by the designation step, and a determination step s203 of determining a cutout area including the face area, based on the vertical length and the horizontal length. |
| US07693308B2 |
Authentication system, authentication method, machine readable medium storing thereon authentication program, certificate photograph taking apparatus, and certificate photograph taking method
A face image in which a user's face turns to a direction different from the front is picked up clearly and individual authentication is executed more precisely. An authentication system for executing authentication of a user is provided, wherein the authentication system comprises a first image pickup unit for picking up a face image of the user; a second image pickup unit for picking up a face image of the user from a direction different from that of the first image pickup unit, a direction calculation unit for acquiring a direction to which the user's face turns on the basis of the face images picked up by the first and the second image pickup units, and a selection unit for selecting at least one of the face images picked up by the first and second image pickup units on the basis of the direction to which the user's face turns. |
| US07693305B2 |
System and method of sorting document images based on image quality
A document processing system and method for using image quality to sort documents. The document processing system comprises: a document sorting system that designates a destination pocket for each document based on data gathered from each document; a document imaging system that captures an image of each document; and an image quality analysis system that analyzes each image and causes any document having an unacceptable image to be redirected to an unacceptable destination pocket. |
| US07693304B2 |
Method and system for image quality calculation
An exemplary method for determining quality of an image, includes segmenting the image into sections, generating quality measures for each section, and combining the quality measures of the sections to form a quality measure for the image. An exemplary system for determining quality of an image includes a memory for storing the image, and a processor for segmenting the image into sections, generating quality measures for each section, and combining the quality measures of the sections to form a quality measure for the image, and for storing the quality measure for the image in the memory. |
| US07693300B2 |
Color image or video processing
The presently claimed invention relates generally to color signal processing. One claim recites a method including: obtaining a measure or value associated with one or more color characteristics of data representing video or imagery; based at least in part on the measure or value, determining for the data those samples that should receiving steganographic encoding; transforming at least some of the data into a transform domain; and utilizing a programmed electronic processor, altering transform domain coefficients of the at least some data that has been transformed to steganographically encode the data. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided. |
| US07693298B2 |
Image processing system having a plurality of users utilizing a plurality of image processing apparatuses connected to network, image processing apparatus, and image processing program product executed by image processing apparatus
An image processing system includes a plurality of MFPs (Multi Function Peripheral) connected to a network, and each of the plurality of MFPs is provided with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to store registered user information associating user identification information for identifying a user and personal information related to that user, and when the user identification information is inputted, it determines whether the personal information associated with the user identification information is stored in the HDD or not, and if the personal information is stored, the personal information is read from the HDD, and if the personal information is not stored, it transmits a personal information transmission request including the user identification information to another MFP, and receives the personal information from the MFP that stores the registered user information including the user identification information, and controls a prescribed apparatus operation based on the read or received personal information. |
| US07693297B2 |
Watermark embedding and detecting methods, systems, devices and components
Method determining lookup table (“LUT”) for embedding watermark. For each quantization cell, calculating probabilities that signal point falls into cell. Selecting cell by probabilities. Setting LUT value to watermark value with largest probability, subject to run constraint. For remaining cells, repeating selecting and setting steps. Other method determining quantization ensemble by calculating probability density function for signal points where the watermark value to be embedded. Distortion and robustness functions are formulated. Given robustness or distortion is selected. Functions optimized, and ensemble of quantizers determined with parameters that comply. Other method quantizing in association with lossy compression. Strength of compression determined. Adapting strength of watermark with strength of compression by a mapping. Other method selecting points for embedding watermark. Determine threshold between large and small signal points using statistical method. Select signal points for embedding according to threshold. Also, processors, computer programs, and systems. |
| US07693293B2 |
Sound processing device and input sound processing method
Provided is a sound processing device including: a sound input unit for dividing an input sound into predetermined time units; a sound processing unit for encoding the input sound thus divided; a noise detecting unit; and an output control unit for replacing encoded data on the input sound with silent data according to detection results of the noise detecting unit. Also provided is an input sound processing method including: encoding an input sound; judging whether or not the input sound contains a noise; and replacing a noise portion contained in the encoded input sound with silent data. |
| US07693291B2 |
Multi-channel frequency-domain adaptive filter method and apparatus
The invention is a method and apparatus for frequency-domain adaptive filtering that has broad applications such as to equalizers, but is particularly suitable for use in acoustic echo cancellation circuits for stereophonic and other multiple channel teleconferencing systems. The method and apparatus utilizes a frequency-domain recursive least squares criterion that minimizes the error signal in the frequency-domain. In order to reduce the complexity of the algorithm, a constraint is removed resulting in an unconstrained frequency-domain recursive least mean squares method and apparatus. A method and apparatus for selecting an optimal adaptation step for the UFLMS is disclosed. The method and apparatus is generalized to the multiple channel case and exploits the cross-power spectra among all of the channels. |
| US07693289B2 |
Method and apparatus for remote control of an audio source such as a wireless microphone system
A method and apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a set of functions for a wireless audio system from a remote control. The method includes the steps of generating a digitally modulated pilot tone, and transmitting this pilot tone within a radio communication to a wireless receiver. The digitally modulated pilot tone carries data about a plurality of functions related to an audio source and its associated transmitter. The method further includes a step of receiving the data at a wireless receiver, augmenting it by information related to the wireless receiver, and communicating the resulting data via a communication network to a remote central control. The method further includes monitoring the resulting data at the remote central control, diagnosing detected problems associated with the wireless audio system, and communicating to the wireless audio system appropriate remedial action to alleviate the detected problems. |
| US07693282B2 |
Gaming machine, gaming information authentication and acquisition device, and gaming information acquisition device
A gaming machine includes a gaming operation execution device, a loading device and a processing device. The gaming operation execution device executes gaming operations. The loading device includes a connector for connecting a storage medium, a first program memory part for storing a first authentication program, a second program memory part for storing a second authentication program, and a first processor for authenticating the first authentication program with the second authentication program. The processing device includes a memory, a reading unit for reading out the gaming information from the storage medium and for reading out the first authentication program authenticated by the first processor, a second processor for authenticating the gaming information with the authenticated first authentication program, a writing unit for writing the authenticated gaming information to the memory, and an operation control unit for controlling the gaming operation execution device. |
| US07693280B2 |
Rights management system for streamed multimedia content
A sequence of content keys are shared between a receiver of pieces of digital content and a computing device upon which the content is to be rendered. The receiver encrypts each piece of content according to a corresponding content key in the sequence and forwards the encrypted content to the computing device and the computing device decrypts the encrypted content according to the corresponding content key. The receiver initially transmits to the computing device an initialization digital license with an initial content key (CK0) therein. Each of the receiver and the computing device derive a new content key (CKx) in the sequence from the initial content key (CK(0)) in the sequence on an as-needed basis and in a coordinated fashion. The initialization license is required only once for the sequence of content keys, and the receiver need not explicitly communicate (CKx) to the computing device for each piece of content. |
| US07693279B2 |
Security method and apparatus using biometric data
A security method and apparatus is provided in which a trusted authority is arranged to read in identity data from a memory device presented by an individual. This identity data comprises both biometric data of a specific individual ,and additional identity data concerning the same individual. The trusted authority uses the biometric data as a biometric reference for comparison with biometric characteristics of the individual presenting the memory card in order to determine whether the latter is the individual represented by the biometric data. The trusted authority uses the additional identity data or matching data, together with private data of the trusted authority, to generate a decryption key. This decryption key is apt to decrypt data encrypted using both an encryption key string comprising the additional identity data of the specific individual and public data of the trusted authority. |
| US07693276B2 |
Method of measuring distortion and determining residue-echo threshold in loop start trunk circuits
A method of determining residue-echo threshold for the trans-hybrid echo path of a loop start (LS) trunk line, comprising the steps of estimating the impulse response of the trans-hybrid echo path, passing a speech-like signal through the LS trunk circuit and collecting the echo signal. The collected echo signal is compared to the convolution of the speech-like signal with the estimated impulse response. The difference between the convolution result and the collected echo signal is the residue echo, which represents the effect of nonlinearity. With different levels of excitation signal, a curve of residue echo power level against input signal level is obtained, and the distortion characteristics are derived from this curve. |
| US07693274B2 |
System and method for return to agents during a contact center session
A system and method for servicing a caller at a contact center includes a processor subsystem and one or more modules that include code executable by the processor subsystem. Execution of the code invoking an automatic call distributor (ACD) collaborative application that provides the caller with a visual or aural call session history that lists each agent with whom the caller has interacted. The ACD collaborative application also providing the caller with an option to request return to a previous agent listed in the call session history. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US07693273B2 |
Network maintenance
A method of signalling in an AIN, in which in an SSP, the initial message of a new transaction is addressed to a Service Global Title (SGT). The SSP translates that SGT to a first address of the first choice SCP. The SCP responds with an acknowledgement message which has a second address of the SCP as its source address, and includes the Nodal Global Title (NGT) of that SCP. The SSP sends subsequent messages for that transaction addressed to that NGT, and the SSP translates that NGT to the second address of the SCP. When the SCP is taken out of service, the first address is made unavailable, so the SSP sends new initial messages to the second choice SCP, but subsequent messages for existing transactions may still be sent to the second address of the first choice SCP. When all existing transactions have ceased, the SCP is taken out of service. |
| US07693268B2 |
Methods and apparatus for processing and display of voice data
Apparatus and methods for creating a composite data source having a common data representation from disparate sources of voice data. Data transmission links are established to heterogeneous messaging data sources, requests for voice data is sent using data access protocols, the voice data is received, and a set of voice data transformation rules are selectively applied to the voice data to transform the data into a common data representation. The common data representation can also be used as a source for reporting and graphical displays to monitor the operational aspects of the sources of voice data. |
| US07693267B2 |
Personalized user specific grammars
Improved systems and methods are provided for transcribing audio files of voice mails sent over a unified messaging system. Customized grammars specific to a voice mail recipient are created and utilized to transcribe a received voice mail by comparing the audio file to commonly utilized words, names, acronyms, and phrases used by the recipient. Key elements are identified from the resulting text transcription to aid the recipient in processing received voice mails based on the significant content contained in the voice mail. |
| US07693265B2 |
Emitter design including emergency operation mode in case of emitter-damage for medical X-ray application
The invention relates the field of electron emitter of an X-ray tube. More specifically the invention relates to flat thermionic emitters to be used in X-ray systems with variable focus spot size and shape. The emitter provides two main terminals (3, 5) which form current conductors and which support at least two emitting portions (7, 9). The emitting portions are structured in a way so that they are electron optical identical or nearly identical increasing the emergency operating options in case of emitter damage. |
| US07693264B2 |
Antechamber control reducing leak through ferrofluid seals
A system for controlling a gas load imposed upon a high vacuum chamber includes a first chamber enclosing a high vacuum and positioned within an ambient environment, a second chamber enclosing a gas and positioned within the ambient environment adjacent to the first chamber, and a rotatable shaft having a first portion extending into the first chamber and a second portion extending into the second chamber. A ferrofluid seal is positioned about the rotatable shaft and positioned between the first portion and the second portion and the ferrofluid seal fluidically separates the first chamber from the second chamber. A control unit is attached to the second chamber and configured to control the gas enclosed in the second chamber such that a gas load in the first chamber is reduced. |
| US07693263B2 |
Method for the reconstruction of a body map
A method and apparatus for reconstructing a body map of a patient that provide automatic control of speeds of moving parts of the apparatus, regulation of an x-ray dose, and computation of time of exposure to the x-ray dose. |
| US07693259B2 |
Orthovoltage radiotherapy
A radiosurgery system is described that delivers a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system, based on ocular imaging, which leads to direction of an automated positioning system. In some embodiments, the position of an ocular structure is tracked and related to a radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial aids in positioning the system. In some embodiments, a reflection off the eye is used to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments. |
| US07693254B2 |
X-ray device and image-processing method
An x-ray device comprises means for the production of at least one standard projection image of the object in which presumed suspect zones corresponding to radiological signs are represented by markers. The device comprises means for the production of a digital volume of markers in which 3D markers are created in order to represent presumed suspect zones of the object. It also comprises means of re-projection of the 3D markers in the standard projection image in order to confirm the presence of the markers or eliminate or add the markers of the projection image is necessary. |
| US07693253B2 |
Method and CT unit for taking x-ray CT pictures of a patient's beating heart
A method and a CT unit are disclosed for taking cardio X-ray CT pictures, in the case of which a synthetic clock signal is used to display a clock, during each cycle phase of the synthetic clock signal. Test volume data records of the heart are reconstructed at a number of different phase instants of the synthetic clock over the complete scan, which are respectively associated with their phase instants and their z-position. Subsequently, a correlation calculation between test volume data records that are temporally neighboring and spatially identical or at least belong to the same slice plane are used to determine maxima of the correlation. Finally, imaging volume data records are subsequently calculated from the spatiotemporally associated detector data. |
| US07693250B2 |
Fast reactor controlled with a reflector
A fast reactor 1 controlled with a reflector comprises: a reactor vessel 7 accommodating therein a coolant 5; a reactor core 2 disposed in the reactor vessel 7 and immersed in the coolant 5; and a reflector 4 that vertically moves for adjusting leakage of neutrons generated from the reactor core 2 to control a reactivity of the reactor core 2, the reflector 4 including a neutron reflecting part 4a disposed on an outside of the reactor core 2 in a vertically movable manner, the neutron reflecting part 4a having a neutron reflecting ability higher than that of the coolant 5, and a cavity part 4b positioned above the neutron reflecting part 4a, the cavity part 4b having a neutron reflecting ability lower than that of the coolant 5. The neutron reflecting part 4a is formed of a plurality of metal plates 37 that are stacked on each other. Each of the metal plates 37 has a plurality of coolant channels 36 through which the coolant 5 flows. |
| US07693246B2 |
Frequency control device and information reproduction apparatus
A frequency control device capable of detecting a frame sync pattern and generating a frequency information accurately even if a reproduction signal is not zero-crossed, and an information reproduction apparatus having the same, which includes an oscillation circuit outputting a clock having a frequency corresponding to a control signal; a converter sampling an input analog signal having a predetermined pattern based on the clock and converting the same to a digital signal; and a frequency detection device detecting an object to be a sync pattern from a changing trend of the digital signal, generating a frequency information for controlling a reproduction clock based on the detected object to be the sync pattern, and outputting the same as the control signal to the oscillation circuit. |
| US07693244B2 |
Encoding, clock recovery, and data bit sampling system, apparatus, and method
A system, apparatus, method and article to encode, clock recover, and sample data bits are described. The apparatus may include a pulsed digital module comprising a first clock input, a first data input, a data output, and a reset input. The first clock input to receive an encoded signal from a single-wire. The encoded signal comprising a serial bit sequence comprising a clock signal embedded encoded data bit. The pulsed digital module to capture an edge of the encoded signal at the first clock input in accordance with a logic level coupled to the first data input. A delay module comprising a delay input is coupled to the data output and a delay output is coupled to the reset input. The delay module to delay the captured edge by a predetermined period and to generate a delay signal from the delay output after the predetermined period. The pulsed digital module is to generate a first clock edge of the sampling clock at the data output after the predetermined period. An apparatus, system, and method to embed a sampling clock signal via an encoded signal comprising n bits and to transmit the encoded signal to a single-wire as a serial bit sequence of n bits. The encoded signal represents a logic bit having an encoding clock period TCLK. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07693238B1 |
Method and system for V-BLAST detection with near maximum likelihood performance and low complexity
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system for Vertical Bell Layered Space-Time (V-BLAST) detection with near Maximum Likelihood (ML) performance and low complexity. The V-BLAST system is a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) system. A receiver is provided that detects the data transmitted from the multiple transmitting antennas. The detection performance of such a method and system is better than that of linear receivers while keeping the complexity of the receiver marginally higher than that of the linear receivers. The detection performance of such a method and system is very close to that of the ML receiver while its complexity is much less than that of the ML receiver. |
| US07693231B2 |
System and method of calculating noise variance
The claimed subject matter relates to estimating noise variance associated with a transmitter. For example, the noise variance can be estimated in connection with determining performance parameters associated with a transmitter. Determining noise variance can include the acts of estimating phase alteration of a received signal through utilization of a least squares-based phase estimation algorithm. Determining noise variance can also include the act of determining an unbiased estimation of noise variance as a function of the estimated phase alteration. |
| US07693229B2 |
Transmission of signals in cellular systems and in mobile networks
A system and method for processing a received Global Positioning System (GPS) signal into a processed position finding GPS signal and for processing a first and a second input signal jointly with the GPS signal. A modulator and transmitter for modulation and transmission of processed signals in cellular systems and in mobile network, wherein cellular system and mobile network are distinct. A modulator and transmitter for transmission of processed signals in a satellite system and in a cellular system. Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmitter and receiver having a transmit filter and a receiver filter wherein the transmit and receiver filter are mismatched. A modulator and transmitter which comprise cascaded hybrid systems, including a cascaded GSM or EDGE, of cascaded infrared (IR) or GSM or CDMA or TDMA or UMTS systems and contain Radio Frequency identification (RFID) signals. |
| US07693226B1 |
Aggregation over multiple 64-66 lanes
An aggregation channel for providing data communication for M data streams to N data streams comprises a first first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer module that receives the M data streams and realigns them with each other based on respective alignment symbols. A lane mapping module receives the realigned M data streams from the first FIFO buffer module and routes predetermined ones of the M data streams to predetermined ones of the N data streams, wherein each of the N data streams receives at least one of the alignment characters. M is greater than N, N is greater than 1, and each of the M data streams includes an alignment symbol. |
| US07693219B2 |
System and method for fast motion estimation
A fast motion estimation system that determines a reference macroblock or sub-block combination within a reference frame for a current macroblock in a current frame includes a memory, a reference macroblock search circuit, a sub-block combination search circuit, and a comparator circuit. The reference macroblock search circuit determines a motion vector, multiple difference values, and a cost value for each macroblock within the reference frame according to a fast motion estimation search pattern, and stores the motion vector and the difference values in the memory. The sub-block combination search circuit searches the motion vector and the difference values in the memory for determining a corresponding one of multiple lowest cost sub-block combinations for each of multiple sub-block motion modes. The comparator circuit determines a lowest cost macroblock and selects from among the lowest cost macroblock and the lowest cost sub-block combinations to determine the reference macroblock. |
| US07693210B2 |
Hybrid rake/equalizer receiver for spread spectrum systems
There is provided a hybrid rake/equalizer receiver for correlating a delay spread in a spread spectrum system. The hybrid rake/equalizer receiver includes a plurality of adaptive equalizers, each for filtering different regions of the delay spread that have an energy level above a pre-specified threshold to respectively provide equalized-descrambled chip sequences for correlation. Equalizer coefficients respectively corresponding to the plurality of adaptive equalizers are updated individually. |
| US07693209B2 |
Method for carrier frequency offset fine estimation in TD-SCDMA system
A simple and efficient method is provided for frequency offset fine estimation. The method comprises: subtracting the QPSK modulation phase of a synchronization code from its received phase to generate the phase drift, and then computing the frequency offset based on the phase drift. |
| US07693204B2 |
Surface-emitting laser device and surface-emitting laser array including same
A surface-emitting laser device is disclosed that includes a substrate connected to a heat sink; a first reflective layer formed of a semiconductor distributed Bragg reflector on the substrate; a first cavity spacer layer formed in contact with the first reflective layer; an active layer formed in contact with the first cavity spacer layer; a second cavity spacer layer formed in contact with the active layer; and a second reflective layer formed of a semiconductor distributed Bragg reflector in contact with the second cavity spacer layer. The first cavity spacer layer includes a semiconductor material having a thermal conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of a semiconductor material forming the second cavity spacer layer. |
| US07693200B2 |
Semiconductor laser diode having ridge
A semiconductor laser diode including a substrate, and a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer and an electrode sequentially formed on the substrate is provided. In the semiconductor laser diode, the second semiconductor layer has a ridge and the electrode is formed on the ridge of the second semiconductor layer at a width which is less than the width of the ridge. |
| US07693197B2 |
Laser scanning apparatuses, laser scanning methods and article manufacture
Laser scanning apparatus, methods, and article of manufacture are described. In one embodiment, a laser scanning apparatus includes a light source configured to emit a light beam in a single direction, a scanning device optically coupled with the light source and configured to scan the light beam along a photoconductor in a plurality of scan lines. The laser scanning apparatus also includes a start-of-scan detector assembly configured to sample the light beam and initiate a start-of-scan operation of one of the scan lines of information to be written on the photoconductor, and wherein the sampled light beam is used to control a drive level of the light source. |
| US07693196B2 |
Semiconductor laser driving unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A semiconductor laser driving unit is disclosed that includes a first part generating a bias current; a second part generating a first current for causing the semiconductor laser to emit light, and outputting the first current to the semiconductor laser in accordance with an input control signal; a third part performing initialization to detect a light emission characteristic of the semiconductor laser, and causing the second part to generate a second current of a value obtained from the detected light emission characteristic; and a fourth part causing the second part to generate the first current in which a set offset current is added to the second current. The first part detects the amount of light emission of the semiconductor laser, and generates and outputs the bias current so that the amount of light emission produced by the sum of the bias current and the first current is a predetermined value. |
| US07693192B2 |
Mode-locked laser device
A mode-locked laser device includes a Fabry-Perot resonator, a mode-locking element disposed within the resonator, a solid-state laser medium disposed within the resonator, and exciting means for applying excitation light to the solid-state laser medium. The opposite ends of the resonator, the mode-locking element and the solid-state laser medium are disposed to provide an average beam diameter of lasing light of not more than 150 μm on the mode-locking element and an average beam diameter of the lasing light of not more than 200 μm within the solid-state laser medium. |
| US07693190B2 |
Lip synchronization for audio/video transmissions over a network
In one embodiment, a system includes a video mixer coupled with an audio mixer for exchange of information that includes a first set of delay values respecting input audio streams received by the audio mixer from a plurality of source endpoints, and output audio streams sent from the audio mixer to a plurality of destination endpoints. The information further including a second set of delay values respecting the corresponding input video streams. The audio mixer calculates end-to-end video delays, and the video mixer calculates end-to-end audio delays. The audio mixer delays the output audio streams to equalize the end-to-end audio and video delays in the event that the end-to-end audio delays are less than the end-to-end video delays, and the video mixer delays the output video streams to equalize the end-to-end audio and video delays in the event that the end-to-end video delays are less than the end-to-end audio delays. |
| US07693188B2 |
Video remultiplexer for dynamic remultiplexing, multi-mode operation and jitter reduced asynchronous communication
A method and system are provided for remultiplexing program bearing data. The remultiplexing method and system are applicable to MPEG-2 compliant transport streams carrying video programs. Remultiplexing functions may be distributed across a network. The remultiplexer can furthermore optimize the bandwidth of transport streams by replacing null transport packets with transport packet data to be inserted into the output transport stream. Remultiplexing and program specific information can be seamlessly dynamically varied without stopping, or introducing a discontinuity in, the flow-of outputted transport packets. |
| US07693185B1 |
Method and apparatus for creation and management of intelligent packets
A method and apparatus for the computerized management of a digital ecosystems through the creation and management of intelligent information packets that enable computerized management of the creation, flow, and use of electronic and optically scanned paper documents. An XML packet is structured to combine document data, comprising electronic or optically scanned documents, with rules, work-flow controls, audit capability, and signature controls. Tamper proofing ensures validity of information, such as legal documents, that requires proof and tracking of official origin, approval, or status. |
| US07693182B2 |
Method for synchronizing voice traffic with minimum latency in a wireless communications network
A supervisory communications node monitors and controls communications with a plurality of remote devices throughout a widely distributed network. A method is provided to convey and maintain information used to synchronize the packetization and burst operations within the network. During session setup, jitter constraints indirectly are used to explicitly communicate a synchronization timing reference. The timing reference is set at the beginning of a phase/period boundary used to service the session. In an embodiment, the announcement of the first grant is used as an explicit indication of the synchronization timing reference value. In another embodiment, the synchronization timing reference value is inferred if a remote device receives contiguous voice grants meeting certain conditions. In an embodiment implementing periodic scheduling, the actual arrival of the first grant is used to infer the synchronization timing reference value. In an embodiment, the present invention enables the synchronization timing reference value and/or the periodicity to be modified if network conditions indicate that packetization and burst operations are out-of-synchronization. |
| US07693179B2 |
Data transmission apparatus using a constellation rearrangement
A hybrid ARQ retransmission method involves encoding data packets with a forward error correction (FEC) technique prior to transmission. The data packets are re-transmitted based on an automatic repeat request (ARQ) and subsequently soft-combined with previously received erroneous data packets either on a symbol-by-symbol or a bit-by-bit basis. The symbols of the erroneous data packets are modulated by employing a first signal constellation. The symbols of the re-transmitted data packets are modulated by employing at least a second signal constellation. Each symbol bit has a mean bit reliability defined by the individual bit reliabilities over all symbols of the predetermined signal constellation. The first constellation and the at least second signal constellation are selected such that the combined mean bit reliabilities for the respective bits of all transmissions are averaged out. |
| US07693178B2 |
Small form factor, pluggable ONU
The present invention provides a small form factor, pluggable ONU, which includes a bi-directional optical transceiver configured to transmit optical signals to and receive optical signals from an OLT. The ONU further includes an ONU chip coupled to the optical transceiver and configured to communicate with the OLT. Also included is a pluggable interface configured to electrically interface between the ONU chip and a piece of subscriber premise equipment (SPE). The ONU includes a power management module to provide power to the ONU chip and the optical transceiver, using power delivered from the SPE through the pluggable interface. The ONU is enclosed a small form factor enclosure, thereby allowing the pluggable ONU to be directly plugged into the SPE and providing an Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) uplink to the SPE without requiring an separate power supply. |
| US07693176B2 |
Method and system for bidirectional data transfer
A system and method for managing data transfer between a configurable device and a management system including generating device data, detecting a polling request, transmitting, in a first common communications session and in response to the polling request, at least a portion of the device data and a configuration request, and receiving a configuration file corresponding to the configuration request. |
| US07693174B2 |
Communication collision avoidance system
A communication system equipped with a communication apparatus for transmitting a transmission signal to another communication apparatus via a communication medium, includes: transmission means for transmitting the transmission signal to the other communication apparatus via the communication medium; detection means for detecting a propagation signal propagated through the communication medium each time a predetermined amount of the transmission signal is transmitted from the transmission means; signal collision judgment means for judging from the propagation signal detected by the detection means whether a signal collision occurs on the communication medium between the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission means and another signal transmitted from the other communication apparatus; and control means for controlling transmission of the transmission signal from the transmission means in accordance with a judgment result by the signal collision judgment means. |
| US07693168B2 |
Apparatus for decomposing an automatic cross connect system at a remote wiring hub
Apparatus for providing connectivity at a hub having a plurality of subscriber lines and a plurality of feeder lines. The apparatus includes a first switch module for coupling to N of the plurality of subscriber lines, where N is an integer. The first switch module is also for coupling to a digital subscriber line access modem (DSLAM) at the hub. A second switch module is coupled to the first switch module and the DSLAM. The second switch module is also adapted for coupling to M of the plurality of feeder lines at the hub, where M is an integer. |
| US07693161B2 |
Network device to support services according to quality of service, network system and method using the same
A control device by which a priority for service is assigned based on quality of service (QoS) for each control point residing on a network and services are provided according to the assigned priority. The control device includes communication S/W module which receives control messages transmitted from the control points or transmits reply messages to the control points, a priority management module which determines the priority for service based on a QoS level for each control point, a UPnP S/W module which analyzes the control messages received from the communication S/W module and controls service operations corresponding to the analyzed control messages, and a service S/W module which performs the service operations under the control of the UPnP S/W module. Consistent with the present invention, the priority for service is assigned according to the QoS for the control point and the services are provided according to the assigned priority. |
| US07693159B2 |
Method, terminal and router for detection of trigger to rerouting
Rerouting of packet exchanges by a mobile terminal is controlled so as to be optimized on a real time basis to prevent network resources from being wasted by redundant routing. In an initial state a route of data from a mobile communication terminal M to a CN 8, which is a communication partner, is a route R5. Then, an access router (AR) 72 acquires the number of hops of data received from the CN 8 by the mobile communication terminal M. As the mobile communication terminal M now performs a handover to under the command of the AR 73, the route will change to a route R9. Then the AR 73 detects that the route becomes redundant by the fact that the number of hops acquired after the shift is greater than the pre-shift number of hops received from the AR 72, and invokes control to reroute to a route R7, which provides the optimal routing. |
| US07693158B1 |
Methods and systems for selectively processing virtual local area network (VLAN) traffic from different networks while allowing flexible VLAN identifier assignment
Methods and systems for selectively processing VLAN traffic from different networks while allowing flexible VLAN identifier assignment are disclosed. According to one aspect, a layer 2 switch includes a virtual switch identifier data structure that associates a VLAN identifier extracted from a layer 2 frame and a port identifier corresponding to a port on which a frame is received with a virtual switch identifier. The virtual switch identifier is used to select a per-virtual-switch data structure, such as a forwarding table. The per-virtual-switch data structure is used to control processing of the layer 2 frame on a per-virtual-switch basis. The per-virtual-switch data structure may also be updated separately from the data structures assigned to other virtual switches. |
| US07693156B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program product providing user equipment operation by considering scheduling information with regard to the use of relative grants
Disclosed is a method to operate a wireless user equipment, a wireless user equipment, a computer program product, and an apparatus. The method includes, in response to operation during a Baseline Procedure when no absolute grant (AG) is received from a wireless network node, determining if there was a scheduled transmission in a previous transmission time interval of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process and, if there was, using a serving relative grant (SRG) and, if it is determined instead that there was not a scheduled transmission in the previous transmission time interval of the HARQ process, not using the SRG if it is determined that there was a scheduling information (SI) event alone in the previous transmission time interval of the HARQ process. |
| US07693152B2 |
Method for ethernet data frame learning and forwarding, ethernet network and bridge
In an Ethernet network divided into multiple domains, a method for Ethernet data frame data learning includes: receiving through a bridge port of a domain of the Ethernet network an Ethernet data frame containing a source Media Access Control (MAC) address; and generating a forwarding matching entry including a destination MAC address, the length of a forwarding mask and a bridge egress-port identifier; wherein the destination MAC address is acquired by matching the source MAC address with the length of the forwarding mask. In a method for Ethernet data frame forwarding, a bridge forwards the Ethernet data frame according to a MAC forwarding matching table including a destination MAC address, the length of a forwarding mask and a bridge egress-port identifier. An Ethernet network and a bridge are also provided. The number of entries included in the MAC forwarding matching table o is reduced effectively. |
| US07693150B2 |
Intelligent ALG functionality in networks supporting endpoints performing network address translation
In one embodiment, a signaling message is received from an endpoint. It is determined from the signaling message whether, prior to sending the signaling message, the endpoint performed network address translation on the body of the signaling message. If it is determined from the signaling message that, prior to sending the signaling message, the endpoint did not perform network address translation on the body of the signaling message, application layer gateway functionality is applied to the body of the signaling message such that a modified signaling message is generated. |
| US07693149B2 |
Programmable packet processor with flow resolution logic
A programmable packet switching controller has a packet buffer, a pattern match module, a programmable packet classification engine and an application engine. The packet buffer stores inbound packets, and includes a header data extractor to extract header data from the inbound packets and to store the extracted header data in a header data cache. The header data extractor also generates a header data cache index and provides it to the packet classification engine for it to retrieve the extracted header data. The packet classification engine has a decision tree-based classification logic for classifying a packet. Each of the leaves of the tree represents a packet classification. The packet classification engine uses the header data cache index to retrieve the header data to perform multiple header checks, starting at a root of the tree and traversing branches until a leaf has been reached. The application engine has a number of programmable sub-engines arrayed in a pipelined architecture. The packet classification engine provides start indicators based on the packet classification to the programmable sub-engines to identify application programs to be executed. The sub-engines includes a source lookup engine, a destination lookup engine and a disposition engine, which are used to make a disposition decision for the inbound packets in a processing pipeline. The pattern match module is used to compare the packet to a pre-defined pattern in order to provide a disposition recommendation. |
| US07693148B2 |
Digital broadcast receiving apparatus and communication information transmitting method
A digital broadcast receiving apparatus that can transmit and receive data to and from a bidirectional server in either of a form of communication via a telephone line and a form of communication via the Internet. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus having a network interface for performing data transmission and reception via the Internet and a modem includes reading means for reading an IP address of a bidirectional server for the Internet from a transport stream; and decoding means for detecting a method describing a BASIC procedure and decoding a data processing content related to transmitting and receiving operation; wherein data transmission and reception is performed via the network interface using an IP packet on the basis of the decoded data processing content. |
| US07693142B2 |
Scalable router-switch
A scalable router-switch comprises a plurality of switch units each having consolidation means for data disassembling and reassembling. The switch units are arranged into switch modules and the switch units of each switch module are interconnected through a dual rotator to form a contention-free temporal mesh. |
| US07693139B2 |
Managing packet-based telephony
A system for assisting a user in selecting a packet-based telephony service provider (“PBTSP”) from a group of PBTSPs, and in registering the user with the selected PBTSP for outbound and/or inbound calling. The selection of a particular PBTSP may be stored in a database, and this stored information may be used to enable the user to exchange telephone call data with one of the PBTSPs. One preferred system receives data from the user's computer device, determines whether the user is registered with one the PBTSPs and, if so, transmits data to the computer device which enables it to exchange telephone call data with one of the PBTSPs. The system also receives telephone call data from the computer device, accesses contact information for a PBTSP, and transmits the received telephone call data to the PBTSP using the accessed contact information. |
| US07693137B2 |
Multi-line appearance telephony via a computer network
A method and apparatus are provided for creating traditional multi-line appearance telecommunications capabilities in a computer network for communications received from a switched circuit network. The system and method create key system and attendant/attendee relationships between the respective terminal end-points of the computer network. In addition, multiple line appearances may be supported simultaneously at a single terminal end-point. |
| US07693132B1 |
Multicast and unicast message re-direction system, method, message re-director, and network device
A plurality of local networks each have one or more terminal sets and a message re-director. The message re-directors are adapted to communicate with each other across another network through edge devices. The message re-directors are also adapted to convert multicast messages received locally from the terminal sets into unicast messages for transmission across the other network. The unicast messages are received by the other message re-directors. Each one of the other message re-directors then multicasts information received as part of the multicast messages received to the terminal sets within its local network. |
| US07693128B2 |
Managing packets for transmission in a communication system
Methods (400, 500) and corresponding systems (100, 200, 300) for managing a packet (318) for transmission include obtaining a quality of service (QoS) parameter value for a data stream (404), and determining one or more QoS statistics for previously transmitted data (406). Thereafter, a packet is selected from the data stream (408), and scheduling information is estimated for the packet (410) based upon the QoS statistics and the QoS parameter value. The scheduling information is assigned (414) to the packet. A transmission time window of a transmission buffer is determined (506). If the scheduling information assigned to the packet falls within the transmission time window (508), the packet is queued for transmission in the transmission buffer. The labeled packet can be arranged among one or more queued packets in response to comparing scheduling information of the labeled packet and the queued packets. |
| US07693127B2 |
Time-division synchronous wireless modem device
A time-division synchronous wireless modem device that includes: a modem unit which transmits and receives the communication packet; a communication state judging unit which obtains a transmission cycle period and a vacant communication slot from information contained in the header of the received communication packet; and a transmission timing controller. The controller selectively determines an arbitrary one of the communication slots in a next transmission cycle period when the communication packet is not received during the entire span of the one transmission cycle period, or selectively determines the one of the communication slots to be used by estimating a vacant one of the communication slots in the next transmission cycle period from the header of the communication packets when the communication packet is received. |
| US07693121B2 |
Home network using wireless module
Methods and apparatus for implementing a home network including a wireless module. In one implementation, a home network includes: two or more host devices, where at least one host device includes a wireless module port, and where the host devices are connected in a local network; and a wireless module connected to the wireless module port of a host device, where the wireless module provides a wireless connection to an external network; where at least one host device is a consumer appliance. |
| US07693119B2 |
Transmission power control over a wireless ad-hoc network
A method for controlling transmission power on a node over a wireless ad-hoc network which includes a plurality of sender, intermediate and receiver nodes is provided. Initially, levels of the transmission power of the node are configured. The node then exchange information with its neighboring nodes by sending out a global signal. After exchanging the information, the node identifies a node coverage for the level of the transmission power. The node then determines an effective transmission power (ETP). Finally, the ETP is used to form a virtual cluster. |
| US07693118B2 |
Method for spectral side lobe suppression in OFDM-based communication systems
The subcarriers in an OFDM communication system or OFDM-based multicarrier communication system are multiplied with weighting factors, determined so that in accordance with an optimization criterion the side lobes are minimized in a determined frequency domain. In determining the weighting factors constraints can be taken into account to further boost system power output. |
| US07693109B2 |
System and method for performing fast handoff in mobile network
A mobile network is disclosed in which there exists a Mobile Node (MN), the MN is managed by a first Access Router (AR), and there exists a second AR with a subnet different from the first AR. A method is provided for the MN performing a fast handoff from the first AR to the second AR, which includes receiving a Routing Advertisement (RA) message of the second AR from the first AR, generating an IP address to be used in the second AR using the RA message of the second AR if the MN recognizes that it should perform a handoff from the first AR to the second AR, performing a trigger for using the generated IP address if the movement to the second AR is completed, and transmitting/receiving a Correspondent Node (CN) and data using the IP address. |
| US07693108B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a handover control system associated with a wireless communication network
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing a handover control system associated with a wireless communication network are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US07693106B1 |
Neighboring base station information update method, information management method for cell search in mobile communications system, cell search method of mobile station, mobile communications system, mobile station, base station and control station
A base station captures phase difference information between a long period spreading code of a common control channel of the base station and a long period spreading code of a common control channel of a neighboring base station of the base station from a mobile station. The base station transmits the phase difference information to a mobile station. The mobile station carries out cell search in accordance with the received phase difference information. |
| US07693104B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing link interference by a link between a user equipment component and an access network component
A method and apparatus are described for reducing link interference by a link between a user equipment component and an access network component. The user equipment component and access network component are connected by links over dedicated channels in respective directions, the link channel power in the first direction being controlled by the link channel in the second direction. A component sends in a second direction a link connection release message for a link connection in the first direction, identifies when the link connection in the first direction is released and, when the release is identified, releases the link connection in the second direction. |
| US07693101B2 |
Apparatus for interfacing a wireless local network and a wired voice telecommunications system
An apparatus for interfacing a wireless local area network with a wide area, cellular or public switched telephone network including the function of a wireless LAN base station or access point, and a gateway. The interface may contain one or more different types of gateways, including a PSTN voice gateway, an analog modem gateway, and others. The apparatus may also include a well designed to receive the handset or mobile computer device to recharge the battery as well as to automatically transfer data when the phone or device is secured in the well. |
| US07693100B2 |
Adaptive feedback method for cellular communication
In an adaptive feedback method for a cellular communication system having plural terminals feeding back channel information to an access point, the system selects one of an opportunistic mode and a polling mode as a feedback mode between an access point and the terminals on the basis of system and traffic parameters, sets up the access point and the terminals for the selected feedback mode, and feeds back the channel information from the terminals to the access point in the selected feedback mode. The adaptive feedback method changes the feedback mechanism adaptively to the system and traffic environment, making it possible to increase the system throughput as well as to decrease the MAC overhead regardless of the variation of the number of MSs. |
| US07693099B2 |
Methods of wireless communication
In a method of wireless communication, signaling information in a received signal may be detected using a detection parameter. The detection parameter may be determined based on at least one of a probability of false alarm and a target probability of false alarm. Another method may detect signaling information using an estimated transmission probability value for a subsequent time instant that is determined based on an estimated transmission probability value for a current time instant. The detection parameter may also be determined from the estimated probability of transmission values. |
| US07693098B2 |
Method for controlling paging signaling communication with mobile stations within a WLAN network
A method for controlling the communication with mobile stations in a network, preferably in a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, wherein the network comprises access points through which the mobile stations are associated with the network and wherein the mobile stations can be set to power save mode is—with respect to an especially energy-efficient operation of the mobile station-designed in such a way that paging signaling is performed in order to locate a mobile station. |
| US07693094B2 |
Apparatus for bidirectional communication using auxiliary band in wireless communication system
An apparatus for bidirectional communication using one or more auxiliary bands in a wireless communication system is provided. A primary band transmitter transmits data over one or more primary bands in a frame. A primary band receiver receives data over the one or more primary bands in the frame. An auxiliary band transmitter transmits data over one or more first auxiliary bands in the frame. An auxiliary band receiver receives data over the one or more first auxiliary bands or over the one or more first auxiliary bands and one or more second auxiliary bands in the frame. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate a low-delay service and to cope with a rapid channel change due to high-speed movement. |
| US07693092B2 |
Multicast tree monitoring method and system in IP network
In accordance with an instruction from a network monitoring device (4), a transmission terminal (2T) serving as a source of video information transmits a certain amount of monitoring test packets differentiated from the usual multicast frames. Pass status information (for example, MIB information) generated by routers (3) receiving and passing through the continuous test packets is collected at the network monitoring device (4). The device (4) uses the collected pass status information and topology information which the device (4) holds by itself so as to judge the direction of transmission of the test packets at the interface of each router (3) and specifies the multicast tree based on the results of judgment. |
| US07693091B2 |
Teredo connectivity between clients behind symmetric NATs
Methods and systems for communicating between Teredo clients behind UPnP-enabled symmetric or restricted Network Address Translators. |
| US07693090B1 |
Systems and methods for discovering PME bonding groups
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for discovering PME bonding groups. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of communication links are terminated by physical medium entities (PMEs). In this regard, each link is terminated at one end via a network PME and at another end via a remote PME at a customer premises. Each of the PMEs has a transceiver that is allowed to train during a training phase that precedes a data phase. After training, discovery of PME bonding groups is performed via data communicated over data phase control channels, which are operational while links are operational in the data phase, transmitting data using the Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) encapsulation. For example, the control channel data may be communicated over a link-level embedded operations channel (EOC). In another example, the control channel data may be communicated using 64/65 Byte (B) code words. In another example, the control channel data may be communicated via an Ethernet operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) channel. In yet another example, the control channel data may be communicated via EFM fragment messaging. |
| US07693089B2 |
Method and system for performing circuit upgrade
A system and method for performing an upgrade in a communication network comprising network elements coupled together to form one or more circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, the upgrade is generated at a node in communication with the circuits and the method generally comprises providing a list of circuits or spans available for the upgrade and receiving input from a user identifying at least one circuit to be upgraded or at least one span for the upgraded circuit and a type of upgrade to be performed. The method further comprises automatically performing the upgrade. |
| US07693086B2 |
Data transfer control device and electronic instrument
A data transfer control device includes: an interface circuit to which data of which one data unit is K bits is input through an interface bus; and a link controller which generates a packet transmitted through a serial bus. The link controller includes: a data formatter which generates (N×I)-byte packed data containing M pieces of (K+L)-bit data obtained by adding L bits of dummy data to the K-bit data, the data formatter generating the packed data in which L and M are variably set corresponding to K; and a packet generation circuit which generates a packet in which the packed data is inserted in a data field. |
| US07693084B2 |
Concurrent connection testing for computation of NAT timeout period
Concurrent testing of NAT connections using different timeout values to compute a keep-alive value for the NAT device. Computation of the approximate timeout value is accomplished concurrently over multiple test connections within about a time equivalent to the actual NAT timeout value. The architecture validates the computation of the approximate timeout value by distinguishing NAT connection failure from external failure using a control connection. Moreover, computation of the keep-alive value is performed only once for a given NAT device rather than being an on-going process for that NAT device. When one of the test connections fails, it is determined that the NAT timeout value is less than the test timeout value associated with the failed test connection. Accordingly, a smaller test timeout value is then selected as the keep-alive value for keep-alive processing of the NAT device. |
| US07693083B2 |
Audio network system
An audio network system allows any two nodes among a plurality of nodes to transmit and receive audio data to and from each other. The plurality of the nodes are connected in loop so as to allow transmission of the audio data in loop manner through the plurality of the nodes, and the transmission of the audio data is performed in one direction from an upstream node to a downstream node. One of the plurality of the nodes is set as a master node and the other nodes are set as slave nodes. The master node periodically transmits a packet of frame data containing the audio data every sampling period, such that the packet transmitted from the master node circulates through the plurality of the nodes to return to the master node within one or more sampling period. The packet has a specific data length and includes an audio data storage region divided into a plurality of blocks corresponding to a plurality of channels, such that each of the blocks stores audio data of the corresponding channel. |
| US07693082B2 |
Latency measurement apparatus and method
A modular test chassis for use in testing wireless devices includes a backplane and a channel emulation module coupled to the backplane. The channel emulation module comprises circuitry for emulating the effects of a dynamic physical environment (including air, interfering signals, interfering structures, movement, etc.) on signals in the transmission channel shared by the first and second device. Different channel emulation modules may be included in the test system depending upon the protocol, network topology or capability under test. A test module may be provided to generate traffic at multiple interfaces of SISO or MIMO DUTs to enable thorough testing of device and system behavior in the presence of emulated network traffic and fault conditions. A latency measurement system and method applies timestamps frames as they are transmit and received at the test module for improved latency measurement accuracy. |
| US07693080B2 |
Network loop monitor
A network loop monitor (10) is disclosed which comprises an RS485 port (16) for connection to a host which receives and transmits data. The port (16) comprises termination jumpers (14), a transmitter/receiver (34) and an isolator (36). The monitor (10) includes two further RS485 ports (18, 20) each of which has a termination (26, 28), a transmitter/receiver (42, 44) and an isolator (38, 40). A relay (22) controls contacts (24) in the line pair (12). Router logic (32) controlled by a microprocessor (30) determines the status of the loop monitor. |
| US07693075B2 |
Updating address tables
A method includes storing an address in an entry of a first memory device that is accessible by an address manager while the address is being stored in an entry of a second memory device included in a packet-forwarding device. |
| US07693072B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring a network topology with alternative communication paths
A method and apparatus for configuring a network topology with alternative communication paths. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system (NMS) having a network identification element that identifies a tree topology of network elements in a communication system comprising a root node and a plurality of leaf nodes, a network configuration element that specifies a desired number of alternative communication paths between each of the plurality of leaf nodes and the root node, and a network restructuring element that determines a configuration of additional lateral and vertical communication paths superimposed on a portion of the plurality of leaf nodes that achieves a desired cost objective according to the desired number of alternative paths and associated cost attributes. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07693068B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing a distributed hardware platform interface (HPI) architecture
Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing a distributed hardware platform interface (HPI) architecture are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a system for providing distributed operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) functionality in a multi-shelf processing environment. The system includes a first shelf that includes first hardware components, a second shelf that includes second hardware components, and an OAM module for providing an OAM function. The system also includes a first hardware platform interface (HPI) daemon for communicating OAM-related information between the first hardware components and the OAM module, and a second HPI daemon for communicating OAM-related information between the second hardware components and the OAM module. |
| US07693066B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for reducing signaling link congestion
Methods, systems, and computer program products for reducing the likelihood of signaling link congestion on a failing or recovering signaling linkset are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for reducing or eliminating congestion on a recovered link in a previously failed linkset due to the routing of post-global title (GT) translated signaling message traffic is disclosed. When the first link in a previously failed linkset becomes available, routes associated with the recovering linkset are marked as restricted. GT translated messages are directed to the lowest cost route that is marked as allowed. If no routes are marked as allowed, messages are directed to the lowest cost route that is marked as restricted. When a predetermined number or percentage of the links in a linkset become available, routes associated with the recovering linkset are marked as allowed. |
| US07693063B2 |
Communication control apparatus and communication control method
A communication control apparatus for enabling a quality of service (QoS) to be maintained, the security against interception to be ensured, and a communication route to be switched over without any interruption of communications, and capable of restraining the processing time and the number of adjusting parameters. The communication control apparatus including a coding unit, an allocation unit, and a sending unit. |
| US07693058B2 |
Method for enhancing transmission quality of streaming media
A method for enhancing transmission quality of streaming media. A first bandwidth for a first communication link and a second bandwidth for a second communication link of a network are determined. Provided the first bandwidth is greater than the second bandwidth, a first excess bandwidth is utilized to improve transmission quality in the first communication link, wherein said the excess bandwidth is related to a difference of the first bandwidth minus the second bandwidth. Provided the second bandwidth is greater than the first bandwidth, a second excess bandwidth is utilized to improve transmission quality in the second communication link, wherein the second excess bandwidth is related to a difference of the second bandwidth minus the first bandwidth. |
| US07693055B2 |
Optimization of distributed tunnel rerouting in a computer network with intermediate node feedback
In one embodiment, a head-end node determines a path for un-reroutable tunnels, and establishes a tunnel having zero bandwidth indicating the corresponding bandwidth desired for the tunnel. Intermediate nodes send feedback regarding a bandwidth scaling factor for the path, and the head-end node resizes each tunnel accordingly. |
| US07693054B2 |
Method for implementing resources reservation in access configuration mode in next generation network
A method for implementing resources reservation in an access configuration mode in an NGN, including: when a subscriber accesses a network, an NAAF sending a resources request message to a resources mediation PDF; after receiving the resources request message, the resources mediation PDF making an admission decision according to network operator policy rules and availability of resources, send an admission installation command to a BGF, setting and keeping the corresponding admission decision parameters information in the BGF. Thus, the BGF performs packet forwarding operations as classifying, marking, shaping, and discarding on the user traffic entering the network according to the admission decision information so as to ensure the QoS class required by the user. Therefore, an applicable solution for implementing resources reservation in the access configuration mode in the NGN is provided. |
| US07693052B2 |
Method and apparatus for network congestion control using queue control and one-way delay measurements
The invention provides a congestion control scheme that is a delay based scheme that includes a scalable queue size and one-way queueing delay measurement to reduce network congestion. Queue size is managed by queue control, a scalable utility function, dynamic alpha tuning, and/or randomized alpha tuning. One-way queueing delay is accomplished by measuring backward queueing delay management using various methods of estimating the receiver clock period. Embodiments include estimating the receiver clock period using single sample and multiple sample periods. The system includes a method for detecting route change. |
| US07693051B2 |
System and method for controlling congestion in multihopping wireless networks
A system and method to control congestion in a multihopping wireless communication network (100). The system and method distribute the congestion information back to the ingress points (106) and traffic source nodes (102, 106, 107) in the network (100) through the actual route of the data flow that contributes to the congestion. The system and method therefore avoid bottleneck points (102-5) in the network (100) to reduce congestion. The system and method can be used for packet-based, route-based or flow-based traffic shaping in a multihop wireless network (100) employing different media access control (MAC) and routing layer protocols. Moreover, the system and method is capable of distributing congestion and service differentiation information between different interfaces in the network (100). |
| US07693050B2 |
Stateless, affinity-preserving load balancing
The invention relates to an architecture that facilitates load balancing among a plurality of hosts and preserve session affinity to a given host. An incoming stream of data packets that include packet sessions is input to one or more forwarding mechanisms for forwarding to one or more hosts. The forwarders generate a routing function that takes into consideration host availability, and distributes session packets according to the routing function. A session is distributed to the same host to preserve session affinity. When host availability changes, a new routing function is generated, such that any new session is routed according to the new routing function and existing sessions are routed according to the old routing function. When the old routing function becomes irrelevant, it is phased out. An optimization utilizes a maximally backward compatible hash function to minimize the differences between the old and new routing functions. |
| US07693047B2 |
System and method for PE-node protection
A novel fast reroute (FRR) technique is provided for quickly and efficiently rerouting selected types of network traffic in response to a node or link failure at the edge of a computer network. According to the technique, the network includes first and second edge devices that function as “FRR mates,” such that network traffic originally destined for one FRR mate may be quickly rerouted to the other without having to wait for conventional network convergence. When an edge device receives rerouted packets originally destined for its FRR mate, the device responds by forwarding only those rerouted packets matching the selected traffic types; rerouted packets that do not match the selected traffic types are dropped or otherwise discarded. The first and second edge devices may be statically configured as FRR mates, e.g., by a network administrator, or they may be configured to automatically detect their compatibility as FRR mates. |
| US07693044B2 |
Single logical network interface for advanced load balancing and fail-over functionality
The invention sets forth an approach for aggregating a plurality of NICs in a computing device into a single logical NIC as seen by that computing device's operating system. The combination of the single logical NIC and a network resource manager provides a reliable and persistent interface to the operating system and to the network hardware, thereby improving the reliability and ease-of-configuration of the computing device. The invention also may improve communications security by supporting the 802.1X and the 802.1Q networking standards. |
| US07693039B2 |
Apparatus and method for carrier frequency synchronization in an OFDM system
An apparatus and method for carrier frequency synchronization in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system are provided for correcting an initial carrier frequency offset in the OFDM system. A metric generator for frequency estimation performs a first accumulation process for a value computed by multiplying a Phase Reference Symbol (PRS) generated from a reception stage by a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) output signal for an OFDM symbol in a PRS position within a frame, acquires a differential symbol from a product of adjacent FFT output symbols, performs a second accumulation process for a real part extracted from the differential symbol, and outputs a metric value for the frequency estimation. A maximal value-related index generator compares metric values for initial frequency estimation within a predetermined frequency offset estimation range, and selects and outputs a maximal metric value as a frequency offset estimate. |
| US07693037B2 |
Method and system for adapting an effective spreading sequence in a communication system using direct sequence spreading
A method and system for adapting an effective spreading sequence in a wire-line or a wireless communication system using direct sequence spreading system is described. A station of the communication system determines a state of a communication channel, represented by, e.g., an impulse response, a step response, or any other characteristic known to one skilled in the art. The station determines the channel state by measurements of a received signal or by receiving a feedback signal comprising an information enabling the station to determine the plurality of linearly related phases The station then determines a plurality of linearly related phases in accordance with the state of the communication channel, and then applies at least one of the plurality of linearly related phases to at least one sample of the effective spreading sequence. |
| US07693035B2 |
OFDM receiving method and OFDM receiving apparatus
In an OFDM receiving apparatus for receiving a signal that has undergone Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and applying FFT processing to the receive signal to demodulate transmit data, an OFDM symbol comprising a fixed number of items of sample data is extracted from a receive signal, a position at which FFT processing of the OFDM symbol starts is shifted based upon the state of multipath and FFT processing is executed from the position to which the shift has been made. For example, a channel estimation value is obtained from result of FFT processing of known data contained in the receive signal, a multipath delay profile is obtained by applying FFT processing to this channel estimation value, and the position at which the FFT processing begins is decided based upon the position of a path for which power is maximized among the delay profiles. |
| US07693033B2 |
Multiple access method and radio apparatus utilizing the same
Radio frequency signals are transmission-reception processed by N antennas. A radio unit performs a frequency translation processing, an amplification processing and an A-D or D-A conversion processing between a baseband signal and the radio frequency signal. A signal processing unit performs a signal processing necessary for the transmission/receiving processing by adaptive array antennas. A modem unit performs modulation/demodulation processings. A baseband unit serves as interface with a network. A control unit controls timings, channel allocation and the like of the radio unit, the signal processing unit, the modem unit and the baseband unit. |
| US07693029B2 |
Recordable optical disc
A recordable optical disc (1, 1′, 1″, 100) comprises at least one user data area (12) for storing user data, and at least one controlling data area (6, 8, 10, 11) for storing controlling data necessary for accessing stored user data and/or for recording user data into a user data area (12), wherein at least a part of the physical structure of the optical disc corresponding to at least a part of at least one controlling data area (6, 8, 10, 11) and/or to at least a part of at least one user data area (12) has a modified physical structure (118, 120, 122, 123) which is arranged such that a standard optical disc recorder cannot record user data into at least a part of at least one user data area and/or controlling data area (6, 8, 10, 11). |
| US07693026B2 |
Optical element, optical head, optical information recording and reproduction apparatus, computer, image recording device, image reproduction device, server and car navigation system
The present invention provides a first light source (21) that emits light of a first wavelength, that at least either records onto or reproduces information from an information recording medium (30), a light source (22) that emits light of a second wavelength that records onto or reproduces information from an information recording medium (33), a light source (23) that emits light of a third wavelength that records onto or reproduces information from an information recording medium (23), focusing means, an optical element (28) that passes light of the first wavelength and diffracts light of the second and third wavelengths, wherein the optical element (28) is an optical element in which grooves are formed in a substrate, wherein the expression: 380 nm≦(n−1)×d≦420 nm is satisfied, where n is a refractive index of the substrate at a wavelength of 400 nm, and d (nm) is a depth per step of the grooves, and wherein the grooves are formed in two steps of depth d and depth 2d. |
| US07693023B2 |
Method and apparatus for recording data on optical recording medium
A method and apparatus to record data on an optical recording medium include generating a recording waveform having an erase pattern comprising a multi-pulse having a high level which is higher than an erase power level and a low level which is lower than the erase power level. A power level of a leading one of the multi-pulse of the erase pattern and a power level between an end of the erase pattern and a start point of a leading pulse of a recording pattern are controlled to be the low level and the high level, respectively, the high level and the high level, respectively, the high level and the low level, respectively, or the low level and the low level, respectively. |
| US07693022B2 |
Method for controlling read power and open-loop read control device using the same
A method for controlling read power and an open-loop read control device using the same. The open-loop read control device is used in an optical disk writer and includes a memory, a DAC and an amplifier. The optical disk writer includes a pickup head device having a laser diode. When writing is disabled, the read power of the optical disk writer for reading the disk corresponds to a specific voltage. The memory stores a relationship curve and outputs a corresponding reference value corresponding to the specific voltage. The DAC converts the corresponding reference value into an analog corresponding reference value. The amplifier receives the analog corresponding reference value and outputs a read power control voltage, which controls the laser diode to generate a substantially constant read power in the write process. |
| US07693021B2 |
Optical information recording apparatus and method
A first data-recorded region is formed in one of multiple recording layers of a rewritable optical disc before a second data-recorded region is formed therein. A first on-disc position is related to an innermost position within the second data-recorded region. Information is reproduced from a recording management area of the disc. A second on-disc position is derived from the reproduced information. The second on-disc position is in substantial coincidence with an outermost position within the first data-recorded region. The first on-disc position and the second on-disc position are compared to decide whether an unused portion is present in or absent from a region therebetween. When the unused portion is present, padding data is recorded thereon. The second on-disc position is updated into substantial coincidence with an outermost position within the second data-recorded region. The information in the recording management area is updated to reflect the updated second on-disc position. |
| US07693020B2 |
Optical disk device, and focused layer discriminating method of optical disk
An optical disk device includes: an objective lens for focusing an optical beam on a recording layer of an optical disk; a converging lens for converging the reflected optical beam reflected on the recording layer; first and second light receiving units disposed at positions spaced ahead and behind at equal distances from the focal point of the reflected optical beam converged by the converging lens; and a focused recording layer discriminating unit for deciding, on the basis of the output signal of the first light receiving unit and the output signal of the second light receiving unit, the positional relation in a two-layer optical disk between a focused recording layer, on which the optical beam is focused, and a defocused recording layer, on which the optical beam is not focused, thereby to discriminate the focused recording layer on the basis of the decision result. |
| US07693017B2 |
Optical disc device
In a conventional method for preventing a collision between a lens and an optical disc which uses a control system similar to the servo control of the optical disc, it is feared that, when there is no need to apply the servo, the collision prevention method may not perform its function satisfactorily. In an optical disc device that operates with a part of its functions suspended for reduced power consumption, the conventional method is not enough to avoid the collision between the lens and the optical disc. By arranging the lens/disc collision prevention mechanism independently operable, it is possible to prevent the collision between the lens and the disc even during the operation with limited functions. |
| US07693015B2 |
Optical information recording device, optical information recording method, and signal processing circuit
It is an object of the present invention to improve a margin to meet good recording quality by conducting a realtime correction of a recording condition of a medium with different recording characteristics for inner and outer circumferences. To accomplish the object, control factors for power and a pulse width are independently detected and corrected using an mT pulse having a length of m′T as a pulse for power control and an nT pulse having a length of n′T as a pulse for pulse width control; more specifically, power correction for mT pulse and pulse width correction for nT pulse are conducted in realtime, wherein a recording pulse stream including the mT pulse and nT pulse is irradiated onto a medium by a recording laser beam as well as pits and spaces formed by irradiation of the recording pulse stream are reproduced by a reproducing laser beam to detect the effects of power and pulse width variations independently. |
| US07693014B2 |
Laser beam recorder and method for controlling a laser beam recorder
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a LBR (Laser Beam Recorder) (56) suitable for mastering a record carrier (60) by writing data in the record carrier in circular or spiral tracks and comprising: means (58) for rotating a record carrier; means (62) for moving a laser (61) over the record carrier (60) in a radial direction with reference to the rotation of the record carrier (60); means (65) for controlling the laser output power; and means (66) for synchronizing the rotation of the record carrier (60), the movement of the laser (61) and the laser output power. In accordance with the invention synchronizing the rotation of the record carrier 60; the movement of the laser 61 and the laser output power is performed such that at least a part of the data is written in at least one track comprising a different arrangement than circular or spiral. The present invention also relates to a Laser Beam Recorder. |
| US07693011B2 |
Wobble detection circuit and method for processing wobble signals
The invention provides a wobble detection circuit. An exemplary embodiment of the wobble detection circuit comprises an automatic gain control module, an analog to digital converter, a digital band pass filter, and a digital band pass filter. The automatic gain control module amplifies a first input signal and a second input signal detected by a pickup head to the same magnitude to obtain a first amplified signal and a second amplified signal. The adder then subtracts the second amplified signal from the first amplified signal to obtain an analog wobble signal. The analog to digital converter then converts the analog wobble signal to a first digital wobble signal. Finally, the digital band pass filter accepts frequency components of the first digital wobble signal within a pass band and rejects frequency components of the first digital wobble signal outside the pass band to obtain a second digital wobble signal. |
| US07693010B2 |
Optical beam control device and image-forming device including the same
An optical beam control device that can suppress deterioration of a laser diode and a photosensitive member is disclosed. Control is performed in such a manner that the luminous energy of emitted light is increased gradually in an initial period from the activation of a laser diode until the first generation of a BD detection signal. The initial period includes an extinction period in which the laser beam is extinguished. Therefore, deterioration of the light-emitting portion of the laser diode and the photosensitive member can be suppressed. |
| US07693005B2 |
Sensor streamer having two-layer jacket
A seismic streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer, at least one strength member extending along the length of and disposed inside the jacket, at least one seismic sensor mounted in a sensor spacer affixed to the at least one strength member, and a void filler made from a material introduced into the jacket in liquid form and undergoing state change thereafter. The jacket includes an inner layer in contact with and having adhesiveness to the void filler, and an outer layer disposed over the outer layer and having substantially no adhesiveness. |
| US07693002B2 |
Dynamic word line drivers and decoders for memory arrays
In a particular illustrative embodiment, a circuit device that includes first logic and second logic is disclosed. The first logic receives a clock signal and a first portion of a memory address of a memory array, decodes the first portion of the memory address, and selectively applies the clock signal to a selected group of wordline drivers associated with the memory array. The second logic decodes a second portion of the memory address and selectively activates a particular wordline driver of the selected group of wordline drivers according to the second portion of the memory address. |
| US07692998B2 |
Circuit of detecting power-up and power-down
A power-up/power-down detecting circuit may include a power detecting circuit, a selecting circuit, and a determining circuit. The power detecting circuit may generate a plurality of detection signals based on a plurality of sensing signals corresponding to currents flowing through a plurality of function blocks. The selecting circuit may generate a plurality of selection signals. The determining circuit may generate a power-up completion signal and a power-down completion signal. A semiconductor device having the power-up/power-down detecting circuit may determine in real time the power-up time and the power-down time. |
| US07692996B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for voltage sensing and reporting
A method, apparatus and system are disclosed for sensing and reporting voltage levels in a semiconductor device. One such voltage sensor and reporting device is configured to sense and compare a reference voltage and an operating voltage. In one or more embodiments the voltage sensor is also configured to generate an alarm signal if the difference between the operating voltage and the reference voltage indicates the operating voltage is outside of a normal operating range. |
| US07692989B2 |
Non-volatile memory having a static verify-read output data path
A memory has first and second memory arrays and first and second sense amplifiers coupled to the first and second memory arrays, respectively. A verify data line is coupled to first outputs of the first sense amplifier and the second sense amplifier as well as to a program/erase controller. The verify data line has a first logic circuit having a first input coupled to the first output of the first sense amplifier and an output. A second logic circuit has a first input coupled to the output of the first logic circuit, a second input coupled to the first output of the second sense amplifier, and an output. A global data line is coupled to a second output of the first sense amplifier and a second output of the second sense amplifier. A global sense amplifier is coupled to the global data line. |
| US07692988B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of controlling the same
A semiconductor device (DRAM) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pairs of digit lines (digit True, Not) connected to a memory cell, a common signal line pair (main I/O True, Not) connected to the plurality of pairs of digit lines in common, a main I/O equalizer performing precharge of the common signal line pair, and a control circuit determining whether the precharge operation is continued irrespective of a signal level of a mask signal input from an outside. |
| US07692986B2 |
Semiconductor memory device for precharging bit lines except for specific reading and writing periods
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell having an FET of a floating body type, and a capacitor for storing a data charge; a bit line to which the source or the drain of the FET is connected; a precharging device for performing precharge control so that the bit line has a predetermined precharge voltage; a sense amplifier for amplifying and storing the potential of the bit line, which is set in accordance with the data charge read from the memory cell; a switching device, provided between the bit line and the sense amplifier, for performing selective connection therebetween; and a control part for controlling the precharging device, the sense amplifier, and the switching device. Except for each period for performing data reading or writing, the control part makes the precharging device perform the precharge control and makes the switching device disconnect the bit line from the sense amplifier. |
| US07692985B2 |
Semiconductor memory device capable of detecting bridge defects and bridge defect detecting method performed in the semiconductor memory device
A bridge defect detecting method performed in a semiconductor memory device that includes a plurality of memory cells arranged at intersections between a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of sense amplifiers connected to the bit lines, includes the operations of: enabling a first sense amplifier and a second sense amplifier; keeping the first sense amplifier in an enabled state and disabling the second sense amplifier; enabling the second sense amplifier, and detecting a bridge defect between the first memory cell and the second memory cell by reading data from a first memory cell of a first bit line connected to the first sense amplifier and a second memory cell of a second bit line connected to the second sense amplifier. |
| US07692981B2 |
Data transfer apparatus in semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
A data transfer apparatus in a semiconductor memory device includes a DQ pad, a DQS pad, a DQ driver for transferring the data signal to the DQ pad according to a driver select signal, and a DQS driver for transferring data strobe signal to the DQS pad according to the driver select signal. Any one of the DQ driver and the DQS driver is activated by the driver select signal, and the driver select signal is generated by one of EMRS control code, MRS control code and test mode code. |
| US07692978B2 |
Semiconductor device that uses a plurality of source voltages
A semiconductor device includes a first memory; and a voltage adjusting portion configured to receive a first voltage, a second voltage higher than the first voltage, and a third voltage higher than the second voltage. The first memory includes: a memory cell configured to be connected to a word line and a bit line, a word-line driving circuit configured to drive the word line, and a sense amplifier configured to sense information stored in the memory cell. The voltage adjusting portion includes: a voltage modifying circuit configured to step down or boost up the third voltage at a predetermined mode to generate a fourth voltage higher than the second voltage, and supply the fourth voltage to the sense amplifier or the word-line driving circuit. |
| US07692974B2 |
Memory cell, memory device, device and method of accessing a memory cell
Implementations are presented herein that relate to a memory cell, a memory device, a device and a method of accessing a memory cell. |
| US07692973B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is provided, which comprises at least a cell including a plurality of memory elements connected in series. Each of the plurality of memory elements includes a channel formation region, source and drain regions, a floating gate, and a control gate. Each of the source and drain regions is electrically connected to an erasing line through a semiconductor impurity region. |
| US07692968B2 |
Operation method of non-volatile memory and method of improving coupling interference from nitride-based memory
An operation method of a non-volatile memory is provided. The operation method is that a reading operation is performed to a selected nitride-based memory cell, a first positive voltage is applied to a word line adjacent to one side of the selected memory cell and a second positive voltage is applied to another word line adjacent to the other side of the selected memory cell. The operation method of this present invention not only can reduce a coupling interference issue but also can obtain a wider operation window. |
| US07692962B2 |
Reduced state quadbit
A reduced state memory device and methods of forming and programming multi-level flash memory cell element-pairs of the device, each element configured to store a blank level or two or more program levels are provided. In one embodiment, the reduced state memory device comprises a component configured to store in the memory cell element-pairs one pattern combination of a plurality of program pattern combinations comprising two blank levels, two program levels, and one blank level and one program level, the levels differing by less than a predetermined value. In one embodiment, a method of forming a memory device comprises forming at least one memory device of a multi-level flash memory array, each memory cell comprising two or more memory elements, each memory element configured to store three or more levels, and excluding one or more program pattern combinations that can be stored in the at least one memory cell. |
| US07692960B2 |
Scheme of semiconductor memory and method for operating same
A method for improving an over erasing effect of a charge-trapping memory cell. The charge-trapping memory cell has a transistor, which has a first terminal coupled to a first bit line and a second terminal coupled to a second bit line. First, the method erases the charge-trapping memory cell. Then, after the charge-trapping memory cell is completely erased, the first bit line is electrically connected to the second bit line to make a voltage level of the first bit line equal a voltage level of the second bit line such that the voltage level of the first terminal of the transistor equals the voltage level of the second terminal of the transistor. |
| US07692958B2 |
Method for reading phase change memories and phase change memory
A phase change memory cells including a memory element or a threshold device is read using a read current which does not threshold either the memory element or the threshold device in the case of both a set and a reset memory element. As a result, higher currents may be avoided, increasing read endurance. A sensing circuit includes a charging rate detector coupled to a selected address line and sensing a rate of change of a voltage on the selected address line. |
| US07692957B2 |
Phase change memory device with ensured sensing margin and method of manufacturing the same
A phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of bar-type active areas. A plurality of word lines are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the active areas on the semiconductor substrate, and a first pair of the word lines connected to each other at each first end thereof is arranged alternately with a second pair of the word lines connected to each other at each second end thereof opposite to the first end. Source areas and drain areas are formed in the active areas. Common source areas are each connected to the source areas. A plurality of lower electrodes are connected to the respective drain areas. Phase change layers make contact with every two diagonally adjoining lower electrodes. Upper electrodes are formed on the phase change layers, and bit lines are arranged in a direction of the active areas and are connected to the upper electrodes. |
| US07692955B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a memory cell array including a plurality of SRAM memory cells; a characteristic measuring circuit including a plurality of transistor circuits connected in parallel; and a first terminal. The plurality of transistor circuits each include a first transistor configured in the same manner as one of transistors included in one of the SRAM memory cells. The first transistor is connected so as to control current between the first terminal and a node at a reference potential according to a voltage supplied to a gate of the first transistor. |
| US07692950B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
There is provided a semiconductor memory device including; first and second active areas formed to extend in a first direction on a semiconductor substrate, first and second split word lines formed in a second direction on the semiconductor substrate, a common source line extending between the first and second active areas in the first direction and coupled to the first and second active areas, a first variable resistance element formed on the first active area between the first and second split word lines, a second variable resistance element formed on the second active area between the first and second split word lines, first and second bit lines extending in the first direction and respectively coupled to the first and second variable resistance elements. |
| US07692949B2 |
Multi-bit resistive memory
A memory includes a first multi-bit resistive memory cell and a single bit resistive memory cell. The single bit resistive memory cell is for storing a bit indicating whether data stored in the first multi-bit resistive memory cell is inverted. |
| US07692946B2 |
Memory array on more than one die
For one disclosed embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first die including a first plurality of memory cells for a memory array and a second die including a second plurality of memory cells for the memory array. The second die may include a shared line for the memory array to conduct digital signals for memory cells of both the first and second plurality of memory cells. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US07692944B2 |
3-dimensional integrated circuit architecture, structure and method for fabrication thereof
An integrated circuit design, structure and method for fabrication thereof includes at least one logic device layer and at least two additional separate memory array layers. Each of the logic device layer and the at least two memory array layers is independently optimized for a particular type of logic device or memory device disposed therein. Preferably also disposed within the logic device layer are array sense amplifiers, memory array output drivers and like higher performance circuitry otherwise generally disposed within memory array layer substrates. All layers may be independently powered to provide additional performance enhancement. |
| US07692942B2 |
Semiconductor memory apparatus
A semiconductor memory that includes a row decoder part, a first cell array placed on either side of the row decoder part, a second cell array placed on the other side of the row decoder part, and a wiring layer that short-circuits word lines corresponding to a specified row address on the first cell array with word lines corresponding to a specified row address on the second cell array. |
| US07692941B2 |
Separate CAM core power supply for power saving
A CAM system includes an integrated circuit chip having: logic & control circuitry, a CAM cell array, read/write access circuitry that performs read and write accesses to the CAM cell array, comparison access circuitry that performs comparison operations to the CAM cell array, a first voltage supply pad coupled to the read/write access circuitry; and a second voltage supply pad coupled to the comparison access circuitry. A first voltage supply, external to the integrated circuit chip, provides a first supply voltage to the first voltage supply pad, wherein the logic & control circuitry is powered by the first supply voltage. A second voltage supply, external to the integrated circuit chip, provides a second supply voltage to the second voltage supply pad, wherein at least a portion of the comparison access circuitry is powered by the second supply voltage, wherein the second supply voltage is less than the first supply voltage. |
| US07692940B2 |
Voltage conversion device
A voltage transformer, which is placed between a DC power source (B) and a motor (M1), includes: a voltage sensor (10) and an electric current sensor (11), which senses input and output of electric power to and from the DC power source (B); a buck-boost converter (12) having power control elements, which is placed in a path connecting between power lines (PL1) and (PL2) that establish the connection to the DC power source (B) and the connection to the motor (M1), respectively; and a controller (30) for controlling the buck-boost converter (12). The controller (30) monitors the change in the regenerated power that is supplied to the DC power source (B), based on the outputs from the voltage sensor (10) and the electric current sensor (11), and, if the amount of change in the regenerated power is greater than a predetermined amount, the controller (30) changes the operation mode of the buck-boost converter (12) from a rapid operation mode to a slow operation mode. |
| US07692939B2 |
Control circuit
In a control circuit for powering up a switching power supply into a powered output bus, the control circuit is built such that before a turning-on of the switching power supply the controller reference is the slave that follows the bus voltage which is the master. At the moment when the converter is turned on, the master/slave relationship changes such that after the turning-on of the switching power supply the output voltage of the switching power supply is the slave that follows the controller reference. Hence, the status of the output level is memorized by the voltage loop prior to start-up of the converter such that the conflict between the soft-starting voltage loop of the converter and the pre-biased output is minimized. |
| US07692933B1 |
Apparatus and methods for interconnecting electrical circuit substrates and components
A stand-off having a flange and a projecting portion extending from the flange is integrated with a first substrate, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), by forming a hole in the PCB, inserting the projecting portion of the stand-off through the hole, and attaching a second substrate to the first substrate with the flange therebetween. The flange can be at least partially received by a relief formed in one of the substrates or in an aperture in an adhesive layer between the two substrates. The stand-off can be further secured to the PCB using one or more of adhesives, interference fit techniques, snap-assembly features, and other applicable techniques. Alternatively, the stand-off can be attached to a substrate using a sliding snap feature or sliding interference fit. An attachable component can be attached to the projecting portion of the stand-off. |
| US07692922B2 |
Heatsink, method of manufacturing same, and microelectronic package containing same
A heatsink comprises a base (110, 210, 310), a fin (120, 220, 320) attached to the base, and a piezoelectric patch (130, 230, 330) attached to the fin. The piezoelectric patch causes the fin to oscillate, thus generating air circulation near the fin surface. This airflow disturbs the boundary layer near the fin and dramatically increases the heat transfer from the fin to air compared to a non-oscillating fin, even for the same bulk flow rate. |
| US07692921B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a housing and a circuit board contained in the housing. The housing includes a main wall, a side wall, a vertical wall, a first rib, and a second rib. The side wall is integrally formed with the main wall. The vertical wall is integrally formed with the main wall and faces to the side wall. The first rib is integrally formed with the side wall and the main wall. The first rib extends from the side wall toward the vertical wall. The first rib has a first end portion separated from the vertical wall. The second rib is integrally formed with the vertical wall and the main wall. The second rib extends from the vertical wall toward the side wall. The second rib has a second end portion separated from the side wall. The second rib faces to the first end. |
| US07692918B2 |
Coupling structure of chassis base and circuit board and display apparatus including the same
Example embodiments relate to a coupling structure including a chassis base configured to support a display panel, and an electromagnetic wave shielding member connected to the chassis base so as to form an area for installing a circuit board. The electromagnetic wave shielding member may surround the circuit board. |
| US07692915B1 |
Electric shock device
An electroshock device with a more effective physiological impact uses Shaped Pulse technology and integrated STUN GUN/EMD technology to produce high-voltage pulse transformers, and is distinguished by the considerable visual effect of its demonstration release of electric discharge. In one embodiment, the device employs parameters of electric discharges having frequencies of 100-200 Hz with pulse energy of at least 0.1 J and a pulse duration up to 1000 milliseconds, which allows one to achieve the goal of stopping and capturing the target. In other embodiments, a series of impulses based on STUN GUN technology alternate with separate impulses based on EMD technology in a single, uninterrupted electric discharge by which the target-stopping and target-capturing mechanisms are attained. |
| US07692914B2 |
Microsystem
A microsystem consists of at least one sensor and/or actuator, a signal processor and/or control mechanism linked therewith, a timer, and an electrical energy storage unit providing a current source for at least the signal processor and/or control mechanism. The signal processor and/or control mechanism has a mode switching mechanism, by means of which it can be set to an operating mode and a resting mode that consumes less current compared with the operating mode. The mode switching mechanism has at least one control signal input which is electrically connected to the timer for application of a mode switching signal. The timer is a mechanical timer, which has at least one micromechanical cantilever, which is coupled with at least one electrical element connected to the at least one control signal input of the signal processor and/or control mechanism in such a way that said electrical element is time-dependently set. |
| US07692913B2 |
Multichannel spark-gap with multiple intervals and pulsed high-power generator
A multichannel spark-gap with multiple intervals for use in pulsed high-power generators of the LTD family. The spark-gap includes a sealed chamber, two discharge electrodes connected to electrical connecting elements, and a number of intermediate electrodes arranged uniformly inside the sealed chamber. One of the intermediate electrodes is called triggering electrode and is connected to triggering elements enabling the spark-gap to be fired. The triggering electrode further includes integral pipes enabling a gas to be distributed inside the chamber, so as to improve the voltage strength of the spark-gap. The spark-gap is characterised in that the negative discharge electrode includes a corona effect device equipped with needles whereof the geometry is adapted to compensate for the differences in shape between the negative discharge electrode and the immediately adjacent intermediate electrode so as to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the potentials inside the sealed chamber. |
| US07692897B2 |
Grounded writer core
A transducing head includes a substrate, a writer positioned upon the substrate, and a reader positioned adjacent the writer. The writer is in electrical contact with the substrate. |
| US07692890B2 |
Flying height control method and circuit
A method of the present invention is used to control a flying height of a head operable to read data from and write data to a disk of a recording medium housed in an enclosure. In this method, the head is positioned to a predetermined radial measurement location on the disk to obtain error information on errors in the positioning of the head. A frequency analysis is performed on the obtained error information. Disturbance information on errors caused by a wind disturbance is calculated from the frequency analysis result. Pressure information on an air pressure in the enclosure is calculated based on the calculated disturbance information. A control value for controlling a flying height of the head with respect to the disk is determined based on the calculated pressure information. The flying height of the head is controlled based on the determined control value. |
| US07692886B1 |
Lens seated device for driving single lens reflex camera zooming
A lens seated device for driving a single lens reflex (SLR) camera zooming comprises an adapting ring, a big gear, a small gear, a motor and a chassis. The chassis sustains the SLR camera, the adapting ring, the big gear, the small gear and the motor. The adapting ring clinches around the lens of the SLR camera and is seated and fixed on the big gear. The motor is used for driving and directly rotating the small gear, and then the small gear will drive to rotate the big gear. The rotation of the big gear will drive and rotate the adapting ring accordingly, and thereby drive the lens of the SLR camera for zooming. |
| US07692884B2 |
Optical apparatus, barrel, exposure apparatus, and production method for device
An optical system improved in weight balance and stability, comprising drive mechanisms that support, movable with respect to an outer ring, a virtual rigid body consisting of an inner ring, optical element in a shape asymmetrical with respect to the optical axis, and optical element holding members for holding the optical element and fixing it to the inner ring. The inner ring, the outer ring and drive mechanisms function as a parallel link mechanism. Balance weights are provided on the virtual rigid body such that the weight of the virtual rigid body acts uniformly on the drive mechanisms. Therefore, the optical element is not likely to vibrate when subjected to an external vibration or at adjusting. The optical system is suitable for use in an exposure system requiring high exposure accuracy. |
| US07692879B2 |
Correction device for an optical arrangement and confocal microscope with such a device
A correction device for an imaging optical arrangement exhibiting a light path (1), in particular for a microscope, that exhibits at least one plane-parallel transparent plate (9), which is held in a mounting plate in the image beam path (1) and is propelable around at least one axle in a tipping and/or a swiveling motion, in order in adjust a definite parallel misalignment of the beams in the image beam path (1) by a change in the tipping situation of the plate (9). A confocal microscope with such a correction device exhibits a confocal screen (4), which illustrates a specimen mark (10), whereby the plane-parallel plate (9) is placed in front of the detector unit (2) in the light path (1), in order to center the illustration of the aperture diaphragm on the detector unit. |
| US07692873B2 |
Imaging apparatus
A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information. |
| US07692869B2 |
Image-taking lens unit
An image-taking lens unit includes: a variable magnification optical system for forming an optical image of an object with a variable magnification; and an image sensor for converting the optical image into an electrical signal. The image-taking lens unit changes the shape thereof between a photographing state and a non-photographing state. The variable magnification optical system has a plurality of lens groups for performing magnification variation by changing intervals therebetween and a reflective surface for bending an optical axis. At least one of the plurality of lens groups is a movable group that moves during magnification variation. The reflective surface is kept in fixed position during magnification variation or focusing. In transition from the photographing state to the non-photographing state, at least the reflective surface moves so that at least part of the movable group is stored into a space left after the movement of the reflective surface. |
| US07692864B2 |
Crystallization apparatus, optical member for use in crystallization apparatus, crystallization method, manufacturing method of thin film transistor, and manufacturing method of matrix circuit substrate of display
A crystallization method includes wavefront-dividing an incident light beam into a plurality of light beams, condensing the wavefront-divided light beams in a corresponding phase shift portion of a phase shift mask or in the vicinity of the phase shift portion to form a light beam having an light intensity distribution of an inverse peak pattern in which a light intensity is minimum in a point corresponding to the phase shift portion of the phase shift mask, and irradiating a polycrystalline semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film with the light beam having the light intensity distribution to produce a crystallized semiconductor film. |
| US07692863B2 |
Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera
A zoom lens system comprising a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element, wherein an interval between at least any two lens units among the lens units is changed so that an optical image of an object is formed with a continuously variable magnification, a first lens unit arranged on the most object side among the lens units includes a lens element having a reflecting surface for bending a light beam from the object, and any one of the lens units, any one of the lens elements, or alternatively a plurality of adjacent lens elements that constitute one lens unit move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis; an imaging device including the zoom lens system; and a camera employing the imaging device. |
| US07692862B2 |
Zoom lens capable of image stabilization and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens capable of image stabilization is provided and includes: in order from the object side, a positive first group fixed in variable magnification, a negative second group having a variable magnification function, a positive third group fixed in variable magnification, and a positive fourth group having a correction function for an image plane variation depending upon variable magnification and a focusing function. In the third group, there are arranged a positive 3a-th group, a negative 3b-th group, and a positive 3c-th group in this order from the object side. Blurring of a taken image caused by a vibration of this variable magnification optical system is corrected by moving the 3b-th group in a direction approximately orthogonal to the optical axis. Further, a specific conditional expression relating to power of the third group and a specific conditional expression relating to a power distribution of lens groups of the third group G3 are satisfied. |
| US07692852B2 |
Raman amplifier, optical repeater, and Raman amplification method
A Raman amplifier according to the present invention comprises a plurality of pumping means using semiconductor lasers of Fabry-Perot, DFB, or DBR type or MOPAs, and pumping lights outputted from the pumping means have different central wavelengths, and interval between the adjacent central wavelength is greater than 6 nm and smaller than 35 nm. An optical repeater according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned Raman amplifier and adapted to compensate loss in an optical fiber transmission line by the Raman amplifier. In a Raman amplification method according to the present invention, the shorter the central wavelength of the pumping light the higher light power of said pumping light. In the Raman amplifier according to the present invention, when a certain pumping wavelength is defined as a first channel, and second to n-th channels are defined to be arranged with an interval of about 1 THz toward a longer wavelength side, the pumping lights having wavelengths corresponding to the first to n-th channels are multiplexed, and an pumping light having a wavelength spaced apart from the n-th channel by 2 THz or more toward the longer wavelength side is combined with the multiplexed light, thereby forming the pumping light source. The pumping lights having wavelengths corresponding to the channels other than (n-1)-th and (n-2)-th channels may be multiplexed, thereby forming the pumping light source. The pumping lights having wavelengths corresponding to the channels other than (n-2)-th and (n-3)-th channels may be multiplexed, thereby forming the pumping light source. |
| US07692849B2 |
Method for measuring nonlinear optical properties, and optical amplifier and optical transmission system using same
In an optical amplifier of the present invention, an input light is supplied to one end of an optical fiber connected to an output port, and the power of a light in an opposite direction which is input to the output port from the one end of the optical fiber, is measured, thereby obtaining a stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) occurrence threshold in the optical fiber based on the measurement result. Then, using the SBS occurrence threshold, a relation been the input light power and an occurrence amount of the self phase modulation (SPM) or the like in the optical fiber is obtained to be reflected on a control of the optical amplifier, so that an occurrence of the SPM or the like in the optical fiber is suppressed. As a result, it becomes possible to accurately measure, with a simple configuration, the nonlinear optical properties of the optical fiber actually connected to the output port of the optical amplifier, so that the optical S/N ratio degradation due to a nonlinear optical effect can be effectively suppressed. |
| US07692844B2 |
Interferometric modulation of radiation
Improvements in an interferometric modulator that has a cavity defined by two walls. |
| US07692843B2 |
Electrochromic mirror
An electrochromic mirror includes an electrically conductive reflective film capable of reflecting light that is incident thereto and having electrical conductivity in which plural fine penetration holes are formed, an electrochromic film that is provided at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film at which the light is incident and reflected, an electrically conductive film that is provided at a side of the electrically conductive reflective film that is opposite from the electrochromic film, and an electrolytic solution that contains lithium ions and is enclosed between the electrically conductive film and the electrically conductive reflective film. The plural penetration holes formed in the electrically conductive reflective film penetrate in a thickness direction thereof, and a ratio between a distance between respective centers of the penetration holes and an inner peripheral diameter dimension of the penetration holes is 7 or more. |
| US07692841B2 |
System and method for regulating micromirror position
A system and method for regulating micromirror position in a digital micromirror device. The system and method adjusts micromirror operating temperature and/or a reset sequence of the micromirror by determining a desired tilt angle, adjusting voltage potentials of signals in a reference reset sequence, and saving the adjusted reset sequence. The adjustments are used to alter a voltage potential difference between micromirrors of the digital micromirror device and respective address lines, thereby allowing for a precise regulation of a tilt angle of the micromirrors. Additionally, the operating temperature of the digital micromirror device may also be controlled to regulate micromirror position. The precise control of the tilt angle of the micromirrors permits the use of digital micromirror devices in systems requiring fine focus and increased focus depth, such as photolithography and holography. |
| US07692840B2 |
Composite material with controllable resonant cells
An apparatus for controlling propagation of incident electromagnetic radiation is described, comprising a composite material having electromagnetically reactive cells of small dimension relative to a wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation. At least one of a capacitive and inductive property of at least one of the electromagnetically reactive cells is temporally controllable to allow temporal control of an associated effective refractive index encountered by the incident electromagnetic radiation while propagating through the composite material. |
| US07692839B2 |
System and method of providing MEMS device with anti-stiction coating
In various embodiments of the invention, an anti-stiction coating is formed on at least one surface of an interior cavity of a MEMS device. Particular embodiments provide an anti-stiction on one or mirror surfaces of an interferometric light modulation device, also known as an iMoD in some embodiments. In other embodiments, an interferometric light modulation device is encapsulated within a package and the anti-stiction coating is applied after the package is fabricated. In one embodiment, one or more orifices are defined in the package, e.g., in a seal, a substrate or a backplate and the anti-stiction coating material is supplied into the interior of the package via the orifice(s). In one embodiment, the anti-stiction coating material includes a self-aligned (or self-assembled) monolayer. In yet another embodiment, the anti-stiction layer coating can be incorporated into a release process where a sacrificial layer of an interferometric light modulation device is etched away with the use of a gas. |
| US07692837B2 |
Deflection device and imaging apparatus
A deflection device includes a tabular object for transmitting or reflecting an electromagnetic wave, a drive unit for driving the tabular object so as to rotate or perform a translation motion, and an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit for irradiating the tabular object with an electromagnetic wave so that an irradiation area extending in a direction intersecting a direction of the rotation or translation motion of the tabular object is formed. The deflection device is characterized in that, in order to change a direction of transmission or reflection of an electromagnetic wave radiated on the irradiation area by the rotation or translation motion of the tabular object, a plurality of grooves extending in an in-plane direction of the tabular object is provided in a section of the tabular object along a longitudinal direction of the irradiation area, and the plurality of grooves is formed so that intervals of the plurality of grooves which passes through the irradiation area are changed by the rotation or translation motion of the tabular object. |
| US07692835B2 |
Hologram recording apparatus, hologram recording method, and hologram recording medium
A recording medium, a recording apparatus, and a recording method. Recording data is recorded as element holograms on a hologram recording medium, a synchronization signal selected from among a plurality of synchronization signals and recording data encoded for every predetermined unit amount are arrayed to facilitate reproduction. |
| US07692819B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus
There is described an image processing apparatus which enables an additional image, such as a “Confidential” mark, to be added to an original image only during the period when it is necessary to be outputted. The image processing apparatus includes an image signals obtaining section which obtains image signals corresponding to an image; an additional image setting section which sets an additional image with the image corresponding to the image signals; a day and time information setting section which sets a day and time information used for judging whether the image is outputted with or without an additional image in outputting the image based on the image signals; and a judgment section which judges whether date and time information meets date and time for output when the image is outputted based on the image signals. |
| US07692814B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Disclosed is the prevention of the occurrence of uneven image density, as well as the image degradation caused by inhibiting the continuity of image density, produced by the photoreceptor in which uneven electrification exists, and additionally uneven sensitivity coexists, without enlargement of the apparatus as well as increase in the cost. To the exposure amount obtained by the approximate linear transformation of the pixel gradation in each segment multi-divided in the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1, in all the pixel gradation including 0 level, exposing source 2 is controlled to expose with the amount of exposure, offset with only the offset exposure amount Ea which corresponds to the difference between the initial electric potential and the reference initial electric potential V0 of the segment. The exposure amount adjustment of the offset exposure amount Ea is conducted by offsetting the exposure time in each pixel. |
| US07692806B2 |
Image processing system and method
When a user system requests an image processing apparatus to perform a color correction processing and an image processing, an authentication processing is performed between the user system and the image processing apparatus. The user system outputs drawing data and print options to the image processing apparatus, which then performs RIP processing of the drawing data, and an accounting processing for the RIP processing is performed. Subsequently, a print processing of the image data supplied by performing the RIP processing is performed on a printer. Charging for the print processing is conducted. |
| US07692803B2 |
Mobile phone with camera and printer
A mobile phone includes an elongate body defining a transverse print media path therethrough. A keypad and display is mounted on one side of the body. A camera device that includes at least one lens is mounted to an opposite side of the body and a image sensor is configured to capture an image viewed through the lens. A printer is mounted within the body and includes a printhead and ink supply module. The printhead and ink supply module is mounted, in a replaceable manner, to the printer and is configured to print the captured image upon print media fed along the path. |
| US07692799B2 |
Measurement apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device fabrication method
The invention provides a measurement apparatus which measures a wavefront aberration of an optical system to be measured, the apparatus includes a measurement mask which is inserted on an object plane of the optical system to be measured, and includes a plurality of reflection units configured to generate spherical waves by reflecting light, the measurement mask including a reflection layer configured to reflect the light, a first layer which is stacked on the reflection layer, has a plurality of openings, and is made of a first substance, and a second layer which is stacked on the first layer, has a window configured to expose a region in which the plurality of openings are arrayed, and is made of a second substance different from the first substance, wherein the plurality of reflection units are formed by portions of the reflection layer, which are exposed through the plurality of openings. |
| US07692797B2 |
Optical tomography system
An optical tomography system for obtaining a tomographic image of an object to be measured includes a light source unit which emits low coherence light. The low coherence light emitted from the light source unit is divided into measuring light and reference light. The reflected light from the object when the measuring light is projected onto the object and the reference light are multiplexed. The interference light of the reflected light and the reference light which have been multiplexed is detected, and a tomographic image information of the object is obtained by carrying out frequency-analysis on the detected interference light. A first detecting mode in which the interference light is detected at a first wavelength resolution and the interference light is detected at a second wavelength resolution higher than the first wavelength resolution are switched. |
| US07692790B2 |
Grating spectrometer system and method for the acquisition of measured values
The present invention is directed to a grating spectrometer system for polychromator spectrometer arrangements and monochromator spectrometer arrangements. The grating spectrometer system, according to the invention, comprises a light source for illuminating the sample to be analyzed, a diffraction grating, imaging optical elements, a detector arranged in the image plane, and a controlling and regulating unit. Individual light sources, preferably LEDs having different spectral characteristics, whose spectral range covers a plurality of diffraction orders in the image plane are used as light source. Only those LEDs which do not illuminate the same location of the individual detectors arranged in the image plane in any diffraction order are switched on individually or in groups by the controlling and regulating unit. The proposed solution is suitable for polychromator spectrometer arrangements and for monochromator spectrometer arrangements. The field of application is determined by the spectral sensitivity of the detector that is employed. By using a plurality of diffraction orders, the resolution can be increased with the detector size remaining the same, or the detector surface can be reduced while retaining the same imaging quality. |
| US07692788B2 |
Method for quickly determining qualities/qualitative changes in any system
The invention relates to a method for testing the slightest quality differences or quality features of any objects and agents interacting therewith based on measuring the percentage scatter of “ultraweak” photon emissions (“biophotons” in biological systems) and the delayed luminescence in a scatter chamber (darkroom). These scatter percentages can vary to such an extent as to enable the sufficiently sensitive registration of slightest quality differences (quality features). |
| US07692787B2 |
Chip for Raman scattering enhancement and molecular sensing device including the chip
The present invention aims to provide a chip applied to a molecular sensing device which carries out Raman spectroscopic analysis utilizing Raman scattering enhancement due to plasmons, and that achieves higher sensitivity and stability of its sensing sensitivity and miniaturization, and to provide a molecular sensing device including the chip. As the chip for Raman scattering enhancement applied to the molecular sensing device using the Raman spectroscopic analysis, which has an excitation light source for Raman scattering, a chip for Raman scattering enhancement and a photodetector for observing the Raman scattering, the present invention employs a chip having a molecular detecting element in which a transparent protection material thin film 32 composed of a dielectric material thin film or semiconducting material thin film is formed on a thin film 31 containing the noble metal oxide, and utilizes the Raman scattering enhancement by the thin film containing the noble metal oxide. |
| US07692785B2 |
System and method for optical power management
A system and method for managing optical power for controlling thermal alteration of a sample undergoing spectroscopic analysis is provided. The system includes a moveable laser beam generator for irradiating the sample and a beam shaping device for moving and shaping the laser beam to prevent thermal overload or build up in the sample. The moveable laser beam generator includes at least one beam shaping device selected from the group consisting of at least one optical lens, at least one optical diffractor, at least one optical path difference modulator, at least one moveable mirror, at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated circuit (IC), and/or a liquid droplet. The system also includes an at least two degree of freedom (2 DOF) moveable substrate platform and a controller for controlling the laser beam generator and the substrate platform, and for analyzing light reflected from the sample. |
| US07692783B2 |
Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources
Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing. |
| US07692779B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing defects
An apparatus for detecting defects on a specimen including an illumination optical unit which obliquely projects a laser onto a region which is longer in one direction than in a direction transverse to said one direction on a surface of a specimen, a table unit which mounts said specimen and which is movable, a detection optical unit which detects with an image sensor an image of light formed by light reflected from said specimen in both directions of the one direction and the direction transverse and which reflected light in both directions is formed on said image sensor while said table is moving, a signal processor which processes a signal outputted from said image sensor of said detection optical unit to extract defects of said specimen. A display unit which displays information of defects extracted by said signal processor. |
| US07692778B2 |
Transfer/inspection apparatus and transfer apparatus
The invention is to provide a transfer/inspection apparatus capable of inspecting any defect even during transferring and to provide a transfer/inspection apparatus capable of inspecting any defect in a non-contact state during transferring, even if the an object to be transferred is a transparent material. The transfer/inspection apparatus includes a transfer apparatus 2, and a defect inspector 3. The transfer apparatus 2 transfers a thin member 5 in a non-contacted state under control of voltage to be applied to an electrode face, and the defect inspector inspects any defect of the thin member during transferring the thin member. The transfer apparatus 2 is preferably provided with a light beam-transmitting portion (omitted portion 15) at a part of the electrode face for allowing the light beam therethrough. When the defect inspector 3 is arranged by utilizing the light beam-transmitting portion 15, the defect can be inspected in the non-contact manner during transferring, even if the object to be transferred is the transparent material. |
| US07692776B2 |
Chemical imaging explosives (CHIMED) optical sensor
A system and method of detecting explosive compounds located on a sample. The sample is irradiated with animal-safe ultra-violet radiation generating a fluorescence data set. A fluorescence database is searched based on the fluorescence data set in order to identify a known fluorescence data set. If the searching of the fluorescence database identifies a known fluorescence data set, an area of interest in the sample is identified based on the known fluorescence data set identified in the fluorescence database searching. The area of interest is irradiated with substantially monochromatic radiation to generate a Raman data set of the area of interest. A Raman database is searched based on the Raman data set in order to identify a known Raman data set. An explosive compound in the area of interest is identified based on the known Raman data set identified by searching the Raman database. |
| US07692775B2 |
Time and space resolved standoff hyperspectral IED explosives LIDAR detection
A system and method for standoff detection of explosives and explosive residue. A laser light source illuminates a target area having an unknown sample producing luminescence emitted photons, scattered photons and plasma emitted photons. A first optical system directs light to the target area. A video capture device outputs a dynamic image of the target area. A second optical system collects photons, and directs collected photons to a first two-dimensional array of detection elements and/or to a fiber array spectral translator device which device includes a two-dimensional array of optical fibers drawn into a one-dimensional fiber stack. A spectrograph is coupled to the one-dimensional fiber stack of the fiber array spectral translator device, wherein the entrance slit of the spectrograph is coupled to the one dimensional fiber stack. |
| US07692771B2 |
Imprint lithography
A lithographic apparatus is disclosed that has a template holder configured to hold an imprint template, a substrate table arranged to receive a substrate, a radiation output arranged to illuminate a part of the imprint template, and a detector configured to detect radiation scattered from an interface between the imprint template and imprintable material provided on the substrate. |
| US07692768B2 |
Iron core motor driven automatic reticle blind
Methods and apparatus for shielding a reticle within an illumination system are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a blind arrangement for shielding an object such as a reticle includes a coil assembly which has at least one coil, an air supply that supplies air, and a first blind portion. The first blind portion includes at least one magnet and is not in physical contact with the coil. The first blind portion is supported at a distance from the coil by the air, and the coil assembly cooperates with the magnet to cause the first blind portion to move. The first blind portion shields the object when the first blind portion is in a first position. |
| US07692766B2 |
Lithographic apparatus
A projection system suitable for use in a lithographic apparatus, the projection system including a transmissive optical element and a thermal profile corrector configured to change a thermal profile of the transmissive optical element, the thermal profile corrector including a transfer member and a thermal profile conditioner, the transfer member being moveable into and out of proximity with the transmissive optical element to transfer a desired thermal profile from the thermal profile conditioner into the transmissive optical element. |
| US07692765B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method of removing liquid
A method of removing liquid from a substrate supported on a substrate table and from a gap between the substrate and the substrate table includes: providing a liquid removal device with at least one outlet connected to an under pressure source, the outlet forming an elongated extractor of a predetermined geometry; relatively moving the substrate table and the liquid removal device such that the extractor is adapted to pass over all of the substrate and gap and such that substantially at any given time any local part of the extractor at the edge of a non-dried portion of the gap has, in a plane, its local tangent orientated at an angle of between about 35° and 90° to the local tangent of the gap. |
| US07692764B2 |
Exposure apparatus, operation decision method, substrate processing system, maintenance management method, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus is equipped with a main controller that decides an operation of the exposure apparatus based on information on maintenance from a C/D. Therefore, the main controller can decide to perform a specific operation, which is necessary for maintaining performance of the exposure apparatus and requires stop of the primary operation of the exposure apparatus, during maintenance of the C/D, that is, when the primary operation of the exposure apparatus has to be stopped by necessity, in parallel with the maintenance of the C/D. As a consequence, downtime of the exposure apparatus necessary for performing the specific operation can be decreased as a whole, which makes it possible to improve the operating rate without lowering apparatus performance of the exposure apparatus that is inline connected to a substrate processing apparatus. |
| US07692761B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus which includes a projection optical system configured to project a pattern of a reticle onto a substrate and exposes the substrate to light via the reticle and the projection optical system with a gap between the projection optical system and the substrate filled with liquid, comprises a liquid immersion system configured to supply the liquid to the gap and to recover the liquid from the gap; and a generator configured to generate at least one of an electric field and magnetic field in a path of the liquid of the liquid immersion system. |
| US07692759B2 |
Polarization gratings in mesogenic films
A polarization grating comprising a polarization sensitive photo-alignment layer (2) and a liquid crystal composition (3) arranged on said photo-alignment layer is provided. An alignment pattern, corresponding to the polarization pattern of a hologram, is recorded in the photo-alignment layer, and the liquid crystal composition is aligned on the photo-alignment layer. As the origin for the alignment of the liquid crystal composition is a polarization hologram recorded in a photo-alignment layer, an essentially defect-free pattern can be obtained with this approach. |
| US07692757B2 |
Wafer scale fabrication of liquid crystal on silicon light modulation devices
A liquid crystal over silicon light modulator may include a trenched cover glass. The trenched cover glass enables the provision of regions between adjacent dice on the wafer level. These regions facilitate sealing of the individual modulators and dicing of the individual modulators from the overall wafer. In some embodiments this may reduce contamination of the liquid crystal with the sealing material and losses at the dicing stage. |
| US07692755B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including protrusion with recessed portion for accepting spherical spacer
A liquid crystal display device including two substrates, with a pixel electrode formed on one substrate and an opposite electrode formed on the other substrate. The device also includes an alignment film formed on the opposite electrode, a protrusion formed between the opposite electrode and the alignment film, spherical spacers, liquid crystal, and an alignment film protrusion formed by the alignment film in an area corresponding to the protrusion, such that the protrusion causes the alignment film protrusion to protrude toward the liquid crystal. The alignment film protrusion is recessed on a side opposite one of the substrates and regulates an alignment direction of the liquid crystal contacting it. Further, the alignment film protrusion includes a recessed portion, within an outer surface thereof, within which at least one spherical spacer is seated, whereby the recessed portion reduces compressive stress exerted on the substrates by the spherical spacer seated therein. |
| US07692751B2 |
Method for forming pad electrode, method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device using the same, and liquid crystal display device manufactured by the method
A simplified method for forming a pad electrode without using an additional light-irradiation device is disclosed. The method includes forming a gate pad on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on a substrate surface, forming a data pad on the gate insulating layer, forming a passivation layer on the substrate surface, forming a first contact hole in the gate insulating layer and the passivation layer, forming a second contact hole in the passivation layer, coating a conductive photoresist on the substrate surface, and forming a gate pad electrode in the first contact hole and a data pad electrode in the second contact hole by ashing the conductive photoresist. The pad electrode is formed in a simple method of ashing the conductive photoresist, thereby decreasing costs. |
| US07692746B2 |
Digitally-switchable bandpass filter
Disclosed are digitally-switchable bandpass filters combining non-tunable retarder stacks with switchable liquid crystal cells. The disclosed filter embodiments function like a filter wheel with no moving parts that may provide faster switching, better image registration, compact size, and lower electrical power consumption. These benefits are attractive in portable handheld devices, such as bio-hazard sensors or glucose monitors. |
| US07692743B2 |
Transflective liquid crystal display panel and pixel structure thereof
The transflective LCD panel has many scan lines, data lines, and common electrodes, in which each data line includes a first data line section and a second data line section, and each common electrode has at least one first common electrode section. The scan lines and the second data line sections are made of a first conductive layer; and the first data line sections and the common electrodes are made of a second conductive layer. The first common electrode sections and the corresponding pixel electrodes are overlapped, thus providing the storage capacitance. |
| US07692738B2 |
Display panel comprising polarizers with thermal expansion coefficients and adhesive layers with thicknesses, and a method for manufacturing thereof
A display panel includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer; a first polarizer having a temperature TP1 and a thermal expansion coefficient αP1; a second polarizer having a temperature TP2 and a thermal expansion coefficient αP2; a first adhesive layer having a first thickness h1; and a second adhesive layer having a second thickness h2; wherein the first adhesive layer is disposed between the first polarizer and the first substrate, the second adhesive layer is disposed between the second polarizer and the second substrate, and the parameters illustrated below: α P 1 ( Δ T P 1 ) α P 2 ( Δ T P 2 ) = ( h 1 h 2 ) 1 - n ; wherein “n” is an exponent of power law, ΔTP1=TP1−TR., ΔTP2=TP2−TR, and TR is the temperature of the ambient environment. |
| US07692736B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having particular differences in average thickness of adjacent glass substrates
A liquid crystal display device eliminating an uneven display, which is a D-STN type liquid crystal display device having a compensation cell and a liquid crystal cell for display wherein a difference between the average thicknesses of at least two adjacent glass substrates among glass substrates existing in the compensation cell and the liquid crystal cell for display is 4 μm or more, and preferably not more than 50 μm. |
| US07692732B2 |
Display device with waterproof sheet and water absorbing member
The present invention prevents the corrosion of a printed circuit board which is connected to a lower side of a display panel in a liquid crystal display panel. In a display device which includes a display panel and a frame member which supports an outer peripheral portion of a display screen of a display panel, a water absorbing member is adhered to a surface of the frame member which faces the display panel in an opposed manner. |
| US07692729B2 |
Liquid crystal display including sensing unit
A liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a first panel, a second panel facing and separated from the first panel, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second panels, a plurality of variable capacitors that vary capacitance thereof by pressure, and a plurality of reference capacitors formed on the second panel and connected to the variable capacitors. |
| US07692719B2 |
CCTV camera device with vari-focal lens operable from outside
Disclosed is a closed circuit television that allows a focus and a focal distance of a lens located inside a camera body to be adjusted in the outside, without disassembling the camera body. |
| US07692713B2 |
Solid state image pickup device and camera utilizing a maximum value signal corresponding to a predetermined carrier-accumulation end level
A solid-state image pickup device wherein, in order to obtain an output of large amplitude from a low-contrast object without using a bottom detecting circuit to thereby increase a capturing rate, an accumulation end is determined when a maximum value signal in a photosensor array reaches a predetermined accumulation end level, and an amplifier circuit unit is provided for amplifying a signal, which is outputted from each of the pixels of the photosensor array, with reference to the maximum value signal of the photosensor array and for outputting the signal. |
| US07692711B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
In the case of a camera system capable of exchanging lenses, a camera can realize a preferable automatic focus adjustment performance even if an exchangeable lens, its lens state, different combination between lens and camera or image pickup state is changed by changing a frequency to be extracted by focus detection means in accordance with the identification information on the exchangeable lens. |
| US07692709B2 |
End-to-end design of electro-optic imaging systems with adjustable optical cutoff frequency
An optical system that behaves like an integrated low pass filter with an adjustable optical cutoff frequency. The filter behavior is “integrated” in the sense that the overall design of the optical system results in the low pass filter characteristic, rather than having a separate, discrete component that implements the low pass filtering. The filter behavior is “adjustable” in the sense that the optical system can be adjusted in a manner that changes the optical cutoff frequency of the MTF. For example, moving certain optical components within the optical system may cause the change in cutoff frequency. |
| US07692707B2 |
Solid-state image pickup apparatus, image pickup apparatus, and image sensor
In a solid-state image sensor according to this invention, an image signal temperature variation suppressing unit changes a voltage value of a driver voltage applied to multiplying registers in response to variations in sensor temperature of a CCD image sensor. Thus, a charge multiplication gain of a charge multiplying unit is electrically controlled to suppress variations in signal strength of image signals due to the variations in the sensor temperature of the CCD image sensor. As a result, without relying on thermal control with which it is very difficult to realize high precision control, variations in the signal strength of the image signals due to the variations in the sensor temperature of the CCD image sensor are suppressed easily by controlling the charge multiplication gain of the charge multiplying unit based on the electric control, with which it is very easy to realize high precision control, performed by the image signal temperature variation suppressing unit in response to the variations in the sensor temperature of the CCD image sensor. |
| US07692705B2 |
Active pixel sensor with a diagonal active area
An imaging device formed as a CMOS semiconductor integrated circuit having two adjacent pixels in a row connected to a common column line. By having adjacent pixels of a row share column lines, the CMOS imager circuit eliminates half the column lines of a traditional imager allowing the fabrication of a smaller imager. The imaging device also may be fabricated to have a diagonal active area to facilitate contact of two adjacent pixels with the single column line and allow linear row select lines, reset lines and column lines. |
| US07692703B2 |
Image pick-up apparatus
An image pick-up apparatus includes an image pick-up device and a filter circuit. The image pick-up device includes a pixel portion for converting a subject image into an electric signal, a scanning circuit for dividing the pixel portion into a plurality of areas, for non-linearly dividing the boundary of the areas of at least one side of the adjacent areas based on the unit of pixel, and a plurality of output circuits for individually outputting video signals. The filter circuit performs filter processing of the video signals outputted from the plurality of output circuits for the pixels near the boundary of the areas. Thus, the image quality can be improved in the multi-channel output system. |
| US07692699B2 |
Image pickup apparatus for preventing linearity defect
In an image pickup apparatus for preventing linearity defect at the time of photographing in a high-sensitivity mode, when processing an image signal produced by a solid-state image pickup device under a predetermined condition, such as photographing in a super high-sensitivity mode, at a high temperature or with a long-time exposure, a signal processor increases a clamp level for clamping the image signal. A noise reducer then executes noise reduction for removing noise of random nature from the image signal before correcting the primary black level for the image signal, and thereafter the black level is corrected. |
| US07692698B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method for solid-state image pickup element and image pickup apparatus
An apparatus includes a solid-state image pickup element that outputs video signals obtained from pixels arranged in a column direction. The apparatus also includes an amendment unit that amends an error value corresponding to a column position of the video signals according to a temperature to supply an amended error value to a subtraction unit that subtracts the amended error value for each column from the video signals. The apparatus further includes an error computing section that shields the pickup element from light or irradiates light to the pickup element at a constant rate, computes a respective average value of each of a plurality of pixel signals obtained from the pixels in a predetermined region of the pickup element, subtracts the respective average value from a respective of the plurality of pixel signals obtained from the pixels of the pickup element, and accumulates values obtained by subtractions for respective columns. |
| US07692694B2 |
Digital camera
A digital camera is disclosed to reduce shutter lag and improved accuracy in exposure. The digital camera includes an image pickup lens optical system, an iris, an image pickup device, a hold/gain control circuit, a luminance level detector, an exposure control circuit, a device control circuit and so forth. The exposure control circuit discriminates based on a luminance level supplied thereto from the luminance level detector whether or not appropriate exposure is performed. Then, based on a result of the discrimination, the exposure control circuit arithmetically operates three values of the numerical aperture of the iris, the shutter speed of an electronic shutter of the image pickup device and the gain of the hold/gain control circuit which are necessary to perform appropriate exposure. The exposure control circuit arithmetically operates iris control data, electronic shutter control data and gain control data necessary for the arithmetically operated exposure amounts to be individually reflected on the iris, the electronic shutter of the image pickup device and the hold/gain control circuit. |
| US07692691B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processor which forms a composite image of at least two images includes a storage unit which stores first and second image data, and a display unit which reads and displays the stored first and second image data in modes adapted to display forms of the first and second image data. The image processor also includes an image-signal forming unit which forms image signals representing a composite image of the stored first and second image data for display on a television monitor and a liquid crystal display panel. |
| US07692687B2 |
Anti-shake apparatus
An anti-shake apparatus of a photographing apparatus comprises a movable unit and a fixed unit. The movable unit has an imaging device and can be moved and rotated on a plane which is perpendicular to an optical axis of a camera lens of the photographing apparatus. The fixed unit supports the movable unit in a movable and rotatable situation on the plane. The movable unit and fixed unit have a moving apparatus that moves and rotates the movable unit. A number of points that receive a first force in a first direction by the moving apparatus, is equal to or more than 1. The first direction is perpendicular to the optical axis. A number of points that receive a second force in a second direction by the moving apparatus, is equal to or more than 2. The second direction is perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction. |