| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07822952B2 |
Context switching device
Provided is a context switching device capable of reducing conflicts among accesses due to retrieving and saving of contexts by plural processors.The context switching device has: a transfer unit which transfers context data, according to one of (i) the first transfer mode in which the context data is transferred continuously through cycles by a processor, and (ii) the second transfer mode in which plural pieces of the context data are transferred alternately per cycle by switching respective processors of the context data; and a control unit which (i) decides the processor to be used in the first transfer mode and the processors to be used in the second transfer mode, when there is a conflict in requests of the processors for switching context data, the number of processors being more than M, and (ii) controls the transfer unit based on the decision. |
| US07822950B1 |
Thread cancellation and recirculation in a computer processor for avoiding pipeline stalls
The present invention provides a computer pipeline control mechanism enabling a nonstalling pipeline despite the presence of pipeline hazards. The present invention detects the presence of predetermined pipeline hazard conditions, cancels the thread which contains the instruction encountering such pipeline hazard and then recirculates the program counter of the instruction having hazards for re-execution. The present invention guarantees the deterministic execution of threads in a computer pipeline. |
| US07822948B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for discontiguous multiple issue of instructions
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for discontiguous multiple issue of instructions. An assignment unit assigns a plurality of instruction blocks to a plurality of issue units. The plurality of issue units each comprises a renaming map that maps each architecturally visible register address to a rename register. Each issue unit maps each architecturally visible register in the decoded instruction to a register placeholder if the renaming map entry for that architecturally visible register is invalid else maps the architecturally visible register in the decoded instruction to a rename register if the rename register entry is valid. Each issue unit further receives predecessor mapping information from the renaming map of the issue unit's predecessor issue unit in response to the assignment unit identifying a relationship with the predecessor issue unit and the final mapping information being available from the predecessor issue unit. |
| US07822946B2 |
On-chip packet interface processor encapsulating memory access from main processor to external system memory in serial packet switched protocol
A computing and communication chip architecture is provided wherein the interfaces of processor access to the memory chips are implemented as a high-speed packet switched serial interface as part of each chip. In one embodiment, the interface is accomplished through a gigabit Ethernet interface provided by protocol processor integrated as part of the chip. The protocol processor encapsulates the memory address and control information like Read, Write, number of successive bytes etc, as an Ethernet packet for communication among the processor and memory chips that are located on the same motherboard, or even on different circuit cards. In one embodiment, the communication over head of the Ethernet protocol is further reduced by using an enhanced Ethernet protocol with shortened data frames within a constrained neighborhood, and/or by utilizing a bit stream switch where direct connection paths can be established between elements that comprise the computing or communication architecture. |
| US07822944B2 |
Data format for efficient encoding and access of multiple data items in RFID tags
Systems and methods for optimizing random access retrieval of a requested data item in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag are provided. During random access retrieval, a first read of a memory bank in the RFID tag is performed. The first read providers a set of identifier indices stored in a packed object in the memory bank of the RFID tag and a length of the packed object. A determination is then made whether a retrieved identifier index represents the requested data item to be retrieved. A second read of the memory bank, accessing the portion of the memory bank including the data items, is then performed. The location of the data item in the packed object may optionally be determined prior to the second read. |
| US07822940B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing mapping information of nonvolatile memory
Provided is an apparatus and method for managing mapping information of a nonvolatile memory, in which a time period required for a request for access to a logic sector of the nonvolatile memory is minimized. The apparatus includes an extractor which extracts a logical sector mapped with each physical sector in physical units mapped with a predetermined logical unit, a mapping information generator which generates mapping information of logical sectors belonging to the logical unit including the extracted logical sector, and a mapping information memory which stores the generated mapping information. |
| US07822939B1 |
Data de-duplication using thin provisioning
A system for de-duplicating data includes providing a first volume including at least one pointer to a second volume that corresponds to physical storage space, wherein the first volume is a logical volume. A first set of data is detected as a duplicate of a second set of data stored on the second volume at a first data chunk. A pointer of the first volume associated with the first set of data is modified to point to the first data chunk. After modifying the pointer, no additional physical storage space is allocated for the first set of data. |
| US07822938B2 |
System and method for performing garbage collection based on unmanaged memory allocations
The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed to a method for performing garbage collection based on the total memory consumed by managed objects on a heap. The total memory includes heap memory and unmanaged memory. The garbage collector accepts input that indicates the amount of unmanaged memory and associates this amount with the managed object. The garbage collector then adjusts a collection strategy for the managed object based on the input. The input is sent to the garbage collector if the allocated amount meets a certain criteria in comparison with the size of the managed object on the heap. The amount may be automatically disassociated with the managed object when the managed is destroyed or the garbage collector may receive another input that removes the amount from being associated with the managed object. |
| US07822936B2 |
Memory chip for high capacity memory subsystem supporting replication of command data
A memory module contains a first interface for receiving data access commands and a second interface for re-transmitting data access commands to other memory modules, the second interface propagating multiple copies of received data access commands to multiple other memory modules. The memory module is preferably used in a high-capacity memory subsystem organized in a tree configuration in which data accesses are interleaved. Preferably, the memory module has multiple-mode operation, one of which supports multiple replication of commands and another of which supports conventional daisy-chaining. |
| US07822932B2 |
Systems and methods for providing nonlinear journaling
In one embodiment, systems and methods are provided for nonlinear journaling. In one embodiment, groups of data designated for storage in a data storage unit are journaled into persistent storage. In one embodiment, the journal data is recorded nonlinearly. In one embodiment, a linked data structure records data and data descriptors in persistent storage. |
| US07822925B2 |
Low power semi-trace instruction/trace hybrid cache with logic for indexing the trace cache under certain conditions
A semi-trace cache combines elements and features of an instruction cache and a trace cache. An ICache portion of the semi-trace cache is filled with instructions fetched from the next level of the memory hierarchy while a TCache portion is filled with traces gleaned either from the actual stream of retired instructions or predicted before execution. |
| US07822920B2 |
Mass prefetching method for disk array
Disclosed herein is a mass prefetching method for disk arrays. In order to improve disk read performance for a non-sequential with having spatial locality as well as a sequential read, when a host requests a block to be read, all the blocks of the strip to which the block belongs are read. This is designated as strip prefetching (SP). Throttled Strip Prefetching (TSP), proposed in the present invention, investigates whether SP is beneficial by an online disk simulation, and does not perform SP if it is determined that SP is not beneficial. Since all prefetching operations of TSP are aligned in the strip of the disk array, the disk independence loss is resolved, and thus the performance of disk arrays is improved for concurrent sequential reads of multiple processes. TSP may however suffer from the loss of disk parallelism due to the disk independence of SP for a single sequential read. In order to solve this problem, this invention proposes Massive Stripe Prefetching (MSP). MSP includes an algorithm that detects a single sequential read at the block level. When a single sequential read is detected, prefetching is aligned in a stripe, and the prefetching size is set to a multiple of stripe size. Accordingly, the parallelism of disks is maximized. |
| US07822915B2 |
Memory controller for packet applications
A method and apparatus for accessing and storing data in a memory are disclosed. The system includes a memory controller coupled to a memory having locations characterized by banks and lines. The memory controller is configured for storing a data packet with data bursts in sequence in consecutive memory locations, while providing the capability of reading or writing data bursts out of sequence by accessing the consecutive memory locations in a random order. |
| US07822911B2 |
Memory device and method with on-board cache system for facilitating interface with multiple processors, and computer system using same
A memory device includes an on-board cache system that facilitates the ability of the memory device to interface with a plurality of processors operating in a parallel processing manner. The cache system operates in a manner that can be transparent to a memory controller to which the memory device is connected. Alternatively, the memory controller can control the operation of the cache system. |
| US07822907B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for serial bus sideband communications
Methods and apparatuses that utilize a serial bus, such as a universal serial bus (USB), for communications between a communications network, a computing device, and an auxiliary device are disclosed. Some embodiments comprise methods handling sideband communications using serial buses. One or more of the embodiments comprise differentiating in-band data from out-of-band data, transferring information of the in-band data between a communications network and a computing device, and transferring information of the out-of-band data between the communications network and an auxiliary device. Some embodiments comprise an apparatus having a communications network interface, an auxiliary device interface, and a computing device interface. Of the interfaces, one or more may be a serial bus interface. The apparatus may differentiate between in-band and out-of-band data and communicate information of the out-of-band data to an auxiliary device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also transfer control information. In some embodiments, information may be routed based upon cyclic redundancy check (CRC) information. |
| US07822902B2 |
Wireless universal serial bus system using a host-adding bit and driving method thereof
A wireless universal serial bus system (WUSB) includes a device, a first host, and a second host. The first host communicates with the device through a first superframe according to a wireless USB protocol. The first host sets a host-adding bit in the first superframe when the second host transfers a second superframe to the first host according to the wireless USB protocol to enable communication between the second host and the device. |
| US07822900B2 |
Apparatus and method for enumeration of processors during hot-plug of a compute node
An apparatus and method for enumeration of processors during hot-plug of a compute node are described. The method includes the enumeration, in response to a hot-plug reset, of one or more processors. The enumeration is provided to a system architecture operating system in which a compute node is hot-plugged. Once enumeration is complete, the compute node is started in response to an operating system activation request. Accordingly, once device enumeration, as well as resource enumeration are complete, the one or more processors of the processor memory node are activated, such that the operating system may begin utilizing the processors of the hot-plugged compute node. |
| US07822895B1 |
Scalable CPU (central processing unit) modules for enabling in-place upgrades of electronics systems
Described is an electronics enclosure having a midplane, a first field-replaceable CPU (central processing unit) module, and a second field-replaceable CPU module. Each CPU module is independently pluggable into and removable from the midplane. Each CPU module is configurable into either one of a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the CPU modules operate independently as separate CPU modules when configured according to the first configuration and cooperate as a unitary CPU module when configured according to the second configuration. |
| US07822891B2 |
System and method for transferring a multidimensional array of data to a non-contiguous buffer
A system and method for storing a multidimensional array of data, such as a two dimensional (2-D) array of video data, in a non-contiguous memory space. The system and method maps individually indexed elements of a multidimensional array of data from a source device into blocks of non-contiguous memory available in a destination memory system, even when the destination blocks are small and/or their size does not correlate in any way to the dimensions of a source buffer. In particular, the blocks of non-contiguous memory may be as small as a single element of the data indexed in the 2-D array. |
| US07822886B1 |
Dataflow control for application with timing parameters
Dataflow control for an application with timing parameters, including interfacing temporal and non-temporal domains, is described. The domains receive input data to a first dataflow network block, which is processed for untimed output of first tokens. The first tokens are obtained by a memory interface for timed writing of data portions of the first tokens to data storage and for timed reading of the data portions therefrom. Sending of the data portions read to a first queue of a first controller block is untimed, and the data portions are output by the first controller block with physical timing parameters. Second tokens are generated by the first controller block responsive to the physical timing parameters. The second tokens are fed back to a second queue of the first dataflow network block to control rate of generation of the first tokens by the first dataflow network block. |
| US07822883B2 |
Memory card with two standard sets of contacts and a hinged contact covering mechanism
Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be manually rotated out of the way when that set of contacts is being used. |
| US07822879B2 |
Methods for address assignment
Methods for CEC logical address assignments and HDMI physical address assignments. Some embodiments determine a required HDMI physical address to be assigned to an upstream HDMI-CEC device and provide the required HDMI physical address. Other embodiments assign consistent CEC logical addresses to a plurality of HDMI-CEC display devices in different HDMI-CEC network views. |
| US07822878B2 |
Device, system, and method for the automatic configuration of a network communications device
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a programmable cable further comprising a first end connectable to a PLC and a second end connectable to a network communications device, the network communications device further couplable to a user interface device. The programmable cable can be adapted to store a plurality of configuration parameters in an operative embodiment, the programmable cable can be adapted to automatically configure the network communications device by communicating at least one of a plurality of configuration parameters to the network communications device comprising a pin number. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US07822874B2 |
Providing third party content to media devices
A method and system for interfacing between a portable media device and one or more media content providers. The method may be practiced, for example, in a system including the portable media device that receives content from one or more media content providers. The method can include identifying a first data format employed by the portable media device and a second data format employed by a selected media content provider. A data stream is received from the selected media content provider. The data received from the selected media content provider can be modified to be compatible with the first data format. Alternately or additionally, the data stream can be filtered to eliminate content that is unnecessary for the portable media device. The method further includes communicating the formatted data to the portable media device. |
| US07822872B2 |
Multi-location distributed workplace network
A network architecture and associated distributed workplace environment is described in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, a distributed workplace comprises a network of one or more office buildings in a greater metropolitan area. Each office building is divided up into distinct spaces for each of a group of employers or government agencies. Each selected employer and agency is networked via redundant and secure high speed connections to existing centralized locations. Employees in a distributed workplace office use voice, data and video services and work-sharing programs. A method of selecting an optimized physical location for the shared networked workplace is also described. |
| US07822870B1 |
Method and mechanism for predicting data conflicts and generating a load distribution plan in a multi-node system
A system and method for estimating data conflicts in a multi-node system is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the invention, tracing the execution of a workload on a single node and analyzing the trace records makes it possible to predict how many data conflicts would occur if the workload were executed across multiple nodes. Also disclosed is a method and mechanism for generating a load distribution plan for a multi-node system. |
| US07822868B2 |
Method and apparatus for targeted content delivery based on RSS feed analysis
A system and related method for targeted content delivery based on RSS feed analysis, including one or more of the following: a behavior analyzer that formulates a behavioral profile of a user of a terminal device who requests an RSS feed and receives same through the terminal device; an infrastructure that establishes behavioral profile data regarding the user and delivers targeted content to the user; and a network in communication with the terminal device, the network matching one or more flows of the RSS feed to known protocol signatures, collecting summary descriptive information embedded in the one or more flows of the RSS feed, and correlating the collected information with a subsequent content request. |
| US07822860B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic reconfiguration of web services infrastructure
The invention provides a software construct, herein termed a Web service container, for managing Web services at a network node and an adaptive model for the dynamic configuration of a plurality of Web service containers distributed throughout a network, such as the Internet or an intranet, in a software and hardware platform-independent manner. Containers can communicate with each other via the network to determine contextual information such as the identity of each other, the capabilities of each other, the operating system or platforms of each others, the contents of the container (i.e., the available Web services at that location), etc. By providing a container framework and the ability to exchange contextual information, the present invention allows servers as well as clients to dynamically exchange Web services software as well as contextual information, such as current workload, so that servers and clients are virtually limitlessly reconfigurable based on context. |
| US07822856B2 |
Obtaining erasure-coded fragments using push and pull protocols
Obtaining erasure-coded fragments using push and pull protocols, including the steps of receiving a first set of erasure-coded fragments associated with segments via a transmission using push protocol, whereby the first set is not sufficient for reconstructing some of the segments; and retrieving a second set of erasure-coded fragments using a fragment pull protocol, wherein the first and the second sets together are sufficient for reconstructing the segments. |
| US07822855B2 |
Methods and systems combining push and pull protocols
Combining push and pull protocols, including the steps of pushing approximately a minimal decodable set of erasure-coded fragments to an assembling device, determining the fragment loss at the assembling device, and pulling additional erasure-coded fragments, using a fragment pull protocol, to compensate for the fragment loss. Optionally, the system includes a CDN streaming server and a fractional-storage CDN server, both storing unique erasure-coded fragments associated with segments of streaming content. The CDN streaming server pushes streams of fragments to a plurality of assembling devices, and the fractional-storage CDN server provides fragments associated with recently pushed segments in response to fragment pull protocol requests by the assembling devices. |
| US07822850B1 |
Analyzing log files
Described in an example embodiment herein is a method for extracting values from a plurality of data fields from a log file using a grammar file. The plurality of data fields and a procedure for extracting values from the plurality of data fields are defined in the grammar file. Extracted values are analyzed and graphically represented. |
| US07822849B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring and using response to SNMP requests to provide real-time network parameter estimates in a network management zone
Method creates Real-Time Estimates (RTE) of network parameters for responsive resources of a network management zone (NMZ) by sending requests in a management protocol and uses those real-time estimates to present a resource map of the NMZ, possibly altering a responsive resource, possibly posting a service schedule request. The invention includes implementation mechanisms and installation packages. The RTE of network parameter is a product of the process. Constructing a quality of service measure from RTE of at least two network parameters. Quality of service measure as a product of the process. The quality of service measure may include or be the Mean Opinion Score. |
| US07822847B2 |
Storage management method and server
When the application I/O performance problem is solved, the I/O amount from the application is increased. In the conventional technique, no consideration has been taken on the affect of the increase of the application I/O performance to other applications. A resource whose I/O load is reduced by setting modification of a storage subsystem is specified and the application using this resource is specified as an application whose I/O processing amount may be increased. Furthermore, the resource used by the specified application and another application using this resource are specified as a resource and an application whose I/O processing performance may be lowered by the setting modification. |
| US07822846B1 |
Method and system for brokering media files
A method and system for brokering a media file from a media provider to a media requester. A media provider, such as a camera phone, captures a media file. A media requester provides an event-definition record to a network entity so as to request a media file. The network entity requests that the media provider provide media files that meet criteria defined by the event-definition record. The media provider provides a media file and media file data associated with the media file to the network entity. The network entity compares the media file data to the event-definition record, and provides the media file to the media requester if the media file data matches the event-definition record. An enterprise operating the network entity brokers the sale of the media file, in part, by collecting a payment from a media requester user and making a payment to a media provider user. |
| US07822836B1 |
System and method for automated discovery of vendor profiles in management information bases (MIBs)
A generic mechanism enabling the programmatic identification of MIBs needed for control of an SNMP agent for a network device is disclosed. The present invention provides for the automatic retrieval of the identified MIBs and their loading onto a network management station (NMS) without user intervention. Additionally, previously known MIBs are programmatically examined to determine whether they require updating. Any required updates may be performed automatically with the updated MIBs being loaded onto the NMS. |
| US07822829B2 |
Method for interfacing scanned product information with a source for the product over a global network
A method for interfacing scanned product information with a source for the product over a global network. A method is provided for obtaining information regarding the source of a product from a remote information source location on a global communication network utilizing a product code associated with the product and unique thereto. The product code associated with the product is scanned with a scanner at a user location on the global communication network to extract the information contained in the unique product code therefrom. A unique scan ID code is associated with the scanning operation and a packet of information assembled that is comprised of the extracted product code and the unique scan ID code to provide a routing packet. The user location is then connected to the remote information source location utilizing the routing packet and in response to the step of scanning, wherein the routing packet is representative of the location of the remote information source location on the global communication network through an association with a routing table. |
| US07822827B2 |
Continuous data protection and remote block-level storage for a data volume
A system and method for writing and reading blocks of a data volume are disclosed. The method provides continuous data protection (CDP) for a data volume by backing up blocks of the data volume in real time to a local CDP log and transmitting the blocks over the Internet for storage in a remote CDP log on a server computer system in response to write requests that change the blocks of the data volume. In response to a read request for a particular block the method attempts to read the block from the data volume. If the block is not present in the data volume the method attempts to read the block from the local CDP log. If the block is not present in the local CDP log the method request the server computer system to read the block from the remote CDP log and return the block. |
| US07822824B2 |
Method for starting up file sharing system and file sharing device
The file sharing system of the present invention is capable of starting up a file sharing device and preventing the connection of an external storage medium to an erroneous host using information that is saved in the external storage medium. In cases where the maintenance exchange work for a NAS device is performed, the collection section collects information that is required in order to start up the NAS system section. The saving section stores the collected information in the USB memory as startup information. In cases where the NAS device is returned after the maintenance exchange is complete, the USB memory is attached to the NAS device. The setting section reads the startup information that is stored in the USB memory and sets the communication control section in accordance with an instruction from the startup control section. As a result, the NAS-OS is read from the logical volume in the storage device and the NAS system section starts up. |
| US07822821B2 |
Access point object depositable on a web page and useful for initiating communication between depositing user and buddy
Wablet is a real time messaging platform that allows people to communicate with each other over the Internet. Unlike current methods of Internet communication, contact can be established and maintained without disclosing personal identity or permanent contact information such as an email address, IM handle, phone number or first and last name. Thus, communication can be undertaken without binding any user to any instant messaging system, and can be accessed over the web from any browser on any desktop platform without downloading or installing a client side application. In essence, Wablet acts as form of online calling card that allows instant communication from any web page, comment on a page, email signature, or URL. such that internet communication and contact with strangers is enabled by providing mechanisms to represent contextual online identity and reputation in the form of a digital caller ID that can be presented in order to initiate contact. |
| US07822820B2 |
Secure electronic mail system with configurable cryptographic engine
An e-mail system is disclosed that overcomes many deficiencies of, but is backward compatible with, existing e-mail systems. Embodiments of the system may include various features, including but not limited to: (1) secure transfer of e-mail messages, without the need for users to replace existing e-mail clients or to change e-mail addresses; (2) tracking of all actions performed in connection with an e-mail transmission; (3) the ability for a recipient to view information about an e-mail message, optionally including information about how other addressees have responded to it, before deciding whether to retrieve the e-mail message; (4) the aggregation of entire e-mail conversations into a single threaded view; (5) the ability to include both private and public messages in a single e-mail communication; (6) sender control over downstream actions performed in connection with an e-mail message; (7) flexible control over cryptographic methods used to encrypt emails messages for storage. |
| US07822819B1 |
System and method for controlling and organizing email
The current invention includes a client computer and an Email server 6, in which the client computer contains an Email client 12 having a physical Email address. A Client Control Program resides on the client computer. An Alias Email Server 100 communicates with the client over a network. The physical Email address is entered into the Client Control Program, with client identification information. The Alias Email Server 100 generates an alias Email address, which is returned to the user, and is stored in the Alias Email Server. The Alias Email Address is made available to third parties communicating with the client. The Email is intercepted by the Alias Email Server, and is either forwarded to the client, filtered, or blocked, under control of the client. A log of all transactions is available to the client. |
| US07822812B2 |
Techniques for sharing content information with members of a virtual user group in a network environment without compromising user privacy
Techniques for sharing content information between members of a virtual user group without compromising the privacy of the members. A user can identify content information to be shared with other members of a virtual user group using a user computer system. The content information is then communicated to the other members of the virtual user group and can be accessed by members of the virtual user group in such a manner that the privacy of the user and of the other members of the virtual user group is not compromised. The present invention preserves user privacy by controlling and minimizing the amount of user-related information available/accessible to server systems hosting the virtual user groups. |
| US07822810B2 |
Method and system for peer to peer common channel collaboration
A method and system for peer to peer common channel collaboration. The method includes exchanging collaboration messages between a plurality of proxies. The collaboration messages are configured for mediating communication between a corresponding plurality of servers. Each server is associated with a corresponding proxy. The execution of data transfers between the servers is controlled through a mediation implemented by the proxies. |
| US07822809B2 |
Creating an interactive gaming environment
Methods for creating an interactive gaming environment are provided. In various embodiments, methods of the present invention may include initializing an interactive game application at a game server which is then characterized as having an active status, notifying a lobby server concerning the active status of the game server, registering the application with a universe management server via the lobby server, and allowing users to join the interactive gaming environment. The users joining the interactive gaming environment may be identified by a server key obtained from the game server. |
| US07822808B2 |
Collection and distribution of sense-on-demand data
A method and system for collecting and distributing sense-on-demand data is provided. The sense-on-demand data system uses a network of centralized computers and remote units. The centralized computers may be operated by or on behalf of the operator of the sense-on-demand data system, and the remote units may be operated by users of the network. The remote units may consist of a variety of mobile and fixed-location devices, such as cellular telephones, personal data assistants, laptop computers, desktop computers, and stand-alone data sensor units. The system receives requests for information, identifies remote units that are proximate to the location, forwards the requests to the identified remote units, receives responses from the remote units, and provides responses to the requester. |
| US07822804B2 |
Method for providing personalization service in ubiquitous environment and intelligent gadget thereof
Provided is a method for providing a personalization service in a ubiquitous environment and an intelligent gadget thereof. The intelligent gadget includes: a gadget service block for collecting and processing data to provide a personalization service; and a gadget interface block for forming a gadget network between gadgets and providing a cooperating service based on the collected and processed data. |
| US07822800B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing a calculation operation
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for performing a calculation operation with at least one input signal consisting of signal sections, wherein each signal section of said input signal has a constant amplitude. The apparatus comprises a signal transformation unit for transforming at least one input signal into a first intermediary signal having a virtual amplitude with respect to at least one carrier signal. The calculation unit is provided for performing the calculation operation on said first intermediary signal to generate a second intermediary signal. A signal re-transformation unit re-transforms the second intermediary signal into an output signal consisting of signal sections, wherein each signal section of said output signal has a constant amplitude. |
| US07822799B1 |
Adder-rounder circuitry for specialized processing block in programmable logic device
Adder/rounder circuitry for use in a programmable logic device computes a rounded sum quickly, and ideally within one clock cycle. The rounding position is selectable within a range of bit positions. In an input stage, for each bit position in that range, bits from both addends and a rounding bit are processed, while for each bit position outside that range only bits from both addends are processed. The input stage processing aligns its output in a common format for bits within and outside the range. The input processing may include 3:2 compression for bit positions within the range and 2:2 compression for bit positions outside the range, so that further processing is performed for all bit positions on a sum vector and a carry vector. Computation of the sum proceeds substantially simultaneously with and without the rounding input, and rounding logic makes a selection later in the computation. |
| US07822798B2 |
Dead reckoning for coordinate conversion
Novel methods for converting coordinates for a position from a first coordinate system into coordinates in a second coordinate system are provided. Linear approximations of trigonometric functions are used to calculate values for the trigonometric functions when a position to be converted is within an acceptable bound of a previous position and more precise values of the trigonometric functions are used to perform the conversion when the position to be converted is not within an acceptable bound of a previous position. The present invention can be advantageously utilized to reduce the computation load in a distributed simulation environment, such as a federation of distributed interactive simulations. |
| US07822796B2 |
Method and system for electronically qualifying supplier parts
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for facilitating part qualification functions in a communication network environment. The method comprises creating a commodity template for a commodity associated with a supplier part. Creating a commodity template further comprises entering requirement data for qualifying the commodity and selecting at least one database in a part qualification repository for storing the requirements data. The part qualification repository comprises a parts database, a technology survey database, a quality information network database, and archives database, and a system testing database. The method further comprises assigning a default viewing tool for qualifying the commodity based upon the database selected and establishing access restriction operable for restricting and authorizing viewing and editing capabilities associated with the commodity template. The requirements data stored in databases associated with the part qualification repository are shared among the databases. The invention also included a system and storage medium. |
| US07822793B2 |
User data profile namespace
A method and data structure for separating application data from user data in a namespace. The data structure provides an intuitive profile layout for developers or users while supporting legacy applications. The namespace utilizes a hierarchical structure allowing access by developers or users over a network to information contained in identified public folders and/or a user's profile. |
| US07822786B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for defining a metadata schema to facilitate passing data between an extensible markup language document and a hierarchical database
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for defining a metadata schema to facilitate passing data between an XML document and a hierarchical database. The invention includes a database accessor, a document accessor, and an association module. The database accessor accesses a database schema indicative of database field names and a hierarchical structure for a hierarchical database. The document accessor accesses a document schema that defines the hierarchical structure, content data syntax, and semantics of valid, well-formed, XML documents that can be passed into and out of the hierarchical database. The document schema also includes at least one XML element name that maps to a corresponding database field name in the database schema. The association module associates the database schema and the document schema to provide a metadata schema that enables data to be passed between an XML document and the hierarchical database. |
| US07822785B2 |
Methods and apparatus for composite configuration item management in configuration management database
Methods and apparatus of managing a CMDB are provided. At least one composite CI is utilized in the CMDB. The at least one composite CI is represented as a graph of navigable relationships between one or more supporting elements in accordance with a template. The one or more supporting elements comprise at least a root element of the composite CI. |
| US07822783B2 |
Programmable method and apparatus for real-time adaptation of presentations to individuals
The present invention is a method of obtaining information regarding an individual's environment using a programmable device. The first step of the method is sensing a psychomotor behavioral element of an activity engaged by the individual. The type of activity engaged by the individual can be any sensible activity under the sun, including breathing, thinking, generating heat, etc. The next step in the inventive method is determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity engaged by the individual. Provided herein are calculations used for determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity. In the present context, the preferred modalities are the semi-conscious or nonconscious desires of the individual, indicated by nonconscious actions, to experience her environment in a specific manner. The information obtained by the inventive method can be used in several ways. One way to use the information obtained is by automatically altering the environment. Another way to use the information is to make the individual or other individuals aware of the nonconscious or semi-conscious interests. |
| US07822780B1 |
Computerized method and system for generating procedures capable of being used with multiple databases
Computerized methods and systems for generating procedures to be executed in mainframe computing environments, such procedures capable of being used with multiple databases are provided. The procedures are “generic” in that they contain an include member therein which, upon execution of the procedure, may be used to generate a database definition statement identifying the database on which the procedure is to be run. As such, generation and maintenance of only a single generic procedure is required when such procedure is to be run on multiple databases, significantly reducing the opportunity for human error that is associated with the generation and maintenance of the documentation necessary for jobs to be run in mainframe computing environments. |
| US07822773B2 |
Method and system for reducing complex tree structures to simple tree structures based on relevance of nodes using threshold values
The present invention discloses a method for reducing a tree structure in a processing system. The method includes providing a plurality of nodes in a tree structure. The method also includes querying each of the plurality of nodes based upon a threshold value, wherein the threshold is related to relevance; when a count of a particular node matches the threshold then a next child node is queried to determine if the next child node matches the threshold, if a child node does not exist for the queried node when the node is displayed. The method further includes visiting all of the parent nodes based on the querying step until all of plurality of nodes have been queried. The method finally includes displaying the nodes that satisfy the threshold value. |
| US07822768B2 |
System and method for automating data normalization using text analytics
A system, method and program product for normalizing, sanitizing and disambiguating structured data. Structured data includes data stored in a database management system (DBMA), as well labeled files (e.g., XML data). An automated data enhancement processing system is provided, comprising: a system for ingesting data structured in at least one predefined database format; and a set of text analytics processes that treat the ingested data as unstructured, and generate normalized data represented and indexed by consistent, structured metadata. |
| US07822766B2 |
Referential integrity across a distributed directory
A system and method for autonomically maintaining group referential integrity across a distributed directory. When a server receives an operation request from a client regarding an entry in the distributed directory, the server sends a request to the particular server containing the entry to be modified that instructs the server to modify the entry, but without performing a referential integrity check. The server then determines whether the request returned successfully. If so, the server sends a request to each server in the network to perform the requested operation on all group references for the entry, but without actually performing the requested operation on the entry itself. If all of these requests return successfully, the server notifies the requesting client that the requested operation has been performed. |
| US07822764B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for dynamically displaying search suggestions
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an original search input; detect an excluded term within the original search input; form a modified search input wherein the modified search input includes the original search input without the excluded term; match a plurality of stored terms against the modified search input and forming a modified matched result; and display a suggestion based on the modified matched result. |
| US07822755B2 |
Methods of processing and segmenting web usage information
A massive amount of information is collected when tracking statistics such as web site usage data. To simplify the analysis of such data, it is advantageous to process and segment the web site usage data. One proposed method of segmenting the data is to create a reverse sorted associative container for each different web section of a web site. Page-views, time-spent, sessions, and other web viewing metrics may be used as keys in the reverse sorted associative container and web viewer identifiers are used as values associated with the page-view value keys. After creating the reverse sorted associative containers, each reverse sorted associative container is segmented on a percentile basis. |
| US07822754B2 |
Method and system to provide contextual, intelligent address book listings
A system and method of providing address book listings. The system and method includes determining a weight of each identifier in an address book and sorting each identifier in a descending order or ascending order according to the determined weight. The list is provided to a user based on the sorting of each identifier. |
| US07822749B2 |
Systems and methods for classifying and transferring information in a storage network
Systems and methods for data classification to facilitate and improve data management within an enterprise are described. The disclosed systems and methods evaluate and define data management operations based on data characteristics rather than data location, among other things. Also provided are methods for generating a data structure of metadata that describes system data and storage operations. This data structure may be consulted to determine changes in system data rather than scanning the data files themselves. |
| US07822748B2 |
Method and system for delivering information with caching based on interest and significance
A method (200) for delivering information (for example, monitoring data) is proposed. The information is collected (235) on a central server (110) from remote sources (105), in order to be provided to multiple clients (120) in response to corresponding requests. In the method of the invention, an interest index is calculated (280) according to the number of preceding requests of the information that have been submitted in the past (so as to estimate the interest of the clients for the information); moreover, a significance index is calculated (220) according to a probability of a current value of the information that is uploaded onto the server by the corresponding source (so as to estimate its importance for the clients). A frequency for refreshing the information on the server can then be determined (245) according to both the interest index and the significance index. In this way, the refresh frequency self-adapts to the expected behavior of the clients. |
| US07822733B2 |
Content/information search system
An information search system that enables efficient collection of information and support of formation of groups which people who share a same interest can join over a network. This system includes an intermediate server and a central server, wherein the intermediate server retains indexes for searching the content database on the central server. Users issue a search request to the intermediate server and search results are returned and recorded on the intermediate server as a search history. The search history is shared by users and used as references from which retrievable content can be selected. |
| US07822731B1 |
Techniques for management of information regarding a sequential stream
Described are techniques for managing a sequential stream in a data storage system. A front-end component receives a plurality of data operations for a plurality of data portions and determines that the plurality of data portions are associated with a sequential stream. Each of the plurality of data portions of the sequential stream is associated with a sequential stream identifier, and a position indicator uniquely identifying a position of said each data portion in said sequential stream. Each of the plurality of data portions that is prefetched is associated with a remaining prefetched identifier and included in a prefetched chunk of data portions. The front-end component uses information about said sequential stream in connection with managing said sequential stream. The information includes the sequential stream identifier, one or more position indicators, and one or more remaining prefetched identifiers. |
| US07822729B2 |
Swapping multiple object aliases in a database system
A novel Structure Query Language (SQL) command globally swaps multiple alias names for multiple objects in a database management system. |
| US07822726B1 |
Encapsulation of storage object extensibility records for backup and restore
A method for encapsulation of extensibility records for backup and restore comprises determining whether a storage object to be backed up, such as a file or a directory of a primary data set, has an extensibility record associated with it. In response to determining that the storage object has an associated extensibility record, the method may include storing an encoding of at least a portion of the extensibility record, and generating a backup version of the storage object. |
| US07822725B2 |
Method and device for data backup
A method for storing data with a first storage system and a second storage system, wherein the second storage system is used for backing up the data from the first storage system, wherein the first storage system comprises a file system on which the data that is to be backed up is stored, with a client that monitors the first storage system, and a server that administers the second storage system, with the method comprising the following steps: checking the files on the first storage system for any changes by the client, depending on one or several events; if changes have been detected, determining a hash value in relation to the file, which hash value is structured such that the identity of the file can be determined, transmitting the hash value to the server, checking, by means of the hash value, by the server as to whether the identical file is stored on the second storage system, and if the file already exists, the file is not requested, but an annotation is made to the effect that the file is stored on the first storage system, and if the file does not exist, requesting the entire file, or parts of the file that have changed, from the first storage system, and storing the file on the second storage system, with an annotation relating to the first storage system. |
| US07822723B2 |
Method, system, program and data structure for controlling access to sensitive functions
Provided are a method, system, program, and data structure for controlling access to a sensitive function in a class. A friend object is generated indicating at least one external function from at least one external class external to the class including the sensitive function. A call from a calling function in a class external to the class including the sensitive function is processed and the calling function is permitted access to the sensitive function in response to determining that the friend object indicates that the calling function can access the sensitive function. |
| US07822722B2 |
Page title display method
A method of displaying a page title on a terminal apparatus, and associated terminal apparatus and page data transmission apparatus are provided. The method includes transmitting a request signal to request external page data relating to an external page, and receiving external page data corresponding to the request signal. The external page data includes first title information, second title information, and address information that each relate to the external page. The first title information, second title information, and address information of the external page data are stored in a storage section of the terminal apparatus. The first title information includes a plurality of characters that are not limited in number, and the second title information includes a plurality of characters that are limited in number. The stored second title information is displayed on a display section of the terminal apparatus. |
| US07822717B2 |
Point-in-time database restore
This disclosure concerns systems and methods for restoring data. In one example, a method for restoring a database to a particular state begins when a query is sent to a backup server requesting a list of all backup versions for the database. Next, the list of all backup versions is received from the backup server. Then, the time t0 at which the most recent backup version in the list was created is determined. Next, a point in time t2 subsequent to time t0 is identified. Finally, a command set that, when executed, functions to restore the database to the state that existed at time t2 is automatically formulated. |
| US07822716B2 |
Method for deleting user metadata managed by a TV-Anytime metadata server using an SOAP operation
The present invention relates to a method or an operation for providing a personalized TV-Anytime metadata service. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of deleting user metadata managed by a TV-Anytime metadata server using a SOAP operation, comprising the steps of a) providing an element type of a SOAP delete operation, the element of the SOAP delete operation including at least a first sub-element for designating user identifier information, b) receiving the element of the SOAP delete operation, in which the user identifier information is designated, from a client of a user, and c) identifying the user on the basis of the user identifier information in the received element of the SOAP delete operation and deleting user metadata about the identified user. |
| US07822711B1 |
Conflict resolution for a distributed file sharing system
A distributed data object sharing system in which a plurality of data objects are replicated across computing nodes. The system may be operable to identify replica conflicts for the data objects and modify tree structures to reflect the conflicts. In one embodiment, a tree structure may represent a plurality of replica versions. Replica versions in conflict with each other may be represented as child versions at branch points in the tree. |
| US07822709B2 |
Building management
A building events status network for monitoring building events such as the reporting of equipment failure and visits by third parties to a plurality of buildings replaces the traditional paper logs by providing at least one site terminal with a unique address at each building to be monitored. The terminals are connected at least to a remote web server at which a database is maintained of entry records such as fault logs, times of individuals using the site terminals to report a fault or record their access to a building in the network and status information concerning the nature and outcome of the event concerning the buildings. Preferably the internet is used as the network infrastructure and each terminal is provided with browser software that permits the user to access only the remote web server. |
| US07822705B2 |
Methods and apparatus providing local search engine
A local search engine geographically indexes information for searching by identifying a geocoded web page of a web site and identifying at least one geocodable web page of the web site. The system identifies a geocode contained within content of the geocoded web page of the web site. The geocode indicates a physical location of an entity associated with the web site. The system indexes content of the geocoded web page and content of the geocodable web page. The indexing including associating the geocode contained within content of the geocoded web page to the indexed content of the geocoded web page and the geocodable web page to allow geographical searching of the content of the web pages. |
| US07822699B2 |
Adaptive semantic reasoning engine
Provided is an adaptive semantic reasoning engine that receives a natural language query, which may contain one or more contexts. The query can be broken down into tokens or a set of tokens. A task search can be performed on the token or token set(s) to classify a particular query and/or context and retrieve one or more tasks. The token or token set(s) can be mapped into slots to retrieve one or more task result. A slot filling goodness may be determined that can include scoring each task search result and/or ranking the results in a different order than the order in which the tasks were retrieved. The token or token set(s), retrieved tasks, slot filling goodness, natural language query, context, search result score and/or result ranking can be feedback to the reasoning engine for further processing and/or machine learning. |
| US07822698B1 |
Spike domain and pulse domain non-linear processors
A neural network has an array of interconnected processors, each processor operating either the pulse domain or spike domain. Each processor has (i) first inputs selectively coupled to other processors in the array of processors, each first input having an associated 1 bit DAC coupled to a summing node, (ii) second inputs selectively coupled to inputs of the neural network, the second inputs having current generators associated therewith coupled to said summing node, (iii) a filter/integrator for generating an analog signal corresponding to current arriving at the summing node, (iv) an optional nonlinear element coupled to the filter/integrator, and (v) an analog-to-pulse converter, if the processors operate in the pulse domain, or an analog-to-spike convertor, if the processors operate in the spike domain, for converting an analog signal output by the optional nonlinear element or by the filter/integrator to either the pulse domain or spike domain, and providing the converted analog signal as an unquantized pulse or spike domain signal at an output of the processor. The array of processors are selectively interconnected with either unquantized pulse domain or spike domain signals. |
| US07822692B2 |
Automated control of pricing using markdown profiles
A method, program product and system for controlling pricing for sale of a product, where the method includes: selecting a markdown profile to be used for the product; selecting a retail price for the product; acquiring updated sales data regarding the product; and determining a markdown to be applied to the retail price from the markdown profile using the updated sales data. The method can further include the step of adjusting a retail price of the product by the markdown. The method, program product, and system may also provide a data structure for implementing a markdown profile by determining retail price adjustments for a product, where the data structure includes: an actual sales quota parameter; a posting period parameter arranged perpendicular to the actual sales quota parameter; and a plurality of data fields containing markdowns, each data field corresponding to a specific posting period and actual sales quota range and each markdown relating to an amount of adjustment of a retail price for the product. |
| US07822680B1 |
System and method for managing data pertaining to a plurality of financial assets for multifamily and housing developments
A data processing system for managing information related to a plurality of financial assets associated with housing and mortgage investments of an investor includes user interface logic configured to receive data regarding the plurality of financial assets including data regarding a plurality of properties associated with the plurality of financial assets. The user interface logic is further configured to provide access to the data regarding the plurality of financial assets. Data management logic is coupled to the user interface logic and is configured to retrieve and process the data regarding the plurality of financial assets. A database is coupled to the data management logic and the user interface logic and is configured to store the data regarding the plurality of financial assets and to link data for a particular property of the plurality of properties across the plurality of financial assets. The data regarding each property in the plurality of properties including any associated financial assets is maintained across multiple transactions and for different counterparties. |
| US07822677B1 |
Electronic price-based inquiry lists for financial products
Price-based inquiry lists for financial interests are submitted, negotiated and traded between investors and dealers over a network or networks. An investor interface for display is provided to an investor. A dealer interface for display is provided to a plurality of dealers. The investor can create a price-based inquiry list via the investor interface containing a plurality of inquiries for a corresponding plurality of different financial interests and can transmit the price-based inquiry list to one or more selected dealers, where an established relationship exists between the investor and the dealers. One or more of the selected dealers may provide responses to the received price-based inquiry list, where the response contains one or more offers/bids on the plurality of inquiries contained in the inquiry list via the dealer interface. The respective offers/bids are displayed in the price-based inquiry list on the investor interface. The investor may receive the best response for each bond on the price-based inquiry list and, if desired, execute one or more trades using the investor interface. |
| US07822675B1 |
Generation of cost or price quotations
Provided are systems, methods and techniques for, among other things, generating a master price quotation. In one representative embodiment, a representative creates a list that includes at least one item to be included within a master price quotation and submits the list to an automated bidding agent. In response, the automated bidding agent communicates requests for quotations to different automated entity agents, each such automated entity agent corresponding to a different entity. The automated bidding agent then receives the quotations from the automated entity agents, selects a best quotation, and communicates the best quotation to the representative for inclusion within the master price quotation. |
| US07822674B2 |
Method and apparatus for display of data with respect to a portfolio of tradable interests
A computer display and method for displaying trading data for tradable interests includes receiving trade data from one or more exchanges and applying provides filters to the data to display for the liquidity provider/user data that is relevant to the liquidity provider/user's portfolio. The filter removes trading data of tradable interests not in the liquidity provider/user's portfolio and preferably also removes trades of less than a predetermined size. User selected filters permit filtering by exchange, security, date, and trade size. Trade data is displayed in colors to indicate trade status, and exchange, for example. |
| US07822673B2 |
Automatic transaction apparatus
When a transaction such as, for example, a balance inquiry, a cash transaction such as money deposition or money withdrawal, a transfer, a passbook entry, or an inquiry for details of used money amounts or an available money amount is to be performed, additional information at a suitable point of time to improve the operability, reduce the time required for a transaction, and achieve an effective and accurate transaction, an automatic transaction apparatus is provided The apparatus includes a transaction screen displaying section, an additional information screen displaying section, and a control section. |
| US07822671B1 |
Method and system for integrating investment advice with financial account statement information
A method and system which provides for generating an integrated report. The method and system utilize information in a data storage system to provide individual account holders with an integrated report which includes detailed information regarding the financial account, and integrates financial planning recommendation information with the information regarding the financial account. Typically, the information regarding the financial account will be of sufficient detail so that a separate account statement need not be sent to the individual. The system and method herein provide individual account holders with a single report which provides the individual with financial account information, and financial planning advice, utilizing data available in a data storage system. Thus, the individual need not seek out advice, rather it is proactively delivered to the individual. Further, the method and system can provide for periodically generating the integrated report without requiring periodic input or action on the part of the account holder. |
| US07822664B2 |
Future check financing method
A Future Check Financing Method is disclosed. The method enables purchasers and others to present future-dated checks (or other payment vehicles) at the point of sale for purchases. The potential recipient of the future-dated payment vehicles and/or a check guarantee entity is able to make a lending decision based solely on the presenter's check writing history. The recipient of future-dated checks under the method will receive full payment (typically minus service charges) nearly immediately after completing the transaction with the presenter, rather than when all future-dated payment vehicles become payable. The check writing history may include negative check writing history for the presenter, but also may include positive check writing history for the presenter. |
| US07822660B1 |
Method and system for the protection of broker and investor relationships, accounts and transactions
A computer based method and system for advanced scenario based alert generation and processing is presented, with the specific ability to broker and investor activities that put either at risk. Advanced scenarios that describe such broker and investor activities are specifically defined. By applying these scenarios to transactional data from a variety of financial institutions, broker and investor activities causing unacceptable amounts of risk can be detected on an automated basis. |
| US07822659B2 |
Content charging
A method and system for providing content charging in data networks includes the steps of: when a subscriber having an account with a charging service provider uses services having a content provided by a content provider, the content charges are collected for use of the services via the charging service provider and a value is deducted from an account associated with the subscriber in response to the collected charges. The content provider is paid for the use of the content services by the subscriber after the occurrence of a predetermined event. |
| US07822655B1 |
Method, apparatus and article-of-manufacture for managing and supporting initial public offering and other financial issues
The present invention relates generally to the field of computer-assisted business methods, and to system and articles-of-manufacture for implementing such methods. More particularly, the invention relates to computer-based methods, apparatus and articles-of-manufacture for supporting the coordination, communication, record-keeping, accounting, security and scheduling needs for the syndicate associated with an initial public offering (“IPO”) or other new financial issue. While the invention is exemplified and discussed herein with reference to IPO's, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is equally applicable to other types of securities and debt instruments, such as preferred stock, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, etc. |
| US07822653B2 |
Transaction accounting payment and classification system and approach
Accounting data is classified to facilitate transaction processing and management. According to an example embodiment, data based rules are implemented for classifying transaction-related data into accounting categories. Accounting information is processed as a function of the data based rules and accordingly automatically classified. This approach involves, for example, the identification of particular data based rules to apply to the accounting information, applying the rules and processing the information accordingly. |
| US07822641B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring game play
A bet detection system which may execute on a computer based processing device is disclosed for use with DID tokens to detect unwanted or unfair betting patterns by players. The system utilizes a table equipped with DID token detection antenna associated with the one or more bet spots for the player positions. DID token antenna may detect DID tokens at the dealer position, other bet spots, or chip trays. A dealer interface allows the dealer to provide the game data to the detection system. The detection system processes the game data and the bet data, such as bet amount for the players. Based on this processing, bet patterns may be generated for the players and in relation to deck penetration information, deviations in bet patterns may be detected and appropriate notification provided. |
| US07822640B2 |
Multi-card bulk package identifying activation systems and methods
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating a plurality of gift cards utilizes a package of multiple presentation instruments. Each presentation instrument includes a unique presentation instrument identifier used to associate funds with the presentation instrument. Also, the package includes a package identifier. In one step, the package identifier is read from the package and is transmitted over an electronic network to a host computer system which evaluates the package identifier to determine whether the package identifier is valid. If so, each of the presentation instruments in the package is activated for a certain activation amount. |
| US07822630B1 |
Forecasting with parallel processing
Data consumed by a threaded forecasting module is acquired in advance of a request for that data by the forecasting module. The data is used for servicing multiple instances of the threaded forecasting module as they concurrently process. The instances concurrently produce different portions of the forecasting results. |
| US07822629B2 |
Customer profiling apparatus for conducting customer behavior pattern analysis, and method for comparing customer behavior patterns
A customer profiling apparatus is provided for conducting customer behavior pattern analysis. The apparatus includes processing circuitry, a data warehouse, a profiling engine, and at least one computer program. The processing circuitry is operative to process customer records. The data warehouse is coupled with the processing circuitry and is configured to store the processed customer records. The profiling engine communicates with the data warehouse and is operative to build and update customer behavior profiles by mining the customer records that flow into the data warehouse. The at least one computer program is performed by the profiling engine, and is operative to define behavior profiles as data cubes and derive similarity measures on patterns extracted from the behavior profiles. A method is also provided. |
| US07822623B2 |
System and method for cost accounting in a healthcare environment
The present invention is directed to a method and system for generating cost accounting data. The method may include retrieving information including descriptive attributes that represent content captured during patient care. The method may additionally include associating each descriptive attribute with a cost. A system may be provided for generating cost accounting information in a healthcare environment. The system may include automated information capture equipment and a retrieval component for retrieving content captured by the automated information capture equipment. The system may additionally include an association component for associating captured content with a cost and an implementation component for generating cost accounting information based on created associations. |
| US07822622B2 |
System and method for medical appointment and examination sequence planning
A method and appertaining system to implement the method optimizes a series of medical procedures/examinations to be performed on a patient by utilizing information and attributes including possibly medical facility attributes, medical department attributes, equipment attributes, personnel attributes, patient generic attributes, patient specific attributes, and medical procedure attributes. A catalog of rules is utilized by the scheduling system to ensure that times between procedures/examinations are optimized and do not violate any rules or constraints of the system. Additionally, portions of the method and system may be utilized to check an existing schedule and provide information to a user without actually modifying the schedule itself. |
| US07822621B1 |
Method of and system for populating knowledge bases using rule based systems and object-oriented software
A method of populating a knowledge base used in validating medical claims includes creating and/or editing at least one claim element via at least one rule to determine a match between a syntax of the translated edit and a syntax of the rule. A method call is executed responsive to the created or edited claim element resulting in at least one match being determined. The knowledge base is populated responsive to the executing step. |
| US07822617B2 |
Optimized fidelity and reduced signaling in multi-channel audio encoding
The invention provides an efficient technique for encoding a multi-channel audio signal. The invention relies on the principle of encoding (S1) a signal representation of one or more of the multiple channels in a first encoding process, and encoding another signal representation of one or more channels in a second, filter-based encoding process. A basic idea according to the invention is to select (S2), for the second encoding process, a combination of i) frame division configuration of an overall encoding frame into a set of sub-frames, and ii) filter length for each sub-frame, according to a predetermined criterion. The second signal representation is then encoded (S3) in each sub-frame of the overall encoding frame according to the selected combination. The possibility to select frame division configuration and at the same time adjust the filter length for each sub-frame provides added degrees of freedom, and generally results in improved performance. |
| US07822616B2 |
Time slot position coding of multiple frame types
Spatial information associated with an audio signal is encoded into a bitstream, which can be transmitted to a decoder or recorded to a storage media. The bitstream can include different syntax related to time, frequency and spatial domains. In some embodiments, the bitstream includes one or more data structures (e.g., frames) that contain ordered sets of slots for which parameters can be applied. The data structures can be fixed or variable. The data structure can include position information that can be used by a decoder to identify the correct slot for which a given parameter set is applied. The slot position information can be encoded with either a fixed number of bits or a variable number of bits based on the data structure type. |
| US07822615B2 |
Translating expressions in a computing environment
A method, and corresponding software and system, for translating an expression are described. The method includes accepting a first expression in a first syntax, the expression including a first character sequence representing a string value using the first syntax; identifying a second syntax for representing the expression; and generating a second expression in the second syntax representing the first expression, including generating a second character sequence using the first character sequence such that the second character sequence represents the string value using the second syntax. |
| US07822608B2 |
Disambiguating a speech recognition grammar in a multimodal application
Disambiguating a speech recognition grammar in a multimodal application, the multimodal application including voice activated hyperlinks, the voice activated hyperlinks voice enabled by a speech recognition grammar characterized by ambiguous terminal grammar elements, including maintaining by the multimodal browser a record of visibility of each voice activated hyperlink, the record of visibility including current visibility and past visibility on a display of the multimodal device of each voice activated hyperlink, the record of visibility further including an ordinal indication, for each voice activated hyperlink scrolled off display, of the sequence in which each such voice activated hyperlink was scrolled off display; recognizing by the multimodal browser speech from a user matching an ambiguous terminal element of the speech recognition grammar; selecting by the multimodal browser a voice activated hyperlink for activation, the selecting carried out in dependence upon the recognized speech and the record of visibility. |
| US07822607B2 |
Computer application environment and communication system employing automatic identification of human conversational behavior
The disclosed technology is a computer application that establishes communication between a conversation-finder module and a computer application environment. The conversation-finder module determines a conversational floor based on three or more floor determination inputs. The conversational floor associates at least two of the three or more floor determination inputs as being on the conversational floor. The conversation-finder module and the computer application environment can be responsive to each other and can adapt to each other. That is (either or both), the computer application environment can adapt to the conversational floor(s) determined by the conversation-finder module; and the conversation-finder module can determine the conversational floors responsive to a floor determination input and/or control input from the computer application environment. |
| US07822605B2 |
Method and apparatus for large population speaker identification in telephone interactions
A method and apparatus for determining whether a speaker uttering an utterance belongs to a predetermined set comprising known speakers, wherein a training utterance is available for each known speaker. The method and apparatus test whether features extracted from the tested utterance provide a score exceeding a threshold when matched against one or more of models constructed upon voice samples of each known speaker. The method and system further provide optional enhancements such as determining, using, and updating model normalization parameters, a fast scoring algorithm, summed calls handling, or quality evaluation for the tested utterance. |
| US07822604B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying conversing pairs over a two-way speech medium
One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for identifying a conversing pair of users of a two-way speech medium includes receiving a plurality of binary voice activity streams, where the plurality of voice activity streams includes a first voice activity stream associated with a first user, and pairing the first voice activity stream with a second voice activity stream associated with a second user, in accordance with a complementary similarity between the first voice activity stream and the second voice activity stream. |
| US07822601B2 |
Adaptive vector Huffman coding and decoding based on a sum of values of audio data symbols
An audio encoder performs entropy encoding of audio data. For example, an audio encoder determines a Huffman code from a Huffman code table to use for encoding a vector of audio data symbols, where the determining is based on a sum of values of the audio data symbols. An audio decoder performs corresponding entropy decoding. |
| US07822600B2 |
Method and apparatus for extracting pitch information from audio signal using morphology
A function of improving accuracy of the extraction of pitch information in an audio signal including voice and sound signals is implemented. To do this, a morphological operation is used. In detail, an input audio signal is converted to an audio signal in a frequency domain, an optimum structuring set size (SSS) is determined, and a morphological operation is performed using the determined SSS. Then, by extracting the highest peak from a signal obtained through a predetermined fold and summation process as pitch information, the pitch information can be used in all audio systems in the latter part when voice coding, recognition, synthesis, and/or robustness are performed. |
| US07822598B2 |
System and method for normalization of a string of words
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for categorization of strings of words. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for normalizing a string of words for use in a system for categorization of words in a predetermined categorization scheme. A method for adaptive categorization of words in a predetermined categorization scheme may include receiving a string of text, tagging the string of text, and normalizing the string of text. Normalization may be performed with a three-stage algorithm including a literal match processing stage, an approximation match processing stage, and a nearest neighbor match processing stage. The normalized string of text can be compared to a number of sequences of text in the predetermined categorization scheme. |
| US07822593B2 |
Production program creating system
A production program creating system creates a production program having a module in which a processing for producing a board is described. The board is produced by mounting an electronic component supplied from a component feeding device onto the board by means of a component mounting device. The component mounting device is described in model form, and a configuration information of the component mounting device is stored in a database. The module is created such that the module works with respect to the component mounting device that is described in model form, and such that the module performs a generalized processing by acquiring the configuration information of the component mounting device from the database. |
| US07822592B2 |
Acting on a subject system
In an active system, an actor is able to effect action in a subject system. The actor and the subject system exist in an environment which can impact the subject system. Neither the actor nor the subject system has any control over the environment. The actor includes a model and a processor. The processor is guided by the model. The processor is arranged to effect action in the subject system. The subject system is known by the model. This allows the actor to be guided in its action on the subject system by the model of the subject system. Events can occur in the subject system either through the actions of the actor, as guided by the model, or through actions of other actors, or through a change in state of the subject system itself (e.g. the progression of a chemical reaction) or its environment (e.g. the passage of time). The actor keeps the model updated with its own actions. When the processor is processing according to the model, it updates the model with intermediate actions and with the actions it effects in the subject system. |
| US07822591B2 |
Logic circuit model conversion apparatus and method thereof; and logic circuit model conversion program
A logic circuit model conversion apparatus includes a first analysis unit which analyzes a model in which a logic circuit of a register transfer level has been coded and outputs simultaneous blocks and an analysis result, a creating unit which creates a common execution frequency group that is a set of codes whose execution frequency becomes common, based on the simultaneous blocks and analysis result, a second analysis unit which analyzes the common execution frequency group and creates a formula of a general term to derive a predetermined value of each register, a third analysis unit which analyzes a mutual relationship between the common execution frequency groups and derives an execution frequency of each common execution frequency group up to a predetermined time, and a deriving unit which derives a value of each of the registers at the predetermined time from the formula of the general term and execution frequency. |
| US07822588B2 |
Surface replacement of a femoral head
A method for selecting a femoral implant based on models of a femoral neck and/or a femoral head of a patient is provided. A femoral neck model and/or femoral head model is produced from three-dimensional reference point spatial positions of the femoral neck or head, and a base size of a femoral implant model is ascertained based on the femoral head model. A femoral implant model is produced from the base size, and the implant model is positioned at a position in or on the femoral head model. An implant value is ascertained that indicates how many or what proportion of the ascertained reference point spatial positions are outside the implant model. If the implant value exceeds a predetermined value, the implant model is repositioned and the process is repeated. If the implant value does not exceed the value, an appropriate size and position of the implant is determined. |
| US07822584B1 |
Method of performing a finite element analysis of a composite structure
The invention provides a method of analyzing a building made from Expanded Poly Styrene (EPS) which is coated on the inside and outside with Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) or other strengthening coating. The building is designed in a CAD program. Then, the building is divided up into small volumes in the CAD program or in a Finite Element Analysis program using an automeshing program. Plates are added to the inner and outer surfaces of the volumes using copying and automeshing commands. Appropriate characteristics of the EPS and GFRC are assigned to the volumes and plates. A FEA analysis can then be run. |
| US07822582B2 |
Method and system of determining a location for a wind-powered electrical energy facility
A method and system determines a location of a conversion device for converting wind energy into electrical energy by considering both technical and economic viability factors. One or more qualified wind data regions are established within a geographic area. Each qualified wind data region meets or exceeds a wind velocity criteria over a requisite time period. Distribution accessible zones are established where a desired range of electrical energy is distributable via existing distribution infrastructure. Candidate regions are determined based on the overlap of the regions and the zones. Land data is obtained and is associated with the candidate region. The land data may comprise at least one of a land use and a holder of an interest in real property associated with the candidate region. A selector selects a preferential region, for placement of a conversion device, from the candidate regions based on a land data. |
| US07822579B2 |
Interference rejection through circle fitting
A method and apparatus for measuring electrical signals measures an electromagnetic wave having an interference component at a center frequency and at multiple times to obtain data points. The positions of the data points on a complex plane are calculated. Chords of a circle on the complex plane, wherein the chords passing between pairs of the data points, and the circle fit to the data points are calculated. The chords are used to determine an approximate center of the circle wherein the position of the approximate center of the circle on the complex plane represents the electromagnetic wave with the interference component removed. An indication of the measured electromagnetic wave having the interference component removed is output from the apparatus. |
| US07822576B2 |
Engine health monitoring
A method of monitoring the health of a gas turbine engine 10 comprising a fuel system 30 having a fuel metering valve 36 and a fuel pump 40 for supplying fuel to a combustor apparatus 15. The method comprising the steps of: monitoring the fuel metering valve percentage open, detecting and sending a warning message when the fuel metering valve percentage open is at 97% or greater and within a predetermined time from when the first percentage open is at 97% or greater, replacing the fuel pump 40. In this way scheduling of servicing and replacement of the fuel pump may be made without disruption to the aircraft operator particularly where the operator has a fleet of aircraft. |
| US07822570B2 |
Methods for performing actual flow verification
A method for determining an actual gas flow rate in a reaction chamber of a plasma processing system is provided. The method includes delivering gas by a gas flow delivery system controlled by a mass flow controller (MFC) to an orifice, which is located upstream from the reaction chamber. The method also includes pressurizing the gas to create a choked flow condition within the orifice. The method further includes measuring a set of upstream pressure values of the gas via a set of pressure sensors. The method yet also includes applying a calibration factor of a set of calibration factors to determine the actual flow rate. The calibration factor is a ratio of an average of the set of upstream pressure values to an average of a set of golden upstream pressure values, which is associated with an indicated flow rate for an MFC. |
| US07822568B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantitating surface-binding optical resonance profiles
Empirical profile curve fits (260) are used to quantitative the surface optical resonance profiles (268) using two EPF stages of calibration and fit. The calibration surface binding optical resonance scan is obtained with fine angle or wavelength spacing over a range including the full resonance profiles for all regions. The main calibration module (210) together with the first derivative curves and the diagnostic information generates each profile region of interest. The individual ROI scans are used for measurements of the resonance shifts relative to the empirical profile. In a preferred embodiment the instrument control and data acquisition software sets the internal parameters in the EPT calibration module and sends the raw data from a calibration scan to the EPF Calibration module which funnels the data through a sub sampler and a Savitsky-Golan smoothing routine before taking derivatives and characterizing the data to create the empirical profile for the chip (202). |
| US07822567B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing scaled device tests
A method includes defining a hierarchy of test routines in a test program for testing integrated circuit devices. A first device is tested at a first screening level in the hierarchy. The first device is tested at a second detailed level in the hierarchy responsive to the first device failing the testing at the first screening level. |
| US07822564B2 |
Power management for proximity-based ad hoc networks
A system and method is described herein for managing power consumption by a plurality of sensors in a proximity-based ad hoc network. The system and method receives sensor data that is provided from a plurality of sensors and constructs a proximity-based ad hoc network among the plurality of sensors based on the sensor data. The system and method also receives and analyzes power status information from each sensor in a group of spatially and temporally proximate sensors in the proximity-based ad hoc network. Based on the analysis, the system and method then modifies a manner in which at least one sensor in the group provides sensor data. |
| US07822561B2 |
Defect analysis methods for semiconductor integrated circuit devices and defect analysis systems
A defect analysis method includes storing, in a database, data indicative of defects and analog characteristics of corresponding defective bits in a database. A first defective area in a first wafer is found, and analog characteristics of defective bits in the first defective area are measured. The measured analog characteristics and the analog characteristics stored in the database are compared to locate a defect causing the first defective area. |
| US07822558B2 |
Fluorescence detecting device and fluorescence detecting method
A fluorescence detecting device irradiates an object to be measured with a laser beam, receives fluorescence generated from the object and processes a fluorescence signal generated when receiving the fluorescence. The device includes a laser light source section outputting the laser beam for irradiating the object, a light receiving section outputting the fluorescence signal of the fluorescence generated by the irradiated object, a light source control section generates a modulation signal having a frequency in order to time-modulate an intensity of the laser beam, and a processing section that calculates a fluorescence relaxation time of the fluorescence of the object based on the fluorescence signal output from the light receiving section. From the detection values acquired by the device including the phase information on the fluorescence, the intensity of the fluorescence is calculated. |
| US07822557B2 |
Analyte sensors and methods
Methods of determining analyte concentration. The methods use a fraction of the predicted total charge, from analyte electrolysis, instead of using time, for determination of a data collection endpoint. The total charge is then extrapolated from the data collection endpoint. The analyte concentration is determined from the total charge. |
| US07822553B2 |
Methods for electromagnetic measurements and correction of non-ideal receiver responses
A method for determining formation electrical properties includes deploying one or more receivers for electromagnetic logging; obtaining measurement data indicative of the formation electrical properties using the deployed receivers; correcting the measurement data for receiver imperfection; and inverting the corrected measurement data to obtain one or more parameters of formation electrical properties. |
| US07822550B2 |
Environmental characteristic determination
A processor of an apparatus in one example makes a determination of an environmental characteristic based on an average of a plurality of concomitant values that correspond to the environmental characteristic. |
| US07822545B2 |
Mobile terminal with navigation function
The present invention provides a mobile terminal with navigation function which is able to display traveling directions on a photographed picture displayed on the display. The mobile terminal with navigation function of the present invention detects the present location of the cellular phone, detects the direction of the camera, sets the destination, receives the route information from present location to the destination from the server based on the destination and present location, calculates the traveling direction on the photographed picture based on the route information and direction of the camera and adds the traveling direction onto the photographed picture displayed on the display. |
| US07822543B2 |
Video display system for vehicle
A video display system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an electrochromic transflective element. A video display is disposed to the rear of the transflective element. When the video screen is backlit, the video display emits light that passes through a transflective mirror reflector of the transflective element. Information displayed by the video display is visible to the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said transflective element only when the video screen is backlit. A rearward facing camera is mounted at or near the rear of the equipped vehicle and, during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle, video images captured by the camera of the scene rearward of the equipped vehicle are displayed so as to assist the driver of the equipped vehicle in reversing the equipped vehicle. |
| US07822541B2 |
Map creation device and navigation device
A map creation device includes a simple-ground-information creating unit, an on-ground-structure-information creating unit, and a map-information creating unit. The simple-ground-information creating unit creates, based on the ground object, a simple ground object expressing the three-dimensional shape with less amount of data than the ground object. The on-ground-structure-information creating unit creates, based on the simple ground object, an on-ground-structure object expressing a three-dimensional shape of an on-ground structure that is present on a surface of the ground by adding height information to a two-dimensional on-ground-structure object expressing a two-dimensional shape of the on-ground structure. The map-information creating unit creates map information in which the on-ground-structure object is superimposed on the ground object. |
| US07822539B2 |
Guide route search device and guide route search method
There are provided a guide route search device and a guide route search method for searching a guide route via a plurality of points as well as a computer program for realizing the method. A guide route satisfying the route point condition such as a stay time at each point is searched. According to another aspect of the invention, after searching a guide route, an operator can perform a correction such as addition, deletion, or modification of the route points or rearrangement of the arrival order at the points. It is possible to judge whether the guide route after the correction satisfies the route point condition. According to still another aspect of the invention, a guide route is superimposed together with the current position on the map image. The map color and/or brightness is changed according to the arrival time at a route point. |
| US07822538B2 |
System for communicating traffic data
A system that communicates traffic data to a vehicle is presented. The system generally includes a method that communicates traffic data to an operator of the vehicle. The system provides location data to a computer-based system, and allocates attribute data to a subset of the location data. The allocation may be initiated by the operator. The traffic data is processed by the computer-based system, and/or communicated to the operator. The system may further include a device that provides traffic data to the operator. The traffic data device generally includes a locator for providing location data, an allocator for allocating attribute data to a subset of the location data, a storage medium for storing the generated traffic data, and an output device. |
| US07822537B2 |
Detection of faults in an injector arrangement
A method of detecting faults in an injector arrangement in an engine. The injector arrangement comprises at least one fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator, and the method comprises: charging the piezoelectric actuator during a charge phase (tC); attempting to recharge the piezoelectric actuator during a test phase (tT) which commences after a time interval (Δt) following the end of the charge phase (tC); sensing a current (IS) that flows through the piezoelectric actuator during the test phase (tT); and generating a short circuit fault signal if the sensed current (IS) reaches a first predetermined threshold current (ISC) which is indicative of a short circuit in the piezoelectric actuator. |
| US07822535B2 |
Internal combustion engine stop controller and stop control method
When engine stop control is executed, an ECU estimates input power to a power storage device in accordance with an estimation of power generated by a generator and estimation of total power consumption of circuitry from the generator to the power storage device in the current state of operation. Further, the ECU compares the estimated input power with a tolerable input power to the storage device. When the generated power is excessive, the state of operation of the circuitry is changed such that the total power consumption by the circuitry increases, and then, torque output of the generator is permitted, to attain desired deceleration at the engine stop. Accordingly, in the engine stop control in which stopping force is generated by the power generating operation by the rotating electric machine, excessive charging caused by excessive power input to the power storage device can be prevented. |
| US07822534B2 |
Fuel supply device and fuel supply method for internal combustion engine
A fuel supply device (30) for an engine (1) pressurizes the fuel drawn up from a fuel tank (31) by the low-pressure fuel pump (32) and stores it in a delivery pipe (34), and injects the fuel stored in the delivery pipe (34) from an injector (35). The fuel supply device (30) includes a return passageway (50) connecting the delivery pipe (34) and the fuel tank (31), and a relief valve (51) that is provided on the return passageway (50) and that is capable of being switched between an open state for connecting the delivery pipe (34) and the fuel tank (31) in communication and a closed state for shutting off the delivery pipe (34) and the fuel tank (31) from each other in communication. An ECU (60) switches the relief valve (51) to the open state and operates the low-pressure fuel pump (32), if a predetermined stop condition for stopping the engine (1) is satisfied. |
| US07822533B2 |
Knocking determination device and knocking determination method of internal combustion engine
An engine ECU executes a program including a step of setting a search range of the crank angle of a peak value P that is the largest integrated value in a vibration waveform of an engine detected by calculating integrated values that are integrals of output voltage values of a knock sensor for every five degrees of a crank angle such that the search range may include the crank angle increasing with increase in engine speed NE, and a step of detecting the crank angle of the largest integrated value in the search range, and setting the detected crank angle as the crank angle of peak value P in the vibration waveform. At the crank angle based on the crank angle of peak value P, the vibration waveform is compared with a knock waveform model. |
| US07822532B2 |
Power-based underspeed control
A method of adjusting the operation of an engine-driven machine to avoid engine under-speeding entails converting a received speed or torque command into a power command. When an engine under-speed condition is sensed, the system performs underspeed correction in the power domain before converting the underspeed processed power command back into the units of the original domain. The converted underspeed processed power command is issued to the transmission or other component to alleviate the engine under-speeding condition. |
| US07822529B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a parameter for normalized instantaneous heat release in an internal combustion engine
Operation of an internal combustion engine selectively operative in a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode is monitored. The engine is equipped with a pressure sensing device operative to monitor in-cylinder pressure. An analog signal output from the pressure sensing device is monitored during a combustion cycle. A peak cylinder pressure and a corresponding crank angle are detected and captured during the combustion cycle. A state for a combustion parameter for the cylinder for the combustion cycle is determined based upon the peak cylinder pressure and the corresponding crank angle. |
| US07822524B2 |
Vehicular drive system
Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy.A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy. The mechanism 16 is also placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-output operation of the engine 8, so that the required electric reaction of first electric motor M1 can be reduced, whereby the required size of the first electric motor M1, and the required size of the drive system 10 including the electric motor M1 can be reduced. |
| US07822520B2 |
Motor-driven power steering apparatus
In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, there are provided a reference output characteristic memory previously storing a reference output characteristic expressing a corresponding relation between a driving current of an electric motor and an output torque corresponding to the driving current, a correction coefficient computing circuit computing a ratio TO/TM between an output torque TM of the electric motor detected at a time of applying a predetermined current M to the electric motor, and an output torque TO corresponding to the driving current IM in the reference output characteristic as an output correction coefficient. A current control computing unit calculates a corrected current control signal by multiplying a current control signal of the electric motor computed on the basis of a steered condition of a vehicle by the output correction coefficient, and outputs a drive control signal based on the corrected current control signal to a motor driving unit. |
| US07822507B2 |
Input device and inputting method
An input device is disclosed which includes: a casing; an input unit provided in the casing; an orientation detection unit configured to detect the orientation of the casing; and a command assigning unit configured to assign commands to inputs from the input unit, based on the results of detection by the orientation detection unit. |
| US07822505B2 |
Article dispensing device and method
To dispense an article in a limited space within a tray appropriately with no useless operation, the present invention provides an article dispensing device, including a control means (61) which calls, from a storage means (64), an article map of an article (D) to be dispensed by a dispensing means (3) and a container map of a container (5) for accommodating the article (D), which searches for a vacant region by searching each container virtual region of the container map in a predetermined order, which specifies a dispensing position for the article (D) according to the article map, and which drive-controls the dispensing means (3) based on the specified dispensing position for causing the article (D) held to be accommodated in the container (5). |
| US07822503B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for energy management in vending machines, appliances, and other store or dispense equipment
System, methods, and apparatuses are provided for energy management in store or dispense equipment for food and/or beverages. Such store or dispense equipment may allow for food and/or beverages to be heated, cooled, or maintained near the ambient temperature, or a combination thereof. Demand data may be retrieved from the store or dispense equipment. Demand data may include sales, usage, and/or occupancy information for the respective vending machines, appliances, coolers, dispensers, and other store or dispense equipment. This demand data may then analyzed to determine whether there are demand patterns such that there are opportunities for energy conservation or energy management. If there are opportunities for energy conservation or energy management, an instruction set may be prepared, where the instruction set is based at least in part on this analyzed data. The instruction set is loaded onto the store or dispense equipment, which operates in accordance with the instruction set. |
| US07822500B2 |
Polishing apparatus and polishing method
A polishing apparatus has a polishing table (18) having a polishing surface (40) and a top ring (20) for pressing a substrate against the polishing surface (40) while independently controlling pressing forces applied to a plurality of areas (C1-C4) on the substrate. The polishing apparatus has a sensor (52) for monitoring substrate conditions of a plurality of measurement points on the substrate, a monitor unit (53) for performing a predetermined arithmetic process on a signal from the sensor (52) to generate a monitor signal, and a controller (54) for comparing the monitor signal of the measurement points with the reference signal and controlling the pressing forces of the top ring (20) so that the monitor signal of the measurement point converges on the reference signal. |
| US07822498B2 |
Using a loudness-level-reference segment of audio to normalize relative audio levels among different audio files when combining content of the audio files
The present invention records a loudness-level-reference segment of audio when creating speech audio files and audio files including background sounds. The speech audio files can then be combined with the background sound containing audio files in any desirable combination. When combining the files, the relative audio level of the files is matched, by matching the loudness-level-reference segments with each other. Any of a variety of known digital signal processing techniques can be used to normalize the component audio files. The combined audio files containing speech and background sounds (e.g. ambient noise) having matching relative audio levels can be used to test and/or train a speech recognition engine or a speech processing system. |
| US07822494B2 |
Method for generating and using a plasma processing control program
A method is provided of generating and using a control program for a obtain plasma process. The method comprises obtaining predetermined process data defining, in a series of time steps, changes in at least one control parameter for the plasma process during the said process. Control data are generated from the process data, the control data defining the at least one control parameter at a plurality of discrete times within each step. The control data are presented graphically to a user, using an interactive display device. The control data are modified in response to the operation by the user of the interactive display device, so as to generate the control program. |
| US07822490B2 |
Variable transmission window constructions
An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system of the present invention comprises a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of the master control circuits. Because the window control circuits can sense abnormal load conditions in the variable transmission windows, the system further includes an interface to a security system to inform of a potential intrusion. Each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit. |
| US07822488B2 |
Self-storing medical electrodes
The present invention provides a self-storing medical electrode (10) that does not require packaging, enclosures, or other means to house and to protect various electrode components. According to one aspect, the invention provides an electrode comprising an electrode body having first and second sides, wherein the first side comprises a barrier layer (15) comprising a heat-sealable material and the second side comprises a conductive layer (16). The electrode further comprises an electrically conductive gel layer (18) disposed on the electrode body and which is further in electrical communication with the conductive layer (16). |
| US07822487B2 |
Combination stylet and sheath for an electrode array
A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), a stiffening element (15), and a stiffening sheath (16) that at least partially envelops the elongate member (11). The member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon. The member (11) has a first configuration that allows it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea (30). The member (11) also has a second configuration wherein the member is curved to match an inside surface of the cochlea (30), and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the stiffening element (15) and sheath (16) are made of a material that is relatively stiffer than the member (11). The stiffening element (15) and the stiffening sheath (16) in combination bias the elongate member (11) into the first configuration. If either the stiffening element (15) or the stiffening sheath (16) is removed or deactivated, the elongate member (11) adopts an intermediate configuration. |
| US07822486B2 |
Custom sized neural electrodes
An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a main electrode body of biocompatible dielectric material and having a concave upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The concave upper surface curves about an axis and has a curvature sized to receive a nerve within the concave surface with an axis of the nerve substantially parallel to an axis of the concave surface. An electrode contact of electrically conductive material is secured to the main electrode body and has an electrode contact surface exposed on the concave surface. The concave surface terminates at opposite first and second upper ends. The electrode contact has a first end near the first end of the concave surface. A secondary electrode body of biocompatible dielectric material is attached to the first upper end of the concave surface. An electrode lead has an electrical conductor surrounded by a biocompatible insulative coating with both the conductor and the coating flexible relative to a longitudinal axis of the lead. A first end of the lead is secured to the secondary electrode body and with a first end of said conductor electrically connected to said first end of said electrode contact. |
| US07822480B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating with an implantable stimulator
An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with on-off keying (OOK) modulation to transmit control data. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the control data in accordance with the OOK modulation. An exemplary method of communicating with an implantable stimulator includes modulating a signal with control data using OOK modulation and transmitting the signal to the implantable stimulator. |
| US07822474B2 |
Methods for the prediction of arrhythmias and prevention of sudden cardiac death
Methods and kits are provided for determining an increased likelihood of the occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure and other diseased conditions of the heart. The methods and kits comprise measuring serum NGF levels in a subject and detecting increases in NGF levels over baseline. The methods may further comprise initiating preventive therapy in response to a detected increase in serum NGF levels. |
| US07822473B2 |
Resynchronization method and apparatus based on intrinsic atrial rate
A method and system for setting the operating parameters of a cardiac rhythm management device in which a plurality of parameter optimization algorithms are available. A measured feature of an electrophysiological signal such as QRS width has been shown to be useful in selecting among certain parameter optimization algorithms. In one embodiment, one or more resynchronization pacing parameters are set based on one or both of the feature extracted from an electrogram signal and the value of a resynchronization pacing parameter which tends to minimize the intrinsic atrial rate. |
| US07822472B1 |
Methods and systems for optimizing exercise compliance diagnostic parameters
A medical device detects certain patient activity based on a programmable activity threshold and determines the duration of detected activity. The activity threshold may be optimized by obtaining first and second duration measurements for at least one of a first activity session and second activity session. The first duration measurement is based on the activity threshold, while the second duration measurement is based on actual start and stop of the activity session. An adjustment of the activity threshold is suggested based on a correspondence between the first duration measurement and the second duration measurement of the first activity session, or a correspondence between the first duration measurement and the second duration measurement of the second activity session. One of the first and second activities is non-significant activity expected to be undetected by the device, while the other of the two activities is low-level activity expected to be detected by the device. |
| US07822471B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting artifact signals in the electrocardiogram of a patient caused by CPR and/or patient motion using patient impedance
Medical apparatus for detecting the presence of artifact signals generated in the electrocardiogram of a patient by CPR and/or other patient motion. The presence of artifact signals is determined by analyzing variations in a measured electrical signal that represents the patient's transthoracic impedance. Such detection is important because the presence of CPR and/or motion artifacts can disrupt a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The patient's impedance signal data is stored in the apparatus and analyzed to determine if the characteristics are indicative of the presence of CPR and/or motion artifacts. This analysis is performed independently of ECG data and may be used as an indicator of the underlying ECG rhythm classification. In essence, if the impedance exceeds some threshold amount, so as to indicate the presence of CPR or patient motion which can render the ECG data unreliable, the normal interpretation of the ECG data is interrupted. Applications of the invention include, but are not limited to, advising or not advising, defibrillation therapy, CPR or intravenous medicinal therapy. |
| US07822466B2 |
Robot for computed tomography interventions
A system and method for CT guided instrument targeting including a radiolucent instrument driver; a robot and a control box. The robot includes a robotic module that positions the radiolucent driver about two directions coincident a predetermined point. The control device is connected to the robot and the radiolucent instrument driver. The control driver sends a robot control signal to the robot that causes the robotic module to place the radiolucent instrument driver in a desired orientation with respect to the predetermined point. After the radiolucent instrument driver is in the desired orientation, the control device sends a driver control signal to the radiolucent instrument driver that causes the radiolucent driver to insert a medical instrument or device through the predetermined point to a location proximate a target point in a patient. |
| US07822465B2 |
Device and method for image-based device performance measurement
Devices and methods for providing in vivo performance measurements of an orthopedic implant involve an orthopedic implant having at least two radiopaque markers associated with a movable portion of the implant. The markers are positioned at known locations and in a first known and predetermined relationship to each other. The markers provide visible references upon application of a medical imaging technique to show the relative position of the markers according to a second, changed relationship to each other after implantation of the orthopedic implant. At least one measurement of performance of the implant can be determined from the first and second relationships of the markers. |
| US07822464B2 |
Guidewire for vascular catheters
Guidewire for catheters which can be inserted into cavities, preferably coronary vessels of humans or animals, said guidewire being provided with electromagnetic receive or transmit locate to position its position in conjunction with corresponding external electromagnetic transmit or receive antennas, as well as with signal lines guiding the processing unit controlling the transmit antennas or transmit coils. |
| US07822462B2 |
Diagnosis device and method
A diagnosis device having a device for producing a series of images, such as a computer tomography device or an ultrasound device. There is also a device for the passive movement of an object and a device that can be stereotactically moved independent of the passive movement object, wherein this stereotactial movement object can be driven by a motor. These two devices can be arranged on or in the diagnosis device to perform a treatment or examination. By controlling the diagnosis device, it is possible to produce a series of images in real time during a passive movement of an object or of the device for performing a treatment or examination. |
| US07822459B2 |
PET-MRI hybrid system
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a PET-MRI hybrid system capable of arranging a PET apparatus and an MRI apparatus in a line. An MRI room containing the MRI apparatus and a PET room containing the PET apparatus are provided at either side of a central waiting room as opposed to each other about the waiting room. A rail portion linearly extends from the PET room to the waiting room on their bottoms. Another rail portion linearly extends on the bottom of the MRI room. A transfer unit, which supports a subject lying thereon, travels along the rail portions of the waiting room, the MRI room and the PET room. A bridge unit is provided between the rail portion of the waiting room and the rail portion of the MRI room. The bridge unit provides a space for opening and closing a shield door of the MRI room and allows the transfer unit to be reciprocated between the waiting room and the MRI room by selectively connecting the rail portion of the waiting room and the rail portion of the MRI room. |
| US07822452B2 |
Method for data reduction and calibration of an OCT-based blood glucose monitor
The present invention relates to a method for estimating blood glucose levels using a noninvasive optical coherence tomography- (OCT-) based blood glucose monitor. An algorithm correlates OCT-based estimated blood glucose data with actual blood glucose data determined by invasive methods. OCT-based data is fit to the obtained blood glucose measurements to achieve the best correlation. Once the algorithm has generated sets of estimated blood glucose levels, it may refine the number of sets by applying one or more mathematical filters. The OCT-based blood glucose monitor is calibrated using an Intensity Difference plot or the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method. |
| US07822451B2 |
Apparatus of measuring glucose concentration by using optical coherence tomography and method of operating the apparatus
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for measuring glucose concentration by using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and more particularly, an apparatus and method for increasing the blood volume around a measurement part by using a blood concentrating device and noninvasively measuring glucose concentration of the measuring portion by using OCT. A glucose concentration measuring apparatus and method using OCT according to the invention can noninvasively measure glucose concentration by using OCT and help a user to easily measure glucose concentration. |
| US07822447B2 |
Push rod and sliding type portable terminal having the same
A push rod for a sliding type portable terminal including a first housing and a second housing which is placed on and slidably coupled to the first housing. The push rod provides driving force for slidingly moving the second housing. The push rod includes a casing; support members coupled to the casing to be extended and retracted through both ends of the casing; elastic members for providing elastic force in directions in which the respective support members are extended through both ends of the casing; and rotation members rotatably coupled to outer ends of the support members and rotatably coupled to the respective first and second housings. |
| US07822439B2 |
System for sharing credentials
A primary appliance, reversibly engageable with a secondary appliance for sharing credentials, including: a credentials module configured to enable the primary appliance to make/receive phone calls; and an interface with the secondary appliance, the interface including: a physical interface for physically reversibly engaging the primary appliance and the secondary appliance; and a conductive interface for enabling the secondary appliance to communicate with the module upon being physically engaged. A secondary appliance, reversibly engageable with a primary appliance having a credentials module enabling the primary appliance to make/receive phone calls, including: a service module configured to be enabled by the credentials module; and an interface, for the primary appliance, including: an interface for physically reversibly engaging the secondary appliance with the primary appliance; and a conductive interface for enabling communication of the secondary appliance with the credentials module upon the secondary appliance being physically engaged with the primary appliance. |
| US07822438B2 |
Apparatus and method for responding to unlicensed network failure
An apparatus and method for responding to unlicensed network failure. A failure in a connection to an unlicensed wireless local area network controller can be detected. A wireless local area network access point connection to the unlicensed wireless local area network controller can be released. An attempt can be made to access wireless wide area network services. |
| US07822436B2 |
Scanning for network connections with variable scan rate
A wireless communication terminal includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and a baseband processing circuit, which is arranged to detect an indication of a rate of movement of the terminal. The baseband processing circuit is coupled to cause the RF transceiver to scan periodically for access points that are available to communicate with the mobile terminal at a scan rate that is selected responsively to the indication, and upon detecting an available access point, to establish a wireless connection between the terminal and the available access point. |
| US07822432B2 |
System of group communication and a method of group call processing based on CDMA 2000 high-speed packet data network
The present invention discloses a system of group communication and a method of group call processing based on CDMA2000 high-rate packet data network. The group communication system based on CDMA2000 high-rate packet data network includes: base station, packet control function module, packet data service node and AAA (authentication, authorization, accounting) server. The system further includes: multiple accessing terminals for making or responding the service request of group talk; group dispatching server for providing centralized control of group talk service, implementing the entire group talk service procedure from group user authentication to transmission of voice service package; group dispatch user side, which is an accessing gateway of group communication system, for providing signaling and service link between the base station and the group dispatching server. The present invention realizes the group communication system in the current high-rate packet data network, so that the group communication system satisfies the requirements of third generation communication, and adapts the development of the communication system. |
| US07822425B2 |
SUPL initialization message in a location information system and method and system for processing SUPL by using the same
A SUPL enabled terminal, method and system for processing SUPL are discussed. According to one embodiment, the SUPL enabled terminal includes a processor to process a SUPL location platform (SLP) mode indicator received in a SUPL initiation message, the SLP mode indicator indicating whether the terminal is to operate according to a proxy mode or a non-proxy mode. |
| US07822421B2 |
Apparatus and method for use in allocating a channel resource in wireless multiple access communications systems
Allocation of a wireless communications system channel resource is managed by utilizing traffic segment allocation. This is realized by partitioning the channel resource into an assignment channel and a traffic channel in a fixed manner. The assignment channel includes assignment segments and the traffic channel includes traffic segments. The traffic segment is the basic traffic channel resource unit used to transport traffic data and has a prescribed finite time interval and bandwidth. Each traffic segment is associated with a so-called assignment segment in a prescribed manner. One or more traffic segments may be associated with a particular assignment segment. A base station broadcasts via an assignment segment which wireless terminal is to use a particular traffic segment. This is realized by transmitting a simply identifier for the particular wireless terminal assigned to the particular traffic segment in the assignment segment. Then, each active wireless terminal monitors all of the received assignment segments to detect any traffic channel assignments. Once a wireless terminal detects its identifier in an assignment segment, it proceeds to receive/transmit the traffic data in the traffic segment associated with the assignment segment including the detected identifier. |
| US07822417B1 |
Method for predictive maintenance of a communication network
Systems and methods for predicting one or more service problems in a communication network are described. In one implementation, a threshold is set and signal data are collected at an interface component. The collected data are compared to the threshold, and depending on the comparison between the collected data and the threshold, a trend analysis is performed on the collected data. |
| US07822414B2 |
Connection failure reporting in wireless communication systems
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for reporting and compiling connection failures in wireless communication systems. In an embodiment, when an access terminal experiences a connection failure (e.g., an unintended one), the access terminal may generate a connection failure record associated with the event, and send a message containing the connection failure record to an access network it has since established the connection. The access network may send a message containing a connection failure report acknowledgement (ACK) message to the access terminal, upon reception of the connection failure report message. The network operators may use the connection failure records thus compiled to identify problematic spots in the system and improve the quality of service. |
| US07822409B2 |
Remote control system, remote control apparatus, remote control method, program for implementing the method, and electronic apparatus
A remote control system which can reliably provide desired control while saving power. A remote control apparatus is capable of carrying out two-way wireless communication with an apparatus to be controlled. A control signal corresponding to a key switch for remote control is repeatedly transmitted while the key switch is being operated. Repeated transmission of the control signal is inhibited in accordance with reception of a predetermined signal from the apparatus to be controlled. |
| US07822405B2 |
Power saving in VoIP transmission apparatus, systems, and methods
An apparatus, includes a wireless communication module (WCM) to communicatively couple to a wireless access point; and an automatic power-save delivery (APSD) state logic module to establish a dynamic configuration mechanism to change a U-APSD state affecting voice signaling traffic at a beginning of a voice stream and again at an end of the voice stream. |
| US07822404B2 |
Driving voltage control module
Provided is a driving voltage control module capable of minimizing current consumption and time taken to return from a standby state to a normal state by controlling driving voltages for electronic circuits and systems for communication when a mobile communication transceiving circuit or a communication system is in a standby state in which there is no busy signal. The driving voltage control module includes a regulator for converting an input power voltage into a predetermined level of DC voltage, and supplying the converted DC voltage to an external circuit module as a driving voltage; and a voltage controller for controlling an output voltage level of the regulator, wherein, under control of the voltage controller, a level of the driving voltage is adjusted to be a standby voltage level lower than a turn-on voltage level of a switching device constituting the external circuit module. With the driving voltage control module, the transceiving circuit and the RF circuit of the RF mobile communication terminal can be supplied with distinct power voltages each corresponding to the cut-off state, the standby state, and the normal operation state, thereby reducing current consumption and the time taken to reach the normal state from the standby state. This can increase the battery lifetime and embody a high-speed RF mobile communication terminal. |
| US07822403B2 |
Receiver, transceiver circuit, signal transmission method, and signal transmission system
A receiver has an offset application circuit for applying a known offset to an input signal, and a decision circuit for comparing the offset-applied input signal with a reference voltage. The level of the input signal is determined based on the known offset and on the result output from the decision circuit. With this configuration, a large common mode voltage can be eliminated in a circuit used for signal transmission. |
| US07822400B1 |
Apparatus and method for suppresion of TDMA noise in a stereo headphone
A circuit for TDMA noise reduction is provided, which may be used in a mobile phone. The circuit includes a first audio amplifier, a second audio amplifier, and a switch. The circuit is attachable to a stereo headphone with two speakers, each speaker having two inputs. The first speaker has one input that is coupled to one input of the second speaker. The other input of each speaker is coupled to a corresponding audio amplifier. During a talk mode for the mobile phone, the common input of the two speakers is left floating. In this mode, the TDMA noise is substantially cancelled, and the sound is differential monophonic. When the mobile phone is not in a talk mode, the common input of the speakers is driven to Vdd/2 or ground, so that the sound is stereophonic. |
| US07822399B2 |
Image compensation for wireless receiver
A receiver (20) for use in wireless communications with plural transmitters (22) comprises transmitter selection logic (34); a signal estimator (36); and an image estimator (38). The image estimator (38) is configured to form an estimate of an image signal occurring on the second sub-carrier and attributable to a transmission of the first transmitter. The signal estimator (36) is configured, e.g., to use the estimate of the image signal and a signal received on the second sub-carrier to obtain an estimate of a portion of the signal received on the second sub-carrier which is attributable to the second transmitter. Thus, the receiver (20) is able to determine the portion of the signal received on the second sub-carrier which is attributable to the second transmitter in a way that compensates for the image signal occurring at the second sub-carrier. |
| US07822391B1 |
Mobile station emergency beacon system
A mobile telephone is provided with an emergency beacon. When the telephone's user dials an emergency number, such as 9-1-1, the telephone detects that an emergency number has been dialed, and it activates the beacon. The beacon may be a radio beacon, and, if the telephone is GPS-equipped, the radio beacon may send out the mobile telephone's location. Safety personnel can locate the caller by following the beacon to the caller. Other optional features include an audio emergency beacon and/or a visual emergency beacon, such as a strobe, in addition to or in place of a radio beacon. In one embodiment, the beacon is not activated unless the mobile telephone is unable to complete the call to the emergency number. In another embodiment, the beacon is activated without receiving any remote authorization from, for example, a 9-1-1 call center. |
| US07822390B2 |
System for transmitting and receiving data wirelessly
This invention relates to a system (100) for communicating wirelessly. The system (100) comprises an inductive antenna circuit (110) for transmitting and receiving inductively coupled signals, a driving means (102, 104) connected to inductive antenna circuit (110) and driving the inductive antenna circuit (102, 104) during a transmit mode, and comprises an amplifier means (112) connected to the inductive antenna circuit (110) and detecting and amplifying received signals differentially a receiving mode. |
| US07822388B2 |
Transceiver, modulation integrated circuit, and RFID reader/writer
In a transceiver that selectively transmits a modulated wave and a non-modulated wave to the outside, and receives a response signal from the outside, an S/N ratio during reception is improved. A transceiver, which selectively transmits a modulated wave and a non-modulated wave to the outside, and receives a response signal from the outside, includes an oscillator generating a predetermined carrier wave; a modulator modulating the carrier wave generated by the oscillator with a transmitted baseband signal to generate the modulated wave; a power amplifier amplifying the modulated wave being modulated by the modulator, or the non-modulated wave being not modulated by the modulator; and a circulator for sending output of the power amplifier to an antenna. When the non-modulated wave is transmitted from the antenna, switches are switched to a bypass circuit side such that the oscillator is directly connected to the power amplifier. |
| US07822387B2 |
Remote monitoring device and process
A remote monitoring device is integrated as part of a cell phone or personal digital assistant. By sharing computing resources of a communications transceiver, the cost of a monitoring device can be significantly reduced, while still permitting sufficient functionality to effectively observe an area of interest, such as a child's sleeping area. An alert is generated and transmitted to an observer using a separate transceiver when activity at the monitored area (i.e., sound or video activity) meets a specified threshold. |
| US07822382B2 |
Scanning apparatus and method in a multi-hop relay broadband wireless access communication system
A scanning apparatus and method in a multi-hop relay Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) communication system are provided. In the scanning method, a Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS) sends a scan request message requesting scanning to a Base Station (BS) via a Relay Station (RS). The BS sends a scan response message containing information for the scanning of the MSS to the MSS via the RS. The BS then sends a scan notify message indicating the scanning of the MSS to the RS. |
| US07822380B2 |
Interference prevention for receiver system incorporating RDS-TMC receiver and FM modulator
A method and apparatus prevents interference between a radio signal from RDS-TMC service provider for receiving traffic and travel data by an RDS-TMC receiver and a radio signal for transmitting audio, text, or image data from an FM modulator. The method includes the steps of starting an operation of the receiver system, stopping an operation of the FM modulator while keeping operation of the RDS-TMC receiver, examining whether an RDS-TMC signal from a service provider is available at a current location, receiving the RDS-TMC signal and retrieving RDS-TMC data therefrom, sending the retrieved RDS-TMC data to an audio/video system, and starting the operation of the FM modulator while allowing to output an FM signal from the FM modulator at allowable frequency bands which are outside of a blocked range to send data to the audio/video system. |
| US07822379B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a main body discharge tray disposed in an image forming apparatus main body, onto which a sheet with an image recorded is discharged; a main body discharge member that discharges the sheet onto the main body discharge tray; an optional discharge device disposed above the main body discharge member, the optional discharge device having an optional transport path through which the sheet passes and an optional discharge member that discharges the sheet; a postprocessing device that performs postprocessing on the sheet; and a postprocessing transport device disposed above the main body discharge tray, the postprocessing transport device having a lower portion, an upper portion on which the sheet discharged from the optional discharge member is placed and a postprocessing transport path formed between the lower and upper portions, the postprocessing transport path transporting the sheet discharged from the main body discharge member to the postprocessing device. |
| US07822367B2 |
Image forming apparatus, cartridge, storage device and developer supplying method
An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a developing apparatus configured to form a developer image; a supply apparatus configured to supply developer to the developing apparatus; a detector configured to detect an amount of developer consumed during an image forming process; and a controller configured to perform an addition calculation for the amount of developer consumed, and for employing a value obtained by the addition calculation and a supply threshold value to determine whether developer should be supplied to the developing apparatus, wherein the controller sets the supply threshold value in accordance with an operating state of the developing apparatus. |
| US07822360B2 |
Image forming apparatus including locking unit
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a roller detachably attached to/from the main body, a supporting member supporting a rotary shaft of the roller, and a locking unit which includes a locker frame and a locker arm. The locker arm is elastically biased toward the locking position and is moved to a releasing position when a user pushes the locker arm. In addition, the locker arm is movably coupled to the locker frame fixed on the main body, and installed on the main body in a state where the locking unit is assembled in advance. Therefore, assembling processes of the apparatus can be simple, and a user can assemble the apparatus easily. |
| US07822357B2 |
Developing apparatus having spacer and leak preventer
A developing apparatus includes an organic photo conductor, an OPC frame part to support the organic photo conductor, a developing roller to develop a latent image formed on the organic photo conductor by supplying a developer, a developing roller frame part to support the developing roller, a developer storing part to store the developer and provided with a supplying opening through which the developer is supplied to the developing roller, a spacer removably interposed between the OPC frame part and the developing roller frame part and spacing the OPC frame part from the developing roller frame part such that the organic photo conductor and the developing roller do not contact each other, a leakage preventer removably attached to and sealing the supplying opening, and a connecting part to connect the spacer with the leakage preventer. Thus, the spacer and the leakage preventer are capable of being removed simultaneously. |
| US07822354B2 |
Power conservation device and image forming apparatus
A power conservation device includes a detection unit for detecting a status of the power conservation device; a detection unit power source for supplying power to the detection unit; an operation control unit for controlling an operation of the power conservation device according to output information from the detection unit; an operation unit power source for supplying power to the operation control unit; an information processing unit for processing specific information and controlling the operation unit power source; and a monitoring unit for monitoring a change in the output information of the detection unit. The detection unit power source supplies power to the detection unit intermittently when the operation unit power source stops supplying power to the operation control unit. The information processing unit controls the operation unit power source to supply power to the operation unit when the monitoring unit detects the change in the output information of the detection unit. |
| US07822353B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes an operations section that operates the image forming apparatus, the operations section being rotatably supported by an apparatus main body; an operations section holding unit that holds the operations section at a predetermined angle with respect to the apparatus main body; an external force detecting unit that detects an external force applied to the operations section in a rotational direction of the operations section; an operations section rotating unit that rotates the operations section in a direction of the external force; and a control unit to activate the operations section rotating unit in response to detection of the external force by the external force detecting unit. |
| US07822351B2 |
Filling-rate lowering and rolling rate adjusting image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a toner-layer filling-rate lowering unit that causes a toner layer of toner images to be formed on an image carrier so that the toner layer has sufficient optical transparency for exposing and the toner-layer filling rate is set relatively low; and a toner rolling rate adjusting unit that rolls the toner images at a predetermined toner rolling rate in accordance with the toner-layer filling rate when the toner images are transferred to the transferring/fixing unit. |
| US07822346B2 |
Module housing for connecting opto-electronic sub-assemblies
This disclosure generally concerns modules. In one example, a module includes a housing, a printed circuit board, and an optical subassembly. The housing has a first part and a second part, with the second part holding the printed circuit board and optical subassembly. The printed circuit board has a contact element located near one end of the printed circuit board. The optical subassembly includes a connector which has a free end. The free end of the connector and the contact element of the printed circuit board are pinched together when the first and second parts of the housing are joined, thus forming an electrical connection. |
| US07822344B1 |
System for communication of video, audio, data, control or other signals over fiber in a self-healing ring topology
A system for communication of signals between remote devices and monitoring and control devices via fiber. The system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a plurality of remote interface units each coupled to a corresponding one of the remote devices, and a base unit coupled to the one or more monitoring devices and the one or more control devices. The plurality of remote interface units and the base unit are interconnected by fiber optic links to form a ring. Each of the remote interface units supplies a video signal to the base unit for distribution to the one or more monitoring devices, and the base unit supplies control signals from the one or more control devices to the plurality of remote interface units. |
| US07822343B2 |
Transport frame architecture for multi-rate service, multiplexing apparatus for processing the transport frame and method for transmitting it
The present research relates to s a transmission frame structure supporting a data service and a circuit service of diverse bands in a Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)/Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) network. This research provides a transmission frame structure including a sync period, an async period, and a control period and provides a multiplexing apparatus that can add or extract a fixed length frame in the synch period of the transmission frame and add or extract a variable length frame in the asynch period, and a method for transmitting the transmission frame. The transmission frame structure includes a sync period for transmitting a fixed length frame; an async period for transmitting a variable length frame; and a control period for transmitting a control frame storing information for discriminating between the sync period and the async period. The technology of this research can be applied to a synchronous optical network system. |
| US07822339B2 |
Interchangeable lens
An interchangeable lens which can communicate with a camera body to which the interchangeable lens is detachably attached to exchange data of the interchangeable lens, includes a logic IC serving as an interface via which the interchangeable lens communicates with the camera body; a memory which is provided independent of the logic IC, connected to the logic IC, and stores the data of the interchangeable lens; and a controller, connected to the logic IC, for controlling operations of the interchangeable lens. The logic IC selectively switches connections of terminals thereof with the memory and the controller for communication therewith upon receiving a communication signal from the camera body. |
| US07822333B2 |
Focus adjustment device, imaging device and focus adjustment method
A focus adjustment device includes an image sensor that includes imaging pixels for capturing an image formed via an imaging optical system and focus detection pixels for detecting a focus adjustment state at the imaging optical system through a first pupil division-type image shift detection method, a focus detector that detects a focus adjustment state at the imaging optical system through a second pupil division-type image shift detection method different from the first pupil division-type image shift detection method, and a focus adjustment controller that executes focus adjustment for the imaging optical system based upon the focus adjustment states detected by the image sensor and the focus detector. |
| US07822329B2 |
Camera and image stabilization thereof
An image stabilization method for a camera is provided. The image stabilization method controls the shutter of the camera. The image stabilization method, according to the present invention, first detects whether a trigger signal has been inputted, wherein the trigger signal is inputted by a user and starts an image capturing process. Next, the time when the trigger signal was inputted is detected and recorded as a first time. Afterwards, a stabilization time is delayed based upon the first time. Finally, a drive signal is generated when the stabilization time ends, wherein the drive signal drives the shutter to turn on for executing the image capturing process. |
| US07822327B2 |
Method for automatically selecting scene mode
A method for automatically selecting a scene mode applied in a photographic device is described. The method includes detecting an image to be captured; analyzing a principal feature of the image; comparing the principal feature with a feature standard of each scene mode according to a utilization rate ranging from high to low, so as to acquire a scene mode corresponding to the feature standard conforming to the principal feature; and adjusting current photographic parameters of the photographic device into photographic parameters corresponding to the acquired scene mode. By determining a comparison sequence according to utilization rate of each scene, the time for searching and comparing is reduced. Moreover, after each shooting, the utilization rate may be re-calculated according to the used scene mode, so as to quickly provide the scene mode required by a user. |
| US07822319B2 |
Automatic recording/reproducing method and automatic recording/reproducing apparatus
Recording reservation information of a plurality of programs is grouped and at least the latest program among the programs recorded on the basis of the reservation information is left on a recording medium. Therefore, a program information registration unit to register a plurality of items of recording reservation information as groups and a reserved program recording control unit to record the reserved programs onto the recording medium and leave at least the latest program among the programs recorded on the recording medium to delete the others on the basis of the reservation information. |
| US07822316B2 |
Digital video recorder to be connected to DV camcorder via IEEE 1394 serial bus
A DVD recorder acquires a time code from a DV camcorder that is in process of rewinding a DV tape in response to a rewind command, and calculates a difference between a current rewind position and a beginning position on the DV tape. When the difference is smaller than a first reference value, the DVD recorder changes a command to be issued to the DV camcorder into a step reverse command. Subsequently, the DVD recorder acquires time codes before and after the DV camcorder executes a step reverse operation, and compares the two time codes. When no change is found between the two time codes six consecutive times as a result of comparisons, the DVD recorder determines that the DV tape in the DV camcorder has been completely rewound. This allows the DVD recorder to correctly recognize the completion of the rewind of the DV tape in the DV camcorder. |
| US07822308B2 |
Optical waveguide film, optical substrate, and methods for manufacturing the same
An optical waveguide film includes a clad layer having an adhesive function; and a core layer covered by the clad layer. |
| US07822305B2 |
Optical transmission assembly
An optical transmission assembly consists of an upper cladding; a lower cladding; a specified width core formed between the upper cladding and the lower cladding; a surface light emitting device mounted on an upper surface of the upper cladding, a light emitting surface of the surface light emitting device facing the core; a reflective surface formed at a position in the core facing the light emitting surface of the surface light emitting device, and inclined in a longitudinal direction of the core; a shift area formed by which a beam from the light emitting surface of the surface light emitting device and the reflective surface are shifted in a width direction of the core relative to each other; and a light receiving device mounted on a lower surface of the lower cladding, a light receiving surface of the light receiving device facing the light emitting surface of the surface light emitting device through the shift area. |
| US07822303B2 |
Optical wavelength selective router
A fiber-optical, wavelength selective switch, especially for channel routing with equalization and blocking applications. The input signals are converted to light beams having predefined polarizations (41). The beams are then laterally expanded (43), and then undergo spatial dispersion in the beam expansion plane. The different wavelength components are directed through a polarization rotation device, pixilated along the wavelength dispersion direction such that each pixel operates on a separate wavelength. Each beam is passed into a pixilated beam steering array (48), for directing each wavelength to a desired output port. The beam steering devices can be MEMS-based or Liquid crystal-based, or an LCOS array. When the appropriate voltage is applied to a pixel and its associated beam steering element, the polarization of the light passing through the pixel is rotated and the beam steered to couple to the selected output port. |
| US07822299B2 |
Optical power modulation vital sign detection method and measurement device
A vital sign measurement device includes a sensor fixation device, a sensor frame held by the sensor fixation device, an optical sensing system 104 held by the sensor frame, and an output unit. The sensor fixation device is adapted to be placed against an anatomical location of a subject, within which is an artery. The optical sensing system 104 includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device to supply optical energy to the optical waveguide, and an optical detector to detect an amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The optical sensing system 104 is adapted to sense an arterial pulse from the compression or flexing of at least a portion of the optical waveguide resulting in reduction of the amount of light exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the amount of light exiting the optical waveguide and to generate a measure of the vital sign based at least in part on the received signal. |
| US07822295B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image searching method, and program
A processing apparatus and method for selecting images, the apparatus and method including displaying a catalog of a plurality of images on an image display device, obtaining information when at least one image is selected from the plurality of displayed images, the information relating to an image corresponding to the selected image, and displaying a menu on the image display device in association with the selected image, the menu including an option for executing searching based on the obtained information. |
| US07822289B2 |
Locally adapted hierarchical basis preconditioning
A “Finite Element Preconditioner” provides locally adapted hierarchical basis functions for preconditioning large data optimization problems. For example, a few of the many typical graphics applications that make use of iterative optimization solutions include tone mapping, gradient domain blending, colorization, and scattered data interpolation. Preconditioning image data for such optimization problems allows those image optimization problems to be solved using less computational overhead and therefore to produce better quality image outputs with less computational overhead. The Finite Element Preconditioner evaluates data, such as image data, to adapt hierarchical basis functions to inhomogeneous problems for preconditioning large optimization problems. Specifically, the Finite Element Preconditioner evaluates the local structure of a coefficient matrix derived from the data and performs a recursive set of variable eliminations, combined with a simplification of the resulting coarse level problems to obtain bases better suited for problems with inhomogeneous (spatially varying) data, smoothness, and boundary constraints. |
| US07822283B2 |
System and method for arithmetic encoding and decoding
An arithmetic encoder is provided for converting an event sequence comprised of a plurality of events to an information sequence comprised of at least one information piece, and includes a core engine for receiving an event of the event sequence, and a probability estimate from a probability estimator, and generating zero or more pieces of the information sequence responsive to the received event and the probability estimate by bounding the ratio of events to information pieces. An arithmetic encoder is provided that is capable of constraining a number of events in at least one event sequence as a function of the number of generated information pieces in at least one information sequence. An arithmetic decoder is provided for converting an information sequence comprised of at least one information piece to an event sequence comprised of a plurality of events, and includes a core engine for processing at least one information piece of the information sequence from the sequencer responsive to a probability estimate received from a probability estimator to generate at least one event by accounting for a bounded ratio of events to information pieces in the information sequence. |
| US07822282B2 |
Moving image coding apparatus, moving image decoding apparatus, control method therefor, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium
This technique prevents errors from being gradually accumulated on the decoding side, while maintaining high scalability, even when transformation to subbands as a plurality of frequency components is used for moving image coding. The image data of one input frame is decomposed into a plurality of subbands having different frequency components by a discrete wavelet transformation unit. A lower bitplane coding unit codes, for each bitplane, predetermined lower bits of each coefficient data of a subband LL and the coefficient data of subbands other than the subband LL. The data of the upper bits of the subband LL is stored in a frame memory. A motion vector detection unit detects a predicted value and motion vector on the basis of the decoded data of the subband LL in a preceding frame. A subtracter obtains the difference between the detected predicted value and the current frame. |
| US07822279B2 |
Apparatus and method for encoding and decoding multi-view picture using camera parameter, and recording medium storing program for executing the method
An apparatus and method for encoding and decoding a multi-view picture using a camera parameter are provided. The multi-view moving picture encoding apparatus includes: a multi-view picture receiver which receives the multi-view picture and a plurality of camera parameters; a camera parameter information setting unit which selects a camera parameter to be used for encoding the multi-view picture from among the plurality of the received camera parameters, and sets information which indicates the selected camera parameter; and an encoder which encodes the multi-view picture on the basis of the set information. Therefore, it is possible to enhance multi-view picture encoding efficiency. |
| US07822278B1 |
Methods and apparatus for encoding a digital video signal
The invention provides a non-intrusive method and apparatus for encoding a digitized raster display signal which may then be transmitted from a host computer system to a remote display across a communications link. Hash codes are used to detect persistent blocks of pixels in a real-time digital raster signal generated by the host computer. A progressive encoding and transmission sequence is then initiated, using parameters such as bandwidth availability and build quality requirements to determine suitable encoding methods and build levels. |
| US07822276B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing body fluids
A system and method for analyzing a specimen containing particles that can be difficult to differentiate. The system and method determines a first collective count of a selected group of particles in the specimen, treats at least a portion of the specimen to alter a subgroup of the selected group of particles, determines a second collective count of any of the selected group of particles in the treated portion of the specimen, and subtracts the second collective count from the first collective count to determine a differentiation count for the subgroup of particles altered by the treating of the specimen. The system and method is described with the example of determining concentrations of red and white blood cells in a specimen (e.g. spinal fluid), using auto-particle recognition techniques, without attempting to distinguish and count red versus white blood cells co-existing in the same specimen portion. |
| US07822274B2 |
Banded graph cut segmentation algorithms with laplacian pyramids
A process for segmenting an object of interest from background, comprising: obtaining a master, high-resolution image of an object disposed within a background; applying a first band graph cut process to the master image generating a second image with the object being segmented from the background to a first approximation; and, comparing the second image with the master image to produce a comparison image with pixels identified by the comparison to be background images being removed from the comparison image. |
| US07822273B1 |
Method and apparatus for automatic corrosion detection via video capture
In order to prevent human injury during the inspection of tanks carrying caustic material this device has been created which will allow a tank to be inspected remotely. A camera is used to take an image of the tank surface and software is incorporated into the method that will analyze the surface of the tank for certain corrosion characteristics. This data is complied in an easily readable for the operator. |
| US07822272B2 |
Adaptive histogram equalization for images with strong local contrast
The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and computer program product for contrast enhancement of images based on adaptive histogram equalization. In particular it relates to preventing adaptive histogram equalization from causing fading artifacts and object extension artifacts. An adaptive histogram equalization method is provided comprising the steps of dividing an image into regions of pixels, determining structures of local pixel value differences of a predefined strength of the image, building for every region a histogram of the pixel values based on the determined structures of local pixel value differences and mapping pixel values of each region based on the histogram corresponding to the region. |
| US07822270B2 |
Multimedia color management system
A color management system is described herein. Various embodiments of a method described herein can include receiving source color content that is associated with a source device, and transforming the source color content into destination color content for rendering on one or more destination devices. Various embodiments of an apparatus described herein can include a color infrastructure transformation engine that further includes a sequential transform component, which is adapted to receive source color content and to create a transform to facilitate mapping the source color content to destination color content. The color infrastructure transformation engine can also include a transform optimization component that is adapted to receive the transform and to create an optimized transform table based on the transform, and a transform execution component that is adapted to receive the optimized transform table and to generate the destination color content based thereon. |
| US07822269B2 |
Projector color correcting method
When a projection plane is not uniform due to colors and patterns on the projection plane and ambient environmental light, a reproduced image projected by a projector is made to appear in desired colors. A color correcting apparatus is used, comprising association unit (21), association storage memory 22, color information acquisition unit (23), color conversion calculation unit (23), color conversion storage memory (25), and color correction unit (26). Association unit (21) acquires captured image (7) generated by capturing image (5) projected onto projection plane (2) to establish an association between pixels of image (5) and pixels of captured image (7). Association storage memory (22) records the association. Color information acquisition unit (23) acquires second color information as color information for each pixel of the captured image. Color conversion calculation unit (23) calculates a color conversion for each pixel of the image based on first color information, second color information, and the association. Color conversion storage memory (25) records the color conversion. Color correction unit (26) corrects the input image for colors on a pixel-by-pixel basis using the color conversion. |
| US07822266B2 |
System and method for generating a terrain model for autonomous navigation in vegetation
The disclosed terrain model is a generative, probabilistic approach to modeling terrain that exploits the 3D spatial structure inherent in outdoor domains and an array of noisy but abundant sensor data to simultaneously estimate ground height, vegetation height and classify obstacles and other areas of interest, even in dense non-penetrable vegetation. Joint inference of ground height, class height and class identity over the whole model results in more accurate estimation of each quantity. Vertical spatial constraints are imposed on voxels within a column via a hidden semi-Markov model. Horizontal spatial constraints are enforced on neighboring columns of voxels via two interacting Markov random fields and a latent variable. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
| US07822261B2 |
Board inspecting apparatus, its parameter setting method and parameter setting apparatus
For each teaching image, a plurality of patterns of color pickup regions each include a first region for picking up a color of a first part and a second region for picking up a color of a second part are set, the color of each pixel in the first region and the color of each pixel in the second region are mapped as a target point and an exclusion point respectively, to a color space for each of the patterns of the color pickup regions, a degree in separation between a target point distribution and an exclusion point distribution in the color space is calculated for each of the patterns of the color pickup regions, a pattern of a color pickup region having a maximum degree in separation is selected, a color range which divides the color space and has the largest difference between the number of target points and the number of exclusion points in the selected pattern therein is found, and the found color range is set as a color condition used in a board inspecting process. |
| US07822260B2 |
Edge inspection
A semiconductor inspection tool comprises an edge top camera for obtaining images of a top edge of a wafer, an edge normal camera for obtaining images of a normal edge of the wafer, and a controller for receiving the images of the top edge of the wafer and the images of the normal edge of the wafer and for analyzing the images of the top edge of the wafer and the images of the normal edge of the wafer for wafer edge defects. |
| US07822257B2 |
Observation apparatus and observation method
An observation apparatus includes an incident-light illumination optical system, a transmitting illumination optical system, an imaging unit, an input device, a storage unit, an imaging controller, a microscope controller, an imaging information management unit. The imaging information management unit compares an area position, of an imaging area of the imaging unit, indicated by position information input from the input device with an area position stored in the storage unit to determine whether the area position indicated by the position information is stored in the storage unit. When the area position is not stored in the storage unit, the imaging controller controls the imaging unit to image the specimen and to generate an observation image, and stores the observation image in the storage unit. The microscope controller controls one of the optical systems to illuminate the specimen only during an imaging period, when the imaging unit images the specimen. |
| US07822255B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation of an x-ray image
In a method and an apparatus for generation of an x-ray image of an examination subject, a subject image region exclusively reproducing the examination subject is identified in the image field of a first, complete x-ray image. A grayscale value range is identified in an intermediate image encompassing the entire image field and derived from the first x-ray image by digital image processing; and all image points whose grayscale value in the intermediate image lie within this grayscale value range are associated with the subject image region. |
| US07822252B2 |
Method of multiple instance learning and classification with correlations in object detection
A method for detecting an object within a structure includes performing tobogganing on image data to obtain one or more voxel clusters and to provide a rough indication of the structure. Each of the obtained voxel clusters is characterized as an object candidate and a set of features are determined for each object candidate. Correlations between pairs of the object candidates are measured. Each of the object candidates is classified as either a true object or a non-object based on the set of features and the measured correlations. |
| US07822250B2 |
Method and apparatus for ultrasonic imaging in mmode
An mmode imaging method and apparatus for an ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided to increase the continuity of displayed mmode images. An mmode imaging method performed by an ultrasonic diagnosis device selects sample points on frames of bmode images, converts bmode data of the sample points obtained from the frames of bmode images into converted mmode data, produces interpolated mmode data based on the echo data of corresponding sample points on at least two different frames, and images at least a portion of the mmode data in time sequence. |
| US07822249B2 |
Systems and methods for high-throughput radiation biodosimetry
Systems and methods for high-throughput radiation biodosimetry are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a high-throughput methods of analyzing a population for radiation exposure can include, in various possible sequences: marking a first capillary designed to retain a first sample from the population with a first identifier; transporting a plurality of samples to a biodosimetry system; inputting the samples into the biodosimetry system; centrifuging the plurality of samples including the first sample wherein each sample can be retained in a capillary and the first sample can be retained in the first capillary; transferring the plurality of capillaries including the first capillary from the centrifuge to a cutting device using a robotic device; cutting the first capillary; reading the first identifier; transferring at least one portion of the first sample from the first capillary to a well in an array, wherein the array can include one or more filters in a multi-well plate; correlating the first identifier to a location of the array that includes the at least one portion of the first sample; one or more cycles of biological processing, which can include addition of a reagent and/or incubation of a selected temperature such as, for example, 37° C., 4° C., room temperature, and the like; sealing the array; positioning the array adjacent to an imaging element; focusing the imaging element; capturing an image of the first sample in the array; and analyzing the image to determine whether the first sample indicates a level of radiation exposure exceeding a predetermined threshold. |
| US07822248B2 |
Endoscope processor, computer program product, and endoscope system
An endoscope processor comprising a signal receiver and a standard value calculator is provided. The signal receiver receives an image signal generated based on an optical image captured at a light receiving surface on an imaging device. The image signal comprises a plurality of pixel signals generated by a plurality of pixels according to amounts of received light. A plurality of the pixels are arranged on the light receiving surface. The standard value calculator calculates a standard value using a focused pixel signal and surrounding pixel signals. The surrounding pixel signals are the pixel signals of surrounding pixels. The surrounding pixels surround the focused pixel. The standard value is used for carrying out signal processing on the focused pixel signal. |
| US07822247B2 |
Endoscope processor, computer program product, endoscope system, and endoscope image playback apparatus
An endoscope processor comprising a signal receiver, an average calculator, a difference calculator, an emphasizer, a synthesizer, and an output block is provided. The signal receiver receives an image signal generated by an imaging device. The image signal comprises a plurality of pixel signals. The average calculator calculates a signal average value. The difference calculator calculates a signal difference value. The emphasizer calculates an emphasized value by multiplying the signal difference value by a predetermined gain. The synthesizer generates an emphasized image signal, in which the pixel signal for each pixel is replaced with the sum of the emphasized value for each pixel and the signal average value. |
| US07822246B2 |
Method, a system and a computer program for integration of medical diagnostic information and a geometric model of a movable body
The system 10 comprises an input 2 for accessing the suitable input data. The core of the system 10 is formed by a processor 4 which is arranged to operate the components of the system 10, it being the input 2, a computing unit 5, a working memory 6. The computing unit 5 preferably comprises a suitable number of executable subroutines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, and 5f to enable a constructing of a geometric model of the movable body based on the results of the segmentation step, finding a spatial correspondence between the first and second image dataset, mapping the texture image dataset on geometric model, fusing the geometric model and the mapped texture image dataset. The apparatus 10 according to the invention further comprises a coder 7 arranged to code the determined region of interest in accordance to a pre-selected criterion. The criterion may be selectable from a list of valid criteria, stored in a file 7a. Preferably, the coder 7, the computing unit 5 and the processor 4 are operable by a computer program 3, preferably stored in memory 8. An output 9 is used for outputting the results of the processing, like fused image data representing the textured, preferably animated geometric model of the movable body. The invention further relates to a method for integration of medical diagnostic information and a geometric model of a movable body and to a computer program. |
| US07822244B2 |
Segmenting medical image data sets
A method for segmenting a body structure image data set produced from a medical imaging method includes: using a reference data set to define delineated body structures in the body structure image data set; and ascertaining an overall mapping function that substantially maps a reference data set onto the body structure image data set, wherein the overall mapping function comprises a portion that includes a dissection of the body structure image data set into structural parts and their individual rearrangement, and a portion which includes a global deformation and/or shift of the body structures. |
| US07822242B2 |
Image processing apparatus for reducing noise from image
An image processing apparatus is provided for reducing noise from an original image consisting of digital image data. The apparatus has an information calculator, smoothed image producer, weighting-factor calculator, and weighting adder. The information calculator calculates information in relation to a pixel-value change representing a degree that becomes larger with a spatial change in a pixel value averaged each predetermined area on the original image. The smoothed image producer produces a smoothed image by smoothing the original image. The weighting-factor calculator calculates a weighting factor depending on the calculated information in relation to the pixel-value change. The weighting adder mutually performing, using the weighting factor, weighting addition with either the original image or an image modulated from the original image and the produced smoothed image. |
| US07822238B2 |
Method, system, and program product for transforming a biometric image
The invention provides a method, system, and program product for transforming a multi-dimensional biometric feature point set. More particularly, the invention provides a method for transforming a biometric image using surface folding of the image. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for transforming a multi-dimensional biometric feature point set, the method comprising: converting the multi-dimensional biometric feature point set to a canonical position and orientation; applying a non-invertible transform function to each of a plurality of points of the biometric feature point set; and providing a transformed biometric feature point set comprising a plurality of transformed points. |
| US07822234B2 |
Perfecting the effect of flash within an image acquisition devices using face detection
Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image. |
| US07822233B2 |
Method and apparatus for organizing digital media based on face recognition
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for organizing digital media, particularly digital photos, using face recognition. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-based method for organizing digital photos comprises: extracting objects of interest from a plurality of photographs; cropping said plurality of photographs to generate images of isolated objects of interest; applying a recognition algorithm to determine the similarity of isolated objects of interest with a reference; displaying a plurality of objects arranged as a function of the determined similarity; and receiving user input to associate said objects with a particular classification. |
| US07822221B2 |
Speaker device
A speaker device includes a terminal member, a voice coil bobbin, and a connecting member mounted on the voice coil bobbin. The connecting member has a terminal mounting part. A pair of claw part and hook-shaped projecting part is provided on an upper end portion of the terminal mounting part, and a mounting base having a groove is provided on a lower end portion thereof. A projecting part and an opening are provided at the upper end portion of the terminal member, and a mounting part is provided at the lower end portion thereof. The projecting part has a function to move the upper end portion of the terminal member to a circumferential direction of the connecting member. |
| US07822219B2 |
Cartilage displacing bead, ridge, or key projection
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an in-the-ear-canal device comprising: an insertion element; and at least one non-circumferential protrusion, where the at least one non-circumferential protrusion is operatively connected to a surface of the insertion element and provides a stabilizing force for maintaining the position of the insertion element in an ear canal. |
| US07822217B2 |
Hearing assistance systems for providing second-order gradient directional signals
Systems, devices and methods are provided for diotically presenting second-order gradient directional hearing aid signals. The present subject matter provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and presents a desired directional signal to each ear. One aspect is a hearing aid system. In one embodiment, the system includes a first microphone system in a first device and a second microphone system in a second device. The first microphone system has a first output signal, and the second microphone system has a second output signal. Each output signal includes a first-order directional signal. The system further includes a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit. The combination of the first output signal and the second output signal provides a diotic presentation of a second-order gradient signal to both the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. Other aspects are provided herein. |
| US07822213B2 |
System and method for estimating speaker's location in non-stationary noise environment
A system and method to estimate a location of a speaker who produces a sound signal even in a non-stationary noise environment. The system includes a signal input module receiving a first sound signal from an outside; an initialization module preparing a sound map, on which a spatial spectrum for the first sound signal, produced from at least one fixed sound source and received by the signal input module, is arranged, and estimating a location of the fixed sound source; a storage module storing information about the estimated location of the fixed sound source; and a speaker's location estimation module estimating a location where a second sound signal is produced using information about the spatial spectrum for sound signals including the first sound signal received by the signal input module and the information about the estimated location of the fixed sound source. |
| US07822212B2 |
Method and system for amplifying auditory sounds
This invention relates to a system for amplifying a sound in an auditory environment. The system comprises a microphone for transforming said sound to an electric sound signal; a band-pass filtering means connecting to said microphone and outputting a filtered sound signal; and an amplifier amplifying said filtered sound signal and outputting a filtered and amplified sound signal to a loudspeaker. The band-pass filtering means comprises a passive first filter having a first bandwidth and first gain, an active second filter having a second bandwidth and a second gain larger than said first gain, and an active third filter having a third bandwidth and a third gain larger than said second gain. |
| US07822206B2 |
Systems and methods for management and auto-generation of encryption keys
Systems, methods and media for managing and generating encryption keys are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor executes encryption key processing computer code to receive requests for keys from an application program. The processor determines whether the requesting application program executes on a node or server that is within the scope of machines authorized to receive the requested keys. If authorized, the processor produces a key map and sends the key map to the application program, enabling the application program to access one or more keys in the key map. The keys are updated automatically according to a specifiable schedule. |
| US07822201B2 |
Methods and apparatus for persistent control and protection of content
A novel method and apparatus for protection of streamed media content is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes control means for governance of content streams or content objects, decryption means for decrypting content streams or content objects under control of the control means, and feedback means for tracking actual use of content streams or content objects. The control means may operate in accordance with rules received as part of the streamed content, or through a side-band channel. The rules may specify allowed uses of the content, including whether or not the content can be copied or transferred, and whether and under what circumstances received content may be “checked out” of one device and used in a second device. The rules may also include or specify budgets, and a requirement that audit information be collected and/or transmitted to an external server. In a different aspect, the apparatus may include a media player designed to call plugins to assist in rendering content. A “trust plugin” is disclosed, along with a method of using the trust plugin so that a media player designed for use with unprotected content may render protected content without the necessity of requiring any changes to the media player. In one aspect, the streamed content may be in a number of different formats, including MPEG-4, MP3, and the RMFF format. |
| US07822200B2 |
Method and system for asymmetric key security
Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may include a method and system for creating pair-wise security keys, comprising receiving an identity key from a website, generating a master key, creating a pair-wise symmetric key or asymmetric key pair by utilizing an encryption function of the identity key and the master key, and storing the pair-wise public or symmetric key at the client and the website. |
| US07822198B2 |
Parallel encryptor and decryptor
An encryptor/decryptor which receives a continuous parallel data stream either in a single-ended TTL or a Low Voltage Differential Signaling format. The encryptor/decryptor selectively encrypts or decrypts the incoming data stream, using an LVDS encryptor/decryptor and then outputs the data stream in either a LVDS or TTL parallel format. |
| US07822197B2 |
Optimization methods for the insertion, protection, and detection of digital watermarks in digital data
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed. According to another embodiment, a method for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding digital watermarks comprises: (1) providing a digital signal; (2) providing a digital filter to be applied to the digital signal; and (3) identifying an area of the digital signal that will be affected by the digital filter based on at least one measurable difference between the digital signal and a counterpart of the digital signal selected from the group consisting of the digital signal as transmitted, the digital signal as stored in a medium, and the digital signal as played backed. According to another embodiment, a method for encoding a watermark in a content signal includes the steps of (1) splitting a watermark bit stream; and (2) encoding at least half of the watermark bit stream in the content signal using inverted instances of the watermark bit stream. Other methods and systems for encoding/decoding digital watermarks are also disclosed. |
| US07822195B2 |
Telephone interface circuit
A telephone interface circuit comprises a first transistor for controlling opening and closing between a speech circuit and subscriber lines, a second transistor for controlling the first transistor to turn on and off, a positive feedback circuit connecting a collector terminal of the first transistor and a base terminal of the second transistor, an overcurrent detection circuit detecting overcurrent applied to the subscriber lines, and a breaker circuit for turning off the first transistor by lowering the base potential of the second transistor to a low potential when overcurrent is detected at the overcurrent detection circuit. Here, the base terminal of the first transistor and a collector terminal of the second transistor are connected. Further, when off-hook, the base potential of the second transistor is controlled in such a manner as to become a high potential by a microcomputer. |
| US07822194B2 |
Method and system for low delay echo cancelling
The present invention relates to an audio communication system and method with improved acoustic characteristics. It combines the benefits from full band echo cancellers and sub-band echo cancellers, by merging the filter taps of sub-band filters into the respective full-band filter taps, which is being used to generate the inverted echo estimate in the echo canceller. |
| US07822190B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for debugging a live telephone call
A method of debugging a telephone call can include, using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) formatted messages, initiating a debug session between a debugger and a call server for a telephone call established over at least a portion of a packet-switched network. A debug function can be invoked within the call server as specified by a SIP formatted message originating from the debugger. The method further can include determining fault information pertaining to the telephone call using the debug function and sending a SIP formatted response from the call server to the debugger. |
| US07822189B2 |
Searching multiple directories and generating a sorted integrated directory
Embodiments for searching multiple directories are described. The searching includes remote searching and local searching. Local searching is performed against the local integrated phonebook on a client device. In contrast, remote searching is performed against one or more directories or directory types of an enterprise server (e.g. corporate directory, etc.). The local directory on the client device therefore effectively functions like a cache of information of one or more of the directories of the enterprise server, where the cache is stored locally on the client device. |
| US07822188B1 |
Methods and apparatus for providing expanded telecommunications service
The present invention provides flexible call processing. For example, a call processor system can receive an inbound call intended for a called party and place an outbound call to the called party. The call processing system can provide the called party with a call transfer option. |
| US07822184B2 |
Call hold signaling
One or more elements in a telecommunications network (10, 10′ and 10″) receive a call hold-initiating message when a first party places a second party to the call on hold, and in doing so, triggers a call hold event in the network. In response to the call hold-initiating message, the network element may take one or more actions, including releasing one or more network resources and/or providing a service to the second party during the period the call remains on hold. Upon resumption of the call, the network will re-acquire the resources that had been previously released. |
| US07822183B1 |
Converting a toll calling area to an extended area service
Converting a toll calling area to an extended area service (EAS) is provided. The present invention allows customer, regional, and equipment data to be collected into a computing device with a set of assumptions. The data is processed using calculations, regression analysis, and statistics to provide a migration plan in an automatic manner. Results may be derived from the various information detailing an impact of migrating to an EAS. |
| US07822181B2 |
Radiation collimator
A radiation collimator for use in either radiation-emitting devices (e.g., radiation therapy) or radiation-sensing imagery devices (i.e., gamma/X-ray cameras) is disclosed. The collimator's interior surface is basically a cylinder or a truncated cone, whereas its exterior shape is generated by the revolution of the graph of a function about the cylinder's symmetry axis, that function being determined such that the attenuation in the center of the sensor is constant as seen from any direction. The collimator is a body of revolution. The said collimator improves collimation and image resolution when compared to cylindrical, pinhole, laminar, or to other art collimators. |
| US07822180B2 |
Methods and apparatus for battery powered devices
A method includes automatically determining a specific mobile device to use from a plurality of mobile devices based on at least one of a battery metric, a patient procedure, and a location of the devices or of the patient. |
| US07822177B2 |
Back-reflection X-ray crystallography method and system
Provided is a method and system for back-reflection X-ray diffraction of a specimen that yields the orientation of a crystalline sample in a quick and an automated way. The method includes setting an approximate pre-selected X-ray detector to specimen distance, subjecting the specimen to X-rays, recording the Laue diffraction pattern, calculating the Miller indices of a fraction of the spots in the resulting pattern, averaging the Miller indices, moving a virtual representation of the specimen by a small amount along a line connecting the film to the specimen, changing the film-to-specimen distance, repeating the calculation, averaging and moving in small angular steps until the virtual representation of the specimen has been moved through a small distance range and best fits to the observed data, and determining the optimum film-to-specimen distance resulting in the smallest average Miller index. |
| US07822176B2 |
Treatment-speed regulated tumor-tracking
A system and method for delivering radiation treatment to a moving target within a patient according to a preprogrammed treatment plan including determining a difference between a surrogate signal representing a physical characteristic associated with said patient's actual breathing pattern during radiation treatment delivery and a tracking signal representing a physical characteristic associated with said patient's expected breathing pattern during radiation treatment delivery, and regulating a speed of delivery of said radiation treatment based on said determined difference. |
| US07822175B2 |
Portable orthovoltage radiotherapy
A portable orthovoltage radiotherapy system is described that is configured to deliver 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, the ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the ocular structures inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the ocular structures within the coordinate system. |
| US07822174B2 |
Cryotomography x-ray microscopy state
An x-ray microscope stage enables alignment of a sample about a rotation axis to enable three dimensional tomographic imaging of the sample using an x-ray microscope. A heat exchanger assembly provides cooled gas to a sample during x-ray microscopic imaging. |
| US07822173B2 |
Smart radiation detector module
An ionizing radiation detector module (22) includes a detector array (200), a memory (202), signal processing electronics (208), a communications interface (210), and a connector (212). The memory contains detector performance parameters (204) and detector correction algorithms (206). The signal processing electronics (208) uses the detector performance parameters (204) to correct signals from the detector array (200) in accordance with the detector correction algorithms (206). |
| US07822166B2 |
Fuel assembly for a boiling water reactor
A fuel assembly for a boiling water reactor contains a plurality of fuel rods maintained laterally by spacers and surrounded by a fuel assembly case. The outer walls of a spacer are provided with projecting elements that maintain a minimum space between the outer surface of the spacer and the fuel assembly case, the opening span of a spacer being smaller than the internal width of the fuel assembly case. The fuel assembly is characterized in that the spacer is maintained in an off-center position by a force acting laterally thereon such that an external space located between an outer surface of the spacer associated with the outer surface of a central cell and the fuel assembly case is narrower than an internal gap opposite the external space and oriented towards the center or towards a control element disposed at the center. |
| US07822165B2 |
Nuclear fuel assembly debris filter bottom nozzle
A debris filter bottom nozzle for a nuclear fuel assembly having a support skirt and a top plate. The top nozzle plate has defined therethrough a plurality of flow holes. The axial bore through each flow hole is contoured as a venture. Preferably, the venturi is formed with a double chamfered inlet. |
| US07822163B2 |
Frame synchronization using accumulated summation
A technique for synchronizing a device for communication is based on an accumulated sum of values or absolute values. The absolute value can be of either the sum or difference of a plurality of symbols. In one embodiment, the absolute values of the sum or difference of three symbol pairs are accumulated, and the accumulated total compared to a threshold value to determine whether the symbols are at the end of a predetermined sequence of symbols. When the comparison to the threshold value is positive, the three symbol pairs are the last six symbols in the predetermined sequence. In practice, the invention can be implemented in a number of different environments including, for example, in a WiMedia MBOA network environment. In the WiMedia MBOA environment, the predetermined sequence can comprise the preamble of a WiMedia MBOA packet. |
| US07822161B2 |
Impulse radio-based ultra wideband (IR-UWB) system using 1-bit digital sampler and bit decision window
An impulse radio-based ultra wideband communication system, using an ultra wideband impulse and a 1-bit high-speed digital sampler, includes a transmitting RF module, a receiving RF module, a signal recovery unit, a transmitting signal processor, a receiving signal processor, and an ultra wideband antenna. The transmitting RF module includes an integrated impulse generator capable of implementing on-off-keying modulation and pulse position modulation, and an amplifier for amplifying output of the integrated impulse generator. The receiving RF module includes a two stage envelope detector for detecting a received signal and a comparator for converting the detected signal into a rectangular pulse. The signal recovery unit restores the signal from the receiving RF module to a digital signal using the 1-bit digital sampler. The signal processor includes a receiving signal processor for synchronizing the digital signal and decoding the detected signal. The ultra wideband antenna transmits and receives an ultra wideband signal. |
| US07822148B2 |
MIMO-adapted distributed antenna system
Methods and systems for carrying different signals required for MIMO communication using a single coaxial cable between two endpoints of a distributed antenna system (DAS) network. Original MIMO signals having the same frequency are frequency-separated at a first endpoint of the network. The frequency-separated signals are propagated together over the single coaxial cable and then reconstructed to their original frequency at a second endpoint of the network. |
| US07822143B2 |
Systems and method for transfering digital data and transfering parallel digital data in a serial data stream including clock information
The present invention provides a data transfer system including a data transmitter and a data receiver. The data transmitter converts a plurality of bits of transmission parallel data into serial data and generates a multi-level logic signal representing a plurality of bits of information in one symbol, the information being obtained by combining the serial data with a word clock as one-bit information. The word clock indicates a word delimiter in the serial data. The data receiver receives the transmitted multi-level logic signal, extracts the serial data and the word clock from the signal, and reproduces the parallel data based on the extracted word clock. In the data transfer system, a multi-bit digital signal can be transmitted as one signal including a word clock. Thus, components and mounting space to be allocated to transfer can be reduced. |
| US07822138B2 |
Calculating apparatus and method for use in a maximum likelihood detector and/or decoder
A calculator for use in a maximum likelihood detector, including: a receiver for receiving convolution encoded data which may include noise; first calculator for calculating a first component of a first path metric difference between two possible sequences of states corresponding to the convolution encoded data, the two sequences each having a length equal to a constraint length of the convolution encoded data, and the two sequences starting at a same state and ending at a same state, adapted to calculate the first component using the convolution-encoded data and using convolution encoding parameters of the convolution-encoded data, wherein the first component is independent of the two sequences; and second calculator for calculating a second component of the first path metric difference using the two sequences, wherein the second component is independent of the convolution encoded data; and using the first and second components to obtain the first path metric difference. |
| US07822137B2 |
System and method for symbol rate estimation using vector velocity
A system and method for symbol rate estimation using vector velocity that does not require any prior knowledge of the signal's structure and is accurate in the presence of frequency offset and noise. An input signal is converted to a symbol constellation path signal, and a velocity signal representing a velocity of the symbol constellation path signal is generated. A first frequency spectrum of the velocity signal is generated by performing a Fast Fourier transform on the velocity signal, and a maximum peak value of the first frequency spectrum, a first bin below the maximum peak value, and a second bin above the maximum peak value are identified. A Chirp-Z transform is performed on the velocity signal using the first bin and the second bin as coefficients, wherein performing the Chirp-Z transform generates a second frequency spectrum including only frequencies within the range of the first bin and the second bin, and wherein the second frequency spectrum presents a higher resolution than the first frequency spectrum. A maximum peak value of the second frequency spectrum is identified, wherein the maximum peak value of the second frequency spectrum corresponds to the symbol rate of the input signal. |
| US07822136B2 |
System and method for reducing peak-to-average power ratio for multi-carrier communication systems
The present disclosure presents a predictive signal producing method that effectively levels transmitter output power in a multi-carrier communication system and results in approaching amplifier performance normally associated with constant carrier waveforms. Embodiments of the disclosed solution offers >10 dB reduction in the peak-to-average power required to support the transmission of, for example, orthogonal frequency division modulation (“OFDM”) modulation techniques. Embodiments of the novel system and method maximize peak-to-average power ratio (“PAPR”) reduction with selective mapping and soft clipping, which may include filtering, combined. This novel approach also minimizes overhead, bit error rate, retransmissions, and increases latency as well as implementing processing cycles with a number of iterations. The disclosed system and method improves the total system DC power efficiency and provides an optimal solution for PAPR reduction in multi-carrier communication systems such as, for example, OFDM. |
| US07822126B2 |
Interference cancellation system and method
An interference cancellation system and method for a communication system comprising a data bus carrying primary signals having an A component and a non-A component are provided. The interference cancellation system has an input port, an A data extraction block and an interference cancellation circuit. The input port receives a sampled primary signal from the data bus, via an analog-front end block having sampling means. The A data extraction block extracts A data from the sampled primary signal and outputs A decoded data. The interference cancellation circuit has an interference measurement block and a cancellation block. The interference measurement block receives the A decoded data and the sampled primary signal and produces an A interference signal. The cancellation block receives the sampled primary signal and the A interference signal and subtracts the A interference signal from the sampled primary signal, producing an output signal with the A component substantially attenuated. |
| US07822124B1 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive iterative decision feedback control coding in modems
A modem employing feedback control coding to dynamically control signal-to-noise ratios and to identify errored codewords for retransmission. The receive path components of the modem include a signal-to-noise estimator, a feedback controller and a dynamic demapper. The signal-to-noise estimator repeatedly determines a difference between a target signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and actual SNR in communications received from an opposing modem. A feedback controller responds to each determination by the signal-to-noise controller to send to the opposing modem a set of modified transmit control parameters for reducing the difference between the target and actual SNRs. The dynamic demapper dynamically alters constellation size or power spectral density for demapping communications received from the opposing modem responsive to a change in transmission parameters thereof resulting from the modified set of transmit control parameters. |
| US07822123B2 |
Efficient repeat padding for hybrid video sequence with arbitrary video resolution
A video codec provides efficient repeat padding of hybrid video sequences having arbitrary video resolution. The video codec repeat pads to expand the active content of pictures in the video sequence out to meet an adaptive vertical macroblock alignment restriction that varies by picture type. For progressive type pictures, the video codec repeats the last row or horizontal boundary edge of the active content. For interlaced type pictures, the video coded repeats the last two rows (last row of each interlaced field) of the active content. This repeat padding differing by picture type provides a better prediction (lower prediction error residual) for macroblocks in following predicted frames whose motion vector points into the padded region. |
| US07822122B2 |
Method for interpolations after edge detections in de-interlacing process
Interpolations for a picture is done after edge detections in a de-interlace processor. By doing so, an amount of computing processes and a total time for the computing are saved; an efficiency of the computing is improved; and, a visual quality of the picture is enhanced. |
| US07822117B1 |
Video encoder rate control using bit usage measuring and allocating by macroblock classes
A method for video encoding is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) dividing a plurality of first macroblocks into at least two classes based on a plurality of first statistics, (B) measuring a respective number of bits used to encode the first macroblocks within each of the classes and (C) based on the measuring in step B, determining a quantization level in at least one of a plurality of second macroblocks that have yet to be encoded. |
| US07822115B2 |
Systems for generating a pulse width modulated signal
Systems in accordance with the presently claimed invention use input data to create an output pulse that is a fraction of the width of an input pulse. In some embodiments, the invention accepts input data and an input signal that has pulses of a specific frequency. In some embodiments, the invention uses a phase lock loop to create multiple signals of a higher frequency than the frequency of the input signal. Each of these multiple signals is offset by a certain phase from the other signals. In some embodiments, the invention synchronizes the input data to each of these multiple signals. The invention uses the phase difference between the multiple signals to create an output pulse as a function of the input data that is a fraction of the width of the input pulse. |
| US07822114B2 |
Decision feedback equalizer using soft decisions
A decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and method include at least two paths. Each path includes the following. An adder is configured to sum an input with a first feedback tap fed back from a different path. A latch is coupled to the adder to receive a summation signal as input. The latch includes a transparent state, and an output of the latch is employed as the first tap in a feedback path to an adder of a different path, wherein a partially resolved first tap in the feedback path is employed during the transparent state to provide a soft decision to supply correction information in advance of a hard decision of the latch. |
| US07822112B2 |
Apparatus for and method of controlling a feedforward filter of an equalizer
A method of synchronizing a feedforward filter that receives a signal resulting from the transmission of a series of symbols through a channel, wherein the series of symbols includes a predetermined sequence of symbols includes the step of developing a plurality of samples from the received symbols, wherein a sequence of samples corresponds to the predetermined sequence of symbols. The method may further include the steps of estimating a channel impulse response from the plurality of samples, wherein the channel impulse response estimate is represented by a plurality of correlation values, identifying a maximum correlation value from the plurality of correlation values, defining a window relative to the maximum correlation value, calculating a characteristic of the correlation values within the window, and synchronizing the feedforward filter in accordance with the characteristic. |
| US07822110B1 |
Eye diagram determination during system operation
A system for testing a communications link. A system includes a transmitter, a receiver, a digital communications link, and a service processor. The digital communications link includes a plurality of lanes through which the transmitter is coupled to the receiver. During an operating mode of the digital communications link and during otherwise normal system operation, the service processor (a) switches a selected one of the plurality of lanes from the operating mode to a test mode, (b) performs an eye scan of the selected lane, (c) stores data corresponding to the eye scan of the selected lane, and (d) returns the selected lane to the operating mode. |
| US07822109B2 |
Method and system for reconfigurable channel coding
Aspects of a reconfigurable system for providing channel coding in a wireless communication device are described. The aspects include a plurality of computation elements for performing channel coding operations and memory for storing programs to direct each of the plurality of computation elements. A controller controls the plurality of computation elements and stored programs to achieve channel coding operations in accordance with a plurality of wireless communication standards. The plurality of computation elements include a data reordering element, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) element, a convolutional encoder element, and a Viterbi decoder element. |
| US07822108B2 |
Code division multiple access receiver and method for processing signals thereof
The invention provides a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) receiver for sampling a received CDMA signal into a plurality of samples. The CDMA receiver comprises a sampling control module, a code generator, and a plurality of despreaders. The sampling control module delays the samples for a plurality of different delay lengths to obtain a plurality of delayed samples respectively corresponding to each of the delay lengths, and adjusts timing of a sampling trigger signal and a code generation trigger signal according to a sampling timing adjustment signal. The code generator generates a despreading code according to the code generation trigger signal. Each of the despreaders is configured for decimating the delayed samples corresponding to each delay lengths according to the sampling trigger signal to obtain a plurality of decimated delayed samples, and despreads the decimated delayed samples with the despreading code to obtain a plurality of output signals. |
| US07822106B2 |
Enhanced rake structure
A rake architecture for a frequency division duplex (FDD) and use also in TDD and TD-SCDMA type communications system, designed to significantly reduce the memory capacity required and thereby also reduce an area on the die of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) into which the memory is integrated. A single circular buffer, preferably of the shared memory type is shared by all of the rake fingers of a rake receiver to significantly reduce the hardware and software required to time align multipath signals received by a UE from a base station. This unique time alignment technique also reduces the number of code generators required to track a plurality (typically three) of base stations. |
| US07822095B2 |
Vertical cavity laser faceplate with diffraction grating
A laser having a laser cavity is disclosed that does not require conventional dielectric mirrors or as-grown reflectors. Instead, a diffraction grating and total internal reflection system is used to define a laser cavity. Within the laser cavity, the laser emission travels in a zigzag pattern. The diffraction grating provides a highly reflective “mirror” diffracting beams at a forward angle and back angle that “tunes” the process of total internal reflection. The diffraction grating also directs a small percentage of the incident radiation approximately normal to the upper face of the semiconductor (more generally, at an angle less than the critical angle), to provide an output laser beam. The laser can be used in an electron tube and laser display system. |
| US07822094B2 |
Semiconductor laser element and method for producing same
A semiconductor laser element realizes a high COD light output in broader range of reflection factor at a facet with high reliability. A semiconductor laser element has a multi-layered reflection film formed on at least one end facet of a resonator. An optical path length of each layer of said multi-layered reflection film is determined by (2m−1)·λ/4, where λ is oscillation wavelength, and m is positive integer). A high-refractive-index layer and a low-refractive-index layer are alternately stacked starting from a first layer adjacent to said semiconductor. |
| US07822093B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing the length of a laser pulse
The apparatus for extending or lengthening a laser pulse has a beam splitter. An incident laser pulse is split by the beam splitter into at least one first partial pulse and a second partial pulse. The first partial pulse is conducted through a delaying travel path section with a number of reflectors. The apparatus is characterized by a plurality of the variable delaying travel path sections which produce different length laser beam pulses from a single incident laser pulse. |
| US07822090B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an optical semiconductor element, a package including a base made of a metal for mounting the optical semiconductor element, and a cap for encapsulating the optical semiconductor element and a gas by covering the package and the optical semiconductor element. The gas encapsulated with the package has an oxygen concentration not less than 15% and less than 30% and has a dew-point not less than −15° C. and not more than −5° C. |
| US07822089B2 |
Semiconductor layer structure with superlattice
The semiconductor layer structure comprises a superlattice (9) composed of alternately stacked layers (9a, 9b) of III-V semiconductor compounds of a first composition (a) and at least one second composition (b). The layers (9a, 9b) of the superlattice (9) contain dopants in predetermined concentrations, with regard to which the concentrations of the dopants are different at least two layers of a same composition in the superlattice (9), the concentration of the dopants is graded within at least one layer (9a, 9b) of the superlattice (9), and the superlattice (9) comprises layers that are doped with different dopants or comprise at least one layer (9a, 9b) that is undoped. The electrical and optical properties of the superlattice (9) can be adapted to given requirements in the best possible manner in this way. |
| US07822085B2 |
Method of controlling a diode device for use in optical storage systems
A system and method is provided which compensates for the effects of relaxation oscillations and turn-on delays of diode laser devices. In particular, there is provided a method and system for tuning the shape of the power profile of an output optical signal and its position with respect to a channel bit clock of an optical recording system. |
| US07822083B2 |
Laser light intensity control device, laser light intensity control method, and image forming apparatus
A disclosed laser light intensity control device includes a semiconductor laser configured to scan a photoconductor by emitting laser beams and form an electrostatic latent image, a temperature detection circuit configured to detect a temperature of the semiconductor laser, a light intensity detection circuit configured to detect a light intensity of the laser beams emitted from the semiconductor laser, a first drive circuit configured to supply the semiconductor laser with a first current that drives the semiconductor laser, a second drive circuit configured to supply the semiconductor laser with a second current that is superimposed on the first current, and a control circuit configured to control the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit. |
| US07822082B2 |
Wavelength reconfigurable laser transmitter tuned via the resonance passbands of a tunable microresonator
The present invention relates to a laser transmitter capable of being configured to transmit one of a plurality of wavelengths. Specifically, the laser transmitter may be reconfigured using the resonance passbands of a tunable microresonator coupled with a fixed grating. |
| US07822079B2 |
Laser beam processing apparatus
This laser beam processing apparatus includes a fiber laser oscillator, a laser beam branching unit, a laser beam injecting unit, a fiber transmission system, a laser beam irradiating unit, and a processing table. Based on a fiber laser beam, which is oscillation-outputted from the fiber laser oscillator, the laser beam branching unit executes simultaneous multi-branching from the fiber laser beam into a plurality of branched laser beams. The laser beam injecting unit injects the branched laser beams respectively into optical fibers for transmission and the laser beam irradiating units condense and apply the branched laser beams from the optical fibers for transmission respectively to processing points. |
| US07822078B2 |
Erbium doped fibres
A method of producing green light signals, comprising coupling pump signals from at least one pump source into at least one erbium doped fiber (EDF) which cause ground state absorption (GSA), and excited state absorption (ESA) in erbium ions of the EDF, which produces green light signals, wherein the majority of the pump signals have a wavelength at which the probability of occurrence of ESA in the EDF is greater than the probability of occurrence of GSA in the EDF. The majority of the pump signals may have a wavelength in the range approximately 920 nm to approximately 980 nm, or in the region of 960 nm. An erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) (1) for amplifying traffic-carrying signals may be pumped by green light signals produced by this method. A laser which produces green light signals may be constructed, which comprises at least one EDF, coupled to at least one pump source to receive pump signals therefrom, which cause GSA, and ESA in erbium ions of the EDF, which produces green light signals, the majority of the pump signals having a wavelength at which the probability of occurrence of ESA in the EDF is greater than the probability of occurrence of GSA in the EDF. |
| US07822073B2 |
Packet flow side channel
A packet flow side channel encoder and decoder embeds and extracts a side channel communication in an overt communication data stream transmitted over a network. The encoder selects more than one group of related packets being transmitted on the network, relates a packet of one group to a packet of another group to form a pair of packets; and delays the timing of at least one packet from each pair of packets The decoder determines inter-packet delays that are the difference in timing between two packets in a pair of packets; determines at least one inter-packet delay difference between two or more determined inter-packet delays; and extracts a bit using the at least one interpacket delay difference. |
| US07822071B2 |
Method and system to enable the transport of sysplex timer protocols over generic frame procedure networks
Disclosed are a method of and system for enabling the transport of timer protocols over a generic frame procedure (GFP) network. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a defined optical initialization sequence to a GFP mapper, and using that GFP mapper to detect the optical initialization sequence and to generate a specified GFP frame to represent the initialization sequence. This specified GFP frame is recognized as a control frame for timer initialization. In a preferred embodiment, the timer protocol uses biphase encoding to encode clock data, and the method comprises the further steps of recovering clock data from a data stream that uses the biphase encoding, detecting a clock rate in that data stream, and using a look up table to map said detected clock rate into a specific code for said control frame. |
| US07822070B2 |
Bus station and system and method of maintaining synchronizing of a bus station
A bus station circuit (14) operates in an electronic system with a bus (10). The bus station determines an initial synchronization time point by detecting a synchronization signal pattern on the bus and switching to a synchronization enabled state upon detection of the synchronization signal pattern. Starting points of successive messages are determined head to tail from the end points of immediately preceding messages, when operating in the synchronization enabled state. The content of the messages is tested for validity. The bus station switches to a synchronization disabled state in response to detection of a message with invalid content. While in the synchronization disabled state, use of messages that are received is disabled in the bus station circuit. In the synchronization disabled state the bus station waits for a synchronization event to switch back to the synchronization enabled state. |
| US07822069B2 |
Phase correction for OFDM and MIMO transmissions
Techniques for performing phase correction for wireless communication are described. Received pilot symbols and received data symbols may be obtained from an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and/or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. First phase information is obtained based upon the received pilot symbols. Second phase information is obtained based upon the received data symbols. The phase of the received data symbols is corrected based upon the first and second phase information (directly and/or indirectly). For example, the phase of the received data symbols may be corrected based upon the first phase information, detection may be performed on the phase corrected data symbols to obtain estimated data symbols, the second phase information may be obtained based upon the estimated data symbols, and the phase of the estimated data symbols may be corrected based upon the second phase information. The phase correction may also be performed in other manners. |
| US07822060B2 |
Maximal resource utilization in networks
A network device includes a scheduler and a transmitter. The scheduler creates a media access plan (MAP) that has overlapping transmission opportunities and the transmitter transmits the MAP. Another network device includes a carrier sensor and a transmitter. The carrier sensor senses the availability of a network medium for transmission and the transmitter transmits data of a service during an allotted overlapping transmission opportunity if the carrier sensor indicates that the network medium is available. In another embodiment, the network device includes a unit which receives QoS parameters of at least one transmitted service from a QoS parameter determiner and a scheduler. The scheduler creates a MAP for a plurality of services to be transmitted, the scheduler defining the transmission opportunities based on their QoS parameters as received from either the parameter unit or applications providing the services. |
| US07822058B2 |
Method for transitioning between coordination modes for interfering neighbor networks
Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for establishing, managing and transitioning between network coordination modes. |
| US07822057B2 |
Method and system for keeping a fibre channel arbitrated loop open during frame gaps
A method and system for keeping an arbitrated loop open during a frame gap using a fiber channel switch element is provided. The switch element includes a port control module having a receive and transmit segment, wherein the transmit segment activates a timer whose value determines a duration during which the arbitrated loop remains open; determines if a last frame from a sequence of frames from a source port has been transmitted; modifies the timer value if a higher priority frame for transmission is unavailable; and keeps the arbitrated loop open until the timer reaches a certain value. If a higher priority frame is available for transmission before the timer value is modified then the higher priority frame is transmitted and the timer value is re-initialized. |
| US07822056B2 |
LCR switch with header compression
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: maintaining a line card activity number at each line card in the node; receiving a first packet belonging to a flow; storing, at each line card, a flow record in a line card context identifier storage, wherein the flow record contains a flow activity number being initially set equal to a current value of the line card activity number; detecting, by the second line card, a change in designation to active and changing the value of the line card activity number maintained by the second line card; receiving a second packet belonging to the flow; and transmitting, to the decompressor node, an update packet including the flow context identifier and the flow identifying information, upon determining that the flow activity number is not equal to the updated line card activity number. |
| US07822055B2 |
Fibre channel credit extender and repeater
The Fibre Channel Credit Extender (FCCE) (600) is a network device that is disposed between and connected to an end node (210) and an optical repeater (220). The FCCE (600) contains as many buffer credits as necessary, to solve bandwidth problems in a network. In a situation where maximum bandwidth is required in both directions of a link, the FCCE (600) breaks a single logical link into three physically separated “linklets.” The short-distance linklets attain maximum bandwidth by use of the existing buffer credits of the end nodes. The long-distance linklet attains maximum bandwidth by use of very high receive buffer credits in the FCCEs (600). In this way, only those links that need maximum bandwidth over distances not covered by end-node credit counts need be attached to an FCCE (600). The FCCE (600) contains the optical repeater to gain distance on that link, and contains high credit count receive buffers to gain bandwidth on the link. All other ports of the switch can have smaller and less expensive receive buffers. |
| US07822054B2 |
Method and system for performing edge to edge pseudo wire emulation of bundling interface
A method and system for performing edge to edge pseudo wire emulation of the bundling interface in telecommunication field. The method includes: assigning the sub-channel number for the established member bundling interface and negotiating the bundling parameter; forwarding the user message through the aforementioned established bundling interface; and sending the message to the corresponding member interface based on the sub-channel number. |
| US07822052B2 |
Communication processing apparatus and totalizing system
A communication processing apparatus appends group information representing a group to received communication frames. Group information to be appended to the communication frames is changed on a predetermined cycle. The communication frames processed in each processing unit are counted separately for each of the group information appended, and the count value is collected in each processing unit. With a communication processing apparatus, such as a switch and a router, which has a plurality of processing units (device), performs processing by each of the processing units on the communication frames received from a receiving unit, and transmits the processed communication frames from a transmitting unit, it is possible to realize a communication processing apparatus and a totalizing system capable of accurately counting and collecting the communication frames while performing an operation when totalizing the number of communication frames processed in each of the processing units. |
| US07822050B2 |
Buffering, pausing and condensing a live phone call
In one embodiment, a telephone locally buffers and then processes received voice data to resolve communication impediments and for other reasons. The locally buffered voice data can be, for example, tonally adjusted to accommodate a hearing deficiency of a listener, translated, transcribed, and automatically or manually slowed down to improve comprehension and for other reasons. As a result of the buffering occurring locally on the telephone, voice data originating from voicemail systems and voice menu systems may be played back for improved comprehension independently of the buffering capabilities provided by those systems. |
| US07822049B1 |
System and method for enabling a remote instance of a loop avoidance protocol
A system and method which enables a provider network to run a loop detection protocol in a customer network communicably coupled to it. The provider network runs a loop detection protocol and the customer network either runs a different protocol or none. The provider network determines its root bridge, or designated customer bridge, which is used to control loop detection decisions for the customer network. A BPDU or other protocol packet received from the customer network is tunneled through the provider network to the designated customer bridge. The designated customer network then processes the received BPDU in accordance with a loop detection instance for the customer network. The designated customer bridge then produces control messages in response to the processing and forwards those messages to the customer network. The control messages may include port state controls for ports in the customer network. |
| US07822048B2 |
System and method for policing multiple data flows and multi-protocol data flows
A system and method for policing one or more flows of a data stream of packets associated with differing transmission protocols. The current capacity level for each flow is determined, as is the packet protocol associated with each packet. A packet parameter in the packet that is indicative of the bandwidth consumption of the packet is identified. The packet parameter is converted to a predetermined format if the packet is not associated with a predetermined packet protocol. A common bandwidth capacity test is performed to determine whether the packet is conforming or non-conforming, and is a function of the packet parameter and the current bandwidth capacity level. |
| US07822046B2 |
Triggering bandwidth reservation and priority remarking
In one embodiment, a reservation proxy monitors for received connectivity check messages or beginning-of-media-flow indication messages. When either type of message is observed, the reservation proxy requests resource allocation for a media flow associated with the received message. The amount of resource allocation requested may be coordinated by exchanging messages with a call controller or policy server for one of the endpoints of the media flow, or the amount of resource allocation may be identified within the received message. |
| US07822042B2 |
Statistic multiplex transmission system
The present invention is directed to obtain a statistic multiplexing effect in an image transmission system using terminals stipulated by H.310 of an ITU-T recommendation.In a network including a first local area ATM network, a second local area ATM network and a public ATM network connected to the first and second ATM local area networks, multiplex gateway devices are interposed between the local area ATM networks and the public ATM network, respectively. The multiplex gateway apparatus includes ATM transmission line units 21 to 23 for calculating statistic information represented by a mean rate and a peak cell rate of ATM cells in the transmission ATM signal. A statistic multiplexing control unit 24 conducts rate addition after statistic multiplexing according to the statistic information and determines the rate addition result. A piece-wise constant bit rate control unit 25 calculates a required piece-wise constant bit rate on the basis of the rate addition result and performs cell multiplex control on the basis of this piece-wise constant bit rate. An ATM cell multiplexing/demultiplexing unit 26 transmits a transmission statistic multiplex signal according to cell multiplexing control. |
| US07822040B2 |
Method for increasing network transmission efficiency by increasing a data updating rate of a memory
A network interface circuit or card has a memory and a medium control module for transmitting data stored in the memory to a network. The method includes: when a packet data is transmitted (such as completely transmitted) from the memory to the medium control module, making the memory send an interrupt request such that a new packet data can be read into the memory. This results in increased data transmission efficiency in the network interface circuit. |
| US07822039B2 |
Look-up table based approach for layer combining in ISDB-T and ISDB-TSB receivers
A method of layer combining based on generating a look-up table in an Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting (ISDB) receiver includes obtaining a transmission parameter configuration, generating the look-up table based on the transmission parameter configuration, assembling a null transport stream packets and a valid transport stream packets from a plurality of layers of a multiplexing frame, and generating a completed transport packet stream using the look-up table. The receiver may generate the look-up table by at least one of generating the look-up table in real time or selecting from a look-up table set based on the transmission parameter configuration. The transmission parameter configuration may include at least one of a transmission mode, a guard interval, a modulation, and a coding rate. The look-up table may define an order of the null transport stream packets and the valid transport stream packets from the plurality of layers in the multiplexing frame. |
| US07822037B2 |
Apparatus for the reduction of uplink request processing latency in a wireless communication system
Upstream requests such a bandwidth requests, are processed by CMTS out of order on a priority basis to reduce latency in responding to the request. Specifically, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) is connected to a plurality of cable modems by a cable plant. The CMTS has a burst receiver adapted to be connected to the cable plant to process upstream data packet units and bandwidth requests transmitted by the cable modems. Each packet includes a header that uniquely distinguishes the bandwidth requests from other data types. Packet data units are arranged in a first memory queue. Bandwidth requests are arranged in a second memory queue. The headers of the packets processed by the burst receiver are inspected as they arrive at the CMTS to determine if the packets are packet data units or bandwidth requests. Packet data units are routed to the first memory queue. Bandwidth requests are routed to the second memory queue. Bandwidth allocation MAP messages are generated from the bandwidth requests stored in the second queue and transmitted downstream to the cable modems. The packet data units stored in the first queue are coupled to a data output for further distribution. |
| US07822035B2 |
Use of communication service identifiers
Disclosed is a method in an application server. A request for initiating a communication session is received, and responsive to the request including a first service identifier pertaining to a service not supported by the application server, the first service identifier is removed from the request. A response to the request is received, and responsive to having removed the first service identifier from the request and the response including a second service identifier pertaining to the same service as the first service identifier, the second service identifier is removed from the response. |
| US07822033B1 |
MAC address detection device for virtual routers
A MAC address detector for a networking device is provided, the device configured to present different virtual routers to different end users, classes of service or packets. First addressing logic provides a pool of N potential MAC addresses of the device, wherein N is an integer of one or more. Second addressing logic generates a (N+1)th potential MAC address of the device by combining a permanent or semi-permanent identifier of the device, for example, a chassis identifier, with a virtual router identifier determined responsive to the packet. Comparison logic indicates which if any of the (N+1) potential MAC addresses match the destination MAC address from the packet. Enable logic selectively activates responsive to the packet any of the (N+1) potential MAC addresses. Detection logic asserts a device address detection signal if any activated ones of the (N+1) potential MAC addresses match the destination address from the packet. |
| US07822027B2 |
Network routing to the socket
In one embodiment, detecting data traffic from a host device in a data forwarding domain, injecting a host route associated with the detected data traffic, and updating a forwarding table associated with the host route are provided. |
| US07822026B2 |
Transit devices and system including a slow protocol filter and methods of transmitting information within a transit device or system using a slow protocol filter
A transit device and system that include a first link configured to receive a plurality of packets, and a second link communicatively coupled to the first link via a slow protocol filter. The plurality of packets include a first type of packet (e.g., data packets) and a second type of packet (e.g., slow protocol control packets). The transit device also includes a slow protocol filter that couples the first link to the second link, with the slow protocol filter being coupled to a local slow protocol client (e.g., local host CPU). Moreover, the slow protocol filter is configured to receive the plurality of packets from the first link, and to determine whether each of the plurality of packets is of the first type or the second type. The slow protocol filter also is configured to transmit each of the plurality of packets that are of the first type to the second link, and to transmit each of the plurality of packets that are the second type to the local slow protocol client. The slow protocol filter is also configured to transmit packets of second type sourced by the local slow protocol client (local host CPU) to either the first or the second link based on the destination address. Thus slow protocol filter offers data path between two remote peers and the local host for exchange of commands and responses. |
| US07822025B1 |
Network device architecture for centralized packet processing
A network device architecture and method for centralized packet processing is disclosed. The network device architecture's operation includes receiving a packet from a lower-layer network device at an upper-layer network device and performing packet processing on the packet. The packet processing includes lower-layer protocol processing and upper-layer protocol processing. The packet is received irrespective of a destination of the packet. |
| US07822024B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing security and classification in a multiprocessor router
A router for interconnecting external devices coupled to the router. The router comprises: 1) a switch fabric; and 2) a plurality of routing nodes coupled to the switch fabric, wherein each of the plurality of routing nodes comprises packet processing circuitry for transmitting data packets to, and receiving data packets from, the external devices and for transmitting data packets to, and receiving data packets from, other ones of the plurality of routing nodes via the switch fabric. The packet processing circuitry comprises: i) a first network processor comprising a first plurality of microengines, each of the first plurality of microengines capable of performing security and classification functions associated with the data packets; and ii) a second network processor comprising a second plurality of microengines, each of the second plurality of microengines capable of performing security and classification functions associated with the data packets. |
| US07822023B2 |
Routing data packets through a wireless network
The present invention is concerned with a method and a system for improving the quality of service in wireless networks and in particular in dynamically changing mobile ad hoc networks. The method of routing data packets through a network depending on priority information, which is based on the bandwidth requirements of each packet and the distance to the destination. To achieve a particular quality of service, a priority indicator is used to forward each packet at each node in the network. The priority indicator being determined based on a pre-determined relation between the distance and bandwidth information. |
| US07822016B2 |
IP ACD using SIP format
A method and apparatus are provided for distributing Internet calls by an automatic contact distributor. The method includes the steps of receiving a Session Initiation Protocol INVITE by the automatic contact distributor that identifies an Internet call to be established with a client, selecting an agent to handle the Internet call and exchanging call information between the client and the selected agent through a buffer server. |
| US07822015B2 |
Method of operating systems comprising communication services
A method of operatively handling data systems that include communications services, particularly telephone and data services. A computer system executes a service in accordance with a data program and also processes log data. The computer system includes databases, at least one containing a predetermined number of transactions in the form of parts of a data program. The computer fetches from a database transactions that together form a data program for executing a service or a processing function. An interface is provided between an administrative part of the system and an all-embracing part, and an interface is also provided between an operating part of the system and the all-embracing part, wherein the interfaces are mutually the same. The all-embracing part has an executing environment such that execution therein and instructions therefrom to other parts of the system take place through the agency of the transaction. |
| US07822014B2 |
Voice communication system and a server apparatus
A voice communication system transfers voice information stored in a protocol data unit under a predetermined communication protocol over a network, and includes end voice terminals for transferring and receiving the voice information, and a management server for managing said end voice terminal. The management server includes a manager for storing subscriber information indicative of whether or not the end voice terminals are provided with the capability of predetermined broadband voice communication. A user is informed, at the latest before the user initiates a call from the end voice terminal, of whether or not a telephone set of a called party is provided with the capability of the broadband voice communication through the end voice terminal based on the subscriber information. running in a network under a predetermined communication. This increases the satisfaction of the user and allows a business model justifying charging customers to be built. |
| US07822008B2 |
Mini-slot communication protocol
Mesh communications based on a plurality of time-slots in which every time slot is associated with communications between a pair of nodes, in which at least one time-slot is associated with communications between a first node and a second node, and in which at least a second time-slot is associated with communications between the first node and a third node. The first node and the second node communicate during the at least one time-slot, while the third node awaits communications with the first node during the second time-slot. If the first node is still communicating with the second node during the second time-slot the first node does not communication with the third node. |
| US07822006B2 |
System and method for providing data to a wireless communication device
A system and method allowing a mobile device user to initiate a transaction over the most widely used network such as a CDMA or GSM network and then have the device complete the transaction over a specialized data network such as Wi-Fi. The system includes a server communicating with a wireless device that maintains indexed data from the user's original transaction to ensure integrity through the completion of the transaction. The system also includes a method for the user to purchase content, download the content and upon successful completion, have it appropriately billed. |
| US07822005B2 |
Method for providing dynamic adjustment of frame encoding parameters in a frame-based communications network
Methods and apparatus for data communication are disclosed. An example method includes encoding a first plurality of transmitting frames, where a header segment of each frame is encoded in accordance with a fixed set of header encoding parameters and a payload segment of each frame is encoded in accordance with a first set of a variable set of payload encoding parameters. The example method also includes transmitting the first plurality of transmitting frames to a receiving station and receiving a request from the receiving station to change the first set of payload encoding parameters to a second set of the variable set of payload encoding parameters. The example method further includes selecting the second set of payload encoding parameters based on the request and encoding a second plurality of transmitting frames, where a header segment of each frame of the second plurality of transmitting frames is encoded in accordance with the fixed set of header encoding parameters and a payload segment of each frame of the second plurality of transmitting frames is encoded in accordance with the second set of payload encoding parameters. The example method still further includes transmitting the second plurality of transmitting frames to the receiving station. |
| US07822004B2 |
Data transmission line establishing system between mobile telephone terminals
In a network system including a radio base station to be accommodated in a mobile telephone network through an IP network, the radio base station, when receiving a calling request from a calling terminal, specifies a called terminal of the calling request. If the called terminal can receive the calling request by using another radio base station different from the base station connected to the IP network, it is tried to establish a data communication line, in which the radio base station and the another radio base station are connected through the IP network not by way of the mobile telephone network, so as to exchange the communication data between the calling terminal and the called terminal. |
| US07822003B2 |
Method and system for providing system information in a communication network
Method and system for providing system information in a communication network. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing networking routing in compliance with a Mobile IP protocol. The method includes providing a mobile node, which includes a plurality of interfaces. The plurality of interfaces includes a first interface and a second interface. The first interface is associated with a first service, a second service, and a first address. The second interface is associated with a third service and a second address. The method also includes providing a home agent that is configured to store a plurality of entries associated with mobile nodes. The method additionally includes sending a first packet from the mobile node to the home agent. The first packet includes at least a first entry and a second entry. |
| US07822000B2 |
Time division multiplexing for access ports in a wireless network
A method for allowing time multiplexing in a wireless network comprising two or more access port and a wireless switch includes receiving a time ordered sequence comprising a plurality of time slots from the wireless switch. Next, the signals are transmitted according to the time ordered sequence. In another embodiment, an access port used in a wireless network that includes a wireless switch comprises a transceiver operable to receive a time ordered sequence comprising a plurality of time slots calculated by the wireless switch. Further the access port comprises a plurality of antennas coupled to an antenna selector; the antenna selector configured to couple selectively the transceiver with at least one of the plurality of antennas based at least in part on the time ordered sequence. |
| US07821999B2 |
Identical puncturing of UE identification data and load data in the HS-SCCH channel
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting data via a physical channel in a communication system, the channel being used by at least one first communication device and one second communication device and transmitting data with a defined bit rate. According to the present invention, the data to be transmitted (TD) is composed of load data (LD) and identification data (ID) for identifying the second communication device, the load data (LD) and identification data (ID) are coded separately from one another, the respective coding (C_LD, C_ID) takes place in such a way that an identical bit rate is achieved after the coding operation for the load data (LD) and the identification data (ID) and the rate is matched to the bit rate that has been defined for the physical channel by a rate matching mode, which defines which bits are punctured or repeated in a data stream. The rate matching model for load data (LD) and identification data (ID) is identical. |
| US07821997B2 |
Computer implemented method, system, and intergrated circuitry for determining a characteristic of a received signal to have fallen beneth a threshold
Systems and methods applicable, for instance, in wireless communications. For example, a wireless node and/or other computer may act to create a candidate signal list and/or may act to measure strength for one or more candidate list signals. As another example, the wireless node and/or other computer may act to calculate average difference between the strength of the strongest signal of the candidate list and the strength of a currently-received signal. As yet another example, the wireless node and/or other computer may act to perform one or more operations to employ the strongest signal of the candidate list in place of the currently-received signal. |
| US07821995B2 |
Active session mobility solution for radio link protocol
An active session mobility solution for radio link protocol (RLP) in accordance with the present invention defines two RLP migrations states. A first state is defined as a forward-link RLP state and depicts the communication of data from a home agent to an access terminal in an IP network. A second state is defined as a reverse-link RLP state and depicts the communication of data from the access terminal to the home agent in the IP network. In one embodiment of the seamless active session mobility solution for RLP in accordance with the present invention, a two-stage RLP transfer process for the migration of the two defined states from a source to a target is implemented. In a first stage, the forward-link RLP state is transferred from a source to a target. In a second stage, frame selection and the reverse-link RLP are transferred from the source to the target. |
| US07821992B2 |
High speed uplink packet access scheme
Improvements to the High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) scheme have been made. Among the three main aspects, providing Optimized Rate Request Reporting, providing Signaling for Lower Delay Delivery, and providing a MAC-e PDU Format for Control Information, the Signaling for Lower Delay Delivery may be considered as the main improvement, while the other two aspects can be supplementary improvements. |
| US07821990B2 |
Method of transmitting service information, and radio system
The invention relates to a radio system which transmits packet traffic and to a method of transmitting service information flexibly between a network part and a terminal in a radio system which transmits packet traffic and in which a connection set-up process is activated by means of a session management arrangement when a connection is established between the terminal (402) and the network part (400). When service information is transmitted between the network part and the terminal, the party needing service activates the connection set-up process and during activation the party needing service indicates the need for service information and the quality of service with a message (602). The party providing service responds with one or more messages (606) which include service information. The connection set-up process is finished without establishing a connection. This way radio path resources can be saved. |
| US07821983B2 |
Effective dynamic management scheme of HS-DSCH channel codes
The present invention discloses a comprehensive dynamic management scheme of HS-DSCH channel codes, which comprises the steps of: determining a remainder HS-DSCH channel resource of a system when a new HS-DSCH bearer service request is received; calculating a required HS-DSCH channel resource for the new service request; comparing the current system remainder HS-DSCH channel resource with the required HS-DSCH channel resource for the new service request; determining whether there is a need to add new HS-DSCH channel codes based on comparison results, assigning new codes or switching the service request into DCH channel for data transmission in accordance with the actual usage of the current code tree; when the existing HS-DSCH bearer service is completed, calculating a current system HS-DSCH channel resource usage ratio and hysteresis then comparing it with a predefined threshold, and determining whether there is a need to withdraw channel codes based on the results of comparison. The dynamic resource management scheme according to the present invention is well suited for application to future HSDPA technology as the technology is broadly spreading by radio resource management algorithms of radio network controller. |
| US07821982B2 |
Packet communications taking into account channel quality and buffered data amount
A base station includes a channel quality detecting unit that detects channel quality between the base station and a mobile station, a buffered data amount monitoring unit, and a modulation and coding set determination unit. The modulation and coding set determination unit determines a modulation and coding set, as a downlink modulation scheme for packet communications, such that a prescribed communication condition corresponding to the channel quality is satisfied, and that padding added to the data buffered in a transmission buffer for subsequent transmission to the mobile station becomes the minimum. |
| US07821976B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling transmission power in a wireless communication system
A method and system for controlling the transmission power of a terminal transmitting frames in a wireless communication system, the frames having a frame structure including a header field containing information related to a transmission rate and length of data transmitted in a frame and a data field having the data. The transmitting terminal transmits the header field to a receiving terminal at a maximum transmit power level available to the transmitting terminal so that second terminals other than the transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal within the wireless communication system can identify that resources are in use. The transmitting terminal transmits the data field at an optimum transmit power level great enough to allow the data field to reach the receiving terminal. |
| US07821975B2 |
Establishing radio link control in wireless communication networks
A wireless communication terminal (300) including a radio transceiver (320), and a radio link control entity (310) that re-initiates a radio link control reset procedure when the transceiver receives a message containing an instruction to change an uplink or downlink protocol data unit size during an ongoing radio link control reset procedure. For example, the radio access network may initiate an uplink or downlink PDU size change before terminal receives acknowledgement that a previously initiated radio link control reset procedure is complete. The radio link control entity restarts a radio link control reset timer upon re-initiating the radio link control reset procedure after re-establishing radio link control. |
| US07821969B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing disruption of fibre channel fabrics caused by reconfigure fabric (RCF) messages
An apparatus and method for preventing the disruption of Fibre Channel Fabrics caused by ReConfigure Fabric (RCF) messages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage area network and a plurality of Fibre Channel Switches arranged in a Fabric. Each of the plurality of Switches includes logic to selectively configure their Ports to either reject or accept RCF messages. When configured to reject RCF messages, the Switch Port that receives an RCF message will generate a reject message along with a reason code explanation “E_Port Isolated”, and then transition into an Isolated state. When the Switch that generated the RCF message receives the reject message, its Port also transition into the Isolated state. In accordance with the method of the present invention, either a Storage Service Provider or a client can access the Switches of the Fabric through either a command line interpreter or a management application. Once access to the Fabric is established, the logic of the Ports of the Switches can be selectively configured to reject or accept RCF messages as described above. |
| US07821949B2 |
Forwarding plane data communications channel for ethernet transport networks
Described is a process and system for providing an extensible forwarding plane data communications channel adapted to selectively support operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) activity within one or more different domains of an Ethernet transport network. The data communication channel is established using Ethernet protocol data units forwarded within the forwarding plane, between network elements. The Ethernet protocol data units can be Ethernet OAM frames modified to include an OpCode indicative of a maintenance communication channel. The OAM frames are generated at a selected one of the network elements (source), forwarded along the same network path as the Ethernet frames, and terminate at another network element (destination) associated with a maintenance level identified within the OAM frame. The source and destination network elements can reside on a domain boundary using the Ethernet OAM frames flowing therebetween to relay maintenance communications channel messages. |
| US07821948B2 |
Network management system and method provisioning OAM support for multicast communications sessions
A method for monitoring a point-to-multipoint unidirectional multicast connection via exchange of OAM messages is presented. The method includes retrieving the connection record of the multicast connection from a network management system repository and determining common parent path points between the root and a selected path branch endpoint. In turning on content conveyance monitoring for a termination other than the root, the termination specific uncommon portion of the transport path is segmented if necessary, OAM compliant managed path segments are identified, and OAM configuration commands to turn on OAM functionality are issued only to uncommon path segment endpoints. In turning off content conveyance monitoring for a termination other than the root, a single OAM configuration command to turn off OAM functionality is issued only for the path branch endpoint, or if the uncommon portion of the transport path associated with the no longer participating termination is segmented, OAM configuration commands to turn off OAM functionality are issued only to uncommon path segment endpoints. Advantages are derived from a centralized multicast connection that is configurable in real-time, and reduced signaling overhead as OAM configuration commands are sent only to relevant uncommon managed path segment endpoints as needed. |
| US07821946B2 |
Method and system for multi-layer network routing
Each node of a telecommunications network determines a connection type attributes available for each signal type supported by the node. Each signal type represents a different connection routing layer within the telecommunications network. Adaptation costs involved in traversing from one connection routing layer to another connection routing layer in the node are calculated. The connection type attributes and adaptation costs are included in a link state advertisement broadcasted by each node in the telecommunications network. A route calculation is performed for a desired signal to determine a route through the telecommunications network for the signal. The route calculation takes into account the various connection type attributes, availability, and adaptation costs in determining the shortest route for the signal through the telecommunications network. |
| US07821945B2 |
Method of downloading data in peer-to-peer service of wired and wireless integrated network and node therefor
A method of downloading data in a peer-to-peer service on a wired and wireless integrated network and a node therefore includes downloading the data to a requester node only through wired nodes among a plurality of nodes located in a download path between the requester node which requests the data and a holder node which has the data. Thereby, the file download rate can be improved, without reducing the retrieval success ratio according to the peer-to-peer method, and the storage space for the data of each node can be saved. |
| US07821939B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for adaptive congestion control on virtual lanes for data center ethernet architecture
Congestion is adaptively controlled in a data center Ethernet (DCE) network. Packets are received over at least one virtual lane in the DCE network. An absolute or relative packet arrival rate is computed over a time period. The absolute or relative packet arrival rate is compared to at least a first threshold and a second threshold. If the absolute or relative packet arrival rate increases beyond the first threshold, the packet transmission rate is caused to decrease. If the absolute or relative packet arrival rate is less than a second threshold, the packet transmission rate is caused to increase. |
| US07821936B2 |
Systems and methods for partitioning end-to-end performance effects using network tomography
Systems and methods are presented for partitioning end-to-end performance effects using network tomography. In one embodiment, a method for partitioning end-to-end performance effects within a network is presented. The method includes determining a network topology between at least two test points, obtaining an unrelated approximation of edge effects between the test points, measuring end-to-end performance data between the test points corresponding to a target application, regularizing an estimate of edge effects for the target application using the unrelated approximation of edge effects, and computing the estimate of edge effects for the target application to partition the end-to-end effects. |
| US07821933B2 |
Apparatus and associated methodology of processing a network communication flow
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methodology for processing flows. Data packets belonging to various flows are received by a device of a communications network and stored in a queue so as the device retransmits them. In order to re-transmit a data packet, a flow is selected, to which the least memory space in the queue is allocated. A packet from the selected flow is retransmitted and extracted from the queue, and when the memory space available in the queue does not allow a received packet to be stored. Further a flow is selected to which the most memory space in the queue is allocated and a data packet of the selected flow is eliminated from the queue. |
| US07821926B2 |
Generalized policy server
A scalable access filter that is used together with others like it in a virtual private network to control access by users at clients in the network to information resources provided by servers in the network. Each access filter use a local copy of an access control database to determine whether an access request made by a user. Changes made by administrators in the local copies are propagated to all of the other local copies. Each user belongs to one or more user groups and each information resource belongs to one or more information sets. Access is permitted or denied according to of access policies which define access in terms of the user groups and information sets. |
| US07821925B2 |
Traffic distribution techniques utilizing initial and scrambled hash values
Methods and apparatus are described for assigning data units to a plurality of groups. A key is generated for each of the data units such that the keys corresponding to associated ones of the data units are identical. An initial hash value is generated for each of the keys. A number of techniques are described for then deterministically scrambling the initial hash values such that small bit changes in the keys will typically produce stochastically large changes in the final hash values. The data units are mapped to specific ones of the groups with reference to the scrambled hash values. |
| US07821923B2 |
Optimized SIP routing architecture using an integrated network and systems approach
Session initiation protocol (SIP) control traffic routing decisions, such as rapid failure detection and recovery mechanisms, are based on detection of events and/or conditions that may result in suboptimal performance. The disclosed approach ensures that the SIP traffic is routed or rerouted on an optimal basis. Sample inputs to the SIP routing decisions, include integration with BFD, system metrics and other criteria to determine network and systems conditions, for dynamic decisions on where to optimally route SIP traffic. Examples leverage the B2BUA model, which maintains call state and participates in call processing, however, the examples introduce an improved routing model that is able to not only reroute SIP traffic based on failures but also upon the detection of other suboptimal conditions, e.g. excessive cost. The exemplary techniques provide significant savings by ensuring SIP peering decisions are automatically performed considering costs of peering arrangements, congestion and/or other criteria. |
| US07821920B2 |
Flushing processing unit and method of switching device in network using spanning tree protocol
A flushing processing unit and method of a switching device in a network using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The method includes determining, by a switching device, whether there is a failure link; when there is the failure link, determining, by the switching device, which one of a root port and a designated port connects to the failure link; when it is determined that the root port connects to the failure link, changing, by the switching device, a filtering database and changing port information of a host address registered to the root port into preset alternate port information; and sending, by the switching device, a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) message through an alternate port. |
| US07821919B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method
Each of memory bridges and I/O bridges, cross-linked to one another, is provided with an interface circuit section which performs data transmission and reception according to an PCI-Express interface. Each interface circuit section has a communication error processing section. When an error occurs in data received from the I/O bridge, the communication error processing section of the memory bridge cancels the received data and sends a communication error signal to the memory bridge. When receiving the communication error signal, the memory bridge stops receiving the data. Then, the communication error processing section of the memory bridge requests the I/O bridge to resend data. |
| US07821918B2 |
System and method for communication channel and device control via an existing audio channel
A system and method for communication channel and device control via an existing audio channel. A combined communication signal is received from a communication device comprising an audio signal and a modulated carrier signal via an audio channel. The audio signal is separated from the carrier signal. Digital data is extracted from the carrier signal. Device control is performed utilizing the extracted digital data. |
| US07821915B2 |
Channel tracking in an OFDM wireless receiver
An apparatus and a method to track the channel response for subcarriers in an OFDM receiver for a packet of information that includes a known transmitted part. The receiver has a signal-to-tone transformer to determine subcarriers corresponding to a received packet. The method stores a function of an initial estimate of the channel response for a subcarrier, and accepts a pre-decision constellation point value that is a post channel correction using a first estimate of the channel response. The method includes: makes a decision using the pre-decision constellation point value, re-modulates the decision to form a post-decision constellation point value, and forms a complex valued product of the function of the first estimate for the subcarrier and the complex-valued ratio of the pre-decision and post-decision values. This complex valued product forms a measure of the current channel estimate to use for updating the stored quantity. |
| US07821914B2 |
Method of generation and set of implementation efficient preambles for OFDM systems
In one embodiment, a network node includes a lookup table configured to store one or more of the following frequency domain bit sequences: i) x010101000110xxxxxxx011000000000; ii) x1011000111000000011011110xxxxxxxxxxxxx0110111001101001010111010; iii) x0011011011111010011101111xxxxxxxxxxxxx0111010010111110000000101; iv) x000000011000100110100100xxxxxxxxxxxxx1011011110000110101011100; and v) x1000010000110111100000110xxxxxxxxxxxxx1100110011101101111110110. The node includes a processing channel configured to generate a preamble including at least one of the frequency domain bit sequences, and a transmitter configured to transmit the preamble and a data packet over a communication channel. |
| US07821908B2 |
Optical disc, optical disc apparatus, and optical disc reproducing method
A single disc is configured to deal with both HD DVD information and DVD information. This invention has the following basic elements (1) a single-sided dual layer optical disc where a light transmission layer, a first recording layer accessed with a first laser beam, an space layer, and a second recording layer accessed with a second laser beam are arranged in that order in the direction in which a laser beam enters, (2) the areal recoding density of the second recording layer is three times or more that of the first recording layer, (3) information indicating that the second recording layer has been formed is formed in the first recording layer, and (4) information indicating that the first recording layer has been formed is formed in the second recording layer. |
| US07821903B2 |
Optical pickup device and optical recording medium driving device
An optical pickup device has a first light source and a second light source each adapted for outputting a laser beam of a predetermined wavelength, a photodetector for detecting an intensity of the laser beam outputted from the first light source or the second light source to control the power of the laser beam to be outputted from the first light source or the second light source, a wideband quarter wavelength plate for converting the laser beam outputted from the first light source or the second light source into a circularly polarized laser beam, and a first rise-up mirror and a second rise-up mirror for guiding a P-polarized component in the laser beam converted by the wideband quarter wavelength plate to the photodetector, and guiding an S-polarized component in the laser beam different from the P-polarized component to an optical recording medium. With this arrangement, provided are an optical pickup device and an optical recording medium driving device capable of accurately controlling the power of the light source. |
| US07821892B2 |
Optical information recording method, optical information recording device and optical information recording medium
The present invention provides an optical information recording apparatus and method capable of effectively determining appropriate recording parameters in a short time with favorable efficiency, when recording information onto an optical disk having different information recording conditions and information recording characteristics. An information recording condition or an information recording characteristic of an optical disk 1 is identified, and a recording pulse position is corrected at a correction accuracy according to the identifies information recording condition or information recording characteristic, such that a recording mark is formed in a predetermined position. |
| US07821890B2 |
Apparatus for writing a data to an optical storage media and servo control unit and laser diode driver unit thereof
An apparatus for writing data to an optical storage media and a servo control unit and a laser diode driver unit thereof. The apparatus making a laser diode emit light includes a servo control unit and a laser diode driver unit. The servo control unit includes a control unit for controlling a burning procedure and a modulation unit for outputting an encoded signal. The laser diode driver unit receives the encoded signal and includes a PLL unit, a write strategy generation unit and a lock/unlock detection unit. The PLL unit outputs at least one of a second clock signal and a second data signal according to the encoded signal. The write strategy generation unit outputs a control signal to control the laser diode according to the second clock signal and the second data signal. The lock/unlock detection unit outputs a lock indicator or an unlock indicator to the control unit. |
| US07821886B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a disc seek operation based on a detected abnormality
An optical disc device includes an optical pickup for irradiating optical discs with laser and detecting light reflected by the disc to generate received light signals, optical pickup driving means for driving the pickup radially, traverse signal generation means for generating traverse signals forming a pulse at the pickup's crossing a track by binarizing the received light signal based on binary threshold, movement control means for recognizing moving amount and speed of the pickup based on the traverse signal and controlling the optical pickup driving means based on the recognition result for the pickup's seeking to the target, and abnormality monitoring means for sending abnormality notices to the movement control means when pulse interval of the traverse signal exceeds the threshold, the movement control means, after temporarily stopping seek according to the abnormality notice, recognizes the temporary stop position for the optical pickup's seeking from the position to the target. |
| US07821885B2 |
TE signal polarity determining system and related method thereof
Disclosed is a TE signal polarity determining method, which includes: (a) obtaining a detection signal from an optical disc; (b) obtaining characteristics of the detection signal corresponding to different polarities of the TE signal; and (c) determining whether an original polarity of the TE signal should be changed or not according to the obtained characteristics. |
| US07821884B2 |
Information recording and retrieval method, and its apparatus
Provided is a recording and retrieval apparatus for a multi-layer optical disk. A multi-layer optical disk in which a plurality of recording layers and a single servo layer are combined to form a set is used. A spot for the servo layer and a spot for the recording layers are turned on in a time-sharing manner. Servo signal detection areas are formed discretely in the servo layer. The servo signal detection areas and data recording areas are provided so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the spot incident side. Thus, separation of data from each of the layers can be done by even a single photodetector without interference. |
| US07821882B2 |
Recording and reproducing apparatus and recording method
According to the present invention, there is provided a recording and reproducing apparatus including: a reproduction memory that stores compressed data read out on a sector basis from a recording medium containing the compressed data compression-coded on a block basis; a recording memory that records on a sector basis a desired part of the compressed data stored in the reproduction memory; a reproduction unit that decompression-decodes on a block basis the compressed data read out from the reproduction memory or the recording memory; and a recording unit that, in response to designation of the compressed data from a desired sector onward as the compressed data to be recorded in the recording memory, detects a first-encountered sector that includes the start position of the block in the compressed data from the designated sector onward after the start position of the designated sector, and records the compressed data from the detected sector onward in the recording memory. |
| US07821881B2 |
Reproduction device, reproduction method, reproduction program, and recording medium
With a reproduction-only disc having a large recording capacity, an interactive function having a higher degree of freedom than the related art can be easily accomplished. A virtual player model corresponding to a function of a player is created and described in Java. BDBasicPlayer 210 detects a user input and the status change of the player and generates an event. An object 211 that implements a listener interface registers an event listener corresponding to an event that the object 211 is caused to receive to BDBasicPlayer 210 before the event takes place. When the event becomes unnecessary, it is unregistered. BDBasicPlayer 210 transmits the event to the object 211 in which the event listener has been registered. The object 211 executes a method corresponding to the received event. The relationships between events and methods can be flexibly set. Thus, a complicated interactive function can be easily accomplished. |
| US07821880B2 |
Semiconductor laser device structure, thermally assisted magnetic head, and method of manufacturing same
A first alignment mark member is exposed at both of a mounting surface and a bonding surface, and thus can be seen from two directions by image sensors. While a semiconductor laser device is mounted on the mounting surface of a light source supporting substrate with reference to the first alignment mark member observed from the direction of the image sensor, the first alignment mark member can also be observed from the direction of the image sensor. With reference to the first alignment mark member observed from the latter direction, the light source supporting substrate is bonded to the slider substrate. Namely, though observed from different directions, the alignment mark member is used for a common reference for two securing operations, whereby attachment errors can be suppressed. |
| US07821877B2 |
Pointer indication type timepiece
A pointer indication type timepiece, wherein three projecting portions (11) projecting from a shaft part (112) to an outer peripheral side and formed in such a shape that a cylinder is split into two parts along a central axis direction are disposed at a root portion (113) of the shaft part (112) of an hour wheel (110) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft part (112). The projecting portions (11) engage with a circular hole (123) in a dial washer (120). |
| US07821876B2 |
Synchronization of a plurality of devices in a wireless sensor arrangement
Two or more wirelessly networked devices for control or data acquisition functions for real-time application are provided with a error corrected synchronization and data collection process. A single start device transmits a start message, followed by each stop device acknowledging that start message. If one or more stop devices fails to acknowledge the initial start message, one or more start messages are transmitted including an elapsed time since the initial start message. Each stop device receives the initial start message and any subsequent start messages, using the elapsed time in the start message to synchronize a local timer. Upon stop event detection, each stop device records its local timer value and subsequently transmits that value to a collection device or console. |
| US07821872B2 |
Method for ultrasonic wave transmission and apparatus for ultrasonic wave transmission
A method for transmitting an ultrasonic wave is disclosed. The method includes: selecting a first combination of transmission elements from among multiple transmission elements, wherein the first combination of transmission elements includes at least two transmission elements adjacent to each other; and vibrating the transmission surfaces of the first combination of transmission elements in a substantially same phase to transmit the ultrasonic wave with a first directivity. The first directivity is different from a second directivity of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from single transmission element. |
| US07821870B2 |
Method and system for identifying moving objects using acoustic signals
An acoustic tone at a predetermined frequency is detected after being reflected and modulated by an unknown moving object. Acoustic features are extracted from the reflected acoustic tone using acoustic spectral analysis. A dimensionality of the acoustic features is reduced, and the reduced dimensionality features are statistically classified to identify the object. |
| US07821869B2 |
Methods of enhancing separation of primary reflection signals and noise in seismic data using radon transformations
Improved methods of processing seismic data which comprise amplitude data assembled in the offset-time domain in which primary reflection signals and noise overlap are provided for. The methods include the step of enhancing the separation between primary reflection signals and coherent noise by transforming the assembled data from the offset-time domain to the time-slowness domain. More specifically, the assembled amplitude data are transformed from the offset-time domain to the time-slowness domain using a Radon transformation according to an index j of the slowness set and a sampling variable Δp; wherein j = p max - p min + 1 µ sec / m Δ p , Δp is from about 0.5 to about 4.0 μsec/m, pmax is a predetermined maximum slowness, and pmin is a predetermined minimum slowness. Alternately, an offset weighting factor xn is applied to the assembled amplitude data, wherein 0 |
| US07821868B2 |
Memory and control unit
A memory includes a first holding circuit holding a first address of first data, a second holding circuit holding at least one of a second address of the first data and the amount of the first data, and an operation control circuit performing an operation rewriting the first address, an operation rewriting the second address or the amount of the first data and an operation continuously holding the first address and the second address or the amount of the first data. |
| US07821867B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of address pads, a plurality of data pads, a mode entry controlling unit configured to control the entry to a data masking mode in response to a write command signal and signals inputted through predetermined pads among the plurality of address pads, a signal classifying unit configured to classify signals inputted sequentially and in parallel through the plurality of address pads into column address signals and data masking signals in response to an output signal of the mode entry controlling unit and a write latency signal, and a pad masking signal generating unit configured to generate pad masking signals to control the masking of data inputted through the plurality of data pads, where the pad masking signals are generated by converting the data masking signals in response to the output signal of the mode entry controlling unit. |
| US07821866B1 |
Low impedance column multiplexer circuit and method
The invention has a bootstrapped high voltage pass gate transistor that couples the low voltage sense amplifier to the bitlines. Since the pass gate transistor is bootstrapped its gate floats to the high voltage of the power supply (VCC) plus a delta voltage. This overdrives the pass gate transistor and allows it to pass signals between the sense amplifier and the bitlines with low impedance. This results in good sense differential margins and fast read speeds. The circuit has a pass gate control circuit that places a negative high voltage signal on the gate of the pass gate during non-volatile write operations. This causes the pass gate to isolate the low voltage circuit from the high voltage circuits during this operation. Finally, the circuit is smaller than earlier column multiplexer circuits. |
| US07821864B2 |
Power management of memory via wake/sleep cycles
A method of managing power states of memory modules while performing memory access operations is disclosed. Memory modules are in a power saving state until an access operation involving the module is to be performed. The module is placed in an operational mode, then the access operation is performed, then the module is returned to the power saving state. Apparatus and systems using the method are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US07821862B2 |
Semiconductor memory circuit
The present invention provides a semiconductor memory circuit capable of reducing current consumption at non-operation in a system equipped with a plurality of chips that share the use of a power supply, address signals and a data bus. The semiconductor memory circuit has an internal circuit which is capable of selectively performing the supply and stop of an operating voltage via switch means and includes a memory array. An input circuit, which receives a predetermined control signal therein, controls the supply and stop of the operating voltage by the switch means to reduce a DC current and a leak current when no memory operation is done, whereby low power consumption can be realized. |
| US07821857B2 |
Input/output line sense amplifier and semiconductor memory device using the same
An input/output (I/O) line sense amplifier includes a buffer unit, a sense amplifier, and a precharge unit. The buffer unit is driven by a first level voltage to buffer a strobe signal, and the sense amplifier is driven by a second level voltage to amplify a signal of an I/O line in response to an output signal of the buffer unit. The precharge unit is driven by the first level voltage to precharge an output signal of the sense amplifier in response to the output signal of the buffer unit. |
| US07821855B2 |
Multi-port memory device
A multi-port memory device includes: a bank having a plurality of matrices; a plurality of test data input/output units where data is input/output using a test mode for detecting a defective memory cell; a plurality of ports converted into a decoding device for decoding a command/address at the test mode; a plurality of data transfer lines for transferring data between the matrices and the test data I/O units, wherein the data transfer lines is grouped into the number of matrices; and a plurality of temporary storing units included between the data transfer lines and the matrices for temporarily storing data. |
| US07821851B2 |
Semiconductor memory device capable of operating in a plurality of operating modes and method for controlling thereof
A semiconductor memory device capable of operating in a plurality operating modes and a method for controlling the device may be provided. The semiconductor memory device may include a selecting unit and a plurality of control circuits operating in a plurality of operating modes. The selecting unit may transmit a selecting signal to select one of the plurality of operating modes. The plurality of control circuits may control operations of the semiconductor memory device in the plurality of operating modes, and the plurality of control circuits may be either enabled or disabled in response to the selecting signal. The semiconductor memory device and the method of controlling the device may have a capability of providing optimized performance in response to a change of operational conditions by selecting one of a plurality of the operating modes. |
| US07821846B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and its driving method
A semiconductor memory device including a first latch that latches a Mode Register Set (MRS) code consisting of multiple bits in response to an MRS command pulse, a code controller that generates a control signal in response to a code value of preset bits out of an output signal from the first latch, a second latch that selectively latches the output signal from the first latch in response to the control signal and a mode decoder that decodes an output signal from the second latch to output an operation mode. |
| US07821840B2 |
Multi-phase programming of multi-level memory
Systems, methods, and devices that facilitate multi-phase programming of data in a memory component are presented. Received data is programmed to a memory using multiple programming phases based on a predefined program pattern. A program learn is performed by varying drain voltages, as desired, to facilitate determining respective drain voltages related to specified subgroups associated with respective data levels for a first programming phase. A first programming phase is performed using learned drain voltages as initial drain voltages where drain voltage levels are varied during each program pulse to facilitate programming memory cells to respective intrinsic verify voltage levels based on respective data levels. A second programming phase is performed using ending drain voltages from the first programming phase as initial drain voltages where gate voltage levels are varied during each program pulse to facilitate programming memory cells to respective final verify voltage levels based on respective data levels. |
| US07821838B2 |
Method for erasing/programming/correcting a multi-level cell (MLC)
A memory operating method includes the following steps. First, a memory including a charge storage structure is provided. Next, first type charges are injected into the charge storage structure such that a threshold level of the memory is higher than an erase level. Then, second type charges are injected into the charge storage structure such that the threshold level of the memory is lower than a predetermined bit level. Next, first type charges are injected into the charge storage structure such that the threshold level of the memory approximates to or is equal to the predetermined bit level. |
| US07821837B2 |
Reprogrammable nonvolatile memory devices and methods
A nonvolatile memory device includes a command decoder configured to generate a read/write flag signal in response to a read/write command and to generate a reprogram flag signal in response to a reprogram command, and a read/write circuit configured to control reading and writing operations in a memory cell array. The device further includes a read/write controller configured to cause the read/write circuit to perform a reading/writing operation in response to the read/write flag signal provided from the command decoder, and a reprogram controller configured to cause the read/write controller to perform a reprogramming operation in response to the reprogram flag signal. Methods of reprogramming a memory device include determining whether the memory device is in a busy state, delaying a reprogramming operation if the memory device is in a busy state, and executing the reprogramming operation when the memory device has turned to a standby state from the busy state. |
| US07821828B2 |
Memory device and memory device heat treatment method
A memory device and a memory device heat treatment method are provided. The memory device may include: a non-volatile memory device; one or more heating devices configured to contact with the non-volatile memory device and heat the non-volatile memory device; and a controller configured to control an operation of the one or more heating devices based on operational information of the non-volatile memory device. Through this, it may be possible to improve an available period of the non-volatile memory device. |
| US07821825B2 |
NAND flash memory devices having shielding lines between wordlines and selection lines
A method of programming a flash memory includes applying a shielding voltage to at least one shielding line, which is interposed between a plurality of wordlines and a selection line and operable to reduce capacitance-coupling between the wordline and the selection line during the programming operation, and applying a program voltage to memory cells through one of the wordlines. |
| US07821824B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit having buses with different data transfer rates
A semiconductor integrated circuit has a central processing unit and a rewritable nonvolatile memory area disposed in an address space of the central processing unit. The nonvolatile memory area has a first nonvolatile memory area and a second nonvolatile memory area, which memorize information depending on the difference of threshold voltages. The first nonvolatile memory area has the maximum variation width of a threshold voltage for memorizing information set larger than that of the second nonvolatile memory area. When the maximum variation width of the threshold voltage for memorizing information is larger, since stress to a memory cell owing to a rewrite operation of memory information becomes larger, it is inferior in a point of guaranteeing the number of times of rewrite operation; however, since a read current becomes larger, a read speed of memory information can be expedited. The first nonvolatile memory area can be prioritized to expedite a read speed of the memory information and the second nonvolatile memory area can be prioritized to guarantee the number of times of rewrite operation of memory information. |
| US07821821B2 |
Multibit electro-mechanical device and method of manufacturing the same
A multibit electro-mechanical memory device and a method of manufacturing the same include a substrate, a bit line in a first direction on the substrate, a lower word line in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a pad electrode isolated from a sidewall of the lower word line and connected to the bit line, a cantilever electrode expending in the first direction over the lower word line with a lower void therebetween, and connected to the pad electrode and curved in a third direction vertical to the first and second direction by an electrical field induced by a charge applied to the lower word line, a trap site expending in the second direction over the cantilever electrode with an upper void therebetween, and an upper word line to which a charge to curve the cantilever electrode in a direction of the trap site is applied, and on the trap site. |
| US07821820B2 |
Magnetic memory device and method
An exemplary embodiment of a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) device includes a magnetic tunnel junction having a free layer, a first electrode (first magnetic field generating means) having a first portion that covers a surface of the free layer, and an electric power source connected to the first electrode via a connection that covers less than half of the first portion of the first electrode. Another exemplary embodiment of an MRAM device includes a magnetic tunnel junction, first and second electrodes (first and second magnetic field generating means) directly connected to the magnetic tunnel junction on opposite sides of the magnetic tunnel junction, and an electric power source having one pole connected to the first electrode via a first connection and having a second pole connected to the second electrode via a second connection, wherein the first and second connections are laterally offset from the connections between the first and second electrodes and the magnetic tunnel junction. Methods of operating and manufacturing these magnetic random access memories are also disclosed. |
| US07821815B2 |
Memory cell and semiconductor memory device having thereof memory cell
Conventional semiconductor memory devices have a problem of a data read failure caused by a leak current. To address this problem, a semiconductor memory device of the present invention including memory cells each formed of a transfer transistor, a load transistor and a drive transistor. Each of the memory cells includes: a first transfer transistor connected to a connection point of the drive transistor and the load transistor; a second transfer transistor connected between the first transfer transistor and a bit line DB; and a compensation transistor connected between a constant voltage node and a connection point of the first transfer transistor and the second transfer transistor. The compensation transistor is switched to a conductive state exclusively from at least one of the first transfer transistor and the second transfer transistor. |
| US07821809B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method including resistor and transistor
A nonvolatile memory device including one resistor and one transistor. The resistor may correspond to a resistance layer electrically connected to a first impurity region and a second impurity region of the transistor. |
| US07821807B2 |
Nonequilibrium photodetectors with single carrier species barriers
A photosensitive diode has an active region defining a majority carrier of a first conductivity type and a minority carrier of a second conductivity type. An extraction region is disposed on a first side of the active region and extracts minority carriers from the active region. It also has majority carriers within the extraction region flowing toward the active region in a condition of reverse bias. An exclusion region is disposed on a second side of the active region and has minority carriers within the exclusion region flowing toward the active region. It receives majority carriers from the active region. At least one of the extraction and exclusion region provides a barrier for substantially reducing flow of one of the majority carriers or the minority carriers, whichever is flowing toward the active region, while permitting flow of the other minority carriers or majority carriers flowing out of the active region. The barrier substantially reduces flow of the carriers without relying on diffusion length of the one carriers in order to reduce the flow. |
| US07821803B2 |
Memory module having star-type topology and method of fabricating the same
A memory module having a start-type topology and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The memory module includes a substrate. Memory devices are mounted on the substrate in at least two rows and at least two columns. A star-type topology is disposed to be electrically connected to the memory devices. One or more pairs of adjacent ones of the memory devices have a point-symmetric structure. |
| US07821801B2 |
Power factor correction method for AC/DC converters and corresponding converter
An indirect and passive method for AC/DC converter power factor correction is disclosed. The correction is achieved by stabilizing the input impedance of the converter with keeping the inversely proportional dependence between the current iconv(t) and voltage uconv(t) of the output smoothing filter (3). The necessary dependence is achieved by natural characteristics of circuit with passive components. An uncontrolled converter (6) with alternation of parallel and series resonance is used as such circuit. To increase the operating frequency of this converter, a chopper or an inverter is used. The resonant converter decreases the commutation current of the switches. Output voltage is easy to control by pulse width modulation of chopper or inverter. Passive power factor correction results in the total harmonic distortion of main current THDi=10 to 40 per cent. All currents of the converter are limited naturally in all operating modes. |
| US07821800B2 |
Power adapter for providing output power limiting and load-dependent voltage regulation
Disclosed is a power adapter having a voltage limiting circuit for limiting an output voltage of the power adapter at a predetermined voltage level when an output current of the power adapter is smaller than a threshold current, and a power limiting circuit for limiting an output power of the power adapter at a predetermined power level when an output current of the power adapter reaches the threshold current, in which the voltage limiting circuit can be configured to receive a current control signal from a load and in response thereto issue a load current regulation signal to a switching control circuit of the power adapter, thereby regulating the output voltage of the power adapter based on the load current regulation signal. |
| US07821798B2 |
High voltage power supply
Provided is a high voltage power supply which includes a controller to provide a PWM signal and a power signal, an input unit to receive the PWM signal provided from the controller, a comparison unit to control output of the power signal supplied from the controller by comparing a signal filtered to a DC voltage by the input unit to a voltage reference signal, a transformation unit to transform the power signal output from the comparison unit, and a rectification unit to rectify the signal output by the transformation unit, wherein the high voltage power supply further includes a power input delay unit to delay the supply of the power signal to the comparison unit by a predetermined time from when the power supplied from the controller for input into the comparison unit. The high voltage power supply can prevent components of a device from being damaged due to sudden voltage surge in an output power output from an output terminal, which can occur when a time at which a PWM signal is transitioned to a HIGH state. The power signal is delayed with respect to a time at which a high voltage driving power 24 [V] is initially supplied. |
| US07821793B2 |
Mounting device for electronic component
A mounting device for an electronic component includes a plate, a securing piece, and an electronic component. The plate forms a first fixing hole and an L-shaped hook. The securing piece includes a first end, an opposite second end, and at least one hole. An insert portion extends outwards from the second end, insertable into the first fixing hole of the plate. A resilient arm extends outwards from the first end and forms a second fixing hole. The hook is inserted into the second fixing hole by resilient force of the resilient arm. The electronic component forms at least one positioning block insertable into the at least one hole of the securing piece. |
| US07821786B2 |
Laptop stand
A computer includes: computer body enclosing computational circuitry and having a bottom surface; a keyboard disposed on an upper portion of the computer body; a cover supporting a monitor, the cover coupled to the computer body so as to be rotatable about a first axis in relation to the computer body, the first axis being disposed rearwardly of the keyboard; a support member coupled to the computer body so as to be rotatable about a second axis in relation to the computer body, between an open position and closed position, the second axis being parallel to the first axis, the support member including an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the support member, when rotated into a closed position, is parallel to the bottom surface of the computer body, the support member, when rotated into an open position, extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the computer body, the support member is linearly extendable in a radial direction with respect to the rotation of the support member between a non-extended position and a fully extended position, the height being extendable by moving the lower portion with respect to the upper portion, and the support member includes an expandable portion disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion, the expandable portion spanning a gap between the upper portion and the lower portion when the support member is in the non-extended position and when the support member is in the fully extended position. |
| US07821781B2 |
Lighting control console for controlling a lighting system
A lighting control console for controlling a lighting control system including a digital processor and a digital storage unit. The lighting control console can comprise several control elements, in particular keys, linear regulators and/or induction regulators, which are arranged on the top of the casing and can be used to enter operating commands. The lighting control console encompasses a display device with at least one screen that is arranged on the top of the casing. The data for the user can be graphically displayed on the screen. The lighting control console can include a casing provided with at least one cover, which can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover covers at least one extra control element arranged in or on the casing in its closed position, thereby protecting the extra control element against external influences in its closed position. |
| US07821779B2 |
Bag computer assembly with exposable control surface
The Bag Computer Assembly with Exposable Control Surface is a panel-like computer with mounting attachments to allow it to be pivotally attached to a bag so that it may be stored flat against the bag front or pivoted out on one computer edge so that the display on the computer's front is in the line of sight of the operator/wearer for use. In addition, the computer is comprised of two panel-like parts which slide relative to each other and allow a control surface, with keyboard, electronic write pad or other controls, to be exposed for use when needed. The back side of the computer may have controls so there is no need to reduce display size because of controls. There may be a bag with mounting attachments to match the computer's mounting attachments and these both attach the bag and computer and allow them to pivot for storage and use. |
| US07821774B2 |
Mounting base with arc plenum
The present invention relates generally to a switchgear apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mounting base with arc plenum for a switchgear apparatus. The present invention also relates to enclosures for switchgear, panel boards, circuit breakers, and more particularly to an enclosure for low voltage switchgear and switchboard assemblies. The enclosure can be a walk-in type enclosure or a non-walk-in type enclosure. This invention further provides a method and apparatus for channeling plasma (hot arc gasses) that are generated from an arc. The switchgear mounting base with internal arc plenum can be an integral part of an arc resistant switchgear assembly and is preferably located under the switchgear. The switchgear mounting base works in conjunction with a ventilation system in the switchgear apparatus to channel hot arc gasses (plasma) from the lower breaker compartments in the front of the switchgear in the event of an internal arcing fault in one of the breaker compartments. The hot arc gasses exit downward from the bottom of the switchgear and into the plenum. The gasses then are channeled to travel backward through the plenum and then up again into the switchgear rear compartment where they can be routed to and safely discharged from the roof of the switchgear apparatus. |
| US07821770B2 |
Dielectric ceramic composition, multi-layer ceramic capacitor and manufacturing method thereof
A multi-layer ceramic capacitor has a temperature characteristic satisfying an X8R property and has a high specific resistance under a high temperature circumstance, in which the dielectric ceramic composition forming the dielectric ceramics is expressed by a formula: BaTiO3+aMgO +bMOx+cReO3/2+dSiO2, wherein MgO represents MgO conversion, MOx represents oxide conversion for 1 atom in 1 molecule of at least one metal selected from V, Cr, and Mn, ReO3/2 represents oxide conversion for 1 atom in 1 molecule of at least one rare earth metal selected from Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Y, and SiO2 represents SiO2 conversion, and wherein 0.4≦a≦3.0 mol, 0.05≦b≦0.4 mol, 6.0≦c≦16.5 mol, 3.0≦d≦5.0 mol, 2.0≦c/d≦3.3, based on 100 mol of BaTiO3. |
| US07821769B2 |
Metal capacitor and manufacturing method thereof
A metal capacitor in which an electric conductivity is significantly improved by applying a metal material for an electrolyte and a manufacturing method thereof is provided. The capacitor includes: a terminal increase-type metal member comprising a groove forming portion; a metal oxide layer being formed on the terminal increase-type metal member; an insulating layer being formed on the terminal increase-type metal member; a plurality of main electrode layers being formed in a groove forming portion; a plurality of conductive connecting layers being formed on the plurality of main electrode layers and the insulating layer; a first lead terminal being selectively connected to the first and the second electrode withdrawing portions of the terminal increase-type metal member; a second lead terminal being connected to the main electrode layer of the terminal increase-type metal member; and a sealing member sealing the terminal increase-type metal member connected to the first and the second lead terminals to externally expose the first and the second lead terminals. |
| US07821768B2 |
Laminated variable capacitor
A laminated variable capacitor including: input-output terminals for inputting an alternating-current signal and outputting an output signal; and controlling terminals for controlling a capacitance value for voltage of the input alternating-current signal; wherein a total area of external electrodes for input and output connected to said input-output terminals is larger than a total area of external electrodes for control connected to said controlling terminals, or the external electrodes for input and output connected to said input-output terminals are different in structure from the external electrodes for control connected to said controlling terminals. |
| US07821764B2 |
Voltage converter
A voltage converter having a sealed case, a pair of opposing, spaced apart planar electrodes located within the sealed case, a pack of porous dielectric powder filled between the planar electrodes, and an auxiliary electrode electrically connected to one of the planar electrodes and having a portion extending through the pack of porous dielectric powder toward the other planar electrode. When a DC high voltage is applied to one of the planar electrodes, a DC source voltage containing a specific pulsating component is outputted from the other planar electrode. |
| US07821762B2 |
Piezoelectric transformer type ionizer and neutralization method
With a piezoelectric transformer formed of a ferroelectric element which generates a high voltage in a secondary section upon application of an AC voltage to a primary section, ground electrodes are attached to upper and lower surfaces of the secondary section of the piezoelectric transformer via a dielectric sheet for insulation in tight contact therewith such that a dielectric barrier discharge occurs around the ground electrodes to generate positive and negative ions, and an air flow is injected from an air nozzle to flow toward a neutralized subject across the ground electrodes. |
| US07821761B2 |
Current inductive timer socket
A current inductive timer socket comprises: a principle relay circuit, a reed relay circuit, a plurality of diodes, a reed relay and a resistance, a counter circuit, a holding circuit, a time switch circuit and amplification circuit. When the electric appliance is in use, a signal of voltage drop produced at both ends of the rated resistance will be amplified by the operational amplifier and then transmitted to the counter circuit and an overload detecting circuit, making the counter circuit start to count automatically, and thus time operation is carried out. Further, when electric appliance is overloaded or in the case of short circuit, the power source can also be cut off automatically. |
| US07821758B1 |
Systems and methods for reducing intermodulation distortion
Protection circuits for protecting equipment connected to a telecommunication wire pair is disclosed. A protection circuit in one embodiment utilizes a series arrangement of solid state protectors wherein at least some of the solid state protectors are biased. The protection circuit reduces the level of intermodulation distortion in broadband signals that is caused by nonlinear capacitance of solid state protectors. |
| US07821756B2 |
Power supply apparatus, power supply apparatus control method
A power supply apparatus comprises a current limiting unit connected in series between a power source and a power supply circuit that limits output current of the power source; a first switch connected in series with the current limiting unit; a second switch connected in parallel with the current limiting unit; a resistor connected in series between the power source and the current limiting unit; an abnormal current detection unit, connected in parallel with the resistor, that detects the current flowing through the resistor and determines whether or not the detected current is abnormal; and a control unit that turns on the first switch if the abnormal current detection unit detects a current, and, thereafter, turns the second switch on if the detected current is not abnormal, and turns the first switch off if the detected current is abnormal. |
| US07821752B2 |
Device to protect a semiconductor device from electrostatic discharge by efficiently discharging a micro current
A device to protect a semiconductor device from electrostatic discharge is disclosed. In order to protect an internal circuit from electrostatic discharge, the semiconductor electrostatic protection device includes a transfer unit for transferring static electricity inputted to an input/output terminal to a first power line. A driving unit is also included for outputting a driving voltage corresponding to a potential difference between the input/output terminal and the first power line. Finally, a discharge unit for discharging the static electricity inputted to the input/output terminal to a second power line by way of the driving voltage is provided. The semiconductor electrostatic protection device prevents damage to an internal circuit due to the voltage drop of an intermediate medium by reducing the intermediate medium on a static electricity discharge path. |
| US07821751B2 |
ESD-detector
The invention relates to a method for reducing the adverse effects of electrostatic discharge events occurring in a handheld device. The invention involves the steps of enabling a detector for detection of an electrostatic discharge event in the handheld device, detecting the electrostatic discharge event which has affected the handheld device, generating an event signal in response to the electrostatic discharge event, and applying the event signal to the detector, retrieving status information from circuits and components in the handheld device, analysing the event signal and the status information, and taking an action based on the analysis to mitigate any adverse effects of the detected electrostatic discharge event. |
| US07821748B2 |
Magneto-resistance effect element including a damping factor adjustment layer, magneto-resistance effect head, magnetic storage and magnetic memory
A magneto-resistance effect element, a magneto-resistance effect head, a magnetic storage and a magnetic memory, in which noise caused by a spin-transfer torque is reduced, are provided. In a fixed magnetization layer or a free magnetization layer of a magneto-resistance effect element including the fixed magnetization layer, a spacer layer and the free magnetization layer; a layer containing one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt and Au is disposed. |
| US07821747B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing improved pinning structure for tunneling magnetoresistive sensor
A method and apparatus for providing improved pinning structure for tunneling magnetoresistive sensor is disclosed. A three layer pinned structure is used, wherein the second pinned layer is designed to balance the effects of the first and third pinned layers. |
| US07821741B2 |
Disk drive head stack assembly interacting with movement guide for preventing head from contacting the disk during read/write operations
One embodiment in accordance with the invention is an apparatus comprising a movement guide that can be utilized with a data storage device. The movement guide can be for preventing a magnetic head of the data storage device from contacting a disk of the data storage device during operation. |
| US07821739B2 |
Asymmetric opposed slider air bearings for high speed recording on a metal foil disk
A metal foil disk offers some of the best characteristics of both the hard disk and floppy disk for digital data storage. One embodiment uses an opposed slider air bearing arrangement that provides advantages when used with a high speed metal foil disk in either a fixed or removable format. Use is made of the fact that the opposing sliders interact through their influence on the flexible disk that is sandwiched between them. Asymmetry of opposing air bearings may be created by etching the air bearing pad opposite the recording element pad to a depth sufficient that the flying height and air film stiffness of the opposing pad reach desired levels. The result is an air bearing interface with low flying height and high stiffness over the recording element opposed by a high flying height and low stiffness on the other side of the disk. This air bearing interface provides an enhanced dynamic flexibility to the metal foil disk when it is subjected to mechanical shock. As a result, the opposed slider arrangement with metal foil disk is able to avoid contact and impact when subjected to substantial levels of mechanical shock. Thus, wear and damage to slider and disk surfaces are reduced as well as the possibility of lost recorded data. This makes the metal foil disk a strong candidate as a rotating storage medium for mobile and portable applications where a shock environment is common. |
| US07821735B1 |
Apparatus and method for sealing a hard drive enclosure
A disk drive housing, base assembly for use as part of the housing and associated method are disclosed. The base assembly is configured for receiving a cover. In one feature, a base housing serves to define a housing interior in cooperation with the cover for receiving a plurality of components therein as part of the disk drive and the base housing includes a peripheral edge configuration. A molding surrounds and sealingly engages the base housing such that the molding defines a peripheral sealing surface for use in sealing the cover to the base assembly. In another feature, accommodating one or more given components within a given base housing outline, which would not otherwise be accommodated, is described by outsetting a peripheral sidewall of the base housing, adjacent to the given component. |
| US07821734B2 |
Head IC, read circuit and medium storage device
A head IC adjusts an amplitude level of a read signal of a head to adjust dispersion of the output characteristic of the head and to adjust the read signal within the input dynamic range of the AGC of a read channel. An AGC amplifier is installed in a head IC connected to a read channel and a feedback response speed of an AGC circuit of the head IC is set to be sufficiently slower than a feedback response speed of an AGC circuit of the read channel. Also a peak hold circuit and an amplitude limiting circuit are installed in the head IC, and gain is adjusted with a holding value of the peak hold circuit. An initial gain can therefore be stably adjusted at high-speed without being influenced by signals having a small amplitude on the medium. |
| US07821733B2 |
Using a measured error to determine coefficients to provide to an equalizer to use to equalize an input signal
Provided are a read channel, storage drive and method using a measured error to determine coefficients to provide to an equalizer to use to equalize an input signal. A read channel is incorporated in a storage device to process signals read from a storage medium. An equalizer uses coefficients to equalize input read signals to produce equalizer output signals. A detector processes adjusted equalizer output signals to determine output values comprising data represented by the input read signals. An equalizer adaptor is enabled to provide a reference measured error and coefficients used to produce the adjusted equalizer signals that are associated with the reference measured error. The equalizer adaptor computes new equalizer coefficients to use to equalize input read signals that result in a new measured error from the detector and computes a new measured error for the new equalizer coefficients. The equalizer adaptor determines whether the new measured error is degraded with respect to the reference measured error and saves the new equalizer coefficients and the new measured error in response to determining that the new measured error is not degraded with respect to the reference measured error. The equalizer adaptor provides the equalizer coefficients associated with the reference measured error to the equalizer to use to equalize input read signals in response to determining that the new measured error is degraded with respect to the reference measured error. |
| US07821731B2 |
Timing recovery for data storage channels with buffered sectors
A storage channel, e.g., for a disk drive system, may asynchronously sample and buffer an entire sector, and then process the buffered sector to recover timing information. The storage channel may operate in an open-loop and utilize an exhaustive search to determine timing parameters. Alternatively, the storage channel may operative in a closed-loop, processing the sector once, and feeding back information obtained during decoding to the timing loop. |
| US07821726B2 |
Optical element positioning apparatus, projection optical system and exposure apparatus
An optical element is moved in six-degrees-of-freedom. Three first displacement sensors are disposed on a base plate and measure respective displacement amounts of three mutually different points on the optical element in a first direction. A second displacement sensor measures a displacement amount of one point on the optical element in a second direction. Two third displacement sensors measure respective displacement amounts of two mutually different points on the optical element in a third direction. A transformation processor transforms the six measured displacement amounts. A calibration processor calibrates the transformed displacement amounts with a calibration matrix of which coefficients are previously obtained to calibrate the displacement amounts in the six-degrees-of-freedom, which have errors due to measurement errors of the displacement sensors. A controller outputs command values based on differences between the calibrated displacement amounts and target displacement amounts. |
| US07821725B2 |
Image pickup lens, image pickup apparatus and mobile terminal
An image pickup lens includes a first lens block with a positive power and a second lens block with a positive or negative power. The first lens block includes a first lens substrate, and lens portions 1a and 1b arranged on opposing surfaces of the first lens substrate. The lens portions 1a and 1b are different from the first lens substrate in at least one of a refractive index and an Abbe number. The second lens block includes a second lens substrate, and lens portions 2a and 2b arranged on opposing surfaces of the second lens substrate. The lens portions 2a and 2b are different from the second lens substrate in at least one of a refractive index and an Abbe number. The image pickup lens satisfies a condition relating to focal lengths of the lens portions 1a and 2b. |
| US07821723B2 |
High power zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus
A high power zoom lens system includes, in order from the object side: a first lens group having a positive refractive power and remaining stationary during zooming; a second lens group having a negative refractive power and moving during zooming; a third lens group and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power and being movable relative to each other to correct image plane variation accompanied by zooming; and a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power and including an aperture diaphragm, the fifth lens group being used for forming an image. The second lens group and a composite lens group formed by combining the third lens group and the fourth lens group pass simultaneously through −1× magnification points of the groups during zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. The fourth lens group has at least one aspheric surface. |
| US07821722B2 |
Wide-angle projection lens and projection apparatus using the same
A wide-angle projection lens and a projection apparatus using the same are provided. The wide-angle projection lens, from an image side of the projection apparatus, includes a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group. An aperture stop of the wide-angle projection lens is disposed in the third lens group. The first lens group has a negative effective refractive power and at least one aspheric lens surface. The second lens group has a first positive effective refractive power. The third lens group has a second positive effective refractive power. The effective focal length of the wide-angle projection lens is between 6.5 mm and 9.5 mm. |
| US07821720B2 |
Endoscope objective lens with large entrance pupil diameter and high numerical aperture
An endoscope objective lens for collecting combined bright field (white light) and fluorescence images includes a negative lens group, a stop, and a positive lens group. The lens has a combination of large entrance pupil diameter (≧0.4 mm) for efficiently collecting weak fluorescence light, large ratio between the entrance pupil diameter and the maximum outside diameter (Dentrance/Dmax larger than 0.2), large field of view (FFOV≧120°) and favorably corrected spherical, lateral chromatic and Petzval field curvature for both visible and near infrared wavelengths. |
| US07821717B2 |
Lenticular lens array element
A lens element comprising: a rear substrate having a front surface provided with a surface relief having a plurality of zones each capable of providing a lens effect; a front substrate disposed in front of the rear substrate and having a rear surface provided with a surface relief having a plurality of zones each capable of providing a lens effect, the zones of the surface reliefs provided on the rear substrate and the front substrate having the same spatial arrangement over the area of the lens element; and solid or liquid, isotropic, intermediate material disposed between the front surface of the rear substrate and the rear surface of the front substrate, the intermediate material having a refractive index different from the refractive index of each of the rear substrate and the front substrate. This construction reduces the degree of Fresnel reflection which would otherwise degrade the optical performance. |
| US07821715B2 |
Diffractive optical element
A diffractive optical element 10 is constituted by sandwiching and closely bonding first and second optical element components 13, 14 which have different refractive indices and are adhered via a relief pattern 20, between third and fourth optical element components 11, 12. |
| US07821706B2 |
Dual optical path periscope
A direct vision periscope is disclosed having a second set of mirrors strategically positioned within a wide angle trapezoidal periscope. The main optical path has a vertical field of view of 24° above and below horizontal while the secondary optical path provides a field of view of 12° to 59° above horizontal to allow the occupants to see elevated areas. When used on military vehicles, multiple periscopes may be disposed about the operator's compartment to create a near panoramic view. |
| US07821705B2 |
Zoom microscope including an image-acquisition optical path and an observation optical path
The exposure time for obtaining a bright image in an image-acquisition optical system can be reduced, and shifting of an image visually observed in an observation optical system is prevented, thus enabling stable observation. A microscope including an image-acquisition optical path for recording an image focused by an objective lens and an observation optical path for visually observing an image split-off from the image-acquisition optical path; and including an aperture stop, in the observation optical path, for stopping down the numerical aperture thereof to smaller than the numerical aperture of the image-acquisition optical path. |
| US07821702B2 |
Electrophoretic display with dual mode switching
The present invention relates to an improved EPD which comprises both the traditional up/down switching and the in-plane switching modes. In other words, the improved EPD has dual switching modes. The monochrome EPDs of the present invention are capable of displaying highlight color of choice which is different from the text. For example, white background, blue text, and red highlight can be shown in any selected areas of the display. Furthermore, the full color EPDs of the present invention are capable of displaying high contrast images of high color saturation. Both high quality black and white states are possible in the full color displays of the present invention. The EPDs of the present invention do not need complex circuitry design, and are compatible with low cost and high yield roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. |
| US07821701B2 |
Electrophoretic display with homogeneously distributed electrically charged particles
An electrophoretic display device employs an electrophoretic display (100) and a display driver (110). The electrophoretic display (100) includes a matrix of display elements (30,40,50; P00-P99), and the display driver (110) establishes a homogenous distribution of electrically charged particles among the display elements (30,40,50; P00-P99), based on one or more generations of an in-plane electric force (INEF) for moving a homogeneous batch of electrically charged particles between two or more display elements (30,40,50; P00-P99). |
| US07821700B2 |
Dynamic motile medium
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a device for modulating light. The device comprises a plurality of nano-scale particles; a conformal structure defining a surface to which the nano-scale particles conform under influence of a displacement force; and a displacement mechanism to apply the displacement force to the nano-scale particles; wherein the nano-scale particles when they conform to the conformal structure change the optical characteristics of the conformal structure. |
| US07821699B1 |
Electrowetting display and method for fabricating the same
The invention provides an electrowetting display and a method for fabricating the same. The electrowetting display comprises a first electrode formed on a first substrate. A dielectric layer is formed on the first electrode. A plurality of ribs are formed on the dielectric layer. A hydrophobic layer is formed on the dielectric layer and between the ribs. A second substrate is disposed oppositely to the first substrate. A second electrode is formed on the second substrate. A plurality of supporting members are formed on the second electrode and aligned to the ribs to form an enclosed space. A polar solution and a non-polar solution are disposed in the enclosed space. |
| US07821698B2 |
Light pulse positioning with dispersion compensation
A light pulse positioning apparatus with dispersion compensation includes an acousto-optical device and a dispersive element optically coupled thereto. The dispersive element is placed and oriented in relation to the acousto-optical device to spatially and temporally disperse the light pulse and thus compensate, respectively, a spatial dispersion and a temporal dispersion caused by the acousto-optical device. The acousto-optical device can include one or more acousto-optical deflectors for one-dimensional or two-dimensional laser pulse positioning. The dispersive element can be a prism placed in front of the acousto-optical device. In a two-dimensional configuration, a single prism, if properly oriented, is sufficient for dispersion compensation of both acousto-optical deflectors. |
| US07821697B2 |
Exterior reflective mirror element for a vehicular rearview mirror assembly
An exterior reflective mirror element suitable for a vehicle includes a transparent glass substrate having a reflector and a visual indicator display disposed to the rear of the substrate. The visual indicator display may be part of a blind spot detection and display system of the vehicle wherein the visual indicator display is actuated to emit light responsive to a detection by a blind spot detection detector of the equipped vehicle of an overtaking vehicle in a side lane adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle. The visual indicator display includes at least a first indicator at a first location to the rear of the exterior reflective mirror element. A first portion of the reflector may be at least partially removed at the first location in order to establish an at least partially transmissive first portion of the exterior reflective mirror element at the first location. |
| US07821695B2 |
Method and apparatus for positioning a focused beam
A method and apparatus involve: using beam influencing structure to cause a converging beam of radiation to propagate along a first portion of a path of travel; supporting an optical part so that the path of travel extends through the optical part, the converging beam arriving at the optical part along the first portion of the path of travel, and the path of travel having a second portion along which the converging beam travels away from the optical part; and selectively tilting the optical part about a pivot axis lying in an imaginary plane extending transversely to the first portion of the path of travel, pivotal movement of the optical part about the pivot axis causing a change in the orientation of the second portion of the path of travel with respect to the first portion thereof. |
| US07821694B2 |
Optical scan device, image display device, method of modifying resonance frequency of optical scanner, and method of correcting position of reflection mirror
The present invention properly adjusts a resonance frequency of an optical scanner. A resonance-type optical scanner includes a reflection mirror which reflects incident light, a first beam portion which is connected to one side of the reflection mirror, a second beam portion which is connected to the other side of the reflection mirror, and first piezoelectric element portions for elastically deforming the first beam portion. By applying a DC voltage component to the first piezoelectric element portions of the resonance-type optical scanner, tension of the first beam portion and tension of the second beam portion are changed. In response to the changes of tensions of the first beam portion and the second beam portion, the resonance frequency of the optical scanner is changed. In a state that a DC voltage component is applied to the first piezoelectric element portions, an AC voltage is applied to the first piezoelectric element portions so as to oscillate the reflection mirror of the optical scanner at a predetermined frequency. |
| US07821682B2 |
Buffer circuit, image reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus
Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a buffer circuit capable of suppressing the adverse influence of excessive voltage or current output from a photoelectric converting element on an analog signal processing circuit coupled to the photoelectric converting element, and an image reading apparatus or image forming apparatus incorporating the photoelectric converting element, the buffer circuit, and the analog signal processing circuit. |
| US07821681B2 |
Image formation device and support body
An image formation device is provided with an image formation section which forms an image on a recording medium, a frame which accommodates the image formation section and is supported at a base surface, an image acquisition section which is disposed at an upper side relative to the image formation section, and a support body which supports the image acquisition section at the base surface and to which a side portion of the frame is attached. |
| US07821680B2 |
Image sensor having improved resolution and image sensing method using the same
Disclosed is an image sensor capable of improving the resolution of images without modifying the resolution of a photoelectric conversion semiconductor device for sensing images and an image sensing method using the same. The image sensor is adapted to sense images through photoelectric conversion and includes a scanner unit adapted to move on a plane; a photoelectric conversion semiconductor device fixedly mounted on the scanner unit and having a number of pixels being arranged on a front surface; and an array of color filters arranged on the photoelectric conversion semiconductor device so as to correspond to the pixels. The image sensor improves the resolution of sensed images by sensing data of images, which cannot be sensed according to the related art, while using a conventional photoelectric conversion semiconductor device without modification, and without incurring further cost or degrading the performance. |
| US07821677B2 |
Method and apparatus for image forming capable of accurately detecting displacement of transfer images and image density
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image carriers, an image forming mechanism, a seamless belt-like intermediate transfer body or a transfer material carrier, a detection mechanism, and an optical detecting apparatus. The optical detecting apparatus includes at least a printed board, and a plurality of photodetectors formed of a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element and light-shielding members, which are mounted on the printed board. The optical detecting apparatus is disposed such that it detects a belt surface adjacent to rollers of the intermediate transfer body or the transfer material carrier, and either displacement of a transfer image or image density is detected by a plurality of photodetectors detecting pattern images which are transferred from the plurality of image carriers to the image transfer body or the transfer material carrier. |
| US07821676B2 |
Method of processing and operating video surveillance system
A method to calculate a transform coordinate on a second video of an object having an target coordinate on a first video and related operation process and video surveillance system are disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating the first video with a first video surveillance device, generating the second video with a second video surveillance device, selecting a first predetermined number of first reference objects also existing on the second video from the first video, calculating a plurality of coordinate transform coefficients of a first coordinate transform function according to the first predetermined number of first coordinates where the first reference objects are on the first video and the first predetermined number of second coordinates where the first reference objects are on the second video, and substituting the target coordinate into the first coordinate transform function, which had the first coordinate transform coefficients, and calculating the transform coordinate. |
| US07821675B2 |
Methods and ink compositions for invisibly printed security images having multiple authentication features
An article is marked with image indicia for authentication, information, or decoration by providing a plurality of inks having a plurality of fluorescence colors when exposed to excitation energy, separating colors of the image indicia into a plurality of image levels in accordance with the fluorescence colors of the inks, and printing each image level in mutual registration on the article using the corresponding ink. The image printed with each ink may be substantially invisible under illumination within the visible spectrum. The invisibly printed images have multiple authentication features, including the use of covert UV-fluorescent materials, IR-fluorophores, microparticles, and other chemical taggants. Ink compositions, methods for making the inks, and methods and apparatus for using the inks are also disclosed. |
| US07821672B2 |
Image recording method and image recording apparatus
In a printer, threshold matrixes are prepared so that, in a color halftone image generated with the threshold matrixes, cell centers are arranged randomly, a direction where intervals of cell centers for cyan are maximum and a direction where intervals of cell centers for magenta are maximum are different, and the both directions are tilted relatively to a column direction corresponding to a scan direction of a head. A check pattern is recorded with the threshold matrix for each color component by the head, print densities in positions in a width direction of the check pattern, which corresponds to an arrangement direction of outlets in the head, are measured to acquire modification coefficients and then pixel values of an original image are modified by using the modification coefficients. This makes it possible to print a color halftone image with less graininess, without causing a beat pattern and streak unevenness. |
| US07821669B2 |
Image retouching program
Provided is photo retouching software which is easy for photo studio personnel to use. Upon opening photo image(s), special photo retoucher 11 converts photo image data thereof to working color space image data. At such time(s), if working ICC profile(s) is/are set which is/are different from ICC profile(s) previously embedded in such photo image file(s), color perceptual matching is carried out on the photo image data thereof based on such embedded ICC profile(s) and working ICC profile(s) when such photo image file(s) is/are opened. Furthermore, when such photo image(s) is/are displayed at monitor(s), such image data is converted to monitor color space image data through color matching using working ICC profile(s) and monitor ICC profile(s). |
| US07821666B2 |
Alternative to pre-printed special forms
A system and method allowing pre-printed forms to print onto plain paper and also for converting a pre-printed form type system into a plain paper system. The pre-printed form is recreated as an electronic template file in PCL (printer control language) including the contents of the pre-printed form (e.g., the pre-printed text, lines, boxes, logos, etc.), combined with a data file from an application and printed to a plain paper printer. Alternatively, the system may migrate the combined file to a database or web server to allow for easy access and searching by multiple-users at remote locations. |
| US07821665B2 |
Image forming device and firmware overwriting method
An image forming device, including: rewritable memory that stores firmware composed of a plurality of modules; and a controller that performs print processing based on the firmware stored in the memory, wherein the image forming device is structured including a detachable, consumable unit having a storage unit that stores at least one of the modules; and when the storage unit in the consumable unit set in the image forming device has a module that defines control content unique to the consumable unit (hereinafter called the ‘unit unique module’), the controller overwrites the firmware in units of unit unique modules. |
| US07821664B2 |
Printer formatter in a cable
A printer cable that is configured for coupling to a printer having an enclosure and a printer port. The printer cable includes a first connector for connecting to the printer port and a second connector for coupling to a host device (e.g., a personal computer (PC)). The printer cable includes a printer formatter for providing formatting services to the printer via the first connector. Since the printer formatter is integrated into the printer cable, the printer formatter is external to the printer enclosure and is easily removable and configurable by a user. |
| US07821663B2 |
Image supply device, control method of the device, and printing system
In this invention, to enable printing of an image that has undergone an image process or print process complying with the desire of a user on an image supply device side, real object handles and virtual object handles are set to, of images to be supplied to the printing device, images that require a predetermined image process and remaining images, respectively. A print job including the object handle of a print target image is issued in accordance with a print instruction. If the handle of an image requested by the printing device in response to the issued print job is a virtual object handle, the predetermined image process is executed for image data corresponding to the handle, and the processed image data is supplied to the printing device. |
| US07821662B2 |
Information processing apparatus and job processing apparatus
Job processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a reception unit adapted to receive a job ticket; a recognition unit adapted to recognize a processing content of a processing step of interest defined in the job ticket; a detection unit adapted to detect a processing status of the process; an identification adapted to identify a processed part of a print job and an unprocessed part of the print job based on the processing status, when the processing status satisfies a job ticket dividing condition; a job ticket generation unit adapted to generate a first job ticket that describes a processing parameter of the processed part for a next step, in order to process the processed part in the next step; and a delivery unit adapted to deliver the first job ticket to a device which executes processing in the next step. |
| US07821659B2 |
Image processing method and image processing device
When there is an object of a color plate which is different than a process color, it is confirmed whether or not Color (n), which corresponds to that color name Spot (n), is a spot color. If Color (n) is a spot color, CMYK value conversion is carried out from a LUT of that spot color, and CMYK values are composed in a region for output. If Color (n) is a process color, CMYK values thereof are stored in a region for CMYK color correction. After color correction is carried out on the CMYK values of the region for CMYK color correction, they are composed with CMYK values of the region for CMYK output. Color information when a color plate different than a process color is included, is generated. |
| US07821657B2 |
Continuous raster image processing control across print jobs
A job joining capability is used in a Multifunction Peripheral Device (MFP) to conduct continuous Raster Image Processing (RIP) across multiple job boundaries. Print jobs which do not have inter-RIP conflicts are printed back-to-back as a continuous single RIP. This is particularly advantageous for single copy, single page, and other small print jobs. |
| US07821656B2 |
Method of drawing images using a dynamic reconfigurable processor, circuit therefor and image output control apparatus
A drawing processing circuit includes a plurality of rasterizing means capable of executing rasterizing processes in parallel. Each rasterizing means includes a dynamic reconfigurable processor. Data described by a page description language is received, analyzed, and converted into intermediate data for each drawn object. Before execution of a rasterizing process, scheduling data of reconfiguration of the processor is generated by estimating the process time of each rasterizing process on the basis of the intermediate data. The plurality of rasterizing means rasterize the data to bitmap data on the basis of the intermediate data while reconfiguring the processor on the basis of the generated scheduling data. In addition, the process time of each of the plurality of rasterizing means is determined on the basis of the scheduling data. The scheduling data is corrected so as to make the process times of the plurality of rasterizing means substantially equal. With this arrangement, a method of drawing image, which reduces the waste of hardware resources and perform a high-speed drawing process, a circuit thereof, and a print control apparatus are provided. |
| US07821655B2 |
In-situ absolute measurement process and apparatus for film thickness, film removal rate, and removal endpoint prediction
An apparatus and process for in-situ measurement of thin film thickness, ash rate, and end point generally include generating and measuring shallow angle interference patterns. The apparatus generally includes a chamber having a first viewing port and a second viewing port. The first viewing port includes receiving optics configured to receive light at a shallow angle from a surface of a substrate processed therein. The second port includes a broadband illumination source and is preferably disposed in a sidewall opposite the receiving optics. The process includes calculating the thin film thickness, ash rate, and end point from the interference patterns. |
| US07821652B2 |
System and method for focusing discrete points on an under-measured object
A method for focusing discrete points on an under-measured object is provided. The method includes: (a) receiving an image of the object, selecting measurement points on the image, and obtaining X, Y coordinate values of the measurement points; (b) searching a solid point on the under-measured object according to the X, Y coordinate value of one of the measurement points, wherein the solid point corresponds to the measuring point; (c) emitting a laser light to the solid point for computing a vertical distance “h” between the laser aid and the solid point; (d) computing a Z coordinate value of the measurement point according to the “h”; repeating step (b) to step (d) until all the Z coordinate values of the measurement points have been computed; and (e) focusing the solid points according to the X, Y and Z coordinate values of the measurement points. A related system is also provided. |
| US07821651B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring distances
An apparatus for measuring distances includes a lens module, a light sensor, and a calculation module. The lens module is used for imaging an object to be measured. The lens module has a focal plane which is non-vertical to the light axis thereof. The light sensor is used for receiving the image of the object through the lens module, and generating a corresponding signal accordingly. The calculation module is used for calculating the distance of the object based on a high frequency part of the signal. A relative method for measuring distances is provided as well. |
| US07821650B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method with reduced scribe lane usage for substrate measurement
In a device manufacturing method and a metrology apparatus, metrology measurements are executed using radiation having a first wavelength. Subsequently a grid of conducting material is applied on the substrate, the grid having grid openings which in a first direction in the plane of the grid are smaller than the first wavelength. The space in the scribe lane where the measurement target was, is now shielded and may be used again in further layers or processing steps of the substrate. |
| US07821646B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating mid-IR laser beam for ultrasound inspection
A method of ultrasonic testing comprising conditioning a radiation wave from a laser source by efficiently converting the radiation wave's wavelength to a mid-IR wavelength for enhanced ultrasonic testing of a composite. The method includes passing the radiation wave through a first optical frequency converter where the radiation wave is converted into a signal wave and an idler wave, where the idler wave is at a mid-IR wavelength. The method further includes directing the signal and idler waves to a second optical frequency converter where the signal wave wavelength is converted to a mid-IR wavelength which combines with the idler wave to form a generation wave. The generation wave is directed at a composite surface to be tested. |
| US07821645B2 |
Microstructural feature and material property monitoring device for metallic material
A microstructural feature and material property monitoring device for a metallic material that can easily adjust relative position between an irradiation position of laser beams applied to the metallic material to propagate pulsed ultrasonic waves in the metallic material and detection position of a laser interferometer, and therefore can accurately monitor the microstructural feature and material property of the metallic material. The device relatively moves the irradiation position of the laser beams generated by a laser oscillator and the detection position of the laser interferometer. The irradiation position of the laser beams generated from a laser oscillator and the detection position of the laser interferometer are controlled to be aligned with a relative position according to the microstructural feature and material property of the metallic material based on the time from the transmission of the pulsed ultrasonic waves to the detection by the laser interferometer. After the alignment, the microstructural feature and material property of the metallic material is calculated based on the waveform of the pulsed ultrasonic waves generated as an electrical signal by the laser interferometer. |
| US07821641B2 |
Precise flow-oriented multi-angle remission sensor
A three-dimensional flow cell for aligning non-isometric particles in a liquid sample in two axes, a method of aligning non-isometric particles in a liquid sample, the use of the three-dimensional flow cell, a reflectance sensor which has the three-dimensional flow cell according to the invention, a method of measuring the reflectance of a liquid sample containing non-isometric particles and the use of the reflectance sensor according to the invention. |
| US07821632B2 |
Sample traveling stage with flexure mechanism module to absorb the deformation of the slide
A sample traveling stage is used for inspection equipment or precision processing equipment for semiconductors or FPDs, (Flat Panel Displays). The sample traveling stage includes a moving part in which a first slide, which is mounted on a base frame and moves along a first guide block, and a second slide, which is mounted on the first slide and moves along a second guide block, is installed in a mutually crossing direction. A traveling part that travels sample through the sample table is installed by a flexure mechanism module formed on the second slide and measures displacement through the X, Y bar mirror installed at the above sample table in a mutually vertical direction. A measuring part includes a laser head, a beam divider, and an interferometer installed at the operating path of the moving part forms the output into a displacement signal by receiving the input beam interference signal reflected by the X, Y bar mirror from receiver. The deformation error of the mirror and sample, including the sample table, decreases because deformation by the slide is not delivered to the sample table, and measuring accuracy improves because the relative distance of the mirror and the sample is set. Productivity improves due to the minimization of defective proportions because the accuracy is improved. |
| US07821631B1 |
Architecture of laser sources in a flow cytometer
The architecture of air-coupled laser sources in a flow cytometer is provided. The flow cytometer includes a mounting plate with a first major surface and a second major surface. A cuvette is mounted on the first major surface and a fluid core stream flows through the cuvette essentially parallel to the major surfaces of the mounting plate. A first air-coupled laser source is mounted on the first major surface. The first air-coupled laser source generates a first laser beam. The flow cytometer also includes a first beam-shaping optic system corresponding to the first air-coupled laser source. The first beam-shaping optic system receives the first laser beam and focuses it at the center of the fluid core stream perpendicular to the fluid core stream. |
| US07821629B2 |
Device and method for detecting contamination in a container
A device is disclosed for determining the possible presence of contamination of a container with a decorative exterior, for instance provided with a labelling and/or relief patterns, for liquids such as a drink such as beer or a soft drink. The device includes an irradiating device for irradiating the container with at least a first wavelength (for instance visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, x-radiation), and a recording device for recording a radiation sample of radiation after it has had interaction with at least a part of the container. Further, an orientation determining device is included for determining the orientation of the container relative to the recording device, along with a comparing device for comparing the sample to a reference matching the orientation of the container relative to the recording device during the recording to determine the possible presence of contamination. |
| US07821627B2 |
Fabrication and test methods and systems
Methods and systems for fabricating and testing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a material includes providing a first workpiece, forming a material on the first workpiece using a first process condition, and measuring a defect state of the material using a test that utilizes a monochromatic light source. If the defect state is below a predetermined value, the material is formed on at least one second workpiece using the first process condition. |
| US07821625B2 |
Systems and methods for lithographic illuminator beam deviation measurement and calibration using grating sensors
Angular deviation of illumination beam is measured with high accuracy for an expanded continuous range of angles using grating sensors that are configured to exhibit Surface Plasmon Resonance effects at actinic wavelengths. The beam deviation measurement systems and procedures are applicable to both mask-based and maskless lithography tools. A control system adopts an appropriate calibration algorithm based on whether the SPR effect is detected or not. Relative intensity shift in an SPR-affected diffractive order, and/or relative position and slope change in non-SPR-affected diffractive orders are used as a basis of the adopted calibration algorithm. |
| US07821623B2 |
Surveillance satellite image denial system
A satellite surveillance countermeasure system uses an airborne platform to position a coherent radiation source above a substantial portion of the Earth's atmosphere. The coherent radiation source provides coherent radiation that is directed toward an enemy surveillance satellite, so as to reversibly deny the satellite the ability to image. By positioning the coherent radiation source at such an altitude, atmospheric attenuation and distortion are mitigated. Thus, a smaller, less powerful and less costly coherent radiation source can be utilized. The use of an airborne platform also makes the system more portable and affordable. |
| US07821618B2 |
Method for light propagation time measurement
Disclosed is a method and a device for light propagation time measurement, wherein a light signal is transmitted from at least one transmitter into a light path via a retroreflective object to a receiver for detecting the alteration of the first signal, presence, and/or distance of the object, the received signal being determined from the path and compared with a second signal produced without the light path to achieve a comparison value, which regulates amplitude values of the transmitted signal and/or of the second signal, a clock change signal corresponding to the light propagation time between received signal and second signal is detected cyclically, a difference value being determined by comparing change signals between received signal and second signal , the difference value being altered by means of a phase shifter , delay of the phase shifter that occurred given a minimal difference value determining the light propagation time. |
| US07821615B2 |
Liquid jet and recovery system for immersion lithography
A liquid jet and recovery system for an immersion lithography apparatus has arrays of nozzles arranged to have their openings located proximal to an exposure region through which an image pattern is projected onto a workpiece such as a wafer. These nozzles are each adapted to serve selectively either as a source nozzle for supplying a fluid into the exposure region or as a recovery nozzle for recovering the fluid from the exposure region. A fluid controlling device functions to cause nozzles on selected one or more sides of the exposure region to serve as source nozzles and to cause nozzles on selected one or more of the remaining sides to serve as recovery nozzles such that a desired flow pattern can be established for the convenience of immersion lithography. |
| US07821614B2 |
Monitoring apparatus and method particularly useful in photolithographically processing substrates
Apparatus for processing substrates according to a predetermined photolithography process includes a loading station in which the substrates are loaded, a coating station in which the substrates are coated with a photoresist material, an exposing station in which the photoresist coating is exposed to light through a mask having a predetermined pattern to produce a latent image of the mask on the photoresist coating, a developing station in which the latent image is developed, an unloading station in which the substrates are unloaded and a monitoring station for monitoring the substrates with respect to predetermined parameters of said photolithography process before reaching the unloading station. |
| US07821610B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and alignment process method
Although portions of electrodes in proximity to a driver IC are covered with an insulating film, part of the electrodes is not covered with the insulating film. Thus, this insulating film absent region functions as an external voltage supply region that receives, from the outside, application of a voltage which is different from an output voltage from a driving unit. When the alignment of the initial state is disarranged, an alignment process is performed by short-circuiting all electrodes of the driving unit and applying a voltage from the outside, through the external voltage supply region, whereby the alignment is restored to the initial state with the driving unit being mounted on a liquid crystal panel. |
| US07821604B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a crossing portion connecting line and a light transmission type photosensitive resin having openings
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device using a thin-film transistor, and the invention also provides a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display device. In openings of a first light transmission type photosensitive resin formed on an insulating substrate, a gate electrode, a source line, and a pixel contact layer are prepared. On these components, a gate insulator, a semiconductor layer, an ohmic contact layer (n+ semiconductor layer) and a protective film are prepared. Further, in openings of a second light transmission type photosensitive resin, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a pixel electrode are prepared. Also, the crossing portion connecting line formed at the opening of the second light transmission type photosensitive resin is, similarly to the source line or the gate line, made of baked silver produced by baking an ink containing silver fine particles plotted by ink jet process. |
| US07821603B2 |
Vertically-alligned (VA) liquid crystal display device
A vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels, which further includes a first substrate and a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate include alignment control structures which extend linearly, and when viewed in a direction vertical to the first substrate, in a pixel, the alignment control structure of the first substrate and the alignment control structures of the second substrate are arranged alternately. The alignment control structure of the first substrate includes first and second linear portions, and distances between the first and second linear portions and an adjacent alignment control structure of the second substrate are different from each other. Additionally, each of the first and second linear portions and the alignment control structures of the second substrate are arranged in parallel. |
| US07821602B2 |
Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display includes the steps of forming pixel electrodes on inside surfaces of a couple of substrates facing each other, each of the pixel electrodes having gaps; sealing, between the couple of substrates with the pixel electrodes formed, a liquid crystal layer containing a light curing material; and exposing the liquid crystal layer through use of a light shielding film having a plurality of openings, under a voltage applied between a pair of pixel electrodes facing each other on the couple of substrates, where the gaps are alternately disposed to form a staggered arrangement between the pair of pixel electrodes and, spacing between adjacent openings of the light shielding film is smaller than spacing, in a substrate surface direction, between the gap of a pixel electrode on one substrate and the gap of a pixel electrode on the other substrate. |
| US07821600B2 |
Projection display apparatus
A projection display apparatus for combining image lights formed by two or more of different liquid crystal panels through a prism, and projecting the combined image light onto a projection plane through a projection optical system. The apparatus comprises a first optically transmissive substrate opposite an exit plane of the liquid crystal panel, a second optically transmissive substrate opposite an entrance plane of the prism, and at least one third optically transmissive substrate disposed between the first optically transmissive substrate and the second optically transmissive substrate, wherein the first optically transmissive substrate, second optically transmissive substrate, and third optically transmissive substrate are each provided with a polarizer for absorbing a predetermined polarized light component in a predetermined proportion, and the second optically transmissive substrate is adhered to the entrance plane of the prism. |
| US07821596B2 |
Lamp unit and liquid crystal display device
A lamp unit for a liquid crystal display device includes a cold cathode lamp, a lamp cable, a lamp socket and a lamp reflector. The lamp cable is electrically connected to the cold cathode lamp to supply electric power to the cold cathode lamp. The lamp socket supports the cold cathode lamp and has a holder portion holding the lamp cable. The lamp reflector houses the cold cathode lamp and the lamp socket and has a bottom plate, front and rear plates that extend from the bottom plate and a pair of support tabs that extends from lateral end portions of the front and rear plates to sandwich the holder portion of the lamp socket therebetween. |
| US07821595B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module includes a frame, an optical element, a bottom plate, a holder, and a light source. The optical elements are located on the frame and a space between the sidewall of the frame and the optical elements. The bottom plate located under the optical elements. The light source is on the holder inserted into the space, The holder is inserted into the space along the direction toward the bottom surface of the bottom plate, and is removed from the space along the opposing direction. |
| US07821594B2 |
Receiving container, display device having the same and a method thereof
A receiving container includes first to third sidewalls, first and second buffer recesses and a supporting portion. The first sidewall faces shorter first sides of the lower and upper substrates. The second and third sidewalls are connected to end portions of the first sidewall and face each other. The first buffer recesses are disposed in the first and second sidewalls at a region where the first and second sidewalls meet each other, and in the first and third sidewalls where the first and third sidewalls meet each other. The supporting portion is extended from inner surfaces of the first, second and third sidewalls and supports edge portions of the lower substrate. The second buffer recesses are disposed in the supporting portion and at a region of the supporting portion, which corresponds to corners of the lower substrate. |
| US07821593B2 |
Blacklight module and liquid crystal display
A backlight module includes a frame, a lamp stationary barrier, and at least one lamp. The lamp stationary barrier has at least one side wall formed by oblique lines. The lamp is disposed in the frame, and at least a portion of an electrode end of the lamp is covered by the side wall. The oblique side wall may effectively improve the luminance uniformity of the backlight module, and thus a liquid crystal display using this backlight module has good display quality. |
| US07821591B2 |
Separation type chassis and flat panel display having the same
A separation type chassis for a flat panel display includes at least two chassis members, and a plurality of fastening members for coupling the chassis members, and coupling holes having a predetermined shape are formed at both ends of each of the chassis members. Each of the fastening members is coupled with the coupling holes. |
| US07821589B2 |
Wire holder and liquid crystal display device having the same
An LCD device having a wire holder are disclosed, in which a wire from a lamp is efficiently fixed to an inverter through a lead-out space formed at the edge of one side of a bottom cover. The LCD device has a bottom cover with bottom and lateral sides extending from the bottom, provided with a groove formed by partially cutting the bottom and the lateral sides at the edge, a light guide plate in the bottom cover, a lamp between one side of the light guide plate and one side of the bottom cover, a wire connected to both ends of the lamp and extending along the side of the bottom cover to the groove, a wire holder to which the wire is inserted to collect the wire in the groove, limiting motion of the wire, and an LCD panel arranged on the light guide plate. |
| US07821588B2 |
TFT substrate having first and second pad sections formed in peripheral area each with overlapping metal patterns receiving driving signals to repair electrically opened lines
A thin film transistor substrate includes a substrate, first and second pad sections, a signal wiring and a pixel array. The first pad section includes first and second lines. The first pad section receives a driving signal through at least one of the first and second lines. The second pad section includes a third line extending from the first line and a fourth line extending from the second line. The second pad section receives the driving signal through at least one of the third and fourth lines. The signal wiring in a display area is electrically connected to at least one of the third and fourth lines to receive the driving signal from the second pad section. The pixel array receives the driving signal from the signal wiring. |
| US07821586B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and method of fabricating the same
A method of forming a liquid crystal display panel is presented. A black matrix is formed on a substrate. A color filter is formed at an area which is divided by the black matrix. An overcoat layer and a spacer formed simultaneously by press-forming a liquid pre-polymer material with a soft mold on the color filter. The liquid pre-polymer material is heated for a predetermined time while the mold is applied. The liquid pre-polymer material contains a basic resin such as polyethylene glycol, a binder such as styrene-acrylic co-monomer and a photo-initiator. |
| US07821583B2 |
Three-dimension display and fabricating method thereof
A three-dimension display suitable for a viewer wearing a pair of eyeglasses is disclosed. The eyeglasses have two circular polarized eyeglass lenses with different polarizations. The three-dimension display includes a flat display panel, a quarter-wave plate and a patterned half-wave plate. The flat display panel has a plurality of pixels arranged in an array, wherein the flat display panel is suitable to display a linear polarized image. The quarter-wave plate is disposed between the flat display panel and the eyeglasses. The patterned half-wave plate is disposed between the flat display panel and the eyeglasses, wherein the patterned half-wave plate corresponds to a part of the pixels. The present invention also provides a fabrication method of a three-dimension display. |
| US07821579B2 |
Image enhancing system
An image enhancing system uses a perfect reconstructing filter to process image signals within a specified resolution and enhance the image signals. The image enhancing system includes an image-signal-obtaining unit, a first-signal-group processing unit, a high-pass/low-pass-image obtaining unit, a brightness-adjusting unit, a threshold unit, an amplifying unit, an adder and a normalizing unit. The image-signal-obtaining unit obtains nine image signals from three lines of image signals. The first-signal-group processing unit processes the nine image signals. The high-pass/low-pass-image obtaining unit obtains a high-frequency image signal and a low-frequency image signal. The brightness-adjusting unit adjusts the brightness of the low-frequency image signal. The threshold unit processes the noise of the high-frequency image signal. The amplifying unit amplifies the high-frequency image signal. The adder adds the high-frequency image signal and the low-frequency image signal. The normalizing unit normalizes the result of the adder to obtain an enhanced image. |
| US07821576B2 |
Video format determination using the horizontal synchronizing signal
An image processing device includes a synchronizing signal separation section, a counting section, a synchronizing signal determination section, and a video format determination processing section. The synchronizing signal separation section separates a horizontal synchronizing signal from a received broadcasting signal. The counting section counts the pulse number of the separated horizontal synchronizing signal. The synchronizing signal determination section determines presence/absence of a synchronizing signal based on the counted value by the counting section. The video format determination processing section determines a video format of the received broadcasting signal based on the number of scan lines. The video format determination processing section determines the video format only when it is determined that there is a synchronizing signal by the synchronizing signal determination section. |
| US07821569B2 |
Converter lens attachment with built-in light source for compact digital camera
A converter lens attachment with a built-in light source for macrophotography by a compact camera is disclosed. The converter lens attachment includes a mounting seat, a printed circuit board (PCB) with light emitting diodes (LEDs) parallelly mounted on the mounting seat, an adapter ring accommodating the mounting seat and the PCB, a light diffuser connecting with the PCB, a sleeve being passed through by the light diffuser and leaning against the adapter ring, and a barrel connecting with the sleeve and accommodating the light diffuser. The adapter ring is removably connected to a base body mounted on the camera. There is a battery in the base body for supplying power to the LEDs. |
| US07821564B2 |
Assembly for aligning an optical system
A lens holder assembly for aligning an optical system over an image sensor is described. The image sensor may be lying on a substrate. The assembly may include a lens holder aperture and at least one centering leg or protrusion which may be detached from the substrate and wherein the centering legs or protrusions may tightly abut or surround the image sensor in order to center the lens holder assembly with respect to the image sensor and to the optical system. |
| US07821560B2 |
Optical sensor, solid-state imaging device, and operating method of solid-state imaging device
In an optical device such as an optical sensor or a solid-state imaging device having a photodiode for receiving light and producing photocharges and a transfer transistor (or an overflow gate) for transferring the photocharge, it is configured that photocharges overflowing from the photo diode in storage operation are stored into a plurality of storage capacitance elements through the transfer transistor or the overflow gate, thereby obtaining the optical device adapted to maintain a high sensitivity and a high S/N ratio and having a wide dynamic range. |
| US07821558B2 |
Image sensor with circuitry for detecting each pixel receiving a given light intensity and providing addresses thereof
An image sensor including an assembly of pixels each having a photodetector, and having circuitry for detecting, at a given time, pixels receiving a light intensity value substantially equal to a given value and coding circuitry providing an address for each of said pixels. |
| US07821555B2 |
Multi path power for CMOS imagers
An analog signal chain for a CMOS active pixel sensor imaging system utilizes, for each amplification stage, a plurality of fixed gain amplifiers instead of a single multi-gain amplifier. The fixed gain amplifier corresponding to the desired gain level is selected and powered on and coupled to the input/output signal paths, while the non-selected fixed gain amplifier(s) are powered off and isolated from the input/output signal paths. Each fixed gain amplifier is operated at a gain bandwidth corresponding to the timing requirements of the imaging system and the gain of the amplifier. Thus, each fixed gain amplifier (other than the one corresponding to the maximum gain of a comparable multi-gain amplifier) operates at a lower level of power consumption than the comparable multi-gain amplifier. |
| US07821546B2 |
Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, image processing method, and program
The present invention includes a coordinate rotating circuit which executes a coordinate rotating conversion based on a predetermined rotation matrix, on each of two color difference signals to obtain two color difference rotated signals, a normalizing circuit which divides the color difference rotated signal by a luminance signal to obtain a color difference normalized signal, a subtractor and an absolute value calculating circuit which calculate a color saturation degree-of-deviation signal from a difference between the color difference normalized signal and a coefficient, and a tangent circuit and an absolute value calculating circuit which divide the color difference rotated signal by the color difference rotated signal to calculate a hue degree-of-deviation signal from a resulting quotient. |
| US07821542B2 |
System and method for restricting use of camera of a mobile terminal
A method, system and apparatus for restricting, within a specific area, the photographing function of a camera mounted in a mobile terminal. A control signal is transmitted to a mobile terminal within a photograph-prohibited area and the mobile terminal disables the camera. Upon leaving the photograph-prohibited area, the camera is enabled. |
| US07821541B2 |
Remote control apparatus using gesture recognition
A video processor for recognizing gestures, including a video camera for capturing photographs of a region within the camera's field of view, in real-time, an image processor coupled with the video camera for detecting a plurality of hand gestures from the photographs captured by the video camera, and a controller coupled with the image processor, wherein the controller can be in a dormant mode or an active mode, and wherein the controller transitions from dormant mode to active mode when the image processor detects a progression of two states within the captured photographs, the two states being (i) a closed fist and (ii) an open hand, and wherein the controller performs a programmed responsive action to an electronic device based on the hand gestures detected by the image processor when the controller is in active mode. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed. |
| US07821539B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting solid-state image pickup device
Apparatus for inspecting a solid-state image pickup device comprises: a memory for saving an image data from the solid-state image pickup device; an arithmetic operation part that performs predetermined image processing on the image data saved in the memory and outputting an evaluation value; and a controller that judges whether the solid-state image pickup device is good based on the evaluation value. The arithmetic operation part adds image data values saved in the memory in the column direction (extension direction of a vertical charge transfer path) to obtain a column-based addition value. The arithmetic operation part then obtains difference data from the adjacent value, counts the number of difference data items contained in the plurality of specified level regions, and obtains the evaluation value based on the sum total of the products of level information and count in the level regions. |
| US07821538B2 |
Camera printer operation method with media pull sensing
A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager. The step of controlling printing of the manipulated image includes causing the print manager to activate a guillotine, which guillotine is adapted to cut a print media, upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to pull the print media from the camera. |
| US07821533B2 |
Wireless video surveillance system and method with two-way locking of input capture devices
A method for locking communication between at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them; and locking the ICDs to send wireless data exclusively to that DIR and/or ICD; and/or the DIR and/or ICD locking itself for exclusive communication with the locked ICDs, thereby providing a secure surveillance system for a target environment. |
| US07821530B2 |
Intelligent camera head
A video imaging system that minimizes the effect of EMI on the image data, provides a small, lightweight easy to use camera head, permitting interchangeable use of a variety of intelligent camera heads with a single camera control unit, and allows the utilization of new camera heads with new functions as they become available without having to replace the existing CCU. |
| US07821521B2 |
Methods and systems for legacy graphics emulation
Embodiments of the present invention provide a seamless way to emulate legacy graphics processing on modern graphics hardware. In particular, in some embodiments, the present invention provides a way for modern GPUs to emulate the bitwise operations and rendering processes of previous generations of graphics hardware. The present invention utilizes a novel pixel shader program. The pixel shader program provides a texture lookup functionality that compensates for any missing bitwise functionality. When a bitwise operation is requested, the system will copy out the destination area to a temporary image. This temporary image is fed to the pixel shader program along with a precomputed texture. The texture is precomputed by the CPU for the various bitwise operations and acts as a lookup table for the requested operation. With the temporary image and precomputed texture, the shader program on the GPU can then emulate the legacy graphics operations seamlessly. Accordingly, all temporaries, and the emulation of the bitwise operations themselves are done using the three dimensional engine of the GPU. |
| US07821519B2 |
Scalable unified memory architecture
A memory architecture includes a memory controller coupled to multiple modules. Each module includes a computing engine coupled to a shared memory. Each computing engine is capable of receiving instructions from the memory controller and processing the received instructions. The shared memory is configured to store main memory data and graphical data. Certain computing engines are capable of processing graphical data. The memory controller may include a graphics controller that provides instructions to the computing engine. An interconnect on each module allows multiple modules to be coupled to the memory controller. |
| US07821515B2 |
Method for automatic font character height restriction
A method is provided for reducing a height of a font character in a nonlinear scaling process. The method includes reducing the height of the character by interacting with hinting instruction to adjust relevant instructions to thereby reduce the overall height of a font character while preserving as much of the integrity of the character as possible. The method includes an iterative process which selectively removes various pixels, defining an outline of a font character while maintaining a removal criteria, which results in a nonlinear height reduction in order to produce a font of a desired height. |
| US07821514B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing apparatus includes, a first data generation unit configured to generate triangular data by analyzing straight line contours and curved contours with respect to vector format graphic data and making the straight line contours and the curved contours triangles, a second data generation unit configured to generate stencil data from the triangular data on the basis of a drawing order of vertices of the triangular data generated from straight line contours and curved contours, and a third data generation unit configured to generate raster format graphic data with reference to the stencil data. |
| US07821509B2 |
Shift register and organic light emitting display device using the same
A shift register capable of reducing power consumption is provided. The shift register includes: a clock signal supply line for supplying a clock signal; a plurality of selectors coupled to the clock signal supply line to generate driving signals in response to sampling signals; and a plurality of stages respectively coupled to the selectors to generate the sampling signals in response to the driving signals, wherein at least one of the selectors is adapted to generate at least one of the driving signals in response to a previous one of the sampling signals supplied from a previous one of the stages and a next one of the sampling signals supplied from a next one of the stages. |
| US07821507B2 |
Method of providing information via a printed substrate and two-mode sensing device
A method of enabling a user to initiate an action via a printed substrate, said substrate comprising user information and coded data, said coded data being indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate, said method comprising the steps of: receiving, in a computer system and from a sensing device, mode data and interaction data, the sensing device being operable in a plurality of modes and the mode data being indicative of one of said modes, the interaction data being indicative of the region identity and at least one position of the sensing device relative to the substrate, the sensing device generating the interaction data, when operatively positioned or moved relative to the substrate, by reading at least some of the coded data; identifying and retrieving at least part of a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; determining a mode of the sensing device using the mode data; identifying an action using said mode, said interaction data and said page description; and initiating said action. |
| US07821499B2 |
Device that manages power provided to an object sensor
A hand-held device with a sensor for providing a signal indicative of a position of the hand-held device relative to an object surface enables power to the sensor at a first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is stationary and adjacent relative to the object surface, enables power to the sensor at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is moving and adjacent relative to the object surface, and enables power to the sensor at a third time interval when the hand-held device is determined to be in a position that is removed relative to the object surface. |
| US07821498B2 |
Interface for controlling a graphical image
An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the computer running an application program and generating a graphical image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipuatable object in, communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between the graphical image, and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation. In another version, a mouse for interfacing a user with a computer generating a graphical environment comprising a graphical hand comprises a housing, a position detector to detect a position of the mouse, the position detector capable of providing a first position signal to the computer to control the position of the graphical hand in the graphical environment, and a finger position detector to detect a position of a finger of the user, the finger position detector capable of providing a second position signal to the computer to control a graphical finger on the graphical hand in relation to the position of the finger of the user. |
| US07821496B2 |
Computer interface apparatus including linkage having flex
A method and apparatus for interfacing the motion of a user-manipulable object with an electrical or computer system includes a user object physically contacted by a user. A gimbal mechanism is coupled to the user object, such as a joystick or a medical tool, and provides at least two degrees of freedom to the user object. The gimbal mechanism preferably includes multiple members, at least two of which are formed as a unitary member which provides flex between the selected members. An actuator applies a force along a degree of freedom to the user object in response to electrical signals produced by the computer system. A sensor detects a position of the user object along the degree of freedom and outputs sensor signals to the computer system. Another embodiment includes a host computer system and a local microprocessor, separate from the host computer, for communicating with the host computer and controlling the forces output by the actuators according to a processor subroutine selected in accordance with a host command, sensor signals, and timing information. Another embodiment of the interface apparatus uses voice coil actuators that produce forces in either linear or rotary degrees of freedom using currents applied in a magnetic fields. A friction drive mechanism of the present invention can be coupled between an actuator and a gimbal mechanism. Force from the actuator is transmitted to the gimbal mechanism through frictional contact of members of the friction drive mechanism. |
| US07821495B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling video display device, video display device and multivision system
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for selectively controlling one or more display devices among a plurality of video display devices constituting a multivision by using a remote controller; a video display device; and a multivision system. The method for controlling the video display device in accordance with a present invention includes the steps of: displaying a predetermined access code when control data for canceling an OSD locking function is received from the outside; receiving control data including an access code from the outside; and entering a control mode using an OSD menu if the access code contained in the received control data is equal to the predetermined access code. |
| US07821493B2 |
Providing enhanced haptic feedback effects
Method and apparatus for providing tactile sensations. For one embodiment a first frequency at which to output a tactile sensation is received. A second frequency higher than the first frequency is determined. The second frequency is based on a frequency at which an inertial actuator outputs a second tactile sensation. A waveform having the first frequency and a waveform having the second frequency is combined to produce a signal configured to cause a composite tactile sensation at the second frequency, the composite tactile sensation conveying the first frequency. |
| US07821487B2 |
Display apparatus
There is a need for decreasing a variation in times for writing to TFT elements for pixels in a direction along the extension of a gate line in a liquid crystal display apparatus. A display apparatus includes a display panel having multiple gate lines and multiple drain lines arranged in a matrix and a data driver for outputting a display data signal to each drain line. The data driver includes: an internal control signal generation circuit for generating an internal control signal for setting a timing to output a data signal to a drain line of each block on a block basis by dividing the plurality of drain lines into multiple blocks; and a register circuit for recording a setting for division of the block, a setting for a delay direction and a delay width of a timing to output the data signal, and a setting for rising and falling of an internal control signal. |
| US07821484B2 |
Data driving circuit, light emitting display device using the same, and driving method thereof
A data driver in which the size of the data driving circuit is reduced or minimized so as to be applied to a high-resolution panel. The data driving circuit includes a plurality of shift registers for generating first sampling signals; a plurality of sampling latches arranged as first sampling latches and second sampling latches, the sampling latches being adapted to receive data when the first sampling signals are supplied; and a plurality of holding latches controlled by a first source output enable signal and a second source output enable signal, the holding latches being adapted to receive the data stored in the sampling latches, wherein the data stored in the first sampling latches is supplied to the holding latches via the second sampling latches. |
| US07821482B2 |
Active matrix display
An active matrix display has a column driver for providing signals to the pixels for driving the display elements, the column driver comprising digital to analogue converter circuitry providing a first number of display element drive levels. Within each pixel, the first number of display element drive levels is converted into a second, greater number, of pixel grey levels. This combines multi-level digital to analogue conversion with in-pixel level generation and enables the complexity of the DACs to be reduced so that they can be integrated onto the display substrate, for example using low temperature polysilicon processing. |
| US07821481B2 |
Image display apparatus, control signal generating apparatus, image display control method, and computer program product
An image display apparatus includes a display unit including a liquid crystal panel; a video signal processor configured to perform signal processing on the basis of an image display form in the display unit; and an AC drive controller configured to control video display by receiving a result of the signal processing performed in the video signal processor and controlling a voltage applied to the liquid crystal panel included in the display unit. The AC drive controller performs, for each pixel of the liquid crystal panel, AC drive control of alternately switching a polarity between + and − in units of pairs of the same signal processing, each pair being two pixels on time series on which signal processing of the same category is performed in the video signal processor. |
| US07821469B2 |
Printed antenna
A printed antenna is positioned on a substrate, and includes a feeding portion and a radiating portion. The feeding portion is configured for feeding electromagnetic signals. The radiating portion is electronically connected to the feeding portion for transceiving the electromagnetic signals, and includes a first radiator, a second radiator, and a guiding portion. The first radiator is electronically connected to the feeding portion, and includes an arc-shaped radiating section. The second radiator is electronically connected to the feeding portion and the first radiator. The guiding portion is arc-shaped. The guiding portion and the second radiator are respectively positioned on different sides of the first radiator. A space between the guiding portion and the arc-shaped radiating section of the first radiator defines a first slot. |
| US07821468B2 |
Chip antenna, an antenna device, and a communication equipment
The linear conductor 2 penetrates the magnetic base 1 along with the longitudinal direction of the magnetic base 1. The linear conductor 2 has a straight shape. The straight shape conductor 2 is installed so that it is surrounded by outside planes of the magnetic base 1, such as the side of a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylindrical peripheral face, and it penetrates both end sides of the magnetic base 1 in the longitudinal direction. |
| US07821466B2 |
Normally open and normally closed RF MEMS switches in a mobile computing device and corresponding method
A mobile computing device and corresponding method are disclosed. The mobile computing device includes an RF MEMS switch circuit including at least one normally open RF MEMS switch and a normally closed RF MEMS switch and a controller connected to the RF MEMS switch circuit. The RF MEMS switch circuit applies a default condition to the mobile computing device through the normally closed RF MEMS switch, and the controller causes application of control signals to one of the at least one normally open RF MEMS switches and to the normally closed RF MEMS switch to apply an alternate condition to the mobile computing device instead of the default condition. |
| US07821463B2 |
Mobile telephone with broadcast receiving element
There is provided a mobile telephone assuring a high reception sensitivity over a wide band without deteriorating the design of the mobile telephone. In the mobile telephone, a helical antenna (4) operating as an antenna for television reception is formed by winding a conductive element along the external surface of the case several times at the upper end of the upper case (1). The helical antenna (4) is impedance-matched by a matching circuit (5) in a range of the order from 470 MHz to 700 MHz which is the television broadcast frequency. The matching circuit (5) is connected to a broadcast reception circuit (6). The broadcast reception circuit (6) operates as a reception circuit for receiving the television broadcast wave. |