| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07698653B2 |
Graphical user interface including zoom control box representing image and magnification of displayed image
A graphical user interface (GUI) graphically corresponds to an image display window through which a single image or a stream of images or video frames are displayed. The GUI includes a zoom control box having an inner region positioned within an outer region. The size of the inner region relative to the outer region represents the magnification of the portion of the image being displayed within the image display window. The magnification of the image being displayed is increased by using a cursor control device to position a cursor within the inner region and clicking the cursor control device. The magnification of the image being displayed is decreased by using the cursor control device to position the cursor outside of the inner region but inside of the outer region and clicking the cursor control device. As the magnification is increased or decreased, the size of the inner region relative to the outer region is changed accordingly. A magnification factor is also displayed within the inner region to display a numeric representation of the current magnification. The position of the inner region within the outer region represents the portion of the entire image being displayed within the image display window. The portion of the image being displayed within the image display window is changed by clicking and dragging the inner region to the desired position within the outer region using the cursor control device. |
| US07698646B2 |
Techniques for accessing information captured during a presentation using a paper document handout for the presentation
Techniques that enable information recorded during a presentation to be accessed or retrieved using a handout printed for the presentation. A user can select one or more items, such as slides, printed on the handout and access portions of the recorded information when the user-selected items were presented or displayed. Different types of information may be accessed. Different actions may also be performed on the retrieved information. |
| US07698639B2 |
Extensible framework for template-based user settings management
Extensible architecture for template-baser user setting management by creating logical groupings of per-user settings using different template types. A manageable way to assign templates to sets of users based on different criteria is provided. Templates can be defined in a declarative format (e.g., XML), which declarative format is developed such that various user interface (UI) pieces, third-party applications, and different client types can easily understand the templates. Extensibility of the architecture is supported for defining the templates such that external third-party application writers can make use of the provided infrastructure to add to existing templates or create new template types, and to seamlessly integrate into the existing infrastructure. Additionally, the per-user settings within the templates can be enforced on the server side, including the enforcement of future settings and template types. |
| US07698635B2 |
Automatic authoring and publishing system
The invention relates to a system and method for automatically producing documents that incorporate one or more data elements. A guided/structured software environment is provided that assists users in creating manuals by defining the appropriate content for each manual section, content rules and relationships, and tasks to be performed for each type of manual entry. Manual content is stored as structured data elements, rather than pages of sentences, to more efficiently generate, revise, and store the content of a manual. A storage database is provided for retrieving and storing predefined templates, documents and individual data elements to produce a final manual. Manuals are created by combining various data elements. An instant preview interface permits a user to quickly view what revisions will look like in a final document prior to actually publishing the manual. A published manual is compiled by assembling the stored data elements and into a document. |
| US07698634B2 |
System and method for data manipulation
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for designing data movement from a source file to a target file includes receiving a first data format of a source file via a graphical user interface, receiving a second data format of a target file via the graphical user interface, receiving mappings from a user via the graphical user interface to represent a desired movement of data from the source file to the target file, and automatically converting the mappings into a script to represent a movement of data from the source file to the target file. |
| US07698630B2 |
Document administration apparatus, document administration method, storage medium storing computer-readable program, and program
The invention aims to provide a document administration apparatus for processing input original data, which comprises: a first memory for storing the original data; a mask data generator for generating mask data capable of masking at least one predetermined area of the original data; a second memory for storing the mask data generated by the mask data generator; a selector enabling to select the original data stored in the first memory and the mask data stored in the second memory; a display enabling to display the mask data selected by the selector in a state that the mask data is superposed on the original data, without changing the original data selected by the selector; and a mask data editor enabling to edit the mask data displayed on the display in the state that the mask data is superposed on the original data. |
| US07698628B2 |
Method and system to persist state
A system, to persist state in a dynamic electronic form, may include a communications module to receive a request to load an electronic form, a merge module to merge a template associated with the electronic form and data values associated with the electronic form, a delta extractor to access delta data associated with the electronic form, and an overlay module to overlay the delta data onto the electronic form. The delta data, in an example embodiment, includes attributes and properties associated with the electronic form that are being designated to persist between editing sessions of the electronic form. |
| US07698618B2 |
Method and system for correcting burst errors in communications networks, related network and computer-program product
The errors that may occur in transmitted numerical data on a channel affected by burst errors, are corrected via the operations of: ordering the numerical data in blocks each comprising a definite number of data packets; generating for each block a respective set of error-correction packets comprising a respective number of correction packets, the respective number identifying a level of redundancy for correcting the errors; and modifying dynamically the level of redundancy according to the characteristics of the bursts and of the correct-reception intervals between two bursts. Preferential application is on local networks, such as W-LANs for use in the domestic environments. |
| US07698615B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having single-level cells and multi-level cells and method of driving the semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device that performs an error control operation when an error exists in an externally received command or an externally received address, and a method of driving the semiconductor memory device are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array having a single-level cell area and a multi-level cell area, a command decoder which receives a command from an external source and decoding the command, an area determination unit which receives an address from an external source and determines whether a memory cell corresponding to the address belongs to either the single-level cell area or the multi-level cell area, a command flag generation unit which generates at least one enable control signal according to the decoded command and the determination result, and a logic circuit which generates a control signal for driving the memory cells included in the memory cell array or performs an error control operation, in response to the enable control signal. |
| US07698613B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and method of testing same
Disclosed is a circuit in which for conducting the scan path test, test clock terminals are provided in a number smaller than that of user clock domains, and a test clock control circuits on respective test clock lines to control whether the pulses of the test clock are propagated or blocked. |
| US07698609B2 |
Process measuring device with expanded hardware error detection
A process measuring device including: A first processor, which performs a measured value processing with a first algorithm in first processing cycles; and a second processor, which is responsible for coordination and/or communication tasks. The second processor reads, in time intervals which are greater than the first processing cycle, a control data set from the first processor, and executes the first algorithm on the basis of the control data set, in order to verify the correct functioning of the first processor. |
| US07698607B2 |
Repairing microdisplay frame buffers
A frame buffer for a microdisplay may be implemented with a repair algorithm that achieves desired uniformity in the frame buffer. Because the frame buffer and the display are tightly coupled, it is desirable to avoid providing unnecessary redundant elements which break up the uniformity of the overall integrated circuit. To this end, when a cell in the frame buffer is defective, a system to automatically address in its place an adjacent cell may be implemented. In one embodiment, control logic may address a column multiplexer to select an adjacent cell in an adjacent column in the same row to provide information in place of the defective cell in the frame buffer. |
| US07698604B2 |
Storage controller and a method for recording diagnostic information
A storage controller (104) for a storage system (100) in which there are multiple storage devices (109) and a method for recording diagnostic information are provided. The storage controller (104) includes a storage device manager (203) which has means for allocating a storage device (109) in the storage system (100) for storing diagnostic data. The storage controller (104) also includes means for generating diagnostic data regarding the operation of the storage controller (104). Two buffers (207, 208) are used for alternately recording and writing batches of diagnostic data to the allocated storage device (109). The allocated storage device may be a storage device which is normally reserved for disaster recovery in the storage system (100). |
| US07698602B2 |
Systems, methods and computer products for trace capability per work unit
A set of trace data are generated for full tracing in private memory on a work unit basis. Generating the set of trace data includes source code having trace statements, where trace data based on the work unit includes either an identifier or a layer to establish a start and an end of the work unit, where either the identifier or the layer is specific to an application. Each trace data entry in the set of trace data created while executing a work unit contains a selection field to enable selecting which entries are transferred to the shared trace table from the private memory, when a work unit completes. |
| US07698597B2 |
Method of isolating erroneous software program components
A computer implemented method, computer program product, and computer usable program code for preventing execution of program components having errors. First, a software application is executed. The software application interacts with a number of programs. Next, an error message is received. The error message indicates an error has occurred in a first program within the number of programs. The first program is then isolated such that the first program no longer interacts with the software application. |
| US07698596B2 |
Medical device for diagnostics or therapy
The invention relates to a medical device for diagnostics and/or therapy with a system, with a device for self-analysis of the systems and creation of system internal status messages, with a device for interpretation of the system-internal status messages, with associated storage means for special technical and application knowledge, with an operating console for output of interpreted status messages and input of instructions, where the device for interpretation is embodied such that the system-internal status messages are converted on the basis of specialist technical and application knowledge into the interpreted status messages. |
| US07698592B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling raid array rebuild
An apparatus and method are disclosed for rebuilding a data storage array having plural communication paths. A first error detecting component detects an error at a data storage device of a data storage array. The data storage device has a plurality of ports and is operable to provide data for a preemptive rebuild. A port control component disables all but a single port of the data storage device. A preemptive rebuild component copies data from the data storage device to a spare data storage device using the single operational port. An alternative path maintenance component maintains an alternative communication path for use by other members of the data storage array and bypasses the data storage device. A second error detecting component detects an error at the data storage device during operation of the preemptive rebuild component. A device disabling component disables the data storage device after detecting a second error. |
| US07698591B2 |
Method and apparatus for ensuring data integrity in redundant mass storage systems
A method for maintaining integrity of data in a redundant mass storage system is provided that includes selecting a plurality of scrubbing selections for a memory system in which each of the scrubbing selections selects a data section on the memory system. The method also includes selecting a respective scrubbing implementation for each scrubbing selection in which each of the scrubbing implementations determines a data check. Another exemplary method is provided for ensuring integrity of data stored in a redundant mass storage system. An apparatus is provided for maintaining data integrity in a redundant mass storage system. A computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions for a general purpose computer is provided. The set of instructions include a method for ensuring data integrity in a redundant mass storage system. |
| US07698590B2 |
Method and apparatus for timing and event processing in wireless systems
A digital baseband processor is provided for concurrent operation with different wireless systems. The digital baseband processor includes a digital signal processor for executing digital signal processor instructions, a microcontroller for executing microcontroller instructions, and a timing and event processor controlled by the digital signal processor and the microcontroller for executing timing-sensitive instructions. The timing and event processor includes a plurality of instruction sequencers for executing timing-sensitive instruction threads and a time base generator for generating timing signals for initiating execution of the instruction threads on each of the plurality of instruction sequencers. |
| US07698589B2 |
Memory controller and device with data strobe calibration
A memory controller comprises a DQ path, a DQS path, a delay element, a flip flop, and an adjustment unit. The DQ path receives and passes a data signal, and outputs a delayed data signal. The DQS path receives and passes a data strobe signal. The delay element is coupled to the DQS path, receiving the data strobe signal to generate a compensated data strobe signal having a calibrated latency. The calibrated latency is determined by an adjustment signal. The flip flop is coupled to the data signal path and the delay element, sampling the delayed data signal by the compensated data strobe signal to generate an output data. The adjustment unit generates the adjustment signal according to the output data. The adjustment unit performs a calibration to adjust the adjustment signal, thus the calibrated latency is adjusted. |
| US07698585B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for reducing idle power in a power supply
An apparatus, system, and method is provided for reducing idle power in a power supply. The apparatus includes a connection module to determine whether a load is connected to the output terminal of the power supply. Also included is an idle module that turns off the power supply for an idle interval when the connection module determines that a load is not connected to the output. A monitor module turns on the power supply for a monitor interval when the idle interval ends. During the monitor interval, the connection module determines whether the load has been connected to the output terminal of the power supply. An activation module turns on the power supply if the connection module determines, during the monitor interval, that the load has been connected to the power supply. If the load has not been connected, another idle interval is initiated. |
| US07698584B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for enabling a new data processing device operating state
A method, apparatus and system to enable a data processing device to operate while seemingly “off”. According to one embodiment, a data processing device is configured to recognize a new system state, i.e., Visual Off. On such a data processing device, when the power button is pressed, the request to turn off the device is intercepted by a module and the device is transitioned to a Visual Off state. To the user, this transition appears instantaneous. During the transition, audible and visual indicators on the data processing device and on human interactive devices (“HID devices”) coupled to the data processing device may be turned off and/or disabled. While in the Visual Off state, the device may be fully operational, or in an alternate embodiment, the device may be placed in a low power state. When the user presses the power button again to “wake up” the data processing device, the device may transition from Visual Off into an “on” state (“Visual On”), i.e., all audible and visual indicators on the data processing device and HID devices coupled to it may be turned back on and/or enabled. |
| US07698578B2 |
Temperature-dependent power adjustment of transmitter
A device includes a transmitter, at least one temperature sensor; and a controller. The controller is responsive to the at least one temperature sensor indicating that a temperature has risen above a first threshold to control the transmitter to reduce transmit power from a first power level to a second power level, wherein the second power level is a non-zero power level. |
| US07698577B2 |
Communication system activation
In one embodiment a communication device activation system is provided to restore activation of one or more communication devices that are in a powered-down mode to conserve power usage during a period of inactivity. The activation signal, also referred to as a warm start signal, comprises a sequence signal. A sequence generator generates a desired sequence signal. It is contemplated that one or more sequence signals may be selected for use by the activation system. The sequence signal may be generated or stored and retrieved. To resume communication, a wake-up sequence signal is generated and transmitted to a remote communication device. Upon receipt the received signal is filtered, correlated and analyzed. Analysis may compare one or more aspects of the signal to a threshold signal. If the signal is determined to comprise a wake-up signal, i.e. a request for communication, then a warm-start operation may occur. An acknowledgement signal may optionally be generated to acknowledge receipt of the signal. In one embodiment one or more sequence signals are utilized to monitor channel characteristics and adjust communication device settings accordingly. This may occur as part of the wake-up process. |
| US07698572B2 |
Security module with volatile memory for storing an algorithm code
A security module for use with a terminal comprises a data interface adapted to be coupled to a terminal, for receiving at least part of an algorithm code or the complete algorithm code from the terminal, and a power interface for receiving supply power. A volatile memory coupled to the power interface in order to have power supplied thereto stores the part of the algorithm code or the complete algorithm code received via the data interface. A processor performs, the algorithm code in order to obtain an algorithm code result that can be delivered to the terminal. Due to storing at least part of an algorithm code in the volatile memory of the security module, the algorithm code of the security module is effectively protected against being detected by spying from a potential attacker. |
| US07698571B2 |
Digital work protection system, record/playback device, recording medium device, and model change device
A system includes of a main device and a recording medium device. The main device includes a reception unit that receives a digital work from an external distribution server, an internal storage area for storing the digital work, a playback unit that plays back the digital work, and a unique information storage area for storing information that is unique to the main device. The main device also includes an encryption unit that encrypts the digital work using the unique information, a decryption unit that decrypts, using the unique information, the encrypted digital work having been read from the recording medium device, a write unit that writes the encrypted digital work into the recording medium device which is portable, and a read unit that reads the encrypted digital work from the recording medium device. |
| US07698568B2 |
System and method for using DRM to control conditional access to broadband digital content
A system and method is disclosed for providing DRM in a broadcast environment. In accordance with the embodiment, a DRM system distributes encrypted service keys over the mobile telephone network to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives the encrypted service key and uses it to decrypt encrypted content keys received from a DVB set top box. The decrypted content keys are sent to the set box over local link where they are used to decrypt encrypted broadcast content. A power management technique for mobile receivers is also disclosed that enables the receiver hardware to power off during a portion of the rendering process. |
| US07698563B2 |
Device and method for inputting password using random keypad
A device and a method for inputting passwords in ATM or door-lock and etc, having display means are provided. In particular, said device comprises a keypad in display means where numbers or letters for passwords are arranged randomly, and further comprises a keypad providing an indirect password numbers or letters randomly arranged, according to an original password, to be input in another indirect password keypad such that the original password of a user can be protected effectively from the others eye. |
| US07698556B2 |
Secure spontaneous associations between networkable devices
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a protocol for communications across a securable communication channel between a first device and a second device. The protocol includes the transmission of a plurality of uniquely identifiable messages which each include security-related data, from the first device to the second device. The protocol includes determining whether a subset of messages that are received by the second device comply with at least one predetermined message criterion and are identifiable as having been sent from the first device. In the event that said subset of messages are determined to comply with the predetermined verification criterion (or criteria) and are identifiable as having been sent from the first device, the security-related data is determined to have been successfully communicated to the second device. |
| US07698555B2 |
System and method for enabling secure access to a program of a headless server device
Provided is a system and method for enabling secure access to a desired end-point server program of at least one end-point server program. The system includes a server having a security server program and the end-point server programs, and a client. During operation, the server establishes a first connection with the client via a known port, causes an end-point program applet and web page associated with the desired end-point server program to be forwarded to the client. While executing the security server program, the server: verifies client access rights via a first encryption means, generates, encrypts and transmits to the client a random port number and a session key, and detects establishment of a second connection between the client and a random port of the server. The second connection enables secure access by the client to the desired end-point server program using a second encryption means and the session key. |
| US07698554B2 |
Controlling transmission of broadcast content
A broadcast control method includes validating a time and location of an end user device by verifying the identity and location of a device on the intermediary network; sending a nonce from a intermediary network to an end user device at a first time; sending the nonce from the end user to the network at a second time; sending an encrypted request for content from the network to a broadcast system; decrypting the request to verify the identities of the devices and the time and location data; and sending content from the broadcast system to the end user device if the identities are verified and the time interval between the first and second times is less than the predetermined time interval. |
| US07698552B2 |
Launching a secure kernel in a multiprocessor system
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes verifying an initiating logical processor of a system; validating a trusted agent with the initiating logical processor if the initiating logical processor is verified; and launching the trusted agent on a plurality of processors of the system if the trusted agent is validated. After execution of such a trusted agent, a secure kernel may then be launched, in certain embodiments. The system may be a multiprocessor server system having a partially or fully connected topology with arbitrary point-to-point interconnects, for example. |
| US07698547B1 |
Execution of a program module within both a PEI phase and a DXE phase of an EFI firmware
Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for executing the same program module in a PEI and ad DXE are disclosed. According to one method, a program module is first executed in the PEI phase. While the program module is executing in the PEI, it stores the memory address of a DXE entry point in a hand-off block. When the DXE phase is entered, the stored DXE entry point for the program module is retrieved from the hand-off block and the program module is executed at the DXE entry point. |
| US07698545B1 |
Computer configuration chronology generator
The present invention provides a computer system with a chronology generator for generating a chronology for a series of computer configurations. |
| US07698543B2 |
User interface for specifying desired configurations
A method and system for monitoring configuration information of computing devices is provided. The monitoring system generates a desired configuration monitor (“DCM”) document for each computing device that is to have its configuration monitored. The DCM document specifies configuration settings to be monitored along with rules that specify how to determine whether a configuration setting is correct. Each computing device may include a comparison engine that inputs the DCM document and applies the rules of the DCM document to determine which configuration settings of the computing device are not in compliance. |
| US07698542B2 |
Circuit and method for comparing program counter values
A circuit and a method of examining in a microprocessor a section of a first range of values and a second range of values each comprising a lower boundary value and an upper boundary value is disclosed. The method includes examining whether a value of the first range of values is equal to or greater than the lower boundary value of the second range of values, and examining whether the lower boundary value of the first range of values is smaller than or equal to the upper boundary value of the second range of values. |
| US07698540B2 |
Dynamic hardware multithreading and partitioned hardware multithreading
In an embodiment of the invention, a method for dynamic hardware multithreading, includes: using a hardware halt function or a hardware yield function in a processor core in order to enable or disable a hardware thread that shares the core; wherein the hardware thread is disabled by placing the hardware thread in a halt state or yield state, and allowing another hardware thread to utilize the core. |
| US07698539B1 |
System and method of instruction modification
A method and system of instruction modification. A first machine language instruction, which may comprise a plurality of discrete instructions, is fetched. Responsive to a trigger pattern in the first machine language instruction, a segment of the first machine language instruction is modified. Information can be substituted into the segment based on specifics outlined in the trigger pattern. Alternatively, information can be combined with the segment via logical and/or arithmetic operations. Modification of the segment produces a second machine language instruction that is executed by units of the processor. In one embodiment, information may be taken from a queue and used to replace data from the segment. How information is taken from the queue and how the information so taken is used to replace fields of the segment are defined by the trigger pattern. |
| US07698538B2 |
Method and apparatus for downloading program by using hand shaking in digital signal processing
A method and apparatus are provided for downloading a program by using hand-shaking in a digital signal processor (DSP), in which the program stored at an external memory is downloaded to an internal memory by using the hand-shaking in an asynchronous system having a dual CPU, wherein current operation of the digital signal processor is temporarily held to shorten a downloading time. |
| US07698533B2 |
Configurable co-processor interface
A configurable coprocessor interface between a central processing unit (CPU) and a coprocessor is provided. The coprocessor interface has an instruction transfer signal group for transferring different instruction types from the CPU to the coprocessor, sequentially or in parallel, a busy signal group, for allowing the coprocessor to signal the CPU that it cannot receive a transfer of one or more of the different instruction types, and an instruction order signal group for indicating to the coprocessor a relative execution order for multiple instructions that are transferred in parallel. In addition, the coprocessor interface includes separate data transfer signal groups for data being transferred from the CPU to the coprocessor, and for data being transferred from the coprocessor to the CPU, along with a data order signal group for indicating a relative order of data (if transferred out-of-order). The interface further includes signal designations which allow for multiple issue groups between the CPU and one or more coprocessors. |
| US07698528B2 |
Shared memory pool allocation during media rendering
Memory management techniques involve establishing a memory pool having an amount of sharable memory, and dynamically allocating the sharable memory to concurrently manage multiple sets of sequenced units of digital data. In an exemplary scenario, the sets of sequenced units of digital data are sets of time-ordered media samples forming clips of media content, and the techniques are applied when media samples from two or more clips are simultaneously presentable to a user as independently-controlled streams. Variable amounts of sharable memory are dynamically allocated for preparing upcoming media samples for presentation to the user. In one possible implementation, a ratio of average data rates of individual streams is calculated, and amounts of sharable memory are allocated to rendering each stream based on the ratio. Then, the sharable memory allocated to rendering individual streams is reserved as needed to prepare particular upcoming media samples for presentation to the user. |
| US07698527B2 |
Selectively supporting different memory technologies on a single motherboard
A motherboard may be adapted to selectively implement one of two different memory technologies. For example, the motherboard may be able to subsequently implement a subsequently developed memory technology. In some embodiments, the motherboard is capable of detecting whether a memory module is in a slot dedicated to a first or a second memory technology and, based on the presence of a memory module in an appropriate slot, the motherboard may be adapted to operate with the particular, selected memory technology. |
| US07698526B2 |
Adapted disk drives executing instructions for I/O command processing
Communication protocols, systems, and methods that facilitate communication between disaggregated elements, and also to devices adapted to function as such disaggregated elements, particularly across peer-to-peer (masterless) and include one or more unique features such as packet atomicity, blind ACKs, NAT bridging, locking, multicast spanning and mirroring, and authentication. |
| US07698525B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing storage used by a processor when processing instructions
A method and apparatus is disclosed for managing storage used by a processor when processing instructions in which an estimate of register usage for program procedures or functions is generated and used to control the storage of the register bank in memory. |
| US07698524B2 |
Apparatus and methods for controlling output of clock signal and systems including the same
An apparatus for controlling data exchange with a memory device includes an interface configured to receive an arbitration signal indicating when the apparatus has use of a shared bus and an interface to the memory device configured to provide a clock signal to the memory device that synchronizes data exchange between the apparatus and the memory device. A selection circuit selectively supplies the clock signal to the memory device responsive to the arbitration signal. |
| US07698523B2 |
Hardware memory locks
Methods, systems and computer program products to implement hardware memory locks are described herein. A system to implement hardware memory locks is provided. The system comprises an off-chip memory coupled to a System-On-a-Chip(SOC) unit that includes a controller and an on-chip memory. Upon receiving a request from a requester to access a first memory location in the off-chip memory, the controller is enabled to grant access to modify the first memory location based on an entry stored in a second memory location of the on-chip memory. In an embodiment, the on-chip memory is Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and the off-chip memory is Random Access Memory (RAM). |
| US07698520B2 |
Method for processing backup, devices for backup processing, and storage mediums for storing a program for operating a backup processing device
A method for processing backup in the invention calculates a necessary capacity of a second storage medium when backing up in a plurality of divided sessions backup target data stored on a first storage medium, decides the number of dividing into the sessions based on the calculated necessary capacity and an available capacity of the second storage medium, and copies the backup target data from the first storage medium to the second storage medium, the backup target data being divided according to the number of dividing into the sessions. |
| US07698518B2 |
Disk array with capacity management
The usage amount of a pool area is avoided from becoming equal to 100%, thereby preventing all snapshot images from being crashed. There is provided a disk-array apparatus including a control processor. Here, the control processor controls a data reading/writing from/into a first logical volume created using a memory area of plural disk drives, and controls past data such that the past data is written into a second logical volume as differential data on each generation basis, the past data being stored into the first logical volume, and manages the differential data. If the amount of the differential data stored into the second logical volume has exceeded a first predetermined value, the control processor determines a generation of the differential data to be deleted from among the differential data written into the second logical volume. The control processor deletes the differential data of the generation determined. |
| US07698517B2 |
Managing disk storage media
Systems and methods for managing the distribution and access of data on a pool of storage media are disclosed. The data are managed based on access patterns, storage media activity, and/or health parameters. An access pattern of one or more units of data in a pool of two or more storage media is determined. At least a portion of the one or more units of data are migrated from one storage medium to another storage medium within the pool of two or more storage media based on the access pattern. Systems and methods are also disclosed for storing data on several different disk storage sets according to different qualities. |
| US07698515B2 |
Information storage medium, recording/reproducing apparatus, and recording/reproducing method
An information storage medium, a recording/reproducing apparatus and a recording/reproducing method are provided to increase data reproduction efficiency. The recording/reproducing apparatus includes: a write/read unit for recording data on an information storage medium and reading data from the medium; and a controller for controlling the write/read unit to record a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on the medium in a first area of the medium, record a replacement block for replacing a defect block generated on the medium in a second area of the medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area if the defect is detected while the first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium, generate a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of the original block and location information of the second replacement block in order to indicate the replacement state, and move location information of the first replacement block in the second replacement block. As a result, an area for replacement by defect and an area for replacement by LOW are discriminated from each other, and data reproducing efficiency can be improved by effectively managing replacement information though the replacement by defect due to a defect generated during the replacement by LOW. |
| US07698514B2 |
Data processing system and method for interconnect arbitration
A data processing system includes processing units for processing data, at least one memory for storing data from the processing units, an interconnect for connecting the processing units and the memory. The processing units request write access to the memory via the interconnect to write data into the memory. At least one arbiter performs interconnect arbitration for the access to the memory from the processing units, wherein interconnect arbitration is performed based on the minimum logic level changes of the interconnect as introduced by the write accesses of the processing units to the memory. If more than one write request is available from different processing units the interconnect arbitration (interconnect access), is granted to that processing unit, whose data to be sent to the memory via the interconnect results in minimum logic level changes to the interconnect. Power dissipation due to switching of logic levels is reduced. |
| US07698511B2 |
Interface for writing to memories having different write times
An interface between memories having different write times is described. The interface includes a latch for capturing address and data information during a memory access by a processor of a first memory device. The interface also includes an index counter for providing frame management. The interface also includes a variable identity array logic for determining what data is to be written into a second memory device and address generation logic to determine where the data is to be stored in the second memory device. Additionally, the interface includes data validity logic to ensure that the data being written into the second memory device is valid. As a result, the processor can operate in substantially real time and can restore itself after detecting an event upset using the data stored in the second memory device. |
| US07698502B2 |
File recovery system for a removable portable memory device
A removable semiconductor memory card for a portable appliance is provided comprising a memory with a portion thereof dedicated to deleted files, and a memory card controller that operates to recognize a memory delete command associated with a specific file, and to shift the specific file to the deleted files portion of the memory. |
| US07698499B2 |
Method and apparatus for address FIFO for high-bandwidth command/address busses in digital storage system
A method of buffering a data stream in an electronic device using a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer system wherein the first read latch signal does not change the pointer location of the read pointer. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and system are also disclosed in accordance with the invention to include a FIFO buffer system to buffer memory addresses and commands within the DRAM until corresponding data is available. |
| US07698497B2 |
Method of controlling card-shaped memory device
Each of a plurality of memory areas includes a plurality of blocks. Each of the blocks includes a plurality of pages. Each of the memory areas also includes a data cache and a page buffer. A control unit controls a lower-limit value of the number of empty blocks in each of the plurality of memory areas. |
| US07698496B2 |
Cache memory observation device and method of analyzing processor
A cache miss judger judges a cache miss when a cache access is executed. An entry region judger judges which of a plurality of entry regions constituted with one or a plurality of cache entries in the cache memory is accessed by each of the cache accesses using at least a part of an index for selecting an arbitrary cache line in the cache memory. A cache miss counter counts number of the cache misses judged by the cache miss judger in each of the entry regions that is made to correspond to each of the cache accesses. |
| US07698494B2 |
Access control device and access control method
An access control device controls access to a first device and a second device. The first device is connected with a first bus conforming to a first standard and conforms to the first standard. The second device is connected with the first bus and conforms to a second standard. The access control device includes a first signal generator and a second signal generator. The first signal generator generates a first transaction start signal indicating start of a transaction for the first device. The second signal generator generates a second transaction start signal for the second device based on the first transaction start signal. |
| US07698492B2 |
Guaranteed services method and apparatus in bridged LAN
Provided are a guaranteed services method and apparatus in bridged LAN. streams are transmitted through bridges to a plurality of listener stations in a distributed network, and each bridge performs filtering, stream group registration and authentication for the streams. Accordingly, quality of service (QoS) in a distributed network can be improved. Furthermore, streams to the plurality of listener stations can be guaranteed. |
| US07698490B2 |
Passive USB power configuration switching
A system for a universal serial bus (USB) device to perform power configuration to operate with a USB host. A connection to the USB host is enabled. Then a high-power configuration is reported to the USB host and successful enumeration by the USB host is monitored for. If such enumeration is not forthcoming within a preset time, the connection to the USB host is disabled and re-enabled, and a low-power configuration is then reported to the USB host. Optionally, the system can further ramp up power usage until a preset high-power configuration is reached, or until there is voltage sag on the VBUS and then either ramp power usage back down or measure the sag and set to a calculated power usage. |
| US07698470B2 |
Integrated circuit, chip stack and data processing system
An integrated circuit includes a first connection and a memory circuit. The integrated circuit is switchable between a master mode of operation, in which a buffer between the first connection and the memory circuit is activated, and a slave mode of operation, in which the buffer between the first connection and the memory circuit is deactivated. |
| US07698467B2 |
Method for transforming contents in the DLNA system
A Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) system and method transform multimedia contents in a manner adaptive to the available data processing capability of the digital media renderer (DMR) of the DLNA network. A digital media server (DMS) and a digital media renderer (DMR) are discovered. A list of contents provided by the DMS is obtained. Information on a transport protocol and a data format of the DMR is obtained. Information on available data processing capability of the DMR is obtained. The transport protocol and the data format of the DMS are matched to those of the DMR. Transcoding and transrating schemes of the DMS are adjusted based on the available data processing capability of the DMR. A connection between the DMS and the DMR is established, and content stored in the DMS is transmitted to the DMR. |
| US07698466B2 |
Transferring method of subscriber location information in a network communication system
A method for transferring subscriber location information in a network communication system, including: converting the accessed subscriber location information into a code in the encoding format of the corresponding field in a subscriber packet to be sent outwards by the subscriber, carrying the code in the subscriber packet, and transferring the packet in the network communication system. It is also provided a method for converting MAC address, including: a network access device generating an MAC address from an MAC address resource pool; and replacing the source MAC address in a packet from a subscriber with said generated MAC address. The methods are no longer restricted by the number of permitted VLAN IDs in the network, and thereby improve feasibility of subscriber location information acquisition, providing a convenience for network operators to implement relevant extended services in network communication systems. |
| US07698464B2 |
Distribution of reachability information in data virtual private networks
In methods and apparatus for acquiring VPN reachability information at a node of a data network, a VPN reachability information request is transmitted from a requesting node. The VPN reachability information request comprises a VPN identifier. Other nodes of the data network receive the VPN reachability information request and, if they have reachability information relevant to that VPN, they transmit such information to the requesting node where it is received and stored. The invention can be used in MPLS VPN architectures. |
| US07698457B2 |
Scalable and dynamic quality of service control
Applications and users dynamically make QoS provisioning requests for individual traffic flows traversing client and server hosts. A traffic flow provisioning request is conveyed to a services manager, which determines a set of traffic attributes for the flow and determines the networks the flow traverses between the client and server hosts. The services manger then oversees the admission of the flow to appropriate traffic classes in each determined network and the obtaining of a DSCP value for each network. Lastly, the services manger conveys the DSCP value of the first network traversed back to the client or server host, depending on the direction of the flow, which host is then configured to appropriately mark the DSCP field of the traffic flow packets. In a further embodiment, the services manager also instructs the client or server host to perform packet policing and shaping for the flow. |
| US07698448B2 |
Proxy commands and devices for a home automation data transfer system
An automation network includes automation network devices connected to the network and a system level interface that interfaces with a transport layer and an application layer of the automation network. The system level interface includes proxy command libraries configured to designate a proxy device from the automation network devices. The proxy device accepts commands or messages to be transmitted to another automation network device. |
| US07698447B2 |
Network game terminal unit
In a network game in which a number of players participate, multiple players can communicate each other by the user of an IP telephone or an Internet telephone network. A voice receiving section of the terminal unit 12 comprises a game communicating section 51 connected to a game server via the network, a participant IP managing section 53 for managing IP addresses of game participants connected online to the network, a network receiving section 54 for receiving telephone message data and musical sound data via the network, a sorting section 55 for determining whether received telephone message data includes a prespecified IP address or not and sending a result of determination to a following extending section 56, the extending section 56 for restoring the transmitted telephone message data and musical sound data, a synthesizing section 57 for synthesizing the restored telephone message data and musical sound data in the time-series mode, and a microphone/speaker I/F section 59 as a connecting section to a microphone/speaker or other analog equipment. |
| US07698445B2 |
Client agents for obtaining attributes from unavailable clients
A computer system and methods for creating an agency relationship among clients of a computer system with respect to personal privileged, or otherwise sensitive permissions and/or attributes, is described. The system and methods allow a querying client to obtain permission and/or attributes from a queried client, even if the queried client is unavailable. |
| US07698441B2 |
Intelligent use of user data to pre-emptively prevent execution of a query violating access controls
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for securing data. Security rules are defined for fields and/or field values. The security rules specify one or more users to which the rules apply. A query is examined for content and a determination is made as to whether security action is required based on the content (e.g., a field and/or a value of the field) and user-specific data. |
| US07698440B2 |
Method for controlling a transmission system as well as a transmission system
A transmission system and a method for controlling the transmission system comprising at least one interface unit and at least one adjustable device are disclosed. The method includes configuring the at least one interface unit according to interface configuration parameters, and enabling the at least one interface unit according to the interface configuration parameters. The method can also include transmitting device configuration parameters from the at least one interface unit to at least one of the adjustable devices, configuring the at least one adjustable device according to the device configuration parameters, and enabling the at least one adjustable device according to the device configuration parameters in order to transmit data via the second link. |
| US07698438B1 |
Updating of availability of routes in a network
In one embodiment, a method comprises transmitting a PING from a network element to a computing device, wherein a static route is between the network element and the computing device. The method also includes causing a distribution of availability of the static route to at least one other network element based on whether the computing device responded to the PING. |
| US07698431B1 |
Pre-positioning data in a network memory appliance
Systems and methods for pre-positioning data in a network memory are described. A pre-positioning command may be executed to position specific data at one or more network memory appliances before the data is requested at a branch office. For example, the first download of a software update over the communication network at a branch office may require several minutes. To make the first download of the software update faster, the software update may be downloaded previously to the branch appliance. According to various embodiments, the pre-positioning command may comprise a time of transfer and/or a schedule. The data may be received by a pre-positioning receiver such as a file system server, a hypertext transfer protocol server, a file transfer protocol server, or a virtual client. |
| US07698429B1 |
System and method for customizing a core product
An enterprise framework for a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is disclosed. The enterprise framework is utilized for creating, replacing, or modifying services on the SOA without modifying core code. With the framework, a service client may access services provided by the SOA via any middleware available now or in the future by utilizing auto-generation of middleware bindings via templates. |
| US07698422B2 |
System and method of determining user demographic profiles of anonymous users
A method determines a user demographic profile of an anonymous user that visits one or more websites of a predetermined group of websites. The method includes determining whether an anonymous user's computer has user identification data installed thereon. Determining whether the user identification data is installed is performed upon the anonymous user visiting a website of the predetermined group of websites. The user identification data is unique to the anonymous user. The method further includes installing the user identification data on the anonymous user's computer if the anonymous user's computer does not have the user identification data installed thereon. The method further includes generating a first record of visits by the anonymous user to the websites of the predetermined group of websites. The method further includes providing one or more website profiles comprising demographic characteristics of each website visited by the anonymous user of the predetermined group of websites. The method further includes calculating an estimated user demographic profile of the anonymous user by using the first record of visits by the anonymous user and the one or more website profiles. |
| US07698411B2 |
Selectively delivering cached content or processed content to clients based upon a result completed percentage
The present invention discloses a solution of a server-side result distribution service software program. The program can receive and store results related to a request context from different content providing servers. Asynchronous requests can be received from a client, which initiated a content request that defines the request context. A level of completeness for the request results that satisfies the received client request can be determined. The level of completeness can be compared against a previously established threshold. Either dynamically processed results or previously cached results can be delivered to the client depending upon an outcome of the comparing step. Server-side operations that produce the dynamically processed results can be operations initiated after the content request is sent by the client. Previously cached results can be generated from processes initiated before the content request is sent by the client. |
| US07698408B1 |
Method and apparatus for testing a network
Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention provides a method for testing a network comprising multiple nodes. The network conforms to a formal specification. The method includes defining a blueprint comprising a set of one or more possible topological configurations for connecting a node to the network. The one or more possible topological configurations represent a subset of the topological configurations permitted by the formal specification. When connectivity is initiated between a node and the network, it is confirmed that the connectivity for the node conforms to the blueprint. |
| US07698407B2 |
Federated personalization of personal portal content
Providing enterprise and targeted content to a personalized portal at a client device in a distributed environment. An administrator managing the distributed environment defines a plurality of workspace pages to be displayed to a user via the portal. The portal also includes a personalized page. The administrator determines workspace content to be provided to the user on the workspace pages via the portal, and the workspace content includes a set of predetermined content parameters. Targeted content is selected from the workspace content as a function of user profile data and the set of predetermined content parameters. The arranged targeted content and personalized content are rendered on the pages via the portal. |
| US07698406B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying and classifying network-based distributed applications
A method and apparatus for specifying the identification and classification of at least one application having components distributed over selected nodes of a network system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of creating a first section containing at least one directive for specifying information or initiating at least one external process for discovering characteristics of the application, creating a second section containing at least one directive for specifying information or initiating at least one external process for storing the discovered characteristics, and creating a third section containing at least one directive for specifying information or initiating at least one external process for testing the discovered characteristics. |
| US07698405B2 |
MILARRS systems and methods
An add-on module provides extrinsic management functionality to legacy and other devices. Contemplated modules include: (a) a state agent that provides at least one of the MILARRS function, and (b) a product agent that communicates with the device using at least one serial interface. Implementations are contemplated for both legacy devices that natively provide less than complete MILARRS functionality, and newly developed devices for which the developer desires a ready-made implementation of MILARRS functionality. |
| US07698398B1 |
System and method for generating Web Service architectures using a Web Services structured methodology
System and method for generating Web Services using a Web Services Structured Methodology. One embodiment may be implemented as a Web Services architecture design mechanism. Lifecycles of the Web Services design process may include vision and strategy, architecture design, development, integration, and deployment. In one embodiment, the Web Services architecture design mechanism may implement a structured methodology design process for Web Services. One embodiment may include a reusable Web Services design pattern catalog and a mechanism for maintaining and updating the catalog and for using the catalog to apply design patterns when designing and implementing Web Services. One embodiment may be used for Enterprise And Cross-Enterprise Integration of Web Services. One embodiment may be used for Legacy Mainframe Integration and Interoperability with Web Services. |
| US07698392B2 |
Method and system for establishing a user-friendly data transfer service application executing within a heterogeneous distributed service application execution environment
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for data transfer between electronic, hand-held devices, including cell phones, and computer systems, including servers and PCs, as well as component methods and systems of these data-transfer methods and systems. Component methods and systems of the present invention include secure links between various devices, enhancements to electronic hand-held devices that enable service applications to run continuously or intermittently on the devices, deployment of dynamically created service applications to electronic, hand-held devices, and various additional component methods and systems that facilitate the above-mentioned component methods and systems. One embodiment of the present invention is a robust, efficient, secure, and user-friendly method and system for transferring data between cell phones and personal computers. |
| US07698389B2 |
Device configuration in a distributed environment
A method for configuring devices on a computer network. Configuration involves initiating a configuration session on a primary device causing the primary device to collect configuration session on a primary device causing the primary device to collect configuration logic for the primary device and one or more secondary devices. The primary device then generates a user interface having user accessible controls for selecting and returning configuration settings for the primary and secondary devices. Each selected configuration setting is then returned and applied to the primary or secondary device for which it is selected. |
| US07698385B2 |
Method and apparatus for designing web services using a sequence and multiplex architectural pattern
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for designing a Web service that processes one or more composite messages. The same techniques may be applied to the design of clients of the Web service. The Web service is comprised of service logic and compositional logic. The service logic is comprised of a plurality of message handlers that process micro-messages of one or more composite messages. The compositional logic is comprised of a plurality of protocol demultiplexers that implement Web service functionality for demultiplexing, sequencing, and multiplexing one or more composite messages. The compositional logic is separated from the service logic, such that the service logic does not include operations for demultiplexing, sequencing, or multiplexing the composite messages. |
| US07698383B2 |
System and method for building component applications using metadata defined mapping between message and data domains
It is desirable to drive down the complexity involved in developing the wireless application by reducing the need to do any explicit coding, as well as reducing device resources utilized by the application when provisioned. Having an intelligent wireless device runtime environment (Device Runtime) that provides a set of basic services to manage the wireless application as a series if application components, and their interactions, can simplify the development effort and reduce resource allocation. The wireless application is described as a set of components. The data domain for this category of applications is defined using atomic data components. The communication between the device and a server is defined using atomic message components. Both message and data components are described in metadata using a structured definition language such as XML. The relationships between the message and data components are embedded in the XML definitions in the form of message/data mappings. Typically, outgoing messages are derived from some underlying data component and incoming messages affect the current state (or data representation) of the application. It is therefore apparent that the metadata defined mapping relationship is preferable between the expression of data and message components. |
| US07698375B2 |
Method and system for pluggability of federation protocol runtimes for federated user lifecycle management
A method and a system are presented in which federated domains interact within a federated environment. Domains within a federation can initiate federated operations for a user at other federated domains. A point-of-contact server within a domain relies upon a trust proxy within the domain to manage trust relationships between the domain and the federation. The point-of-contact server receives incoming requests directed to the domain and interfaces with a first application server and a second application server, wherein the first application server responds to requests for access to controlled resources and the second application server responds to requests for access to federated user lifecycle management functions, which are implemented using one or more pluggable modules that interface with the second application server. |
| US07698371B2 |
Communicating by video without replicating data
Communicating by video is described. A video of a menu is streamed to a client device. A signal that identifies a selection from the menu is received. A first video associated with the selection is streamed to the client device. The first video is a member of video conversation that may include a number of videos. A second video is received from the client device. The second video is streamed by the client device as it is recorded by the client device. The second video is a response to the first video. The second video is associated with the video conversation. |
| US07698369B2 |
Email delivery system using metadata on emails to manage virtual storage
E-mail system which organizes e-mails into queues based on their locations and characterizes the e-mails. Metadata, indicative of the e-mail, is appended to the e-mail. The queues are organized based on the metadata, and processed. The metadata is always stored in local storage; and the message body may be stored in local storage, or in remote storage, depending on how long it will be until the message is sent. A special server manages whether the information is stored in local or remote storage. |
| US07698368B2 |
Body-less email for asynchronous chat-like communications and email-chat integration
Described are a system and method of communicating with a user of a computing device over a network. Communications occur with a body-less electronic mail messages. The conveyed message is carried by the subject line of the body-less electronic mail message. The subject line records the temporal sequence of one or more text messages representing a chat-like email conversation between users. Each received body-less electronic mail messages appears on a display screen as a line item in a mailbox view. In one embodiment, the entire contents of the subject line are displayed in a drop-down list when a cursor is positioned over the subject column of the line item. In another embodiment, the user scrolls horizontally through contents of the subject line by positioning the cursor over a scroll bar arrow that appears at one end of the subject line column. |
| US07698365B2 |
Multipoint processing unit
A system to provide a multipoint processing terminal and a multicast bridging terminal to provide mixing, switching, and other processing of media streams under the control of H.323 components. Application Programming Interfaces defined for the multipoint processing terminal provide a multipoint control unit with the capability to change the default behavior of the multipoint processing terminal by allowing the multipoint control unit to control the routing audio and video streams in the multipoint processing terminal and control the media formats in a multipoint conference. Multipoint processing acceleration functionality is provided by providing interfaces to allow hardware accelerated implementations of multipoint processing terminals. The multicast bridging terminals enables clients using one type of control signaling and media streaming to join other conferences using different types of control signaling and media streaming by receiving audio or video data from an incoming media stream and performing any processing necessary to transform the media stream from the incoming stream data format to the outgoing stream data format. |
| US07698362B2 |
Web service connecting apparatus and web service connecting method
A connection setting part holds a selecting condition for a binding to use; a common interface part receives a connection request from a common interface execution code to be executed by a client; a reading/analyzing part obtains the selecting condition from the connection setting part; an environment information obtaining part obtains environment information of the client and/or a server; a connection selecting determination part determines the binding to use based on the selecting condition and the environment information; and a calling part carries out connection to the Web service with the execution code corresponding to the determined binding. |
| US07698361B2 |
Lightweight input/output protocol
A method and system for offloading I/O processing from a first computer to a second computer, using RDMA-capable network interconnects, are disclosed. The method and system include a client on the first computer communicating over an RDMA connection to a server on the second computer by way of a lightweight input/output (LWIO) protocol. The protocol generally comprises a network discovery phase followed by an I/O processing phase. During the discovery phase, the client and server determine a minimal list of shared RDMA-capable providers. During the I/O processing phase, the client posts I/O requests for offloading to the second machine over a mutually-authenticated RDMA channel. The I/O model is asymmetric, with read operations being implemented using RDMA and write operations being implemented using normal sends. Read and write requests may be completed in polling mode and in interrupt mode. Buffers are managed by way of a credit mechanism. |
| US07698360B2 |
System and method for distance learning
A system and method for distance learning that can be used to teach a typical IT training course. In one aspect, a student that desires to perform remotely an exercise from an IT training course uses his/her Java-capable browser to connect to a distance learning web server. The web server downloads to the browser a list of exercises that the student can choose from. After the student selects an exercise, the web server launches the virtual machines that are needed for the student to perform the selected exercise. The virtual machines are launched on a computer system that is remote from the student, but the computer system includes a remote display server. After the virtual machines are launched on the remote system, a remote display viewer is loaded in the student's browser and the remote display viewer connects to the remote display server. After the viewer connects to the remote display server, the viewer displays one or more of the virtual machines in a window on the student's computer. Thus, after the viewer connects to the remote display server, the student can remotely interact with the virtual machines that are required for the student to perform the exercise. |
| US07698351B1 |
GUI architecture for namespace and storage management
A graphical user interface (GUI) architecture is configured to enable efficient management of resources in a storage system environment. The GUI architecture is embodied within a namespace and storage management (NSM) application as a GUI toolkit configured to produce reusable GUI components, such as a navigation frame, a wizard and a dialog box. In particular, the reusable wizard allows users to make intelligent choices toward successful completions of desired actions by, e.g., only requesting information needed to accomplish those actions. |
| US07698349B2 |
Dimension member sliding in online analytical processing
A dimension member of a report is slid to produce a new view of the report that corresponds to the slid dimension. The dimension member sliding allows navigation of a dimension of the data by members in a pattern that is not hierarchical. The view of the report corresponds to a hierarchy tree that is decomposed into a matrix. The next dimension members are determined using the matrix and the dimensionally slid view of the report is generated. |
| US07698348B2 |
Extended database engine providing versioning and embedded analytics
A system for calculating analytics uses a relational database to store inputs, calculates results, and stores them in cache. The system also includes an access layer that provides a unified view of the data in server. A dynamic access layer is generated at runtime to run an analytic to provide a flexible framework for creating business logic. |
| US07698338B2 |
Field oriented pipeline architecture for a programmable data streaming processor
A field oriented pipeline processor for a data engine that can be programmed to recognize record and field structures of data received from a source such as a mass storage device. The processor has an interface for receiving field-delineated data from a field parser. The field parser parses non-field delineated data from a streaming data source into field delineated data under instruction from an external processing unit. The pipeline processor receives a field delineated data stream and employs logical arithmetic methods to compare fields with one another, or with values otherwise supplied by general purpose processors to precisely determine which records are worth transferring to memory of the more general purpose distributed processors. The architecture of the data engine allows for the use of substitution tables, temporary registers, and a data string register to assist in the efficiency and accuracy of the data engine processing. |
| US07698336B2 |
Associating geographic-related information with objects
Techniques for associating geographic-related information with objects are described. In one implementation, a search is conducted on a keyword string of one or more keywords descriptive or otherwise representative of a geographically-relevant object. If a location is identified, geographic-related semantic information of the location is associated with the geographically-relevant object. In some cases, multiple possible locations may be identified as a result of searching the keyword string. If multiple locations are identified, a probable location is determined and then geographic-related semantic information of the probable location is associated with the geographically-relevant object described by the keyword string. |
| US07698332B2 |
Projecting queries and images into a similarity space
A method and system for projecting queries and images into a similarity space where queries are close to their relevant images is provided. A similarity space projection (“SSP”) system learns a query projection function and an image projection function based on training data. The query projection function projects the relevance of the most relevant words of a query into a similarity space and the image projection function projects the relevance to an image of the most relevant words of a query into the same similarity space so that queries and their relevant images are close in the similarity space. The SSP system can then identify images that are relevant to a target query and queries that are relevant to a target image using the projection functions. |
| US07698330B2 |
Search system for providing information of keyword input frequency by category and method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a search service system and a method thereof, and more particularly, relates to a search service system capable of providing an input ranking of a keyword which is input into the search service system, according to a category to which the keyword belongs, and a method thereof. |
| US07698324B2 |
Distributed confidential contextual querying
For distributed querying of confidential information, a querying data structure is constructed from the confidential information on the computer at which the confidential information resides. The querying data structure opaquely encapsulates queries on the confidential information as a set of query hashes and answer pairs. The querying data structure is distributed to other computers where the distributed query processing is to be performed. The query is performed on such other computers by hashing the query terms, using the resulting query hash as a look up index to the associated answer in the querying data structure, and acting on the answer. A strictly one-way hash is used to prevent recovery of the original inputs to the query hashes in the query data structure by reverse hash. |
| US07698318B2 |
Automatically determining file replication mechanisms
A backup administrator can backup files from a production server on any of a plurality of different bases. In particular, some files can be replicated on a changed-byte basis. In other cases, files can be backed up by replicating updated copies of the entire file, or even byte blocks of the file. Determinations as to how a replication agent will back up a certain file or set of files can be made by a backup administrator, automatically through a predefined logic, or dynamically based on defined criteria. Corresponding agents at the production server can then flag these files as indicated. Thus, at a later point, when the DPM server requests the updates of each file, the production server can either send over copies of the changed file bytes, entire copies of the changed file itself, or even changed blocks of a file, as appropriate. |
| US07698316B2 |
Universal knowledge information and data storage system
A system (100) is provided for storing knowledge, information and data (KID). The system includes a plurality of sources of KID (20), at least one receiver of KID (30) from the plurality of sources, a universal knowledge, information and data store (UKIDS 160) and an interface (150) coupling the receiver and the UKIDS. The interface provides a plurality of logical partitions (200) for storing KID within the UKIDS. In one embodiment, a first level of the logical partitions segregates information into personal and professional KID. A plurality of second personal levels under the first personal level (210) segregates KID storage into a teams of people subset (212), an activities and organization subset (214) and an organization and administration subset (216). A plurality of second professional levels under said first professional level (220) segregates KID storage into a clients subset (230), an output subset (250), a teams subset (270) and an administration subset (290). |
| US07698315B2 |
System and method allowing advertisers to manage search listings in a pay for placement search system using grouping
A system for advertisers to efficiently manage their search listings in placement database search system includes grouping means for managing multiple categories for the search listings and query means for searching search listings. The system further includes quick-fill means for modifying an attribute in a plurality of search listings by specifying the modification at a single location. |
| US07698310B2 |
System for allowing object metadata to be shared between cursors for concurrent read write access
A system, method, computer program and article of manufacture for sharing metadata among cursors is provided. A metadata object marked as a versioned object can have multiple versions. Program units can share these versions of object metadata as opposed to copying the non-versioned object metadata into their memory. These program units may contain a pointer to an object's metadata but are otherwise void of the metadata information for the object. A locking protocol for the metadata ensures concurrency control and triggers dependency tracking. A locking protocol for the cursors controls cursor dependency status. |
| US07698309B2 |
Advanced fine-grained administration of recovering transactions
A method, system, and computer program product provides advanced and fine-grained transaction administration features, along with interoperability between transactional software architectures and business entities. A method of administering recovering transactions comprises the steps of operating a transaction processing system, and attempting recovery of a plurality of transactions in the transaction processing system after a failure of the transaction processing system by determining a recovery action to be taken for each of the plurality of transactions individually. |
| US07698307B2 |
System and method for synchronizing between a file system and presence of contacts on a network
A system and method is provided for synchronizing a file system with presence information on a network. Presence information is discovered for nearby users on the network. Data corresponding to the nearby users, such as a display name and sharing address, are stored in the file system. The data is synchronized either in a folder corresponding to nearby users, or is synchronized in a general contacts folder that is enhanced by the presence information. As people move in and out of the network, the entries in the file system are updated. |
| US07698306B2 |
System and method for parallelized replay of an NVRAM log in a storage appliance
A system and method for enabling parallel replay of a backup memory log of client transaction request entries to a network storage appliance file system is provided. The backup memory is typically implemented as a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). An initiator establishes a swarm of messages with a plurality of transaction blocks pointing to logged request entries and related states associated therewith. The states represent the various phases of file system recovery and disk storage including a retrieval of disk information (data and meta-data), typically in the form of a LOAD, and a subsequent modify phase. The swarm is transferred to the file system for parallel disk information-retrieval in an interleaved process. Any transactions that cannot be performed due to a required prerequisite action (e.g. a prior file-create) are returned to the initiator for reloading once the prerequisite action has occurred. |
| US07698304B2 |
Caching data in a distributed system
A distributed system is described that includes a notification module and multiple data-providing modules for delivering updated data to client devices. The notification module notifies the client devices of a version of the updated data. A client device then requests the identified version of the updated data. In response to the request, the distributed system selects one of the data-providing modules to provide the updated data. The selected data-providing module determines whether it has finished processing the requested version of the updated data. If so, the selected data-providing module provides the updated data; if not, the selected data-providing module rejects the request. If rejected, the client device generates another request, prompting the distributed system to select another data-providing module. The client device continues to generate requests in this manner until a request is accepted, which will eventually happen because all data-providing modules will eventually finish processing the updated data. |
| US07698303B2 |
System for categorizing and normalizing knowledge data based on user's affinity to knowledge
A system, method, and processor readable medium for processing data in a knowledge management system gathers information content and transmits a work request for the information content gathered. The information content may be registered with a K-map and assigned a unique document identifier. A work queue processes the work requests. The processed information may then be transmitted to another work queue for further processing. Further processing may include categorization, full-text indexing, metrics extraction or other process. Control messages may be transmitted to one or more users providing a status of the work request. The information may be analyzed and further indexed. A progress statistics report may be generated for each of the processes performed on the document. The progress statistics may be provided in a record. A shared access to a central data structure representing the metrics history and taxonomy may be provided for all work queues via a CORBA service. |
| US07698302B2 |
Mobile phone content-based recommendation of new media
A method of recommending new media to a user based on various information stored and/or collected by, for example, a mobile phone is provided. More particularly, the invention provides a method of recommending new media based on information such as, for example, the content of sent and received text messages, previously viewed sound and/or video clips, location, content of emails, environmental information such as temperature or pressure, etc. Accordingly, the invention facilitates the use of information generated by a user during use of a mobile phone for recommending media to the user. |
| US07698296B2 |
Content-reproducing apparatus
A content reproducing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a play list and candidate contents able to be added to the play list, a selection unit configured to select, from the candidate contents, an undesired content which a user does not want to add to the play list, a calculation unit configured to calculate a first retrieval statistical quantity based on first characteristic quantity of the undesired content or a second retrieval statistical quantity based on second characteristic quantity of a desired content which the user wants to add to the play list, and a retrieve unit configured to retrieve the candidate contents to prepare the play list, in accordance with similarity which has been calculated by using the first or second retrieval statistical quantity and which shows to which a given content having third characteristic quantity is similar, the desired content or the undesired content. |
| US07698290B2 |
Error correction method and apparatus
A transmitting apparatus arranges data in matrix, calculates error correction codes in the data's column direction, arranges the calculated error correction codes in matrix having the same number of columns as the data, attaches number information corresponding to a row number to each row having data or error correction code, encapsulates, into each packet, each row having number information and data or error correction code, plus error detection code detecting one or more bit errors at least in the number information and the data or error correction code in the packet, and transmits the packet. Receiving apparatus discards received packets having detected errors using the error detection code in each packet, checks packet losses according to number information, and restores lost data using the error correction codes. An error correction method compensates for packet losses and bit errors in a packet, realizing efficient transmission with less delay by simple configuration. |
| US07698289B2 |
Storage system architecture for striping data container content across volumes of a cluster
A storage system architecture comprises one or more volumes distributed across a plurality of nodes interconnected as a cluster. The volumes are organized as a striped volume set (SVS) and configured to store content of data containers served by the cluster in response to multi-protocol data access requests issued by clients. Each node of the cluster includes (i) a storage server adapted to service a volume of the SVS and (ii) a multi-protocol engine adapted to redirect the data access requests to any storage server of the cluster. Notably, the content of each data container is apportioned among the volumes of the SVS to thereby improve the efficiency of storage service provided by the cluster. |
| US07698287B2 |
Design of spreadsheet functions for working with tables of data
The present invention provides several database formulas that can manipulate large sets of data. Each database formula is customizable and repeatable without user intervention. Thus, users may enter numerous options that can cover the user's desire for data output in certain forms or formats, select a set of input data, and consistently receive a set of output data. In some embodiments, the user may refer to the set of data semantically instead of specifying a range of cells to use in the database formula. Referring to the data semantically allows the database formulas to adjust to changes in the range of cells new data may occupy. |
| US07698286B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing internet transactions
The object-oriented approach used by the present invention provides the ability to develop and manage Internet transactions. Local applications can be accessed using any workstation connected to the Internet regardless of the workstation's configuration. Some or all of a Web page can be generated dynamically using input received in a returned page, generated at runtime, or retrieved from an external data source (e.g., database or electronic mail system). When the Web page definition is rendered, the information contained in template(s), declaration file(s), and object(s) are used to generate standard definitions. State information is maintained across transactions. Using state information, virtual applications, sessions, transactions, and pages can be implemented. Self-contained modules, or components, provide the ability to share implementations and create multi-content documents. Event objects can be used to assist in event handling management. |
| US07698282B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for remote client search indexing
In one embodiment, a method is provided in which search indices are configured on a server. The search indices are associated with corresponding business components. The search indices are displayed to a client that is connected to the server via a computer network. The client is configured to perform search using data records stored on a local machine. One or more particular search indices from the server are downloaded onto the client in response to the client's request to download the one or more particular search indices to be used for searching on the local machine. |
| US07698276B2 |
Framework for providing a subscription based notification system
The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate automated delivery of notifications according to various applications that can be employed with the framework of a notification platform. The applications are described by models that enable users to easily/conveniently interact with the notification platform. The application models can be incorporated within and/or associated with the notification platform. Moreover, the models can be employed to enhance subscription experiences for users, whereby users can easily and economically subscribe and unsubscribe to one or more notification services. In addition, subscriptions can be dynamically adjusted based upon explicit commands from the user, inferred from contextual user states, and/or based upon incentives or other factors directed to the user. |
| US07698271B2 |
Conceptual network generating system, conceptual network generating method, and program product therefor
A conceptual network generating system that generates a conceptual network showing conceptual relations between words, the conceptual network generating system including: a first searching unit that searches a knowledge source storing search sentences; a first generating unit that analyzes the retrieved first search result sentence; a holding unit that stores the generated first structure information in a memory unit; a second searching unit that searches the knowledge source; a second generating unit that analyzes the retrieved second search result sentence; a calculating unit that calculates similarity between the generated second structure information and the stored first structure information; and a setting unit that generates conceptual network information. |
| US07698270B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying, extracting, capturing, and leveraging expertise and knowledge
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 emcompasses 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. |
| US07698269B2 |
URL shortening and authentication with reverse hash lookup
A shortened identifier, such as a shortened URL, is used to access data, a service, and/or another resource that is associated with a full identifier, such as a full URL. In an exemplary embodiment, a hash key is generated from the full URL and included with a domain identifier to form a shortened URL. Other codes can also be included in the shortened URL. The shortened URL can be included in a message, page, and/or other data element that is generally too small for the full URL. When received from a client, a property code, a user ID, and/or other data is used to locate one or more full URLs. A selected hash function is applied to the full URLs to generate a table of hash keys. If a match exists with the hash key from the shortened URL, the resource is accessed at the corresponding full URL. |
| US07698256B1 |
History support for stateless Javascript Web client
Methods and systems are provided for providing history support in a stateless Web-based application. These methods and systems allow a browser to interface with one or multiple data frames via a common history frame that facilitates providing navigation history support and facilitates rendering data to the browser user interface. By utilizing the common history frame, the methods and systems of the present invention provide navigation history capabilities in a stateless Web-based application. |
| US07698255B2 |
System for organizing knowledge data and communication with users having affinity to knowledge data
A system, method, and processor readable medium for processing data in a knowledge management system gathers information content and transmits a work request for the information content gathered. The information content may be registered with a K-map and assigned a unique document identifier. A work queue processes the work requests. The processed information may then be transmitted to another work queue for further processing. Further processing may include categorization, full-text indexing, metrics extraction or other process. Control messages may be transmitted to one or more users providing a status of the work request. The information may be analyzed and further indexed. A progress statistics report may be generated for each of the processes performed on the document. The progress statistics may be provided in a record. A shared access to a central data structure representing the metrics history and taxonomy may be provided for all work queues via a CORBA service. |
| US07698253B2 |
Method and system for reducing host variable impact on access path selection
The present invention proposes enhancing the access path selection process by storing the relevant frequency distribution and the host variables values used for selecting the access path together with the corresponding access path executable. This way, the host variables impact to the access path can be inexpensively assessed and the re-optimization triggered only if necessary. |
| US07698249B2 |
System and method for predicting hardware and/or software metrics in a computer system using models
An objective function is dynamically chosen from a pool of available objective functions, and a prediction model is dynamically chosen from a pool of available prediction models. Points of inflection are determined for the chosen objective function, based on past values of a metric, to obtain a set of equations that can be solved to obtain model parameters associated with the chosen prediction model. The equations are solved to obtain the model parameters, and a future value of the metric is predicted based on (i) at least some of the past values of the metric and (ii) the chosen prediction model, with the obtained associated model parameters. |
| US07698245B2 |
Applying rules to validating data for a machine arrangement
A system and method for validating data for a machine arrangement includes a controller, such as a programmable logic controller, connected to a processor, which is configured to execute an algorithm using the data collected by the controller. The algorithm includes one or more rules that are applicable to the collected data. Each rule is applied to the data to determine if any of the data entries violate one or more of the rules. An output is generated indicating whether the data violates any of the rules, thereby providing information regarding the validity of the data being captured. |
| US07698244B2 |
Electronic butler for providing application services to a user
An electronic butler interface application service providing module is provided in a framework for providing computing device executed application services to a user using a plurality of application service providing modules, each of which provides a subset of the application services to the user. The electronic butler has an associated personality and is configured to respond to inquiries relating to the user, provide information to the user regarding inquiries relating to the user, provide reminders of events to the user, request additional information from a user, provide security for transactions for the user, conduct scheduled actions for the user and/or communicate with different ones of the application service providing modules to provide for determined needs for a user. |
| US07698236B2 |
Fuzzy logic based viewer identification for targeted asset delivery system
A targeted advertising system uses a machine learning tool to select an asset for a current user of a user equipment device, for example, to select an ad for delivery to a current user of a digital set top box in a cable network. The machine learning tool first operates in a learning mode to receive user inputs and develop evidence that can characterize multiple users of the user equipment device audience. In a working mode, the machine learning tool processes current user inputs to match a current user to one of the identified users of that user equipment device audience. Fuzzy logic may be used to improve development of the user characterizations, as well as matching of the current user to those developed characterizations. In this manner, targeting of assets can be implemented not only based on characteristics of a household but based on a current user within that household. |
| US07698234B2 |
Cardiac perfusion analysis
In a method of analyzing a quantity having temporal and spatial variations a multidimensional output data array is formed. The multidimensional output data array comprises array positions arranged along at least a first data-axis and a second data-axis, such as a spatial axis and a temporal axis. Values of the quantity are entered in the multidimensional output data array. Values of the quantity at substantially the same instant are entered at respective positions in the multidimensional output data array at equal positions along the first data-axis. Values of the quantity at substantially the same spatial position are entered at respective positions in the multidimensional output data array at equal positions along the second data-axis. |
| US07698233B1 |
System and method for determining expected unserved energy to quantify generation reliability risks
A method, system and program product for quantifying a risk of an expected unserved energy in an energy generation system using a digital simulation. An energy load demand forecast is generated based at least in part on a weather year model. A plurality of energy generation resources are committed to meet the energy load demand. An operating status is determined for each committed energy generation resource in the energy generation system. A determination is made as to whether or not the committed resources are sufficient to meet the energy load demand. A dispatch order for a plurality of additional energy resources is selected if the committed resources are not sufficient to meet the energy load demand. Additional resources are committed based on the selected dispatch order until the energy load demand is met. The expected unserved energy is determined and an equivalent amount of energy load demand is shed based at least in part on an expected duration of unserved energy and a customer class grouping. An associated cost for the expected unserved energy is also determined. |
| US07698227B1 |
System and method for providing traceable acknowledgement of a digital data distribution license
A system and method for providing traceable acknowledgement of a digital data distribution license is presented. A license specifying terms applicable to a user requesting a distribution of data maintained in digital form is defined. The digital data distribution is encoded by application of a phrase used to convolute the digital data distribution. The phrase signifies an acknowledgement by the user to be bound by the license terms. The digital data is distributed. Access to the digital data distribution requires application of the phrase to deconvolute the digital data distribution. |
| US07698225B2 |
License modes in call processing
The present invention is directed to a system, comprising: a license manager 113 operable to identify the occurrence of a predetermined licensing event and a mode setting agent 124 operable to change, in response to the occurrence of the predetermined licensing event (e.g., an absence of a valid license), from a first licensing mode (e.g., a license normal mode) to a second licensing mode (e.g., a license error mode). The second licensing mode is different from the first licensing mode. In each of the first and second licensing modes a common set of features performed by the telecommunication application (e.g., call processing functions) are operational. |
| US07698221B2 |
Method and system for restricting the usage of payment accounts
A user's ability to spend and/or receive funds for payment accounts maintained in an electronic wallet are limited. These limitations include restrictions on where the user is able to spend the funds in a payment account (e.g., at which merchants the funds can be spent, whether the funds can be withdrawn from an ATM, etc.). These limitations may also include restrictions on what other payment accounts the user can receive funds from and/or transfer funds to, thereby limiting person-to-person fund transfers. |
| US07698218B1 |
Method and system for flexible group ordering and billing
A method for flexible billing provides for a service provider to apportion billing for one or more services among a number of parties. The services may be shared among the parties and the bill may be apportioned in accordance with an apportioning scheme, or billing breakout as determined by the parties. The parties may designate a coordinator to administer the service and serve as the contact point between the parties and the service provider. The flexible billing can also provide for one party to pay a portion of the service charges for one or more other parties. Incentives in the form of reduced charges may be provided by the service provider. |
| US07698217B1 |
Masking private billing data by assigning other billing data to use in commerce with businesses
A method and apparatus for shielding a user's private billing data, such as credit card information, or other billing arrangements, but distributing different billing data to businesses during commerce therewith. Also disclosed is assigning the different billing data through real-time and advance distribution of the different billing data to a user, as well. Also disclosed is validating the correctness of a charge through confirmation of the charge with a financial institution, such as a bank, and by comparing itemized charges against expected charges identified by the user. |
| US07698216B2 |
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. |
| US07698207B2 |
Automated method and a system for clearing and settling trades in a CSD-system
A method for financial transactions within a Central Securities Depository comprises a clearing process and a settlement process. The clearing process preparing the transactions for the settlement process selects a settlement rule to be followed in the clearing process. The rule defines how the transaction is to be settled and a settlement obligation group. The group includes a number of settlement instructions that must be settled at the same time. The clearing process also “locks in” the assets with which the transactions are concerned thereby reserving the assets for a specific settlement instruction. The settlement process includes selecting transfer instructions for all settlement obligations belonging to the settlement obligation group. The transfer instructions are irrevocable instructions to transfer the assets between participants in the CSD. The settlement process also checks that all transfer instructions are carried out successfully and reports the result of the settlement to the participants involved. |
| US07698205B2 |
Combination LEG price generation
A method of calculating leg prices in trading of a combination order on a market having set price rules is provided. The combination order comprises a combination of instruments of at least two different kinds that are traded for a single net price and each kind of instrument is associated with a respective leg price. The method comprises the following steps: a) assigning seed price values to all leg prices but a last leg price; b) calculating the last leg price by means of the assigned seed price values and a net price for the combination order; c) checking whether the last leg price complies with the price rules; d) if the last leg price does not comply with the price rules, modifying the seed price values; and repeating steps c) and d) until the last leg price complies with current price rules or for a predetermined number of times. This attains compliance with the tick step rules and in turn avoids the use of secondary price algorithms, which may lead to costly and time-consuming manual re-booking. |
| US07698203B1 |
Ring-fencing assets of an investment fund
Methods and systems for ring-fencing assets of an investment fund. The investment fund may issue interest of a first interest type in the fund to investors. When one or more investors seek to redeem their interests and the aggregate value of the interest sought to be redeemed is greater than the redemption amount available from the fund, the redemption-requesting investors may be issued interests in the fund of a second interest type. The quantity and value of the interest of the second type issued may be based on the pro rata share of the redemption-requesting investor's interest in the assets of the fund at the time that the interests are issued. The assets of the fund as of the conversion date are ring fenced. Income attributable from the ring-fenced assets after the conversion date and/or proceeds derived from the disposition of ring-fenced assets after the conversion date is distributed to the investors having the second interest type. This process of income distribution and redemption of interests upon liquidation of investments may continue until all investments within the ring fence have been liquidated. |
| US07698195B2 |
Systems and methods for improving investing
Users of a simulator gain skills for investing using a simulator. The simulator simulates a business system that conducts a market transaction. The simulator selects a set of factors from a plurality of sets; selects a current factor from the selected set; and determines a price in accordance with the current factor. The simulator further updates a financial position of the user of the simulator in response to a transaction; and performs the transaction in accordance with the price and an input from the user. The input from the user corresponds in content to an input to the business system. Consequently, the user develops skill in specifying market transactions to be conducted by reviewing changes in the user's financial position. The simulator may include a simulated competitor having a financial position affected by transactions according to a strategy of the competitor selected from a set of stored strategies. |
| US07698194B2 |
Techniques for illustrating and analyzing college savings plans
Analyzing educational saving plans by considering the tax implications of these plans is provided by storing a plurality of educational institution identifiers and a plurality of educational savings plan parameter sets. Each of the educational institution identifiers is associated with a corresponding set of cost parameters specifying room, board, and tuition costs for the respective educational institution. Each of the educational savings plan parameter sets specifies a characteristics of a corresponding educational savings plan. A comparative analysis of educational savings plans is generated by applying a retrieved set of cost parameters for each educational plan parameter set. This comparative analysis takes into consideration tax implications of an educational savings plan. The results of the comparative analysis are outputted on a display and/or printout so that an investor can determine which of the plurality of educational savings plans best meets their needs. |
| US07698190B2 |
Method of creating financial plans of action and budget for achieving lifestyle and financial objectives
A software program that allows an individual with a personal computer to develop and implement plans of action for achieving a preferred lifestyle that appears feasible based on the individual's current and probable future financial circumstances. |
| US07698189B2 |
System, method and computer program product for determining a minimum asset value for exercising a contingent claim of an option
A system, method and computer program product are provided for determining a minimum future benefits value for exercising a contingent claim of an option. The method may include determining a present value distribution of contingent future benefits at an expiration exercise point, and present values of respective exercise price(s) at the expiration exercise point and one or more decision points before that point, including discounting a respective distribution and values according to first and second discount rates, respectively. The method may also include defining a value as a function of a variable asset value at a selected decision point, the value being determinable based upon the present value distribution and present values, where the present value distribution may be correlated with the asset value. The function may then be solved for a root thereof, the root being selected as a minimum asset value. |
| US07698187B2 |
System and method for simultaneous trading of options
A method and system for facilitating trading of equity and index options is provided. The system incentivizes market makers to voluntarily agree to restrict the bid/offer spread on price quotes for options by enabling the market makers to submit batches of bids and offers simultaneously. The system also provides protection to the market makers by enabling withdrawal of certain bids and offers if a cumulative delta on traded options has been exceeded. The system also provides limits on the rates at which individual traders and the overall market submit bids and offers. The system provides summarization of market data to enable market makers to have relevant and timely data at all stages. In this manner, the system achieves increased liquidity of the equity and index options markets. |
| US07698185B2 |
Methods and systems for generating dynamic reward currency values
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating payment values of goods and services (rewards). The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving an input. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include dynamic calculating, based upon the received input, a plurality of payment pairs, each of the plurality of payment pairs comprising any (including a plurality of) non-monetary currency value and/or any monetary currency value (between 0% and 100% respectively 100% and 0%). |
| US07698184B2 |
System and method for trading a financial instrument indexed to entertainment revenue
A method for trading a securities bundle indexed to entertainment revenue includes identifying a securities bundle comprising a first and second security. The first security is associated with a first entertainment event and the second security is associated with a second entertainment event. The first security is offered in an after-market for a buying price and a market price is determined for the first security in the after-market. |
| US07698183B2 |
Method and apparatus for prioritizing a listing of information providers
A method and apparatus for prioritizing a listing of information providers according to a fee value and availability status indicated for the information providers, and providing a set of one or more information provider identifiers that satisfy a request for a type of information provider that has been received from a user over the Internet. The set of information provider identifiers are ranked according to their associated fee values and availability status. A set of one or more files are generated to display the set of information provider identifiers. The set of files are transmitted to the user, and the user is provided access to an information provider identified by one of the set of information provider identifiers. |
| US07698181B2 |
Method and apparatus for custom cost accounting invoicing
A method and apparatus for providing custom cost accounting invoicing. The method allows each customer to associate its proprietary accounting information and billing system with invoicing information. The method provides each customer with the ability to create various expense and other information profiles, such that custom invoices may be generated using the information provided in the profiles. |
| US07698179B2 |
Tracking system and label for use in conjunction therewith
A hybrid label is provided with a unique product identification code which can be retrieved using multiple independent processes. In one embodiment, the hybrid label includes an RFID inlay and a printable face sheet which are secured together by a layer of adhesive material. The RFID inlay includes an integrated circuit chip which is programmed with the unique product identification code. The printable face sheet includes a bar code and an alphanumeric character string, each of which is configured to represent the same identification code. A product tracking system designed in accordance with the hybrid label is able to extract the unique identification code from the label and, in turn, associate the identification code with a designated bundle of data records which is located in an external database. The product tracking system can retrieve the identification code through the use of either RFID technology, bar code technology or manual data entry. The ability to monitor an individual article of commerce throughout the retail supply chain provides the system with, among other things, item-level tracking, anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, security and article return applications. |
| US07698174B2 |
Wiki biz web
Systems and methods for accessing multiple portals using a unique business language semantic are provided. Business information and services are provided to customers during, for example, a supply chain management process. An accessible business environment is provided which includes a common repository. The common repository has access to one or more business portals. One can search the product listing in the common repository using a browser, e.g., a web-based browser. In response to a search, one may be provided with a product list indicating some available business portals having the specific product and/or service. The common repository entries are described by a predetermined semantical description. |
| US07698172B2 |
Methods for running an on-line shopping mall with updated price notification
A method of providing price information of goods includes maintaining a database recording user information associated with a user, a product identifier, and desired price information, the user information including a user identifier and a mobile phone number or an electronic mail address associated with the user identifier. The method further includes receiving a selection of a product and desired price information for the product from the user, and recording the product identifier and the desired price information of the product in the database, in association with the user information of the user. The method further includes receiving selling price information of the product associated with the product identifier from at least one seller, and notifying the user of predetermined information when the received selling price satisfies a predetermined criterion. |
| US07698170B1 |
Retail recommendation domain model
A data processing system normalizes data sets (such as low-resolution transaction data) into high-resolution data sets by mapping generic information into attribute-based specific information that is stored in a database. By establishing a shared domain model for representing items in the recommendation context, catalog and quote history with common terms and concepts, a recommendation engine operating in the shared domain may process the attribute-based representations to make specific and relevant recommendations to the customer. In addition, when certain attribute values are normalized over time, recommendations derived from past order history can be intelligently applied to current orders. The normalized representation of elements in the shared domain may also be used to generate compelling selling point text for each recommendation that is specific to the marketing objectives of the seller and identifies the objectives of the buyer. |
| US07698169B2 |
Method and system to provide wanted ad listing within an e-commerce system
A system and method to provide wanted ad listings within an e-commerce system. Wanted ads are posted by buyers of goods and services seeking to purchase items described within the wanted ad listings. Sellers of goods and services on the e-commerce server respond to wanted ad listings by providing a response on the wanted ad listing that provides a reference to the seller's listings for items currently being offered for sale. Buyers may use these responses from sellers to locate items matching wanted items. Buyers then may purchase the items offered for sale. |
| US07698163B2 |
Multi-dimensional segmentation for use in a customer interaction
A system and method for segmenting customer data that represents a plurality of customers for use in a customer interaction. The segmentation process groups customers with similar characteristics into segments. The segments may be used to classify customers according to a likelihood of the customers to accept a particular marketing offer. The segments may also be used as an analytic framework for customer portfolio management, product development, marketing strategy, and customer interaction capabilities. A multi-dimensional segmentation approach may be used to cross-segment a plurality of customers so that the customers included in the crossed segments can be profiled for more precise targeting of marketing offers. Customers may be segmented according to one or more data types stored in a data warehouse. The multi-dimensional segmentation approach may be applied to relationships between and among the data types to obtain a holistic view of what drives customer value. The segmentations may be driven by a business objective. This enables the segment analysis to be calibrated in the context of the stated business objective. |
| US07698160B2 |
System for performing collaborative tasks
A system for performing collaborative tasks which permits collaborators to determine the form of a model of the collaborative work, to modify the model in the course of the collaborative work, and to use the model to access information related to the collaborative work. A graphical user interface permits collaborators to view the model and the information accessible via the model in various ways as well as to modify the model and the information. Collaborators belong to groups and group membership determines access to the model and the related information. The information related to the collaborative work includes documents, discussions, email, reminders, and alerts. In a disclosed embodiment of the system, the model is made up of model entities which belong to hierarchies. A model entity may be a member of more than one hierarchy and the different hierarchies are used to provide different views of the model. |
| US07698148B2 |
Web-based risk management tool and method
The present invention provides a risk management tool and method for creating an improved initial risk management process that captures, assesses, and prioritizes risks and implements mitigation plans to more effectively manage risk in large-scale development projects. A web-based system allows users and management to share and access risk information to more readily identify and assess risks, develop mitigation plans and track the risk management process. The tool and specifically the Pf and Cf tables are tailored to each project to more accurately calculate and prioritize risk factors RF and thus anticipate and minimize or eliminate risks before they occur. The demonstrated value of the tool is found in timely deliveries and a reduction of cost overruns as well as an increase in customer enhanced award fees. |
| US07698141B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and products for automatically managing conversational floors in computer-mediated communications
One embodiment of the invention is a computer controlled method for use with a communication system. The method includes a step of receiving a plurality of communications, where each one of the plurality of communications is from one of a plurality of communication sources; includes a step of mixing (that is responsive to a plurality of floor controls) the plurality of communications for a plurality of outputs associated with plurality of communication sources; and includes a step of analyzing, for a plurality of users associated with the plurality of communication sources, one or more conversational characteristics of two or more of the plurality of users. The method also includes a step of automatically adjusting the plurality of floor controls responsive to the step of analyzing. Other embodiments include systems and devices that use the method as well as program products that cause a computer to execute the method. |
| US07698140B2 |
Message transcription, voice query and query delivery system
A message transmission system accepts a telephone call from a user who wishes to send an e-mail message, send an SMS message, perform an Internet query or retrieve his or her electronic mail. The voice call is transcribed and the message is sent, or the question in the voice call is transcribed and answered by an agent. Any number of agents connect to a central site over an Internet connection and transcribe messages or answer queries in an assembly line like fashion. In addition, a Web query delivery system accepts a query or statement from a user; the query is transcribed, classified, and then broadcast over any medium to any number of experts or web sites that desire to answer the particular type of query received. The entire query is delivered to an expert or web site who provides a full answer to the user. |
| US07698137B2 |
Speech recognition device using statistical language model
Embodiments of the present invention include a specific sentence generator for generating a piece of sentence data specific to an application from a grammar stored in a grammar storing unit and correction information stored in a correction information storing unit and then storing the piece of data in specific sentence storing unit, a topic shift unit for shifting a general topic stored in a general topic storing unit to a topic specific to an application on the basis of the piece of sentence data and then storing the topic in a shifted topic storing unit, a natural speech recognition unit for recognizing speech by dictation with a shifted topic and then storing the recognition result in a recognition result storing unit, a candidate sentence generator for generating candidate sentences from a grammar and then storing the sentences in a candidate sentence storing unit, and a matching unit for determining a final recognition result by matching candidate sentences with a recognition result. |
| US07698132B2 |
Sub-sampled excitation waveform codebooks
Methods and apparatus are presented for reducing the number of bits needed to represent an excitation waveform. An acoustic signal in an analysis frame is analyzed to determine whether it is a band-limited signal. A sub-sampled sparse codebook is used to generate the excitation waveform if the acoustic signal is a band-limited signal. The sub-sampled sparse codebook is generated by decimating permissible pulse locations from the codebook track in accordance with the frequency characteristic of the acoustic signal. |
| US07698128B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method for disambiguation of compound text input and that employs N-gram data to limit generation of low-probability compound language solutions
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to analyze the combinations of language objects in light of N-gram data stored on the device to avoid proposing low-probability compound language solutions. |
| US07698127B2 |
Grammar-based automatic data completion and suggestion for user input
In a computer, a user interface allows users to input requests to various applications or software modules executing on the computer. During the input process, the invention presents to the user a grammar-based automatic completion of the user input so far, and/or a grammar-based suggestion list of one or more possible options for completing the user input. |
| US07698125B2 |
Training tree transducers for probabilistic operations
Tree transducers can be trained for use in probabilistic operations such as those involved in statistical based language processing. Given sample input/output pairs as training, and given a set of tree transducer rules, the information is combined to yield locally optimal weights for those rules. This combination is carried out by building a weighted derivation forest for each input/output pair and applying counting methods to those forests. |
| US07698121B2 |
Device and method for programmable wideband network emulation
An emulator for emulating a wireless network comprised of a plurality of RF nodes is comprised of a programmable controller for emulating the movements of the plurality of RF nodes within an emulated space. The controller provides both information and control signals based on the emulated movements. A programmable logic core receives a plurality of signals from the plurality of RF nodes and emulates signal propagation based on the information from the controller. A plurality of signal generation and conversion cards are interposed between the programmable logic core and the RF nodes. The signal generation and conversion cards are responsive to the control signals. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
| US07698117B2 |
System and method for predicting chromosomal regions that control phenotypic traits
A method of associating a phenotype with one or more candidate chromosomal regions in a genome of an organism includes the step of deriving a phenotypic data structure that represents differences in phenotypes between different strains of the organism. Further, a genotypic data structure is established. The genotypic data structure corresponds to a locus selected from a plurality of loci in the genome of the organism. The genotypic data structure represents variations of at least one component of the locus between different strains of the organism. The phenotypic data structure is compared to the genotypic data structure to form a correlation value. The process of establishing a genotypic data structure and comparing it to the phenotypic data structure is repeated for each locus in the plurality of loci, thereby identifying one or more genotypic data structures that form a high correlation value relative to all other compared genotypic data structures. The loci that correspond to the one or more genotypic data structures having a high correlation value represent the one or more candidate chromosomal regions. |
| US07698115B2 |
System and method for dynamically allocating resources in a client/server environment
Described is a mechanism for dynamically allocating receive buffers on a server to a plurality of clients in a network environment. The server maintains a list of the number of transaction credits in use by each client, the number of transaction credits allocated to each client, and the number of pending transaction requests that are not being handled due to a limitation on the number of allocated transaction credits. The transaction credits correspond to the receive buffers. In a resource constrained situation, the server computes an equitable distribution of the available credits and reallocates the available credits based on that equitable distribution. |
| US07698114B2 |
Techniques for distributing power in electronic circuits and computer systems
Techniques for enhancing thermal design of a system having a number of boundary values are provided. A method for such enhancement includes representing thermal response of the system to the boundary values, obtaining at least one constraining parameter, and determining spatial and/or temporal distribution of the boundary values. The thermal response is represented as a superposition of temperature fields associated with given boundary values. The spatial and/or temporal distribution of the boundary values is determined based on the thermal response represented in the representing step, so as to satisfy the constraining parameter. The boundary values can be, for example, power sources, and the at least one constraining parameter can be, for example, a spatial or temporal location of one of the power sources. |
| US07698104B2 |
Diagnostic system and article
Articles and systems comprise a diagnostic symptom tree system for diagnosing a failing system element causing a symptom in a system-under-test. A diagnostic symptom tree comprises symptom roots and dependent lower function nodes and sub-function nodes. Element nodes depend from the function or sub-function nodes, and a plurality of penultimate failure mode leaves depend from the element nodes. The function and sub-function nodes and the failure mode leaves comprise test information. Responsive to positive test results, the diagnostic symptom tree is configured to identify a function or sub-function or element node associated to a lowest symptom tree node or failure mode leaf for which a test is positive, or advise that no failing function or sub-function or element is found. In one aspect of the invention, nodes may include parameter values allowing successive selections of the nodes of the symptom tree for test iterations according to the parameter values. |
| US07698103B2 |
Diagnostic system for a modular fieldbus board
A diagnostic system for a modular fieldbus board carrying a number of fieldbuses connected to a bulk power supply. A monitoring transceiver means is adapted in use to one or more of the fieldbuses by means of two or more common mode and/or differential mode signal injection and/or signal detection points, which points are dispersed between the bulk power supply and the fieldbus trunk. The monitoring transceiver means can detect one or more fieldbus physical layer characteristics between two of the two or more of said points. |
| US07698084B2 |
Method for determining when a force sensor signal baseline in a force-based input device can be updated
Disclosed is a method for determining a force sensor signal baseline in a force-based input device. The method includes accepting a signal associated with touch activity and determining a signal range, wherein the signal range decays with time and is reset when the signal exceeds the current range. A touch event is declared when the signal range exceeds a predetermined activity threshold. A previously determined baseline is held when a touch event is declared, and updated when a touch event is not declared. |
| US07698083B2 |
Control apparatus and method that compensates for disturbance signals of a sensor
A control apparatus configured to generate correction values for compensation of disturbance signals of a sensor includes a control loop having an input to receive input values. The control loop includes circuitry configured to receive the input values and configured to produce output values based on the input values, and an evaluation device downstream from the circuitry relative to the input, which is configured to receive the output values and to convert the output values into result values. The apparatus also includes a correction device configured to receive the result values and the input values, to generate correction values based on the result values and the input values, and to provide the result values to the circuitry. The correction device includes a detection device having memory, which stores the input values in the memory based on the result values. |
| US07698082B2 |
Real time error determination for inertial instruments
First and second inertial instruments have parallel sense axes and produce respective first and second output signals using associated first and second scale factors. Bias errors are estimated using the change in state of sign of the first and second scale factors. A substitute scale factor is determined to be an equivalent of the second scale factor and is based on the first scale factor and a difference between the first and second scale factors. Errors in the second scale factor are calculated based on the first scale factor and the substitute scale factor where a sign of one of first and second scale factors changes going from the first time interval to the succeeding time intervals. First and second corrected output signals are generated based on the respective first and second output signals and correction of the second scale factor error. |
| US07698080B2 |
Methods and systems for determining sample identity information are disclosed
Methods for determining the most likely composition of sample are disclosed. The methods can include: obtaining data from a sample, where the data includes a representation of a measured spectrum; determining a precision state of the representation of the measured spectrum; providing a plurality of library candidates; for each library candidate, providing data representing each library candidate, where the data includes a representation of a library spectrum; determining a representation of the similarity of the sample to each library candidate; determining the most likely composition of the sample based upon the determined representations of similarity of the sample to each library candidate; and displaying the most likely composition of the sample to a user. |
| US07698078B2 |
Electric vehicle communication interface
A method of communicating with an electric vehicle wherein the method includes a step of installing a communication device in the electric vehicle. The method also includes establishing a connection from the vehicle to a network. The methodology also includes controlling and monitoring a battery in the electric vehicle. |
| US07698076B2 |
System to manage maintenance of a pipeline structure, program product, and related methods
A system to manage and analyze conditions of pipeline structures, program product, and associated methods are provided. The system can include a computer defining a pipeline management computer having a processor and memory coupled to the processor to store operating instructions therein to manage and analyze conditions of the pipeline structure. The pipeline management computer can also include a display in communication with the processor to display pipeline project and client entity data and a user interface coupled to the processor to provide the pipeline management user with access to manipulate pipeline project and client entity data. A pipeline management database is provided accessible to the processor of the pipeline management computer. The database can include database records associated with at least one pipeline project related to database records associated with a pipeline management client entity. The system can also include pipeline management program product stored in the memory of the pipeline management computer to manage and analyze pipeline projects. |
| US07698067B2 |
Sequence pattern descriptors for transmembrane structural details
The relationship between an amino acid sequence of a protein and its three-dimensional structure is at the very core of structural biology and bioinformatics. The occurrence and conservation of non-canonical conformations is a “local” phenomenon, i.e., non-canonical conformations are encoded intra-helically by short peptide sequences (heptapeptides at most). Effective descriptors can be formed for these short sequences employing training sets. Multiple, distinct patterns are created representing these sequences. A composite descriptor is formed by selecting from among the patterns discovered. The composite descriptor has a high level of sensitivity and specificity while, at the same time, a boosted signal-to-noise ratio. |
| US07698059B2 |
Using boundaries associated with a map view for business location searching
A system aggregates entity location information from multiple documents distributed among multiple locations in a network. The system searches the entity location information to identify a first set of entities located within the entirety of a first geographic region selected by a user. The system provides a first digital map to the user via a network, the first digital map including the first geographic region and further including visual representations of the first set of identified entities and their associated geographic locations. |
| US07698047B2 |
Engine stop control device
An engine stop control device which is capable of stopping an engine without imparting an unpleasant sensation to the driver is provided. The device includes a fuel injection device for supplying fuel, an intake air amount adjustment device for adjusting an amount of intake air, an accessory controller for controlling operation of an accessory, a fuel injection controller for controlling a fuel injection amount from the fuel injection device, and an engine stop switch. When the engine stop switch is operated, driving of the accessory is stopped by the accessory controller, and the intake air is throttled by the intake air amount adjustment device, and further, when the engine rotational speed rises due to stoppage of the accessory, the engine is stopped while the fuel injection amount of the fuel injection device is controlled by the fuel injection controller such that the engine runs at a predetermined rotational speed. |
| US07698043B2 |
Vehicle control system and vehicle control method
A vehicle control system includes a calculator that calculates an integrated controlled variable including a first controlled variable used for controlling the braking/driving force of each wheel so as to optimize the μ utilization ratio of the wheel and a second controlled variable used for controlling the steering angle of each wheel, based on constraints including a target resultant force to be applied to the vehicle body and a limit friction circle of each wheel, a calculator that calculates a steering controlled variable used for controlling only the steering angle of each wheel so as to achieve the target resultant force, and a controller that controls only the steering angle of each wheel, or the steering angle and braking/driving force of each wheel, based on a controlled variable obtained by linearly interpolating the integrated controlled variable and the steering controlled variable. |
| US07698042B2 |
Motor vehicle and control method of the same
In response to the driver's brake OFF operation after a gearshift operation of a gearshift lever to a parking position, a motor MG2 is controlled to sequentially output a torque in a backward direction of a vehicle and a torque in a forward direction of the vehicle. Gears are accordingly engaged in a parking lock mechanism during rotation of a parking gear by an angle corresponding to half a tooth in the backward direction of the vehicle or during subsequent rotation of the parking gear by an angle corresponding to one tooth in the forward direction of the vehicle. This arrangement effectively ensures gear engagement in the parking lock mechanism, while desirably reducing a moving distance from a vehicle stop position before gear engagement in the parking lock mechanism. |
| US07698041B2 |
Method for operating a drive unit
A drive unit includes an engine and a transmission having a variable transmission ratio. An instantaneous setpoint power output quantity of the drive unit is determined from an intended power output. The setpoint power output quantity is a function of the instantaneous transmission ratio of the transmission at least for a given intended power output. |
| US07698040B2 |
Vehicle flasher system for indicating emergency braking
One embodiment of this invention discloses a system for activating a vehicle's emergency flashers upon harsh braking or if the vehicle otherwise undergoes severe deceleration. |
| US07698039B2 |
Mobile communication system
The present invention makes improvements in a mobile communication system that performs a communication via a communication network provided in a mobile body to execute a data transfer. The present system comprises a plurality of nodes, a path control device which receives data from the nodes respectively, selects a path for the data transfer on the communication network, and outputs the data, first optical fibers which connect each of the nodes and the path control device and transfer the data, and second optical fibers provided in parallel with the first optical fibers. In the present system, the path control device communicates with the node via the second optical fiber when a failure occurs in the first optical fiber. |
| US07698035B2 |
Steering control apparatus
A steering control apparatus is provided, including a steering wheel, steered wheels, a direction varying actuator to operate the steering control wheels, a steering reaction actuator to apply steering reaction torque to the steering wheel and steering controller. The steered wheels are mechanically disconnected from the steering wheel. The steering controller outputs control commands for controlling the direction varying actuator and the steering reaction actuator. |
| US07698032B2 |
Automotive lane deviation prevention apparatus
An automotive lane deviation prevention (LDP) apparatus includes a control unit detecting whether a host vehicle is in a specific state where the host vehicle is traveling on road-surface irregularities formed on or close to a lane marking line. The control unit actively decelerates the host vehicle when the host vehicle is in the specific state where the host vehicle is traveling on the road-surface irregularities. |
| US07698022B2 |
System, method, and program product for targeting and optimal driving force distribution in energy recovery systems
A system, methods, and user-friendly program product to calculate global energy utility targets and define optimal driving force distribution for a process or cluster of processes under all possible process changes and streams specific minimum temperature approach values, simultaneously, and without enumeration, are provided. The program product can utilize stream-specific minimum temperature approach values ΔTmini, where the superscript i represents the specific hot stream, as the optimization parameters instead of the single global ΔTmin currently used, in addition to identifying the optimal operating conditions. The program product can define optimal process conditions and an optimal driving force distribution in heat recovery systems, and can produce an optimal Pareto-curve that shows the rigorous trade off between energy cost and capital cost for any energy recovery system. |
| US07698018B2 |
Ring management system
A production system capable of further improving production efficiency and quality. The ring management system includes size measurement unit for measuring size of the ring, first convey unit for moving the ring w whose size has been measured, a first stocker having a plurality of storage positions for storing rings conveyed by the first convey unit, a second convey unit for conveying out the rings from the first stocker means for stacking, and a control unit. The control unit includes memory means for storing the rings size measured by the size measurement means in association with the storage position in the first stocker, first selection means for selecting a ring constituting a stacked ring according to the ring size stored in the memory means, and first instruction means to instruct the second convey unit to convey out the ring selected by the first selection means from the storage position pj in the first stocker. |
| US07698017B2 |
Electric press
The electric press is provided with a main CPU 1 and a sub CPU 3, the main CPU 1 being responsive to a signal from a servo driver 10 to give an detecting signal to a relay 2 when a ram 51 is located in a predetermined position, thereby to give a mute signal to an area sensor 30 and the sub CPU 3 being responsive to a signal from an encoder 9 to give a detecting signal to a relay 4 when the ram is located in a predetermined position, thereby to give a mute signal to the area sensor 30. The main CPU 1 and sub CPU 3 watch each other, that is, the main CPU 1 checks the output of a relay 4 and turns the relay 2 off when the mute signal is not produced from the relay 4. The conditions of sub CPU and main CPU are compared with each other. In case the two conditions are in accord with each other, it is decided that the relay 4 is out of order. The sub CPU 3 makes the same check operation in connection with the relay 2. |
| US07698015B1 |
Integrated back-end integrated circuit manufacturing assembly
An integrated back-end integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention has a front-of-line portion comprising a plurality of integrated sub-stations for operating on a first plurality of die-strips on an in-line basis to produce a second plurality of die-strips. The present embodiment further comprises an end-of-line portion coupled to the front-of-line portion and comprising a plurality of integrated sub-stations for operating on the second plurality of die-strips on an in-line basis to produce die-strip components. The present embodiment also comprises an in-line test portion coupled to the end-of-line portion for testing the die-strip components. The present embodiment further comprises a finish portion coupled to the in-line test portion and comprising a plurality of integrated sub-stations operating on tested die-strip components. In addition, camera systems perform automated visual inspection of dies on the die-strip and maintain a database that can be used for automated reject management. |
| US07698014B2 |
Local enforcement of accuracy in fabricated models
The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array. |
| US07698013B2 |
Parts production management system and parts production management method
A parts production management system includes: a first table in which a line cycle number representing a line cycle that is a process unit for processing a group of parts and a parent lot number of a part input for being processed in a line cycle represented by the line cycle number are stored while being linked together; a second table in which the line cycle number and a child lot number of a part processed in the line cycle represented by the line cycle number are stored while being linked together; and a lot linking unit that stores a line cycle number of a line cycle for processing a parent lot and a parent lot number in the first table while being linked together when the parent lot is input to a production line and stores a line cycle number of a line cycle that has processed a child lot and the child lot number while being linked together when a process in the production line is completed and the child lot is output from the production line. |
| US07698012B2 |
Dynamic metrology schemes and sampling schemes for advanced process control in semiconductor processing
Systems, methods and mediums are provided for dynamic adjustment of sampling plans in connection with a wafer (or other device) to be measured. A sampling plan provides information on specific measure points within a die, a die being the section on the wafer that will eventually become a single chip after processing. There are specified points within the die that are candidates for measuring. The stored die map information may be retrieved and translated to determine the available points for measurement on the wafer.The invention adjusts the frequency and/or spatial resolution of measurements when one or more events occur that are likely to indicate an internal or external change affecting the manufacturing process or results. The increase in measurements and possible corresponding decrease in processing occur on an as-needed basis. The dynamic metrology plan adjusts the spatial resolution of sampling within-wafer by adding, subtracting or replacing candidate points from the sampling plan, in response to certain events which suggest that additional or different measurements of the wafer may be desirable. Where there are provided a number of candidate points in the die map in the area to which points are to be added, subtracted, or replaced, the system can select among the points. Further, the invention may be used in connection with adjusting the frequency of wafer-to-wafer measurements. |
| US07698006B2 |
Apparatus and method for adapting audio signal according to user's preference
Apparatus and method for adapting audio signal according to user's preference. The apparatus and method allows the user to provide the best experience of digital contents by adapting audio contents to the user's sound field preference. The apparatus includes an audio usage environment management unit and an audio adaptation unit for adapting audio contents associated with user's adaptation request. |
| US07698004B2 |
APC process control when process parameters are inaccurately measured
A controller is provided for directing control of a process performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs) The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. Whichever type model is included, it will represent a relationship between one of the MPPs and other of the MPPs. The controller also includes a control processor having the logic to determine the validity of a measured value of the one MPP based on the one model. The control processor directs control of the process in accordance with the measured value of the one MPP only if the measured value of the one MPP is determined to be valid. On the other hand, if the measured value is determined to be invalid, the control processor may direct control of the process in accordance with an estimated value of the one MPP. |
| US07698003B2 |
System for generating standard operating procedure(SOP) files
A standard operating procedure (SOP) file generating system (12) includes a drawing selection module (120), an information reading module (121), a data determining module (122), a machining type determining data module (124), and a file generating module (127). The drawing selection module selects an engineering drawing. The information reading module reads product information and machining data of the engineering drawing. The data determining module determines whether the machining data accords with machining requirement. The machining type determining module determines a machining type. The file generating module generates an SOP file. |
| US07697997B2 |
Multifunction electrode pad
A multifunction electrode (MFE) pad, which includes a multi-strand conductor having one end in the form of dispersed carbon fibers, and another end adapted for connection to a defibrillation unit. A conductive substrate is in electrical communication with one end of the multi-strand conductor. The conductive substrate includes a conductive back side, an intermediate conductive polymer layer, and a conductive front side, the front side being a metal/metal chloride coating containing at least 25% by weight of metal chloride. The MFE pad further includes a conductive hydrogel layer covering said front side of the conductive substrate and a backing layer covering one end of the multi-strand conductor and the back side of the conductive substrate. The backing layer has a surface area that is greater than the surface area of the conductive hydrogel layer. |
| US07697991B2 |
Methods of treating neurological conditions by neuromodulation of interhemispheric fibers
Methods of treating various medical conditions by neuromodulation of a target site of interhemispheric fibers. Such medical conditions include unilateral motor deficits, movement disorders, psychiatric disorders, speech or cognitive deficits associated with hemispheric lesions, visual deficits associated with hemispheric lesions, hereditary/genetic disorders, congenital malformations, infection disease, degenerative disorder, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic disorders. A method of providing recovery and rehabilitation from states of reduced consciousness by neuromodulating a target site of interhemispheric fibers is also provided. |
| US07697988B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing spurious signals in implantable medical devices caused by x-ray radiation
An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a detector for detecting the presence of x-ray radiation, where the presence of x-ray radiation is detected in response to the strength of the x-ray radiation exceeding a first threshold. In one embodiment, the IMD includes a processor for adjusting a cardiac stimulation rate IMD in response to determining that the strength of the detected x-ray radiation exceeds a second threshold. The second pre-selected x-ray radiation threshold is greater than the first pre-selected x-ray radiation threshold. In another embodiment, the implantable device includes a detector for detecting the presence of any amount x-ray radiation and a processor for adjusting a stimulation rate provided by the IMD in response to detected x-ray radiation to reduce the chance of over-sampling artifacts or inappropriate therapy delivery. |
| US07697986B2 |
Cardiac pacemaker
Cardiac pacemaker, having at least one stimulation pulse generator to selectively generate stimulation pulses for delivery to an atrium or to an atrium and a ventricle of a heart in DDD mode, at least one sensing stage adapted to process electrical signals sensed by an atrial and ventricular sensing electrode to detect an atrial or ventricular event and to generate an atrial or ventricular sense signal upon event detection, a control unit connected to the generator and sensing stage and being adapted to trigger the generator in DDD mode, wherein the control unit is adapted to verify proper atrioventricular conduction and to switch from a regular (DDD) mode, wherein scheduled ventricular stimulation pulses having predetermined positive intensity is triggered unless inhibited to a ventricular pulse suppression mode (VPS mode) wherein no ventricular stimulation pulses or ventricular stimulation pulses of sub-threshold intensity are generated as long as proper atrioventricular conduction is verified. |
| US07697982B2 |
Synchronization to a heartbeat
An apparatus for producing a trigger signal, for use with a medical device, that is synchronized to a heartbeat in a subject of interest. The apparatus includes a sensor for obtaining ECG data from the subject of interest. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled to the sensor, with the processor configured to generate the trigger signal based on a real time analysis of the ECG data and to only synchronize and transmit the trigger signal to the medical device if a pre-selected characteristic of the heartbeat is identified. The apparatus further includes and a display device coupled to the processor and configured to display the ECG data and the trigger signal. |
| US07697981B2 |
Method and apparatus for using an electromagnetic field in cellular transplantation
An electromagnetic field is applied to transplanted cells during their transplantation culturing to achieve confluence and alignment of transplanted cells into damaged tissue and organs, therefore improving the synchronization of electrical and mechanical tissue or organ functions. The electromagnetic field may be applied by catheter based devices to a selected portion of tissue or to the entire surface of a hollow body cavity or organ, such as a heart chamber. The electromagnetic field is provided by an expansible net or array from a catheter or on an inflatable balloon or stent. The electromagnetic field is also provided by an implantable net or array of electrodes which may either be hardwired to a pulse generator or coupled by means of wireless or inductive transmission. |
| US07697977B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining relative depolarization at multiple cardiac sensing sites
A cardiac rhythm management device in which the relative depolarization times at sensing/pacing electrode sites during a cardiac contraction are determined by a bipolar sensing technique. The information gained thereby can be used to select which of the available electrodes should be used for optimal resynchronization pacing. |
| US07697970B2 |
Medical apparatus, medical apparatus guide system, capsule type medical apparatus, and capsule type medical apparatus guide apparatus
In a capsule 3 as a medical apparatus inserted into a body cavity, the lengthwise direction of the capsule 3 is used as an insert axis, a manipulation/input device 8, which is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the insert axis, is disposed at the center position of the insert axis. A magnetic field generation device 4, which is disposed outside of a body, is caused to generate a vibration magnetic field in a direction parallel with the insert axis of the capsule 3 by turning on a vibration (ON/OFF) switch 8f of a manipulation/input device 8 so that couples having lines of action, which are in parallel with the insert axis, are exerted on the capsule 3, thereby the capsule 3 executes a swiveling motion about the insert axis and smoothly travels along a cavity organ. |
| US07697966B2 |
Noninvasive targeting system method and apparatus
The invention provides a targeting system used to direct a measuring system to a targeted sample site or volume. The targeting system increases analyte estimation performance by increasing precision and accuracy of sampling and/or by targeting an analyte rich tissue volume. |
| US07697964B2 |
Portable terminal with dual axis hinge device
A portable terminal includes: a first housing; a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing to open or close the housings. A hinge device interconnects the first and second housings. The hinge device provides first and second hinge axes extending perpendicular to each other, wherein the hinge device limits the rotation of the second housing about the second hinge axis when the second housing has been rotated about the hinge axis to the open position, and the hinge device limits the rotation of the second housing about the first hinge axis when the second housing has been rotated to the open position. The portable terminal with the inventive dual axis hinge device is configured in such a way that one housing can be positioned at the top side or lateral side of the other housing, whereby it is convenient to use the portable terminal and it is possible to secure structural stability and reliability. |
| US07697962B2 |
Cellphone usage and mode detection and automatic speakerphone toggle
A cellular communication device including a housing having a front section and a rear section complementary to the front section such that the front and rear section align and mate together. A cavity is formed by mating of the front and rear section of the housing. An electronic circuit board having a microprocessor is located within the cavity. At least one of an accelerometer, a tilt sensor and a thermal sensor is operably connected to the microprocessor for detecting displacement of the cellular communication device from the ear of the user during communication. |
| US07697957B2 |
Interface and communication protocol for a mobile device with a smart battery
Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor. |
| US07697953B2 |
Outer loop transmit power control using channel-adaptive processing
The present invention is a system and method which controls outer loop transmit power for transmission power of an uplink/downlink communication in a wireless communication system. The system receives a communication from a base station and determines an error rate on the received communication. The system then distinguishes between static and dynamic channels, produces a static adjustment value, and characterizes the dynamic channels to generate a dynamic adjustment value. The target power level is then adjusted by the static and dynamic adjustment values, setting the transmission power level. |
| US07697940B2 |
Network apparatus for stable handoff in IP-based mobile ad hoc network system, and handoff method using the same
A network apparatus for a stable handoff in an IP-based mobile ad hoc network system and a handoff method using the same. Present invention enables a handoff to be stably performed by pre-configuring a handoff to a new access router. The network apparatus of the present invention comprises a movement-determining unit for determining movement depending on the signal strength upon reception of a packet among network apparatuses operating on a communication mobile ad hoc network, and deciding a handoff to a new access router; a router-configuring unit for configuring information on the new access router for the handoff by performing beforehand the handoff to the new access router according to the results of the determination in the movement-determining unit; and a handoff-processing unit for performing the handoff to the new access router using the pre-configured information according to the determination in the movement-determining unit. |
| US07697938B2 |
Fuzzy logic scheduler for radio resource management
The present invention provides a method of radio resource allocation. The method comprises associating a plurality of mobile units with a corresponding plurality of scheduling states based on at least one radio resource parameter and at least one rule, associating each mobile unit with one allocation state based on the plurality of scheduling states associated with the mobile units, and allocating radio resource to at least one mobile units based on the allocation states. |
| US07697936B2 |
Base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus, and radio communication parameter updating method
To provide a base station apparatus that can automatically update the parameters required for radio communication. A pair of identifier for identifying the self station and radio communication parameter is notified to another base station existing in the neighborhood of the self station, and the path loss value between another base station and a mobile station and the pair of identifier and radio communication parameter for another base station is acquired. The pair of identifier and radio communication parameter reported by the self station is set and updated, based on this acquired information. Since it is updated in consideration of the path loss value reported from the mobile station, the parameter can be updated at higher precision. |
| US07697935B2 |
Transfer of a user equipment in a communication system
The disclosure relates to transfer of a user equipment from a network to another network. In the method a user equipment communicating with a first network is transferred from the first network to a second network providing resources to a plurality of operators. After initiation of the transfer, an operator is selected for the user equipment amongst the plurality of operators. A controller of the second network is then provided with information regarding the identity of the selected operator, and the user equipment is transferred to the second network. Information regarding the identity of the selected operator is also sent to the user equipment. |
| US07697926B2 |
Device and method for generating user notifications associated with tasks that are pending completion
A device and method for generating user notifications associated with tasks that are pending completion on a mobile device. When additional input is required from a user of the mobile device to complete performance of a task and is not being received from the user within a predefined time period, at least one form of user notification is generated. The particular form or forms of user notification are defined by a user profile associated with the user. User notifications may comprise visual, audible, and/or vibratory alerts, and different forms of these user notifications may be generated in a sequence. The volume of audible alerts or the period between periodic user notifications may vary over time. |
| US07697923B2 |
System and method for providing an automatic generation of user theme videos for ring tones and transmittal of context information
A system and method for automatically generating a video specific to a contact for display on a mobile telephone when a call is initiated with the contact. Media files are manually and/or automatically associated with an individual contact, and a video generator module automatically creates a theme video based upon the associated media files. When a call is made to or from the contact, the video is played on the mobile telephone or other electronic device. |
| US07697922B2 |
Event notification systems and related methods
Methods for notifying a user via a wireless communications device regarding the occurrence of an event are provided in which a request is received from a user for notification upon the occurrence of the event. At least one information source is monitored for the occurrence of the event. Once this monitoring indicates that the event has occurred, a notification message that the event has occurred is sent to the wireless communications device. Thereafter, a response is received from the wireless communications device. Related systems, devices and computer program products are also described. |
| US07697920B1 |
System and method for providing authentication and authorization utilizing a personal wireless communication device
An authorization and authentication system utilizing a mobile communication device. The authentication and authorization system enables a trusted server, in conjunction with a user controlled mobile communication device (which has been registered with the trusted site), to authorize a transaction carried out at a transaction management system. An identity of the user is authenticated by a verification that the user is in possession of the mobile communication device. In this way, the transaction management system is able to effectuate an authorized transaction with confidence that the authorization was from the user and not a third party. In variations, the authentication is a multi-factor authentication, i.e., the user must both possess the mobile communication device and information, e.g., a password. |
| US07697919B1 |
Method and system to mitigate emulator spoofer signals
The present invention is a method and system to mitigate emulator spoofer signals. In an embodiment of the invention, the system of the present invention may be a navigational receiver which may acquire authentic signals in the presence of spoofer signals whereby the authentic navigational signals may be processed to determine a correct position of the receiver. The receiver of the present invention may execute a mitigation method of the present invention whereby characteristics of pairs of signals of received signals may be determined. The mitigation method may also include selection of an authentic signal based upon the characteristics of signal pairs. Characteristics of signal pairs may include relative amplitude, phase and frequency. |
| US07697916B2 |
Applications of universal frequency translation
Frequency translation and applications of same are described herein. Such applications include, but are not limited to, frequency down-conversion, frequency up-conversion, enhanced signal reception, unified down-conversion and filtering, and combinations and applications of same. |
| US07697911B2 |
Single path architecture with digital automatic gain control for SDARS receivers
An SDARS receiver includes an analog front end configured to receive a composite signal. An A/D converter is coupled to the analog front end and converts the signal to a digitized signal. A digital down converter (DDC) is coupled to the A/D converter and down converts the digitized signal to a down converted signal. A demodulator demodulates the down converted signal. The receiver includes a digital automatic gain control (DAGC) coupled to an output of the A/D converter and before the demodulator. An automatic gain controller is coupled to the DAGC for providing an automatic gain control signal. |
| US07697908B2 |
Duty-to-voltage amplifier, FM receiver and method for amplifying a peak of a multiplexed signal
A FM receiver comprises an IF filter, a demodulator and a decoder. The IF filter generates an RSSI and a FM modulated signal in response to a FM signal. The demodulator comprises a duty-to-voltage amplifier for amplifying a peak of a MPX signal. The duty-to-voltage amplifier comprises a current source, a switch and a current splitter. The current source generates a current. The switch controls a flow of the first current in response to a PWM signal. The current splitter splits the flow of the current into a sub-flow in response to the RSSI. The peak of the MPX signal is proportional to the sub-flow. The decoder receives the MPX signal to generate an audio signal to play sound. |
| US07697906B2 |
Link performance prediction presence of co-channel interference
Embodiments of apparatuses, articles, methods, and systems for predicting one or more performance metrics for an over-the-air link in the presence of co-channel interference are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US07697904B2 |
Method of cooperative transmission technique in a orthogonal frequency division multiple access uplink system
The diversity techniques—space time block code (STBC), maximum ratio combining (MRC)—with multiple antennas provide better reliability than general system. But there are some limitations such as size, cost, hardware complexity, etc, because of multiple antennas. In this letter, we propose a cooperative transmission technique using STBC. We can overcome those limitations and give the gain of cooperative transmission diversity in a concept of virtual multi-input multi-output (MIMO) with single transmit antenna. |
| US07697894B2 |
Method and system for tactile confirmation of service bookmarks
A wireless communication method and device for managing information available via a wireless connection. Service information may be transmitted to a wireless communication device (WCD) via a short-range wireless network. Authentication information is scanned from an object containing machine-readable data via a different short-range communication medium. The authentication information is used to determine whether the downloaded service information should be permanently stored and made available in the user interface of the WCD. |
| US07697893B2 |
Techniques for ad-hoc mesh networking
A wireless communications device includes a first radio and a second radio. The first radio is receives information regarding an ad-hoc mesh wireless network from at least one remote device. The second radio exchanges user data with the ad-hoc wireless mesh network. The wireless communications device also includes a buffer and a scheduler. The buffer stores user data for transmission to one or more remote devices in the ad-hoc wireless mesh network. The scheduler schedules transmissions by the second radio of the user data based on the received information. The first and second radios may employ various communications technologies. Examples of such technologies include Bluetooth, wireless local area network (WLAN), and ultra wideband (UWB). The information received from the remote device may include one or more of the following: configuration information (e.g., topology information) corresponding to the ad-hoc wireless mesh network; routing information; and information regarding communications capabilities of one or more nodes within the ad-hoc wireless mesh network. |
| US07697888B2 |
Broad distribution bi-directional user terminal at configurable broadcast frequencies
The invention proposes an upgradable product capable of covering two sub-bands. An outdoor unit comprises, on the uplink, a switchable oscillator coupled to a waveguide featuring a removable cover enabling the said waveguide to be converted into a band rejector filter. |
| US07697887B2 |
Intra-premises wireless broadband service using lumped and distributed wireless radiation from cable source input
A premises, connected to receive broadband service(s) and also connected to a cable system, is provided with a broadband interface which connects to in-premises cabling which is coupled to consumer receivers such as a television sets, PDAs, laptops. Connected to the broadband interface is an adjunct device which channels broadband, data and voice signals supplied to an in-premises wireless system as distinguished from the signals supplied to the cable connected consumer receivers. The adjunct device formats the broadband and voice signals or any broadband service into packet format suitable for signal radiation and couples them to the in-premises coax cabling, via a diplexer, at a first selected location. At a second cable location a second diplexer, connected to the cable, separates the broadband, data and voice signals and couples them to a signal radiation device (i.e., an RF antenna or leaky coaxial cable) which radiates the signal to the immediate surrounding location. Various devices, near to the second cable location for specific services, receive the wireless signals (i.e., broadband, data and voice) from the radiating antenna. |
| US07697882B2 |
Apparatus having actuating member
One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a thermoelectric generator thermally coupled to an assembly having a member, wherein the thermoelectric generator is configured to convert heat from the assembly to an electrical energy. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism comprising a motor configured to actuate the member using the electrical energy. |
| US07697879B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forming an image on a recording medium, includes: an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photoconductive layer on a rigid base; an exposure device forming a latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developer carrying member that carries a developer to develop the latent image using the developer in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a cleaning blade that cleans the electrophotographic photosensitive member in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the following expression is satisfied: Le≧Ldr>Lcl, where Le: a longitudinal length of the photoconductive layer Le, Ldr: a longitudinal length of the developer carrying member to be contacted with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and Lcl: a longitudinal length of the cleaning blade to be contacted with the electrophotographic photosensitive member. |
| US07697876B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for registration mark detection
An image forming apparatus includes a first registration mark detection unit, second registration mark detection unit, CPU, and first registration mark time difference storage. If the width (tp) of the first registration mark signal detected by the second registration mark detection unit is equal to or smaller than a set value, the CPU directly uses, as an enable signal for controlling paper conveyance, the first registration mark detection signal detected by the first registration mark detection unit. If the width (tp′) of the first registration mark signal detected by the second registration mark detection unit is equal to or larger than a set value, the CPU controls a paper conveyer by setting, as a correct first registration mark position, a position shifted by tE measured from an error signal, from the first registration mark detection signal detected by the first registration mark detection unit. |
| US07697875B2 |
Development device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrying member into a visible image
An image forming apparatus includes either one of a process cartridge and a development device. The process cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus, and integrally includes the development device. The development device includes a developer supplying member and a developer carrying member, at least one of which is formed of an elastic material, and which rotate in contact with each other. The developer supplying member is provided to be displacable in directions of contacting with and separating from the developer carrying member, and is biased toward the developer carrying member by predetermined biasing force. |
| US07697874B2 |
Developer supply roller and image forming apparatus
To provide a developer supply roller including: a shaft core; and an elastic layer over the shaft core, wherein the elastic layer is composed of at least a first elastic layer and a second elastic layer, the first elastic layer and second elastic layer made of elastic bodies with different moduli of elasticity, the first layer being an outermost layer of the supply roller, and wherein the relationships 0%≦k1≦20% and 20%≦k2≦70% are satisfied, where k1 is the modulus of repulsion elasticity of the first elastic layer and k2 is the modulus of repulsion elasticity (%) of the second elastic layer. |
| US07697873B2 |
Development apparatus, image forming apparatus and developing method that employ a magnetic brush
In a development apparatus of the hybrid method using a component developer, a development apparatus and a development method are provided that prevent the reduction of density or the occurrence of residual images (ghost images) and can carry out good image forming over a long period of time. A development apparatus has the feature that the surfaces of the toner supporting member and the developer supporting member move in a mutually opposite direction at the part where they are opposite to each others. The development apparatus further employs an electric field in the closest part applied in a direction to recover the toner from the toner supporting member to the developing supporting member, wherein the magnitude of the electric field is in the range from 2.5×106 V/m to 5×106 V/m. The developer of the development apparatus is such that its share (PD) in the space of the closest part of the opposing portion satisfies the following relationship: 0.09≦PD≦650×Dss. |
| US07697861B2 |
Printing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A printing apparatus receives a plurality of print jobs containing print data from a host computer connected thereto through a network. The printing apparatus temporarily stores the print job in a storage unit to print the print data. The printing apparatus receives a request to pause or restart printing of a print job, and controls execution of the print job in response to the request. Upon receiving a request to restart a print job being paused, the printing apparatus determines a printing order according to a predetermined condition to print the print job. |
| US07697851B2 |
User initiated alerts in a document processing environment
A method and apparatus for processing electronic documents is provided. A request, from a first user, to issue an alert to a second user that may have submitted a print request to the printing device is received at the printing device. The printing device may be attempting to process the print request submitted by the second user when the printing device receives the request from the first user. The first user may not know the identity of the second user. The printing device consults contact data that identifies how to contact the second user. The printing device thereafter issues the alert to the second user in accordance with the contact data. Upon receiving the alert, the second user is informed of the current condition of the printing device, e.g., the printing device may be experiencing a problem that prevents the second user's print request from being fully processed. |
| US07697845B2 |
Optical transmission equipment and optical add-drop multiplexer
An optical add-drop function part of an optical add-drop multiplexer has an output end of transmitted light signal in which an optical termination mechanism formed by an optical detector for detecting open of an optical fiber, an optical switch, and an optical terminator are mounted. Further, a reflection level calculation circuit, a reflection warning determination circuit, and an optical switch selection circuit are mounted to perform laser safety in the optical add-drop function part as well. The laser safety part in the optical add-drop function part is operated earlier than the laser safety part in an optical amplification function part. |
| US07697841B2 |
Camera
A camera includes: a photographic optical system that comprises a plurality of lenses; an image sensor that captures an image of a photographic subject formed through the photographic optical system; a projection lens unit that projects an image for projection via a projection lens unit, with at least one lens being common to the plurality of lenses of the photographic optical system and to the projection lens unit; and a shift mechanism that sets the at least one common lens to one of a first position upon an optical axis of the photographic optical system and a second position upon an optical axis of the projection lens unit. |
| US07697840B2 |
Display screen device
A display screen device includes a display panel on which a first image is displayed, and an electroluminescent display which displays a second image and is positioned to extend substantially entirely over one surface of the display panel so that the first image and the second image can be selectively displayed and so that the first image and the second image can be displayed in a superimposed manner. |
| US07697829B1 |
Electronic damping for stage positioning
Systems and techniques for electro-magnetic damping in a stage system. An excitation waveform for one or more actuators includes one or more frequency components with associated amplitudes. Frequency components at a resonance frequency of the stage system have associated amplitudes that are substantially zero. |
| US07697821B2 |
Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface. |
| US07697810B2 |
Three-dimensional photonic crystal and manufacturing method thereof
A three-dimensional photonic crystal includes a structure that includes first, second, third, and fourth layers in this order. The structure of each layer includes a flat surface as one end surface, and first, second, and third structural portions. The first structural portion has a first width along the flat surface and a first height from the flat surface. The second structural portion has a second width larger than the first width and a second height larger than the first height. The third structural portion has a width and a height that continuously or stepwise change in the extending direction of the structure. The flat surface at the structural portion of one of two adjacent layers in the first layer to the fourth layer contacts a surface opposite to the flat surface at the second structural portion of the other of the two adjacent layers. |
| US07697807B2 |
Multi-tipped optical component
An optical component includes a support structure having a first composition including a recessive phase material and a second composition including protrusive phase material, the protrusive phase material defining a plurality of spaced apart surface features, each of the surface features comprising a distal end opposite the support structure, integrated with the support structure, and protruding distally from a surface of the support structure, each of the surface features reducing in cross sectional area distally from the support structure to provide a lowest cross sectional area at the distal end, the recessive phase material supporting and separating the surface features and defining a contiguous recessed surface area between the surface features, at least two of the protrusive features being characterized as optical waveguides. |
| US07697806B2 |
Fiber optic cable with detectable ferromagnetic components
A fiber optic cable with detectable ferromagnetic components may include a plurality of detectable ferromagnetic components distributed longitudinally along the cable and insulated from each other. The fiber optic cable may contain the typical layers of fiber core, cladding, coating, strengthening fibers, and cable jacket. Each of the detectable ferromagnetic components may be a ferromagnetic metal strip forming a band around the cable. The metal bands may be distributed at different locations of the cable. Other ferromagnetic materials than metal may be used, as long as they are detectable by a metal detector. The detectable ferromagnetic components may form patterns that may be identified by the metal detector. |
| US07697804B2 |
Method for generating a high-frequency signal and apparatus for generating a high-frequency signal
A method for generating a high-frequency signal includes the steps of entering an optical pulse to a wavelength filtering device and generating modulating light having periodic wavelength intervals, and inputting the optical pulse outputted from the wavelength filtering device to a wavelength dispersive device to subject the optical pulse to treatment of different speeds according to the wavelength, and separating the optical pulse into time pulses independent with respect to the wavelength. |
| US07697799B2 |
Light receiving device and optically interconnected LSI
A light receiving device includes a first receiving structure and a second receiving structure. The first receiving structure has a first concentric coupling periodic structure provided in a first surface of a conductive thin film formed on a substrate, a first opening located at a center of the first concentric coupling periodic structure, and a first light receiving section located at an opening end of the first opening. The second receiving structure has a second concentric coupling periodic structure provided in the first surface of the conductive thin film, a second opening located at a center of the second concentric coupling periodic structure, and a second light receiving section located at an opening end of the second opening. The second light receiving section is electrically isolated from the first light receiving section. |
| US07697797B2 |
Aligned embossed diaphragm based fiber optic sensor
The present invention is a diaphragm-fiber optic sensor (DFOS), interferometric sensor. This DFOS is based on the principles of Fabry-Perot and Michelson/Mach-Zehnder. The sensor is low cost and is designed with high efficiency, reliability, and Q-point stability, fabricated using MEMS (micro mechanic-electrical system) technology, and has demonstrated excellent performance. A DFOS according to the invention includes a cavity between two surfaces: a diaphragm made of silicon or other material with a rigid body (or boss) at the center and clamped along its edge, and the endface of a single mode optic fiber. By utilizing MEMS technology, the gap width between the diaphragm and the fiber endface is made accurately, ranging from 1 micron to 10 microns. To stabilize the Q-point of the DFOS when in use as an acoustic sensor, a system of microchannels is built in the structure of the diaphragm so that the pressure difference on two sides of the diaphragm is kept a constant, independent of the hydraulic pressure and/or low frequency noise when the device is inserted in liquid mediums. |
| US07697786B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting edges of an object
The present invention provides a system and method for detecting edges of an object in a pre-crash sensing environment. The method includes extracting vertical edges from peaks in an array of column sums of absolute values of normalized horizontal derivates computed in the intensity image. The pixels with corresponding range image depths proximate the estimated object's closest surface contribute the column sums. The search is conducted for all likely combinations of left/right edge pairs preferably within a pre-determined horizontal range about the object's detected center. The left/right edge pairs that delimit a width within the pre-determined range of possible widths for the object are selected. Alternatively, an additional search is performed on each pair of edges to support any angular or inward slant on the edges of the object. |
| US07697783B2 |
Coding device, coding method, decoding device, decoding method, and programs of same
A coding device having a specifying unit for specifying image region data to be processed for refreshing countermeasures in image data being coded based on that image data and a refreshing countermeasure unit for applying processing for refreshing countermeasures to image region data specified by the specifying unit when coding the image data. |
| US07697781B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus
An image obtained by being imaged by an imaging device and converted to color data using a color processing parameter is input and target color data corresponding to converted color data is input. Next, the color processing parameter is optimized based upon the color difference between the converted color data and target color data. When the optimization processing is executed, first optimization processing is executed for optimizing the color processing parameter using the first target color data being within a prescribed color gamut, and the converted color data corresponding to the target color data, and second optimization processing is executed for optimizing the color processing parameter using second target color data, which includes the target color data being out of the prescribed color gamut and is less than a prescribed threshold value, and the converted color data corresponding to the second target color data. |
| US07697780B2 |
System and method for filtering image noise
A method for filtering image noise includes the steps of: acquiring an image; converting gray-scale values of the image and sharpening the image; defining axes perpendicular to image borders and selecting intersecting points between the axes and the image border; creating an object points set and inputting all the intersecting points into the object points set; fitting a geometric character according to the object points set; defining a tolerance threshold value; selecting an intersecting point from the object points set; calculating a distance from the selected intersecting point to the geometric character; determining whether the distance is larger than the defined tolerance threshold value; marking the selected intersecting point as a noise if the distance is larger than the defined tolerance threshold value; and deleting the selected intersecting point from the object points set. A related method is also disclosed. |
| US07697778B2 |
Method of notifying users regarding motion artifacts based on image analysis
A digital image acquisition system includes a portable apparatus for capturing digital images and a digital processing component for detecting, analyzing and informing the photographer regarding motion blur, and for reducing camera motion blur in an image captured by the apparatus. The digital processing component operates by comparing the image with at least one other image, for example a preview image, of nominally the same scene taken outside the exposure period of the main image. In one embodiment the digital processing component determines the degree of artifacts and whether to inform the user that the image is blurred by identifying at least one feature in a single preview image which is relatively less blurred than the corresponding feature in the main image. In another embodiment, the digital processing component calculates a trajectory of at least one feature in a plurality of preview images, extrapolates such feature on to the main image, calculates a PSF in respect of the feature, and informs the user based on the calculated PSF. In another embodiment the digital processing unit after determining the degree of blur notifies the photographer of the existing blur or automatically invokes consecutive captures. In another embodiment, the digital processing unit determines whether the image quality is acceptable from real time analysis of the captured image and provides this information to the user. Such real time analysis may use the auto focusing mechanism to qualitatively determine the PSF. |
| US07697777B2 |
Computing arbitrary fractional powers of a transform operator from selected precomputed fractional powers of the operator
A computer-implemented system and method for correcting misfocus in original particle beam image data by using a fractional Fourier transform operation or an approximation of it. In one embodiment, the particle beam image data is produced by an electron microscope. The approximation of a fractional Fourier transform operation may comprise a portion of a Taylor series expansion, a Hermite function expansion, a perturbation approximation, a singular integral approximation, or an infinitesimal generator. The described embodiments provide for the reconstruction of phase information associated with the original image data, and for the reconstructed phase information to also utilize an approximation of a fractional Fourier transform operation. The focus correction can be selected and controlled by user interaction or an automatic feedback control system that may include optimization. |
| US07697776B2 |
Model-based dewarping method and apparatus
An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described. |
| US07697775B2 |
Image signal processing apparatus and method, and program and recording medium used therewith
An image signal processing apparatus and method perform appropriate correction of image blurring in accordance with an image characteristic. In the apparatus, a user interface designates a blurring parameter, and a control signal generating unit generates a control signal corresponding to the designated parameter. An image characteristic detecting unit determines directions in which pixels in an input image have flat levels and directions in which pixels in the input image have levels corresponding to edges. Based on the determination, an address calculating unit reads coefficients from a coefficient ROM and supplies the coefficients to a product-sum calculating unit. The product-sum calculating unit generates a blurring-eliminated image by performing product-sum calculation using the coefficients. A post-processing unit produces an output image based on the input image and the result of product-sum calculation. |
| US07697773B1 |
System, method and computer program product for image compression/decompression
Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and computer program product for an image compression/decompression. The method for compressing a data structure having a first plurality of sets of image elements with one or more predetermined relationships among the image elements and among the sets, and includes encoding a first set of the plurality of image elements using a variable-length encoding process; and encoding a second set of the plurality of image elements using a modification to the variable length encoding process that decreases a symbol composition size of the variable length encoding process responsive to the one or more predetermined relationships among the image elements and the sets. The computer program product includes instructions executable by a processing unit, and those instructions perform the compression/decompression as described herein. The system is a compression/decompression apparatus for dynamically determining a probability of symbols used in a variable length encoding based upon previously encoded elements of the data structure. |
| US07697770B2 |
Picture coding method and picture decoding method
The method includes the following units: a coefficient number detecting unit (109) for detecting the number of coefficients which has a value other than 0 for each block according to the generated coefficient, a coefficient number storing unit (110) for storing the number of coefficients detected, a coefficient number coding unit (111) for selecting a table for variable length coding based on the numbers of coefficients in the coded blocks located on the periphery of a current block to be coded with reference to the selected table for variable length coding so as to perform variable length coding for the number of coefficients. |
| US07697768B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding an image
An image processing apparatus is provided that efficiently performs compression and encoding when an image obtained from an image pickup device is compressed and encoded for distribution. The image processing apparatus includes an image dividing unit for dividing an image into a plurality of areas, an image compression and encoding unit for compressing and encoding the image for each area generated by dividing the image by the image dividing unit, an image transmission request receiving unit for receiving an image transmission request from a client via a network, a transmission image area selection unit for selecting areas of an image to be transmitted to the client based on the image transmission request from the client; and a selected area image transmission unit for transmitting a compressed and encoded image, corresponding to the areas selected by the transmission image area selection unit, to the client. |
| US07697764B2 |
Similar pattern searching apparatus, method of similar pattern searching, program for similar pattern searching, and fractionation apparatus
Respective components of a leukocyte particle size pattern that includes a plurality of cellular component fractions are separated by performing a mixture density approximation using an EM algorithm, and characteristic parameters of each fraction are clustered. A similarity search with attention paid to a distribution pattern of a cell group of interest is thereby executed. An algorithm capable of doing a highly accurate similarity search from general viewpoints such as a search for the respective cellular components of a leukocyte or a combination of the respective components is developed. In addition, information useful for a diagnosis is provided. |
| US07697761B2 |
Method and apparatus for classifying an input character
A method for classifying an input character, the method comprising the steps of, in a processing system, for a plurality of character models, decomposing the input character into one or more segments in accordance with a segmentation scheme associated with the character model, and evaluating the one or more segments against a segment model associated with the character model, by using fuzzy logic rules to produce a score indicative of the conformity with the segment model, the method further including selecting the character model that produced the highest score, and classifying the input character as a character associated with the character model that produced the highest score. |
| US07697759B2 |
Split-remerge method for eliminating processing window artifacts in recursive hierarchical segmentation
A method, computer readable storage, and apparatus for implementing recursive segmentation of data with spatial characteristics into regions including splitting-remerging of pixels with contagious region designations and a user controlled parameter for providing a preference for merging adjacent regions to eliminate window artifacts. |
| US07697753B2 |
Device for creating image feature from image having any shape
An apparatus is disclosed for generating image feature data from an image having an arbitrary shape for use in image search. The apparatus includes rectangular area generating unit (2); rectangular image generating unit (3); padded-pixel value selecting unit (5); and image feature data generating unit (4). First, rectangular image generating unit (2) draws a rectangular area around input image (1) such that input image (1) is included therein. Rectangular image generating unit (3) pads a pixel value in an area of the rectangular area generated by rectangular area generating unit (2) which does not include pixels associated with input image (1) to generate a rectangular image. Image feature data generating unit (4) generates feature data from the image generated by rectangular image generating unit (3). |
| US07697749B2 |
Stereo image processing device
A stereo image processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an imaging device for taking a pair of images of an object for stereo image processing purpose; a stereo processor for correlating the pair of images for each small area thereof to thereby perform stereo matching processing for identifying corresponding areas, and obtaining an evaluation function as a result of said stereo matching processing, distance information to said object obtained based on said evaluation function, and reliability information indicating a reliability of said distance information; a parallax corrector for setting an adaptive search range around a small area in question according to said reliability information, obtaining a corrected evaluation function by correcting said evaluation function obtained for said small area in question based on said evaluation function obtained for a respective small area within said adaptive search range, and correcting said distance information based on said corrected evaluation function obtained. |
| US07697746B2 |
Inspection system and inspection method
The inspection system arbitrarily selects from among a plurality of optical conditions to change a distribution of reflected or diffracted light component from an object being inspected. The inspection system has a one- or two-dimensional optoelectric conversion image sensor, optically acquires an image of the object by scanning a stage on which the object is mounted or scanning the image sensor, and processes the image to check for defects in the object. Under each optical condition (illumination optical system, detection optical system, scan direction, etc.) the object being inspected is imaged and, based on the brightness distribution and contrast in the detection field of the image sensor, image sensor output correction data is generated to correct the output of the image sensor. |
| US07697741B2 |
Compression and decompression of medical images
A medical image compression and decompression technique is presented which exploits the special characteristics of medical images so as to increase the achievable compression ratio over existing generic image compression techniques. In general, the presented technique categorizes medical images based on the type of images. Medical images within the same category will typically have a very high level of similarity to each other. For each category, a type of standard image is computed which represents the typical characteristics of images within a category. For each image being compressed, only the difference between the image and the standard image is compressed. Due to the high level of similarity between images in the same category, the aforementioned difference is typically small and therefore a high compression ratio can be achieved. |
| US07697738B2 |
Calibration image alignment in a PET-CT system
A phantom (44) is used to calibrate a multi-modality imaging system (10) that includes a nuclear imaging system (12) and a CT scanner (14). The phantom (44) includes marker receiving cavities (96) positioned at fixed locations in the phantom, in which markers (46) are removably placed. The markers (46) include CT markers (90), which are imageable by the CT scanner (14), and radioisotope markers (48), which are imageable by the nuclear imaging system (12). The radioisotope markers (48) are disposed into wells (92) provided at a center of mass of each disk-like CT marker. The markers (46) have a label (94) identifying its isotope. The phantom (44), rigidly affixed to a couch (32), is imaged by the nuclear imaging system (12) and by the CT scanner (14). A transformation processor (72) calculates a transformation which brings centroids of the CT markers (90) in a CT image and the radioisotope markers (48) in a nuclear image into alignment. |
| US07697737B2 |
Method and system for providing fingerprint enabled wireless add-on for personal identification number (PIN) accessible smartcards
A method and system use a biometric personal identity verification (BioPIV) system to provide a fingerprint enabled wireless add-on for personal identification number (PIN) accessible smartcards. The BioPIV system may function as a trusted biometric reader and a smartcard reader with full remote functionality for both logical and physical access. |
| US07697736B2 |
Face detection method and apparatus using level-set method
A face detection method and apparatus using a level-set method. The method includes: laying a first initial shape model over a face image; evolving shape curves of the first initial shape model using the level-set method; detecting first through M-th neighboring boundary points that neighbor first through M-th initial boundary points of the first initial shape model, and that neighbor the evolved shape curves, M being a positive integer larger than 1; laying a modified shape model rendered using the detected first through M-th neighboring boundary points over the face image; detecting a rotation angle of the modified shape model; determining whether the detected rotation angle of the modified shape model is within a predetermined angle range; and selecting one of a second initial shape model, which is rotated to the left, or a third initial shape model, which is rotated to the right, according to the detected rotation angle, and laying the selected initial shape model over the face image, and returning to the detecting of the first through M-th neighboring boundary points, when the detected rotation angle of the modified shape model is outside the predetermined angle range. |
| US07697735B2 |
Image based multi-biometric system and method
This disclosure describes methods to integrate face, skin and iris recognition to provide a biometric system for identifying individuals. These methods only require a digital image depicting a human face as source data. |
| US07697731B2 |
Information-processing apparatus, information-processing methods, and programs
The present invention provides an information-processing apparatus including detection means, recognition means, and meta-information generation means. The detection means detects conditions surrounding the user and generates sensing data revealing the conditions surrounding the user. The recognition means recognizes the conditions surrounding the user on the basis of the sensing data. The meta-information generation means generates meta information in the form of structured information to be used for detecting a change in the conditions surrounding the user on the basis of one or more pieces of the sensing data and recognition information showing a recognition result produced by the condition recognition means. |
| US07697730B2 |
Guidance screen control method of biometrics authentication device, biometrics authentication device, and program for same
In a biometrics authentication device which uses biometrics information to authenticate individuals, guidance is provided such that image capture of biometrics information is performed appropriately. An image capture device is caused to perform a plurality of image capture operations (including distance measurement) at short intervals. And when image capture NG occurs frequently, a control unit stacks the NG results, and if image capture NGs are not resolved even after a prescribed number of image capture operations, judges that the relation between the body part and the image capture device must be corrected, analyzes the stacked image capture NG causes, and displays a guidance screen on a display device according to the analysis result. |
| US07697725B2 |
Method and apparatus for autonomous object tracking
In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for autonomous object tracking. In one embodiment, a method for tracking a moving object across at least a portion of a video signal made up of a plurality of image frames includes stabilizing the video signal by processing selected portions of selected image frames, detecting at least one movement in the stabilized video signal, and computing a location of the detected movement(s). |
| US07697724B1 |
Displacement determination system and method using separated imaging areas
A system including a data acquisition system and a processing system is provided. The data acquisition system is configured to capture a first reference frame that includes a first feature in a first imaging area on a substrate prior to a relative position between the data acquisition system and the substrate being adjusted by approximately a predetermined distance during a first time period, capture a first comparison frame that includes the first feature in a second imaging area on the substrate and a second reference frame that includes a second feature in the first imaging area on the substrate subsequent to the first time period, and capture a second comparison frame that includes the second feature in the second imaging area on the substrate subsequent to the relative position being adjusted by approximately the predetermined distance during a second time period that is subsequent to the first time period. The second imaging area is separated from the first imaging area by the predetermined distance. The processing system is configured to determine a displacement sum using a first displacement between the first feature in the first reference frame and the first feature in the first comparison frame and a second displacement between the second feature in the second reference frame and the second feature in the second comparison frame. |
| US07697723B2 |
Image recognition device
In order to reduce the computational burden required for scanning and to enhance the recognition accuracy, an image recognition device is configured so that a scanning pattern recording unit that records a plurality of scanning patterns for directing how to scan recognition areas of predetermined size in the image data is included, and different scanning patterns for successive frames are read out from the scanning pattern recording unit and applied to scan the recognition areas. |
| US07697720B2 |
Visual sensing for large-scale tracking
One embodiment of a method of tracking a plurality of targets can be broadly summarized by the following steps: capturing a plurality of images of a plurality of targets with a plurality of image capture devices; generating a target observation for each target, said target observation including at least a visual signature of the target and a time value; partitioning target observations according to similarities in their visual signatures; and producing primary tracks from the partitioned target observations, wherein each primary track includes ordered sequences of observation events having similarities in their visual signatures. Other methods and systems are also provided. |
| US07697719B2 |
Methods for analyzing electronic media including video and audio
The presently claimed invention relates generally to processing audio and video content. One claim recites an apparatus including: one or more electronic processors. The processors are programmed for: (i) processing data representing audio content or video content to extract identifying information therefrom, the data obtained via a network access point, the processing processes data representing audible portions of the audio content or processes data representing picture elements of the video content; (ii) upon obtaining the identifying information from the data, determining whether to allow the audio content or video content to be communicated through the network access point; and (iii) controlling provision of a notice including at least some details associated with said determining. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well. |
| US07697716B2 |
Watermarking different areas of digital images with different intensities
An image is processed to encode a digital watermark, with different regions thereof processed using different levels of watermark intensity. In an image comprised of elements of differing sizes (e.g., halftone shapes of different sizes, or lines of different width), the different regions can be defined by reference to the sizes of elements contained therein. Regions characterized by relatively small elements can be watermarked at a relatively low intensity. Regions characterized by relatively large elements can be watermarked at a relatively high intensity. A variety of other features are also discussed. |
| US07697714B2 |
Associating an object with a sticker and a surface
A method of associating an object with a sticker placed on a surface is disclosed. The sticker has coded data encoding a sticker identity. The sticker also has a region which exposes a position on the surface. The surface has coded data encoding surface identity and locations on the surface. The method starts by receiving indicating data from a sensing device which sensed the sticker and surface coded data respectively. The indicating data is indicative of the sticker identity, the surface identity and the position on the surface exposed by the sticker. The object is also identified, and the object is associated with the sticker identity, the surface identity, and the position on the surface exposed by the sticker. |
| US07697713B1 |
Method and program for producing photographs with autographed messages written in customized character fonts and method for distributing, transmitting and producing a digital photograph of a celebrity figure with personalized and autographed messages
A novel and unique method and program distributing, transmitting and producing a personalized and autographed digital photograph of a celebrity figure, comprising the steps of first assembling executable program codes with asset elements of celebrity figures including photographs and signatures, then generating a personalized and autographed digital photograph file of a selected celebrity figure with said signature, and finally transmitting said personalized and autographed celebrity digital photograph file via a suitable medium for later access, display, reproduction or further transfer. |
| US07697711B2 |
Perforated plate including embedded graphics
A perforated plate includes a plurality of holes divided into a first set of holes and a second set of holes. Each hole in the second set of holes has an area smaller than that of each hole in the first set; and the holes of the first and second sets are arranged with respect to one another to form a graphic pattern. |
| US07697710B2 |
Earphone with a sound guiding tube
An earphone with a sound guiding tube is provided. The sound guiding tube has an external chamber beside the ear. Compared with a conventional earphone which transmits sound directly into the ear, the earphone of the present invention has a external chamber which forms sound field outside the ear and then transmits the sound into the ear through a sound guiding tube in a particular angle. The earphone of the invention is suitable for stereo sound source or multiple-channel sound sources and will reduce damage caused by wearing the earphone for a long time. |
| US07697705B2 |
High fidelity digital hearing aid and methods of programming and operating same
A programmable digital hearing aid circuit and method for operating and programming same are disclosed. The device provides a flexible means to compensate for undesirable frequency response distortion normally due to the electro-acoustical characteristics of the microphone, receiver, and sound coupling mechanisms employed in hearing aid design. Parameters of the programmable hearing aid circuit may also be set to tailor the hearing aid response characteristics for the frequency-dependent hearing loss of an individual hearing aid user. The device is intended to make available a significant improvement in audio fidelity to users of hearing aid devices. |
| US07697703B2 |
Digital mixer apparatus
While an AUX-bus selecting operator is being operated beyond a predetermined time period, displays of channel-ON operators, normally indicating ON/OFF states of corresponding input channels, indicate ON/OFF states of signal delivery from the input channels to the AUX bus. Thus, a user can readily confirm, with minimized operation, the ON/OFF states of the signal delivery from the input channels to the second bus. Operating any one of the channel-ON operators in this state can change the ON/OFF state of the signal delivery from the corresponding input channel to the AUX bus. Further, operating the AUX-bus selecting switch while keeping operating the layer operator, current fader settings of the input channels can be copied as delivery levels of signals from the input channels to the AUX bus. Because the delivery levels of sound signals from the input channels to the bus can be set using the fader settings of the input channels as initial values, time and labor necessary for the setting operation can be minimized. |
| US07697701B2 |
Environment adaptable loudspeaker
It is known to make the performance of a loudspeaker “environment adaptive” in controlling a filter unit based on a measurement of the velocity/acceleration of the loudspeaker diaphragm and the associated sound pressure in front of the diaphragm, by means of an accelerometer and a microphone, respectively, thereby determining the radiation resistance of the diaphragm. The two sensors have to exhibit a constant transfer function throughout the life time of the loudspeaker, which make them very expensive. With the invention it has been found that the accelerometer can be replaced by another microphone held in a small distance from the diaphragm, and this conditions the possibility of using the same microphone for both measurements, e.g. simply by physically moving the microphone from one position to another. It will then no longer be required to use long-time stable sensors, whereby the price of the sensor equipment can be reduced dramatically. Also alternative arrangements are disclosed. |
| US07697700B2 |
Noise removal for electronic device with far field microphone on console
Reduction of noise in a device having a console with one or more microphones and a source of narrow band distributed noise located on the console is disclosed. A microphone signal containing a broad band distributed desired sound and narrow band distributed noise is divided amongst a plurality of frequency bins. For each frequency bin, it is determined whether a portion of the signal within the frequency bin belongs to a narrow band distribution characteristic of the source of narrow band noise located on the console. Any frequency bins containing portions of the signal belonging to the narrow band distribution are filtered to reduce the narrow band noise. |
| US07697696B2 |
Audio amplification apparatus with howling canceler
In an audio amplification apparatus connected to a microphone and a speaker, an audio amplification circuit amplifies an audio signal and inputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker. A howling canceller has an adaptive filter which is set with a filter coefficient based on the audio signal input to the speaker and a residual signal so as to simulate a feedback transmission path from the speaker to the microphone such that the adaptive filter processes the audio signal to produce a simulation signal. The residual signal is obtained by subtracting the simulation signal from an input audio signal inputted from the microphone and fed to the audio amplification circuit. An internal sound source generates the audio signal and inputs the audio signal to the speaker. A sound source determination portion determines whether or not the input audio signal contains an external audio signal provided from an external sound source other than the audio signal fed back from the speaker to the microphone, and controls update of the filter coefficient in accordance with a result of the determination. |
| US07697693B1 |
Quantum cryptography with multi-party randomness
A method and system for performing a quantum key distribution process in a quantum cryptographic system (200, 400) is provided. A first endpoint (405a) contributes a first set of random values to a quantum key distribution process. A second endpoint (405b) contributes a second set of random values to the quantum key distribution process. The first and the second endpoints (405a, 405b) derive a key based on at least some of the first set of random values and at least some of the second set of random values. In some implementations, the first endpoint (405a) may send each of the first set of random values using a basis (act 702, act 902) and the second endpoint (405b) may send an indication of received pulses and a basis for each of the received pulses (act 704, act 904). |
| US07697691B2 |
Method of delivering Direct Proof private keys to devices using an on-line service
Delivering a Direct Proof private key to a device installed in a client computer system in the field may be accomplished in a secure manner without requiring significant non-volatile storage in the device. A unique pseudo-random value is generated and stored in the device at manufacturing time. The pseudo-random value is used to generate a symmetric key for encrypting a data structure holding a Direct Proof private key and a private key digest associated with the device. The resulting encrypted data structure is stored on a protected on-liner server accessible by the client computer system. When the device is initialized on the client computer system, the system checks if a localized encrypted data structure is present in the system. If not, the system obtains the associated encrypted data structure from the protected on-line server using a secure protocol. The device decrypts the encrypted data structure using a symmetric key regenerated from its stored pseudo-random value to obtain the Direct Proof private key. If the private key is valid, it may be used for subsequent authentication processing by the device in the client computer system. |
| US07697690B2 |
Windowed backward key rotation
Windowed backward key rotation. A user is provided information that allows determining a limited number of previous keys in a series of keys from a later key in the series. A key in the series is generated, based at least in part on the information provided to the user. The key in the series is provided to the user. The user determines at least one key in the limited number of previous keys in the series by applying the information to the key in the series. |
| US07697677B2 |
Method for call distribution in a call center and associated call distribution apparatus
A method for call distribution is disclosed, where an incoming call is forwarded by a switching device to a call distribution device via dialing information input by the caller. The call distribution apparatus device checks whether the dialing information contains permissible inquiry information. If this is not so, the caller is requested to input inquiry information by an interactive voice response device. The call distribution apparatus causes the call to be switched to an agent responsible for the specified inquiry via the switching device via the inquiry information contained in the dialing information or interrogated by the voice response device. |
| US07697673B2 |
System for advertisement selection, placement and delivery within a multiple-tenant voice interaction service system
An advertisement delivery system for publishing a voice-enabled advertisement chosen among multiple voice-enabled advertisements to a specific voice application version chosen among multiple voice application versions available to the system has a telephony interface for enabling voice interactive access to at least one running version of the chosen voice application; and a matching service application for determining selection of the advertisement, the voice application version to host the advertisement, and at least one advertisement position in the voice application version for presenting the advertisement. |
| US07697668B1 |
System and method of controlling sound in a multi-media communication application
A computing device and computer-readable medium storing instructions for controlling a computing device to customize a voice in a multi-media message created by a sender for a recipient, the multi-media message comprising a text message from the sender to be delivered by an animated entity. The instructions comprise receiving from the sender inserted voice emoticons, which may be repeated, into the text message associated with parameters of a voice used by an animated entity to deliver the text message; and transmitting the text message such that a recipient device can deliver the multi-media message at a variable level associated with a number of times a respective voice emoticon is repeated. |
| US07697663B2 |
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. |
| US07697656B2 |
Shift register, method of controlling the same, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
It is provided a method of controlling a shift register in which a plurality of transfer unit circuits, each having a storage unit and a writing unit, are connected in series. The storage unit has a hold gate and stores a logical level of a pulse when the hold gate is in an active state, and the writing unit has a writing gate and stores a pulse in the storage unit when the writing gate is in an active state. The method includes: performing control such that the writing gate is shifted from the active state to the non-active state and then the hold gate is shifted from the non-active state to the active state, when the writing gate is shifted from an active state to a non-active state and the hold gate is shifted from a non-active state to an active state; and performing control such that the hold gate is shifted from the active state to the non-active state and then the writing gate is shifted from the non-active state to the active state, when the writing gate is shifted from the non-active state to the active state and the hold gate is shifted from the active state to the non-active state. |
| US07697655B2 |
Shift register and level controller
A shift register includes several stages of shift register units. Each shift register unit includes a first level lifting unit, first level lowering unit, first driving unit and level controller. The first level lifting unit and first level lowering unit control the scan signal to be equal to a first timing signal and first voltage, respectively. The level controller includes an input unit, a charge storage unit, a second level lifting unit and a second level lowering unit. The input unit controls the third control signal to be equal to the first voltage at a node. The charge storage unit stores a voltage of the timing signal at the node. The second level lifting unit and second level lowering unit respectively control the second control signal to be equal to the third control signal and the first voltage to turn on and turn off the first level lowering unit. |
| US07697643B2 |
Setting a transmission power level for a mobile unit
A spread spectrum mobile station comprises at least one antenna configured to receive power commands. The power commands indicate that the mobile station should increase or decrease its transmit power. A decision device is configured to process the received power commands and produce a decision indicating whether each received power command indicates an increase or a decrease in the mobile station's transmit power level. An accumulator is configured to accumulate a plurality of the decisions. An algorithm device is configured to receive the accumulated decisions and apply an algorithm to the accumulated decisions to set the mobile station's transmit power level. The algorithm compares a plurality of the decisions to determine if the plurality of decisions match and the transmission power level is adjusted by a first amount if the decisions are determined to match and not adjusted by that first amount if the decisions are determined to not match. |
| US07697641B2 |
Parallel DSP demodulation for wideband software-defined radios
A demodulator, suitable for use in a communication system and in a modem, has a block polyphase circuit with circuit blocks for different signal processing functions, particularly filtering, delay, and frequency conversion. The circuit blocks are arranged for parallel processing of different portions of an input sequence of signals. Signals of the input sequence to be filtered are divided among the blocks by a demultiplexer for processing at a clock frequency lower than a clock frequency of the input signal sequence. Signals outputted by groups of the circuit blocks are summed to produce an output signal of the group. Output signals of all of the groups are multiplexed to provide an output signal sequence such that the repetition frequency of the outputted signals may be higher, lower, or equal to that of the input signal sequence. This enables use of programmable circuitry operative at reduced clock rates. |
| US07697640B2 |
Method for adaptive bit recovery
A method for bit recovery in a data channel includes the steps of: inputting a read channel signal, providing a main signal processor for adaptive bit recovery from the read channel signal, providing an auxiliary signal processor for bit recovery from the read channel signal, using an output of the auxiliary signal processor for adaptation of the main signal processor, and outputting a recovered binary bit stream. |
| US07697638B2 |
Modulation detection in a SAIC operational environment
Blind modulation detection in a receiver of a wireless communication device calculates error energies for PSK and GMSK based on differences between a received training sequence signal and synthesized training signals generated from PSK and GMSK channel estimations and a known training sequence phase rotated by 3π/8 and π/2 per symbol, respectively. A highly reliable modulation detection in a Single Antenna Interference Cancellation (SAIC) operational environment is achieved by a dual comparison of a total energy value of the received signal and the two error energies. PSK is determined if the PSK error energy value is found to be lower than both the GMSK error energy value and the total energy value by predetermined thresholds; otherwise the modulation type is determined to be GMSK. |
| US07697637B2 |
Demodulation circuit and demodulating method
A demodulation circuit can perform a capturing operation although a frequency error is large. A phase comparator out puts a predetermined value other than 0 as a determination result of a phase error when a phase error of a carrier wave is large and a signal point is located at a predetermined position. A loop filter outputs a negative minimum value to an integrator when an integrated value of a determination result reaches a positive maximum value of a limiter. Thus, when a phase error is large, a value changing from a negative minimum value to a positive maximum value is output from the loop filter, thereby realizing a broad synchronous capture range. |
| US07697636B2 |
Process for automatic correction of the spectral inversion in a demodulator and device to implement the process
A process of correction of the spectral inversion for a receiver in a digital communication system: the process allows the reception in the receiver of a training sequence presumably known according to a modulation of type π/2 BPSK or MDP2. The process includes the following steps: Demodulating of the training sequence; Calculating of the differential correlation on a set of N received samples (Rn) and presumably sent (Sn) to generate a result; Using the result to detect the beginning of the frame and to order a spectral inversion in the chain of reception of the aforementioned receiver before launching the detection of the beginning of the frame. A receiver to process automatically the spectral inversion is also described. |
| US07697635B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the decision point of a receiver for digital communication signals
A receiver for a digital communication signal has a first decision gate (DGa), which has a first decision threshold (xd) for outputting a first decision signal, a second decision gate (DGb), which has a second decision threshold (xm) for outputting a second decision signal, a counter (CNT) for counting events where the first and second decision signals of the first and second decision gates (DGa, DGb) differ from each other, and a controller (PROC) capable of controlling the decision thresholds of said first and second decision gates in accordance with count values delivered by said counter. The controller (PROC) determines an initial decision threshold value by performing a statistical analysis of the received signal and setting the decision threshold such that the distribution of logical ‘0’ and logical ‘1’ in the decided signal corresponds to the expected distribution, which is in typically 50%/50%. |
| US07697634B2 |
Interpolation of complex signals
An improved interpolation technique for reconstructing a complex signal from sampled data estimates a carrier phase for each sampled data time. The carrier phase is then used to compensate for frequency variation in the complex signal. The complex components of the sampled data are then interpolated separately with the interpolated results being used to produce an interpolated magnitude that is the reconstructed complex signal. |
| US07697632B2 |
Low IF radio receiver
A slot-based low Intermediate Frequency (‘IF’) radio receiver comprises an IF local oscillator for producing I and Q IF local oscillator signal components in phase quadrature, and I and Q mixer channels for mixing the input signal with the I and Q IF local oscillator signal components to produce I and Q IF signal components. The IF local oscillator frequency alternates a plurality of times during each frame between first and second values, one of which is greater and the other smaller than the desired carrier frequency of the input signal so as to reduce the effect of adjacent and alternate interferers. The phase of the baseband local oscillator is alternated in synchronism with the alternation of the IF local oscillator frequency. |
| US07697630B2 |
Ultra wideband communication method with low noise pulse formation
An ultra-wide band (UWB) waveform encoding method is provided. The method includes receiving a data stream; generating a first encoder signal and a second encoder signal such that if the first and second encoder signals were mixed, the mixing would return a representation of the data stream; generating a sequence of pulses; mixing the first encoder signal with at least a portion of the sequence of pulses, to produce a mixing result; and mixing the second encoder signal with the mixing result, to produce a sequence of ultra wideband wavelets encoded in accordance with the data stream. |
| US07697629B2 |
Method and/or apparatus for stabilizing the frequency of digitally synthesized waveforms
An apparatus comprising a first circuit, a second circuit, a third circuit and a fourth circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a demodulated signal in response to (i) a modulated signal and (ii) a seed value. The second circuit may be configured to generate a first control signal in response to the demodulated signal. The third circuit may be configured to generate a second control signal in response to (i) the first control signal and (ii) a compensation signal. The fourth circuit may be configured to generate the seed value in response to the second control signal. |
| US07697622B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data in a multi-antenna communication system
An apparatus for transmitting data in a base station of a wireless communication system that transmits data depending on channel status information fed back from terminals and uses a plurality of antennas. Based on the channel status information, a scheduler determines a terminal to which the base station will transmit data, determines antennas via which the base station will transmit data among the plurality of antennas, and determines a space pre-coding method. A multiplexer multiplexes transmission data into a plurality of data streams according to the number of the determined antennas. A modulation and coding unit performs modulation and coding on each of the data streams. A pre-coding controller outputs a matrix select signal for selecting one of a plurality of space pre-coding matrixes according to the space pre-coding method. A space pre-coder spatial-codes each of the coded streams with the matrix selected based on the matrix select signal. An OFDM modulator performs OFDM modulation on each of the spatial-coded streams. An RF unit transmits each of the OFDM-modulated streams via an associated antenna. |
| US07697617B2 |
Synchronisation method and apparatus for OFDM symbols
A system and method for synchronising data for use in a powerline communications network.Data containing a plurality of symbols is received and a predetermined number of data samples are used to calculate an alignment error associated with the data samples. The alignment error represents the extent to which the data samples are aligned with one of the symbols. The alignment error is then used to determine the extent to which the alignment position should be changed so as to provide substantial alignment with a subsequent symbol. |
| US07697615B2 |
Subdimensional single-carrier modulation
A method for modulating a sequence of data symbols such that the transmit signal exhibits spectral redundancy. Null symbols are inserted in the sequence of data symbols such that a specified pattern of K data symbols and N−K null symbols is formed in every period of N symbols in the modulated sequence, N and K being positive integers and K being smaller than N. |
| US07697612B2 |
Image preprocessing with selective lowpass filtering from motion compensation
Preprocessing for motion-compensated video encoding such as MPEG includes lowpass filtering, temporal (310) and/or spatial (312), locally per pixel in response to motion vector analysis and prediction error (304) and temporal change (306). This de-emphasizes image areas of rapid change which corresponds to human perception de-emphasis. |
| US07697608B2 |
Scalable MPEG video/macro block rate control
A scaleable macro block rate control method particularly well-suited for MPEG video. There is provided a method to easily derive a quantization parameter (QP) value using information such as bit usage, previous QP values and SAD values from the past encoded and future frames. The method utilizes quantization estimation techniques based on statistical relationships between different intensity measures, such as distortion intensity, absolute difference intensity and mean of absolute difference intensity. The method is well-suited to applications utilizing MPEG video such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, JVT/H.264 standards and so forth. |
| US07697603B1 |
Methods and apparatus for equalization in high-speed backplane data communication
Equalization circuitry that includes an analog equalizer and a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) is provided for high-speed backplane data communication. The analog equalizer reduces the number of taps that are required by the DFE, which lessens the error propagation of the DFE. Furthermore, the DFE includes a summing circuit and flip-flop circuitry. The flip-flop circuitry may be used as part of a phase detector by clock and data recovery circuitry. The summing circuit may further be embedded into the flip-flop circuitry to reduce the feedback path delay, thereby allowing for higher speed operation. The DFE may be extended to multiple taps by including additional flip-flops. |
| US07697595B2 |
Interference cancellation in variable codelength systems for multi-access communication
A receiver employs low-rate processing to synthesize the effect of high-rate interference in a received multi-rate signal. Each high-rate subchannel is analyzed on its low-rate descendents to produce symbol estimates for each low-rate symbol interval. The symbol estimates are applied to low-rate descendent subchannels, which are then combined to synthesize the effects of the high-rate interference. An interference canceller processes the synthesized interference with the received signal for producing an interference-cancelled signal. Alternatively, analogous steps may be applied at high-rate to analyze, synthesize, and cancel the effects of low-rate interference in a multi-rate signal. |
| US07697589B2 |
Use of volume Bragg gratings for the conditioning of laser emission characteristics
Apparatus and methods for altering one or more spectral, spatial, or temporal characteristics of a light-emitting device are disclosed. Generally, such apparatus may include a volume Bragg grating (VBG) element that receives input light generated by a light-emitting device, conditions one or more characteristics of the input light, and causes the light-emitting device to generate light having the one or more characteristics of the conditioned light. |
| US07697585B2 |
Semiconductor laser diode
A semiconductor laser diode comprising a semiconductor substrate having an active layer with a pair of cavity facets opposed to each other on both ends of active layer as well as a first dielectric film of an oxide and a second dielectric film of an oxynitride successively stacked on one cavity facet has sufficient initial characteristics with a film structure having excellent heat radiability for allowing stable high-output lasing over a long period without reducing a catastrophic optical damage level on an emission end. |
| US07697581B2 |
Laser operation for survey instruments
The performance of a laser scanner is optimized in the field by automatically determining appropriate laser parameters for the scan location. A laser control system uses information such as the environmental temperature to select an appropriate range of start points for various laser parameters, such as pump temperature and laser currents. Test pulses over that range can be used to determine optimal operating parameters. |
| US07697580B2 |
Monitoring of a laser source with front and rear output photodetectors to determine frontal laser power and power changes over laser lifetime
A power monitoring and correction to a desired power level of a laser or group of lasers utilizes two photodetectors which are employed to accurately determine the amount of output power from the front end or “customer” end of a laser or a plurality of such lasers. During power detection, which may be accomplished intermittently or continuously, the laser is modulated with a tone of low frequency modulation. One photodetector at the rear of the laser is employed to detect the DC value of the frequency tone, i.e., a value or number representative of the AC peak-to-peak swing, amplitude or modulation depth of the tone. Also, the rear photodetector may be employed to determine the optical modulation index (OMI). In either case, these values may be employed in a closed loop feedback system to adjust or otherwise calibrate the value of the low tone frequency relative to the total desired bias current applied to the laser. A front photodetector is employed to receive a portion of the total output of the laser, or of each laser, and the average output power of the laser, or of each laser, is determined from already knowing the optical modulation index (OMI) via the rear photodetector. Thus, by measuring and/or calibrating the laser OMI with the use of a rear photodetector, the average output power from the front end output can be unambiguously determined from detection of the AC peak-to-peak swing or amplitude of the low frequency tone received via the front photodetector. |
| US07697579B1 |
Optical frequency self stabilization in a coupled optoelectronic oscillator
Methods and devices for a coupled optoelectronic oscillator having optical frequency stabilization. The coupled optoelectronic oscillator includes a harmonically mode-locked laser cavity having a Mach-Zehnder modulator for mode-locking and an intracavity Fabry-Perot etalon to allow only one single supermode to lase, a stabilization loop coupled with the Fabry-Perot etalon to detect changes in the laser cavity optical frequency and generate an error signal to compensate for the frequency change to stabilize the mode-locking of the laser frequency stabilization, and an electrical loop between the laser cavity and the stabilization loop for driving the Mach-Zehnder modulator with the coupled optoelectronic oscillator signal. |
| US07697573B2 |
Controlling jittering effects
Transmitting messages to mobile telephones includes determining a time a standard requires or permits a standard compliant transmission to be received by a user, and scheduling a transmission by a base station to the user in the future based on a distance between the user and a base station such that the transmission will be received by the user at the determined time. The distance between the user and the base station is a distance such that a propagation delay between the user and the base station is larger than a propagation delay accommodated by the standard. |
| US07697570B2 |
Method based on backboard transmitting time division multiplexing circuit data and a bridge connector
A method for multi-path TDM data transmission includes: applying a plurality of high-speed serial lines to connect a center switch network board to a plurality of service boards; multiplexing multi-path TDM data from the center switch network board at transmitting side, and transmitting TDM data multiplexed in batch via one of the high-speed serial lines to one of the service boards; at receiving side, serial receiving the TDM data multiplexed and de-multiplexing the TDM data multiplexed to multiple TDM paths. The TDM bridge connector includes: a TDM high-speed serial transmitting adaptive circuit, and a TDM high-speed serial receiving adaptive circuit and a clock control circuit. The invention increases greatly transmission capacity and looses the requirement of clock synchronization, so the system reliability is greatly raised. |
| US07697569B2 |
Multi-code-set channel estimation method in a time-slot CDMA system
A multi-code-set channel estimation method in a time-slot CDMA system having steps of: A. performing uni-code-set channel estimations and obtaining channel estimation result; B. extracting a maximum interference tap from the channel estimation result; C. reproducing interference components suffered respectively by response signals corresponding respectively to the plurality of code-sets from the maximum interference tap; D. canceling the interference components, and obtaining a pure channel estimation result of a signal corresponding to each code-set; E. determining whether a predetermined number of iterations has been performed, if so, outputting the result of each uni-code-set channel estimation; otherwise, taking the pure channel estimation result of the signal corresponding to each code-set as the channel estimation result of the code-set to be processed in the next iteration, and returning to step B. Due to the present invention, a multi-code-set joint channel estimation with high performance can be implemented simply and effectively. |
| US07697563B2 |
Switching device of networks-on-chip system and scheduling method thereof
A switching device of NoC (Networks on Chip) system and a scheduling method thereof. The switching device has a switching part having a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports, and a scheduler for setting a transmission route between the input ports and the output ports, determining the length of code based on the number of input ports having the data among the plurality of input ports, and assigning a predetermined code of the determined code length to the input port and the output port corresponding to the set transmission route. Because the code length is adjustably varied according to the number of transmission packets, switch performance improves. |
| US07697558B2 |
Emergency alert system enhancement using alert server and metro ATM network for DSL deployment
An emergency alert system for alerting DSL subscribers of imminent perils includes an alert server connected over a direct link to an edge node of a metro network for receiving an event notification, configuring from an event notification a highest priority alert message, and broadcasting the alert message to subscriber terminals over the metro network. An Add-Drop Multiplexer (ADM) multiplexes the alert traffic with the regular traffic onto the direct link, and the multiplexed traffic reaches the edge node of the metro network, which is configured with a high priority policy. The edge node discards the lower priority traffic in the presence of the alert traffic and an applet installed on the subscriber terminal accepts and displays the alert message in a browser or a media player. |
| US07697556B2 |
MAC (media access control) tunneling and control and method
A telecommunications system includes a first device having a plurality of interfaces, with each interface having a unique MAC address, the first device using the MAC addresses for forwarding frames. The system includes at least one bridge in communication with the first device. The system includes a second device in communication with the first device through the bridge having a plurality of interfaces with each interface having a unique MAC address, the first device forwarding frames to a first interface of the plurality of interfaces of the second device using the unique MAC address of the first interface of the second device. A method for communicating. |
| US07697550B2 |
Peripheral device with visual indicators
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a network peripheral device. The network peripheral device includes a plurality of antennas, network communications electronics operable with the antennas, a plurality of electronically controllable visual indicators, and circuitry that activates the selected indicators. The network peripheral device may also include networking electronics, router functionality, a modem, a base band processor, a firewall, and/or a media access control (MAC) processor. The visual indicators may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs). The visual indicators may correspond to a particular antenna. The visual indicators may also be arranged in a pattern corresponding to an arrangement of antennas in the plurality of antennas, or in a substantially circular pattern. Other embodiments of the invention are directed to various methods and devices. |
| US07697547B2 |
Internet protocol video delivery in passive optical networks
Data representing video content is distributed over a passive optical network (PON) on virtual channels that are assigned to television (TV) channels as subscribers request the TV channels and de-assigned from TV channels when subscribers are no longer viewing them. Associating and de-associating TV channels with virtual channels can be performed with very low latency by using a near-physical layer protocol, such as the Physical Layer Operation Administration and Maintenance (PLOAM) protocol. |
| US07697545B1 |
Discovery of component relationships in distributed data processing networks
A technique for automated discovery of relationships between components providing a service and discovery of the relationship of shared components to other services. A discovery engine determines a management address for a component experiencing a problem and retrieves a TCP connection table for the component. It then identifies TCP connections that are either active or that were recently active. For each, the destination address is added to a global connection table. After the TCP connection table has been processed in this manner, the global connection table is traversed and TCP connection tables for each listed destination address are examined recursively. At the conclusion of this recursive process, the management table contains a list of management agents in the distributed system to which the original component had a TCP connection, either directly or indirectly. |
| US07697542B1 |
Programmable resource scheduler
In general, in one aspect, the invention features a data structure representing a schedule for a plurality of N resources, and apparatus, methods, and computer programs for generating and using the data structure, the data structure comprising: M records each representing a different one of M slots in the schedule, wherein M>1, wherein each of the M slots is allocated to one of the N resources, and wherein each of the M records comprises identifiers of the N ones of the M slots in the schedule allocated to a next occurrence of each of the N resources following the one of the M slots represented by the record, and an identifier of an order in which the N resources occur in the schedule following the one of the M slots represented by the record. |
| US07697541B2 |
Service scheduling unit and a method thereof
This invention discloses a service scheduling unit and the method thereof, which performs scheduling for the packet service that comes from the line unit and the data service access processing unit in the digital communication system, and the service scheduling unit includes: a mapping module, a de-mapping module, an encapsulating module, a decapsulating module and a packet scheduling module. After entering the service scheduling unit, the services needing to be scheduled go through the mapping/de-mapping module and the encapsulating/decapsulating module, arrive at the scheduling module for final scheduling This method of scheduling the services can achieve the 1+1 or 1:1 protect function of the service scheduling module. The usage of this method can achieve different granularities of the mapping/de-mapping, different protocol encapsulating and can efficiently decrease the total cost of the system. |
| US07697539B1 |
Methods and apparatus for data communications through packet networks
An improved data communication technique may be employed with modems through a packet network. The disclosed technique facilitates a virtual end-to-end connection between two modems such that the two modems can effectively behave as if directly connected to each other, unaware of any modifications to the data being transferred or to the protocols configured within the communication connection. Preferably, a data communication system for carrying out the communication technique demodulates data coming from a first modem, transports the demodulated data in packets between two gateways, and then remodulates the data before delivering to a second modem at the other end. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, various alternatives for calling and quality of service set-up mechanisms, the establishment of a communication session, the transport of data during a communication session, the flow control between all system components involved, and the mechanisms for the termination of communications are also provided. |
| US07697538B2 |
Data transfer method and automation system used in said data transfer method
A method transmits data packets on a data transmission link between two communication subscribers. The data packets respectively contain a check character which is calculated from the other data in the data packet. One communication subscriber uses the check character from the last data packet received by the other communication subscriber as start value for calculating the check character for a subsequent data packet which is to be sent to the other communication subscriber. |
| US07697537B2 |
System and method for using generic comparators with firmware interface to assist video/audio decoders in achieving frame sync
A method and system are provided for using generic comparators with firmware interface to assist video/audio decoders in achieving frame sync. The method may involve processing a portion of an incoming packet by hardware components, which may result in a partially processed packet. The incoming packet may comprise audio, video, and/or record data. The partially processed packet may then be completely processed by firmware and sent to decoders if comprising audio/video data or to a record engine if comprising record data. Generic comparators may be utilized with the incoming packet to search for data patterns associated with synchronization information within the packet. The extracted data patterns may be sent to the firmware to utilize while processing the partially processed packet. The firmware may send synchronization information determined based on the extracted data patterns to aid decoders in decoding audio and video content. |
| US07697536B2 |
Network communications for operating system partitions
Providing communications between operating system partitions and a computer network. In one aspect, an apparatus for distributing network communications among multiple operating system partitions includes a physical port allowing communications between the network and the computer system, and logical ports associated with the physical port, where each logical port is associated with one of the operating system partitions. Each of the logical ports enables communication between a physical port and the associated operating system partition and allows configurability of network resources of the system. Other aspects include a logical switch for logical and physical ports, and packet queues for each connection and for each logical port. |
| US07697534B1 |
Virtual private LAN service networks with mixed mode network devices
In one embodiment, a method generally includes identifying at a local Virtual Private LAN Service Provider Edge (VPLS PE) device whether remote VPLS PE devices are configured for operation as a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB), negotiating pseudowire connections with the remote VPLS PE devices based on identification of the remote VPLS PE device configuration, receiving a frame destined for one of the remote VPLS PE devices, and transmitting the frame in a format compatible with the remote VPLS PE device. The local VPLS PE is configured for operation as a PBB and at least one of the remote VPLS PE devices is not configured for operation as a PBB. An apparatus for use in mixed mode VPLS network is also disclosed. |
| US07697525B2 |
Forwarding multicast traffic over link aggregation ports
A network node in a communication network includes a plurality of ports, at least a subset of which is grouped in a link aggregation (LAG) group. The node includes packet processing logic, which is coupled to receive data packets having respective destination addresses that specify forwarding the packets to groups of multiple recipients through at least one of the ports and to process the data packets so as to forward only a single copy of each of the data packets via the output ports in the subset, while distributing forwarded copies of the data packets among the output ports in the subset so as to balance a traffic load within the LAG group. |
| US07697521B2 |
Method of controlling connection between nodes in digital interface
A method of controlling connection between nodes in a digital interface whereby a first node that is a master node determines a second node to be the master and controls a point-to-point connection or a broadcast connection to another node. The first node having the display device determines the second node to be the master in accordance with a user selection, and transmits a connection command of a predetermined format for transmitting a data stream to the second node. The second node determined as the master in accordance with the transmitted connection command of the predetermined format is allocated with a channel and a bandwidth from an isochronous resource manager (IRM), and performs a point-to-point connection between the second node and the first node to transit the data stream. Thus, the transmission/reception, reproduction, and control of the data stream of the program can be smoothly performed. |
| US07697520B2 |
System for identifying the presence of Peer-to-Peer network software applications
A system and method for detecting peer-to-peer network software operating on a target computer. A target file is created, and placed in one or more folders on the target computer. A search is issued on a Peer-to-Peer network for the target file. Peer-to-peer software is detected to be operating on the target computer in accordance with results of the search. |
| US07697519B2 |
Packet processing
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for packet processing in a network device. One method includes parsing incoming packets in a number of received flows to extract information from various packet fields. A number of bandwidth meters are used to track application bandwidth usage over a particular time interval in association with each flow. The meters are referenced with a hash algorithm and a drop probability for a particular packet is adjusted using the bandwidth meters and a number of factors. |
| US07697518B1 |
Integrated search engine devices and methods of updating same using node splitting and merging operations
Methods of updating b-tree data structures (e.g., b*tree data structure) using search key insertion and deletion operations proceed from respective known states (e.g., respective canonical forms). These insertion operations include inserting a first search key into the b-tree by reconfiguring (e.g., pre-processing) a plurality of sibling nodes of the b-tree into a predetermined overloaded form having a shape that is independent of a value of the first search key to be inserted therein. An operation is then performed to split the sibling nodes by redistributing the first and other search keys among an expanded plurality of the sibling nodes. These insertion operations use a process that trades off possibly performing additional memory accesses (e.g., to shift search keys (and/or handles or pointers) to the predetermined overloaded form) for the certainty that the same key movements are ultimately performed during operations to split sibling nodes. |
| US07697517B2 |
Packet forwarding apparatus with transmission control function
A packet forwarding apparatus 200 transmits an inputted packet A to a first output port that is one of a plurality of output ports and transmits a dummy packet A storing the packet length of packet A to the other output port. A shaping unit 100-1 corresponding to the first output port uses the packet length of the packet A and a shaping unit 100-2 corresponding to the port other than the first output port uses a packet length in the dummy packet A so as to control the bandwidth of the packet A to be transmitted, thus controlling the total bandwidth of the packet A. |
| US07697512B1 |
Proactive monitoring of status of voice-over-IP servers
A server connectivity status testing mechanism of a voice-over internet protocol (IP) communication device is operative to automatically test the connectivity status of each of a plurality of available servers. In response to such testing, server usage is selectively adjusted, as necessary, to ensure that the user is provided with effectively uninterrupted service, and so that the service provider may be immediately alerted to error conditions. |
| US07697510B2 |
Communication terminal device and remote diagnostic method of the communication terminal device
A communication terminal device converts a sound in the communication terminal device into an audio frequency signal, converts the converted audio frequency signal or an audio frequency signal transmitted in the communication terminal device into a digital audio signal, and transmits the digital audio signal to a center device via an IP network. |
| US07697508B2 |
System, apparatus, and methods for proactive allocation of wireless communication resources
A system for communication between a mobile node and a communications network is provided for use with a communications network having one or more communications network nodes that define a foreign agents and that communicate with the mobile node in a predefined region. The system includes a ghost-foreign agent that advertises a foreign agent so that the mobile node is aware of the foreign agent when the mobile node is located outside the predefined region. The system further includes a ghost-mobile node that signals the foreign agent in response to the foreign agent advertising and based upon a predicted future state of the mobile node. |
| US07697506B2 |
System and method for enhanced computer telephony integration and interaction
An enhanced computer telephony integration system that facilitates the interaction and integration of a private branch exchange (PBX) with a client computer on a computer network. An enhanced telephony (ET) server connects to the PBX and to all running instances of an ET client on a user's computers. The ET server acts as a proxy between the ET clients and the PBX. The ET clients register with the ET server for a certain telephone extension. The ET server then can forward telephone action requests (such as placing a telephone call) from the registered ET clients to the PBX servicing the telephone extension. Moreover, the ET server can relay telephone events (such as an incoming call) from the PBX to all registered clients. The ET server facilitates seamless integration of telephone and personal computer features to provide a rich user-controlled computer-telephone integration for a user. |
| US07697503B2 |
Dynamic speed-dial list
Methods are provided for managing communications over a communications routing network. A data store is maintained of records of communications links established over the communications routing network between a first endpoint of the communications routing network and multiple second endpoints of the communications routing network distinct from the first endpoint. A frequency analysis is performed of the second endpoints to identify a frequency of establishing a communications link between the first endpoint and each of the second endpoints. A list is generated of a subset of the second endpoints in accordance with a result of the frequency analysis. |
| US07697502B2 |
Communication multistage switching techniques
Multistage switching for mixed SONET VT traffic, such as VT1.5s and VT2s, is accomplished by employing an input time switch, a space switch and an output time switch. The input time switch and output time switch include VT1.5 time switches arranged to alter the time order of the input VT1.5s and VT2 time switches arranged to alter the time order to the input VT2s. The space switch includes a VT1.5 space switch arranged to order the input VT1.5s with respect to output channels in an output channel order different from the input channel order of the VT1.5s. The space switch also includes a VT2 space switch arranged to order the input VT2s with respect to output channels in an output channel order different from the input channel order of the VT2s. |
| US07697500B2 |
Host device, device unit, communication system, and data transmission/reception method
A host device according to an embodiment of the present invention sends to a plurality of device units a specific token packet including address information of a first device unit and a general token transmission time derived from an execution time of a plurality of consecutive transactions upon execution of the plurality of consecutive transactions with a first device unit out of the plurality of device units. The first device unit receives the specific token packet to execute the plurality of transactions. The plurality of device units other than the first device unit receive the specific token packet to shift to and stay in a suspend state until the general token transmission time elapses, and then shift to a waiting state after the general token transmission time. |
| US07697499B2 |
Method for interoffice trunk testing
A method of testing trunks grouped in tributaries to evaluate interoffice transmission quality across a TDM network of all trunks in the office. The method includes performing a testing cycle testing only one trunk in each tributary in the central office to verify transmission quality. Testing includes setting up an interoffice connection to the one trunk, performing a transmission test on the one trunk. The method can also include attempting a connection to every trunk in each tributary in the testing cycle. The method can also include performing a plurality of testing cycles until all trunks in the central office have been tested, wherein each testing cycle includes testing one untested trunk in each tributary. |
| US07697493B2 |
Automatic service activation
Wireless communication systems wherein services involving two or more stations in the system may be activated automatically. Data is communicated between airborne stations according to a TDMA protocol, where the data is transmitted in time slots organized in frames of a repeating frame structure. A link address is associated with at least one time slot. The stations select link addresses for transmission of data according to a self-organizing transmission algorithm. Each station broadcasts data messages of a first type at a first repetition rate and receives such corresponding messages from the other stations. At least based on the received data messages of the first type, each station determines whether a service activation criterion is fulfilled with respect to at least one other station. If the service activation criterion is fulfilled, the station starts to transmit data messages of a second type, which pertain to a service that involves the station itself and the at least one other station. |
| US07697489B1 |
Method and system for timer-based mobile IP re-registration in a wireless wide area network
A network access server, such as a PDSN, might provide Mobile IP services to one or more access points for a wireless wide area network. A wireless device might handoff to an access point served by the network access server, and the wireless device might receive from the access point an identifier, such as a Packet Zone ID, that identifies the network access server. The wireless device might then register with the access server but delay making any subsequent Mobile IP re-registrations until after a predetermined amount of time. |
| US07697485B2 |
Method for improving the performance of a wireless communications network by using beamformed virtual antennas
The present invention discloses a method for wireless communications network performance in transmitting a message. The method comprises creating a first beamformed virtual antenna for the serving BTS and one or more second beamformed virtual antennas for the one or more target BTSs when one or more predetermined conditions are met, establishing a first beamformed channel by using the first beamformed virtual antenna, establishing one or more second beamformed channels by using the one or more second beamformed virtual antennas, and transmitting a plurality of signals comprising the message via the first and the one or more second beamformed channels. |
| US07697482B2 |
Load redistribution method and system for reducing interference in a wireless network
A wireless network in which wireless terminals associate with particular access points maintains information about the positions and associations of the terminals and calculates loads on access points. To provide increased bandwidth at a heavily loaded access point, terminals associated with adjacent access points are handed over to more distant access points, so that the adjacent access points become less active and generate less interference. The hand-over is initiated and carried out by the access points concerned, rather than by the terminal that is handed off. Loads can accordingly be balanced promptly and interference can be reduced. |
| US07697475B2 |
Processing a data stream format for mobile audiovisual reception
The invention relates to a method for reception of a data stream, transmitted in segment in one or several broadcast channels, comprising a reception step for the data in a segment of data stream transmitted by an active broadcast channel. A step for changing reception channel allows switching from the current broadcast channel to a second channel after receipt of the data stream. A listening step on said second channel listens for an event identifying the transmission of the subsequent segment of the data stream and a step for changing reception channel by switching from said second channel to the current broadcast channel or another broadcast channel. |
| US07697474B2 |
User throughput geographical distribution estimating system and user throughput geographical distribution estimating method
A system is provided for estimating the geographical distribution of user throughput in a cellular system, including user terminals and a base station for effecting wireless packet communications with user terminals inside in its own cell using a shared channel. Reception quality estimating means (11) estimates the reception quality of the shared channel at the location of a user terminal in the cell. Traffic information reading means (12) reads the traffic information on the estimation target area in which estimation of the reception quality was performed. User throughput estimating means (13) estimates the user throughput at the location of a user terminal in the cell, using the user throughput calculating function that receives as its input the reception quality of the shared channel at the location of the user terminal in the cell and the traffic information on the estimation target area and calculates user throughput. |
| US07697471B2 |
Address translation in a communication system
A controller for a communications system comprises an input and an output for communicating with nodes connected to the communications system. The controller is provided with a processor for determining presence of an address translator entity between a first node and a second node. The controller is further configured for generating an indication of the presence of the translator entity for sending to another node. |
| US07697463B2 |
Radio apparatus
A control unit estimates the time required from when signals are transmitted respectively to a plurality of terminal apparatuses to when responses from them are received. In a plurality of partial periods, partial periods for receiving signals continue after partial periods for transmitting the signals continue, and the order of terminal apparatuses assigned in the partial periods for receiving signals are defined in the order of terminal apparatuses assigned in the partial periods for transmitting signals, and the control unit assigns a terminal apparatus, whose estimated required time is longer, to an early partial period in a series of partial periods for transmitting signals. A radio unit and the like perform communication with the plurality of terminal apparatuses to which the respective plurality of partial periods have been assigned. |
| US07697462B1 |
System and method for split isolation in radio frequency electronics
A system and method for designing a full duplex communications transceiver to enable a reduction in isolation between a transmit signal and a receive signal at a diplexer is disclosed. An RFE transmit filter attenuation level can be determined to be sufficient to attenuate a noise power of the transmitter below a thermal noise floor of the power amplifier. A minimum diplexer transmit filter attenuation level can be calculated to attenuate noise power output from the power amplifier in the receive band to a level below a noise floor of the receiver. |
| US07697460B2 |
Evaluating feasible transmission paths in a packet network
A technique is disclosed that attempts to improve the evaluation of a network path's signal quality, as well as the selection of a network path for transmission purposes, without some of the costs and disadvantages of doing so in the prior art. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a node with access to the packet network, such as a VoIP telephone endpoint, evaluates the quality of service that is associated with each of multiple network paths. The evaluation process is iterative, in which the number of candidate paths is successively reduced from one iteration of the technique to the next. The multiple paths that remain as candidates in any given iteration are evaluated concurrently and at an evaluation bit rate that i) is less than the full transmission rate of the real-time traffic (VoIP) packets to be sent and ii) varies as a function of the number of candidate paths remaining under consideration. |
| US07697455B2 |
Multiple redundancy schemes in an optical network
Methods and apparatuses for multiple redundancy schemes in an optical network are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary method includes receiving a demand for allocating a first protection path that meets a first set of disjointness constraints with respect to a first working path according to a first protection scheme having a first priority, in response to the demand, locating a second protection path that meets a second set of disjointness constraints with respect to a second working path according to a second protection scheme having a second priority, and assigning the second protection path as a protection path to the first working path if the first priority of the first protection scheme is higher than the second priority of the second protection scheme. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07697451B2 |
System, method and apparatus for a resend response
An embodiment generally relates to a method of maximizing network efficiency. The method includes determining a state of a connect attempt from a network and re-transmitting a connect attempt response message to the network in response to the network's connect attempt being in a pending state after an attempt to setup a connection to the network fails. |
| US07697446B2 |
Link testing in an ethernet DSL network
A system and method in a communications network of testing a communications link between Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and a Broadband Remote Access Server (BBRAS). The CPE and BBRAS communicate mutually via an intermediate Internet Protocol Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (IPDSLAM). The CPE is connected to the IPDSLAM via an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) link, and the BBRAS is connected to the IPDSLAM via an Ethernet link. When a customer complaint is received in a Customer Care Center (CCC), the IPDSLAM is instructed to test the link. The IPDSLAM executes a first loop-back test with the CPE according to the ATM standard, and executes a second loop-back test with the BBRAS according to the Ethernet standard. The results of the first and second loop-back tests are reported to the CCC. |
| US07697443B2 |
Locating hardware faults in a parallel computer
Locating hardware faults in a parallel computer, including defining within a tree network of the parallel computer two or more sets of non-overlapping test levels of compute nodes of the network that together include all the data communications links of the network, each non-overlapping test level comprising two or more adjacent tiers of the tree; defining test cells within each non-overlapping test level, each test cell comprising a subtree of the tree including a subtree root compute node and all descendant compute nodes of the subtree root compute node within a non-overlapping test level; performing, separately on each set of non-overlapping test levels, an uplink test on all test cells in a set of non-overlapping test levels; and performing, separately from the uplink tests and separately on each set of non-overlapping test levels, a downlink test on all test cells in a set of non-overlapping test levels. |
| US07697442B2 |
Output apparatus configured to output data for printing, processing apparatus configured to process printing data, and method
An output apparatus is configured to output data for printing. The output apparatus acquires data based on identification information for identifying data to be acquired and merges the acquired data with each of a plurality of templates corresponding to the identification information. The output apparatus outputs the data merged with each of the plurality of templates according to a print setting for each template. |
| US07697439B2 |
Method of determining transit costs across autonomous systems
A method for determining a cumulative network layer reachability cost of traversing one or more autonomous network routing systems comprises receiving first network route information from an originating customer edge router, wherein the first network route information identifies a route in a customer network; determining a transit cost from the provider edge router to an endpoint associated with the originating customer edge router based upon a metric value received in a cost community attribute; repeating the determining step for each of one or more autonomous systems that lie in a path from the originating customer edge router to a destination customer edge router, to result in determining an accumulated transit costs across one or more autonomous systems; and determining, based at least in part upon the accumulated transit cost, a best path from the provider edge router to the endpoint associated with the originating customer edge router. |
| US07697438B2 |
Method of routing packet
An embodiment of a method of routing a packet between nodes of a network begins with a step of determining that a route of an external network from a source node to a network node provides an expected near minimum transmission time for transmission of the packet from the source node to a destination node. The method continues with a step of determining that a packet queue for a network link at a source node exceeds a threshold. The method concludes with a step of routing the packet to the destination node via the external network and the network node. |
| US07697433B2 |
Method and system for bypassing a core network in establishing a call between endpoints on different media gateways
A method and system for establishing a call between two endpoints residing on different media gateways in a decomposed voice over packet architecture. Cluster attributes identifying alternate bearer possibilities are exchanged between media gateways as part of capabilities negotiation which occurs during call setup conducted by an external call control element over a core network. The media gateways analyze the cluster attributes to determine whether bearer possibilities exist apart from the core network. If an alternate bearer possibility exists, the alternate is employed and the call is established via the alternate bearer directly between the media gateways, thus bypassing the core network. |
| US07697430B2 |
Apparatus and methods for scheduling packets in a broadband data stream
A packet scheduler includes a packet manager interface, a policer, a congestion manager, a scheduler, and a virtual output queue (VOQ) handler. The policer assigns a priority to each packet. Depending on congestion levels, the congestion manager determines whether to send a packet based on the packet's priority assigned by the policer. The scheduler schedules packets in accordance with configured rates for virtual connections and group shapers. A scheduled packet is queued at a virtual output queue (VOQ) by the VOQ handler. In one embodiment, the VOQ handler sends signals to a packet manager (through the packet manager interface) to instruct the packet manager to transmit packets in a scheduled order. |
| US07697427B2 |
Method and system for scaling network traffic managers
A system for distributing network traffic to multiple traffic management devices. A distributor receives each packet from a network and may act as a layer 2 switch, a router, or distribute the packet to one of a group of traffic management devices. The distributor may receive packets from servers that the traffic management devices are managing communications to. When distributing packets to traffic management devices, information such as source and destination addresses may be used to determine which traffic management device each packet should be sent to. The distributor causes packets that are part of a flow to be delivered to the same traffic management device. Many configurations are possible for connecting the distributor to the traffic management devices, including connecting each traffic management device to a physical or virtual port on the distributor, connecting the traffic management devices to the distributor using a virtual local area network, and connecting the traffic management devices to a layer 2 switch. |
| US07697426B2 |
System and method for combining requests for data bandwidth by a data source for transmission of data over a wireless communication medium
A method and system for combining requests for data bandwidth by a data source for transmission of data over a wireless communication medium is provided. A central node receives one or more bandwidth requests from one or more data sources via wireless communication. A scheduler then combines one or more bandwidths requests from the same data source to create a single data burst bandwidth. The central node then grants the data burst bandwidth to the appropriate data source via wireless communication. |
| US07697423B2 |
Prevention of protocol imitation in peer-to-peer systems
A method for allocating a resource in a computer network includes accepting from a peer a request to download a data item using a P2P protocol via the computer network from one or more other peers that store the data item, and determining whether the P2P protocol used by the request is a preferred P2P protocol. When the P2P protocol is determined to be the preferred P2P protocol, up to a maximum data quota derived from a size of the data item is allowed to be downloaded using a first allocation level of the resource. When the P2P protocol is determined not to be the preferred P2P protocol, only a second allocation level, smaller than the first allocation level, is allowed to be used for downloading the data item. |
| US07697422B1 |
Quality of service marking techniques
A network device adapted to process data packet traffic over a telecommunication network. The network device includes an ingress pipeline adapted to receive a data packet at a port of the network device. According to embodiments of the present invention, the data packet is characterized by an external QoS attribute having M bits. The network device also includes a processor adapted to form an internal QoS Profile associated with the data packet. The internal QoS Profile includes a QoS Profile Index having M+N bits and M and N are internally assigned. The processor is also adapted to process the data packet through the network device. |
| US07697419B1 |
Apparatus and method for managing a set of switches in a computer network
An apparatus to manage a set of switches in a computer network is described. In particular, a computer-readable medium to direct a computer network to function in a specified manner is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions to configure a first switch of a set of switches as a first master switch and instructions to identify a first plurality of switches of the set of switches that are connected to the first master switch. The first plurality of switches includes a second switch and a third switch, and the second switch can be configured as a second master switch. The computer-readable medium also comprises instructions to modify an operational parameter associated with the third switch using the first master switch. |
| US07697413B2 |
Method for generating a code mask for coding transmission over a traffic channel
In the method a code mask for coding transmission over a traffic channel is generated based on a base station differentiator and a traffic channel differentiator. Base station differentiators are used to differentiate between different base stations and traffic channel differentiators are used by a base station to differentiate between different traffic channels assigned by a base station. |
| US07697412B2 |
Channel estimation and equalization of OFDM receivers
A method and receiver for optimizing the processing of received Orthogonal Frequency Divisional Multiplexed (OFDM) signals, in which a choice is provided as to which channel estimation and equalization technique (of a number of available techniques) to use for each symbol or symbols of the received OFDM signal. Accordingly, the most appropriate technique can be selected for each symbol or symbols. |
| US07697409B2 |
Transmitter apparatus and method for transmitting packet data units in a communication system
In a communication system, when packet data units (PDUs) to be transmitted from a transmitter apparatus are modulated according to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), the waveforms representing the modulated PDUs will experience different peak to average ratio values (PAR) making the PDUs differently sensitive to non-ideal transmitter characteristics. To minimize errors in the transmitted PDUs, at least two PDUs (304, 305, 306) are scrambled and modulated in parallel and substantially simultaneously in the transmitter (100), and the PAR values of the at least two PDUs (304, 305, 306) are determined at each transmit instance. The measured PAR values of the at least two PDUs are compared in a scheduler (310), and the scheduler selects for transmission the PDU with the lowest PAR value. The scheduler (310) then instructs the transmitter (100) to transmit the selected PDU. If the PDUs that were not selected for transmission are re-scrambled and re-modulated before they are transmitted, the average PAR value for a transmitted PDU can be lowered by 2-3 dB with the invention if 8 PDUs are compared at each transmit instance. |
| US07697408B2 |
Data communication system and method capable of limiting effects of crosstalk by adjusting transceiver power levels
A system for adjusting transmission power levels of transceivers in order to reduce crosstalk utilizes a transmitter and logic. The transmitter is configured to transmit signals to a customer transceiver over a first communication connection that is bound within a binder. The logic is configured to estimate a distance of a data path between the transmitter and the customer transceiver based on at least one signal communicated over the data path. The logic is further configured to adjust a transmission power level of the transmitter based on the estimated distance such that signals transmitted by the transmitter to the customer transceiver are spectrally compatible with signals transmitted from another transceiver over a second communication connection that is bound within the binder. |
| US07697407B2 |
Multilayer optical recording medium and method for recording information in multilayer optical recording medium
A multilayer optical recording medium enabled to retain an ideal signal regenerating property in spite of accidental adhesion of finger mark or alien substance is provided. The multilayer optical recording medium 1 is provided with a plurality of information-recording layers 20, 22, 24, and 26 capable of reading information with a reading light irradiated through a light incidence surface 38A on one side and is so adapted that the light incidence side information-recording layer 26 approximating most closely to the light incidence surface 38A may be set at a small recording capacity as compared with the recording capacities of at least one of the other information-recording layers. |
| US07697404B2 |
Medium, system, and method for a common optical data storage medium depression depth
A medium, system, and method are disclosed for a common data storage medium depression depth. An optical data storage medium comprises a plurality of spacer layers and data surfaces. A wavelength for a radiation beam such as the emission of a laser diode is identified. The index of refraction for a first spacer layer or substrate is also identified. The substrate is configured to transmit the radiation beam. The index of refraction of a second spacer layer that is configured to transmit the radiation beam is also identified. A depression depth for a plurality of pits for ROM media, or sector headers for recordable media, or grooves for recordable media on each data surface is substantially equal to the radiation beam wavelength divided by four times the average of the indexes of refraction of each spacer layer. In one embodiment, the average is an arithmetic mean of the indexes of refraction. In an alternate embodiment, the average is a harmonic mean of the indexes of refraction. The average may also be a geometric mean of indexes of refraction. |
| US07697402B2 |
Data recording device comprising a diaphragm-type support
The invention concerns a data recording device comprising a two-dimensional array of microtips (3), whereof the apex is generally of nanometric dimensions arranged opposite a storage medium consisting of a flexible diaphragm (2) borne by a frame (1) forming a plurality of cells. At least one microtip (3) is associated with each cell. Said device enables the dispersion in the height of the microtip to be compensated. In order to eliminate edge effects, the flexible diaphragm (2) may include first and second elementary diaphragms, separated by a network of spacer elements, laterally offset relative to the frame. In an alternative embodiment, an array of flexible plates, separated from the diaphragm by a two-dimensional array of spacer studs, may be used for subdividing each large-size cell into a plurality of elementary cells, each associated with at least one microtip. |
| US07697401B2 |
Optical head device and optical disk apparatus
An optical head device 201 includes a light source 1, an objective lens group 13, a two-dimensional actuator 15, spherical aberration adding means 9, 10, and 16, a hologram element 17 for splitting the light beam from the optical disk 14 into a plurality of split light beams, and a photodetector 22 which includes at least one photoreceptor including a plurality of split light receiving areas and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the light amount of a split light beam entering each of the plurality of split light receiving areas or an electric signal corresponding to a combination of the light amount of split light beams entering the corresponding split light receiving areas, and the plurality of split light beams split by the hologram element 17 include one circular ray U1 and at least two annular rays U2 and U3. |
| US07697395B2 |
Optical device, method of producing the same, optical pickup, and optical information processing device
An optical device having a sub-wavelength grating formed in a specified region is disclosed that is able to prevent wave front degradation accompanying a phase difference of a polarized light beam passing through the optical device. The optical device includes a circular-belt-like region where the sub-wavelength diffraction grating is formed, and a center portion where the sub-wavelength diffraction grating is not formed. A vertically polarized light beam used for operations on a blue-light optical recording medium A has a phase difference in the sub-wavelength diffraction grating to be an integral multiple of 2π and hence is transmitted through the sub-wavelength diffraction grating. A horizontally polarized light beam used for operations on a blue-light optical recording medium is diffracted by the sub-wavelength diffraction grating. The light path length L1 of the light beam passing through the circular-belt-like region is the same as that of the light beam passing through the center portion without the sub-wavelength grating. |
| US07697394B2 |
Optical pickup and optical information recording apparatus using the same
An optical pickup includes a diffraction grating partitioned into three areas, in which the phase of periodic grating groove structure in an area is successively shifted from that in the adjacent area by 90°. In the generation of a differential push-pull signal, an amplification factor K for sub push-pull signals is varied depending on the type of the optical disk. By such composition of the optical pickup, amplitude deterioration of the tracking error signal accompanying displacement of the object lens is reduced. |
| US07697393B2 |
Optical pickup and optical information recording apparatus using the same
An optical pickup includes a diffraction grating partitioned into three areas, in which the phase of periodic grating groove structure in an area is successively shifted from that in the adjacent area by 90°. In the generation of a differential push-pull signal, an amplification factor K for sub push-pull signals is varied depending on the type of the optical disk. By such composition of the optical pickup, amplitude deterioration of the tracking error signal accompanying displacement of the object lens is reduced. |
| US07697390B2 |
Efficient recording of information on an information recording medium having a plurality of layers
An information recording medium (100) includes (i) a first recording layer (L0 layer) having a first track and (ii) a second recording layer (L1 layer) having a spiral or coaxial second track sharing the rotation center with the first track. (iii) The first recording layer has a first point (point Bx) indicated by a first address. (iv) The second recording layer has a second point (point Dx) which can be defined according to a predetermined positional relationship (allowable area: 10) with respect to the first point (point Bx). |
| US07697384B2 |
Recording and/or reproducing methods and appratuses
In one embodiment the method includes reading speed information from a specific area of the recording medium. The speed information includes one or more speed flags to indicate whether a corresponding speed is applicable to the recording medium. A first speed flag for a first recording speed lower than a second recording speed is set to be dependent on a second speed flag for the second recording speed. Data is recorded on a main data area of the optical recording medium based on the read speed information. |
| US07697377B2 |
Portable timepiece and electronic apparatus
A timepiece comprises an atomic oscillator for generating and outputting a reference clock signal, and a timepiece module that operates based on the reference clock signal, wherein the atomic oscillator and the timepiece module are disposed separately so as to be thermally separated. The timepiece also comprises a crystal oscillator for generating and outputting a first oscillation signal, an atomic oscillator for generating and outputting a second oscillation signal with a higher precision than the first oscillation signal, a timepiece module that operates based on the first oscillation signal and the second oscillation signal, and a thermal separator for thermally separating the atomic oscillator from the crystal oscillator and the timepiece module. A portable timepiece and electronic device can thereby be configured so that the effects of heat generation can be reduced and power consumption can be reduced even in cases in which the atomic oscillator is used as a reference oscillator. |
| US07697372B2 |
Access to printing material container
The present invention provides a storage device that enables identification data to be readily rewritten and ensures normal completion of a data writing operation in a short time period. In the storage device of the invention, an ID comparator determines whether or not identification data transmitted from a host computer coincides with identification data stored in a memory array. In the case of coincidence, the ID comparator sends an access enable signal EN to an operation code decoder. The operation code decoder analyzes a write/read command, switches over a direction of data transfer with regard to the memory array based on a result of the analysis, and requires an I/O controller to change a high impedance setting of a signal line connecting with a data terminal DT. This series of processing allows access to an address in the memory array specified by a count on an address counter. |
| US07697371B2 |
Circuit and method for calibrating data control signal
A circuit for calibrating a data control signal includes a time-delay compensation circuit and a voltage-control delay circuit. The time-delay compensation circuit receives two complementary signals and a direct current voltage which has two voltage cross points with the two complementary signals respectively, and outputs a control voltage according to a time difference between the two voltage cross points. The voltage-control delay circuit delays a data control signal for a predetermined time according to the control voltage, thereby eliminating signal skew between the data control signal and a data signal. |
| US07697367B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with reduced current consumption
A semiconductor memory device includes memory blocks, a main word decoder to set a main word line to a first potential for activation, a second potential, or a third potential, a circuit to generate a cyclic signal that indicates timing at intervals, a block selecting circuit to select a memory block to be accessed, a successive-selection circuit to select the memory blocks one after another, and a circuit configured to control the main word decoder such that unselected ones of the main word lines of a memory block selected by the block selecting circuit are set to the third potential, such that the main word lines of the selected memory block are maintained at the third potential after access, and such that the main word lines of a memory block selected by the successive-selection circuit are set to the second potential at the timing indicated by the cyclic signal. |
| US07697365B2 |
Sub volt flash memory system
Various circuits include MOS transistors that have a bulk voltage terminal for receiving a bulk voltage that is different from a supply voltage and ground. The bulk voltage may be selectively set so that some MOS transistors have a bulk voltage set to the supply voltage or ground and other MOS transistors have a bulk voltage that is different. The bulk voltage may be set to forward or reverse bias pn junctions in the MOS transistor. The various circuits include comparators, operational amplifiers, sensing circuits, decoding circuits and the other circuits. The circuits may be included in a memory system. |
| US07697363B2 |
Memory device having data input and output ports and memory module and memory system including the same
A memory device is adapted to be connected in a daisy chain with a memory controller and one or more other memory devices. The memory device includes at least one data input port and at least one data output port for communicating data along the daisy-chain between the memory devices and the memory controller. The memory device is adapted to selectively enable/disable at least one of the data input or data output ports in response to whether a command received from the memory controller is intended for the memory device, or for one of the other memory devices. |
| US07697362B2 |
Arbitration for memory device with commands
A plurality of masters arbitrate for access to a shared memory device, such as a SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory), amongst themselves using software and arbitration interfaces. The masters generate additional commands upon arbitration, such as MRS and PALL commands, for prevention of collision of commands, refresh starvation, and/or a missing pre-charge operation in the shared memory device. |
| US07697361B2 |
Apparatus for electrical fuse option in semiconductor integrated circuit
Provided is a fuse option device in a semiconductor integrated circuit. In the fuse option device, a pad receives an external fuse program signal, a program signal driving circuit is connected to the pad through a signal line and generates a program activation signal in response to the fuse program signal and an address validity signal. A fuse circuit is electrically programmed in response to the program activation signal, and a pull-down resistor is connected between the signal line and ground. |
| US07697358B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device comprises word lines, global bit lines intersecting with the word lines; local bit lines partitioned into N sections along the global bit lines and aligned with a same pitch as the global bit lines; N memory cell arrays each including memory cells formed at intersections of the word lines and the local bit lines and being arranged corresponding to the sections of the local bit lines; local sense amplifiers for amplifying a signal read out from a selected memory cell to the local bit line and for outputting the signal to the global bit line; global sense amplifiers for amplifying the signal transmitted from the local sense amplifier corresponding to the selected memory cell through the global bit line and for selectively coupling the signal to an external data line. |
| US07697357B2 |
Negative voltage driving for the digit line isolation gates
A system and method to reduce standby leakage current in the event of row-to-column shorts in a memory chip or in an electronic device having memory or data storage elements is disclosed. In case of memory rows or wordlines precharged to a negative wordline voltage (VNWL), the standby leakage current through Psense-amplifiers in the memory is substantially eliminated when the gates of isolation (ISO) transistors associated with the shorted wordline and digitline(s) are held at the VNWL level by an isolation signal driven to the VNWL level during the memory row standby state. The reduction in the standby leakage current further reduces the overall Icc current consumption from the memory circuit's supply or operating voltage Vcc, thereby reducing circuit's standby power consumption. Because the ISO gates are already fabricated with thick oxides, the present negative voltage driving methodology does not require modifying the sense amplifier layout or the configuration of existing isolation transistors in a memory chip. A different standby voltage level (Vcc/2 level) at the sense amplifier activation (ACT) signal may also be implemented. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
| US07697356B2 |
Method of testing semiconductor apparatus
A method of testing a semiconductor apparatus performs a function test of reading data from memory cells in SRAM by applying a potential lower than a GND potential to a backgate of an n-type MOS transistor with a drain connected with a storage node and a source connected with the GND potential. Then, the method performs a function test of reading data from memory cells by applying a potential higher than the GND potential to the backgate. |
| US07697353B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes plural memory cell blocks, each having a memory array of plural memory cells. Plural control circuits are provided in correspondence with each of the memory cell blocks, for writing information to the memory cell blocks and for reading information written in the memory cell blocks. Plural input/output terminals are for inputting the information to be written and for outputting the information to be read. Plural multiplexers are provided in correspondence with each of the input/output terminals, for conveying the information to be written from the input/output terminals and for conveying the information to be read to the input/.output terminals. A bidirectional transfer type buffer is connected to each connection line between the control circuits and the multiplexers, for selectively conveying information from the control circuits to each of the multiplexers and for selectively conveying information from the multiplexers to each of the control circuits. |
| US07697352B2 |
Read-and-write assembly for fixed-address digital data access system
A read-and-write assembly is described. The read-and-write assembly includes one or more coils and magnetizable pillars. The magnetizable pillar has a flask shape and a neck wrapped in the coil. |
| US07697351B2 |
Circuit and method for controlling internal voltage of semiconductor memory apparatus
A circuit for controlling an internal voltage of a semiconductor memory apparatus including a deep power down signal input unit, which receives a deep power down signal indicating that a deep power down mode is starting, and supplies the received signal to a level shifter; and one or more level shifters, each of which performs level shifting from a first voltage to a second voltage or sinks the second voltage to a ground voltage in response to the input of the deep power down signal. |
| US07697350B2 |
Low couple effect bit-line voltage generator
A bit-line voltage generator is provided. The bit-line voltage generator includes a discharge enhanced bias source and a switch unit. The switch unit includes a clamp transistor having a source, a gate connected to the discharge enhanced bias source, and a drain receiving a voltage; a switch transistor having a gate receiving a control signal, a drain connected to the source of the clamp transistor, and a source connected to a memory array, wherein a parasitic capacitor exists between the gate and the source of the clamp transistor; a resistor having a first terminal connected to the drain of the switch transistor, and a second terminal connected to ground; and a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the drain of the switch transistor, and a second terminal connected to ground, wherein a charge in the parasitic capacitor, when the switch transistor is turned on, is almost identical to that when the switch transistor is turned off, so that a couple effect between the switch unit and the discharge enhanced bias source is reduced, thereby stabilizing a bias applied to the memory array. |
| US07697348B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A first input buffer receives sequentially inputted first data. A first data selector selectively transfers the first data from the first input buffer in accordance with a data input mode. A first data alignment circuit aligns and outputs the data from the first data selector. A second input buffer receives sequentially inputted second data in accordance with the data input mode. A second data selector selectively transfers the data of the first input buffer or of the second input buffer, in accordance with the data input mode. A first data alignment circuit aligns and outputs the data from the second data selector. |
| US07697346B2 |
Data input/output circuit and method of semiconductor memory apparatus
A first timing control unit controls an active timing of a first control signal to output a first driving control signal. A first data input/output unit transmits write data from a data input/output buffer to a global input/output line or transmits read data from the global input/output line to the data input/output buffer, in response to the first driving control signal. A second timing control unit controls an active timing of a second control signal to output a second driving control signal. A second data input/output unit transmits the write data from the global input/output line to a local input/output line or transmits the read data from the local input/output line to the global input/output line, in response to the second driving control signal. |
| US07697342B2 |
Flash memory device and related high voltage generating circuit
In a flash memory device, a high voltage generating circuit generates a high voltage and receives the high voltage as a switching voltage for controlling a voltage dividing circuit. |
| US07697339B2 |
Sense amplifier overdriving circuit and semiconductor device using the same
A sense amplifier overdriving circuit includes a first voltage driver which supplies an internal voltage from an internal voltage terminal to a sense amplifier in response to a first enabling signal, a logic unit which logically operates a block select signal for selection of a cell block and a second enabling signal enabled for a predetermined time after enabling of the first enabling signal, and outputs the resultant signal, and a second voltage driver which supplies an external voltage to the internal voltage terminal in response to the signal output from the logic unit. |
| US07697334B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and writing method thereof
Disclosed herein is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including: a first selection transistor configured to be connected to a bit line; a second selection transistor configured to be connected to a common source line; a memory cell configured to be connected in series between the first and second selection transistors; and writing means for carrying out writing for a selected memory cell. In the nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, the writing means applies a potential yielding a writing-blocked state via a bit line to a memory cell for which writing is not to be carried out, of a memory cell selected for writing, and the writing means carries out writing for a writing-target memory cell in a state in which a bit line has a bit line potential state dependent upon a threshold value state of the writing-target memory cell. |
| US07697326B2 |
Reducing programming error in memory devices
A method for storing data in an array (28) of analog memory cells (32) includes defining a constellation of voltage levels (90A, 90B, 90C, 90D) to be used in storing the data. A part of the data is written to a first analog memory cell in the array by applying to the analog memory cell a first voltage level selected from the constellation. After writing the part of the data to the first analog memory cell, a second voltage level that does not belong to the constellation is read from the first analog memory cell. A modification to be made in writing to one or more of the analog memory cells in the array is determined responsively to the second voltage level, and data are written to the one or more of the analog memory cells subject to the modification. |
| US07697325B2 |
Non-volatile memory cell endurance using data encoding
A method and apparatus for storing an n-bit (for n>=2) data block in an array of non-volatile memory cells utilizes a predetermined n+k-bit (for k>=1) encoding selected to reduce the number of programmed cells required to store the n-bit data block. |
| US07697322B2 |
Integrated circuits; method for manufacturing an integrated circuit; method for decreasing the influence of magnetic fields; memory module
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to integrated circuits, to a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit, to a method for decreasing the influence of magnetic fields, and to a memory module. In an embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit having a magnetic tunnel junction is provided. The magnetic tunnel junction may include a free layer with a magnetization orientation that is selected by the application of a write current through the magnetic tunnel junction, and a retention layer that retains the selectable magnetization orientation of the free layer at temperatures below a retention temperature. |
| US07697320B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
In a memory cell having a first and a second load transistor, a first and a second drive transistor, and a first and a second access transistor, a third access transistor provided between a first bit line and a first memory node and having a gate terminal connected to a first column line and a fourth access transistor provided between a second bit line and a second memory node and having a gate terminal connected to a second column line, are additionally provided. |
| US07697317B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device is provided with a memory cell selecting circuit which selects a selected memory cell from a memory cell array; and a write voltage applying circuit, which applies a row write voltage and a column write voltage to a selected word line and a selected bit line, respectively, and applies a row write blocking voltage and a column write blocking voltage to an unselected word line and an unselected bit line, respectively, and applies a write voltage sufficient for writing only on both ends of the selected memory cell. The write voltage applying circuit applies a write compensating voltage, which has a polarity opposite to that of the voltage applied on the both ends of the unselected memory cells other than the selected memory cell, on both ends of the unselected memory cells, while the write voltage is applied to the selected memory cell. |
| US07697313B2 |
Integrated circuit, memory cell, memory module, method of operating an integrated circuit, and method of manufacturing a memory cell
According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes an arrangement of memory cells. Each memory cell is connected to a programming current path used for programming the memory cell, and a sensing current path used for sensing the memory state of the memory cell. The programming current path and the sensing current path are at least partly separated from each other. |
| US07697312B2 |
SAN/NAS integrated storage system
In a storage system directly connected to a network, if conventional interfaces and protocols are used when an I/O command issued from a file server is transmitted to the storage system, the command/data is serially transferred via a single transfer path so that the performance is lowered. Conventional interfaces do not provide the means to notify the storage system of the failure at the file server. The file server and a channel adapter of the storage system are mounted on the same board and connection paths therebetween are controlled so that a plurality of protocols can be operated independently. A path independent from a command/data path is provided between the file server and channel adapter, and the received failure information is stored in a shared memory of the storage system and used for the fail-over. |
| US07697311B2 |
Storage apparatus, controller and control method
Proposed is a highly reliable storage apparatus with fast access speed and low power consumption, as well as a controller and control method for controlling such a storage apparatus. This storage apparatus is equipped with a flash memory that provides a storage extent for storing data, a disk-shaped memory device with more data write cycles than the flash memory, and a cache memory with faster access speed than the flash memory. Data provided from a host system is stored in the cache memory, this data is read from the cache memory at a prescribed timing, data read from the cache memory is stored in the disk-shaped memory device, and, when a prescribed condition is satisfied, this data is read from the disk-shaped memory device, and the data read from the disk-shaped memory device is stored in the flash memory. |
| US07697305B2 |
Apparatus and method for enhancing conductivity
An apparatus is provided comprising a chassis of a sheet of an electrically conductive material having a substantially non-conductive coating. An exposed portion of the chassis can be deformed to provide at least one protrusion such that the non-conductive coating on the at least one protrusion is thinner than a portion of the sheet spaced apart from the at least one protrusion to provide a conductivity path through the sheet. |
| US07697303B2 |
Dual-sided substrate integrated circuit package including a leadframe having leads with increased thickness
An integrated circuit package includes a first non-conductive substrate having a first inner surface and a second non-conductive substrate having a second inner surface. A die having a first thickness is disposed between the first and second inner surfaces. A leadframe includes a member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has a second thickness less than the first thickness. The distal end is disposed between the first and second inner surfaces. The distal end is undulated such that the distal end has an effective thickness greater than the second thickness. |
| US07697299B2 |
Apparatus for securing heat sinks to a device under test
Apparatus and method for securing a heat sink to a heat-generating device on a circuit board. The apparatus clamps onto the heating-generating device and the circuit board in a manner that avoids bending of the circuit board. The apparatus includes a retention module having a plurality of retention features that extend through openings in the circuit board disposed about the perimeter of the heat-generating device, such as a processor. The apparatus also includes a heat sink having a heat sink base for contacting the heat-generating device in order to dissipate heat produced by the device. The heat sink is selectively securable to the retention features of the retention module using levers, such as a wire module, having a spring clip to engage the retention features and clamp the heat sink and retention module together. |
| US07697294B2 |
Heat dissipation device having an improved fin structure
A heat dissipation device adapted for dissipating heat from a heat-generating electronic element, includes a plurality of fins assembled together. Each of the fins has a rectangular body and four arch-shaped flanges extending from edges of the body to form four round corners in four corners of the body. Each main body of the fins defines a plurality of locking members thereon to engage with corresponding locking members of a corresponding front fin. The arch-shaped flanges in four respective corners of the fins cooperate with each other to form four arced faces in four corners of the assembled fins along an entire length of the assembled fins. |
| US07697290B2 |
Electronic apparatus and fan module thereof
The invention discloses an electronic apparatus and a fan module thereof. The fan module includes a base, an impeller, a liquid container, an atomizing device and a cover. The impeller is provided in the base. The liquid container is placed at the center of the impeller, and the liquid container contains a liquid. The atomizing device is disposed on the liquid container, and the atomizing device can atomize the liquid to form a mist to spray in order to absorb the heat in the electronic apparatus. The cover covers the base and forms an air outlet with the base. Furthermore, the cover has an air inlet. When the impeller rotates, the blade of the impeller drives airflow mixed the heated mist to enter into the base through the air inlet of the cover, and to exit from the base through the air outlet. |
| US07697289B1 |
Auxiliary heat dissipation device for liquid crystal display
An auxiliary heat dissipation device for a liquid crystal display includes a housing having an internal space for receiving a liquid crystal display module, and a cover plate assembled to cover a front of the housing. The housing has a plurality of air inlets at a bottom thereof and a plurality of air outlets at a top thereof. A plurality of discharge fans each is mounted at the corresponding air outlet in the housing. A plurality of intake fans each is mounted at the corresponding air inlet in the housing, wherein a central axis of each of the intake fans keeps an appropriate included angle with respect to a central axis of the corresponding air inlet, so as to be able to efficiently dissipate the heat generated from the liquid crystal display module to the outside of the housing. |
| US07697288B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus is provided with a casing, a circuit board contained in the casing, an exothermic body mounted on the circuit board, a cooling fan which is fixed to the inside of the casing and includes a fan case, a heat receiving member which is opposed to the exothermic body and is thermally connected to the exothermic body, and a pressing member opposed to the heat receiving member from the opposite side of the exothermic body. The pressing member is provided to be integral with the fan case. Fixation of the cooling fan to the inside of the casing causes the pressing member to press the heat receiving member against the exothermic body. |
| US07697287B2 |
Mounting apparatus for fan
A mounting apparatus for fan includes a receiving bracket for receiving the fan, and two securing boards for sandwiching the fan therebetween. The receiving bracket includes a pair of opposite sidewalls. A top flange is perpendicularly bent from a top edge of each sidewall. A slot is defined in the top flange and corresponding sidewall. The securing boards are perpendicular to the pair of sidewalls and mounted therebetween. Two securing tabs protrude laterally from two sides of each securing board and are respectively received in the slots of the receiving bracket. The securing tabs are blocked by the top flanges to prevent the securing boards moving with the fan in directions parallel to the sidewalls. |
| US07697285B2 |
Electronic equipment enclosure with exhaust air duct and adjustable filler panel assemblies
An electronic equipment enclosure includes a frame structure, one or more enclosure panels mounted on the frame structure, an exhaust duct, and at least one adjustable filler panel assembly. The frame structure and the one or more enclosure panels together define an enclosure. The exhaust duct is substantially the same height as the enclosure and has an air inlet opening formed therein for receipt of exhaust air from equipment mounted in the enclosure. Each adjustable filler panel assembly selectively blocks a portion of the air inlet opening in order to prohibit air exhausted into the duct from flowing back into the enclosure. |
| US07697283B2 |
Enclosure foot assembly and manufacture
Wall portions, such as wall portions of electronic device housing components, are provided with one or more foot assemblies. A foot assembly can be formed by creating an internal cavity in an internal surface of the wall portion, an external cavity in an external surface of the wall portion, and a hollow passageway extending through the wall portion and between the cavities. The foot assembly can be completed by inserting a foot at least partially through the external cavity and hollow passageway and into the internal cavity, such that an external portion of the foot is at least partially contained within and contacting the surfaces of the external cavity, and such that an internal portion of the foot is at least partially contained within the internal cavity. A portion of the foot may be deformable to at least partially conform to the surfaces defining the internal cavity. |
| US07697281B2 |
Handheld computing device
A minimum Z height handheld electronic device and methods of assembly is described. The electronic device includes a single seamless housing having a front opening and a cover disposed within the front opening and attached to the seamless housing without a bezel. |
| US07697278B2 |
Fixing apparatus for hard disk drive
An exemplary fixing apparatus is for mounting a hard disk drive (HDD) having a plurality of holes defined in sidewalls and includes a bracket, a pair of shock absorbing members, and a plurality of fixing pins. The bracket includes an end plate, and a pair of side plates extending from two ends of the end plate. The side plates include a pair of latches extending therefrom and detachably locking with each other. The shock absorbing members are attached to insides of the side plates. The fixing pins are attached to the shock absorbing members and engage in the holes of the HDD. |
| US07697277B1 |
Auto-depress disk drive bracket mechanism
A hard disk drive bracket includes a bezel, a lever arm attached to the bezel rotatably between a closed position against the bezel and an open position apart from the bezel, a release mechanism attached to the bezel including a locking member that latches the lever arm in the closed position and a release button arranged to unlatch the lever arm from the locking member when the release button is depressed, and a horn attached to the bezel translatably between a natural position apart from the release mechanism and a forced position that allows the horn and release mechanism to interact to unlatch the lever arm from the locking member. The horn and lever arm of the hard disk drive bracket may be adapted to serve as a cam that automatically depress the release button as the lever arm is being closed. |
| US07697271B2 |
Portable computer enclosure
A portable computer enclosure includes a main body, a cover body pivotably attached to the main body, and an outer plate detachably attached to the cover body for covering an outer surface of the cover body opposite to the main body. The cover body defines at least one opening therein, and the outer plate forms at least one latch detachably engaging in the at least one opening in the cover body. |
| US07697270B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a stationary cover (10), a sliding mechanism (40) fixed with the stationary cover, a first sliding body (20) slidably connected to the sliding mechanism; and a second sliding body (30) slidably connected to the sliding mechanism and arranged to be abreast with the first sliding body. The stationary cover is slidably connected with the first sliding body and the second sliding body by the sliding mechanism, and the first sliding body and/or the second sliding body are/is operative to reveal out from the stationary cover. |
| US07697268B2 |
Modular electrical distribution system for a building
A universal power distribution system is provided for routing electrical circuits within a building structure to comprehensively provide electrical power to the building in ceiling configurations, wall-mounted configurations, raised floor configurations and in office furniture configurations. The system components for all of these configurations have common plug connectors that are engagable with each other so as to be readily usable in a wide variety of applications. The system is readily adaptable to form virtually any conventional circuit configuration found within conventional hard-wired systems yet is formed simply through the routing of the cables through the building cavities and interconnection is accomplished merely by plugging components together rather than through labor-intensive manual wiring. |
| US07697264B2 |
Lithium ion capacitor
It is to provide a lithium ion capacitor having a high energy density, a high output density, a large capacity and high safety.A lithium ion capacitor comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an aprotic organic solvent solution of a lithium salt as an electrolytic solution, wherein a positive electrode active material is a material capable of reversibly supporting lithium ions and anions, a negative electrode active material is a material capable of reversibly supporting lithium ions, and the potentials of the positive electrode and the negative electrode are at most 2.0 V after the positive electrode and the negative electrode are short-circuited, characterized in that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are respectively made by forming electrode layers by the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material on both sides of a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector each having pores penetrating from the front surface to the back surface, the capacitor has such a cell structure that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound or laminated, and the outermost portion of the wound or laminated electrodes is the negative electrode. |
| US07697262B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor with internal current cancellation and bottom terminals
Low inductance capacitors include electrodes that are arranged among dielectric layers and oriented such that the electrodes are substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface. Vertical electrodes are exposed along a device periphery to determine where termination lands are formed, defining a narrow and controlled spacing between the lands that is intended to reduce the current loop area, thus reducing the component inductance. Further reduction in current loop area and thus component equivalent series inductance (ESL) may be provided by interdigitated terminations. Terminations may be formed by various electroless plating techniques, and may be directly soldered to circuit board pads. Terminations may also be located on “ends” of the capacitors to enable electrical testing or to control solder fillet size and shape. Two-terminal devices may be formed as well as devices with multiple terminations on a given bottom (mounting) surface of the device. Terminations may also be formed on the top surface (opposite a designated mounting surface) and may be a mirror image, reverse-mirror image, or different shape relative to the bottom surface. |
| US07697258B2 |
Air assist for AC ionizers
At least one orifice is added to an AC ionizer with nozzles and ionizing electrodes that are used to remove static charge. The orifice is placed in a location where electrostatic forces are weak and where gas ions can be easily extracted from the ionizer. Ionizer effectiveness is enhanced by recovering gas ions that are normally trapped between the nozzles and under a portion of the ionizer from which the nozzles project. Without the orifice properly positioned, the trapped gas ions are lost by recombination or grounding. With the orifice positioned in an area of weak electrostatic forces, more gas ions are available for discharging the charged object. The combined air consumption of nozzles plus at least one orifice is the same or less than nozzles alone would consume for a given discharge time. |
| US07697257B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatuses for chemical compound generation, dispersion and delivery utilizing desorption electrospray ionization
Apparatuses, systems and methods for generating, dispersing and delivering chemical compounds utilizing desorption electrospray ionization. Embodiments include an airflow channel into which an airflow is directed, a solvent reservoir containing a volume of solvent, at least one charged droplet source for producing a plurality of charged liquid droplets in the channel, and at least one grounded counter electrode positioned within the channel with the electrodes having at least one surface containing one or more chemical compounds that include releasable ions. In operation, the charged droplets are directed onto the surface or surfaces so that the impact of the charged particles on said surface produces gaseous ions of at least one chemical compound on said surface, after which the gaseous ions are dispersed into the airflow. |
| US07697256B2 |
Directing aerosol
Embodiments of a system and method for directing aerosol are disclosed. |
| US07697254B2 |
Power supply protecting circuit
A power supply protecting circuit configured to protect an electronic device includes a normally open switch, a voltage dropping circuit, a first rectifier, and a relay having a coil and switch. A power terminal of the electronic device is connected to a power terminal of a power supply, the other power terminal of the electronic device is connected to the other power terminal of the power supply via the normally open switch. The power terminal of the electronic device is connected to the other power terminal of the electronic device via the voltage dropping circuit, the first rectifier, and the coil of the relay in turn. The switch of the relay is connected in parallel to the normally open switch. |
| US07697253B1 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a lifting magnet of a materials handling machine
A magnet controller supplied by a DC generator controls a lifting magnet. Four transistors, forming an H bridge, allow DC current to flow in both directions in the lifting magnet. During “Lift”, full voltage is applied to the lifting magnet. During “Drop”, reverse voltage is applied briefly to demagnetize the lifting magnet. At the end of the “Lift” and the “Drop”, most of the lifting magnet energy is returned to the DC generator. A transient voltage suppressor protects against voltage spike generated when current reverses in the generator. |
| US07697251B2 |
Powered communications interface with DC current imbalance compensation
A communications interface circuit includes data signal transformers for transmitting and receiving interface data signals. Each data signal transformer has a split interface-side winding that faces the cable connecting the interface with other equipment. Imbalance detection transformers each have a tapped interface-side winding (e.g., center-tapped) connected in series between split portions of the split interface-side winding of a respective data signal transformer. A DC circuit (source or load) has positive and negative supply terminals each connected to a tap connection of the tapped winding of an imbalance detection transformer. Imbalance detection and correction circuitry detects imbalance by (a) applying a relatively low-frequency imbalance detection signal to the local-side winding of the imbalance detection transformers, and (b) applying a detection function to a resulting imbalance detection signal obtained from the respective imbalance detection transformer, and then applies a compensation current to the local-side windings of the data signal transformers based on the detected imbalance. |
| US07697250B2 |
Switch-to-trip point translation
A translation technique for translating mechanical button positions of a circuit breaker to trip point settings stored in a memory of the circuit breaker. A turn of a mechanical button turns a potentiometer button, whose output is converted to scaled voltages and converted to corresponding digital values. These digital values are checked against a range of thresholds (minimum/maximum) corresponding to mechanical orientation positions of the mechanical button. Once the mechanical orientation position is determined by scaling and converting the potentiometer output, a trip curve lookup table stored in memory is accessed to determine which trip point setting should be set for the circuit breaker based upon the button position. The circuit breaker's trip curve settings can be changed easily via the mechanical button. They can also be changed easily by modifying the trip curve lookup table without having to recalibrate the circuit breaker or the switch settings. |
| US07697249B2 |
Voltage clamping circuits using MOS transistors and semiconductor chips having the same and methods of clamping voltages
A clamping circuit is provided, which may clamp a voltage at a node of a circuit to a stable level by using a transistor already included in the circuit. The clamping circuit may clamp a voltage at a first node of a circuit inside a semiconductor chip to a more stable level when electro-static discharge (ESD) occurs. The clamping circuit may include a transistor and a capacitive element to store a control voltage to turn on the transistor in response to ESD. |
| US07697248B2 |
Electrical arc fault circuit interrupter apparatus and method
In all electrical circuits, various arcing conditions can arise, however, there are primary ones are series arcing (low current arcing), and, parallel arcing (high current arcing). An arc fault circuit interrupter (“AFCI”) that protects for both series and parallel arcing is called a combination type. An AFCI is a device that controls the effects of electrical arcing by opening a circuit through a tripping mechanism that isolates the load from the supply line upon detection of an arcing condition. In this invention, this arc fault is detected by a Hall-Effect sensor (“HES”), a HES integrated circuit, and microprocessor. When circuit fluctuation starts, the microprocessor logs this from its first occurrence then compares it to a pre-determined threshold time to determine an arcing condition. Continued fluctuation beyond this threshold time is considered an arcing condition for safety the microprocessor then executes a command to activate the tripping mechanism. |
| US07697244B2 |
Magnetic head with stabilized ferromagnetic shield
A magnetic head in one embodiment includes first and second ferromagnetic shield layers, first and second nonmagnetic read-gap layers positioned between the first and second ferromagnetic shield layers, a sensor used in a current-in-plane (CIP) mode, first and second longitudinal bias layers electrically coupled with the sensor, and first and second conducting layers electrically coupled with the first and second longitudinal bias layers, respectively. |
| US07697243B1 |
Method for the detection of a magnetic field utilizing a magnetic vortex
The determination of the strength of an in-plane magnetic field utilizing one or more magnetically-soft, ferromagnetic member, having a shape, size and material whereas a single magnetic vortex is formed at remanence in each ferromagnetic member. The preferred shape is a thin circle, or dot. Multiple ferromagnetic members can also be stacked on-top of each other and separated by a non-magnetic spacer. The resulting sensor is hysteresis free. The sensor's sensitivity, and magnetic saturation characteristics may be easily tuned by simply altering the material, size, shape, or a combination thereof to match the desired sensitivity and saturation characteristics. The sensor is self-resetting at remanence and therefore does not require any pinning techniques. |
| US07697241B2 |
Resonant frequency separation for an actuator assembly of a disc drive
An actuator assembly is provided that includes a body portion, a first actuator arm assembly, a second actuator arm assembly, a first flexure assembly, and a second flexure assembly. Each of the first and second actuator arm assemblies projects from the body portion and has a distal end with different respective first and second mechanical configurations, sometimes referred to herein as “mounting configurations.” Each of the flexure assemblies is respectively mounted to the distal ends of the first and second actuator arm assemblies via the respective mounting configuration. The first and second mechanical configurations (mounting configurations) are selected to provide the first and second flexure assemblies with different mechanical resonance characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the second actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm and a spacer disposed between the actuator arm and the second flexure assembly. The spacer has a stiffness different from the stiffness of the actuator arm. |
| US07697231B2 |
Portable electronic apparatus
A portable electronic apparatus includes: a non-contact type integrated circuit module; a magnetic recording device including: a magnetic recording medium; and a magnetic head that is adapted to be moved from a predetermined retract position to the magnetic recording medium for writing or reading of information; a magnetic detection unit that detects a magnetic force; and a control device that is adapted to make the magnetic head retract from the magnetic recording medium to the retract position when the magnetic head is positioned above the magnetic recording medium in response to the magnetic detection unit detecting the magnetic force. |
| US07697224B2 |
Storing AD sampled data of read/write channel into ECC SRAM
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention enables storing in a memory, multi-bit data corresponding to analog signals read from a medium before being converted to single-bit data as recorded data. In an embodiment of the present invention, an AD converter is configured to convert analog signals from a magnetic disk to multi-bit data. A buffer circuit holds successively multi-bit data transferred from the AD converter toward a Viterbi decoder, and outputs the held plural multi-bit data in parallel. A SRAM for ECC is used for storing multi-bit data transferred from the buffer circuit. |
| US07697222B2 |
Apparatus for holding optical element, barrel, exposure apparatus, and device producing method
A holding apparatus (38) for holding an optical element (37) at a controlled position and attitude. The optical element (37) is held at an inner ring (43) by a piezo housing (54). A piezo element (65) is isolated from the optical element (37). When the piezo element (65) elongates and contracts, a displacement section (70) is displaced in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element while being guided by a parallel link section (71). A transmission link section (72) converts the direction of the displacement of the optical element (37) to transmit the result to a part of the inner ring (43). |
| US07697207B2 |
High power and high brightness diode-laser array for material processing applications
Arrangements for combination and fast-axis alignment of fast-axes of diode-laser beams are disclosed. Alignment arrangements include providing each diode-laser with a corresponding alignable fast-axis collimating lens, providing individually alignable mirrors for steering an re-orienting beams from each diode-laser, and providing single diode-laser slab-modules in which the diode-laser beams can be pre-aligned to a common propagation-axis direction, and in which edges and surfaces of the slabs can be used to align the fast and slow-axes of the beams. Beam combination methods include combination by dichroic elements, polarization-sensitive elements, and optical fiber bundles. |
| US07697206B2 |
Prism-integrated light-diffusing plate and method of manufacture
The present invention provides a prism-integrated light-diffusing plate, characterized in that a prismatic portion formed of a plurality of prism-shaped protrusions is provided on at least one surface of a light-diffusing sheet which is formed of a transparent resin material containing a light-diffusing agent and which has a thickness of 0.5 to 3 mm and a total light transmittance of 60 to 95%. The prism-integrated light-diffusing plate serves as both a prism sheet and a light-diffusing plate, diffuses light uniformly, and increases the brightness of an illumination cover or a liquid crystal display backlight for a large screen. |
| US07697205B2 |
Anti-reflection fine structure, anti-reflection mold body, method of producing the anti-reflection mold body, and automobile part
An anti-reflection structure; includes: a plurality of convex parts arranged at pitches each of which is shorter than a wave length of a visible light ray, each of the convex parts being formed into one of a substantially truncated cone and a substantially truncated pyramid, each including: i) a base face formed into one of a base circle and a base polygon inscribed in the base circle, a) the base circle and b) the base circle circumscribing about the base polygon each having a base diameter Db meeting the following expression: 100 nm |
| US07697204B2 |
Electrooptic device and electronic device
An electrooptic device includes: a display panel for displaying images; an illumination system for applying light to the display panel; a polarizing-axis control unit disposed between the illuminating system and the display panel, the control unit allowing light having a first polarizing axis of the light emitted from the illuminating system to pass through, and changing part of the light from the illuminating system into light with a second polarizing axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first polarizing axis; a lens disposed between the polarizing-axis control unit and the display panel, the lens including a plurality of linear lens patterns directing the light with the first polarizing axis and the light with the second polarizing axis separated by the polarizing-axis control unit into specified directions; a first polarizing unit disposed between the illumination system and the lens; and a second polarizing unit disposed between the display panel and the lens. Both the polarizing axis of the first polarizing unit and the polarizing axis of the second polarizing unit are substantially parallel to or perpendicular to the extension of the lens patterns. |
| US07697199B2 |
Lighting device and observation device
A lighting device (40) is described for an observation device (10), in particular for an ophthalmologic operating microscope, as well as such an observation device (10). The lighting device (40) has a light source (41) as well as a number of optical components, which are provided between light source (41) and an objective element (11). The optical components are designed according to the invention in such a way that the imaging of the lighting pupil (43) and the observation pupils is produced on the fundus of the eye (30). In this way, an exactly defined interaction of the lighting beam path (56) with an observation beam path is made possible, whereby practical requirements can be fulfilled relative to the homogeneity of the red reflex with simultaneous sufficiently good contrasting. |
| US07697197B2 |
Devices and method for Raman amplification and dispersion compensation
The present invention provides devices and methods for Raman amplification and dispersion compensation. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dispersion compensating device includes a dispersion compensating fiber having a dispersion more negative than about −50 ps/nm/km over a wavelength range of about 1555 nm to about 1615 nm; a Raman gain fiber having a dispersion more positive than about −40 ps/nm/km over a wavelength range of about 1555 nm to about 1615 nm; and a pump source operatively coupled to the dispersion compensating fiber and the Raman gain fiber, the pump source operating at a pump wavelength, wherein the dispersion compensating fiber has a Raman Figure of Merit at the pump wavelength, and wherein the Raman gain fiber has a Raman Figure of Merit at least about equivalent to the Raman Figure of Merit of the dispersion compensating fiber, and wherein the dispersion compensating fiber and the Raman gain fiber are arranged in series between the input and the output of the device. The device provides higher Raman gain than a conventional Raman-pumped dispersion compensating device. |
| US07697194B2 |
Moving particle display device
An improved moving particle display device having a plurality of pixels (12, 14; 21, 22, 23, 24) is disclosed. The pixels are formed between first (1) and second (2) substrates that are spaced apart by a plurality of partition walls (10; 20). Each pixel comprises charged particles (115) that are movable under the influence of primary electric field lines of force (16) to set the optical appearance of the pixel. The pixels further comprise blocking material (210) for physically blocking the charged particles from entering predetermined regions (200) of the pixels that are likely to have secondary electric field lines of force (18) that extend through the partition walls. Hence, the charged particles are blocked from entering regions of the pixels having secondary electric field lines of force that could attract the particles to move into any gaps (9) that exist between the partition walls and the substrates. |
| US07697188B2 |
Projection display system for modulating light beams from plural laser light sources
The present invention provides a projection display system, comprising: plural laser light sources; an illumination optical system for illuminating, in different beam axes, light beams emitted from the individual laser light sources; a deflection mirror device, constituted by plural mirror elements, for modulating the light beams illuminated by the illumination optical system; and a projection optical system for projecting a reflection light from the deflection mirror device illuminated by the light beams. |
| US07697187B2 |
Electrowetting device and varifocal lens, optical pickup device, optical recording/reproduction device, droplet operation device, optical element, zoom lens, imaging device, light modulating device, and display device using the same
Disclosed is an electrowetting device. The electrowetting device includes a conductive or polar liquid material, and an electrode applying voltage to the liquid material through a dielectric layer. In the electrowetting device, the dielectric layer is formed as an anodized portion made of a metal oxide formed by anodizing the electrode, and a voltage applying unit applying voltage between the electrode and the liquid material and a polar capacitor are placed between the electrode and the liquid material. |
| US07697185B2 |
Actuator, optical scanner and image forming device
An actuator includes a movable plate having a plate shape, a pair of axial parts that is elastically deformable and supporting the movable plate rotatable, and a tension adjuster adjusting tension on an axial direction of the pair of the axial parts and including a torsional axis that is formed jointly or integrally with one of the axial parts and disposed orthogonally to the axial direction of the axial parts, and a drive source that torsionally deforms the torsional axis, wherein the torsional axis is torsionally deformed through the action of the drive source and a spring constant of the pair of the axial parts is adjusted by adjusting the tension on the pair of the axial parts. |
| US07697180B2 |
Light deflector, optical scanner, and image forming apparatus
A light deflector is disclosed that includes a movable mirror serving as a deflector supported by a rotary shaft and configured to deflect a light beam emitted from a light source and scan an area to be scanned; a rotation part configured to cause the movable mirror to vibrate in a reciprocating manner by periodically applying a rotational torque to the movable mirror; a driving circuit configured to control the rotation part; a circuit board having the driving circuit provided thereon, the circuit board being configured to support the movable mirror as a unit; a contact plane contacting the circuit board in a plane perpendicular to the rotary shaft of the movable mirror; and a positioning part configured to determine the position of the rotary shaft in the contact plane. |
| US07697176B2 |
Method and apparatus for chromatic adaptation
A method for performing chromatic adaptation includes performing chromatic adaptation wherein corrections to tristimulous values XYZ are maximized in the regions of white and neutral and are minimized in the vicinity of non-neutral regions of colors space via piecewise linear corrections in XYZ. In one embodiment, a selective linear correction is performed using three matrices one for each sector in an RGB color space. In an alternative embodiment, selective color adjustments are made and the adjustments are partitioned for each primary and secondary color. |
| US07697175B2 |
Image reading apparatus capable of detecting noise
An image reading apparatus includes: three line sensors having filters, respectively, different in spectral sensitivity, and arranged in a subscanning direction with a distance therebetween to scan an original in the subscanning direction; a platen arranged between the original and the three line sensors; a mover moving the platen at a rate relative to the three line sensors, the rate being different from that of the original relative to the three line sensors; a noise pixel detection processor detecting a noise pixel from each of the three data output from the three line sensors; a color detector detecting a color of each noise pixel from the three data; and a determiner validating a result of detection by the noise pixel detection processor when a color of the noise pixel and that of a pixel neighboring the noise pixel form a predetermined combination. |
| US07697173B2 |
Transparency scanning module
The present invention is an improved transparency scanning module, which is applied on a cover of scanning device. The transparency scanning module and the cover can be taken apart for different consuming groups. The features of the invention are that transparency scanning module is embedded in cover, and a slot of cover for holding transparency scanning module is set plural fillisters, and there are plural connectors set on the relative positions of transparency scanning module for connecting each other. When the fillisters connecting with the connectors, transparency scanning module is able to offer light and also transparency scanning module and cover are combined and fixed each other closely; on the other hand, rim of transparency scanning module is thinner, and most central part is protruding in z direction, thus transparency scanning module can be inserted and held in the slot of cover. This is another design for closely combination. |
| US07697169B2 |
Laser print apparatus with toner explosion compensation
A printing apparatus comprises a processor comprising registers, and a memory configured to store image data. The processor is configured to load portions of the image data into the registers and perform toner explosion compensation on the portions of the image data loaded in the registers, excluding image data loaded in boundary positions in the registers. |
| US07697162B2 |
Image reading apparatus and method that determines originality of paper sheet using fingerprint of rear surface
An image reading apparatus is provided that includes a reading unit for reading images from both sides of an original, an adjusting unit that adjusts image data of the front surface and image data of the rear surface of the original, a determination unit that performs determination processing for paper fingerprint information of the rear surface of the original using image data that is obtained after adjustment of the image data of the rear surface by the adjusting unit, and a printing unit that prints the image data of the front surface. The adjusting unit performs a different adjustment for the image data of the front surface and the image data of the rear surface of the original. |
| US07697160B1 |
Resolution and device independent plain-paper input system
The Resolution and Device Independent Plain-Paper Input System allows for quick and easy creation of hard-copy data input packages without the use of special forms or complex and costly special forms scanning machines. Input pages may be created on any personal computer and printed using any laser or inkjet type printer or copy machine. Personalized data may easily be encoded onto the forms at the time of printing. Additionally, forms may be output directly to formatted disk files such as adobe acrobat for viewing before printing. Completed forms may be scanned and the data read using a large variety of scanning devices such as high-speed digital copy machines, personal computer page scanners and fax machines. |
| US07697159B2 |
Method of using a mobile device to determine movement of a print medium relative to the mobile device
A method of using a mobile device to determine movement, relative to the mobile device, of a print medium configured to be printed on by the mobile device in a print direction, the mobile device including a printer, a first sensor and processing means, the print medium comprising a substrate defining first and second opposite faces, the first face bearing coded data, the method comprising the steps of: using the first sensor to sense at least some of the coded data from the print medium; determining movement of the print medium relative to sensor, based on the coded data sensed by the first sensor. |
| US07697157B2 |
Method and device for retrieving documents
A document retrieval device for retrieving a second document in response to first indicating data received from a sensing device. The first interactive document has a corresponding page description stored in one of a plurality of servers. The device is configured to receive the first indicating data; determine a network address of a server handling the page description corresponding to the first interactive document; send second indicating data to the network address identified using the page identity; receive response data corresponding to the second document; and provide the second document to a user. |
| US07697156B2 |
Systems and methods for highlighting print jobs in a print queue
A method and system organizes multiple print jobs to be processed by a printing engine in a print queue and displays a listing of the multiple print jobs within the print queue. This listing identifies the order in which the multiple print jobs will be processed by the printing engine. After identifying an active user, the method highlights print jobs of the active user within the listing of the multiple print jobs and can simultaneously display a listing of most recently completed print jobs of the active user. The method and system can also simultaneously list jobs of the active user within other queues. |
| US07697154B2 |
Generating multiple image files from an original document or original image data
A disclosed image file generating apparatus includes an original document reader, a dividing preferences input, a name preferences input, and an image file generator. The original document reader converts an original document to original image data. The dividing preferences input inputs dividing preferences information, including divide number information specifying a number of originals to be included in each of a predetermined number of image files. The name preference input inputs name preferences information, including file name information specifying a file name to be assigned to each of the image files and file initial number information specifying an initial sequential number to be assigned to each of the image files. The image file generator generates the image files corresponding to the original image data according to the dividing preferences and the name preferences. |
| US07697152B2 |
Print content transmission device, print device, and print system
In a print system, without requiring a standardized command indicating use of a thumbnail image, and without causing an abnormal operation, a print content transmission device directs a print device to use the thumbnail image, wherein print content is described using XML format, and a direction command is described using XML format in the print content. Specifically, in a step S201, a processing control unit (111) proceeds to a step S202 in the case where there is input from a user I/F unit. In the step S202, a unique information addition unit (104) judges whether or not the thumbnail image should be used for printing. In the case where it is judged that the thumbnail image should be used (S202: Yes), the unique information addition unit (104) directs a print content generation unit (108) to add, to the print content, a direction to use the thumbnail image (step S203). |
| US07697149B2 |
System for detecting and avoiding printing of solid black areas
A method for processing a print page, by detecting if the page contains black areas exceeding a user-customizable coverage percentage, and providing a GUI for canceling, printing, and converting the print page. Printing presentation slides, for example, sometimes results in too many unattractive solid black sections, wasting toner or ink. When such a print page is detected, a user is alerted and allowed to convert the black areas, by inversion, dot-meshing, uniformly lightening page, lightening black regions, boundary preservation, and graduated lightening to lighten centers of solid black areas while leaving the contours intact. Methods also include specifying pixel blackness percentage based on grayscale and RGB values, previewing displaying contiguous black areas prominently, second detection step for contiguous areas, and processing PDL print objects by detecting and converting pen and brush colors. |
| US07697148B2 |
Method of recognizing and tracking multiple spatial points
The present invention relates to a method of recognizing and tracking multiple spatial points, and more particularly to a method of measuring coordinates of a plurality of point light sources by an optical system comprised of a plurality of 1D optical lens modules and a logical analysis method to achieve the purpose of recognizing and tracking multiple spatial points. |
| US07697146B2 |
Apparatus and method for optical interference fringe based integrated circuit processing
An apparatus and method for processing an integrated circuit employing optical interference fringes. During processing, light is directed on the integrated circuit and based upon the detection of interference fringes, further processing may be controlled. One implementation involves charged particle beam processing of an integrated circuit as function of detection of interference fringes. A charged particle beam trench milling operation is performed in or on the substrate of an integrated circuit. Light is directed on the floor of the trench. When the floor approaches the underlying circuit structures, some light is reflected from the floor of the trench and some light penetrates the substrate and is reflected off the underlying circuit structures. Interference fringes may be formed from the constructive or destructive interference between the light reflected from the floor and the light from the circuit structures. Processing may be controlled as function of the detection of interference fringes. |
| US07697143B2 |
Reliable low loss hollow core fiber resonator
An optical coupling device for connecting hollow core optical fiber coils in a fiber optic gyro system. An example fiber optic gyro system includes a recirculator or an integrated optics chip, a fiber coil of hollow core optical fiber with first and second ends, and a coupling device that holds an end of the hollow core optical fiber in an enclosed cavity at some predefined distance from the recirculator or integrated optics chip. The coupling device includes a housing for rigidly holding the fiber end in position. The housing includes a cavity that receives the fiber end. |
| US07697140B2 |
Photoelectric smoke detector
A photoelectric smoke detector is provided which is suitable for being downsized without detection capability deterioration. The present invention relates to a photoelectric smoke detector for detecting presence of smoke by utilizing a light emitting element and a light receiving element whose optical axes intersect with each other. Then the photoelectric smoke detector has: a specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part for playing only a labyrinth function of bringing air flow into an interior space thereof and preventing entry of disturbance light into the interior space; and a smoke detecting part which is provided above the specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part so that an interior space of the smoke detecting part is communicated with the interior space of the specialized labyrinth function fulfilling part, and which has the light emitting element and the light receiving element built therein and has a small hole for extracting air flow that has passed through a detection area near an intersection between the optical axes of the light emitting element and the light receiving element. |
| US07697137B2 |
Monolithic Offner spectrometer
A monolithic Offner spectrometer is described herein as are various components like a diffraction grating and a slit all of which are manufactured by using a state-of-the-art diamond machining process. In one embodiment, a monolithic Offner spectrometer is directly manufactured by using a diamond machining process. In another embodiment, a monolithic Offner spectrometer is manufactured by using molds which are made by a diamond machining process. In yet another embodiment, a diffraction grating is directly manufactured by using a diamond machining process. In still yet another embodiment, a diffraction grating is manufactured by using a mold which is made by a diamond machining process. In yet another embodiment, a slit is directly manufactured by using a diamond machining process. |
| US07697135B1 |
Scanning focal length metrology
An optical metrology system collects spectral data while scanning over the focal range. The spectral data is evaluated to determine a plurality of peak intensity values for wavelengths in the spectra. The peak intensities are then combined to form the measured spectrum for the sample, which can then be used to determine the sample properties of interest. In one embodiment, the peak intensity is determined based on the measured maximum intensity and a number n of intensity values around the measured maximum intensity, e.g., using curve fitting. If desired, the number n may be varied as a function of wavelength to vary the effective spot size of the metrology system while optimizing noise performance. The peak intensity may also be derived as the measured maximum intensity or through a statistical analysis. |
| US07697127B2 |
Method and system for angle measurement
An angle measurement device includes a light source configured to emit light along an optical path and a patterned member positioned along the optical path and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The patterned member includes a periodic optical variation. Light passing through the patterned member provides a spatially modulated optical waveform. The angle measurement device also includes an imaging device positioned along the optical path and including a plurality of photosensitive elements disposed in an array configuration. The imaging device is configured to receive the spatially modulated optical waveform and provide a signal associated with light intensity at each of the plurality of photosensitive elements. The angle measurement device further includes an angle determination unit coupled to the imaging device and configured to compute a rotation angle of the patterned member based on a reference waveform and the provided signal. |
| US07697126B2 |
Three dimensional spatial imaging system and method
A three dimensional spatial imaging system (10) for generating a three dimensional model of a scanned space includes: a laser rangefinder (42) that obtains spatial data by measuring distances to a plurality of target points within the scanned space; a rotating mirror (46) placed in a path of a laser beam (43) emitted from the laser rangefinder (42), the mirror (46) deflecting the laser beam (43) to varying degrees as the mirror (46) is rotated; a digital camera (52) that obtains image data from photographs of the scanned space; a rotating head (30) on which the laser rangefinder (42), mirror (46) and camera (52) are all mounted, the head (30) rotating up to 360 degrees about a central axis of rotation (64) that is substantially normal to a plane in which the head (30) is rotated; and, a data processor that maps color information from the image data obtained by the camera (52) to the corresponding target points of the spatial data obtained by the laser rangefinder (42). |
| US07697123B2 |
Method of measuring the differential group delay of an optical fiber connection
Apparatus for measuring the differential group delay τ1 in an optical fiber connection. The apparatus comprises at the inlet to said connection, a generator (10) for generating a binary signal sequence at a data rate D and a first polarization controller (30) suitable for subjecting the binary signal of an incoming sequence to a first scan through polarization states; and at the outlet from the connection, a second polarization controller (60) suitable for subjecting the signal resulting from the outgoing sequence to a second scan through polarization states, independently of said first polarization scan, a differential group delay emulator (70) suitable for introducing a variable additional group delay τ2, and an analyzer device (90) suitable for detecting the equality τ1+τ2=1/D in the resulting signal sequence. |
| US07697122B2 |
Measuring device, method, program, and recording medium
A frequency resolution for measuring transmission characteristics of a device under test is increased. With a measuring device including a first terahertz light generator that generates incident light, a second terahertz light generator that generates reference light having an optical frequency f1−f2−fIF different from an optical frequency f1−f2 of the incident light by a constant difference frequency fIF, a terahertz light detector which outputs an light detection signal having the difference frequency fIF based on response light obtained by making the incident light incident to an optical fiber and the reference light, and a network analyzer that receives the light detection signal, thereby measuring characteristics of the optical fiber, a spectrum of the incident light (terahertz light) incident to the optical fiber includes the carrier frequency (f1−f2), but does not include sideband frequencies (f1−f2±fIF). It is thus possible to reduce the effective spectrum width of the incident light. As a result, the frequency resolution increases in the measurement of the transmission characteristics of the optical fiber. |
| US07697121B1 |
Sensing system having wavelength reflectors that receive modulated light signals
The sensing system includes a plurality of modulators that are each configured to modulate a different light signal. The sensing system also includes optical pathways that transport the modulated light signals to one or more wavelength reflectors. Each wavelength reflector is configured to reflect a portion of the modulated light signals at a characteristic wavelength that is a function of an influence external to the wavelength reflector. The sensing system also includes a light sensor configured to receive the reflected light signals and to output a modulated electrical signal that is a function of the power of each of the reflected light signals. The sensing system can also include electronics configured to employ the modulated electrical signal so as to determine one or more results selected from a group consisting of: the characteristic wavelength of one or more of the wavelength reflectors and a level of the external influence on one or more of the wavelength reflectors. Examples of external influences include, but are not limited to, strain, stress, temperature, and properties of materials contacting the wavelength reflector such as index of refraction or pH. |
| US07697113B2 |
Method of determining a focus position for a substrate exposure process and substrate exposure apparatus capable of performing the same
In a method of determining a focus position for a substrate exposure process and a substrate exposure apparatus capable of performing the same, a reticle having a light-transmitting region may be illuminated by an off-axis illumination light. A projected light, which is transmitted through the reticle and a projection optical system, may be detected by a light sensor disposed on a substrate stage. An intensity of the projected light measured at a light-receiving surface of the light sensor may vary in accordance with positions of the light-receiving surface. The focus position may be determined based on the variations in the intensity of the projected light. |
| US07697111B2 |
Optical element and exposure apparatus
An optical element is used for an exposure apparatus which is configured to illuminate a mask with an exposure light beam for transferring a pattern on the mask onto a substrate through a projection optical system and to interpose a given liquid in a space between a surface of the substrate and the projection optical system. The optical element includes a first anti-dissolution member provided on a surface of a transmissive optical element on the substrate's side of the projection optical system. |
| US07697109B2 |
Stereoscopic image conversion panel and stereoscopic image display apparatus with liquid crystal lens having periodically fluctuating lower voltage applied to lower parallel electrodes and same voltage applied to upper parallel electrodes perpendicular to lower electrodes
In a stereoscopic image conversion panel for enhancing display quality and a stereoscopic image display apparatus having the panel, the stereoscopic display panel includes lower and upper transparent substrates, lower and upper transparent electrodes, and a liquid crystal lens layer. The lower and upper transparent substrates face each other. The lower transparent electrodes are disposed on the lower transparent substrate, formed along a first direction, and formed substantially in parallel with each other along a second direction. The upper transparent electrodes are disposed on the upper transparent substrate, formed along the second direction, and formed substantially in parallel with each other along the first direction. The liquid crystal lens layer is disposed between the upper and lower transparent substrates, and a longitudinal arrangement direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal lens layer is changed by an electric field to have a predetermined refractive index. Therefore, a refracted incident light produces a stereoscopic image for enhancing display quality. |
| US07697108B2 |
Method of repairing flat panel display device
A method of repairing a flat panel display device including first and second substrates and at least one particle on one of the first and second substrates includes forming at least one recess on the other of the first and second substrate corresponding to the at least one particle, filling the at least recess with resin, and irradiating polarized ultraviolet light to the resin. |
| US07697105B2 |
Display device including a parallax barrier
A display device includes a display panel and a parallax barrier bonded together with an adhesive layer made of a light-curing resin (for example, ultraviolet curing resin). The display device allows 3D display or multiple-image display. The parallax barrier includes a pattern-formed light-shielding layer on barrier glass. The parallax barrier has an area that does not include the light-shielding layer on the periphery portions thereof. Thus, with the display device including the parallax barrier and the display panel bonded together, peeling on adhesive planes of the parallax barrier and display panel is less likely to occur. |
| US07697100B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display includes a pair of transparent substrates opposed to each other with liquid crystal therebetween, one of the pair of transparent substrates having a plurality of drain signal lines and a plurality of gate signal lines, and a plurality of pixel areas defined by the drain signal lines and the gate signal lines. The pixel areas includes a pixel electrode formed of a transparent electrode having a plurality of slits including a slit opened in a first direction and a slit opened in a second direction, and a counter electrode formed of a transparent electrode disposed between the transparent electrode of the pixel electrode having the plurality of slits and the one substrate. |
| US07697099B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and fabrication method thereof
A liquid crystal display device including a first substrate 110a, a second substrate 110b placed to face the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer 120 interposed between the first and second substrates, a first electrode 111 formed on the first substrate, a second electrode 131 formed on the second substrate, an interlayer insulating film 115a placed between the first electrode and the first substrate, and a wall structure 115b formed integrally with the interlayer insulating film. The liquid crystal display device has a plurality of pixels each including the first electrode, the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second electrodes. A shading region surrounds each of the plurality of pixels, and the wall structure is placed regularly in the shading region. A groove structure 415a may be formed in place of the wall structure. |
| US07697092B2 |
Transflective liquid crystal display device having a color filter and method for fabricating thereof
A color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the color filter substrate are provided. The color filter substrate includes a base substrate having a transmissive portion and a reflective portion, the transmissive portion having a groove, a color filter layer on the base substrate, and a black matrix on the color filter layer. |
| US07697085B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is disclosed. The liquid crystal display comprises: a liquid crystal panel; a bottom cover disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel and mounting and supporting the liquid crystal panel; a printed circuit board disposed on the back surface of the bottom cover; and a cover shield fastened to the bottom cover and the printed circuit board so as to cover the printed circuit board and comprising at least two depressed portions at a fastening portion fastened to the bottom cover and the printed circuit board. |
| US07697082B2 |
Array substrate for liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal panel and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing an array substrate for a liquid crystal panel includes forming a lower conductive film above a circuit layer. A lower display electrode is formed using the lower conductive film in a display region and a lower capacitor electrode of a capacitor is formed using the lower conductive film in a peripheral region which is external to the display region. The method of manufacturing includes forming an upper conductive film above the lower display electrode and the lower capacitor electrode. An upper display electrode is formed using the upper conductive film in the display region and an upper capacitor electrode of the capacitor is formed using the upper conductive film in the peripheral region. |
| US07697078B2 |
Broadcasting receiver
When setting reception channels, channel information and the direction information of a smart antenna are erased from a memory, and thereafter, the broadcast of a predetermined channel is automatically received while the direction of the directivity of the smart antenna is being switched in all directions. From among all the directions of the directionalities, the direction of the directivity as is capable of receiving and reproducing the broadcast of the predetermined channel best is determined, whereupon the channel information of the predetermined channel and the direction information of the determined direction of the directivity are automatically stored in the memory in association with each other. |
| US07697076B2 |
TV set with a parental guide mode
A TV set (20) with a parental guide mode is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The TV set includes: a mode switching unit (204) for switching the TV set between a normal mode and the parental guide mode, under the normal mode the TV set being capable of broadcasting all channels and under the parental guide mode the TV set be capable of broadcasting one or more predetermined viewable channel(s); a memory (209) for storing identifier(s) of the predetermined viewable channel/channels; and a MCU (202) for controlling the TV set to broadcast the viewable channel/channels under the parental guide mode according to the identifier(s) of the predetermined viewable channel/channels stored in the memory. |
| US07697075B2 |
Color-crossing error suppression system and method for decoded composite video signals
A method and system for suppressing color-crossing error in decoded video signals is presented. The color-crossing error suppression method and system uses a first suppression technique at a pixel location for a first subset of fields exhibiting color-crossing error at a pixel location then uses a second suppression technique at the pixel location for a second subset of fields exhibiting color-crossing error at the pixel location. The second subset of fields follows the first subset of fields in the video signals. |
| US07697074B2 |
System and method for video processing demonstration
Systems and methods for processing a video signal are disclosed and may include degrading a received video signal utilizing one or more of a plurality of video signal degrading methods. The degraded video signal may be processed to generate an improved video signal. At least a portion of the degraded video signal and a corresponding portion of the improved video signal may be displayed. Random noise may be added to the received video signal to generate the degraded video signal. Noise within the degraded video signal may be reduced to generate the improved video signal utilizing digital noise reduction and/or analog noise reduction. The received video signal may be compressed and decompressed to generate the random noise. The received video signal may be softened to generate the degraded video signal. The degraded video signal may be sharpened to generate the improved video signal. |
| US07697073B2 |
Image processing system with horizontal line registration for improved imaging with scene motion
An image processing system and method. The image processing system acquires a first set of scan lines in at first field of image data and a second set of scan lines in a second field of image data; the second set of scan lines are interlaced relative to the first set of scan lines and performs a line by line correlation therebetween to provide an error signal or value. The first and second fields are buffered and coupled to a line-to-line correlator. The error signal is used to adjust either the first or the second set of scan lines to correct for skew or blur in the second field of image data. |
| US07697072B2 |
Image displaying method and apparatus for television when powering on/off
An image displaying method for a television includes: selecting a portion of a plurality of display regions of a screen of the television to display a still or animated image when a power-on signal is received; and utilizing all the plurality of display regions to display images corresponding to a television signal after a predetermined time period beginning from when the power-on signal is received. The present invention further discloses an image displaying method for a television, including: selecting a portion of a plurality of display regions of a screen of the television and stopping the displaying of images corresponding to a television signal on the selected display regions when a power-off signal is received; and stopping the displaying of images corresponding to the television signal on all the plurality of display regions after a predetermined time period beginning from when the power-off signal is received. |
| US07697070B1 |
Method of providing standard definition local television content
A method and apparatus are disclosed that automatically switch between displaying local standard definition television content and non-local, high definition television content. When the same television content is available for display in both standard and high definition formats, the television converter device preferentially displays the high definition format. |
| US07697068B2 |
Apparatus and method with receiving of broadcast data signal, communicating with external device, and controlling image to be displayed in accordance with communication
A television signal receiving apparatus receives television signals including broadcast data signals and outputs the received data signals to a display device. The display device displays an image that has characters and/or pictures generated from the data signals. A communication unit of the receiving apparatus is connected to and communicates with an external device. A control unit controls the image to be displayed on the display device according to results of communication with the communication unit. |
| US07697066B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting data in a vertical blanking interval
An apparatus (10) and method (40) is provided for detecting data within the vertical blanking interval (VBI) lines of a video or television signal. The VBI data detection (18) samples (42) at least one point from the VBI lines of a video signal and compares (44) at least one data characteristic, such as luminance, from the sample to a threshold to determine if the sample contains VBI data. If the sample contains VBI data, the VBI line from which the sample was taken is routed (46) to the processing unit of a video processing device. If no samples from a VBI line are found to contain VBI data, the VBI line is not processed further. The VBI data detection apparatus improves processing efficiency and resource allocation by allowing only those VBI lines containing VBI data to be processed by the video processing device. |
| US07697064B2 |
Video signal processing apparatus and video signal processing method
To provide a video signal processing apparatus capable of generating video signals that enable displaying and recording of a high-quality picture. A video signal processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a decoder decoding an input TS to generate a video signal having a field frequency fv of 60 Hz or a video signal having a field frequency fv of 59.94 Hz, and a converter converting the respective video signals into NTSC video signals having a color subcarrier the phase of which is inverted for each frame. |
| US07697057B2 |
Image-pickup apparatus indicating a focused area and camera
An image-pickup apparatus including: a photographing optical system (100); an image-pickup device (102) having a first driving mode for outputting charges in a predetermined number of pixels and a second driving mode for outputting charges in a number of pixels fewer than the predetermined number of pixels in the first driving mode; an image display device (110); and an auto focus arithmetic control unit (104, 111) for carrying out auto focus arithmetic control according to an output signal from the image-pickup device (102), wherein during an auto focus operation, the auto focus arithmetic control unit (104, 111) drives the image-pickup device (102) in the second driving mode, and updates and outputs an image data of an area used for auto focus calculation to the image display device (110), and wherein right after the auto focus operation, the auto focus arithmetic control unit (104, 111) makes the image display device (110) to display an image thereon to indicate a focused area in the displayed image. |
| US07697056B2 |
Digital camera module and method for assembling the same
An exemplary digital camera module (200) includes a lens module (20), a chip package (30) and a focusing structure (40). The lens module includes a holder (24) and a barrel slidably received in the holder. At least one lens element (222) is fixed in the barrel. The holder has several channels (246) defined therein. Each channel respectively has an enlarged end opening (2468) and receives a corresponding wire (28) therein. The focusing structure is attached to the holder. Several pads (36) are formed on the surface of the chip package. Each wire electrically connects with a given pad using a conductive adhesive (52), and, via such a connection, the chip package is able to control the focusing structure to drive movement of the barrel. The respective enlarged end openings serve to help retain the corresponding conductive adhesive proximate/adjacent a given pad. |
| US07697050B1 |
Active pixel image sensor with low noise reset
A method and apparatus to perform low noise reset of a pixel circuit within an active pixel image sensor. |
| US07697047B2 |
Image sensor, reading device and method for setting resolution
An image sensor, a reading device and a method for setting a resolution are provided for setting the resolution to multiple levels without increasing signal types. The image sensor comprises plural photoelectric converting elements for converting optical signals to electric signals; a group of channel select switches, each channel select switch arranged between a charge output unit of each channel select switch and a signal line corresponding to each photoelectric converting element, wherein the group of the channel select switches can be turned on and off sequentially synchronizing with an externally supplied clock pulse signal; and resolution setting means, wherein when a resolution assignment signal, a resolution assignment timing signal and a resolution assignment period setting signal are input, the resolution setting means sets an on-off control pattern for the group of the channel select switches according to an on-off pattern of the resolution assignment signal at a plurality of timings set by the resolution assignment timing signal in a resolution assignment period set according the resolution assignment setting signal. |